cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting real-world activities in database management systems

The cycle of processing the data in many application domains is complex and may involve real-world activities that are external to the database, e.g., wet-lab experiments, instrument readings, and manual measurements. These real-world activities may take long time to prepare for and to perform, and hence introduce inherently long time delays between the updates in the database. The presence of these long delays between the updates, along with the need for the intermediate results to be instantly available, makes supporting real-world activities in the database engine a challenging task. In this paper, we address these challenges through a system that enables users to reflect their updates immediately into the database while keeping track of the dependent and potentially invalid data items until they are re-validated. The proposed system includes: (1) semantics and syntax for interfaces through which users can express the dependencies among data items, (2) new operators to alert users when the returned query results contain potentially invalid or out-of-date data, and to enable evaluating queries on either valid data only, or both valid and potentially invalid data, and (3) mechanisms for data invalidation and revalidation. The proposed system is being realized via extensions to PostgreSQL.
Intracellular localization of a Trypanosoma cruzi kDNA minicircle transcript using RNA: RNA in situ hybridization.

. Using RNA: RNA in situ hybridization, the intracellular location of a transcript encoded by and spanning the entire length of a Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast DNA minicircle was determined. In axenically cultured T. cruzi epimastigotes, the hybridization signal was restricted to the kinetoplast, which was situated in the perinuclear region of the cell. Following conversion of epimastigotes to culture-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes, the kinetoplast moved to an acentric position in the metacyclic trypomastigote. Again, the hybridization signal co-localized with the position of the kinetoplast. These results suggested that the transcript remained closely associated with the T. cruzi kinetoplast within the mitochondrion in each of the morphological forms. Using specific oligonucleotide probes derived from a cDNA encoding the transcript, the entire native kDNA minicircle encoding the transcript was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The nucleotide sequence of the intact native minicircle was identical to that of the full-length cDNA corresponding to the minicircle transcript, indicating that the transcript was not modified prior to the time of cDNA synthesis and cloning.
Match Graph Generation for Symbolic Indirect Correlation

Symbolic indirect correlation (SIC) is a new approach for bringing lexical context into the recognition of unsegmented signals that represent words or phrases in printed or spoken form. One way of viewing the SIC problem is to nd the correspondence, if one exists, between two bipartite graphs, one representing the matching of the two lexical strings and the other representing the matching of the two signal strings. While perfect matching cannot be expected with real-world signals and while some degree of mismatch is allowed for in the second stage of SIC, such errors, if they are too numerous, can present a serious impediment to a successful implementation of the concept. In this paper, we describe a framework for evaluating the eectiv eness of SIC match graph generation and examine the relatively simple, controlled cases of synthetic images of text strings typeset, both normally and in highly condensed fashion. We quantify and categorize the errors that arise, as well as present a variety of techniques we have developed to visualize the intermediate results of the SIC process.
Predicting Outcome of Patients with High-grade Gliomas After Radiotherapy using Quantitative Analysis of T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that measuring quantitative changes in signal intensity early after radiotherapy (RT) in the contrast-enhancing tumor rim and nonenhancing core may be a noninvasive marker of early treatment response in patients with high-grade gliomas. Methods and Materials: Twenty patients with high-grade gliomas had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 1 week before RT, during Weeks 1 and 3 of RT, and every 1 to 3 months after RT as part of a clinical prospective study. Regions of interest (ROI) including contrast-enhancing rim, and the nonenhancing core were defined automatically based on a calculated image of post- to precontrast T1-weighted MRI. Pretreatment T1-weighted MRI signal intensity changes were compared with Weeks 1 and 3 RT and 1 and 3 months post-RT MRI. Clinical and MRI parameters were then tested for prediction of overall survival. Results: Regional T1-weighted signal intensity changes in both the contrast-enhancing rim and the nonenhancing core were observed in all patients during Week 1 and Week 3 of RT. Imaging parameters including signal intensity change within the nonenhancing core after Weeks 1 to 2 RT ( p = 0.004), Weeks 3 to 4 RT ( p = 0.002) and 1 month after completion of RT ( p = 0.002) were predictive of overall survival. Using multivariate analysis including RTOG recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) and signal intensity change, only the signal intensity change in the nonenhancing core at 1 month after RT ( p = 0.01) retained significance. Conclusion: Quantitative measurements of T1-weighted MRI signal intensity changes in the nonenhancing tumor core (using ratios of pre–post values) may provide valuable information regarding early response during treatment and improve our ability to predict posttreatment outcome.
Sources of arbitrary states of coherence that generate completely coherent fields outside the source

A new theorem concerning nonradiating stochastic sources is derived. The theorem is used to describe sources that can have a variety of different states of coherence and yet each of them generating a field that is completely spatially coherent outside the source domain. The bearing of this result on a basic unsolved problem is spectroscopy of partially coherent sources is noted.
Consistent Sharp Corner Formulations for Boundary Element Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis

A consistent approach to the sharp corner problem is presented for both boundary element structural analysis and sensitivity analysis. The relationships used for the consistent account of the multiple traction components at corner nodes are shown to be confined to the individual zone that contains the comer elements. This fact means that the formulation can be incorporated in existing multi-zone procedures without altering the number of degrees of freedom or the sparse blocked matrix populations present in these programs. Implicit differentiation of the sharp corner formulation is then shown to produce a consistent design sensitivity analysis formulation that allows for the use of multi-zone boundary element models with sharp comers in shape optimization problems. Example problems are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the formulation discussed in the paper.
Prototyping and Analysis of an Ontology-Based Personalized Web Service Architecture

Current Web service technologies provide a set of well-defined syntaxes of service discovery, composition, and invocation. However, they lack the support for semantic interoperability and personalization. This paper briefly an agent-driven, P2P-based, distributed service registry architecture referred to as the personalized Web service architecture (PWSA) that supports personal-based service discovery, composition, and invocation. A prototype implementation and a performance analysis study of PWSA demonstrate the self-organization property of the architecture and its scalability in terms of the number of services and the number of search queries executed by user agents.
Anchored Learning and the Development of Creative, Critical Thinking and Life-Long Learning Skills.

Focus groups were convened in 2005 and 2013 as the first step in successive MPA curriculum review and revision processes. Although the criteria for selecting participants and the questions posed to the groups were similar, the focus groups generated dramatically different perspectives regarding the challenges confronting administrators. An analysis indicates that the differences in focus group perspectives are a reflection of the evolving economic, political and fiscal environments. It also reinforces the need to adopt instructional strategies that cultivate the students’ creative, critical thinking and life-long learning skills. Since anchored learning maximizes the probability of achieving these outcomes, this article provides three examples of implementation.
Review of in Vitro Activity, Pharmacokinetic Characteristics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cefprozil, a New Oral Cephalosporin

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacokinetics, microbiology, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerance of cefprozil, a new, broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin.DATA SOURCES:Published clinical trials and microbiologic, pharmacokinetic, and safety data were identified by MEDLINE; additional references were derived from bibliographies of these articles; microbiologic data on file were provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb.STUDY SELECTION:Only published comparative clinical trial reports are included in the review of clinical efficacy. Noncomparative clinical data pertaining to uses of cefprozil not approved by the Food and Drug Administration are not included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Data are presented on the in vitro microbiologic activity of cefprozil against 10 152 bacterial isolates, including most of the clinically important streptococci (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae), beta-lactamase-positive and -negative Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Escherichia coli, Prot...
Non-Self Determination: Foreign Elements in Iraq's Post-Conflict Electoral Design

This paper discusses the elections which took place in 2005 after the US-led invasion of Iraq. Specifically, it focuses on the policy choices made by foreign and foreign-chosen actors regarding those elections. After offering a background of the post-invasion setting, the electoral system for these elections was described. Lastly, offered are four critiques. First, that the January 2005 election to create a body to write a new constitution should have resulted in a much more representative body given the importance of constitution writing. Next, the de-Ba’athification process itself served to undermine the legitimacy of the transitional elections. Moreover, a truth commission for state-sponsored injustice and the use of amnesty would have proven to be a better model for transitional justice than de-Ba’athification. Lastly, foreign influences in Iraq were a primary hindrance which rendered the transitional process largely unsuccessful. This paper argues that the chief problem with democracy at gunpoint is that as a process it is not chosen democratically, and as such bequeaths upon the resultant systems an original sin of external imposition. The paper suggests that such foreign actors in the future should consider more fully the ramifications of imposed democracy.
Nonnative plant shifts functional groups of arthropods following drought

Nonnative plants alter the composition of native plant communities, with concomitant effects on arthropods. However, plant invasions may not be the only disturbance affecting native communities, and multiple disturbances can have compounding effects. We assessed the effects of invasion and drought on plant and arthropod communities by comparing grasslands dominated by nonnative Old World bluestem grasses (OWBs, Dichanthium annulatum) to grasslands dominated by native plants during a period of decreasing drought severity (2011–2013). Native plant communities had more species of plants and arthropods (/m2) than areas dominated by OWBs during extreme drought, but richness was comparable as drought severity decreased. Abundance of arthropods was greater in native plant communities than in OWB communities during extreme drought, but OWB communities had more arthropods during moderate and non-drought conditions. We observed a shift in the arthropod community from one dominated by detritivores to one dominated by herbivores following plant invasion; the magnitude of this shift increased as drought severity decreased. Both plant communities were dominated by nonnative arthropods. A nonnative leafhopper (Balclutha rubrostriata) and native mites (Mochlozetidae) dominated OWB communities as drought severity decreased, and OWBs may serve as refugia for both taxa. Nonnative woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare) dominated native plant communities during extreme and non-drought conditions and abundance of this species may be associated with an increase in plant litter and available nutrients. Given the importance of arthropods for ecosystem services, incorporating arthropod data into conservation studies may demonstrate how changes in arthropod diversity alter ecosystem function where nonnative plants are dominant.
Stability analysis and controller synthesis for continuous-time linear stochastic systems

In this paper, we derive results for the stochastic stability analysis and controller synthesis for continuous-time stochastic system. The important feature considered here is the multiplicative nature of the stochastic uncertainty in system dynamics. We generalize the existing small-gain type results for stability of discrete-time system with stochastic uncertainty in feedback loop to continuous-time dynamics. Further, LMI-based computable necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for the mean square stability of feedback system. The proposed stability analysis results are used for the synthesis of dynamic robust stabilizing feedback controller with stochastic uncertainty in the feedback loop between the plant and the controller. Fundamental limitation result for the mean square stabilization of system over stochastic channels is presented. Finally, we demonstrate the proposed framework on pendulum on a cart system.
The Current SI Seen From the Perspective of the Proposed New SI

A revised International System of Units (SI) proposed by the International Committee for Weights and Measures is under consideration by the General Conference on Weights and Measures for eventual adoption. Widely recognized as a significant advance for both metrology and science, it is defined via statements that explicitly fix the numerical values of a selected set of seven reference constants when the values of these constants are expressed in certain specified units. At first sight this approach to defining a system of units appears to be quite different from that used to define the current SI. However, by showing how the definitions of the seven base units of the current SI also fix the numerical values of a set of seven reference constants (broadly interpreted) when the values of these constants are expressed in their coherent SI units, and how the definition of the current SI can be recast into the same form as that of the revised SI under consideration, we show that the revision is not as radical a departure from the current SI as it might initially seem.
Critical Vitamin Supplementation of Broiler Diets High in Alfalfa Juice Protein

Abstract Three trials were conducted to identify the critical vitamins in the diets of broiler-strain chicks fed alfalfa juice protein concentrate (AJPC) corn-soy diets from 0 to 3 wk of age. Vitamin supplements were added to AJPC diets. Diets were formulated to contain, parts 30/121, 40/128, 50/135, and 60/142 parts AJPC/parts total diet. Parts were used to permit useage of wet materials and still maintain about 90% dry matter. All diets were formulated to contain 20% crude protein, .93% total sulfur-containing amino acids, and 2,940 kcal metabolizable energy/kg diet. Propionic acid was added at .2% to all diets. Feeds were refrigerated (7 C) and fed out daily. The addition of choline, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin A or E, folic acid, or biotin did not increase weight gains. Addition of 3 mg/kg vitamin B6 completely overcame the growth depression caused by the 50-parts AJPC diet and significant (P
Use of Endoscopy in Peptic Ulcer Disease

The diagnosis and treatment of acute bleeding caused by peptic ulcer disease has been greatly facilitated by fiberoptic endoscopy. The basic differentiation between malignant and benign gastric ulcer requires endoscopic confirmation with biopsy. The management of bleeding from peptic ulceration can be enhanced by endoscopic examination as can the prediction of risk for recurrent bleeding or need for surgical intervention. Various therapeutic maneuvers can be performed endoscopically, including monopolar and multipolar cautery, laser and heater probe therapy, and injection of vasoconstrictors to control bleeding. Endoscopic balloon dilation for the management of gastric outlet obstruction is often effective.
Studies of Seed Development in Pisum sativum I. Seed Size in Reciprocal Crosses

Comparisons have been made at different developmental stages of the amounts of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and of DNA in the cotyledons of two varieties of peas having different seed sizes. That with large seed has more rRNA per cell. The nature of the control of rRNA has been examined by the use of reciprocal crosses between the varieties. rRNA contents in the cells of a seed are not primarily dependent on the amounts of rDNA in those cells, but are regulated by the maternal parent; two hypotheses of the nature of this control are considered.
Meta-analysis on risk factors of HIV infection among drug users in China

Objective To evaluate the risk factors of HIV /AIDS infection among drug users in China and provide theoretical evidence for the development and implementation of HIV / AIDS prevention and intervention strategies in this population. Methods Published literatures about the risk factors of HIV / AIDS among drug users in China were collected systematically and the quality of the literatures was evaluated according to STROBE statement. The data were analyzed to obtain the co-OR and 95% CI values,and sensitivity and bias analyses were conducted too. Results Fourteen literatures were selected for Meta-analysis. According to the evaluation results,the scores of 7 literatures were ≥16,indicating high quality of these literatures. The risk factors with statistical significance were as follows: minority ethnic group,needle sharing,unemployment,injecting drug use and education level ≤9 years; and their OR values were 3. 08( 1. 81,5. 24),4. 46( 2. 71,7. 34),1. 34( 1. 02,1. 76),3. 73( 2. 95,4. 70) and 1. 32( 1. 01,1. 74) respectively. Conclusion The preliminarily analysis indicated that minority ethnic group,needle sharing,unemployment,injecting drug use and education level≤9 years are the risk factors for HIV / AIDS infection among drug users in China.
Primary neurons that express the L2/HNK-1 carbohydrate during early development in the zebrafish.

In zebrafish, many nerve pathways in both the CNS and periphery are pioneered by a small and relatively simple set of ‘primary’ neurons that arise in the early embryo. We now have used monoclonal antibodies to show that, as they develop, primary neurons of several functional classes express on their surfaces the L2/HNK-1 tetrasaccharide that is associated with a variety of cell surface adhesion molecules. We have studied the early labeling patterns of these neurons, as well as some non-neural cells, and found that the time of onset and intensity of immunolabeling vary specifically according to cell type. The first neuronal expression is by Rohon-Beard and trigeminal ganglion neurons, both of which are primary sensory neurons that mediate touch sensitivity. These cells express the epitope very strongly on their growth cones and axons, permitting study of their development unobscured by labeling in other cells. Both types initiate axogenesis at the same early time, and appear to be the first neurons in the embryo to do so. Their peripheral neurites display similar branching patterns and have similar distinctive growth cone morphologies. Their central axons grow at the same rate along the same longitudinal fiber pathway, but in opposite directions, and where they meet they appear to fasciculate with one another. The similarities suggest that Rohon-Beard and trigeminal ganglion neurons, despite their different positions, share a common program of early development. Immunolabeling is also specifically present on a region of the brain surface where the newly arriving trigeminal sensory axons will enter the brain. Further, the trigeminal expression of the antigen persists in growth cones during the time that they contact an individually identified central target neuron, the Mauthner cell, which also expresses the epitope. These findings provide descriptive evidence for possible roles of L2/HNK-1 immunoreactive molecules in axonal growth and synaptogenesis.
Principle of weld formation in variable polarity keyhole plasma arc transverse welding of aluminum alloy

Taking the keyhole molten pool in plasma arc welding as the study object, the weld formation in variable polarity keyhole plasma arc transverse welding of aluminum alloy was investigated by using both experiments and numerical simulation according to the characteristic of heat source. The study indicates the deviated phenomena between the highest temperature point and the widest fusion width section in keyhole molten pool root surface under the heat source due to the welding speed fluctuation and effect of thickness of plate. By making division of the keyhole molten pool root surface, the concept named temperature width deviation was defined as the deviation between the highest temperature point and the widest fusion width point in molten pool root surface, to describe the state of keyhole molten pool root surface and the welding formation. Temperature width deviation was changed by adjusting the welding torch position, so as to reduce the effect of gravity in welding process, with other parameters being unaltered, to get a good weld formation of variable polarity keyhole plasma arc welding at transverse position.
Historical Perspectives in the Conservation of Works of Art on Paper. ed. Margaret Holben Ellis. Los Angeles, Calif.: The Getty Conservation Institute, 2014. xx, 524p. ISBN 978-1-60606-432-0. $70.00.

Historical Perspectives in the Conservation of Works of Art on Paper provides a comprehensive collection of ninety-six readings—spanning six centuries—related to the conservation of paper-based art. Published by the Getty Conservation Institute, one of this work’s greatest strengths is its masterful organization of texts, which builds and climaxes in a finale that offers a multifaceted yet distinct and straightforward representation of the field of conservation. The readings are gathered into eight sections based on the development of the technology behind and the thinking that underpins the field. “The Powers of Paper” illustrates various ideas about the role of paper. Practical, . . .
Crisis or Consensus? Public Opinion and National Security in Western Europe

When the NATO Alliance celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 1979, few would have predicted that the very existence of the Alliance would soon be in doubt. Most commentaries stressed the theme of continuity in the Alliance, a continuity that rested on a firm basis of common interest in security, economic, and political affairs. In addition, the mutual interests of the Western nations were reinforced by a stable East-West power structure that rendered alternative security arrangements infeasible, unpopular or both.1
Nutrition and pediatric rheumatic diseases. Hypothesis : cytokines modulate nutritional abnormalities in rheumatic diseases

Growth abnormalities are common in pediatric rheumatic diseases. Studies suggest that effects of inflammation such as anorexia, and adipose and muscle tissue breakdown contribute to the nutritional and growth aberrations. The effects of the various cytokines produced during inflammation create a vicious cycle of anorexia and increased catabolism, and may be responsible for the nutritional deficits seen. In future, specific treatment with anticytokine monoclonal antibodies may block these effects, minimizing the nutritional consequences of inflammation.
Phenotypic Characterization of Human CD34+ Cells Selected from G-CSF Mobilized Leukopheresis Using Baxter's Isolex™ 300i Magnetic Cell Selection System (v2.5)

Abstract Baxter's Isolex™ 300i Magnetic Cell Selection System (v2.5) is used to select CD34+ cells from G-CSF mobilized leukopheresis units. This study focused on evaluating the cellular composition of the post-Isolex product as well as producing a detailed characterization of the CD34+ cells. A multi-color flow cytometry assay was developed to characterize the Isolex product with a detailed focus on the CD34+ cells. A hematopoietic colony-forming assay was used to determine the clonal potential of the selected cells. Cell function was evaluated by measuring the migration potential of the CD34+ cells toward SDF-1. The post-Isolex cell suspension product contained an average of 96.44% ± 0.84% CD34+ cells. The majority of the remaining cells present were T and B cell lymphocytes with an average 1.74% ± 0.78% CD3 positive T-Cells and 1.61% ± 0.23% CD19 positive B-Cells. The platelets comprised 1.92% ± 0.92% of the product and 99% of this population were co-aggregated to the CD34+ cells. Non-CD34, immature white blood cells averaged less than 0.5% of the total post-Isolex population. A majority of the CD34+ stem cells are lineage-committed HPCs as determined by KDR-CD34+ (94.90% ± 1.99%) and CD38+CD34+ (93.87% ± 2.76%). Commitment to a myeloid cell line (CD33+CD34+) was determined to be 34.75% ± 23.10%. Migration potential of the stem cells toward SDF-1 as defined by dual positivity for CXCR4 and CD34 averaged 1.95% ± 2.49%. While the CXCR4 receptor positivity appears low, the migratory response of the CD34+ cells toward SDF-1 was robust. An examination of VEGF populations in the post-Isolex product averaged 0.32% ± 0.17% for VEGF R2 (KDR) and 34.25% ± 12.74% for VEGF R1. Several adhesion markers were assayed and the positivity was equal to or less than 1% for CD146, CD144, CD73, and CD29. Other adhesion markers, such as CD105 (endoglin) averaged 34.04% ± 20.64% and CD99 averaged 66.33% ± 13.25%. CD117, which binds to the receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), averaged 69.63% ± 6.38%. CD133, which is considered an early HPC marker, averaged 73.90% ± 5.97%. CD90, which is useful for defining a population of highly proliferative cells capable of long-term culture, averaged 60.50% ± 8.50%. The EPC phenotypic profile combination, KDR+CD34+CD133+, averaged 0.30% ± 0.22% in our post-Isolex population. In the hematopoietic colony-forming assay, the Isolex-selected CD34+ cells were able to produce colonies with an efficiency of 20% with CFU-GM forming a majority of the colonies. By utilizing multi-color flow cytometry, we were able to account for the cell populations found in the Isolex product and to further characterize the CD34+ selected cell population. The hematopoietic colony-forming assay gave insight into the efficiency and growth potential of the CD34+ selected cells. The functional migration assay determined that the CD34+ selected cells exhibited a robust migratory response toward SDF-1.
Measurement Error and Attenuation Bias in Exponential Random Graph Models

Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) are becoming increasingly popular tools for estimating the properties of social networks across the social sciences. While the asymptotic properties of ERGMs are well understood, much less is known about how ERGMs perform in the face of violations of the assumptions that drive those asymptotic properties. Given that empirical social networks rarely meet the strenuous assumptions of the ERGM perfectly, practical researchers are often in the position of knowing their coefficients are imperfect, but not knowing precisely how wrong those coefficients may be. In this research, we examine one violation of the asymptotic assumptions of ERGMs – perfectly measured social networks. Using several Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that even randomly distributed measurement errors in networks under study can cause considerable attenuation in coefficients from ERGMs, and do real harm to subsequent hypothesis tests.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in the Athlete

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the most common site of ulnar nerve compression and affects the general population and athletes, alike. When ulnar neuropathy is encountered, an understanding of the pathology, a deliberate clinical approach to the patient, and the usage of diagnostic studies aid in synthesizing a successful treatment plan. Nonoperative management is recommended for patients with mild, transient symptoms; operative intervention is performed on those that fail nonoperative modalities or present with moderate to severe pathology. When examining the overhead athlete, it is equally important to evaluate the competency of the medial ulnar collateral ligament in the setting of ulnar neuropathy. This article will discuss cubital tunnel syndrome as it pertains to both the general population and to the athletic population as well as describe our preferred operative techniques and recommended postoperative protocols.
Water pollution: Emerging contaminants associated with drinking water

Water is an essential constituent for humans and life in general. Polluted water is often the main human exposure pathway to infectious pathogens, toxins, and carcinogenic organic and inorganic contaminants. Water contaminants have been associated with a wide array of acute and chronic diseases worldwide. In the past decades, an increase in the human population and activities have not only multiplied the quantity of waste discharged into water bodies, but also introduced emerging substances (e.g., pharmaceuticals, hormones, endocrine disrupting compounds, toxins, and pathogens). Additionally, as analytical methods continue to improve, several recent studies have revealed that emerging pathogens or chemicals (e.g., viruses, algal toxins, disinfection byproducts) may be present in natural or treated water bodies. These emerging contaminants, which have not historically been considered as pollutants, have now become prominent agents of concern to public health specialists and environmental engineers and scientists. Regulations are in place to protect the public, but there is a need to constantly update them based on new knowledge. Water treatment practices are applied to protect human health but they also need to be re-evaluated and optimized based on new research results.
COMMUNITY-ASSOCIATED METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS SUBRETINAL ABSCESS IN A NONBACTEREMIC PATIENT TREATED WITH INTERNAL DRAINAGE AND RETINECTOMY.

Purpose To report a case of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus subretinal abscess that continued to progress, despite intravitreal and systemic antibiotic therapy. Methods Retrospective chart review of a 77-year-old female patient with well-controlled diabetes mellitus who developed a left eye endophthalmitis and subretinal abscess from methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization in the absence of any systemic focus of infection. Results The abscess and endophthalmitis resolved after the second pars plana vitrectomy that included drainage of a subretinal abscess after the failure of initial pars plana vitrectomy, and intravitreal and systemic antibiotics. Retinal detachment due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy necessitated the third pars plana vitrectomy 2 weeks after the second pars plana vitrectomy. Conclusion The authors present an unusual case of methicillin-resistant S. aureus subretinal abscess in a patient with methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization with negative blood, aqueous humor culture, and vitreous culture but a positive culture from subretinal aspirate.
A q -player impartial avoidance game for generating finite groups

We study a q-player variation of the impartial avoidance game introduced by Anderson and Harary, where q is a prime. The game is played by the q players taking turns selecting previously-unselected elements of a finite group. The losing player is the one who selects an element that causes the set of jointly-selected elements to be a generating set for the group, with the previous player winning. We introduce a ranking system for the other players to prevent coalitions. We describe the winning strategy for these games on cyclic, nilpotent, dihedral, and dicyclic groups.
Some Notes on Geographic Information Systems: The Relationship Between their Practical Application and their Theoretical Evolution

GISs have recently begun a new course: after a period of technical refinement, they are now passing through a phase in which their theoretical-cultural foundations are being re-examined. A debate on the construction of a new theoretical basis for GIS, begun by a group of experts in the field, now involves many new, as well as the long-standing scientific and technological, aspects of this discipline. Among the new-comers now demonstrating interest are the cognitive sciences. Efforts aimed at developing expert systems and user interfaces have stimulated in-depth consideration of the cognitive implications of the whole of GIS activity. Linguistics, non-Euclidean geometry and topology are becoming objects of such interest that GISs may act as springboards for a science of spatial information. Parallel to these new approaches however, there remains the current, widespread and purely operative view of GIS utilization, which, perhaps for solely incidental reasons, is at odds with the newer approaches. This paper presents some considerations of the two ways of viewing and working with GISs. The author, basing notes on experience in the field, hopes that it will contribute to the understanding of how the new courses and the variety of issues involved have come to be perceived by those far from where it has been set.
Pheochromocytoma in Childhood

Pheochromocytomas are uncommon tumors of childhood, accounting for 1% of hypertension cases in this age-group. Children have a high incidence of bilateral, multiple, or extra-adrenal tumors and a low incidence of malignancy. Alpha- and beta-blocking agents administered preoperatively have reduced complications markedly. Transabdominal resection is recommended because of the frequent extra-adrenal sites and multicentricity of the tumor in children. The mortality for removal of pheochromocytomas in childhood is currently less than 3%.
Improving Fixed-Bed Reactor Performance

This chapter discusses methods for improving the productivity and efficiency of a solid-supported catalyst. It begins by stressing the need to identify the rate limiting step of the chemical process before planning and initiating a solid-supported catalyst improvement program. This chapter also presents methods for identifying the rate limiting step of a solid-supported catalytic process, then discusses how to improve reactant consumption or product formation through catalyst modification. It concludes with methods for improving the selectivity of solid-supported catalysts.
Efficacy of depletion models for estimating abundance of endangered fishes in streams

Abstract Conservation programs for imperiled fish require a sampling method for quantifying their habitat relationships and their progress toward recovery, via abundance estimation and subsequent monitoring. Depletion sampling is a commonly used method, although the assumptions of homogeneous capture probabilities are tenuous. Recently, Bayesian hierarchical models have been used to describe the conditional relationships between abundance of animals and detection probability, but their performance remains untested when detection varies across successive passes. We tested such approaches within a depletion-sampling framework for estimating abundance of three endemic and imperiled fish species in southeastern Arizona, USA. Our procedure uses depletion sampling, via simulation and field trials, and removes the untenable assumption of constant detectability across sampling passes. Specifically, we evaluated how population size, the number of depletion passes, the probability of fish detection, the amount of decline in this probability across removal passes, and the effects of variable detection probability affect bias and precision when using models with constant and variable detection probability. Abundance estimates were negatively biased when detection probability declined by 20% or more across successive passes, with detection probability
Advances in anion exchange membranes for electrochemical energy conversion

Summary Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are playing an increasingly prominent role in enabling practical fuel cells due to rapid advances in materials design and device fabrication. These advances have allowed for the demonstration of record high performance in gas-fed and liquid-fed fuel cells incorporating AEMs. The current state-of-the-art AEMs display high conductivities, high temperature stability (now regularly operating at 80 °C) and mechanical strength that allows for high water uptake and flux without sacrificing structural integrity. On the device front, novel combinations of membrane and binder, optimized using increasingly powerful in-operando probes has led to researchers achieving a clear understanding of rate and lifetime limiting processes. This review briefly surveys the key insights secured over the past decade and subsequently focuses on key results from the past two years that have enabled rapid technological advances. The H2/O2 and NaBH4/H2O2 fuel cells are presented as the model platforms to contextualize these advances while contrasting the challenges faced in gas vs. liquid fuel cells. Further, we examine the incipient research directions that promise to accelerate the advance of AEM technology.
X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Presenting as Adult-Onset Multi-Infarct Dementia

Pathogenic hemizygous variants in the SH2D1A gene cause X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) syndrome, a rare primary immunodeficiency usually associated with fatal Epstein-Barr virus infection. Disease onset is typically in early childhood, and the average life expectancy of affected males is ∼11 years. We describe clinical, radiographic, neuropathologic, and genetic features of a 49-year-old man presenting with central nervous system vasculitis that was reminiscent of adult primary angiitis but which was unresponsive to treatment. The patient had 2 brothers; 1 died of aplastic anemia at age 13 and another died of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in his sixties. Exome sequencing of the patient and his older brother identified a novel hemizygous variant in SH2D1A (c.35G>T, p.Ser12Ile), which encodes the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP). Molecular modeling and functional analysis showed that this variant had decreased protein stability, similar to other pathogenic missense variants in SH2D1A. The family described in this report highlights the broadly heterogeneous clinical presentations of XLP and the accompanying diagnostic challenges in individuals presenting in adulthood. In addition, this report raises the possibility of a biphasic distribution of XLP cases, some of which may be mistaken for age-related malignancies and autoimmune conditions.
Does pretreatment with Ativan prior to oncologic PET scanning reduce non-tumor uptake and improve scan interpretation?

1355 Objectives: In cancer patients, to characterize alterations in FDG uptake in neck, supraclavicular, and paraspinal regions caused by pretreatment with lorazepam (Ativan) prior to PET scanning, and to assess whether these alterations confound interpretation. Methods: 76 consecutive FDG PET scans (54 females, 22 males; age range, 23 to 80 yrs) performed between August, 2005 and January, 2006 were retrospectively reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians blinded to Ativan use and prior scan interpretation. Out of 76 patients, 41 (53%) had breast cancer; 10 (13%) lung cancer; 7 (9%) lymphoma; and 7 (9%) sarcoma. Other cancers were esophageal (n=2), cervical (2), head and neck (2), testicular (1), gastric (1), melanoma (1), pheochromocytoma (1) and small bowel (1). Out of 76 patients, 49 received Ativan. Most (38/49) received 1 mg; 4 patients received 0.5 mg; 3 patients, 2 mg; and 2 patients, 1.5 mg. All patients receiving Ativan were dosed orally one hour prior to FDG injection. FDG uptake in neck, supraclavicular and paraspinal areas was quantitatively compared with mediastinal uptake and qualitatively graded as focal, diffuse, multifocal or linear. Additionally, scans were categorized as to whether non-tumor uptake might confound scan interpretation. Blood sugar and time of scan from injection (10 mCi FDG) were noted. Results: Of the 27 patients not pretreated with Ativan, 14 (51%) had uptake in either the supraclavicular region (12/14 [11 focal,1 diffuse]) or neck (1/14, linear) or both (1/14, focal supraclavicular and linear neck). None showed paraspinal activity. Of the 49 patients pretreated with Ativan, 30 (61%) had supraclavicular, neck, or paraspinal uptake and 19 (39%) had none. Of those with uptake, 20/30 (67%) had supraclavicular uptake (17 focal, 1 diffuse, 2 multifocal); 9/30 (30%) had neck uptake (7 linear, 1 diffuse, 1 multifocal); 1/30 (3%) had paraspinal uptake. Reviewers qualitatively judged that this non-tumor uptake could potentially have confounded interpretation in scans involving only 4/49 (8%) of patients receiving Ativan, and only 1/27 (3%) patient not receiving Ativan. Conclusions: Non-tumor uptake of FDG in neck, supraclavicular, and paraspinal regions was encountered in a higher percentage of patients pretreated with Ativan than not pretreated (61% vs. 51%). In only a small proportion of cases (5/76) was the non-tumor uptake felt to confound PET scan interpretation, and most(4/5)of those patients had been pretreated with Ativan. This puts the routine use of Ativan to minimize non-tumor uptake and improve scan interpretation in dispute.
Glocal: Global Health Through Local Engagement

Abstract Local efforts in global health are a rising area of focus as multigenerational immigrant communities continue to grow in the United States. Immigrant and refugee children are at risk for poor health outcomes due to environmental, social, economic, and individual factors that contribute to inequities in participation within the health care system. This case-based reflection brings to light specific manifestations of the aforementioned factors. Addressing these barriers will promote health equity and allow children, regardless of background, to reach their full potential.
Characterization of High Mortality Probability Operations at National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Hospitals.

This cohort study evaluates the variables used to estimate the risk of mortality in patients at high risk to undergo surgery.
Advancing How We Learn from Biodesign to Mitigate Risks with Next-Generation Genome Engineering

In the last decade, the unprecedented simplicity and flexibility of the CRISPR-Cas system has made it the dominant transformative tool in gene and genome editing. However, this democratized technology is both a boon and a bane, for which we have yet to understand the full potential to investigate and rewrite genomes (also named “genome biodesign”). Rapid CRISPR advances in a range of applications in basic research, agriculture, and clinical applications pose new risks and raise several biosecurity concerns. In such a fast-moving field of research, we emphasize the importance of properly communicating the quality and accuracy of results and recommend new reporting requirements for results derived from next-generation genome engineering.
The Vocational Card Sort Technique: A Different View.

The Vocational Card Sort is best used as a combined assessment and counseling technique that stimulates clients to project their idiosyncratic classifications of occupational values and interests.
Enhanced inhibitory effect of (-) -epigallocatechin-3-gallate on intestinal tumor formation in ApcMin/+ mice by the combination with voluntary exercise or calcium supplementation

4208 Previously, we reported that oral administration of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major catechin in green tea, not only inhibited small intestinal tumor formation in ApcMin/+ mice, but also resulted in decreases of nuclear β-catenin and c-Myc levels and increases of E-cadherin levels in both the small intestinal tumors and HT29 human colon cancer cells (Cancer Res, 2005; 65(22):10623). The decreased nuclear β-catenin and increased E-cadherin levels in the small intestinal tumors was also occurred by short-term treatments of ApcMin/+ mice with EGCG (75 mg/kg i.g. 3h before sacrifice or 0.32% in the drinking fluid for 1 or 2 weeks), suggesting that the inhibition of aberrant β-catenin signaling is a relatively early event after EGCG administration. We then investigated effects of the combination of EGCG with voluntary exercise or calcium supplementation on intestinal tumor formation. In female ApcMin/+ mice maintained on the AIN93G diet, the combination of voluntary exercise with oral administration of 0.32% EGCG for 6 weeks significantly reduced small intestinal tumor formation by 45% (p
Propionibacterium freudenreichii freudenreichii B3523 reduces cecal colonization and internal organ dissemination of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg in finishing turkeys

Summary Previously, we reported that a dairy-originated probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii B3523 (PF) reduced cecal colonization of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg (SH) in poults (2-wk-old) and growing (7-wk-old) turkeys. In the present study, we validated the antibacterial potential of PF in finisher (12-wk-old) turkeys using 2 separate experiments. In each experiment, day-old poults were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups, with 10 turkeys in each group (N = 30 turkeys/experiment). The treatment groups were a negative control (turkeys without PF supplementation or SH challenge), an SH control (SC; turkeys challenged with SH without PF supplementation), and a test group (PFS; turkeys supplemented with PF and challenged with SH). Supplementation of PF at 1012 cfu/5 gallons water was provided to the turkeys in the PFS groups for 12 wk. The turkeys in the SC and PFS groups were challenged with SH at 108 cfu/turkey at 11 wk of age. Five turkeys from each group were euthanized 2 and 7 d after SH challenge. The cecum, liver, and spleen samples were collected to determine colonization of SH in the cecum and SH dissemination to the targeted internal organs. Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii B3523 was recovered at 4.0 log10 cfu/g in the turkey cecum. Supplementation of PF reduced the cecal colonization of SH by >2.0 log10 cfu/g in finishing turkeys (P