cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Free Testing and PrEP without Outing Myself to Parents:" Motivation to participate in oral and injectable PrEP clinical trials among adolescent men who have sex with men.

Background Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) account for disproportionately high numbers of new HIV diagnoses. Non-adherence to daily use limiting the effectiveness of oral PrEP (Truvada) has led to current trials with adult MSM testing Cabotegravir, a long-term injectable medication. Once comparative studies with young adult MSM have established relative safety and efficacy of these medications, there will be a need for such comparative trials involving adolescents. Trends in state laws and IRB protocol review indicate that many of these studies will permit youth to provide independent consent for participation. Understanding the motivations of AMSM to participate in HIV biomedical prevention studies is important to ensure their agreement is voluntary without misunderstanding and undue influence. This study examined AMSM attitudes toward participation in oral/injectable PrEP RCTs to inform protections of youth’s rights and welfare in future studies. Methods We administered to 198 ethnically diverse U.S. AMSM, 14–17 years, a web-based survey including demographic and sexual health questions, description of a year-long oral versus injectable PrEP RCT and 26 Likert-type and one open-ended item assessing motivations for and against participation including: perceived benefits and risks of PrEP; free HIV/STI testing and counseling; confidentiality concerns; random assignment; and benefit to others. Results Sixty-two percent indicated they were likely to participate in the study. The majority endorsed daily HIV protection, free HIV/STI testing, sexual health counseling, not having to rely on partner’s condom use, and altruism as reasons to participate. Reasons against participation included medication side effects, concern taking the pill daily and clinic visits would reveal their sexual orientation and behaviors to parents. Over half erroneously assumed they would be assigned to the condition best for them and 39% indicated free access to services would lead them to participate even if they did not want to. Multiple regression indicated these factors accounted for 55% of the variance in participation choice. Nether age or ethnicity yielded significance. Conclusions Results suggest future biomedical HIV prevention research will need to develop procedures to address AMSM’s confidentiality concerns, enhance youth’s understanding of random assignment, the continued importance of medication adherence and partner condom use during trial participation, and availability of alternative sexual health services to avoid the potentially undue influence of access to free sexual health services.
Generation of Nppa-tagBFP reporter knock-in mouse line for studying cardiac chamber specification

Nppa is a cardiac hormone which plays critical roles in regulating salt-water balance. Its expression is restricted to the atria of the healthy post-natal heart. During heart development, spatio-temporal expression of Nppa is dynamically changed within the heart and becomes restricted to the atria upon birth. In contrast to its atrial specific expression after birth, Nppa is re-expressed in the adult ventricles in response to cardiac hypertrophy. To study cardiac chamber specification during development and pathological cardiac remodeling during heart disease, we generated a novel Nppa reporter mouse line by knocking-in a tagBFP reporter cassette into 3'-UTR of the Nppa gene without disrupting the endogenous gene. Our results demonstrated dynamic tagBFP expression in the developing heart, recapitulating the spatiotemporal expression pattern of endogenous Nppa. We also found that Nppa-tagBFP is induced in the ventricle during pathological remodeling. Taken together, Nppa-tagBFP reporter knock-in mouse model described in this article will serve as a valuable tool to study cardiac chamber specification during development as well as pathological cardiac remodeling.
Data Flow Execution Models — A Third Opinion

In this talk, we offer a third opinion on data flow execution models that is influenced by the major disruptions in computing that are emerging with the coming end of Moore’s Law.
Assessment and Management of HIV Distal Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy: Understanding the Symptoms

Distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (HIV-DSP) affects upwards of 50% of people living with HIV. Causing often debilitating symptoms of tingling, numbness and burning, HIV-DSP can result in disability, unemployment and low quality of life. Comorbidities further complicate nursing care, heightening risk of polypharmacy and symptom exacerbation. Therefore, a neurological sensory assessment, combined with the patient's self-report of symptoms, can help nurse practitioners visualize, quantify and understand symptoms. Common pharmacological interventions include antiepileptics, antidepressants, analgesics and medical marijuana. The complexity of care for individuals with HIV-DSP merits a comprehensive approach. Implications for practice include interdisciplinary management with neurologists, podiatrists, mental health providers, and nurse-led counseling inclusive of patient safety teaching.
A divide-and-conquer approach for the computation of the Moore-Penrose inverses

Abstract In this paper, we present a divide-and-conquer method for computing the Moore-Penrose inverse of a bidiagonal matrix. Working together with the effective parallel algorithms for the reduction of a general matrix to the bidiagonal matrix, the proposed method provides a new parallel approach for the computation of the Moore-Penrose inverse of a general matrix. This new approach was implemented in the CUDA environment and a significant speedup was observed on randomly generated matrices.
On Argument Evaluation.

The traditional assumption that one primary function of argument criticism is to improve decision-making recently has come under attack. Willard has advanced the view that no justifiable standards ...
Retrospective study evaluating the safety of administering pegfilgrastim on the final day of 5-fluorouracil continuous intravenous infusion.

BackgroundPegfilgrastim, a long-acting granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor used to prevent neutropenia, is not indicated for administration within 24 h of completion of chemotherapy. The safety o...
COVID-19: A Surgical Perspective for when the curve flattens

At the present time it is clear that our global healthcare community was not prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals in the hardest hit areas have been transformed to COVID centres. Surgical societies have recommended postponing non-emergency surgery, and have given recommendations for triaging the ever- growing backlog of patients. However, simply resuming these non-emergency surgeries may lead the healthcare system into a second disaster. If healthcare policymakers around the world do not systematically consider how to resume normal surgical services, hospitals will be quickly overwhelmed, vital resources will be depleted, and patients and providers alike will face an increased exposure risk. This perspective serves to highlight certain aspects of returning to normal that physicians and hospital administrators alike must consider to avoid potential catastrophe.
Cardioprotection by the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is mediated by activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5)

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR mt ) is a cytoprotective signaling pathway triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of the UPR mt upregulates nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, including those for chaperones, proteases, and antioxidants, as well as glycolysis, to restore proteostasis and cell energetics. Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5), a protein with both mitochondrial and nuclear targeting sequences, is proposed to mediate mammalian UPR mt signaling. Since proteostasis and bioenergetics are important in the response of organs such as the heart to injury, we hypothesized that pharmacologic UPR mt activation may be cardioprotective against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and that such protection would require ATF5. Using a perfused heart IR injury model in wild-type and global Atf5 -/- mice, we found that in-vivo administration of the UPRmt inducers oligomycin or doxycycline 6 h prior to ex-vivo IR injury was cardioprotective. Such protection was absent in hearts from Atf5 -/- mice, and no protection was observed with acute ex-vivo cardiac administration of doxycycline. Loss of ATF5 also did not alter baseline IR injury (without UPR mt induction). Cardiac gene expression analysis by RNA-Seq revealed mild induction of numerous genes in an ATF5-dependent manner, which may be important for cardioprotection. Analysis of hearts by qPCR showed that oligomycin at 6 h significantly induced genes encoding ATF5 and several known UPR mt -linked proteins. We conclude that ATF5 is required for cardioprotection induced by drugs that activate the UPR mt .
From COVID-19 to ALS: Looking Beyond Just Black and White.

In a thriving and just society, all constituents must have equitable access to basic human needs, without which all components of that society will eventually fail. This is the basis for the fundamental necessity of health equity, which can be described as the absence of health disparities or disadvantages that are conferred on individuals or particular societal groups. More constructively, health equity requires that every individual has a just and fair chance to attain the highest standard of health possible. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provides a striking example of health inequity as evidenced by the disproportionate burden of disease observed in certain groups, particularly Black and Latino patients. While compelling, the racial and ethnic disparities related to COVID-19 are neither unique nor surprising. A large and growing body of literature describes significant inequities in health care broadly and within the field of neurology specifically.1,2
De novo gastroesophageal reflux disease esophageal surgery in bariatrics: a literature review and analysis of the current treatment options

With the exponential increase of worldwide obesity, the number of bariatric surgery (BaS) procedures have equally risen. The surgical management of obesity has been widely established as the standard of care for sustained weight reduction, resolution, and improvement of associated comorbidities. However, BaS itself can have postoperative deleterious effects, including de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and upper gastrointestinal motility disorders. The modified anatomy resulting from BaS, due to either a restrictive or hypoabsorptive component, gives this disorder a multifactorial etiology. The overall management of de novo GERD should focus on three primordial approaches: Non-surgical, endoluminal, and surgical. Even in the absence of de novo GERD following primary or secondary BaS, said disorder should be closely monitored and therapy should be catered in a case-by-case approach. Consequently, treatment strategies have been developed on this principle as to adequately resolve de novo GERD. Despite the presence of multiple and suitable treatment modalities, the operating surgeon should perform them in the best interest of the patient. Short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes should be taken into consideration prior to proceed with any type of preferred management option. This article herein presents an update on the surgical management of de novo GERD following BaS and current practical innovations.
Development and initial validation of the Spanish form of the adjustment scales for preschool intervention (ASPI).

Abstract The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a Spanish language form of the Adjustment Scales for Preschool Intervention (ASPI) for use by early childhood teachers. A multi-step, mixed method adaptation and translation process of the English form was used to increase the cultural relevance, linguistic comparability, and metric equivalence of the measure in its Spanish language form. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in a diverse sample of preschool children from low-income families (N = 4077) revealed two higher order behavioral dimensions of Overactivity and Underactivity. ASPI dimension scores across Spanish and English language forms were horizontally equated through IRT. Criterion-related validity using multilevel models was established through concurrent associations with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic readiness skills. Policy and practice applications, and future directions for the use of scale scores are discussed.
Coronavirus Disease-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Devastating Complication of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has affected more than ninety-three million people worldwide till January 2021. COVID-19 can cause a destructive dysregulated immune response which can result in numerous complications such as kidney failure, myocarditis, and strokes. A new entity called coronavirus disease-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged in recent times. The literature on CAPA is limited. We present a case of CAPA in an immunocompetent patient who was placed on veno-venous extra-corporeal membranous oxygen (VV-ECMO). We briefly explained pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and management of CAPA in this report.
Evaluating the effect of ramp metering on freeway safety using real-time traffic data.

Abstract Ramp metering relieves traffic congestion, reduces delay, and maintains the capacity flow on freeways. Due to its operational mechanism, ramp metering can also improve freeway safety. While the operational benefits of ramp metering have extensively been quantified, research on its safety effects is sparse. This study focused on evaluating the effects of ramp metering on the safety performance of the freeway mainline. It developed a crash risk prediction model for segments downstream of the entrance ramps when ramp metering is activated. The study was based on a corridor with system-wide ramp metering along I-95 in Miami, Florida. Real-time traffic, crash, and ramp metering operations data collected from 2016 to 2018 were used in the analysis. The study adopted a matched crash and non-crash case approach to evaluate the crash risk when ramp meters were activated and deactivated. A penalized logistic regression model was developed using a bootstrap resampling technique to estimate the effects of ramp metering activation and select important variables that could predict crash risk when ramp meters were activated. Results indicated that ramp metering improves safety along the freeway corridor by reducing the crash risk downstream of the entrance ramps. During ramp metering activation, the crash risk on segments downstream of the entrance ramps 5 min later can be predicted using the difference in the average lane speeds between upstream and downstream detectors, the average traffic volume in the lanes at the downstream and upstream detectors, and the coefficient of variation of speed between lanes in the upstream detectors. Also, the coefficient of variation of occupancy downstream could predict the crash risk 15 min later. The study results could be used by transportation agencies when evaluating the deployment of ramp meters. Moreover, the developed crash risk prediction model could be used in real-time to help agencies identify the increased crash risk and provide appropriate warning information to the upstream traffic.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Promise or Peril?

The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” (4IR) debuted at the World Economic Forum’s 2016 conference as a vision of the future in which emerging technologies change “the very essence of our human experience.” Since then, the idea of 4IR has been used to promote a wide range of emerging technologies and organizations. This paper takes a critical look at the idea of the fourth industrial revolution, exploring how 4IR benefits the organizations which adopt it, the validity and implications of claiming that certain technologies cause ‘revolutionary’ change, and the consequences of adopting a vision of the future written and promoted by the notoriously exclusive World Economic Forum. I argue that 4IR is based in the flawed logic of technological determinism, and that it disempowers women, people of color, and the people of the Global South while reinforcing and justifying the power held over them by the Global North and its tech industries. 4IR is currently an attractive marketing phrase, but it damages the credibility and reputation of those who adopt it while promoting the development of technologies which serve private interests over public interests.
Restoration of KCC2 Membrane Localization in Striatal Dopamine D2 Receptor-Expressing Medium Spiny Neurons Rescues Locomotor Deficits in HIV Tat-Transgenic Mice:

People infected with HIV (PWH) are highly susceptible to striatal and hippocampal damage. Motor and memory impairments are common among these patients, likely as behavioral manifestations of damage...
Will Herbicide Resistance Ultimately Benefit Agriculture

From 60 to 70% of the pesticides used in production agriculture in developed countries are herbicides. Herbicides have helped farmers to increase yields while reducing labor. Without herbicides, labor would be a major cost of crop production in developed countries. The relatively low food prices in these countries can be partly attributed to the effectiveness of herbicides. However, the potential environmental and toxicological costs of herbicides have raised questions about our agricultural dependence on these magic bullets. In developed countries, herbicide resistance may ultimately change the economic and technological equations to favor an agriculture less dependent on chemical inputs. Compared to insecticides, resistance to herbicides has evolved very slowly, principally because of the longer life cycle of weeds compared to insects. However, after a relatively long lag phase, the number of cases of herbicide resistance in developed countries continues to grow logarithmically, threatening the use of several herbicide classes over wide areas. Growing multiple resistances exacerbate the situation. Farmers and the herbicide industry have been slow to confront the situation, and, in many places, are not effectively implementing prevention and/or amelioration strategies. Compared to past years, few new herbicides with new molecular target sites are on the horizon to substitute for herbicides or herbicide classes to which economically important weeds have evolved resistance. At the present growth rate, the problem of evolved herbicide resistance will become a major concern of most farmers in developed countries in the near future. Thus, herbicide resistance of weeds may eventually be the biggest impetus for developing methods of weed management that rely less on herbicide inputs.
Experimental Investigation of the Heat Release Rate in a Sinusoidal Spark Ignition Engine

In this paper compression and power stroke cycles for a 4 stroke cycle spark ignition engine modified by extending the connecting rod to simulate purely sinusoidal piston motion are analyzed over a range of operating speeds and are compared with those of a similar conventional engine. Heat release rate is estimated for both engines using a simple Wiebe function with the functional parameters found via a simplex curve fitting method is used in conjunction with experimental pressure curves. It is shown that the functional parameters which represent the combustion and duration of fuel burn are slightly larger over the range of operation in the sinusoidal engine while the shape factor remains largely the same.
Utilization of Xylan by Two Species of Human Colonic Bacteroides

During growth of two strains of human colonic Bacteroides on xylan, several oligomers, the smallest of which was xylobiose, were released into the medium.
Influence of Hallux Rigidus on Reamputation in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus After Partial Hallux Amputation.

Diabetic foot ulceration of the plantar hallux is a challenging condition and can require partial hallux amputation when complicated by infection. Lower extremity biomechanics play an important role in the development of hallux ulcers, and hallux rigidus (HR) could influence the outcomes after partial hallux amputation. We hypothesized that radiographic evidence of HR in patients with diabetes would be associated with greater ulcer recurrence and reamputation rates after partial hallux amputation. We performed a retrospective review of all patients with diabetes who had undergone a partial hallux amputation from January 2005 to December 2012. The subjects were divided into 2 cohorts according to the presence or absence of HR identified on preoperative radiographs. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared using a 2-sample Student's t test for continuous variables, and categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test for homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. A total of 52 patients were included, with 16 (31%) positive for radiographic evidence of HR at partial hallux amputation. Differences in the patient demographics and comorbidities were not significant between 2 cohorts with and without HR or reamputation. Reamputation was required in 5 subjects (31%) with HR and 2 (6%) without HR (p = .023). The average follow-up duration was 126 ± 89 weeks. Our results have demonstrated that the reamputation rate after partial hallux amputation is significantly greater in patients with than in those without radiographic evidence of HR. Surgeons should evaluate patients for HR when planning partial hallux amputation and use adjuvant methods of offloading when HR is evident to prevent recurrent ulceration and reamputation.
Multi-biometrics 2d and 3d ear recognition

Multi-biometric 2D and 3D ear recognition are explored. The data set used represents over 300 persons, each with images acquired on at least two different dates. Among them, 169 persons have images taken on at least four different dates. Based on the results of three algorithms applied on 2D and 3D ear data, various multi-biometric combinations were considered, and all result in improvement over a single biometric. A new fusion rule using the interval distribution between rank 1 and rank 2 outperforms other simple fusion rules. In general, all the approaches perform better with multiple representations of a person.
Money, Time, and Political Knowledge: Distinguishing Quick Recall and Political Learning Skills

Surveys provide widely cited measures of political knowledge. Do seemingly arbitrary features of survey interviews affect their validity? Our answer comes from experiments embedded in a representative survey of over 1200 Americans. A control group was asked political knowledge questions in a typical survey context. Treatment groups received the questions in altered contexts. One group received a monetary incentive for answering the questions correctly. Another was given extra time. The treatments increase the number of correct answers by 11–24%. Our findings imply that conventional knowledge measures confound respondents' recall of political facts with variation in their motivation to exert effort during survey interviews. Our work also suggests that existing measures fail to capture relevant political search skills and, hence, provide unreliable assessments of what many citizens know when they make political decisions. As a result, existing knowledge measures likely underestimate people's capacities for informed decision making.
Dietary Studies Related to the United States Diet Prior to World War II: A Bibliography for the Study of Changing American Food Habits over Time

Dietary studies from the early part of the 20th century are a rich source of information about the dietary habits of the people and the science of nutrition. This annotated bibliography is meant to facilitate access to this part of the historical literature for further study.
Effect of Nitrogen Application Timing on N Uptake by Vitis labrusca in a Short-Season Region

Fertilizer nitrogen (N) was applied to Vitis labrusca L. cvs. Niagara and Concord grapevines in Michigan at various times to determine its effect on soil N levels and fertilizer N recovery in vine tissues. Labeled ammonium nitrate (15NH415NO3) was applied to the soil beneath vines at a rate of 68 kg N/ha at different times between budbreak and six weeks after bloom. Soil was sampled at one-to two-week intervals after the fertilizer applications to follow the inorganic soil N dynamics. Vines were excavated at the time of commercial grape harvest to quantify fertilizer N recovery. All times of fertilizer application resulted in less than 20% uptake of the N applied. Vines fertilized at budbreak generally contained less fertilizer N and allocated a greater fraction of the fertilizer N to fruit and leaves than later times of application. Vines fertilized later in the season absorbed more fertilizer N and allocated more of it and total N to the roots than earlier times of application. Later applications resulted in more fertilizer N remaining in the top 90 cm of soil at the end of the season. Based on these findings, N application to vineyards in this short-season region was more efficient between bloom and six weeks after bloom than at budbreak. Acknowledgments: The authors wish to thank the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Project GREEEN for support of this work.
Enhanced transmission through metallic plates perforated by arrays of subwavelength holes and sandwiched between dielectric slabs

This paper presents analytical and numerical studies demonstrating that a perfectly conducting metallic plate perforated by a periodic array of subwavelength holes and sandwiched in between two dielectric slabs permits enhanced transmission of electromagnetic plane waves in both the optical and microwave regimes, and this for both transverse magnetically and electrically polarized fields. The enhanced transmission mechanism is attributed to coupling between the incident plane wave and resonances supported by the perforated plate that are associated with the existence of grounded dielectric slab guided waves. The enhanced transmission phenomenon occurs in one of two regimes. In the single resonance regime, the incident plane wave couples to a resonance supported by only a single slab. The transmission coefficient magnitude peaks as the excitation frequency scans through the resonance; however, the peak magnitude decays exponentially with plate thickness. In the double resonance regime, the incident plane wave couples to resonances in both slabs simultaneously. The transmission coefficient magnitude exhibits twin peaks whose magnitudes typically are larger than those resulting from single resonances and that remain large even for plates of moderate thickness. It is demonstrated that double resonances may occur for symmetric as well as for asymmetric structures, i.e., when the two slabs are identical or different. For symmetric structures double resonances occur for any angle of incidence. In contrast, for asymmetric structures, special conditions on the period and slab parameters have to be satisfied for the structure to support one or more double resonances.
Observational Tests and Predictive Stellar Evolution. II. Nonstandard Models

We examine contributions of second-order physical processes to the results of stellar evolution calculations that are amenable to direct observational testing. In the first paper in the series, we established baseline results using only physics that were common to modern stellar evolution codes. In this paper we establish how much of the discrepancy between observations and baseline models is due to particular elements of new physics in the areas of mixing, diffusion, equations of state, and opacities. We then consider the impact of the observational uncertainties on the maximum predictive accuracy achievable by a stellar evolution code. The Sun is an optimal case because of the precise and abundant observations and the relative simplicity of the underlying stellar physics. The standard model is capable of matching the structure of the Sun as determined by helioseismology and gross surface observables to better than a percent. Given an initial mass and surface composition within the observational errors, and no current observables as additional constraints for which the models can be optimized, it is not possible to predict the Sun's current state to better than ~7%. Convectively induced mixing in radiative regions, terrestrially calibrated by multidimensional numerical hydrodynamic simulations, dramatically improves the predictions for radii, luminosity, and apsidal motions of eclipsing binaries while simultaneously maintaining consistency with observed light element depletion and turnoff ages in young clusters. Systematic errors in core size for models of massive binaries disappear with more complete mixing physics, and acceptable fits are achieved for all of the binaries without calibration of free parameters. The lack of accurate abundance determinations for binaries is now the main obstacle to improving stellar models using this type of test.
Pore structure evolution in silica gel during aging/drying. III. Effects of surface tension*

A two-step acid/base-catalyzed silica gel has been aged in alcohol and water baths followed by various aprotic solvents with a wide range of surface tensions. Low temperature (CO 2 ) and high temperature (ethanol) aerogels were also prepared. The physical and chemical structures of gels dried from aprotic solvents were studied by a series of techniques ( 29 Si MAS-NMR, nitrogen adsorption, SAXS, elemental analysis, TGA). The aprotic solvents isolated the effects of pore fluid surface tension during drying since they do not participate in condensation and other reactions. For aprotic solvents, a linear decrease in xerogel surface area was observed with increasing surface tension. Pore volume and pore size distribution followed a similar trend. Depending upon whether the gel had been washed in ethanol or water prior to the aprotic solvent, the final pore volume was changed significantly for a given surface tension. This indicates that both surface area and pore volume may be independently controlled.
Mechanotransduction in vascular physiology and atherogenesis

Forces that are associated with blood flow are major determinants of vascular morphogenesis and physiology. Blood flow is crucial for blood vessel development during embryogenesis and for regulation of vessel diameter in adult life. It is also a key factor in atherosclerosis, which, despite the systemic nature of major risk factors, occurs mainly in regions of arteries that experience disturbances in fluid flow. Recent data have highlighted the potential endothelial mechanotransducers that might mediate responses to blood flow, the effects of atheroprotective rather than atherogenic flow, the mechanisms that contribute to the progression of the disease and how systemic factors interact with flow patterns to cause atherosclerosis.
Improved detection of myocardial infarction with technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate and serum MB creatine phosphokinase

The relative sensitivity and combined value of myocardial technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate imaging and determinations of serum MB creatine phosphokinase (the "myocardial" CPK isoenzyme) in detecting acute myocardial infarction were evaluated in 41 patients with suspected infarction and 23 patients recovering from cardiac surgery. In the patients with suspected infarction, myocardial infarction was confirmed in 25 and was consistently associated with increased serum MB CPK. Abnormal radionuclide images were obtained in 23 of 25 patients (92 percent) with definite myocardial infarction and in 2 of 16 patients without confirmed infarction. Although the localization of infarction by imaging correlated well with the localization by electrocardiogram, infarct size estimated by imaging did not correlate well with estimates based on peak total serum CPK activity or serial changes in CPK activity. Serum MB CPK activity increased after cardiac surgery in 6 patients undergoing valve replacement and in 17 patients undergoing coronary arterial bypass surgery. However, no patient with valve replacement and only 1 of the 17 with bypass surgery had an abnormal radionuclide image. These results suggest that (1) abnormal radionuclide images in patients without infarction can be distinguished from abnormal images indicative of ischemic necrosis by consideration of MB CPK activity and (2) interpretation of elevated MB CPK activity, particularly in particularly in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, is facilitated by evaluation with imaging.
Bulk Synthesis of Monodisperse Ferrite Nanoparticles at Water−Organic Interfaces under Conventional and Microwave Hydrothermal Treatment and Their Surface Functionalization

Synthesis of monodisperse MFe2O4 (M =, Ni, Co, Mn) and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles at a water−toluene interface under conventional as well as microwave hydrothermal conditions using readily available nitrate or chloride salts and oleic acid as the dispersing agent is described. The ensuing particles were monodispersed with a size distribution ranging from 5 to 10 nm. The process is atom-efficient and can be scaled up to a level of several grams without downsizing the size and shape. The modulation of solubility profile of the particles was accomplished via functionalization using organic moieties. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of cubic spinel nanostructures. Particle sizes calculated from the Scherrer formula and TEM micrographs were comparable. ICP−AES studies confirmed that the ratios of Fe to Ni, Mn, and Co were approximately equal to 2. FT-IR confirmed the presence of oleic acid moieties on the surface of the synthesized particles. At room temperature, the particles were found to be superparamag...
Extraction of Transport Coefficients from Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Granular Flows: A Perspective

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of solids flows provide a useful tool for extracting transport coefficients needed for the closure of continuum models. This “empirical” approach is particularly powerful for systems with complex interactions—nonspherical particles, cohesive particles, etc.—that are difficult to handle with first-principles (e.g., kinetic-theory-based) approaches. Nonetheless, the extraction of such quantities is characterized by several subtleties which may lead to inaccuracies if ignored. In this work, four such complexities are illustrated: (i) the presence of clustering instabilities, (ii) the a priori need for the general form of the flux law, (iii) the presence of more than one transport coefficient in a given flux law, and (iv) the presence of Knudsen (higher-order) effects.
Resist profile simulation with fast lithography model

A traditional approach to construct a fast lithographic model is to match wafer top-down SEM images, contours and/or gauge CDs with a TCC model plus some simple resist representation. This modeling method has been proven and is extensively used for OPC modeling. As the technology moves forward, this traditional approach has become insufficient in regard to lithography weak point detection, etching bias prediction, etc. The drawback of this approach is from metrology and simulation. First, top-down SEM is only good for acquiring planar CD information. Some 3D metrology such as cross-section SEM or AFM is necessary to obtain the true resist profile. Second, the TCC modeling approach is only suitable for planar image simulation. In order to model the resist profile, full 3D image simulation is needed. Even though there are many rigorous simulators capable of catching the resist profile very well, none of them is feasible for full-chip application due to the tremendous consumption of computational resource. The authors have proposed a quasi-3D image simulation method in the previous study [1], which is suitable for full-chip simulation with the consideration of sidewall angles, to improve the model accuracy of planar models. In this paper, the quasi-3D image simulation is extended to directly model the resist profile with AFM and/or cross-section SEM data. Resist weak points detected by the model generated with this 3D approach are verified on the wafer.
Autocrine interactions of keratinocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and kit-ligand in the regulation of normal ovarian surface epithelial cells.

Ovarian tumors are primarily derived from the layer of epithelium surrounding the ovary termed the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). Although extensive research has focused on established ovarian tumors, relatively little is known about the normal biology of the OSE that gives rise to ovarian cancer. The local expression and actions of growth factors are likely involved in both normal and tumorigenic OSE biology. The current study investigates the expression and action of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and kit-ligand (KL) in normal ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The actions of various growth factors on KGF, HGF, and KL expression are examined. Observations indicate that freshly isolated normal OSE express the genes for KGF, HGF, and KL and expression is maintained in vitro. KGF messenger RNA expression in OSE was found to be stimulated by KGF and HGF, but not KL. HGF expression in OSE was found to be stimulated by KGF, HGF, and KL. KL expression in OSE was also found ...
Effect of die temperature on the flow of polymer melts. Part I: Flow inside the die

The effect of die wall temperature on the flow of polymer melts in circular capillary dies was studied. At constant flow rates, it was found that die wall temperature had a greater effect on the pressure drop than melt temperature. A capillary die with two circular channels with different diameters was designed to simulate the profile extrusion. Changes of wall temperature varied the flow rate ratio between the two channels. An implicit finite difference method was used to simulate the velocity and temperature profiles inside the die. Values predicted by this model matched well with experimental data for both dies.
Short-term Persistence and Stability of Barrier Island Fish Assemblages

Abstract The semi-permanent pools along the south shore of a Gulf of Mexico barrier island provide a natural setting in which to investigate short-term faunal stability and persistence. All pools were located south of the primary dune line and may be formed when sand bars join with the beach, or when storms fill depressions. The pools offer a physiologically harsh environment, but overall support a fish fauna of 39 species which is dominated numerically by Cyprinodon variegatus, Gambusia holbrooki and Poecilia latipinna . Persistence of the overall fish assemblage was only moderate (0·61) and seasonal stability of the pool assemblages was variable, with five assemblages showing concordance and four non-concordance. Pools with stable assemblages could not be differentiated from those with non-stable assemblages on the basis of physicochemical characteristics. However, pools with greater faunal stability were those colonized by marsh inhabiting species, while pools dominated by colonizers from the nearby surf zone tended to be more variable. Many surf zone species apparently cannot tolerate the physiological demands of the pools and soon go locally extinct. Thus, assemblage stability is largely determined by the vagaries of colonization and the relative age at which a pool is sampled.
How not to buy books for libraries: Contracts, bids, and recent developments in New York state

AbstractState-wide book contracts, those documents that prescribe and proscribe book purchases by libraries and other agencies, along with the process of “putting out for bid” various library materials, are a fact of life for many librarians. Contracts and bids are a recurring phenomenon. New York State has recently moved away from former relatively unrestrictive policies by requiring bids on all items priced over $10,000.00. Nevertheless, libraries’ experiences, evidence from the literature, and responses to a questionnaire sent to librarians and vendors overwhelmingly indicate that bidding and contracts benefit neither the libraries, the states, nor the vendors involved. It is the responsibility of librarians to use their professional knowledge and expertise to combat the imposition of such purchasing restrictions.
Public policy and social responsibility with regard to rehabilitation and maintenance of disabled persons.

Abstract Two factors, disability problem definition and the influence of a changing composition of the population, will be of primary concern to our society in the formation of future directions and policies for rehabilitation and maintenance of disabled persons. Clearly, rehabilitation and maintenance are not mutually exclusive disability solution approaches but can be considered as two facets of life adaptation for disabled persons who must deal with an irreversible loss of life function. In this regard a conceptual model of rehabilitation and maintenance should be formulated to allow a blending of approaches directed at implementing appropriate solutions for a specific individual's physical aptitudes in coping with a loss of life function. A heuristic planning model is formulated and discussed that can be used for analysis of trade-offs between rehabilitation and maintenance programs. In its present form, the model can be used in the consideration of policy formulation to provide an understanding of the possible trade-offs available and their respective costs to achieve a specified level of life functions.
The cardiovascular programs of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: from vision to action to impact.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is committed to its public health mission of deepening understanding of the pathobiology of cardiovascular (CV), lung, and blood disorders and translating this knowledge into improved care and clinical outcomes for patients and improved public
High temporal resolution OCT using image-based retrospective gating

High temporal resolution OCT imaging is very advantageous for analyzing cardiac mechanics in the developing embryonic heart of small animals. An image-based retrospective gating technique is presented to increase the effective temporal resolution of an OCT system and to allow visualization of systolic dynamics in 3D. The gating technique employs image similarity measures for rearranging asynchronously acquired input data consisting of a time series of 2D images at each z position along the heart volume, to produce a time sequence of 3D volumes of the beating heart. The study includes a novel robust validation technique, which quantitatively evaluates the accuracy of the gating technique, in addition to visual evaluations by 2D multiplanar reformatting (MPR) and 3D volume rendering. The retrospective gating and validation is demonstrated on a stage 14 embryonic quail heart data set. Using the validation scheme, it is shown that the gating is accurate within a standard deviation of 4.7 ms, which is an order of magnitude shorter than the time interval during which systolic contraction (∼50 ms) occurs in the developing embryo. This gating method has allowed, for the first time, clear visualization of systolic dynamics of the looping embryonic heart in 3D.
Transmission properties of short curved neutron guides: Part I. Acceptance diagram analysis and calculations

Abstract A curved neutron guide is considered “short” if there are direct lines of sight through the device. Such guides have the disadvantage that they transmit high energy neutrons and γ-rays, which are generally unwanted, as well as the desired low energy neutrons. Nevertheless short curved guides have several uses at thermal neutron research facilities because they can be combined with sections of straight guide to produce composite guides through which there is no line of sight. We analyze the transmission properties of short curved neutron guides using the method of acceptance diagrams, and we present the results of several calculations of their performance.
Epidemiology, demographics, and outcomes of craniomaxillofacial gunshot wounds in a Level I trauma center

Abstract Background Gunshot injuries to the craniomaxillofacial region are a challenge to the trauma and reconstructive surgeon. Although management of these injuries has been standardized and early rather than late intervention is advocated, the patient characteristics before, during, and after have been poorly elucidated. Methods A prospectively maintained Level I trauma center database was queried as to gunshot wounds of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton. Over a five-year period (2007–2011), 168 patients were identified with these injuries. Charts were reviewed as to demographics, presentations, and outcomes and these were tested for significant relationships with hospital length of stay, numbers and types of procedures, morbidity, and mortality. Results Gunshot wounds to the craniofacial skeleton resulted in 71 deaths in this patient population. Those that died were significantly older, presented with a lower GCS, had a shorter LOS, and a higher INR than those that lived. Subgroup analysis of mechanism demonstrated mortality was more likely to occur as a result of self-inflicted injury in whites and due to assault in the African-American population. Conclusions Data gathered from this study disputes some commonly held beliefs regarding the epidemiology of gunshot injuries and should allow for better characterization of which outcomes are consistent with which presentations.
Problem solving in the United States, 1970-2008: research and theory, practice and politics

Problem solving was a major focus of mathematics education research in the US from the mid-1970s though the late 1980s. By the mid-1990s research under the banner of “problem solving” was seen less frequently as the field’s attention turned to other areas. However, research in those areas did incorporate some ideas from the problem solving research, and that work continues to evolve in important ways. In curricular terms, the problem solving research of the 1970s and 1980s (see, e.g., Lester in J Res Math Educ, 25(6), 660–675, 1994, and Schoenfeld in Handbook for research on mathematics teaching and learning, MacMillan, New York, pp 334–370, 1992, for reviews) gave birth to the “reform” or “standards-based” curriculum movement. New curricula embodying ideas from the research were created in the 1990s and began to enter the marketplace. These curricula were controversial. Despite evidence that they tend to produce positive results, they may well fall victim to the “math wars” as the “back to basics” movement in the US is revitalized.
Type A behavior and normal habitual sleep duration

The responses of 361 college students to the Jenkins Activity Survey and a self-report sleep questionnaire were used to demonstrate an inverse relationship between normal habitual sleep duration and level of Type A behavior. The possibility that patterns of sleep may be implicated in the development of Type A behavior in some individuals was considered.
A non-linear interpolation formula

Abstract In 1915, E. T. Whittaker showed that an L 2 function, whose Fourier tranform has compact support, can be interpolated on an arithmetic progression: the well-known Cardinal series , or Sampling Representation . In the present paper, a class of non-linear interpolation formulae like the sampling representation are derived, in which the points of interpolation consist, in part, of the eigenvalues of certain differential operators acting on a Riemann surface of genus, g > 1.
Writing a personal philosophy of practice.

![Figure][1] A personal philosophy of practice can be described as a written document that serves as a compass to guide one’s practice. The document may include a practice vision, professional values, professional goals, a professional mission statement, and any other elements that may