cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The extrapulmonary dissemination of tuberculosis: A meta-analysis.

Abstract Background and objective The epidemiology of the forty percent of tuberculosis patients who present with disseminated and/or extrapulmonary disease is in need of further study. Further study of such dissemination using published data from international indices may provide data which assist with control of tuberculosis. Methods For each clinical or epidemiologic factor studied, summary odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated showing associations between such factors and documented extrapulmonary dissemination of tuberculosis. Results Eighteen studies fulfilled criteria for study of the clinical factors and nine for the cytokine studies. Significant factors associated with a greater risk of extrapulmonary dissemination were female gender (summary odds ratio, 1.92 (95% confidence intervals, 1.72–2.13), I-squared 86.9), age under 45 (1.37, 1.18–1.60, 63.7), and as well the absence of smoking, drinking and diabetes but not HIV infection (1.10, 0.91–1.32, 80.5). Among cytokines, the macrophage receptor protein P2X7 was associated most strongly associated with extrapulmonary dissemination of tuberculosis (2.28, 0.88–5.90, 92.9). Conclusion Young age, female gender, and the macrophage purinergic receptor protein P2X7 were major factors associated with extrapulmonary dissemination of tuberculosis.
Price prediction in a trading agent competition [Extended Abstract]

The 2002 Trading Agent Competition (TAC) presents a challenging market game in the domain of travel shopping. One of the pivotal issues in this domain is uncertainty about hotel prices, which have a significant influence on the relative cost of alternative trip schedules. We survey agent approaches, finding an interesting diversity of techniques, taking into account differing sources of evidence bearing on prices. Based on agents' actual predictions in the TAC-02 finals and semifinals, we analyze the relative efficacy of these approaches. Employing a new measure of prediction quality, we relate absolute accuracy to bottom-line performance in the game.
Instructional Strategies for Improving Achievement in Reading, Mathematics, and Science for English Language Learners with Disabilities.

Effective reading, mathematics, and science instructional strategies for English language learners with disabilities participating in state accountability assessments are identified by educators of these students. Hmong students with disabilities indicate the importance of various strategies for their learning in a standards-based, assessment-driven environment. For 72 educators, reading, then math, is seen as the highest importance content area, whereas for 25 students, mathematics, then reading, is seen as the highest importance content area. Several specific instructional strategies are identified as effective through the Multi-Attribute Consensus-Building process, although some variability emerges. Curriculum-based probes have considerable variability in educator weightings, but students weight them as important, feasible, and frequently used. Native language is not frequently mentioned and not particularly supported by students. Implications for further research are discussed.
Morphogenesis of the Hair Follicle during the Ontogeny of Human Skin

Hair follicle development in the human foetus begins subsequent to epidermal stratification at 60 days estimated gestational age when clusters of basal cells form a hair germ. Hair germs bud into the dermis, elongate (hair pegs) and become surrounded by an accumulation of fibroblastic cells. Hair immunolabeling with anti-keratin antibodies suggests that the outer layer of follicle cells is derived from basal keratinocytes, whereas cells in the follicle core are continuous with intermediate cells. During the fourth month the follicle develops into a bulbous hair peg; bulges representing primordia of the apocrine gland, the sebaceous gland (intermediate) and the bulge (distal) form on its posterior aspect. , The tetminus infolds to form a concavity that encompasses cells of the dermal papilla. Matrix cells lining the roof of the bulb give rise to concentric layers of the inner root sheath and hair. These layers can be recognized morphologically and by labeling with several monoclonal antibodies. An intra-epidermal hair canal forms within the hair tract and the infundibulum of the follicle by keratinization identical to that of the interfollicular epidermis. Hairs grow into the hair canal and are exposed around 19–21 weeks by erosion of the roof of the hair canal at the skin surface.
AGAINST A POSTERIORI MORAL NATURALISM

A posteriori Moral Naturalism posits a posteriori moral/naturalistic identities. Versions of this view that posit necessary identities purport to rely on the Kripke/Putnam doctrine of scientific essentialism. Versions that posit only contingent identities require that moral terms are non-rigid designators. I argue that metaethics does not fall within the scope of scientific essentialism and that moral terms are not non-rigid designators.
Towards an understanding of macrocognition in teams: developing and defining complex collaborative processes and products

One of the significant challenges for the burgeoning field of macrocognition is the development of more sophisticated models that are able to adequately explain and predict complex cognitive processes. This is even more critical when specifying research questions involving cognition unfolding across interacting individuals, that is, macrocognition in teams. In this article, we provide a foundation for developing a model of macrocognition focusing on collaborating problem-solving teams with a measurement framework for studying macrocognitive processes in this context. We first discuss an important set of key assumptions from team measurement theory that form a critical foundation for this model. We then describe the core definitions we suggest are foundational to the conceptualisation of macrocognition in teams. We conclude with a description of the key dimensions and subcomponents of our model in order to lay the foundation for a principled approach to measuring and understanding macrocognition in teams.
Radiative transfer theory for remote sensing of sea ice

A theoretical model for a sea ice configuration with rough interfaces is constructed. Ellipsoidal scatterers embedded in the background ice are used to model brine inclusions and air bubbles. Radiative transfer theory is applied to calculate the bistatic scattering coefficients and the brightness temperatures for multilayer sea ice configurations. The rough surface effects are taken into account by modifying the boundary conditions using the small perturbation method (SPM). >
Augmenting Purchase Intent: An Empirical Study on the Effects of Utilizing Augmented Reality in Online Shopping

A consumer study was administered in order to test the effects of utilizing augmented reality in online shopping for an apparel item. A theoretical model was developed as a framework for the analysis and included telepresence, attitude, and product knowledge as independent variables, and purchase intent as the dependent variable. The results of the analysis suggested that only attitude predicted purchase intent. Attitude was affected directly by the stimulus, telepresence, and product knowledge. This implied that augmented reality has the potential to positively impact purchase intent, if and only if it can positively impact attitude.
Length-scale mediated adhesion and directed growth of neural cells by surface-patterned poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels

We engineered surfaces that permit the adhesion and directed growth of neuronal cell processes but that prevent the adhesion of astrocytes. This effect was achieved based on the spatial distribution of sub-micron-sized cell-repulsive poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] hydrogels patterned on an otherwise cell-adhesive substrate. Patterns were identified that promoted cellular responses ranging from complete non-attachment, selective attachment, and directed growth at both cellular and subcellular length scales. At the highest patterning density where the individual hydrogels almost overlapped, there was no cellular adhesion. As the spacing between individual hydrogels was increased, patterns were identified where neurites could grow on the adhesive surface between hydrogels while astrocytes were unable to adhere. Patterns such as lines or arrays were identified that could direct the growth of these subcellular neuronal processes. At higher hydrogel spacings, both neurons and astrocytes adhered and grew in a manner approaching that of unpatterned control surfaces. Patterned lines could once again direct growth at cellular length scales. Significantly, we have demonstrated that the patterning of sub-micron/nano scale cell-repulsive features at microscale lengths on an otherwise cell-adhesive surface can differently control the adhesion and growth of cells and cell processes based on the difference in their characteristic sizes. This concept could potentially be applied to an implantable nerve-guidance device that would selectively enable regrowing axons to bridge a spinal-cord injury without interference from the glial scar.
Kinematic modelling for robot calibration

There is a considerable amount of literature dealing with robot calibration. A classification hierarchy of calibration procedures is discussed which groups robot calibration by objective. The state of the art for each classification is discussed with citations from recent literature. Several proposed models are described. Based upon the common assumption of all lower pair joints, three concepts are discussed which may be applied for comparing most of the calibration models proposed in the literature. These concepts are completeness, equivalence, and proportionality. Each of these are discussed in detail in the text. Attention is also paid to the possibility that joints may actually be higher pairs. Although this possibility is commonly accepted in coordinate measuring machine calibration, it is not widely recognized in the robot literature. The paper discusses possible causes and effects of higher order joint pairs and demonstrates how they might be modeled.
Quantum w3 gravity in the chiral gauge

Abstract We analyze the quantum theory of W3 gravity in the chiral gauge, coupled to scalar fields or to W3 matter. We evaluate the effective action through 3-loop order, using both Feynman diagrams and OPE methods. We exhibit two distinct Ward identities for the W3 symmetry, in which new terms appear due to the essential non-linearities in the theory. The relation with KPZ's program for chiral gravity and its extension to W3 gravity are briefly discussed.
Maternal Perceptions of the Importance of Needs and Resources for Children With Asperger Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorders

Using an anonymous, mailed survey, this study examined the perceptions of 404 mothers on the availability and the importance of various resources for their children With Asperger syndrome (AS) or a nonverbal learning disorder (NLD). A significant number of mothers (20% to 30%) reported that pragmatics training, social skills training, smaller classes, or a trained aide in the classroom Were not available to their child. The mothers Who had tried these resources perceived them to be very helpful. A number of mothers Were not using many of the available educational and mental health services in their communities. The helpfulness of a particular resource Was dependent on Whether the child received it at a younger age. Implications for educators are reviewed.
Mathematics and Logic

Publisher Summary The purpose of this chapter is to regard a language as a set of primitive symbols and formation rules and—in some sense that it is not necessary to make definite—meanings for the expressions of the language. \The chapter concerns an old question relative to which developments have come to a conclusion or at least a pause. It is not true that opinions are agreed now. But the cessation of active development means that the matter can be summed up and even that some attempt may be made at adjudication. There are two senses in which it is maintained that logic is prior to mathematics. One of these, the stronger sense, is the doctrine that has come to be known as “logicism.” And the other, the weak sense, is the sense in which the standard postulational or axiomatic view of the nature of mathematics requires the priority of logic as being the means by which the consequences of a particular system of mathematical postulates are determined.
Prior Experience Alters the Behavioral Response of Prey to a Nonnative Predator

Anuran larvae (tadpoles) can alter their behavior and morphology in response to predators with which they have coevolved. Furthermore, tadpoles of a few species are capable of learning, which can elicit or reinforce predator-avoidance behaviors. However, it remains unclear how widespread this capacity for learning is among anurans and whether it is biased in favor of evolutionarily familiar predators. Here, we test whether prior experiences will modify the behavioral response of Lowland Leopard Frog Lithobates (Rana) yavapaiensis tadpoles to Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, a recently introduced predator. We exposed focal tadpoles for 10 days to the chemical and visual cues of one of three conditioning treatments: a cricket-fed Green Sunfish, a tadpole-fed Green Sunfish, or a control tank without predator. Subsequently, we measured the swimming activity of focal tadpoles in response to a neutral cue (water) and the chemical cues of Green Sunfish. No difference between conditioning treatments was observed in response to the water cue. In contrast, tadpoles that had previously experienced either of the sunfish conditioning treatments displayed significantly higher swimming activity than control tadpoles for 2-4 min after exposure to the sunfish chemical cues. Our results indicate that the behavior of tadpoles can be altered by prior experiences, even in the absence of alarm cues. In addition to providing another example of learning in tadpoles, our results suggest that tadpoles may have a broad learning template that can be applied to organisms with which they have recently come into contact.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor antagonizes hydrocortisone-induced increases in cytosolic IκBα

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine secreted by several cell types, including mononuclear and pituitary cells. It has also been shown to counteract cortisol-ind...
Motivation theory essentials: Understanding motives and their conversion into effortful goal pursuit

My commentary centers on two general theory essentials. One is a cogent depiction of motives and their operation. The other is an account of the conversion of motives into effortful goal pursuit. I construe motives as reasons to act that vary in strength, or importance, and have the capacity to (1) be either active or latent (quiescent), and (2) operate explicitly or implicitly. I argue that effort can, but will not necessarily, correspond to motive strength. After discussing the two essentials, I comment briefly on the relation between motive strength and desire, suggesting that the latter (desire) is not a simple function of the former (strength).
Summarizing Data with Descriptive Statistics

The purpose of acquiring data is ultimately to help us answer a research question we have proposed. Statistics is the toolkit we use to do so. As we said in the opening chapter, there are three basic goals of statistics: summarization, inference, and prediction. This chapter focuses on summarization. Summarization is the process of taking a potentially large volume of data and reducing it to a few quantities that adequately represent the data so that the data can be easily understood. For example, suppose I collected data on heights and weights of a sample of 500 people. I could simply report all of this information, but it would not be clear exactly what height and weight look like in the sample, let alone the general population, nor would it be clear what the relationship is between them. I could, however, summarize both height and weight in terms of their means and standard deviations, and I could compute the correlation between them to show how they are related. We will begin this chapter by discussing methods for summarizing univariate data, that is, data on one variable. Later in the chapter we will discuss basic methods for summarizing bivariate data, that is, data on two variables. Subsequent chapters will discuss methods for examining relationships between variables.
Survival and Transfer of Murine Norovirus within a Hydroponic System during Kale and Mustard Microgreen Harvesting

Hydroponically grown microgreens are gaining in popularity, but there is a lack of information pertaining to their microbiological safety. The potential risks associated with virus contamination of crops within a hydroponic system have not been studied to date. Here a human norovirus (huNoV) surrogate (murine norovirus [MNV]) was evaluated for its ability to become internalized from roots to edible tissues of microgreens. Subsequently, virus survival in recirculated water without adequate disinfection was assessed. Kale and mustard seeds were grown on hydroponic pads (for 7 days with harvest at days 8 to 12), edible tissues (10 g) were cut 1 cm above the pads, and corresponding pieces (4 cm by 4 cm) of pads containing only roots were collected separately. Samples were collected from a newly contaminated system (recirculated water inoculated with ∼3 log PFU/ml MNV on day 8) and from a previously contaminated system. (A contaminated system without adequate disinfection or further inoculation was used for production of another set of microgreens.) Viral titers and RNA copies were quantified by plaque assay and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The behaviors of MNV in kale and mustard microgreens were similar (P > 0.05). MNV was detected in edible tissues and roots after 2 h postinoculation, and the levels were generally stable during the first 12 h. Relatively low levels (∼2.5 to ∼1.5 log PFU/sample of both edible tissues and roots) of infectious viruses were found with a decreasing trend over time from harvest days 8 to 12. However, the levels of viral RNA present were higher and consistently stable (∼4.0 to ∼5.5 log copies/sample). Recirculated water maintained relatively high levels of infectious MNV over the period of harvest, from 3.54 to 2.73 log PFU/ml. Importantly, cross-contamination occurred easily; MNV remained infectious in previously contaminated hydroponic systems for up to 12 days (2.26 to 1.00 PFU/ml), and MNV was detected in both edible tissues and roots. Here we see that viruses can be recirculated in water, even after an initial contamination event is removed, taken up through the roots of microgreens, and transferred to edible tissues. The ease of product contamination shown here reinforces the need for proper sanitation.
It's an Original!(?): In Pursuit of Copyright's Elusive Essence

When Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Telephone Service Co. was decided in 1991, its conclusion that the Constitution required works to be original in the sense of exhibiting creativity, as well as lack of copying, struck many as potentially revolutionary. But the revolution stalled a bit because the Court was very reluctant to fill in much actual detail about the nature of the threshold that must be passed to achieve copyrightability. This article posits that Feist was actually an attempt by the Justices to counteract the gradual trivialization of copyright by the relative absence of filters to sort junk from material for which substantial legal protection was justified. But, once the Court shut the door on the minimal standard for originality set out by Bleistein v. Donaldson Lithographing Co. almost a hundred years earlier, it realized it could not go further without facing definitively the huge question that had long loomed and long been ignored: exactly what is the purpose of the copyright clause? What values is Congress authorized to protect and why? Until the Court answers this question, the article posits, it can neither cogently define, nor defend, standards to determine the kinds of writings by authors that do and do not qualify for protection, including the requirement of creativity. The article shows that most justifications for copyright are overlays on a set of practices designed to protect the trade of publishing against undue competition, and that understandings of what copyright should protect, as a constitutional matter, have changed considerably over time. It argues that, properly interpreted, copyright may require courts to make exactly the kinds of value judgments that Justice Holmes tried to avoid in Bleistein, and sets out some reasons to think, if that is right, that the process is not as inappropriate as it has long been made out to be.
Optimal Surgical Approach and Extent of Resection of the Thymus in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

Since Blalock et al.1,2 reported improvement in at least half of the patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in whom they performed thymectomy, the role of thymectomy in the treatment of non-thymomatous MG as well as the optimal surgical approach and extent of resection has been debated. Central to this debate is the lack of randomized controlled trials comparing surgery, medical therapy, and the natural history of the disease and disagreement among surgeons as to what constitutes the best surgical therapy. Further adding to the controversy, until recently, has been the lack of universally accepted classifications, grading systems, and methods of analysis for patients undergoing surgical therapy for MG.3,4 Most surgeons agree in concept that improved clinical outcomes correlate with completeness of thymectomy, and currently the majority of surgeons utilize the median sternotomy approach, removing the encapsulated thymus with varying extents of adjacent mediastinal fat. Anatomic reports on the common presence of widely distributed ectopic thymic tissue,5–7 coupled with reports of complete responses to excision of residual thymic tissue after failed initial thymectomy,27 corroborate the premise that complete thymectomy is preferred, prompting some surgeons to advocate a more extensive combined cervical and trans-sternal mediastinal dissection aimed at more complete removal of all thymic tissue.
A Robust Emphysema Severity Measure Based on Disease Subtypes.

Rationale and Objectives We propose a novel single index for the quantification of emphysema severity based on an aggregation of multiple computed tomographic features evident in the lung parenchyma of smokers. Our goal was to demonstrate that this single index provides complementary information to the current standard measure of emphysema, percent emphysema (percent low attenuation areas [ LAA %]), and may be superior in its association with clinically relevant outcomes. Materials and Methods The inputs to our algorithm were objective assessments of multiple emphysema subtypes (normal tissue; panlobular; paraseptal; and mild, moderate, and severe centrilobular emphysema). We applied dimensionality reduction techniques to the emphysema quantities to find a space that maximizes the variance of these subtypes. A single emphysema severity index was then derived from a parametrization of the reduced space, and the clinical utility of the measure was explored in a large cross-sectional cohort of 8914 subjects from the COPDGene Study. Results There was a statistically significant association between the severity index and the LAA %. Subjects with more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (higher Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease stage) tended to have a higher computed tomography severity index. Finally, the severity index was associated with clinical outcomes such as lung function and provided a stronger association to these measures than the LAA %. Conclusions The method provides a single clinically relevant index that can assess the severity of emphysema and that provides information that is complimentary to the more commonly used LAA %.
Solution synthesis of pure 2H CuFeO2 at low temperatures

Pure 2H CuFeO2 nanoplates with a thickness of about 100 nm were synthesized at temperatures as low as 100 °C from CuI and FeCl3·6H2O. Systematic studies revealed that the formation of 2H CuFeO2 was affected by reactant concentrations, basicity, temperature and the reaction time. The material was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Raman and absorption spectroscopy. 2H CuFeO2 has a band gap of 1.33 eV, high absorption coefficient of 3.8 × 104 cm−1 at 700 nm and is highly photostable. When incorporated into an indium tin oxide/ZnO/2H CuFeO2/graphite/carbon black structure an open circuit photovoltage of 0.29 V was observed. The material appears promising for solar applications.
Sex differences in the associations of visceral adiposity, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and body mass index with lipoprotein subclass analysis in obese adolescents

Background The relationship of lipoprotein particle subclasses to visceral adipose tissue area (VAT-area) in obese children has not been examined previously. Objectives The study aims were to compare the relationships of VAT-area, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body mass index (BMI) with lipids and lipoprotein subclasses in obese adolescents and to determine whether these relationships vary by sex. Methods This cross-sectional study of obese adolescents (BMI ≥ 95th percentile), aged 12 to 18 years, measured VAT-area by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, BMI, fasting lipids, lipoprotein subclasses, and HOMA-IR. Linear regression models evaluated the associations of VAT-area, HOMA-IR, and BMI with lipid cardiometabolic risk factors. Sex-stratified analyses further explored these associations. Results Included were 127 adolescents (age = 14.4 ± 1.5 years; 53.5% female; 88.2% African-American), mean BMI = 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m 2 . VAT-area was negatively associated with low-density lipoprotein particle (LDL-P) size (β = −0.28, P = .0001), high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL-P) size (β = −0.33, P P P = .0005) and small HDL-P concentration (β = 0.25, P = .05). When VAT-area, HOMA-IR, and BMI associations were compared, VAT-area had the strongest associations with most of the lipoprotein subclasses. After sex stratification, the associations of VAT-area with HDL cholesterol, LDL-P size, and large LDL-P concentration were significant only for females (all P Conclusions In a cohort of largely African-American obese adolescents, VAT-area was associated with a more atherogenic lipoprotein subclass profile. When compared with HOMA-IR and BMI, VAT-area had the strongest associations with most lipoprotein subclasses. The relationships between VAT-area and certain lipoprotein subclasses are significantly different in males vs females.
Sequential “Click” Approach to Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Based Shape Amphiphiles

This paper reports a highly efficient and modular sequential “click” approach for the syntheses of shape amphiphiles based on polymer-tethered polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). This approach combines both “grafting-to” and “post-functionalization” strategies. It involves the copper-catalyzed Huisgen [3 + 2] cycloaddition (CuAAC) for POSS–polymer ligation and subsequent thiol–ene addition reaction for POSS cage functionalization. Starting from a readily available POSS precursor bearing one alkyne and seven vinyl groups (VPOSS–alkyne), the CuAAC reaction is effective in ensuring the stoichiometric bonding between POSS and azide-functionalized polymers, with no need for fractionation in the purification process. The modularity was demonstrated in two representative polymer systems, hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), by the synthesis of VPOSS–PS and VPOSS–PEO. The thiol–ene reaction was subsequently applied to convert all the vinyl groups on the POSS cage quant...
Cytotoxic effects of the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer Ro 7-0582 to tumor cells in vivo.

The cytotoxicity of the nitroimidazole Ro 7-0582 to tumor cells has been studied in vivo using two transplantable tumors, the EMT6 tumor in BALB/c mice and the MDAH/MCa4 tumor in C3H mice. It was found that a high dose of Ro 7-0582 (1 mg/g) was toxic to approximately 90% of the tumor cells, that the toxicity only occurred when the tumor contained hypoxic cells, and that the toxicity was directed at both hypoxic and well-oxygenated cells. Also, there was little or no selective toxicity to irradiated, as opposed to unirradiated, tumor cells. The relative contributions of cytotoxicity and radiosensitization were evaluated in a tumor cure experiment for the MDAH/MCa4 tumor in C3H mice injected with 1 mg/g of Ro 7-0582. Calculations showed that in the absence of cytotoxicity the dose modification factor due to radiosensitization alone would have been 2.02 rather than the value of 2.30 observed. No toxicity was observed at the lower dose of 0.3 mg/g.
Communication: Influence of nanophase segregation on ion transport in room temperature ionic liquids

We report measurements of the ionic conductivity, shear viscosity, and structural dynamics in a homologous series of quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (ILs) and a prototypical imidazolium-based IL over a wide range of temperatures down to the glass transition. We find that the ionic conductivity of these materials generally decreases, while the shear viscosity correspondingly increases, with increasing volume fraction of aliphatic side groups. Upon crossing an aliphatic volume fraction of ∼0.40, we observe a sharp, order-of-magnitude decrease in ionic conductivity and enhancement of viscosity, which coincides with the presence of long-lived, nanometer-sized alkyl aggregates. These strong changes in dynamics are not mirrored in the ionicity of these ILs, which decreases nearly linearly with aliphatic volume fraction. Our results demonstrate that nanophase segregation in neat ILs strongly reduces ionic conductivity primarily due to an aggregation-induced suppression of dynamics.
Breast Cancer Prevention Strategies

To assess current physician practice patterns and whether they comply with guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), we performed a retrospective review of 107 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resections for non-small-cell lung cancer at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Compliance with the guidelines was examined at four points in the patient's care: (1) preoperative work-up and evaluation, (2) operation performed and pathologic review, (3) postoperative adjuvant care, (4) routine follow-up and surveillance. Deviations from the guidelines were most marked in the preoperative evaluation phase. Excessive screening for metastases was performed in nearly 50% of the patients. Mediastinoscopy was appropriately utilized (according to the NCCN guidelines) in 93% of the patients, and appropriate anatomic resections and mediastinal nodal dissections were performed in 96% of the thoracotomies. Adjuvant care followed the NCCN recommendations in all patients. Excessive radiographic testing in asymptomatic patients was again seen in the postoperative surveillance program. Based on these findings, as well as the results of a previous evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of follow-up care in patients with resected lung cancers, we conclude that more widespread adherence to the radiographic recommendations in the NCCN guidelines would result in significant institutional and national health-care savings.
Paracellular transport in the collecting duct.

Purpose of review The paracellular pathway through the tight junction provides an important route for chloride reabsorption in the collecting duct of the kidney. This review describes recent findings of how defects in paracellular chloride permeation pathway may cause kidney diseases and how such a pathway may be regulated to maintain normal chloride homeostasis. Recent findings The tight junction in the collecting duct expresses two important claudin genes - claudin-4 and claudin-8. Transgenic knockout of either claudin gene causes hypotension, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis in experimental animals. The claudin-4 mediated chloride permeability can be regulated by a protease endogenously expressed by the collecting duct cell - channel-activating protease 1. Channel-activating protease 1 regulates the intercellular interaction of claudin-4 and its membrane stability. Kelch-like 3, previously identified as a causal gene for Gordon's syndrome, also known as pseudohypoaldosteronism II, directly interacts with claudin-8 and regulates its ubiquitination and degradation. The dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism-II mutation (R528H) in Kelch-like 3 abolishes claudin-8 binding, ubiquitination, and degradation. Summary The paracellular chloride permeation pathway in the kidney is an important but understudied area in nephrology. It plays vital roles in renal salt handling and regulation of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure. Two claudin proteins, claudin-4 and claudin-8, contribute to the function of this paracellular pathway. Deletion of either claudin protein from the collecting duct causes renal chloride reabsorption defects and low blood pressure. Claudins can be regulated on posttranslational levels by several mechanisms involving protease and ubiquitin ligase. Deregulation of claudins may cause human hypertension as exemplified in the Gordon's syndrome.
PARENTAL RELIGIOUS SOCIALIZATION PRACTICES AND SELF-ESTEEM IN LATE LIFE

The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between parental religious socialization practices and self-esteem in late life. The core theoretical thrust that was developed for this study is captured in the following linkages: (1) older African Americans will be more likely than older Whites to report that their parents encouraged them to become involved in religion when they were growing up; (2) people whose parents encouraged them to become involved in religion will be more likely to attend church and pray privately in late life; (3) older adults who attend church often and pray frequently will be more committed to their faith; (4) older people who are more deeply committed to their faith will have a stronger sense of self-worth. Data from a nationwide survey of older adults provides support for all the relationships embedded in the study model.
Specialized Chemosignaling that Generates Social and Survival Behavior in Mammals

Abstract A subset of chemosensory ligands, such as pheromones and kairomones, activate sensory circuits that are specialized to elicit a “preset” behavior without associative learning. This observation suggests that there exists a special type of olfactory sensory neurons with properties that distinguish them from common odorant detectors. A handful of ligands that generate specialized social and survival behavior when detected by the mouse have now been identified. Study of these ligands reveals that specialized sensory neurons reside in both the vomeronasal organ and the main olfactory epithelium, come in a variety of transcriptional profiles, and are likely to employ different strategies of central circuit logic to generate preset behavior. However, exactly how the olfactory system harnesses the brain to guide an individual's behavioral decision remains a mystery.
Distributed algorithms for a robust topology using reconfigurable radios wireless sensor networks

In traditional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) communicating on a single channel, the data throughput measured at the sink is constrained by radio capability, contentions, and collisions, which increase in the region closer to the sink. Using software defined radio (SDR) technology, the distributed algorithm radio-mode assignment (RMA) is used by sensor nodes to reconfigure their radio according to some predefined radio-modes, such that resulting topology is connected to the sink. This mechanism reduces interference and increases data delivery rate. In this paper, we extend RMA by adding two distributed algorithms to be used in the presence of a primary user. Sensor nodes operating on the same frequency as the primary user will reassign their radio-mode such that the resulting topology does not interfere with the primary user. We analyse the performance of our distributed algorithms using the ns-3 simulator.
Measuring Science Inquiry Skills in Youth Development Programs: The Science Process Skills Inventory

In recent years there has been an increased emphasis on science learning in 4-H and other youth development programs. In an effort to increase science capacity in youth, it is easy to focus only on developing the concrete skills and knowledge that a trained scientist must possess. However, when science learning is presented in a youth-development setting, the context of the program also matters. This paper reports the development and testing of the Science Process Skills Inventory (SPSI) and its usefulness for measuring science inquiry skill development in youth development science programs. The results of the psychometric testing of the SPSI indicated the instrument is reliable and measures a cohesive construct called science process skills, as reflected in the 11 items that make up this group of skills. The 11 items themselves are based on the cycle of science inquiry, and represent the important steps of the complete inquiry process.
Bats adjust their pulse emission rates with swarm size in the field

Flying in swarms, e.g., when exiting a cave, could pose a problem to bats that use an active biosonar system because the animals could risk jamming each other's biosonar signals. Studies from current literature have found different results with regard to whether bats reduce or increase emission rate in the presence of jamming ultrasound. In the present work, the number of Eastern bent-wing bats (Miniopterus fuliginosus) that were flying inside a cave during emergence was estimated along with the number of signal pulses recorded. Over the range of average bat numbers present in the recording (0 to 14 bats), the average number of detected pulses per bat increased with the average number of bats. The result was interpreted as an indication that the Eastern bent-wing bats increased their emission rate and/or pulse amplitude with swarm size on average. This finding could be explained by the hypothesis that the bats might not suffer from substantial jamming probabilities under the observed density regimes, so jamming might not have been a limiting factor for their emissions. When jamming did occur, the bats could avoid it through changing the pulse amplitude and other pulse properties such as duration or frequency, which has been suggested by other studies. More importantly, the increased biosonar activities may have addressed a collision-avoidance challenge that was posed by the increased swarm size.
Use of Computers for Kansas River Flood Studies

General digital computer program is described that produces flow hydrographs for extensive network of basin subareas using unit hydrographs and routing coefficients; this concept is expanded to determination of releases for system of reservoirs; development of electronic analog for reservoir operation is also described.
Osteopathic approach to treating a patient with congenital infantile torticollis reveals unusual presentation of absence of concomitant cranial base strain pattern: A case report

Abstract The case of congenital infantile torticollis presented here is instructive to demonstrate how the osteopathic approach to patient diagnosis and treatment may reveal unusual presentation of symptoms. What is unusual in this case is the absence of any cranial base patterns or facial asymmetries, as well as the uniqueness of etiology. Of particular importance, no non-muscular etiologies, including tumor and Arnold-Chiari Malformations, were present. The case illustrates that further research into the prevalence of similar presentations of symptoms is warranted.
Peroxisomal disorders: Clinical and biochemical laboratory aspects

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous dynamic and interactive subcellular cytoplasmic organelles with diverse biochemical functions including the metabolism of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), biosynthesis of plasmalogens, cholesterol, and bile acids, as well as redox homeostasis, which require a complex set of peroxisome membrane and matrix proteins that allow proper biogenesis and function. Clinically, defective peroxisomal structure or function results in a group of recognizable neurometabolic syndromes of varying severity including peroxisome biogenesis disorders and single peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies with classical Zellweger syndrome and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, respectively representing the prototypes for these disorders. In addition to the distinctive clinical signs and symptoms associated with many of these disorders, biochemical abnormalities including elevated levels of plasma VLCFA (>C22:0), phytanic acid, pristanic acid, low erythrocyte or fibroblast plasmalogens, complementation analysis, single enzyme measurement, brain magnetic resonance imaging, direct mutation analysis using Sanger as well as next generation sequencing are used to confirm such diagnoses. More recently, newborn screening for adrenoleukodystrophy using mass spectrometry analysis of (C26:0) lyso-phosphatidylcholine (C26:0-LPC) in dry blood spots had been demonstrated, which may allow early diagnosis and treatment. In addition to supportive therapies, other therapeutic options include plasmapheresis, dietary restriction of VLCFA and phytanic acid as well as hematopoietic stem cell therapy. Gene therapy is still investigational and potentially promising.
Vascular niche contribution to age-associated neural stem cell dysfunction

Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist throughout life in the dentate gyrus and the ventricular-subventricular zone, where they continuously provide new neurons and some glia. These cells are found in specialized niches that regulate quiescence, activation, differentiation, and cell fate choice. A key aspect of the regulatory niche is the vascular plexus, which modulates NSC behavior during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. During aging, NSCs become depleted and dysfunctional, resulting in reduced neurogenesis and poor brain repair. In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence that changes in the vascular niche both structurally and functionally contribute to reduced neurogenesis during aging and how this might contribute to reduced plasticity and repair in the aged brain.
Ernst Troeltsch, Historical Method, and Comparative Theology

This chapter explores Troeltsch’s contribution to public comparative theology in a historical-critical method. Investigating his sociological method, I seek to renew and improve on the limitations of Troeltsch through a critical hermeneutic lens provided by Hans G. Gadamer’s hermeneutics and Jurgen Habermas’ sociology of lifeworld. Through this social hermeneutic mediation, I conceptualize Troeltsch’s project in a more qualified manner, bringing it relevancy to public comparative theology in our pluralist context. In this hermeneutical long route, it is significant to critically appraise the contribution of Troeltsch, while revising his insight in a phenomenologically refined and socially responsible manner for the reality of multiple modernities and religious humanism in our context. Based on the analysis and clarification, it is substantial to compare Troeltsch’s achievement with Barth and Clooney.
Food Risk Analysis

Risk analysis is a holistic approach to food safety that involves three interactive processes: risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. Risk assessment is the scientific process of predicting risk posed by a given hazard, whereas risk management is the process of combining scientific risk assessment with nonscientific aspects of the problem to arrive at a decision on how to manage the risk. Risk communication is the process of informing stakeholders about the risk and how it is being managed. Risk assessment modeling is the foundation of risk analysis and is most often accomplished using Monte Carlo simulation methods to combine existing knowledge and data into a prediction of risk. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the Monte Carlo simulation methods used in risk assessment modeling and then to illustrate how they can be used to provide a relative assessment of risk for risk management decisions.
Familial Sex Trafficking of Minors: Trafficking Conditions, Clinical Presentation, and System Involvement

It is well documented in the literature that child sex trafficking can be perpetrated by family members, though limited research has focused on describing this type of sexual exploitation. This pilot study addresses this gap by providing an analysis of familial sex trafficking considering trafficking dynamics, and rurality. Using a sample of 31 child welfare-involved children referred for behavioral health assessment and treatment, this mixed methods study explores: (1) victim and trafficker characteristics, the trafficking situation, law enforcement classifications of trafficking, clinical profiles of victims, and system involvement of children and youth involved in familial sex trafficking; (2) gender differences in clinical outcomes in sex-trafficked children; and (3) geographical differences in severity of the victimization experience. Major findings document high rates of family members trafficking children for illicit drugs; high severity of abuse as measured with the Sexual Abuse Severity Score, with higher severity of abuse for children living in rural communities; clinical threshold level scores on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC-A). Boys and girls had similar clinical profiles except boys had higher CBCL externalizing scores, and females had higher TSCC depression scores. Additionally, more than half of the children in this sample had attempted suicide in their lifetime. This formative study sheds light on the phenomenon of familial sex trafficking, thereby creating the context for further investigations. Implications for identification and effective responses to familial sex trafficking, with specific attention to gender and geography are discussed.
High-density wide-range digital accelerometer arrays with high detection resolution

This paper presents the implementation and preliminary characterization of a new type of digital accelerometer array with high detection resolution and low noise, enabled by high aspect-ratio (HAR) silicon proof-mass, dense sensor array, precisely-defined air-gaps and small air damping. We fabricated and tested 16-element (4-bit) and 32-element (5-bit) threshold accelerometer arrays (chip area 2.33 milligram/mm2), thus increasing the array density and reducing chip area while achieving Brownian noise equivalent acceleration (BNEA) at <1μg.
Effect of purines on epinephrine-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue.

Abstract The purine bases hypoxanthine, xanthine, guanine, and purine markedly inhibit epinephrine-induced lipolysis in rat adipose tissue, an action previously ascribed only to nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. The inhibition by purines and purine conjugates is associated with increased destruction of epinephrine. Allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, prevents the degradation of epinephrine and prevents or reduces the inhibition of lipolysis. The stimulatory effect of some purine bases on epinephrine-induced lipolysis is confirmed, and the stimulatory effect is shown to occur in human adipose tissue and in tissue of hypophysectomized and thyroidectomized rats.