cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceived harm of tobacco products and individual schemas of a smoker in relation to change in tobacco product use over one year among young adults.

Introduction: Given increases in nondaily smoking and alternative tobacco use among young adults, we examined the nature of change of various tobacco product use among college students over a year and predictors of use at one-year follow-up. Methods: An online survey was administered to students at six Southeast colleges and universities (N = 4,840; response rate = 20.1%) in Fall 2010, with attempts to follow up in Fall 2011 with a random subsample of 2,000 participants (N = 718; response rate = 35.9%). Data were analyzed from 698 participants with complete data regarding tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use over a one-year period, perceived harm of tobacco use, and schemas of a “smoker” (as per the Classifying a Smoker Scale). Results: Baseline predictors of current smoking at follow-up included being White (p = .001), frequency of smoking (p < .001), alternative tobacco use (p < .001), and perceived harm of smoking (p = .02); marginally significant predictors included marijuana use (p = .06) and lower sc...
Patterns in Lightning-caused Fires at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fires that burn unimpeded behave differently than suppressed or prescribed (management-ignited) fires. Studying this fire behavior increases our understanding of historic fire regimes. Wildland fire use policy allows for managing lightning-caused fires for resource benefit without suppressing them provided specific pre-defined conditions are met. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has managed ten fires under this policy from 1998 to 2006. Data from these fires and data from park fire reports for suppressed lightning-caused fires since 1940 were examined to illustrate patterns for non-anthropogenic fires. Lightning-caused fires occurred most frequently during the growing season and many persisted through numerous precipitation events. Unsuppressed fires had long durations (up to 38 days) and exhibited a wider range of fire behavior than found by previous studies for lightning-caused fires in the region. These unsuppressed fires exhibited the largest perimeter growth in periodic bursts of higher-intensity behavior; yet smoldered and crept through the majority of the active burning window. The total area burned by the ten fires managed under the wildland fire use policy from 1998 to 2006 (787 ha) has surpassed the aggregate within-park acreage of 122 suppressed lightning-caused fires over the previous 56 years (523 ha).
New aspects of organophosphorus pesticides. VI. Organophosphorus insect chemosterilants.

Sexual sterilization of insects, and for that matter of any sexually reproducing organisms, is one of the most promising approaches to a preventive control and management of populations (Knipling 1959 and 1966). Since the reproductive potential of a population decreases when the proportion of its sterile members increases, any process that will increase the ratio between the sterile and fertile organisms will reduce the population increment. Ultimately, when the ratio becomes very large, the population will cease to be self-sustaining and will die out.
Modulation of GABAA receptors by benzodiazepines and barbiturates is autonomous of PKC activation

Previous studies have suggested that activation of calcium-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) enhances benzodiazepine (BZD)- and pentobarbital (PB)- mediated potentiation of alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(2) GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)-Rs). To delineate the underlying mechanism(s), voltage-clamp recordings were performed on recombinant alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(2) GABA(A) receptors functionally expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. GABA(A)-Rs were tested for their sensitivity to diazepam and PB before and after incubation in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA (25 nM) significantly attenuated the GABA(A) current (p<0.05, n=12-19) up to 90%. PMA treatment, however, did not alter the sensitivity to diazepam or pentobarbital. Similar results were obtained with recombinant alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) GABA receptors. These data suggest that PKC activation does not alter the allosteric modulation of GABA(A)-Rs by benzodiazepines and barbiturates and is consistent with the observation from other studies in oocytes that PMA decreases the amplitude of the GABA-activated currents via receptor internalization rather than modification of receptor kinetics.
Mitochondrial phylogeography, subspecific taxonomy, and conservation genetics of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis; Aves: Gruidae)

Six subspecies of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) have been denoted based on perceived morphological and/or breeding locality differences among them. Three subspecies are migratory, breeding from the high arctic in North America and Siberia (lesser sandhill, G. c. canadensis), south through central Canada (Canadian sandhill, G. c. rowani) and into the northern United States (greater sandhill, G. c. tabida). A review of sandhill crane taxonomy indicates that the size variation, on the basis of which these subspecies were named, may be clinal and not diagnostic. The other three subspecies, all listed as endangered or threatened, are non-migratory, resident in Florida (G. c. pratensis), Mississippi (G. c. pulla), and Cuba (G. c. nesiotes). We used analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences to determine whether haplotypes representing current subspecies show any genetic cohesion or are more consistent with a pattern of clinal variation in morphology. CR sequences indicate that only two highly divergent (5.3%) lineages of sandhill cranes occur in North America: one lineage composed only of arctic-nesting G. c. canadensis, the other of the remaining North American subspecies (we lack data on the Cuban population). The deep split between lineages is consistent with an estimated isolation of approximately 1.5 Mya (mid-Pleistocene), while the distribution of mutational changes within lineages is consistent with an hypothesis of rapid, post-Pleistocene population expansions. No other phylogeographic structuring is concordant with subspecific boundaries, however, analysis of molecular variance indicates that there is significant population genetic differentiation among all subspecies except G. c. tabida and G. c. rowani, which are indistinguishable. We suggest that recognition of the recently named G. c. rowani be abandoned.
In-situ measurement of permeability during rotational magnetic annealing of CoZrNb

A method has been developed to monitor the change in initial permeability while a sample is being annealed in a rotating magnetic field. RF-sputtered thin films of CoZrNb were placed within a sensing coil that can withstand high temperatures. The self-inductance of the coil was monitored during annealing. The inductance of the coil is a function of the sample permeability. The change in initial permeability as a function of annealing temperature time, and sample deposition conditions was investigated. It was found that there is a range of critical temperatures in which the permeability of the sample increased rapidly, which depends on the deposition temperature of the thin film. >
Blocking airway mucous cell metaplasia by inhibiting EGFR antiapoptosis and IL-13 transdifferentiation signals

Epithelial hyperplasia and metaplasia are common features of inflammatory and neoplastic disease, but the basis for the altered epithelial phenotype is often uncertain. Here we show that long-term ciliated cell hyperplasia coincides with mucous (goblet) cell metaplasia after respiratory viral clearance in mouse airways. This chronic switch in epithelial behavior exhibits genetic susceptibility and depends on persistent activation of EGFR signaling to PI3K that prevents apoptosis of ciliated cells and on IL-13 signaling that promotes transdifferentiation of ciliated to goblet cells. Thus, EGFR blockade (using an irreversible EGFR kinase inhibitor designated EKB-569) prevents virus-induced increases in ciliated and goblet cells whereas IL-13 blockade (using s-IL-13Ralpha2-Fc) exacerbates ciliated cell hyperplasia but still inhibits goblet cell metaplasia. The distinct effects of EGFR and IL-13 inhibitors after viral reprogramming suggest that these combined therapeutic strategies may also correct epithelial architecture in the setting of airway inflammatory disorders characterized by a similar pattern of chronic EGFR activation, IL-13 expression, and ciliated-to-goblet cell metaplasia.
A polynomial-adaptive scheme for Bayesian tracking

A grid-based Bayesian tracking approach is presented in which the traditional piecewise-constant model of the probability over a grid cell is replaced with a polynomial model of higher order. This method extends p-adaptive finite element methods to Bayesian target tracking and state estimation. Through a passive sonar tracking example, the computational efficiency of moving to higher order models instead of increasing grid cell resolution is demonstrated. Comparisons are made between increases in global grid resolution, global polynomial order, and local polynomial order around detailed features of the probability surface.
Error probabilities of fast frequency-hopped MFSK with noise-normalization combining in a fading channel with partial-band interference

An error probability analysis performed for an M-ary orthogonal frequency-shift keying (MFSK) communication system employing fast frequency-hopped (FFH) spread-spectrum waveforms transmitted over a frequency-nonselective, slowly Rician fading channel with partial band interference is discussed. Diversity is obtained using multiple hops per data bit. Noise-normalization combining is employed by the system receiver to minimize partial-band interference effects. The partial-band interference is modeled as a Gaussian process. Thermal noise is also included in the analysis. Forward error correction coding is applied using convolutional codes and Reed-Solomon codes. Diversity is found to dramatically reduce the degradation of the noise-normalization receiver caused by partial-band interference regardless of the strength of the direct signal component. Diversity offers significant performance improvement when channel fading is strong, and performance improvement is obtained for high modulation orders (M>2). Receiver performance is improved when diversity, higher modulation orders, and coding are combined. >
Fixing Freud: The Oedipus Complex in Early Twenty-First Century US American Novels

Representations of Sigmund Freud in early 21st century US American novels rely on and respond to the image of Freud that emerged from investigations by Paul Roazen ("Brother Animal," 1969) and Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson ("The Assault on Truth," 1984), which cast doubt on the validity of the Oedipus complex. Relying on Roazen, Brenda Webster's "Vienna Triangle" (2009) links Freud's oedipal thinking to paranoia and male masochism. Working with Masson, Selden Edwards's "The Little Book" (2008) takes Freud to task for abandoning the seduction theory in favor of the Oedipus complex. Jed Rubenfeld's "The Interpretation of Murder" (2006) rethinks the Oedipus complex as a projection of adults onto their children. All three novels seek to celebrate Freud's understanding of the human psyche, while shifting the focus of the oedipal structure away from the murderous and lustful child toward the adult.
Deep Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes

In this paper, light-emitting devices based on III-nitride semiconductors offer many advantages including miniaturization, reliability, reduced costs, low power consumption, and ultimately a choice of wavelength of operation between 365 and 200 nm is discussed
Occurrence of hemolytic anemia in patients with GBS treated with high-dose IVIg

Objective: We describe an underrecognized side effect of high-dose IV immunoglobulin (IVIg), hemolytic anemia. Background: There are no established guidelines on treating patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) who relapse or do not improve after a standard course of treatment (IVIg or plasma exchange). Some centers will opt for a second course of the initial treatment. There is an ongoing trial of a second course of IVIg in patients with severe GBS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 4 patients with severe GBS who received high-dose IVIg. One patient inadvertently received a high dose of IVIg for Miller Fisher syndrome. All patients received a total of at least 2 courses of the standard dose of IVIg (total >4 g/kg). We review their clinical course and side effects. Results: All patients with non-O blood types developed clinically significant hemolytic anemia requiring blood transfusion. Conclusion: Hemolytic anemia may limit doses of IVIg for treatment of severe GBS in patients with non-O blood types.
417: Is the host immune response to localized inflammation different in pregnancy?

PREGNANCY? JUAN M. GONZALEZ, ELLA OFORI, MICHAL ELOVITZ, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, , Pennsylvania OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy has long been assumed to be a state of immunosupression. Data from our lab demonstrated that the innate immune response is upregulated in maternal tissues during pregnancy. Understanding the response and regulation of the host immune response in pregnancy compared to non-pregnant is essential if disruptions in the immune response are significant contributors to adverse obstetrical outcomes. The studies sought to assess whether the systemic immune response to localized inflammation was divergent between non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) animals. STUDY DESIGN: CD-1 timed (P) and (NP) mice were used. P (E15) and NP were randomized to (n 8 per group) to 3 groups: 1) Controls: no treatment 2) Saline: anesthesia, surgery and intrauterine (IU) infusion of saline, and 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS): anesthesia, surgery and IU of LPS. 6 hours after IU infusion, maternal blood was collected from the inferior vena cava. ELISAs were performed for TH1/ TH2 cytokines (IL-10,IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha) and early markers of endothelial and leukocyte activation (CXCL10, sE-Selectin, sICAM). RESULTS: Baseline levels for the cytokines and markers studied were not significantly different between NP and P mice. LPS up-regulated the immune response in both the NP and P. The response to IU inflammation in P evoked a significantly higher systemic release of cytokine IL-6 than in NP (P 0.001). The fold change for cytokines and markers in LPS/control was higher in the P state compared to the NP (see table). CONCLUSION: The response to localized IU inflammation is modulated during pregnancy with differing TH1 and early endothelial activation compared to NP. Understanding the differential immune response in pregnancy may provide insight into adverse obstetrical outcomes associated with inflammation as well as provide potential therapeutic targets.
Livestock Performance: Feeding Biotech Crops

To date, genetically enhanced plants in the marketplace that are used as feeds for livestock are based on producing insecticidal compounds or developing herbicide tolerance. Corn grain, whole plant green chop corn, corn silage, corn residue, soybeans, and soybean meal from the current genetically enhanced plants have been fed to chickens, sheep, beef cattle, and dairy cows and compared with feeds produced from isolines of nongenetically enhanced plants. Results from 23 research trials indicate that genetically enhanced corn and soybeans that are currently available in the marketplace are substantially equivalent in composition, are similar in digestibility, and have a similar feeding value for livestock.
Lipophilicity, Hydrophilicity, and the Central Nervous System Side Effects of Beta Blockers

One of the attributes of beta-adrenergic blocking agents that has distinguished these drugs from each other is degree of lipophilicity. While this feature may play a role in facilitating passage across the blood-brain barrier, it is essential to realize that crossing the barrier is not necessarily synonymous with the ability to cause central nervous system (CNS) effects. Several studies have found some degree of CNS side effects, particularly tiredness and fatigue, with atenolol, a hydrophilic beta blocker. Pindolol, a moderately lipophilic beta blocker, has been reported to cause greater disturbances on electroencephalogram (EEG) than propranolol, the most highly lipophilic beta blocker. The investigational agent bevantolol exhibits a moderate degree of lipophilicity and a low frequency of CNS side effects. Drug-induced increases in plasma catecholamine levels, the possible saturation of CNS receptor sites at relatively low drug levels, and the specific structural details of beta-blocker molecules have been suggested as possible contributory factors in determining the degree of CNS effects.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Type VII Secreted Effector EsxH Targets Host ESCRT to Impair Trafficking

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) disrupts anti-microbial pathways of macrophages, cells that normally kill bacteria. Over 40 years ago, D'Arcy Hart showed that Mtb avoids delivery to lysosomes, but the molecular mechanisms that allow Mtb to elude lysosomal degradation are poorly understood. Specialized secretion systems are often used by bacterial pathogens to translocate effectors that target the host, and Mtb encodes type VII secretion systems (TSSSs) that enable mycobacteria to secrete proteins across their complex cell envelope; however, their cellular targets are unknown. Here, we describe a systematic strategy to identify bacterial virulence factors by looking for interactions between the Mtb secretome and host proteins using a high throughput, high stringency, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) platform. Using this approach we identified an interaction between EsxH, which is secreted by the Esx-3 TSSS, and human hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hgs/Hrs), a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT). ESCRT has a well-described role in directing proteins destined for lysosomal degradation into intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) of multivesicular bodies (MVBs), ensuring degradation of the sorted cargo upon MVB-lysosome fusion. Here, we show that ESCRT is required to deliver Mtb to the lysosome and to restrict intracellular bacterial growth. Further, EsxH, in complex with EsxG, disrupts ESCRT function and impairs phagosome maturation. Thus, we demonstrate a role for a TSSS and the host ESCRT machinery in one of the central features of tuberculosis pathogenesis.
The Extrapolation of Vertical Profiles of Wind Speed within the Marine Atmospheric Surface layer Using the p Formula

Abstract Values of p for the exponent-type wind profile formulation, used in vertical extrapolations of wind speed, were derived for the marine atmospheric surface layer. Nomograms were constructed providing p values as dependent on a single elevation measurement of the air temperature, wind speed, and the surface water temperature. The range of p values in the unstable surface layer is between 0.02 to 0.2, while for stable situations the range is 0.1 to possibly ∼1.0. The values of p converge to about 0.2 for high wind speeds.
An autonomous intelligent wheelchair for assisting people at need in smart homes: A case study

This research study here deals with the development of an Intelligent Robotic Chair (IRC) based on an appropriately modified wheelchair (Nosokoma) for assisting people at need. The main use of this IRC will be for paraplegic people, people with disabilities and the elderly. It will assist them to move inside their home by transferring them in various places (for example: bathroom) and delivering important items to them, like a glass of water and pills. This research is a part of the CART initiatives.
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney: Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration and review of the literature

Renal mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) was recently described as a distinct subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the 2004 World Health Organization classification of kidney tumors. MTSCC is a rare low grade malignancy with < 100 cases reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, there are 5 case reports with a total of 6 patients describing its diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (FNA). All of these cases were diagnosed as conventional RCC on FNA. Subsequent excisions proved them to be MTSCC. We herein report a case in a 67-year-old male. He presented with abdominal pain and was found to have a new colon adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the liver and lungs. The extent of disease made the patient ineligible for surgical excision, and he received chemotherapy. Work-up also revealed a kidney mass which was later biopsied by FNA and core biopsy. The tumor was composed of epithelial and spindled cell components embedded in a myxoid background. It was positive for CK7, AMCAR, vimentin, and epithelial membrane antigen. The tumor was diagnosed as MTSCC. One year later the kidney mass remained stable. However, the patient developed new metastasis to the liver from colonic primary. The kidney mass was not resected. Although rarely encountered in FNA cytology of the kidney, we believe the cytologic features of this tumor are distinctive and are different from conventional and other subtypes of RCC. Therefore, its accurate diagnosis on FNA is possible once pathologists are aware that MTSCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of kidney tumors.
Injectable Cell-Biopolymer Gels for Neural Tissue Repair

Injury to the brain, spinal cord, the retina, and other central nervous system (CNS) tissues triggers a cascade of biochemical events that can lead to debilitating and largely irreversible consequences. Damage to the CNS results in an environment that is normally unfavorable for axonal regeneration thus preventing the repair and reestablishment of functional neural connections. An effective treatment requires a strategy that combines replacement of damaged cells, delivery of growth promoting factors, and removal or deactivation of inhibitory agents. Research reported here has been focused on development of injectable biopolymer gels to act as a favorable environment for cells that can affect neural repair. Such gels are designed to bridge the lesion site and fill the cystic cavity (e.g. for spinal cord injury) and provide a favorable terrain for regrowth of axons by delivering cells and neurotrophic factors to the site of injury. Carboxymethyl-cellulose-alginate (CMC-ALG) gels and hyaluronate-alginate (HA-ALG) gels have been prepared with varying compositions and degrees of ionic crosslinking for use as injectable cell matrices. Homogeneous, in situ-forming gels were synthesized by the gradual release of Ca ions via the reaction of calcium carbonate and glucono-delta-lactone. Gelation times were evaluated at room and physiologic temperatures and rheological properties were determined in a Paar-Physica UDS 200 rheometer with cone-and-plate geometry. The effects of composition, calcium ion concentration, and temperature on gelation time and rheology were determined. These gels, containing viable microglial, stem, or Schwann cells, are now of interest for neural repair by injection of cell-gel preparations at the site of CNS tissue damage.
State design procedure for rigid pavements based on the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

This paper describes research efforts sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) to update its rigid design procedure to take advantage of locally calibrated mechanistic–empirical models for performance and consequently design. The new procedure, MnPCC-ME, is based on the AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) Version 1.1, but restricts the user to predetermined design input parameters. MnPCC-ME matches the MEPDG predicted performance at a fraction of the computation cost. The user is able to modify key design inputs for state and local pavement projects; the parameters include district climate files and traffic load spectra files (based on historical Minnesota DOT weigh-in-motion data). In addition, MnPCC-ME provides alternative reliability analysis, which is based on a Monte Carlo simulation of pavement performance predictions based on typical variability in slab thickness and flexural strength for Minnesota pavements. The MnPCC-ME program requires virtually no run...
Information response models: An integrated approach.

This article reviews the development of advertising response theories including the hierarchy of effects and low involvement learning models. By combining concepts from several areas, a new “integr...
Polarization Relaxation in KDP-Isomorph Ferroelectrics

The two-dimensional position sensitive detector at IPNS was used to probe the splitting of a single Bragg peak of the ferroelectric KD2PO4 (DKDP) at temperatures below the Curie point. The (440) peak was split into four components as the crystal itself divided into four domains. When the crystal was subjected to electric fields of sufficient strength and duration, these peaks would change in relative intensity, thus displaying the rearrangement of the domain structure as the crystal changed its level of polarization. Even at temperatures 15–20K below the Curie point, the polarized crystal was observed to relax back to an almost completely unpolarized state upon removal of the applied electric field. This indicates that the true coercive field for the crystal at this temperature was much smaller than values previously reported [l]. Low frequency dielectric constant studies using a capacitance bridge have since been conducted, which confirm and expand on these results.
Treatment of mandibular angle fractures using two noncompression miniplates

Abstract Purpose : To evaluate treatment with two 2.0-mm noncompression miniplates for patients with angle fractures. Patients and Methods : Sixty-seven consecutive patients with 69 fractures of the mandibular angle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using two noncompression miniplates and 2.0-mm self-threading screws placed through a transoral incision with transbuccal trochar instrumentation. No patient was placed into postsurgical maxillomandibular fixation or elastics. Results : Overall, 19 fractures (28%) experienced complications requiring secondary surgical intervention. Most of the complications were postoperative infections requiring surgical drainage (n = 17) and subsequent hardware removal (n = 16). Of the 17 infected fractures, 11 were healed at the time of hardware removal and required no further treatment. Five were still mobile and required a period of maxillomandibular fixation for healing. One of the fractures did not heal and required bone grafting. Conclusion : The use of two noncompression miniplates was found to be relatively easy, but resulted in an unacceptable rate of infection in our patient population when used for treatment of fractures of the mandibular angle.
The diagnostic and short-term prognostic value of video electroencephalogram in neonate with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic and short-term prognostic value of video electroencephalogram(VEEG) in neonate with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE). Methods VEEG were recorded in 42 neonates with HIE from Jiangxi children's hospitals within 48h of births and 2 weeks after births. NBNA scoring was performed within the first 12h hospital admission and Gesell development quotient were performed at six months of age. Results(1) VEEG were normal in 6 cases and in 36 were abnormal at 48h after births in 42 patients,there were 4 cases died within the first week. 26(68.4%) cases out of the 38 patients with HIE showed abnormal EEG. The degree of VEEG abnormality in neonates with HIE was consistent with the clinical grading of HIE.(2) The different clinical grading of HIE had different degree of early NBNA scores.Statistical significance was observed(P0.05). The degree of NBNA scores with severe HIE were significantly lower than of the mild and moderate HIE. The degree of NBNA scoring in neonates with HIE was consistent with the clinical grading of HIE.(3)We followed up the other patient at 6months of age. The degree of Gesell developmental quotient with severe HIE were significantly lower than of the mild and moderate HIE. The degree of NBNA scoring in neonates with HIE was consistent with the clinical grading of HIE. Conclusion VEEG is the important indicators for the extent of brain damage and the prognosis of neonatal HIE. VEEG and early NBNA scoring have the consistency for the evaluation of short-term prognosis of HIE.
Development and evaluation of a daily temporal interpolation model for fine particulate matter species concentrations and source apportionment

Abstract The impacts of emissions sources on air quality in St. Louis, Missouri are assessed for use in acute health effects studies. However, like many locations in the United States, the speciated particulate matter (PM) measurements from regulatory monitoring networks in St. Louis are only available every third day. The power of studies investigating acute health effects of air pollution is reduced when using one-in-three day source impacts compared to daily source impacts. This paper presents a temporal interpolation model to estimate daily speciated PM2.5 mass concentrations and source impact estimates using one-in-three day measurements. The model is used to interpolate 1-in-3 day source impact estimates and to interpolate the 1-in-3 day PM species concentrations prior to source apportionment (SA). Both approaches are compared and evaluated using two years (June 2001–May 2003) of daily data from the St. Louis Midwest Supersite (STL-SS). Data withholding is used to simulate a 1-in-3 day data set from the daily data to evaluate interpolated estimates. After evaluation using the STL-SS data, the model is used to estimate daily source impacts at another site approximately seven kilometers (7 km) northwest of the STL-SS (Blair); results between the sites are compared. For interpolated species concentrations, the model performs better for secondary species (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and organic carbon) than for primary species (metals and elemental carbon), likely due to the greater spatial autocorrelation of secondary species. Pearson correlation (R) values for sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, elemental carbon, and organic carbon ranged from 0.61 (elemental carbon, EC2) to 0.97 (sulfate). For trace metals, the R values ranged from 0.31 (Ba) to 0.81 (K). The interpolated source impact estimates also indicated a stronger correlation for secondary sources. Correlations of the secondary source impact estimates based on measurement data and interpolation data ranged from 0.68 to 0.97, whereas for primary source contribution estimates the correlations ranged from −0.042 to 0.95. Comparison of daily source impact estimates with source impacts from the interpolation models indicated that interpolation of source contributions was preferable over interpolating species concentrations then applying a SA model. This was based on better agreement in the predicted source impact concentrations and higher correlation with daily SA results. Overall, this study indicates that the temporal interpolation model produces results that may be used to estimate source impacts for health studies, though the additional uncertainty should be considered.
Early Babylonian Astronomy

The development of a mathematical astronomy, some time in the Persian period, was made possible only by the existence of highly advanced mathematical techniques, the most important of which was the sexagesimal place value notation. We know today that Babylonian mathematics preceded astronomy by more than a millenium but it is impossible to say why its application to astronomy occurred so much later or why and how it occurred at all. It is evident, however, that without flexible numerical methods no real astronomy would have been possible. Purely geometrical ingenuity leads nowhere, as we see in the example of Eudoxus’ homocentric spheres. The decisive role played by the computational procedures in the development of astronomy was badly obscured by the fascination of historians with the geometric aspects of planetary theory. It is correct to say that geometrical models are essential for the Hipparchian-Ptolemaic astronomy, but without the numerical techniques inherited from Babylonia a work like the Almagest could never have been written.
Oxygenation of Tumors as Evaluated by Phosphorescence Imaging

Necrotic areas in tumors are generally considered to result from insufficiencies in nutrient delivery due to abnormal and/or poorly developed vasculature. This suggests that the levels of oxygen in tumors may be significantly below those of normal tissue, at least in some local areas. It is also well recognized that the tissue oxygen concentration is of great importance in therapeutic treatment of tumors by radiation and by some chemical antitumor agents. The oxygen pressures in tumors has been difficult to quantitatate both because the currently available technology is not well suited to measurements in tissue (for review see Vaupel et al,1989) and because of the heterogeneity in tumor development. Oxygen electrodes provide the most frequently used method for measuring oxygen in tumors but they disrupt the tissue during insertion,are difficult to appropriately calibrate, and both the oxygen sensitivity and zero current drift with time in the tissue. Efforts to minimize measurement errors have included the use of different routines for insertion of the electrode (continuous insertion vs 1 mm advance followed by 0.5 mm withdrawl etc.). Even with optimal performance, however, the electrodes make local measurements along the insertion track and only a tiny fraction of the tumor volume can be sampled.
Emergency Medicine Management of Sickle Cell Disease Complications: An Evidence-Based Update.

Abstract Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States. Due to alterations in the structural conformation of hemoglobin molecules under deoxygenated conditions, patients with SCD are predisposed to numerous sequelae, many of which require acute intervention. Objective Our aim was to provide emergency physicians with an evidence-based update regarding the diagnosis and management of SCD complications. Discussion SCD patients experience significant morbidity and mortality secondary to cerebrovascular accident, acute chest syndrome, acute vaso-occlusive pain crises, SCD-related multi-organ failure, cholecystitis, acute intrahepatic cholestasis, acute sickle hepatic crisis, acute hepatic sequestration, priapism, and renal disease. Emergency physicians must recognize acute manifestations of SCD in order to deliver timely management and determine patient disposition. Conclusions A comprehensive review of the emergency department management of acute SCD complications is provided. Comprehensive understanding of these aspects of SCD can assist physicians in expediting patient evaluation and treatment, thus decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with this hemoglobinopathy.
Reinforcing effects from silica-type fillers containing hydrocarbon groups

Curing hydroxyl-terminated chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane) is achieved by reacting them with tetraethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, and phenyltriethoxysilane, with excess amounts of the silanes hydrolyzed in-situ to filler particles. When triethoxysilanes are used, the vinyl, methyl, and phenyl groups must be part of the filler particles and, in at least some cases, the resulting reinforcement is better than that given by the silica particles obtained from the (unsubstituted) tetraethoxysilane.
Intuitive understanding of non-Gaussianity in ekpyrotic and cyclic models

It has been pointed out by several groups that ekpyrotic and cyclic models generate significant non-Gaussianity. In this paper, we present a physically intuitive, semianalytic estimate of the bispectrum. We show that, in all such models, there is an intrinsic contribution to the non-Gaussianity parameter ${f}_{NL}$ that is determined by the geometric mean of the equation of state ${w}_{ek}$ during the ekpyrotic phase and ${w}_{c}$ during the phase that curvature perturbations are generated, and whose value is $\mathcal{O}(100)$ or more times the intrinsic value predicted by simple slow-roll inflationary models, ${f}_{NL}^{\mathrm{intrinsic}}=\mathcal{O}(0.1)$. Other contributions to ${f}_{NL}$, which we also estimate, can increase $|{f}_{NL}|$ but are unlikely to decrease it significantly, making non-Gaussianity a useful test of these models. Furthermore, we discuss a predicted correlation between the non-Gaussianity and scalar spectral index that sharpens the test.
Breast cancer histopathology image analysis pipeline for tumor purity estimation

The translation of genomic sequencing technology to the clinic has greatly advanced personalized medicine. However, the presence of normal cells in tumors is a confounding factor in genome sequence analysis. Tumor purity, or the percentage of cancerous cells in whole tissue section, is a correction factor that can be used to improve the clinical utility of genomic sequencing. Currently, tumor purity is estimated visually by expert pathologists; however, it has been shown that there exist vast inter-observer discrepancies in tumor purity scoring. In this paper, we propose a quantitative image analysis pipeline for tumor purity estimation and provide a systematic comparison between pathologists' scores and our image-based tumor purity estimation.
Fluency in Nursing Education and Simulation: A Concept Analysis.

AIM The aim of the study was to realign how nurses view simulation in nursing education as a means of facilitating fluency in knowledge and action to promote expertise in practice. BACKGROUND Nursing expertise is attained by translating complex phenomena across multiple representations and by constructing meaning through experience. Simulation provides learners the experiences necessary to develop fluency in thought and action. METHOD Procedures outlined by Hupcey and Penrod (2005) and Walker and Avant (2011) were used to identify uses, defining attributes, philosophical assumptions, contextual factors, and values of the concept. RESULTS Use of simulation to promote representational fluency in other disciplines fosters deep conceptual understanding and skillfulness, which prepares learners to perform with fluidity and expertise. CONCLUSION The association between representational fluency and simulation introduces nurse educators to a way of thinking about how novices learn to think and act like experts. Further research is recommended.
Qualities Desired in MK Boarding School Personnel: A Preliminary Study:

This descriptive, preliminary research was designed to identify qualities perceived to contribute to effectiveness in MK boarding school personnel by those most closely associated with boarding sch...
Metric Spaces of Curvature ⩾ k

This article is intended to be an introduction to the theory of metric spaces of curvature bounded below, and a survey of recent results. Time and space constraints have prevented it from being as comprehensive as we originally had planned, but we hope that this article will provide a good beginning point for a student or mathematician interested in this area, and a common reference for future papers on the subject. Through Section 9 we have tried to present good enough sketches of nearly all arguments, so that a dedicated reader can fill in the remaining details without too much difficulty. In Section 9 we provide fewer details, and in the last sections we mostly survey known results.
Data Assimilation Models: A ‘New’ Tool for Ionospheric Science and Applications

The Earth’s space environment is a complex and dynamic system that exhibits weather features at all times. As shown by meteorologists and oceanographers, a powerful way of modeling dynamic systems is with the use of data assimilation models. Recently, two data assimilation models for the ionosphere have been developed at Utah State University that provide global and regional specifications of the 3-dimensional (3-D) ionospheric plasma densities. The two models are based on approximations to the full Kalman filter in order to reduce the enormous computational requirements associated with it. The first model uses a physics-based ionosphere model to provide the background plasma density field but uses a simpler statistical Gauss-Markov process to replace the physical model in the Kalman filter. The second model is an ensemble Kalman filter model, which uses a physics-based model for the ionosphere-plasmasphere system. The latter model covers the ionosphere-plasmasphere system from 90 to 30,000 km altitude and includes 6 ion species. An important strength of this model is that in addition to the 3-D plasma density distribution it also self-consistently determines the corresponding ionospheric drivers, including the thermospheric neutral winds and the low-latitude electric fields. Both models can assimilate a variety of space- and ground-based data types. Some of the data that can be assimilated include total electron content (TEC) from hundreds of ground-based GPS receivers, in situ electron densities (N e) and ultraviolet (UV) emissions from several DMSP satellites, bottomside N e profiles from tens of ionosondes, and limb TEC data from occultation satellites. The applied data assimilation techniques, although here used to specify ionospheric parameters, should also be beneficial to the study of other regions of the space environment.
Evolution Education from Campus to Home

Returning to student experiences, Chap. 7 details a thematic analysis of student social perspectives and educational histories regarding evolution. Working us toward a richer description of what the normative case of American evolution education might look like, I present both a muted but also tension-filled picture, along with some odd extremes. Students describe educational histories where more than half recall evolution being omitted, or discussed in one class or less during the entirety of their K-12 education. When it was discussed, students recall teachers specially qualifying the topic as something only to be learned for the state test, with some schools sending permission slips home before the evolution lesson. Creationist students describe their experience at feeling “closeted,” in that they feel they cannot discuss their actual thoughts regarding evolution. Non-Creationist students discuss the impact of what they describe as “very religious people,” those they feel have issue with evolution in the curriculum.
Clinical outcomes among morbidly obese patients hospitalized with diabetic foot complications

The aim of the study is to investigate effects of morbid obesity on patients hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers and infections (DFU/Is). This retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults investigated patients with a principal diagnosis of DFU/Is, and compared outcomes based on weight. The primary outcome was lower limb amputations. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, morbidity (sepsis and discharge disposition), resource utilization (length of stay [LOS] and total hospitalization charges). Multivariate analyses adjusted for confounders. A total of 31 730 admissions were included; 14% were morbidly obese. Patients with morbid obesity had overall lower rates of amputations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.80). There was no difference in mortality rates between those who were morbidly obese and the non-morbidly obese patients (aOR: 3.89 [95% CI: 0.79-19.30]). Combined data from 2010 to 2014 have found higher odds of sepsis in morbidly obese patients compared with non-morbidly obese patients after adjusting for confounders (aOR: 1.49 [1.09-2.02], P = 0.01). Patients with morbid obesity were less likely to be discharged to home (aOR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70-0.95]), had longer LOS (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.13-0.81]) and higher hospital charges (aMD: $3205 [95% CI: $3373-$6037]). Despite having lower amputation rates compared to those who are not morbidly obese, patients with morbid obesity hospitalized for DFU/Is succumbed to sepsis more frequently and had less favourable utilization metrics. Specialized care pathways may be needed to enhance the value of care delivered to this high-risk population.
Binding of Drug-Activated CAR/Nr1i3 Alters Metabolic Regulation in the Liver

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR/Nr1i3) regulates detoxification of drugs and other xenobiotics by the liver. Binding of these compounds, activating ligands, causes CAR to translocate to the nucleus and stimulate genes of detoxification. However, CAR activation also changes metabolism and induces rapid liver growth. To explain this gene regulation, we characterized the genome-wide early binding of CAR; its binding partner, RXRα; and the acetylation that they induced on H4K5. CAR-linked genes showed either stimulation or inhibition and regulated lipid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism, as well as detoxification. Stimulation of expression increased, but inhibition did not decrease, H4K5Ac. Transcriptional inhibition occurred when CAR bound with HNF4α, PPARα, or FXR on the same enhancers. Functional competition among these bound nuclear receptors normally coordinates transcriptional resources as metabolism shifts. However, binding of drug-activated CAR to the same enhancers adds a new competitor that constitutively alters the normal balance of metabolic gene regulation.
UNIT 9.2 Assessment of Cell Viability

Cell viability may be judged by morphological changes or by changes in membrane permeability and/or physiological state inferred from the exclusion of certain dyes or the uptake and retention of others. This unit presents methods based on dye exclusion, esterase activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as protocols for determining the pre-fixation viability of fixed cells either before or after fixation with amine-reactive dyes suitable for a range of excitation wavelengths. Membrane-impermeable dead cell and live cell dyes as well as dye-exclusion procedures for microscopy are also included. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 64:9.2.1-9.2.26. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: cytometry; flow cytometry; imaging; probes; toxicology; assessment of cell toxicity
Autoimmune Theories of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Urticaria (hives) is a highly prevalent skin disorder that can occur with or without associated angioedema. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a condition which persists for more than six weeks in duration and occurs in the absence of an identifiable provoking factor. CSU results from pathogenic activation of mast cells and basophils, which gives rise to the release of proinflammatory mediators that support the generation of urticaria. Several theories have been put forth regarding the pathogenesis of CSU with much evidence pointing towards a potential autoimmune etiology for this condition in up to 50% of patients with this condition. In this review, we highlight the evidence surrounding the autoimmune pathogenesis of chronic urticaria including recent data which suggests that CSU may involve contributions from both immunoglobin G (IgG)-specific and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-specific autoantibodies against a vast array of antigens that can span beyond those found on the surface of mast cells and basophils.