cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The organized categories of infant, child, and adult attachment: flexible vs. inflexible attention under attachment-related stress.

From an evolutionary perspective, a central mechanism promoting infant survival is the maintenance of proximity to attachment figures. Consequently attachment figure(s) represent the infant's primary solution to experiences of fear. Aspects of the development of the field of attachment are outlined within this context, beginning with Bowlby's ethological/evolutionary theory, and proceeding to Ainsworth's early descriptions of infant-mother interaction in Uganda and Baltimore. Using a laboratory procedure called the strange situation, Ainsworth identified three organized patterns of infant response to separation from and reunion with the parent. Narratives derived from videotaped strange situation behavior of infants in each category (secure, avoidant, and resistant/ambivalent) are provided, together with a discussion of the prototypical sequelae of each category (e.g., school behavior, and separation-related narratives and drawings at age six). The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and the move to the level of representation are also described. AAI transcripts are presently analyzed according to the speaker's capacity to adhere to Grice's maxims of rational cooperative discourse, and three organized AAI categories, or states of mind with respect to attachment, have been identified (secure-autonomous, dismissing, and preoccupied). When the interview is administered to parents who have been seen with their infants in the strange situation, each AAI category has repeatedly been found to predict that infant's strange situation response to that parent. Illustrations of the discourse characteristic of each category are provided, and it is noted that individuals with apparently unfavorable life histories are found to have secure offspring, providing that their history is recounted coherently. Like infant strange situation behavior, differences in adult security as identified through discourse patterning are interpreted in terms of attentional flexibility or inflexibility under attachment-related stress.
Tailored Cloze: Improved with Classical Item Analysis Techniques.

This study investigates the possibility that the reliability and validity of a cloze procedure can be improved by applying traditional item analysis and selection techniques. Students in a single level (n = 89) at the Guangzhou English Language Centre (People's Republic of China) were chosen for this study because previous experience and research had indicated that cloze tests gene rally produce low reliability and validity coefficients in samples wherein the range of ESL proficiencies is limited. This turned out to be the case when a 399-word every seventh word deletion cloze passage with 50 items was administered to this group. The study was designed such that 250 of the poten tial items in this passage could be piloted and item analyzed. The results of the item analysis were used to select the 'best' items on the basis of item facility and discrimination indices. The resulting 50 item 'tailored cloze' was then read ministered to the same group and the results for the original version of the cloze test ...
Wiman’s formula for a second order dynamic equation

We derive Wiman's asymptotic formula for the number of generalized zeros of (nontrivial) solutions of a second order dynamic equation on a time scale. The proof is based on the asymptotic representation of solutions via exponential functions on a time scale. By using the Jeffreys et al. approximation we prove Wiman's formula for a dynamic equation on a time scale. Further we show that using the Hartman-Wintner approximation one can derive another version of Wiman's formula. We also prove some new oscillation theorems and discuss the results by means of several examples. MSC: 34E20; 34N05
Outside CT imaging among emergency department transfer patients.

Purpose The aim of this study was to characterize the quantity and types of outside computed tomographic (CT) examinations submitted for reinterpretation among emergency department (ED) transfers to a tertiary care, level I trauma, academic medical center and the frequency of and reasons for repeat imaging. Methods Reinterpretation requests for outside CT studies accompanying ED transfer patients over a 4-month period were prospectively audited. Clinicians completed forms specifying type of CT study, outside report availability, interpretational discrepancies, repeat imaging requests, and reasons for repeat imaging. Results A total of 425 CT studies were reviewed among 255 transfer patients, with a mean of 2.8 examinations (range, 0-16) on 1.7 patients (range, 0-8) per day. The patients' mean age was 59 years, and 57% were male. The clinicians reported no outside verbal or written reports for 16% of patients. Interpretational discrepancies were noted in 12% of those with outside reports. Repeat scans might have been avoided in as many as 25% of rescanned patients (35% of repeat examinations) because they were performed solely for imaging or information technology reasons (inadequate imaging, compact disc inoperability, or unavailable images within the hospital's picture archiving and communication system). Rescanned trauma patients in particular had a high per patient rate (32%) of potentially avoidable reasons, with a lower rate (11%) in nontrauma patients. Conclusion Outside CT imaging in ED transfers adds workload and resource requirements for receiving institutions. A communication gap exists between transferring and receiving institutions, and interpretational discrepancies are common. Process improvement measures are suggested that might reduce the substantial rates of potentially avoidable reimaging.
Coming to Terms with the Nuclear Past: Transnational Paranoia and Chernobyl in Recent German Cinema

Representations of the Chernobyl disaster, and its cultural and political resonance, became symptomatic of what the essay analyzes as a transnational imaginary in German cinema around the year 2000. While much has been written (as in the work of Randall Halle, Deniz Gokturk, and Barbara Mennel) about post-1989 transnational cinema, environmentalism and environmental catastrophe is one aspect of the transnational that has been largely neglected. Focusing on Hans-Christian Schmid's 23, the essay suggests that the catastrophe of Chernobyl was a key moment in Germany's political consciousness and represented a transnational turn in the usually national discourse of coming to terms with the past. Schmid's 23 and films like England and Am Tag als Bobby Ewing Starb demonstrate how the Cheronbyl disaster stood in for the trauma and subsequent paranoia (which the essay analyzes in a psychoanalytic framework) of Cold-War politics.
Elucidating the selenium and arsenic metabolic pathways following exposure to the non-hyperaccumulating Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant

Although many studies have investigated the metabolism of selenium and arsenic in hyperaccumulating plants for phytoremediation purposes, few have explored non-hyperaccumulating plants as a model for general contaminant exposure to plants. In addition, the result of simultaneous supplementation with selenium and arsenic has not been investigated in plants. In this study, Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant, was used to investigate the metabolism of selenium and arsenic after single and simultaneous supplementation. Size exclusion and ion-pairing reversed phase liquid chromatography were coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to obtain putative metabolic information of the selenium and arsenic species in C. comosum after a mild aqueous extraction. The chromatographic results depict that selenium and arsenic species were sequestered in the roots and generally conserved upon translocation to the leaves. The data suggest that selenium was directly absorbed by C. comosum roots when supplemented with Se VI , but a combination of passive and direct absorption occurred when supplemented with Se IV due to the partial oxidation of Se IV to Se VI in the rhizosphere. Higher molecular weight selenium species were more prevalent in the roots of plants supplemented with Se IV , but in the leaves of plants supplemented with Se VI due to an increased translocation rate. When supplemented as As III , arsenic is proposed to be passively absorbed as As III and partially oxidized to As V in the plant root. Although total elemental analysis demonstrates a selenium and arsenic antagonism, a compound containing selenium and arsenic was not present in the general aqueous extract of the plant.
A single regrowth integration platform for photonic circuits incorporating tunable SGDBR lasers and quantum-well EAMs

A monolithic integration platform is demonstrated for high functionality photonic circuits that include quantum-well electroabsorption modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, and widely tunable lasers. The platform is based on the selective removal of a set of active quantum wells located above an optical waveguide layer. The waveguide layer contains a second set of quantum wells to be used in modulator regions. Fabrication requires only a single blanket InP regrowth
Applied robotics for installation and base operations for industrial hygiene

A framework is presented for industrial hygiene inspection using a remotely-operated ground vehicle with multiple sensor payloads attached to it for detecting various hazardous gases and chemicals. A control scheme and a graphical user interface between the vehicle and operator is strictly mandated for tasks requiring remote inspection. By leveraging existing navigation and path planning algorithms, the system can autonomously patrol hazardous areas and relay all acquired measurements back to the user. This paper presents recent validation testing results of the system and its sensors using the proposed industrial hygiene framework.
Nephrotic syndrome and mizoribine in children.

Background: The treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) has recently made dramatic progress. The ultimate purpose of treatment is that patients can lead a normal, disease-free life with no adverse effects from treatment. However, clear treatment guidelines remain to be established in the children with frequent relapsing NS (FRNS) and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). The frequent use or large dose of steroids may lead to a serious adverse effect. Immunosuppressive drugs including cyclophasphamide and cyclosporin have been used to induce lasting remission, thereby sparing patients from further exposure to steroids. However, these drugs have both acute and chronic side-effects. Mizoribine is a relatively safe and effective immunosuppressant. The report discusses the role of mizoribine in FRNS and SRNS in children. Methods: The papers in experimental and clinical studies about mizoribine in NS were reviewed. Our experiences of mizoribine were also added. Results: Mizoribine has been reported as an effective and safe drug for patients with FRNS. However, the efficacy of mizoribine has differed among various reports, depending on the dose given. There have yet to be any conclusive reports on the effects of mizoribine in SRNS in children. Conclusions: Better results might be obtained if the doses of mizoribine increased in children with FRNS. When 5 mg/kg was used, no serious adverse effects were seen, therefore this dose may be safe and effective. An investigation of appropriate, effective and safe doses of mizoribine should be examined in the future. In patients with SRNS, large doses of mizoribine of more than 5 mg/kg might be effective, while the combined use of mizoribine and cyclosporin or methylpredonisolone pulse therapy might also be even more effective. Further studies are called for to examine the use of large doses of mizoribine.
Philosophical perspectives in home care: the ontology of aging.

Geriatric Nursing 2000 • Volume 21 • Number 2 Home care nurses largely care for the elderly. In that we usually reflect a younger generation, this arrangement often involves bridging significant differences in age and life experiences when working with our elderly patients. As most home care nurses will agree, the elderly patient’s perspective likely determines the success or failure of any plan of care. Hence, in developing a truly successful plan, we must step outside of ourselves and see the world through our older generation’s eyes. Such efforts reflect the rich and aesthetic relationship between nurse and patient that truly fosters well-being and health. Consider the following scenarios: Imagine for a moment that you look in the mirror one morning and notice a wrinkle under your eye or bare scalp where hair used to be. At first, you push your skin around to get rid of the wrinkle or plow through your scalp to try to find the missing hair. You stop. You suddenly realize you have changed. Then it hits you like a brick—you are getting older. As the years pass, you notice more and more physical changes in your body. Eventually, you come to some decision about how to manage or regard these changes, and this perception becomes your concept of health. Imagine for a moment that you are looking down at your granddaughter. With delight, you observe that she has your eyebrows, and you smile because you realize that, although you are getting older and will not live forever, life goes on. Imagine for a moment that you are reflecting on the life you have lived. You realize your experiences are so rich that you wish you could share them with everyone. These are your gifts and personal treasures. Yet you live in a rapidpaced world that seems to devalue the past as it attempts to recreate itself anew each morning. Then it strikes you that sharing what you know may add just the understanding that everyone seems to seek. The ontology of aging represents the lived experiences of getting old, both good and bad. Such experiences shape who people are, how they regard their health, and what they will seek from health care. Nursing should appreciate such perspectives in order to connect with our elderly patients in caring ways.
Comparison of models for the probe inductance for a parallel-plate waveguide and a microstrip patch

Four different models for the probe inductance of a circular probe in an infinite parallel plate waveguide are studied. These models include a uniform-current model, a cosine-current model, a gap-voltage source model, and a coaxial-frill model. These different models treat the vertical variation of the fields within the substrate and the field of the coaxial feed with varying degrees of rigor. Numerical high frequency structure simulator data are also compared with the results of these models in order to draw reliable conclusions about the accuracy of these models as a function of the substrate thickness. A simple computer-aided design formula for the probe inductance of a coaxial feed probe for a rectangular microstrip patch antenna is also introduced.
Immunological mediators of wound healing and fibrosis

T-lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, which are the central constituents of immunological and chronic inflammatory reactions, generate numerous polypeptides and other factors capable of stimulating and modulating the proliferation and functions of fibroblasts. These principles differ widely in structure, target cell preference, and functional specificity. The involvement of immunological mediators of fibroblast activities in normal wound healing has not been defined, but a role in some chronic fibrosing disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, has been suggested by the findings of functionally relevant concentrations in affected tissues. The elucidation of both the pathways of production of fibroblast-activating factors (FAFs) and the determinants of fibroblast responses will permit new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of deficiencies in wound healing and of abnormal fibrosis.
Properties of ultrathin films of porous silicon

We have produced films of light emitting porous silicon (LEPSi) thinner than 1 μm, lifted them off the silicon wafer by an electropolishing step, and deposited them onto sapphire windows where they remain attached by van der Waals or electrostatic forces. Although free‐standing LEPSi films had been obtained before, our films are one order of magnitude thinner, luminesce strongly, and have excellent mechanical properties because of the sapphire substrate. The important steps in this procedure are discussed, and the structural, chemical, and optical properties of these films as measured using a variety of probes are reported. These films are semitransparent in the visible and thus make several new optical measurements possible. In particular, the results of photoinduced absorption measurements performed with 100 fs time resolution are presented.
A CONSTRUCTIVE TASK IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: MAKING CHRISTIAN SELVES

One task of religious education is the formation or construction of persons as selves within particular faith traditions. Given such, this essay proposes a model by which we may define this self in a manner that frames a horizon for the self within particular communities of faith, religious tradition, and practice. Working from the recent Trinitarian theology of Catherine LaCugna, this constructed self is named a “theonomous self,” a processual identity emerging from, in, and toward a relatedness to a relational God. The essay concludes by proposing a set of ecclesial practices that correspond to and nurture the “theonomous self.”
Temperature dependence of the contribution to the transport coefficients of nearly ferromagnetic metals from electron-paramagnon scattering

Abstract We present calculations of the temperature dependence of the contribution from electron-paramagnon scattering to the electrical and thermal resistivity of a simple model of a nearly ferromagnetic metal. The purpose of the work is to explore the behavior of these quantities when the temperature is the order of or greater than the spin fluctuation temperature Tsf. As the temperature T is raised from zero through Tsf, the electrical resistivity varies more slowly with temperature than the T2 law characteristic of the regime T≪Tsf. When T≫Tsf, the electrical resistivity becomes proportional to T, although this asymptotic behavior is approached very slowly. The Lorenz number rises monotonically with temperature, and appears to approach the ideal Sommerfeld value when T≫Tsf, although this limit is also approached slowly.
Outcomes and Processes at a Camp for Youth With HIV/AIDS

The impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of youth with this chronic illness suggests the need for additional support as youth develop. Summer camp can serve as a therapeutic intervention for youth with HIV/AIDS. Using a case study employing observations, focus groups, and interviews, we examined outcomes associated with participation in a camp for youth with HIV/AIDS, and program processes that influenced outcomes. Findings showed that camp played a major developmental role for youth. Three outcomes of camp emerged: (a) forming caring connections (awareness of commonalities, lack of isolation); (b) feeling reprieve and recreation (fun activities, anticipation of and reflection on camp, sense of freedom); and (c) increasing knowledge, attitudes, and skills (conflict management, disclosure, skill learning and education, medication adherence). Processes included formal and informal education, staff-camper interactions, long-term relationships, outside-of-camp support, activities, planning for camper needs, accessibility, and freedom from worry. We discuss implications for youth programs.
Predicting numbers of performance failures in the manufacture of dynamic systems

In this work, a method for determining the reliability of dynamic systems is discussed. Using statistical information on system parameters, the goal is to determine the probability of a dynamic system achieving or not achieving frequency domain performance specifications such as low frequency tracking error, and bandwidth. An example system is considered with closed loop control. A performance specification is given and converted into a performance weight transfer function. The example system is found to have a 20% chance of not achieving the given performance specification. An example of a realistic higher order system model of an electro hydraulic valve with spring feedback and position measurement feedback is also considered. The spring rate and viscous friction are considered random variables with normal distributions. It was found that nearly 6% of valve systems would not achieve the given frequency domain performance requirement.
Ideological Themes in the Antinuclear Movement: Consensus and Diversity*

Utilizing survey data for demonstrators at a national antinuclear rally (N=420), as well as a thematic review of the antinuclear literature, this paper examines ideological consensus and diversity evident in the national protest over nuclear power. Our findings reveal a significant amount of overlap between the ideological themes of the movement and the individual beliefs of antinuclear demonstrators. While the demonstrators display a diversity of opinion in their reasons for opposing nuclear power, there is a consensus of belief that future solutions entail shutting down nuclear plants and replacing them with alternative energy sources and conservation programs. Moreover, there is a consensus of belief among demonstrators regarding the values underlying their rationale for movement participation, values that both challenge and incorporate larger dominant beliefs of American society. The implications of these findings for movement theories are suggested.
Dosimetric comparison of combined intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and proton therapy versus IMRT alone for pelvic and para-aortic radiotherapy in gynecologic malignancies.

Purpose To perform a dosimetric comparison of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), passive scattering proton therapy (PSPT), and intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to the para-aortic (PA) nodal region in women with locally advanced gynecologic malignancies. Methods and Materials The CT treatment planning scans of 10 consecutive patients treated with IMRT to the pelvis and PA nodes were identified. The clinical target volume was defined by the primary tumor for patients with cervical cancer and by the vagina and paravaginal tissues for patients with endometrial cancer, in addition to the regional lymph nodes. The IMRT, PSPT, and IMPT plans were generated using the Eclipse Treatment Planning System and were analyzed for various dosimetric endpoints. Two groups of treatment plans including proton radiotherapy were created: IMRT to pelvic nodes with PSPT to PA nodes (PSPT/IMRT), and IMRT to pelvic nodes with IMPT to PA nodes (IMPT/IMRT). The IMRT and proton RT plans were optimized to deliver 50.4 Gy or Gy (relative biologic effectiveness [RBE)), respectively. Dose–volume histograms were analyzed for all of the organs at risk. The paired t test was used for all statistical comparison. Results The small-bowel V 20 , V 30 , V 35 , andV 40 were reduced in PSPT/IMRT by 11%, 18%, 27%, and 43%, respectively ( p 20 . Treatment with PSPT/IMRT showed statistically significant reductions in the body V 5–20 ; IMPT/IMRT showed reductions in the body V 5–15 . The dose received by half of both kidneys was reduced by PSPT/IMRT and by IMPT/IMRT. All plans maintained excellent coverage of the planning target volume. Conclusions Compared with IMRT alone, PSPT/IMRT and IMPT/IMRT had a statistically significant decrease in dose to the small and large bowel and kidneys, while maintaining excellent planning target volume coverage. Further studies should be done to correlate the clinical significance of these findings.
High-throughput imaging: Focusing in on drug discovery in 3D

3D organotypic culture models such as organoids and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are becoming more widely used for drug discovery and toxicology screening. As a result, 3D culture technologies adapted for high-throughput screening formats are prevalent. While a multitude of assays have been reported and validated for high-throughput imaging (HTI) and high-content screening (HCS) for novel drug discovery and toxicology, limited HTI/HCS with large compound libraries have been reported. Nonetheless, 3D HTI instrumentation technology is advancing and this technology is now on the verge of allowing for 3D HCS of thousands of samples. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art high-throughput imaging systems, including hardware and software, and recent literature examples of 3D organotypic culture models employing this technology for drug discovery and toxicology screening.
Estimating Nuclear DNA Content in Peach and Related Diploid Species Using Laser Flow Cytometry and DNA Hybridization

Using laser flow cytometry, nuclear DNA amounts were estimated for 12 Prunus species, representing three subgenera (Prunophora (Prunus), Amygdalus, and Cerasus (Lithocerasus)), two interspecific hybrids, four cultivars, and a synthetic polyploid series of peach consisting of haploids, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids (periclinal cytochimeras). Peach nuclear DNA content ranged from 0.30 pg for the haploid nuclei to 1.23 pg for the tetraploid nuclei. The diploid genome of peach is relatively small and was estimated to be 0.60 ± 0.03 pg (or 5.8 × 10 8 nucleotide base pairs). The polyploid series represented the expected arithmetic progression, as genome size positively correlated with ploidy level (i.e., DNA content was proportional to chromosome number). The DNA content for the 12 diploid species and two interspecific diploid hybrids ranged from 0.57 to 0.79 pg. Genome size estimates were verified independently by Southern blot analysis, using restriction fragment length polymorphism clones as gene-copy equivalents. Thus, a relatively small and stable nuclear genome typifies the Prunus species investigated, consistent with their low, basic chromosome number (x = 8).
Insignificant Findings: Don’t Leave Them Questioning the Significance

Radiologists frequently see incidental findings of no importance on imaging studies. These findings may be in organs unrelated to the patient’s primary problem and do not require further imaging. An unhelpful, but common, practice is to describe an insignificant finding without an explanation of its importance and assume that everyone will understand. The referring physician and patient are left wondering what, if anything, should be done as follow-up. Why do radiologists mention insignificant findings? They may be in the habit of reporting all detected findings, even if they are within the spectrum of normal. Alternatively, some radiologists may be concerned that an unimportant finding will be detected by a physician reviewing the imaging and, if the finding is not described in the report, that the physician may think the finding was missed. Finally, reporting insignificant findings could be a manifestation of defensive radiology. Some radiologists may feel more secure mentioning findings in the remote chance that they would be liable if the findings progressed. The practice of burying an incidental finding in the body of a report without an explanation is of no consequence if the recipient of the report reads only the impression. However, increasingly, patients are accessing radiology reports through online health portals. A patient with a headache who is reading her brain MRI report will pore over each word. If, for example, the radiologist describes white matter lesions without an explanation of their importance, she will turn to the Internet. There she will find a listing of anxietyprovoking conditions such as demyelination, vasculitis, and dementia. By completing the sentence and stating “A few white matter lesions in the left frontal lobe are of no clinical importance and most likely represent the remnants of previous trauma or infection,” radiologists can help patients avoid this unfortunate scenario. Radiologists should close the loop on insignificant findings by noting their clinical importance so that everyone is clear that the findings are insignificant.
Risk-reduction surgery in pediatric surgical oncology: A perspective

Abstract Objective A small percentage of pediatric solid cancers arise as a result of clearly identified inherited predisposition syndromes and nongenetic lesions. Evidence supports preemptive surgery for children with genetic [multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) and nongenetic [thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC), congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM), alimentary tract duplication cysts (ATDC), and congenital choledochal cysts (CCC)] developmental anomalies. Our aim was to explore the utility of risk reduction surgery to treat and prevent cancer in children. Methods A systematic review of the available peer-reviewed literature on PubMed was performed using a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) search strategy, where possible. Search items included "risk reduction surgery", "hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome", "multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2", "familial adenomatous polyposis", "hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer", "hereditary diffuse gastric cancer", "thyroglossal duct cysts", congenital pulmonary airway malformations", "alimentary tract duplication cysts", "malignant transformation", and "guidelines". Results We identified 67 articles that met the inclusion criteria describing the indications for prophylactic surgery in surgical oncology. For the genetic predisposition syndromes, 7 studies were related to professional endorsed guidelines, 7 were related to surgery for MEN2, 11 were related to colectomy for FAP, 6 were related to colectomy for HNPCC, and 12 related to gastrectomy for HDGC. Articles for the nongenetic lesions included 5 for techniques related to TGDC resection, 9 for surgery for CPAMs, and 10 for resection of ATDCs. Guidelines and strategies varied significantly especially related to the extent and timing of surgical intervention; the exception was for the timing of thyroidectomy in children with MEN2. Conclusion Current evidence supporting prophylactic surgery in the management of pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes and nongenetic lesions is best delineated for thyroidectomy to prevent medullary thyroid cancer in children with MEN2 (Strength of Recommendation Grade B/C). Despite the lack of pediatric specific evidence-based recommendations regarding the appropriate extent and timing for risk-reduction surgery for FAP, HNPCC, HDGC and nongenetic anomalies, our review represents an opportunity towards understanding the postgenomic development of these lesions and provides current indications and techniques for preemptive cancer prevention surgery in children.
Gene polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and essential hypertension with stroke

Objectives To study the relationship between gene G9570A polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) and essential hypertension(EH) with stroke in southern Chinese population.Methods The ACE2 gene were measured in 139 cases of hypertension with stroke,136 cases of hypertension using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)to assess the contribution of polymorphisms of G9570A in ACE2 gene.Common carotid arteries intimae-medial thickness(IMT) and atherosclerotic plaque were detected by noninvasive high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography.Serum angiotensin Ⅱ level was analyzed by enzyme-linked allergosorbent test(ELASA).Results Allele frequency in hypertension patients with stroke was significantly higher than those without stroke(P0.05).Significant difference existed in occurrence of stroke between the patients with A/AA and those with G/GG genotypes(P 0.05).The serum angiotensin Ⅱ level was higher in the patients with hypertension and stroke who carrying the A/AA genotype than those who carrying G/GG genotype(P0.05).In the hypertension and stroke group,male patients who carrying the A genotype had significantly more chances to have carotid atherosclerosis than those carrying G genotype(P0.05).Conclusions The ACE2 gene G9570A polymorphism may be associated with the hypertension with stroke in southern Chinese population.The risk of taking place stroke in the hypertension people who carrying the A/AA allele is higher than those carrying other allele.It may be related to the higher serum level of angiotensin Ⅱ.
A comparative analysis of temporary and permanent beta attenuation monitors: The importance of understanding data and equipment limitations when creating PM2.5 air quality health advisories

Abstract Mobile particulate monitors are being widely used for smoke monitoring throughout the western United States. While this provides valuable additional data for public health decisions, quantifying the field performance of this equipment is necessary to understand measurement limitations when being compared with federal compliance instruments. Met One Instruments, Inc. Environmental Beta Attenuation Monitors (EBAMs) were co-located at permanently established Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) sites to determine agreement under normal field operating conditions. Monitors were assessed for agreement between fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) measurements. The instruments correlated for hourly (R 2 0.70) and daily (R 2 0.90) means. Mean difference for EBAM to BAM comparison showed the EBAM over-predicting the BAM by 24% (3 μg m −3 ). Hourly concentrations fluctuated more in the EBAM. Daily mean concentrations were the most equitably comparable measurement for these monitors. Increases in relative humidity (RH) were associated with increased disagreement between monitors. When EBAM internal RH was below 40%, R 2 increased (0.76 hourly, 0.93 daily). The EBAM produced higher hourly AQI estimates. As a result of this study, it is advised to invalidate hourly data when the internal RH is greater than 40% and to only use daily AQI estimates to limit the EBAM AQI over-prediction.
Behavioral factors predicting response to employment-based reinforcement of cocaine abstinence in methadone patients.

We sought to identify behavioral factors associated with response to an employment-based intervention, in which participants had to provide drug-free urine samples to gain access to paid employment. The present secondary analysis included data from a randomized clinical trial. The trial evaluated whether employment-based reinforcement could decrease cocaine use in community methadone patients. Participants (N=56) in the trial worked in a model workplace for 4 hr every weekday and earned about $10 per hr. After a 4-week baseline, participants were randomly assigned to an Abstinence & Work (n = 28) or Work Only (n = 28) condition and could work for an additional 26 weeks. Abstinence & Work participants had to provide cocaine-negative urine samples to work and maintain maximum pay. Work Only participants only had to work to earn pay. For Work Only participants, cocaine abstinence during baseline and the intervention period were significantly (rs = .72, p <.001) correlated. For Abstinence & Work participants, baseline opiate abstinence was significantly correlated (rs = .59, p <.001) and workplace attendance was marginally correlated (rs = .32, p = .098) with cocaine abstinence during the intervention period. Furthermore, participants who provided over 60% cocaine-negative urine samples during the intervention period (i.e., responders) had significantly higher baseline rates of opiate abstinence (p <.0001) and workplace attendance (p = .042) than non-responders. Employment-based reinforcement of cocaine abstinence may be improved by increasing opiate abstinence and workplace attendance prior to initiating the cocaine-abstinence intervention.
Exploring Market Diversity

Markets establish a range of ways of exchanging goods and services through the medium of money. The ubiquity of markets in most parts of the world, and the frequency of our participation in them, encourages the impression that markets and the buying and selling of goods involve simple processes. This appearance of simplicity may be reinforced by our ignorance of market histories and a powerful ideological trend in contemporary capitalism that suggests that markets are natural phenomena.
African Political Reform and International Assistance: What Can and Should Be Done?

President Abdou Diouf of Senegal recently observed that Africa required not just less government, but better government (World Bank, 1989, p. 55). The World Banks 1989 report, Sub-Saharan Africa: From Crisis to Sustainable Growth used these words when it observed that, even were Africa to pursue the World Bank’s extensive list of economic policy reforms, ‘None of these measures will go far, nor will much external aid be forthcoming, unless governance in Africa improves’ (World Bank, 1989, p. 15). The purpose of this paper is to suggest several components of a strategy which the international donors might pursue to facilitate an improvement in Africa’s governance. It will do this in several steps. First it will integrate contemporary research and analysis of Africa’s political problems, and try to draw out of that the dynamics which underlie them. Second, it will suggest several structural changes needed to alter these dynamics. Third it will review the priorities, directions and structures international donors might pursue in their assistance programs to facilitate these structural changes.
Analytic and Asymptotic Methods

Many properties of the sequences generated can be deduced by the analytic theory of generating functions. Notable among these properties are the asymptotic growth rates of the sequences, which are probably the main focus of the analytic side of the theory. This chapter discusses some of the analytic machinery that is invaluable for such studies. It discusses the way to handle the asymptotics of sequences of which generating functions have singularities in the finite plane. The chapter reviews the Lagrange Inversion Formula, which is a remarkable tool for solving certain kinds of functional equations and can give explicit formulas where other approaches do not work.
Does significant renal ablation truly and invariably lead to hyperfiltration and progressive chronic kidney disease

It is generally believed that significant renal ablation leads to hyperfiltration and eventually progressively worsening chronic kidney disease. The data behind this belief have not been scrutinized intensively. More importantly, the above belief leads many physicians to manage patients differently than they otherwise would manage. Here, we examine the data behind whether hyperfiltration occurs when patients lose kidney mass (by excision or by disease) and whether the hyperfiltration is uniformly injurious.
Fabrication of superoleophobic surfaces by mask-assisted electrospray

Abstract Electrospraying technique has been demonstrated to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces with random hierarchical roughness. Yet, it has never been employed to generate superoleophobic surfaces with patterned multiscale roughness. Here, we report a versatile approach to fabricate superoleophobic surfaces with patterned multiscale roughness using a mask-assisted electrospray technique. Superoleophobic surfaces with random hierarchical roughness by conventional electrospray without mask were also investigated for comparison purposes. Surfaces with patterned multiscale roughness were obtained by focusing the electrosprayed deposition through a mesh mask, followed by overlaying a random hierarchical roughness of electrosprayed SiO 2 . All the textured surfaces were treated with a low surface energy fluoropolymer to render superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity. Superior repellency against water and hexadecane (27.5 mN/m) has been demonstrated on the surfaces with random hierarchical roughness and patterned multiscale roughness (contact angles of ∼170° and sliding angles of less than 1°). On the random hierarchical surfaces, the intrinsic re-entrant and multi-tier overhang structures in the SiO 2 agglomerates enable non-wetting of low surface tension liquids. While on the surfaces with patterned roughness, the dome shape of micropillars plays a critical role in enabling superoleophobicity. The electric field focusing effect exerted by the mask is verified by COMSOL Multiphysics simulation.
Growth of Pseudomonas or Flavobacterium in Milk Reduced Yield of Cheddar Cheese.

Cheddar cheese was manufactured from milk which was artificially contaminated with proteolytic species of Pseudomonas or Flavobacterium and stored at 7°C. Cheese was analyzed for moisture content and yield was determined on a dry matter basis. Bacterial counts were made during 7 d of milk storage. Pseudomonas isolates grew to larger populations and faster than did Flavobacterium isolates. Yield of cheese decreased as time of storage was extended beyond 3 d and psychrotrophic populations increased. Greatest losses were observed after 5-7 d of storage with psychrotrophic bacterial counts of 106-108/ml. Overall average decreases in yield of cheese caused by Pseudomonas spp. or by Flavorbacterium spp. were 0.53% and 0.39% per day, respectively, when divided equally over a 7-day period. However, losses generally were not evident until milk was held for 5 d. Numbers of and kind of psychrotrophic bacteria, and multiplication and metabolic activity of these bacteria, when present in milk, are among the factors important in causing a reduction of cheese yield.
Development of 3D Finite Element Model for Predicting Process-Induced Defects in Additive Manufacturing by Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is one of the important Additive Manufacturing techniques for building functional products. Nevertheless, the absence of accurate models for predicting the SLM process behavior, delays development of cost effective and defects free process. This work presents a coupled thermo-mechanical numerical model to capture the two phase (solid-liquid) solidification melting phenomena that occur in the process. The proposed model will also predict the evolvement of process-induced properties and defects particularly residual stresses caused by temperature gradient and thermal stresses. CO2 or Nd:YAG laser beam can be used as a heat source with a Gaussian distribution for the laser beam energy.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Did the Transition to Unilateral Effects Affect Federal Trade Commission Merger Challenges

This paper statistically models whether the staff’s choice between coordinated interaction (collusion) and unilateral effects theories on competitive effects materially affects the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision to challenge the merger at the end of the investigation. It is a two stage process; first, the staff choose which theory makes the most sense based in the industry facts, and second, the Commissioners choose if the case is sufficient strong to be challenged. The question is particularly interesting, given the rise in the application of formal models that seems to have led to an increase in the application of unilateral effects theories. If the challenge rates are similar under both theories when holding the relevant structural and performance variables constant, then theory choice matters little, and the structural and performance variables are what are most important to the FTC law enforcement decision. If the formal challenge rates are different under the two theories of harm, then theory choice matters to the outcome. We apply a decomposition analysis to evaluate whether the theory choice affects the likelihood that a merger is challenged and follow on with a matching analysis as robustness check. We find that the specific theory used in the investigation has an effect in homogeneous goods markets; pursuing a unilateral theory instead of a collusion (officially known as coordinated interaction) theory reduces the average challenge rate by 12.7 to 17.4 percentage points, and switching from a unilateral theory to a collusion theory would raise the challenge rate by 6.1 to 11 percentage points. The theory choice decision does not seem to matter for differentiated products, as the policy differences are smaller and not significant.
Computational integration of nanoscale physical biomarkers and cognitive assessments for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and prognosis

With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), significant efforts have been directed toward developing novel diagnostics and biomarkers that can enhance AD detection and management. AD affects the cognition, behavior, function, and physiology of patients through mechanisms that are still being elucidated. Current AD diagnosis is contingent on evaluating which symptoms and signs a patient does or does not display. Concerns have been raised that AD diagnosis may be affected by how those measurements are analyzed. Unbiased means of diagnosing AD using computational algorithms that integrate multidisciplinary inputs, ranging from nanoscale biomarkers to cognitive assessments, and integrating both biochemical and physical changes may provide solutions to these limitations due to lack of understanding for the dynamic progress of the disease coupled with multiple symptoms in multiscale. We show that nanoscale physical properties of protein aggregates from the cerebral spinal fluid and blood of patients are altered during AD pathogenesis and that these properties can be used as a new class of "physical biomarkers." Using a computational algorithm, developed to integrate these biomarkers and cognitive assessments, we demonstrate an approach to impartially diagnose AD and predict its progression. Real-time diagnostic updates of progression could be made on the basis of the changes in the physical biomarkers and the cognitive assessment scores of patients over time. Additionally, the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem was used to determine the minimum number of necessary patient checkups to effectively predict disease progression. This integrated computational approach can generate patient-specific, personalized signatures for AD diagnosis and prognosis.
Psoriasis or not? Review of 51 clinically confirmed cases reveals an expanded histopathologic spectrum of psoriasis.

Background Psoriasis is usually diagnosed clinically, so only non-classic or refractory cases tend to be biopsied. Diagnostic uncertainty persists when dermatopathologists encounter features regarded as non-classic for psoriasis. Objective Define and document classic and non-classic histologic features in skin biopsies from patients with clinically confirmed psoriasis. Methods Minimal clinical diagnostic criteria were informally validated and applied to a consecutive series of biopsies histologically consistent with psoriasis. Clinical confirmation required 2 of the following criteria: (1) classic morphology, (2) classic distribution, (3) nail pitting, and (4) family history, with #1 and/or #2 as 1 criterion in every case Results Fifty-one biopsies from 46 patients were examined. Classic features of psoriasis included hypogranulosis (96%), club-shaped rete ridges (96%), dermal papilla capillary ectasia (90%), Munro microabscess (78%), suprapapillary plate thinning (63%), spongiform pustules (53%), and regular acanthosis (14%). Non-classic features included irregular acanthosis (84%), junctional vacuolar alteration (76%), spongiosis (76%), dermal neutrophils (69%), necrotic keratinocytes (67%), hypergranulosis (65%), neutrophilic spongiosis (61%), dermal eosinophils (49%), compact orthokeratosis (37%), papillary dermal fibrosis (35%), lichenoid infiltrate (25%), plasma cells (16%), and eosinophilic spongiosis (8%). Conclusions Psoriasis exhibits a broader histopathologic spectrum. The presence of some non-classic features does not necessarily exclude the possibility of psoriasis.
Multitask Aircraft Capability Estimation Using Conjunctive Filters

In this paper, a data-driven approach to producing rapid, online estimates of aircraft capability is presented. The process involves using physics-based models to produce an offline library of vari...