cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF OXYRASETM ENZYME ON LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND OTHER FACULTATIVE ANAEROBES1

The use of an oxygen-reducing membrane fraction to stimulate growth of some anaerobic bacteria has been reported. In this study, stimulated recovery of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus faecalis, and heat-injured Listeria monocytogenes was achieved by using broth media supplemented with OxyraseTM (membrane-bound enzyme system derived from E. coli). The OxyraseTMenzyme allowed rapid growth of these facultatively anaerobic organisms in a nonselective broth. The activity of OxyraseTMin four different selective enrichment broths to support growth of L. monocytogenes also was evaluated. Among tested broths, FDA-approved Listeria Enrichment Broth containing OxyraseTMwas found to be substantially superior for facilitating the growth of L. monocytogenes. OxyraseTMpromoted a significantly greater number of L. monocytogenes than commonly used but nonspecific reducing agents, such as L-cysteine HCl and sodium thioglycolate. These findings indicated that all organisms tested can be grown well in liquid media using the oxygen-consuming membrane fragments to achieve and maintain oxygen-limited conditions. The OxyraseTMenzyme system has potential applications in some selective media and other diagnostic tests specified for rapid detection of these facultatively anaerobic pathogens.
My God is God, Period

I first became aware of Judaism's patriarchal undertones at the age of seven when I entered into a heated debate with my uncle on the subject of exclusionary prayer language. A new female rabbi pre...
Diffusion imaging with the MP-rage sequence

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained with conventional spin-echo techniques are known to be sensitive to subject motion because of long image acquisition times. To reduce the acquisition time, use of a magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MP-RAGE) sequence modified for diffusion sensitivity was studied. In this sequence, a preparation phase with a 90 degrees-180 degrees-90 degrees pulse train is used to sensitize the magnetization to diffusion. Centric-ordered phase encoding, short TRs (5.2-6.5 msec), and small flip angles (5 degrees-8 degrees) are necessary to minimize saturation effects from tissues with short relaxation times. Phantom studies with various concentrations of copper sulfate (T1 ranging from 2,459 to 90 msec) were performed to validate that the diffusion-weighted signal obtained with the MP-RAGE sequence was independent of relaxation time. Diffusion-weighted images of water, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone were acquired to confirm the accuracy of measured diffusion coefficients. Brain images of healthy normal volunteers were obtained to demonstrate motion insensitivity and general image quality of the technique. The results indicate that accurate diffusion-weighted images can be obtained with a diffusion-weighted MP-RAGE sequence, with imaging times of about 1 second.
Substance use recovery outcomes among a cohort of youth participating in a mobile-based texting aftercare pilot program

Project ESQYIR (Educating & Supporting Inquisitive Youth in Recovery) is a pilot study examining the feasibility of a 12-week mobile-based aftercare intervention for youth (ages 12 to 24) transitioning out of community-based substance abuse treatment programs. From January 2012 through July 2013, a total of 80 youth were recruited from outpatient and residential treatment programs, geographically dispersed throughout Los Angeles County, California. Results revealed that youth who participated in the texting mobile pilot intervention were significantly less likely to relapse to their primary compared to the aftercare as usual control condition (OR=0.52, p=0.002) over time (from baseline throughout the 12-week aftercare pilot program to a 90-day follow-up). Participants in the texting aftercare pilot program also reported significantly less substance use problem severity (β=-0.46, p=0.03) and were more likely to participate in extracurricular recovery behaviors (β=1.63, p=0.03) compared to participants in the standard aftercare group. Collectively, findings from this pilot aftercare study suggest that mobile texting could provide a feasible way to engage youth in recovery after substance abuse treatment to aid with reducing relapse and promoting lifestyle behavior change.
Automated actuation of nasal spray products: effect of hand-related variability on the in vitro performance of Flonase nasal spray

AbstractObjective: To determine if patient-related variability for adults and children recorded during hand spraying of Flonase with an instrumented nasal spray results in significant differences in spray weight, droplet size or spray pattern.Methods: Settings derived from adult and pediatric participants hand-spraying nasal sprays were implemented into force and velocity-controlled automated actuators. Spray weight, droplet size distribution and spray pattern tests were performed using iterations of actuation force (AF) and force rise, hold and fall times. Travel, actuation velocity and release velocity settings were also investigated.Results: The variability measured in adult-derived actuator settings did not result in any differences in spray weight, but pediatric participants spraying with low AF and/or compression velocity (CV) were predicted to receive a partial dose or no dose at all under some circumstances. Droplet size characteristics were sensitive to the hand-based variability, with actuation ...
Properties of lipid bilayer membranes separating two aqueous phases: Electron microscope studies☆

Abstract Synthetic lipid bilayer membranes have been visualized directly in the electron microscope as thin sections and as shadowed preparations. Fixation with lanthanum nitrate plus potassium permanganate and the application of special embedding techniques have made this possible. Trilamellar images of varying thicknesses were seen in thin sections of fixed membranes; measurements made from microdensitometer tracings have thicknesses (peak-to-peak distances) ranging from 37.5 to 116 A. The mean peak-to-peak distance (73.4 ± 21.8 A) is in good agreement with the value obtained by optical measurements on similar membranes (Huang & Thompson, 1965,1966) . In addition, multilayered structures resembling myelinic figures were seen. These structures showed a mean peak-to-peak repeat distance of 38.6 ± 3.6 A. The thickness of fixed membranes was estimated also from shadow-cast preparations; the mean thickness was 105 A.
The solar corona: A testing ground for plasma astrophysics

The extension of solar surface activity models to the domain of stellar activity, and the possibility of testing such extensions, are discussed. The extrapolation of three canonical solar activity indicators, sunspots, Ca II emission, and solar flares, to other stars is considered. The use of satellites to study stellar activity at wavelengths at which surface activity is most prominent is briefly reviewed. The correlation of stellar activity with intrinsic stellar parameters, especially those relating to rotation, is briefly considered, and the use of phenomenological models of stellar coronal X-ray emission to deduce the magnetic flux production rate for observed stars as a function of rotation rate is discussed.
Simultaneous multiple 3D motion estimation via mode finding on Lie groups

We propose a new method to estimate multiple rigid motions from noisy 3D point correspondences in the presence of outliers. The method does not require prior specification of number of motion groups and estimates all the motion parameters simultaneously. We start with generating samples from the rigid motion distribution. The motion parameters are then estimated via mode finding operations on the sampled distribution. Since rigid motions do not lie on a vector space, classical statistical methods can not be used for mode finding. We develop a mean shift algorithm which estimates modes of the sampled distribution using the Lie group structure of the rigid motions. We also show that proposed mean shift algorithm is general and can be applied to any distribution having a matrix Lie group structure. Experimental results on synthetic and real image data demonstrate the superior performance of the algorithm.
Research of networked technical service oriented production process based on CSCW

To solve a good many problems existing in traditional technical service model and improve quality and efficiency of technical service, shorten the producing cycle of product, a new mode of the technical service is presented, which is the networked cooperative technical service oriented production process based on CSCW technique. Function, architecture and workflow of the networked cooperative technical service system are studied. Base on these theories a prototype system of networked technical service is developed. Results of the system running prove its security, practicability and high efficiency.
Measurement of attention and related functions in the preschool child

The goal of this review of the clinical and research literature is to identify, describe, and critique published methods for assessment of attention and related functions in preschool children (ages 6 and younger). The need for valid assessment of preschool children has grown dramatically in the past two decades following the implementation of special education services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers under Public Law 99-457. At the same time, the number of preschool children presenting to clinicians for assessment of attention problems has grown at a steady rate. In contrast to assessment methods for school-age children, the availability of reliable and valid measures of attention for preschool children is much more limited. The majority of instruments developed to measure attention in preschoolers are described in the experimental literature, with fewer available commercially. Attention tests that can be appropriately used with children aged 3 and younger are scarce. Most preschool tests of attention report validity data involving sensitivity in contrasting clinical groups to controls, while the literature describing the utility of these measures in differentiating between clinical groups is much more limited. The review provides information on performance based tests (e.g., continuous performance, cancellation, auditory/visual span), as well as parent and teacher rating scales. The review concludes that valid assessment of attention and related skills can be effectively achieved in preschool children, with appropriate cautions.
High-Density Lipoproteins: A New Potential Therapeutic Target for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Epidemiological studies have identified low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) as independent risk factors that modulate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.1,2⇓ Over the past decade, clinical trials of LDL-lowering drugs have clearly established that reductions in LDL are associated with a 30% to 45% reduction in clinical events.3–7⇓⇓⇓⇓ However, despite lowered LDL, many patients continue to have cardiac events. Low HDL is often present in high-risk patients with CVD.8 As a result, a great deal of research interest recently has been focused on raising plasma HDL levels by dietary, pharmacological, or genetic manipulations as a potential strategy for the treatment of CVD. In addition to epidemiologic studies, other lines of evidence suggest that raising HDL would reduce the risk of CVD. Infusion of HDL in the form of apoA-I/phospholipids complexes was associated with regression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits.9 Moreover, increased plasma HDL concentrations achieved by overexpressing human apoA-I in transgenic animals protects against the development of diet-induced10 and genetically determined atherosclerosis.11 Recently, 5 weekly infusions of apoA-I Milano/phospholipid complexes were shown to regress total atheroma volume by 4.2% in 36 patients compared with 11 controls after an acute coronary event using intravascular ultrasound to quantitate coronary atheroma.12 These combined results provide support for the concept that raising HDL may represent an additional therapeutic target for prevention of CVD. See page 490 Although our understanding of how HDL protects against CVD is still incomplete, there is evidence that supports at least 3 major atheroprotective mechanisms of HDL. HDL-mediated efflux of cholesterol from cholesterol-loaded macrophages is a well-established anti-atherogenic function of HDL. Cholesterol efflux from macrophages to HDL can occur by passive diffusion,13 by interaction with the SR-BI receptor,14 or by binding to the ABCA1 transporter15–18 …
Examining the Rhetoric: The Strategic Implications of Climate Change Policy

Many companies today are taking proactive steps on climate change by reducing or even sequestering their greenhouse gas emissions. But one cannot, as many now do, generalize from these examples the proposition that all companies can benefit from greenhouse gas reductions. Climate change controls represent a market shift; the formation of new markets in pollution, pollution credits, money and emission abatement technology. And in any such transition, there will be winners and losers, those that embrace the shift and those that resist it. The difference between these two postures lies in strategic factors such as capital asset management, market competencies, global competitiveness and managing institutional change. The paper discusses each in turn and concludes with commentary on how present US policy towards the Kyoto Protocol is actually contrary to business interests. 2002 Elsevier
Measurement of contemporary and fossil carbon contents of PM2.5 aerosols: results from Turtleback Dome, Yosemite National Park.

The impact of aerosol particulate matter of mean mass aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5 aerosols) on health, visibility, and compliance with the U.S. EPA's regional haze regulations is a growing concern. Techniques that can help better characterize particulate matter are required to better understand the constituents, causes, and sources of PM2.5 aerosols. Measurement of the 14C/C ratio of the PM2.5 aerosols, the absence of 14C in fossil carbon materials, and the known 14C/C levels in contemporary carbon materials allow the use of a two-component model to derive contemporary and fossil carbon contents of the particulate matter. Such data can be used to estimate the relative contributions of fossil fuels and biogenic aerosols to the total aerosol loading. Here, the methodology for performing such an assessment using total suspended particulate hi-vol aerosol samplers to collect PM2.5 aerosols on quartz fiber filters and the technique of accelerator mass spectrometry to measure 14C/C ratios is presented a...
Customer Relationship Management and Intercollegiate Athletics: Opportunities and Benefits for Smaller Institutions

Customer relationship management (CRM) strategies have been proven of significant benefit to sports teams andorganizations in their attempts to attract and retain fan loyalty as well as to maximize profits. Single game andseason ticket sales, merchandizing, sport and program information and communication, and athletic giving caneach be increased through the adoption and utilization of CRM. Although primarily leveraged by professionalsports teams and some larger (NCAA Division I) university programs, CRM strategies can also be of direct andconsiderable benefit to smaller institutions.
Transient Enhanced Diffusion for Ultra Low Energy Boron, Phosphorus, and Arsenic Implantation in Silicon

The SIA roadmap predicts that junction depths of 500 angstroms are required for CMOS technology nodes of 0.18 μm or beyond by the year 2001. There are several ultra-shallow junction doping techniques currently under investigation. These include beamline ion implantation, plasma immersion ion implantation, and gas immersion laser doping. This study was based on beamline ion implantation of B, P, and As into single-crystal Si wafers at 0.25-2 keV to doses of (2- 10)×10 14 at./cm 2 with minimized beam energy contamination. Rapid thermal annealing was applied to the implanted wafers at 1000-1050 °C for 10-15 sec at ramp rates of 35- 50 °C/s in a N 2 ambient. Transient enhanced diffusion was observed for all three implant species. For example, the depth of 0.25 keV B measured by SIMS increases from 250 to 520 A at a concentration level of l×10 17 at./cm 3 upon RTA. To minimize the TED, several schemes of defect engineering were applied prior to low energy implantation, including pre-amorphization and implantation of other species. A comparison of TED for different implantation conditions is given with the aim of process development for minimizing TED. The impact of energy contamination on ultra shallow junctions is also addressed.
Information Technology, Economic Growth, And Employment: Evidence From Time-Series Analyses

Since the mid-1990s, numerous studies have shown the interactions between developments in Information Technology (IT) or the number of Internet subscribers and the general economy such as economic growth. Some show that development in IT has significantly affected growth, led by higher productivity, whereas others show no significant role of IT in the growth. Thus, no general consensus has been reached on the effects of IT development on economic (GDP) growth. By applying two popular time-series statistical tools (multivariate cointegration analysis and vector error correction model) with the total number of Internet subscribers in the U.S., this paper finds: (1) there is a long-run equilibrium linkage among the development of IT (subscriber numbers), economic growth, and employment; and (2) there are bi-directional Granger-causality relationships present between IT and economic growth, whereas there exists a uni-directional relationship between IT and employment in the U.S.
An iterative procedure for joint Bayesian spectrum and parameter estimation of harmonic signals

We propose an iterative algorithm for obtaining parameter estimates of harmonic signals in white Gaussian noise, which are then used for Bayesian spectrum estimation. The algorithm yields the current individual MMSE parameter estimates of each sinusoid by considering the parameters of the remaining sinusoids fixed at their current estimated values. This approach requires the evaluation of several one-dimensional integrals as opposed to the single multidimensional integral which results if all the parameters are estimated jointly. The Bayesian spectrum estimation is also simplified to a procedure that requires one-dimensional integration. The relative accuracy of our scheme compared to the ML and MUSIC methods is demonstrated by computer simulations.
Cutting forces modeling considering the effect of tool thermal property—application to CBN hard turning

Abstract Force modeling in metal cutting is important for a multitude of purposes, including thermal analysis, tool life estimation, chatter prediction, and tool condition monitoring. Numerous approaches have been proposed to model metal cutting forces with various degrees of success. In addition to the effect of workpiece materials, cutting parameters, and process configurations, cutting tool thermal properties can also contribute to the level of cutting forces. For example, a difference has been observed for cutting forces between the use of high and low CBN content tools under identical cutting conditions. Unfortunately, among documented approaches, the effect of tool thermal property on cutting forces has not been addressed systemically and analytically. To model the effect of tool thermal property on cutting forces, this study modifies Oxley’s predictive machining theory by analytically modeling the thermal behaviors of the primary and the secondary heat sources. Furthermore, to generalize the modeling approach, a modified Johnson–Cook equation is applied in the modified Oxley’s approach to represent the workpiece material property as a function of strain, strain rate, and temperature. The model prediction is compared to the published experimental process data of hard turning AISI H13 steel (52 HRc) using either low CBN content or high CBN content tools. The proposed model and finite element method (FEM) both predict lower thrust and tangential cutting forces and higher tool–chip interface temperature when the lower CBN content tool is used, but the model predicts a temperature higher than that of the FEM.
Early arterial stasis during resin-based yttrium-90 radioembolization: incidence and preliminary outcomes.

Objectives This study was conducted to determine the incidence of early stasis in radioembolization using resin yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres, to evaluate potential contributing factors, and to review initial imaging outcomes.
The Utility of BRAF Testing in the Management of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Over the last decade, investigators have developed a clearer understanding of the genetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis. A number of biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of differentiated thyroid cancer have undergone intensive study, not only for their role in tumorigenesis, but also for their potential utility as diagnostic and prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current literature surrounding BRAF and its significance in thyroid cancer. Further, we discuss how molecular analysis can be integrated into management algorithms for thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid cancer. We also review what is known, to date, about the association of BRAF and papillary microcarcinoma as well as using targeted therapies for BRAF as adjuvant treatment for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer.
Mobilization of Dormant Cnot7 mRNA Promotes Deadenylation of Maternal Transcripts During Mouse Oocyte Maturation

Maternal mRNAs in oocytes are remarkably stable. In mouse, oocyte maturation triggers a transition from mRNA stability to instability. This transition is a critical event in the oocyte-to-embryo transition in which a differentiated oocyte loses its identity as it is transformed into totipotent blastomeres. We previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of MSY2, an RNA-binding protein, and mobilization of mRNAs encoding the DCP1A-DCP2 decapping complex contribute to maternal mRNA destruction during meiotic maturation. We report here that Cnot7, Cnot6l, and Pan2, key components of deadenylation machinery, are also dormant maternal mRNAs that are recruited during oocyte maturation. Inhibiting the maturation-associated increase in CNOT7 (or CNOT6L) using a small interference RNA approach inhibits mRNA deadenylation, whereas inhibiting the increase in PAN2 has little effect. Reciprocally, expressing CNOT7 (or CNOT6L) in oocytes prevented from resuming meiosis initiates deadenylation of mRNAs. These effects on deadenylation are also observed when the total amount of poly (A) is quantified. Last, inhibiting the increase in CNOT7 protein results in an ∼70% decrease in transcription in 2-cell embryos.
Effect of a 12-Week Yoga Intervention on Fear of Falling and Balance in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract Schmid AA, Van Puymbroeck M, Koceja DM. Effect of a 12-week yoga intervention on fear of falling and balance in older adults: a pilot study. Objective To determine whether fear of falling (FoF) and balance improved after a 12-week yoga intervention among older adults. Design A 12-week yoga intervention single-armed pilot study. Setting A retirement community in a medium-sized university town in the Midwest. Participants A convenience sample of adults (N=14) over the age of 65 years who all endorsed an FoF. Intervention Each participant took part in a biweekly 12-week yoga intervention. The yoga sessions included both physical postures and breathing exercises. Postures were completed in sitting and standing positions. Main Outcome Measures We measured FoF with the Illinois FoF Measure and balance with the Berg Balance Scale. Upper- and lower-body flexibility were measured with the back scratch test and chair sit and reach test, respectively. Results FoF decreased by 6%, static balance increased by 4% ( P =.045), and lower-body flexibility increased by 34%. Conclusions The results indicate that yoga may be a promising intervention to manage FoF and improve balance, thereby reducing fall risk for older adults. Rehabilitation therapists may wish to explore yoga as a modality for balance and falls programming; however, future research is needed to confirm the use of yoga in such programming.
The NRL Layered Global Ocean Model (NLOM) with an Embedded Mixed Layer Submodel: Formulation and Tuning

Abstract A bulk-type (modified Kraus–Turner) mixed layer model that is embedded within the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Layered Ocean Model (NLOM) is introduced. It is an independent submodel loosely coupled to NLOM's dynamical core, requiring only near-surface currents, the temperature just below the mixed layer, and an estimate of the stable mixed layer depth. Coupling is achieved by explicitly distributing atmospheric forcing across the mixed layer (which can span multiple dynamic layers), and by making the heat flux and thermal expansion of seawater dependent upon the mixed layer model's sea surface temperature (SST). An advantage of this approach is that the relative independence of the dynamical solution from the mixed layer allows the initial state for simulations with the mixed layer to be defined from existing near-global model simulations spun up from rest without a mixed layer (requiring many hundreds of model years). The goal is to use the mixed layer model in near-global multidecadal simul...
Evidence of transmission of palm lethal yellowing agent by a planthopper, Myndus crudus (Homoptera: Cixiidae)

Lethal yellowing (LY) di9ease developed in three of five coconut palms, Cocos nucifera L. five of seven Manila palms, Veitchia merrillii (Becc.) H.E. Moore, and two of three of the palm, Pritchardia thurstonii F. Muell. et Drude, that were planted in cages into which ? 850 wild planthoppers, Myndus crudus Van Duzee, were introduced each month for 34 months.. Transmission of LY disease to one or more palms occurred in each of five treatment cages. Mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO) were observed in sieve elements in tissues sampled from all palms that developed LY symptoms, but not in samples from healthy palms. Palms of the same species in five cages in which M. crudus were not introduced remained healthy. Insects that contaminated the experiment were discounted as possible vectors by biological and experimental design considerations. The number of M. crudus used in the experiment and the susceptibilities of the palms were consistent with field observations. The results of this experiment provide the strongest evidence yet published that M. crudus is a vector of LY agent.
Are universal precautions realistic

Reduction of the risk of perioperative transmission of bloodborne infection may be accomplished by barrier precautions, changes in surgical technique, and appropriate HIV testing. Prevention of mucocutaneous and parenteral exposure of both patients and health-care workers to body fluids is a basic principle. Preoperative HIV testing has no role to play in the emergency surgical patient. Re-engineering needle use has the potential to reduce significantly the risk of parenteral exposure to blood.
REGIONAL-SCALE TROUGHING OVER THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES: TEMPORAL CLIMATOLOGY, TELECONNECTIONS, AND CLIMATIC IMPACT

Regional-scale middle- and upper-tropospheric troughing over the southwestern United States represents a departure from the modal circulation pattern for western North America. Once developed, southwestern troughs often are associated with positive vorticity advection aloft, surface cyclone formation, and moisture advection over areas of the western Great Plains and Intermountain West. These trough systems may play an important role in the precipitation climatology of the western and central United States. However, very little work has focused on the temporal climatology, developmental characteristics, or climatic impacts of southwestern troughs. This study provides a detailed climatology of southwestern troughing that focuses on: (1) the temporal frequency of these events; (2) the teleconnective circulation changes that are associated with their development; and (3) the importance of these systems in the precipitation climatology of the western and central United States. The temporal climatology of south...
The basal ganglia: from motor commands to the control of vigor

Vertebrates are remarkable for their ability to select and execute goal-directed actions: motor skills critical for thriving in complex, competitive environments. A key aspect of a motor skill is the ability to execute its component movements over a range of speeds, amplitudes and frequencies (vigor). Recent work has indicated that a subcortical circuit, the basal ganglia, is a critical determinant of movement vigor in rodents and primates. We propose that the basal ganglia evolved from a circuit that in lower vertebrates and some mammals is sufficient to directly command simple or stereotyped movements to one that indirectly controls the vigor of goal-directed movements. The implications of a dual role of the basal ganglia in the control of vigor and response to reward are also discussed.
Effect of dietary cholesterol on the metabolic rate of hyperthyroid rats.

SummaryDietary cholesterol significantly decreased the oxygen consumption of thyroid-fed rats, but the reduction was not sufficient for the metabolic rate to approach normal levels. This effect of cholesterol cannot be attributed to a depression of the food intake.
In Situ Low Temperature Cleaning and Passivation of Silicon by Remote Hydrogen Plasma for Silicon-Based Epitaxy

Remote Plasma-enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (RPCVD), which involves nonthermal, remote plasma excitation of precursors, has been demonstrated to be a novel and attractive technique for low temperature (150-450C) Si and Sil-xGex epitaxy for applications in Si ULSI and novel Si heterostructure devices which require compact doping profiles and/or heterointerfaces. An in situ low temperature remote hydrogen plasma clean in the Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) deposition chamber in order to achieve a chemically passive, hydrogenated Si surface with minimal O, C and N contamination, is a critical component of the process. The ex situ wet chemical cleaning consists of ultrasonic degreasing and a modified RCA clean, followed by a final dilute HF dip. The in situ clean is achieved by remote plasma excited H, where H introduced through the plasma column is r-f excited such that the plasma glow does not engulf the wafer. In situ AES analysis shows that the remote H plasma clean results in very substantial reduction of the C, O and N contamination on the Si surface. We believe that the H plasma produces atomic H which, in turn, produces a reducing environment and has a slight etching effect on Si and SiO2 by converting them to volatile byproducts. TEM analysis of the wafers subjected to this clean indicate that defect-free surfaces with dislocation loop densities below TEM detection limits of 105 /cm2 are achievable. Corroborating evidence of achieving an atomically clean, smooth Si surface by remote H plasma clean as obtained from in situ RHEED analysis will also be presented. After in situ H cleaning at low pressures (45 mTorr), typically for 30 min. at a substrate temperature of 310 C, we observe both stronger integral order streaks compared to the as-loaded sample and the appearance of less intense half-order lines indicative of a (2 × 1) reconstruction pattern, indicating a monohydride termination. A (3 × 1) reconstruction pattern is observed upon H plasma clean at lower temperatures (250 C), which can be attributed to an alternating monohydride and dihydride termination. Results of air exposure of hydrogenated Si surfaces by AES analysis indicate that the (3 × l) termination is chemically more inert towards readsorption of C and 0. Successful Si homoepitaxy and Si/Sil-xGex heteroepitaxy under a variety of surface cleaning conditions prove that by a combination of these cleaning techniques, and by exploiting the inertness of the H-passivated Si surface, very low defect density films with 0 and C levels as low as 1X1018 cm−3 and 5×1017 cm−3, respectively, can be achieved.
Wind Dispersal of the Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) in North Carolina Peanut Fields

The role of wind dispersal in the ecology of Tetranychus urticae Koch in North Carolina peanut fields was evaluated. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that even low-level infestations of T. urticae were dispersed by winds of only 8 km/h. However, the most mites were dispersed by 24-km/h winds when mites were massing. In the field the number of T. urticae caught was inversely proportional to trap height, and most mites are caught at about the height of peanut plants (0.6 m). More mites were caught blowing from southerly directions along with the predominant summer winds than from any other direction; however, mites were blown in all directions. Pesticides which caused T. urticae populations to increase in peanut fields resulted in significant increases in aerially dispersing mites. Mites were dispersed by wind in all treatments, on all dates, and with all populations measured.
Efficacy analysis of community-based comprehensive interventions on hypertension in Gaochun district of Nanjing

Objective To evaluate efficacy of community-based comprehensive interventions on hypertension in Nanjing. Methods Using self-designed Gaochun District Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Management Evaluation Questionnaire,a total of 3 990patients with hypertension were investigated in 2011,who were subjected to comprehensive intervention management in different groups.Follow-up surveys were conducted in half and 1year after baseline survey.Results Follow-up survey rate was 99.0%and 98.9%,respectively.GEE analysis revealed that compared to baseline survey,systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of patients with hypertension dropped after 6months of comprehensive community-based interventions, no significant difference was observed.Blood pressure control rate was 1.138times of survey baseline,with significant difference(P0.05).After 1-year comprehensive interventions,systolic blood pressure dropped by 4.531mmHg in average,while diastolic blood pressure dropped by 1.525mmHg in average,control rate was 2.236times of baseline survey,with significant difference(P0.05).No significant difference was observed for morbidity of cardiovascular events(P0.05).ConclusionsOne-year community-based comprehensive interventions for patients with hypertension reduced their blood pressure level and enhanced blood pressure control rate.
Drug Addiction and Chronic Pain: A Review of Animal Models

Animal models of pain play an important role in the characterization and development of therapeutics for several pain conditions. Models that mimic the development and maintenance of chronic pain conditions are especially important and have directly impacted the availability of treatments for many common pain conditions such as neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral. The most efficacious and first choice treatment option for chronic pain is opioid analgesics. Besides being potent analgesics, opioids produce an intense pleasant feeling (reward), especially in individuals not suffering actual pain. This raises the concern that the chronic treatment of pain with opioids can cause opioid tolerance and dependence. This chapter discusses the animal models that are used to quantitatively measure nociception and analgesia, and animal models that are used to study inflammatory, neuropathic, and visceral pain. Additionally, we discuss the animal models used to study opioid dependence.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH TIME TO ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY CHANGE FROM VANCOMYCIN TO DAPTOMYCIN IN STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTEREMIA

OF THESIS CLINICAL OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH TIME TO ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY CHANGE FROM VANCOMYCIN TO DAPTOMYCIN IN STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTEREMIA Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an aerobic, Gram positive commensal organism that is capable of causing a wide spectrum of disease. This study contributes to previously published literature regarding daptomycin versus vancomycin use in S. aureus bacteremia (SAB). Methods: Adult patients admitted between 2010 and 2014, billed for ICD-9 code V09.0, 038.11, 038.12, 041.11, or 041.12, and received vancomycin and daptomycin were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were stratified by time to change in antibiotics from vancomycin to daptomycin to the early switch (1-3 days), intermediate switch (4-7 days), or late switch (8 days or later) group. The primary outcome was treatment failure defined as 30-day recurrence, 60-day all-cause mortality, and 90-day all-cause readmission. Results: 193 patients were enrolled in the final cohort. The overall treatment failure rate was 18% with no differences between early switch, intermediate switch, and late switch (P=0.72) groups. Independent predictors of treatment success were length of stay (OR=1.035) and time to positive culture (OR=0.961). Conclusions: Results of this study did not demonstrate a difference in treatment failure based on time to switch from vancomycin to daptomycin. Future research should focus on optimizing use of vancomycin and daptomycin and medical management of SAB.
Superficial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with overlying intradermal melanocytic nevus mimicking spindle cell melanoma.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare soft tissue sarcomas with histological and immunohistochemical similarities to spindle cell melanoma. Although spindle cell melanoma is significantly more common, both tumors may express S100 and lack staining for HMB-45, Melan-A, or MITF. Here we present a case of superficial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with diffuse S100 positivity arising in a subtle neurofibroma in close proximity to an intradermal melanocytic nevus. This configuration had led to prior misdiagnosis as a desmoplastic melanoma arising in the nevus and to sentinel lymph node biopsy. Identification of the background neurofibroma, as well as CD34 positivity raised consideration of a low grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, which was confirmed via observation of Schwannian differentiation on electron microscopy. The importance of distinguishing these two tumors is stressed owing to the difference in management.
Translational Medicine: Creating the Crucial Bidirectional Bridge between Bench and Bedside

The life sciences are now entering a revolutionary era that calls for acceleration in understanding the complexity of biological systems and expands the need for more effective strategies for pursuing translational medicine [1].[...]
Equity of bikeway distribution in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Governments and nonprofit organizations are investing in the bicycling infrastructure. However, the benefits of the bicycling infrastructure have not always been distributed equally among neighborhoods, and the equity of the distribution has been a major concern. This study used two measures, the Gini coefficient and the loss of accessibility to jobs via bikeways, to assess both the horizontal and the vertical equity of the bicycling infrastructure’s distribution in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gini coefficients, calculated from Lorenz curves, provide a single flexible measure that allows comparisons within and between groups. Determination of accessibility to jobs via lower-stress bikeway and street networks allows the levels of connectivity via bikeways to be compared for different groups. Minneapolis is making substantial investments in the bicycling infrastructure and was used as a case study because data with which to assess changes in equity over time are available. With use of the block group as the uni...
Prediction suppression and surprise enhancement in monkey inferotemporal cortex.

In predictive coding models of the visual system, neurons carry signed prediction error signals. We show here that monkey inferotemporal neurons exhibit prediction-modulated firing, as posited by t...
Japanese n deshita in Discourse: Past Form of n desu

N deshita / datta , which is the past-tense form of n desu / da , has not been explored in depth in studies of Japanese Linguistics. The present study examines a large corpus, and explores the cases of n deshita / datta used for past events and situations. The findings of the present study show that out of the 167 cases of n deshita / datta used for past events and situations in the corpus, 63 cases (37.7%) co-occurred with grammatical elements that require past-tense connections for the preceding item such as the sentential ending particle kke , the tara structure, and the tari structure. For the cases of n deshita / datta that co-occurred with kke , tara , or tari , it was concluded that the grammatical restrictions arising from these elements triggered the occurrences of n deshita / datta . On the other hand, 104 cases (62.3%) occurred without any grammatical elements that require past-tense connections. These cases of n deshita / datta in the corpus were used to express the speaker’s recollection of previously held knowledge, or as part of confirmation seeking utterances for previously held knowledge.
Terrorism and Violent Extremism

Terrorism and violent extremism profoundly challenge global security (Gupta, 2016). More than 62,000 known terrorist incidents occurred worldwide between January 2011 and October 2015. Although the overall number of incidents worldwide declined from 2014 (17,000) to 2015 (15,000), even that trend did not hold for Western Europe and North America, both of which saw an increase (National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, 2016). Given that the tactic of terrorism has been around since ancient times, it is not a threat that is likely to diminish in the foreseeable future (Chaliand, 2016; Laqueur, 2016).
Patterns Formation in a Self-Gravitating Isentropic Gas

In this paper we consider a hydrodynamic model for the matter density distribution in a self gravitating, isentropic 2-d disk of gas where the isentropy coefficient is allowed to be a function of position. For this model we prove analytically the existence of steady state and time dependent solutions in which the matter density in the disk is oscillatory and pattern forming. This research is motivated in part by recent astronomical observations and Laplace conjecture (made in 1796) that planetary systems evolve from a family of isolated rings that are formed within a primitive interstellar gas cloud.
Saving Civil Justice: Judging Civil Justice

Asking the right question can be as important as giving the right answer. In her book Judging Civil Justice, Dame Hazel Genn forcefully argues that the right question about the civil justice system is not “how much justice we can afford” but “how much justice can we afford to forego.” Although the specific symptoms come from the English civil courts, Genn’s diagnosis has important lessons for nations the world over that are struggling with the tradeoffs between justice and delay, between competing demands for government funds, and between the private and public aspects of dispute resolution. She challenges both policymakers and ordinary citizens to focus on the benefits the court system provides and not merely on its costs. Genn’s critique begins by exposing the severe under-funding of the civil side of the English court system, followed by an examination of its result: civil justice policy that focuses first and foremost on pushing cases out of the court system. This manifests itself in processes that discourage litigation, efforts to move disputes into mediation, and the changed role of judges as they are expected to “manage” more cases more quickly with fewer resources. To justify these measures, legal elites disparage litigation – including the unseemly tendency of judges themselves to suggest that adjudication is overpriced and unreliable, and no more worthy than any other method of resolving disputes. This book review summarizes the most significant points of Genn’s analysis and suggests ways in which lawyers, academics, and judges in other countries can use the English experience she depicts as a lens through which our own systems and their challenges can be seen more clearly. It points to lessons about the relationship between public perception of the role of the courts and funding of those courts, between public funding and strategies to deter court use, and to the importance of examining the difference between party and court interests in the public justice debate.
Double-positive with positive anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody and ANCA-positive disease in a patient with dermatomyositis

Approximately one in four patients (23.3%) with inflammatory myositis including dermatomyositis can require evaluation for acute kidney injury. The main cause of kidney injury is acute tubular necrosis from medications or myoglobinuria, though clinicians should be aware of a wide variety of possible aetiologies. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with stable anti-Jo1 dermatomyositis, who presented with acute kidney injury. During her hospital course, she was diagnosed with double-positive disease characterised by circulating anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody and myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and renal biopsy revealing crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear staining of capillary wall for IgG.
Radiation therapy for rectal cancer

Radiotherapy (RT) has remained an important pillar in the multi-modality management of rectal cancer. Adjuvant RT with concurrent chemotherapy (chemo-RT) was once the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer, but with time, that has now changed and neoadjuvant chemo-RT followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery is the new standard. Alternatively, neoadjuvant RT alone remains an option and clinicians are tasked to choose between the two. In an era of personalised oncological management, it is unsurprising that the treatment for rectal cancer is following suit and upcoming trials are studying ways to improve outcomes and minimise toxicity for patients while tailoring treatments specific to each patient’s tumour. We review the evolution of the role of RT in rectal cancer and look forward to what the future holds.
The Capacity to Live Independently

Deciding where and how one lives is a fundamental human right. But in the context of increasing functional and cognitive dependency, determining whether one has the ability to make this decision can present challenges for individuals and their caregivers. The capacity to live independently involves both decisional and executive capacity in domains of safe and independent living. Making this determination requires an in-depth assessment of the risks and benefits for that person’s unique situation, as well as an interdisciplinary assessment to determine whether they can both understand these risks and benefits and reasonably carry out their chosen course of action.
The contribution of the University of California Cooperative Extension to California's agricultural production

ABSTRACTPurposeThis paper is concerned with the impact of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) on regional productivity in California agriculture. UCCE is responsible for agric...