cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Citizen Police Academy: Measuring Outcomes

During the past two decades, many American police departments have developed Citizen Police Academies. These programs are intended to improve police-community relations, to educate the public, and to further the implementation of community policing strategies. Despite their widespread use, few efforts have been made to empirically evaluate Citizen Police Academies. This study examines the impact of one Citizen Police Academy program by surveying past program participants. The results show that although the Citizen Police Academy satisfied the department's objectives, the majority of participants entered the program with positive views of the agency. These findings are discussed in terms of the program's overall impact within the community.
Pretreatment with intravenous FGF-13 reduces infarct volume and ameliorates neurological deficits following focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor-13 (FGF-13), novel member of FGF family has recently been molecularly cloned as a result of high throughput sequencing of a ovarian cancer cell, hippocampal, and kidney cDNA libraries. The human gene encodes for a protein with a molecular weight of 22 kDa that is most homologous to FGF-8 (70% similarity). In the current study, we tested the effects of intravenously administered FGF-13 in a model of permanent focal cerebral ischemia in Sprague–Dawley rats. FGF-13 or the vehicle was administered systematically via the tail vein 30 min prior, and 30 min and 24 h after the occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCAo). Animals were weighed and evaluated behaviorally prior to and at 24 and 48 h after MCAo. The volume of cerebral infarct and swelling were determined using an image analysis system (BioQuant) and cresyl violet stained sequential sections from the forebrain region. Histopathology was evaluated to compare the therapeutic effects. We found a 63% reduction in infarct volume in FGF-13- vs. vehicle-treated animals (infarct volume was 21.9±3.8% in vehicle- and 8.1±1.6% in FGF-13-treated rats, p=0.0016) and a moderate inhibition of brain swelling by FGF-13. The reduction in infarct volume and brain swelling were associated with improvement of clinical deficits in FGF-13 treated animals (p
Clinical Results Following Nonoperative Management for Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Dogs

Eighty-five dogs were diagnosed as having rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. They were managed by restriction of activity to leash walks for 3 to 6 weeks, weight loss if indicated, and analgesic medication as needed. Twenty-four of 28 dogs that had a body weight of 15 kg or less (85.7%) were considered to be clinically normal (no lameness and normal range of motion in stifle, 21 dogs) or improved (3 dogs) after an average follow-up period of 36.6 months. Lameness in the remaining four dogs persisted or worsened over an average period of 8.2 months (minimum 6 months), and surgical replacement of the cruciate ligament was performed. Eleven of 57 dogs that had a body weight of 15 kg or greater (19.3%) were classified as normal (4 dogs) or improved (7 dogs) after an average follow-up period of 49.1 months. Lameness in the remaining 46 dogs persisted or worsened over an average period of 10.2 months (minimum 6 months), and surgical replacement of the cruciate ligament was performed.
Concentration of ascorbic acid in human adrenal cortex before and after ACTH administration.

Summary1. The mean ascorbic acid content of the adrenal cortex of human cancer patients prior to ACTH treatment was found to be 131 ± 8 mg per 100 g tissue in the male and 139 ± 5 mg % in the female. 2. A 32% depletion in cortical ascorbic acid was found at 2 to 3 hours after intravenous injection of 25 U.S.P. units of ACTH. 3. The dosage of ACTH required to produce this depletion appears to be about 7 to 8 times that required per kg of body weight for the male hypophysectomized rat and the time elapsed between ACTH injection and maximal ascorbic depletion appears to be greater than 3 hours in the human.
A Novel Method and Testbed for Sensor Management and Patient Diagnosis

Low-cost sensors and wireless systems can now create a constantly vigilant and pervasive monitoring capability at home, at work, and in conventional point-of-care environments. While progress in this area is underway in sensor technology, mobile computing platforms, and data transport, barriers to large scale application remain ahead, particularly in the area of patient disease diagnosis, which generally requires a diverse set of sensors and instruments that are applied at proper times in response to patient state/behavior. As these sensors may be numerous, and may not be worn comfortably and practicably at all times, a solution is required for the systematic selection of sensors at the point of use. We describe the Incremental Diagnosis Method (IDM) system, an embedded decision support system based on Bayesian statistics and decision analysis theory developed to select or deselect available sensors so that the diagnostic certainty of patient condition best improved while the set of sensors used on the patient body is minimized. IDM has been evaluated in a testbed, the Medical Embedded Device for Individualized Care (MEDIC) system, based on standard, ubiquitous wireless platforms. MEDIC supports local sensing and signal processing, autonomous decision support, and remote reconfiguration and control of wearable components. A detailed evaluation of IDM operation and performance for patient gait analysis is also given in this paper. Finally, we also discuss the many new opportunities provided by IDM and the related future research introduced by this capability.
An analysis of transversely varying thickness modes in quartz resonators with bevelled cylindrical edges

The equation for transversely varying thickness modes in doubly rotated quartz resonators is applied in the analysis of trapped energy resonators with bevelled cylindrical edges. The coefficients appearing in the planar differential operator are written as a sum of a mean or isotropic part plus a deviation. Asymptotic eigensolutions for the nearby isotropic case are obtained for the cylindrical bevelled resonator. The resonant frequencies for the actual anisotropic case are obtained from an equation for the perturbation in eigenfrequency from the isotropic solution. A lumped parameter representation of the admittance, which is valid in the vicinity of a resonance, is obtained. Calculated results are presented for a few bevelled AT- and SC-cut quartz resonator. >
Regulation of σ factor activity during Bacillus subtilis development

Progression of Bacillus subtilis through a series of morphological changes is driven by a cascade of sigma (sigma) factors and results in formation of a spore. Recent work has provided new insights into the location and function of proteins that control sigma factor activity, and has suggested that multiple mechanisms allow one sigma factor to replace another in the cascade.
Wiener reconstruction of undersampled imagery

We derive a Fourier-domain Wiener filter for the reconstruction of undersampled imagery. The filter differs from previous implementations in that it permits adjustment of the trade-offs between sharpness of the reconstruction, noise amplification, and aliasing artifact suppression. Additionally, a net transfer function that characterizes the combined effects of the imaging system and the reconstruction process is derived. This net transfer function is valid for both unaliased and aliased spatial frequencies. The expression for the net transfer function is applicable to more general linear image sharpening algorithms.
Diabetes Simulators: Ready for Prime Time?

55 D IABETES IS A DISEASE OF COMPROMISES. Irrefutable evidence demonstrates that good glycemic control significantly reduces the risk for developing many of the devastating longterm complications of diabetes. Conversely, limitations inherent in the current methods for providing insulin replacement make euglycemia a very dangerous proposition for most type 1 diabetics because of the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Normal beta cells within the pancreas modulate insulin secretion, responding in minutes to small changes in blood glucose concentrations. This tight feedback loop maintains blood glucose concentrations within a narrow range. Current clinical insulin regimes pale in comparison. Patients, and often their families, face a substantial challenge as they tread the narrow path between lowand high-glucose concentrations each day. Using a handful of glucose determinations each day, they must integrate diet and activity with a bewildering array of possible exogenous insulin preparations and doses to forge a reasonable level of glycemic control. Given this complexity, patients and providers alike seek a clear-cut set of rules to guide them to euglycemia. Given our increasing understanding of physiology and the massive computing capability on our desktops, an algorithm to predict glucose concentrations does not seem, at first blush, an unreasonable request. With some patient-specific information, shouldn’t we be able to accurately predict the glucose concentrations resulting from various dietary and insulin regimens? In the article elsewhere in this issue, Dr. E.D. Lehmann discusses one such glucose simulator, AIDA v4.0. This program is freely available via the Internet. A DOS program, it ran reasonably well in a Windows 95 environment. The user interface is a bit cumbersome. The program uses a physiology-based, single glucose compartment model to integrate the actions of carbohydrates and exogenous insulin. Glucose enters the compartment by intestinal absorption and liver gluconeogenesis. Glucose leaves the compartment via insulin-independent and insulin-dependent pathways. Hepatic and peripheral glucose utilization are modeled separately so that different insulin sensitivities may be assigned to each. Renal glucose losses occur when the renal threshold is exceeded. Insulin concentrations (from virtual subcutaneous injections) are derived using a two-compartment model. Counterregulatory hormones, exercise, stress, and circadian variations in insulin sensitivity are not included within this model. The technical guide that is included in the program contains a complete description of the equations involved in the model. The author has done some evaluation of the potential clinical utility of this model using patient specific parameters derived from actual historical glucose concentrations. Reasonably large differences were found between predicted and actual glucose concentrations.
Simulations of Multiphase Particle Deposition on a Showerhead With Staggered Film-Cooling Holes

The demand for cleaner, more efficient energy has driven the motivation for improving the performance standards for gas turbines. Increasing the combustion temperature is one way to get the best possible performance from a gas turbine. One problem associated with increased combustion temperatures is that particles ingested in the fuel and air become more prone to deposition with an increase in turbine inlet temperature. Deposition on aero-engine turbine components caused by sand particle ingestion can impair turbine cooling methods and lead to reduced component life. It is necessary to understand the extent to which particle deposition affects turbine cooling in the leading edge region of the nozzle guide vane where intricate showerhead cooling geometries are utilized. For the current study, wax was used to dynamically simulate multi-phase particle deposition on a large scale showerhead cooling geometry. The effects of deposition development, coolant blowing ratio, and particle temperature were tested. Infrared thermography was used to quantify the effects of deposition on cooling effectiveness. Although deposition decreased with an increase in coolant blowing ratio, results showed that reductions in cooling effectiveness caused by deposition increased with an increase in blowing ratio. Results also showed that effectiveness reduction increased with an increase in particle temperature. Reductions in cooling effectiveness reached as high as 36% at M = 1.0.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Incidence and Syndromes Associated with Congenital Anomalies of the Upper Limb

Between 0.16 and 0.21 % of children born are affected with congenital anomalies of the upper limb (CAUL). The registry and case series with these incidence data are reviewed. There are many syndromes with CAUL as a presenting feature. We review those syndromes with polydactyly, syndactyly, brachydactyly, oligodactyly, or reduction defects as a defining feature. When known, their associated genetic locus is given.
Terapia celular no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio

Neste artigo, os autores abordam os conceitos e evidencias atualmente disponiveis sobre a terapia celular no tratamento de pacientes pos-infarto agudo do miocardio. Os tipos celulares potencialmente candidatos ao uso clinico sao enfatizados, considerando-se as vias de administracao e as perspectivas futuras.
INDUCTION THERMOCHEMOTHERAPY INCREASES THERAPEUTIC GAIN FACTOR FOR THE FRACTIONATED RADIOTHERAPY GIVEN TO A MOUSE FIBROSARCOMA

Abstract Purpose: It has been shown that thermochemotherapy (TC) given prior to radiation reduces the number of clonogens, with a resultant decrease in the tumor control radiation dose. The purpose of this article was to investigate using an animal tumor model how this clonogen reduction affects subsequent fractionated radiotherapy, including repopulation of surviving clonogens, and whether the induction TC can increase the therapeutic gain factor (TGF). Methods and Materials: The single-cell suspensions prepared from the fourth-generation isotransplants of a spontaneous fibrosarcoma, FSa-II, were transplanted into the C3Hf/Sed mouse foot. TC was given by heating tumors at 41.5° for 30 min immediately after an intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) when tumors reached an average diameter of 4 mm. Fractionated radiotherapy (R) with equally graded daily doses was initiated 24 h after TC either in air (A) or under hypoxic conditions (H). The 50% tumor control dose (TCD 50 ) and the radiation dose to induce a score 2.0 reaction (complete epilation with fibrosis) in one-half of irradiated animals, RD 50 (2.0), were obtained, and the TGF was calculated. Our previous results on the fractionated radiotherapy using the same tumor system served as controls. Results: The TCD 50 (A, single dose) and TCD 50 (H, single dose) following TC + R were 52.5 and 57.3 Gy, respectively, which were 14.0 and 20.4 Gy lower than those following radiation alone. The TCD 50 (A, TC + R) increased only slightly when the number of fractions was increased from one to 10 doses, and all TCD 50 s were significantly lower than the TCD 50 (A, R alone). Both TCD 50 (H, TC + R) and TCD 50 (H, R alone) increased consistently from a single dose to 20 doses, but all TCD 50 (H, TC + R) were significantly lower than the TCD 50 (H, R alone). Regarding the normal tissue reaction, the RD 50 values both following TC + R and R alone increased consistently from a single dose to 20 daily doses. However, the RD 50 (TC + R) and RD 50 (R alone) for each corresponding number of fractions was not significantly different, resulting in the TGFs significantly > 1.0 for combined TC + R treatments, with the exception of 20 daily doses given in air. Conclusion: The induction Tc decreased the TCD 50 values substantially without altering the RD 50 for a late reaction, resulting in an significant increase in the TGF. These results encourage the use of TC as an induction treatment prior to fractionated radiotherapy.
A Comparison of Mercury Contamination in Mussel and Ammocoete Filter Feeders

Abstract The Trinity River, California, has an extensive history of gold and mercury mining, and recent studies demonstrated uptake of legacy mercury contamination by teleost fishes. We investigated mercury concentrations of larval lampreys (ammocoetes; Entosphenus spp.) and western pearlshell mussels (Margaritifera falcata) in the Trinity River to determine whether these two long-lived and sedentary filter feeders show site-specific differences in uptake of this contaminant. We analyzed ammocoetes from four sites in the Trinity River and one reference site in the Mad River for total mercury and mussels from three of the Trinity River sites for total and methyl mercury. We identified longitudinal gradients in ammocoete total mercury levels and methyl mercury in mussels. We found a 70% increase in total mercury in ammocoetes between two of the sample sites, suggesting a potential point source of contamination. Ammocoetes contained levels of mercury 12 to 25 times those of mussels from the same site. Our da...
A phase II trial of gemcitabine, irinotecan and panitumumab in advanced cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract Background Current data suggest that chemotherapy combinations may be superior to single agents in biliary tract cancer. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway appears to be associated with tumor stage, prognosis and response to therapy. This trial was designed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of the combination of panitumumab, a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody, with gemcitabine and irinotecan. Patients and methods Patients with advanced (unresectable or metastatic) cholangiocarcinoma, ECOG PS 0–2, and adequate organ function were treated with panitumumab (9 mg/kg) on day 1, and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and irinotecan (100 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The primary objective was to evaluate the 5-month progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary objectives included overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). Mutational analyses of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF were carried out when feasible. Results Thirty-five patients received a median of 7 (0–30) cycles. The most common grade 3/4 toxic effects were neutropenia (10 patients, 29%), thrombocytopenia (10 patients, 29%), skin rash (13 patients, 37%) and dehydration (9 patients, 26%). Two patients had CR, 9 had partial response (PR), and 15 had SD for a disease-control rate of 74% (by RECIST) in 28 assessable patients. Two patients went on to have surgical resection. The 5-month PFS was 69%. The median PFS was 9.7 months and the median OS was 12.9 months. In 17 testable samples, no EGFR or BRAF mutations were identified; there were 7 KRAS mutations, with no difference in OS by KRAS status. Conclusions This study showed encouraging efficacy of this regimen with good tolerability. Further study in this area is warranted. Clinical Trials Number: The trial was registered with the National Cancer Institute ( www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00948935).
Neuropsychiatric changes in HIV/hepatitis C coinfected patients undergoing interferon therapy.

A large percentage of HIV-infected patients are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current treatment available for HCV combines interferon and ribavirin therapy for 6 months or longer. Interferon is associated with numerous neuropsychiatric side effects including depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and irritability. The potential for developing depression is particularly concerning with coinfection because the incidence of depression is higher in the HIV-seropositive population than in the general population. This article discusses the mechanism and prevalence of interferon-induced depression and the debate regarding appropriateness of treatment in certain segments of the HIV population. The role of anti-depressants as both treatment and a prophylaxis against interferon-related depression is reviewed. Nurses have a critical role in the care of HIV/HCV coinfected patients who are undergoing treatment with interferon and ribavirin. They both assess for treatment readiness prior to initiation and provide close monitoring for the development of neuropsychiatric disturbances while on therapy.
A modified projection reconstruction trajectory for reduction of undersampling artifacts

Purpose To reduce undersampling artifacts for a given number of repetitions of the projection reconstruction (PR) sequence by modifying its k-space trajectory to sample more mid-frequencies while reducing the sampling coverage of the peripheral spatial frequencies. Materials and Methods The single k-space spoke measured per repetition in the standard PR was modified so that one complete and two partial spokes were measured per repetition but with decreased k-space extent. The point spread functions (PSFs) and undersampling artifacts of the modified PR were compared with those of the standard PR for various numbers of projections. Phantom and in vivo images were used to assess the relative performance. Results PSF analysis indicated that the modified PR method provided reduced undersampling artifacts with somewhat reduced spatial resolution. The phantom and in vivo images corroborated this. Conclusion The modified PR trajectory provides reduced undersampling artifact vs. the standard PR, particularly when the number of projections is limited and the artifact level is high. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:179–186. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impact of Noise and Target Fluctuation on the Performance of Frank Polyphase Coded Radar Signals

The authors evaluate the impact of Swerling I and Swerling II target scintillation models in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise on the resolution properties of pseudonoise (PN) sequence coded waveforms. There are two major factors which significantly affect the performance of radar systems. The first well-known factor is noise, ambient or intentional. The second factor is due to the variation in the echo signal with time: this is also called target fluctuation or scintillation. The effect due to each of these factors has been incorporated into the performance evaluation procedure by applying appropriate statistical models to the problem. The results presented bear out the fact that the use of an appropriate model is highly desirable to avoid misleading results. >
Encapsulation of inorganic particles via miniemulsion polymerization. I. Dispersion of titanium dioxide particles in organic media using OLOA 370 as stabilizer

The dispersion of hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles in organic media (styrene and cyclohexane) was studied to evaluate the effect of dispersion quality (i.e., size and stability) on the encapsulation efficiencies of subsequent miniemulsion polymerizations. Through screening studies of various block copolymers, OLOA 370 (polybutene–succinimide pentamine) was chosen as the stabilizer for detailed dispersion studies on both types of TiO2 particles. As a result of strong interactions between the amine end group of the OLOA 370 stabilizer and the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the hydrophilic TiO2 particles, a good dispersion stability and small particle size (Dv = 39–45 nm) was obtained using 1.0 wt % stabilizer and 20 min of sonification. The dispersions of the hydrophobic TiO2 particles resulted in a larger average particle size (Dv = 60 nm) and poorer stability. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4419–4430, 2000
Embedded hardware face detection

Face detection is the first step towards face recognition and is a vital task in surveillance and security applications. Current software implementations of face detection algorithms lack the computational ability to support detection in real time video streams. Consequently, this work focuses on the design of special-purpose hardware for performing rotation invariant face detection. The synthesized design using 160 nm technology is found to operate at 409.5 kHz providing a throughput of 424 frames per second and consumes 7 Watts of power. The synthesized design provided 75% accuracy in detecting faces from a set of 55 images that is competitive with existing software implementations that provide around 80-85% accuracy.
Pseudonoise with Arbitrary Amplitude Distribution--Part I: Theory

Many cases arise in practice where a versatile hardwired pseudorandom number or pseudonoise generator would be extremely useful. General-purpose pseudonoise devices are not available today. We present a new sampling method, conditional bit sampling, which is suited for hardwired sampling devices because of its generality, simplicity, and accuracy. Random variables sampled from an arbitrary distribution are generated bit by bit from high- to low-order bits with the conditional bit algorithm. The result of a comparison of a uniform number to a conditional probability determines whether a bit in the sampled random number is set to one. The conditional probabilities are easily calculated for any probability distribution and must be arranged in special order. Simple Fortran programs make all necessary computations. Agreement between actual and theoretical performance of the conditional bit algorithm was excellent when sampling accuracy was evaluated for several examples of continuous and discrete densities. Sampling from empirically known, perhaps erratic-shaped, densities presents no problems. Only a small memory containing the conditional probabilities needs to be changed to alter the sampled distribution. The conditional bit algorithmic process always remains the same.
Anthocyanins and Flavonoids of Vaccinium L.

Vaccinium L., comprising approximately 450 species primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, is a genus of shrubs or lianas in the family Ericaceae. The berries of many species are harvested for household consumption and commercial sale. The genus produces a wide range of compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, chromones, coumarins, lignans, benzoic acids, iridoids, sterols, and triterpenoids, but is best known for the production of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Extracts and isolates of anthocyanins and flavonoids from Vaccinium fruits or leaves showed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, vasoprotective, and antifungal activities. To data, more than 116 anthocyanins and flavonoids compounds have been isolated and identified primarily from the fruits or leaves of Vaccinium. This article reviews phytochemistry and pharmaceutical properties of these compounds.
Properties of levels in 132Ba and 132Xe populated by 132Cs

Abstract The energies and intensities of the transitions in the decay of 132 Cs have been determined with improved accuracy with a 30 cm 3 Ge(Li) detector and 4096-channel analyser. The following transitions were measured in 132 Xe (energies in keV and intensities in parentheses): 363.0±1.0(0.7±0.1), 505.7±0.4(8.3±0.8), 629.8±0.2(10.1±1.0), 667.65±0.09(1000), 772.4±0.4(0.79±0.07), 1135.8±0.2(5.0±0.4), 1297.7±0.5(0.48±0.04), 1317.65±0.15(6.1±0.5) and 1985.3±0.3(0.74±0.07) and 464.5±0.2(18.8±2.0), 567.0±0.8(2.6±0.3) and 1031.4±0.2(1.2±0.1) in 132 Ba . The level energies in 132 Xe determined from these results are 667.65±0.09, 1297.6±0.2, 1440.1±0.4, 1803.4±0.2 and 1985.30±0.15 keV. The first two excited states in 132 Ba are at 464.5±0.2 and 1031.4±0.2 keV.
Networks, Trust, and Innovation in Tanzania's Manufacturing Sector

Abstract The social dimensions of innovation are examined for a group of manufacturers in Mwanza, Tanzania. Social networks of businesspeople in Mwanza are found to support innovation in manufacturing firms. Trust in these relations is especially important as it improves the quality of information exchanges and encourages the development of strong intracommunity ties and weak intercommunity relations. A typology of manufacturers demonstrates how different social strategies relate to innovation. The findings suggest that openness to social relations enhances innovation but that weak formal institutions discourage manufacturers from extending their social relations beyond core networks.
RPTPμ and protein tyrosine phosphorylation regulate K+ channel mRNA expression in adult cardiac myocytes

Previously, we reported that cell-cell contact regulates K + channel mRNA expression in cultured adult rat cardiac myocytes. Here we show that exposing cardiac myocytes to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein, tyrphostin A25), but not inactive analogs, prevents downregulation of Kv1.5 mRNA and upregulation of Kv4.2 mRNA normally observed when they are cultured under low-density conditions. Furthermore, cardiac myocytes cocultured with cells that endogenously (Mv 1 Lu) or heterologously (Chinese hamster ovary cells) express the receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase μ (RPTPμ) display Kv1.5 mRNA levels paralleling that which was observed in myocytes cultured under high-density conditions and in intact tissue. In contrast, myocytes cocultured with control cells failed to produce this response. Finally, it is shown that Kv4.2 mRNA expression is unaffected by RPTPμ. These findings reveal that multiple tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms control cardiac myocyte K + channel genes. Furthermore, we conclude that RPTPμ specifically regulates cardiac myocyte Kv1.5 mRNA expression. Thus this receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase may be important in responses to pathological conditions associated with the loss of cell-cell interactions in the heart.
Correlation Structures of Pressure Field and Integrated Forces on Oscillating Prism in Turbulent Flows

AbstractThis study sought to illuminate the turbulence-induced changes in the aerodynamic correlation structure on a stationary/oscillating rectangular prism. A forced-vibration system was used with a model instrumented with 66 pressure transducers. The study included the effects of the turbulence intensity, turbulence integral scale, and structural motion on the spanwise and streamwise correlation (or coherence) of integrated aerodynamic quantities (lift force or torsional moment) and pressures. These effects are discussed based on the stationary model tests, the oscillating model tests in the low to the high reduced velocity ranges, which are characterized as three different aerodynamic regimes. In general, the turbulence scale effects are more significant than those of the turbulence intensity. Larger turbulence scale usually leads to larger spanwise correlation of aerodynamic quantities on stationary models, but the results of the oscillating model tests in the low reduced velocity range indicate a re...
Does Crime Cause Punitiveness

Why are Americans so punitive toward criminals? Some theories of punitiveness suggest that exposure to crime makes people more supportive of punitive policies toward criminals. We analyzed national survey data and found that neither support for longer prison sentences for four different crimes nor support for the death penalty had a significant positive association with crime rates, prior victimization, vicarious victimization, higher perceived risk of victimization, or fear of crime. Instead, punitiveness was related to how often people watched local TV news, the percent Republican of the person’s county, and race. Support for harsh treatment of criminals therefore appears to be more a product of race, ideology, and news media presentations of crime than of the reality of crime.
A New Genus in the Lophiaceae

Clemen,on, H. 1976. Quantitative Schatzungen zur takonomischen Stellung der Panaeoloideae (Agaricales, Basidiomycetes). Schweiz. Z. Pilzk. 42: 45-51. Kiefer, J. 1975. Review of Bayesian analysis of generic relations in Agaricales, by R. E. Machol and R. Singer. Mycologia 67: 203-205. -. 1979. Comments on taxonomy, independence, and mathematical models (with reference to a methodology of Machol and Singer). Mycologia 71: 343-378. Machol, R. E., and R. Singer. 1971. Bayesian analysis of generic relations in Agaricales. Nova Hedwigia 21: 753-787. , and . 1977. Taxonomic position of Hydropus floccipes and allied species-a quantitative approach. Mycologia 69: 1162-1172. Singer, R. 1975. The Agaricales in modern taxonomy, 3rd ed. Cramer, Vaduz. 912 p.
White matter microstructure among youth with perinatally acquired HIV is associated with disease severity.

Objectives We investigated whether HIV disease severity was associated with alterations in structural brain connectivity, and whether those alterations in turn were associated with cognitive deficits in youth with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV). Design PHIV youth (n = 40) from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS) (mean age: 16 ± 2 years) were included to evaluate how current and past disease severity measures (recent/nadir CD4%; peak viral load) relate to white matter microstructure within PHIV youth. PHIV youth were compared with 314 controls from the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition and Genetics (PING) study. Methods Diffusion tensor imaging and tractography were utilized to assess white matter microstructure. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether microstructure alterations contributed to relationships between higher disease severity and specific cognitive domains in PHIV youth. Results Whole brain fractional anisotropy was reduced, but radial and mean diffusivity were increased in PHIV compared with control youth. Within PHIV youth, more severe past HIV disease was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy of the right inferior fronto-occipital (IFO) and left uncinate tracts; elevated mean diffusivity of the F minor; and increased streamlines comprising the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). Associations of higher peak viral load with lower working memory performance were partly mediated by reductions in right IFO fractional anisotropy levels. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PHIV youth have a higher risk of alterations in white matter microstructure than typically developing youth, and certain alterations are related to past disease severity. Further, white matter alterations potentially mediate associations between HIV disease and working memory.
An instrument for measuring autonomy-related attitudes and behaviors in women nursing students.

For the past 30 years, researchers have attempted to measure the characteristic of autonomy in nursing students, yet for the most part, the findings reflect neither an accurate nor current profile. Historically, there has been a misunderstanding of how women manifest autonomy due to the tradition of defining autonomy based on the male model, i.e., autonomy through power and separation. Nurse researcher-educators are in a unique position to develop instruments, conduct research, and interpret findings concerning characteristics identified as important for women nursing students. The purpose of this study was to design an instrument for quantitative measurement of autonomy-related attitudes and behaviors specific to women nursing students based on the female model, i.e., autonomy through caring and affiliation. Stability reliability (test/retest = 0.90), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), and content and construct (factor analysis, contrasted groups, experimental manipulation, and convergent) validity have been established for this instrument. It is intended that the instrument be used to evaluate the efficacy of the socialization process in nursing education.
Expected net gain data of low-template DNA analyses.

Low-template DNA analyses are affected by stochastic effects which can produce a configuration of peaks in the electropherogram (EPG) that is different from the genotype of the DNA׳s donor. A probabilistic and decision-theoretic model can quantify the expected net gain (ENG) of performing a DNA analysis by the difference between the expected value of information (EVOI) and the cost of performing the analysis. This article presents data on the ENG of performing DNA analyses of low-template DNA for a single amplification, two replicate amplifications, and for a second replicate amplification given the result of a first analysis. The data were obtained using amplification kits AmpFlSTR Identifiler Plus and Promega׳s PowerPlex 16 HS, an ABI 3130xl genetic sequencer, and Applied Biosystem׳s GeneMapper ID-X software. These data are supplementary to an original research article investigating whether a forensic DNA analyst should perform a single DNA analysis or two replicate analyses from a decision-theoretic point of view, entitled “Low-template DNA: a single DNA analysis or two replicates?” (Gittelson et al., 2016) [1].
Hormones and the Kidney

In its endocrine relationships, the kidney plays a tripartite role: It serves as a target organ for a number of hormones; it influences the metabolism of various others, including insulin and parathyroid hormone; finally it acts directly as an endocrine organ, secreting regulatory hormones. These renal-endocrine relationships and their effects, both physiologic and pathologic, on renal function are considered in detail.
Nonlinear optics made clear

The discipline of nonlinear optics was precipitated in 1961 with the observation of second-harmonic generation from a crystal subjected to an intense laser field. This, and many of the plethora of other nonlinear effects observed since, may be understood in terms of oscillations of the macroscopic matter polarisation at combination frequencies of the applied fields. To effect such a nonlinear response requires rather large driving fields, which are nowadays readily available from lasers. In the low-intensity limit, the response is linear in the applied fields, and the familiar dispersive and absorptive properties of the Lorentz model are recovered.
The Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression Study: 12 Weeks of Extended, Blinded Treatment in Clinical Responders

Abstract Objectives: Previous “Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression” (TOSCA) reports demonstrated that many children with severe physical aggression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) responded well to two randomized treatments (parent training [PT]+stimulant+placebo = Basic vs. PT+stimulant+risperidone = Augmented) for 9 weeks. An important clinical question is whether these favorable outcomes are maintained over longer times. Methods: Clinical responders to the 9-week trial (n = 103/168), defined as Clinical Global Impressions (CGI)-Improvement of much/very much improved plus substantial reduction in parent ratings of disruptiveness, were followed another 12 weeks (21 weeks total) while remaining on blinded treatment. Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impressions scale, Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF), other parent/teacher-rated scales, laboratory tests, clinician ratings of abnormal movement, and other adverse events (AEs). Results: Parent ratings of problem beh...
Comparison of three methods for ellipsometry characterization of thin absorbing films

Abstract Ellipsometry is a surface and film analytical technique which takes advantage of the fact that light reflecting from a surface undergoes a change in polarization state depending upon the geometric structure and materials of which it is composed. The predicted change is expressed in a mathematical model containing the surface descriptive parameters. In the common measurement scenario some of these parameters may be known and some, unknown. Thus the method requires data analysis to put measurement and theory into agreement. The purpose of the work here is to take the exact same films and measurements and to make a direct comparison between different methods for determining the model and achieving agreement with computed measurements. The three methods are that of Yamamoto which solves for pairs of measurements on growing films, the method in common use which seeks statistical agreement using simultaneous data regression algorithms, and the methods in the n-k plane which cast the problem into a deterministic mathematical expression for solution. Three different materials systems are explored; NiOx/Si, Cr/Si, and Ni/BK7. In each case the film is absorbing and ranges from a few nanometers up to approximately 30 nm in thickness. Differences in resolution, accuracy, model specificity, and difficulty of application are presented.
Structural and Electrochemical Characteristics of Ca-Doped “Flower-like” Li4Ti5O12 Motifs as High-Rate Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Doped motifs offer an intriguing structural pathway toward improving conductivity for battery applications. Specifically, Ca-doped, three-dimensional “flower-like” Li4–xCaxTi5O12 (“x” = 0, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) micrometer-scale spheres have been successfully prepared for the first time using a simple and reproducible hydrothermal reaction followed by a short calcination process. The products were experimentally characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge testing. Calcium dopant ions were shown to be uniformly distributed within the LTO structure without altering the underlying “flower-like” morphology. The largest lattice expansion and the highest Ti3+ ratios were noted ...
HCMV glycoprotein B subunit vaccine efficacy mediated by nonneutralizing antibody effector functions

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide, frequently causing hearing loss and brain damage in afflicted infants. A vaccine to prevent maternal acquisition of HCMV during pregnancy is necessary to reduce the incidence of infant disease. The glycoprotein B (gB) + MF59 adjuvant subunit vaccine platform is the most successful HCMV vaccine tested to date, demonstrating ∼50% efficacy in preventing HCMV acquisition in multiple phase 2 trials. However, the mechanism of vaccine protection remains unknown. Plasma from 33 postpartum women gB/MF59 vaccinees at peak immunogenicity was tested for gB epitope specificity as well as neutralizing and nonneutralizing anti-HCMV effector functions and compared with an HCMV-seropositive cohort. gB/MF59 vaccination elicited IgG responses with gB-binding magnitude and avidity comparable to natural infection. Additionally, IgG subclass distribution was similar with predominant IgG1 and IgG3 responses induced by gB vaccination and HCMV infection. However, vaccine-elicited antibodies exhibited limited neutralization of the autologous virus, negligible neutralization of multiple heterologous strains, and limited binding responses against gB structural motifs targeted by neutralizing antibodies including AD-1, AD-2, and domain I. Vaccinees had high-magnitude IgG responses against AD-3 linear epitopes, demonstrating immunodominance against this nonneutralizing, cytosolic region. Finally, vaccine-elicited IgG robustly bound membrane-associated gB on the surface of transfected or HCMV-infected cells and mediated virion phagocytosis, although were poor mediators of NK cell activation. Altogether, these data suggest that nonneutralizing antibody functions, including virion phagocytosis, likely played a role in the observed 50% vaccine-mediated protection against HCMV acquisition.
Kleptocracy and Its Relation to Economic Performance: The Case Study of Congo

Researchers have attributed the low productivity growth rates of African agricultural sector to many factors including weather patterns, growing conditions, institutions and other economic factors; however, it is reasonable to assume that individual leaders’ decisions can impede the economic growth and development in weakly institutionalized countries. This early public policy “Zairianization” has impaired the economic performance of the Congo. This case study illustrates such effect on Congo’s agricultural sector. Results suggest that the total loss tapped $160.34 billion from 1974 to 2009 with an annual average loss of $5.5 billion (28 percent of GDP). The loss ranges from $3.02 billion to $ 5.5 billion.
Marked alkaline phosphatase elevation with partial common bile duct obstruction due to calcific pancreatitis.

Abstract This study characterizes a syndrome of partial common bile duct obstruction and marked elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase in 6 male alcoholic patients with calcific pancreatitis. In each patient, a marked elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase was associated with minimal, if any, elevation in serum bilirubin. In all cases, the alkaline phosphatase was hepatic in origin, and intravenous or operative cholangiography showed a dilated common bile duct. Liver biopsy showed canalicular bile stasis in 4 patients and bile duct proliferation in 2 patients. This study demonstrates that calcific pancreatitis may cause partial bile duct obstruction which differentially increases serum alkaline phosphatase without altering bilirubin or bromsulphthalein excretion.
NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent HMGB1 release induced by a bacterial pore-forming toxin (136.15)

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a caspase-1-containing complex involved in the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. NLRP3, independent of its inflammasome functions, also plays a role in a cathepsin B-dependent, caspase-1-independent necrotic cell death process known as pyronecrosis. We have previously shown that the cholesterol-dependent, pore-forming toxin tetanolysin O (TLO) triggers IL-1β release from LPS-primed murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) in a NLRP3 inflammasome- and cathepsin B-dependent manner. The work contained herein supports an additional role for TLO in the necrosis of LPS-primed BMDM. Both a low and a high TLO dose induce release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and this release is NLRP3-dependent for the low toxin dose. Low dose TLO-induced HMGB1 release is also dependent on the activities of caspase-1 and cathepsin B, suggesting a novel form of cell death that is distinct from caspase-1-independent pyronecrosis. We also observe via fixed cell microscopy that TLO causes HMGB1 to move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in LPS-primed BMDM and that HMGB1 release is dependent on NLRP3 activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to visualize HMGB1 localization in cells lacking NLRP3. These results provide information on the regulation of HMGB1 release and could eventually lead to new therapeutic approaches to target HMGB1, which contributes to many inflammatory diseases.
Computational neuroimaging: monitoring reward learning with blood flow

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the strengths and limitations of functional MRI (fMRI) in the study of reward processing and reviews recent advances in using fMRI to map, and in some instances extend, reinforcement learning models of human brain function. The reward prediction error theory of dopamine function is one of the great recent advances in neuroscience. It has spurred research on reinforcement learning at all levels of investigation that has now localized many components of the associated computational algorithms to specific neural processes. With these advances, interest has expanded to include the neural basis of human reward learning and decision-making. Functional MRI (fMRI) has become the method of choice for these experiments since it offers the desired combination of spatial and temporal resolution. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the strengths and limitations of fMRI in the study of reward processing and review recent advances in using fMRI to map, and, in some instances extend, reinforcement learning models of human brain function.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Noninvasive Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression. By degrading or blocking translation of messenger RNA targets, these non-coding RNAs can modulate the expression of more than half the protein-coding genes in mammalian genomes. MiRNAs play important regulatory roles in a variety of cellular functions and in several diseases, including cancer. Aberrant miRNA expression has been well characterized in cancer, with implications for progression and prognosis. Recently, the discovery of miRNAs in body fluids, such as serum and plasma, opens up the possibility of using them as noninvasive biomarkers of disease and therapy response. In this chapter, we discuss the use of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of disease and therapy response and as diagnostic and prognostic markers in breast cancer. We also discuss the main issues related to establishing circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in cancer.