cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Malignancy Rate in Children With IgE Deficiency: A Single-center Experience

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin (Ig) E-deficient adults (IgE<2.5 kU/L) have increased susceptibility for developing malignancy. We evaluated the association between IgE deficiency and cancer diagnosis in children (age younger than 18 y), compared with those non-IgE-deficient (IgE≥2.5 kU/L). MATERIALS AND METHODS Information about malignancy diagnosis were compared between 4 cohorts of children who had IgE levels measured at our institution: IgE-deficient (IgE<2.5 kU/L), normal IgE (2.5<IgE≥100 kU/L), high IgE (100≥IgE<1000 kU/L), very high IgE (IgE≥1000 kU/L). RESULTS Overall, 94/4586 (2%) children had IgE deficiency. A significantly higher malignancy rate was found in IgE-deficient children (3/94, 3.2%) compared with non-IgE-deficient cohort (13/4492, 0.3%, P<0.0001). Analysis of the groups with different IgE levels revealed a significantly higher rate of cancer in IgE-deficient children (3.2%) compared with those with normal (0.5%; odds ratio [OR]=7.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94-31.61, P=0.004), high (0.2%; OR=25.80; 95% CI: 4.94-134.54, P=0.002), and very high IgE levels (0.2%; OR=42.17; 95% CI: 3.84-463.02, P<0.0001). All 3 IgE-deficient children had lymphoma. Malignancies in the other groups included lymphoma, leukemia, brain, liver, ovarian cancers. CONCLUSIONS Malignancy rate was higher in IgE-deficient children compared with those with normal, high, or very high IgE levels, supporting the hypothesis that IgE deficiency may be a marker for malignancy susceptibility in children. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to further evaluate this association.
Medication Adherence and Characteristics of Patients Who Spend Less on Basic Needs to Afford Medications.

Introduction: Among individuals with low income, cost is a well-established barrier to medication adherence. Spending less on basic needs to pay for medication is a particularly concerning cost-coping strategy and may be associated with worse health outcomes. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the demographic and health status characteristics of those who report spending less on basic needs to pay for medication, and (2) to understand the associated psychosocial and financial challenges of these individuals. Methods: We administered a survey to primarily low-income adults (n = 270) in St. Louis, MO, as part of a larger study from 2016 to 2018. Logistic regression was used to model odds of reporting spending less on basic needs to pay for medication. Results: Spending less on basic needs to pay for medication was significantly more likely in individuals with fair or poor health status, greater number of chronic conditions, greater medication expenditure, and difficulty paying bills. Individuals who spent less on basic needs were less likely to be fully adherent to their medication regimen. Conclusions: Screening for unmet basic needs and offering referrals to social safety net programs in the primary care setting may help patients achieve sustainable medication adherence.
Perceived Vulnerability As a Determinant of Increased Risk for Cybersecurity Risk Behavior.

There is interest in better understanding people's cybersecurity (CS)-related attitudes and behaviors, which are ultimately impacted by their perceived vulnerability to CS risks. There is a relatio...
Natural regeneration responses to thinning and burning treatments in ponderosa pine forests and implications for restoration

Understanding naturally occurring pine regeneration dynamics in response to thinning and burning treatments is necessary not only to measure the longevity of the restoration or fuels treatment, but also to assess how well regeneration meets forest sustainability guidelines and whether natural regeneration is sufficient for maintaining a sustainable forest structure and composition. A synthesis review was carried out on the effects of mechanical thinning and prescribed burn treatments on natural pine regeneration response in frequent-fire ponderosa pine forests across the western United States. The focus was on site-specific variability in pine regeneration dynamics, temporal trends in regeneration presence and abundance, and response to treatment as described in the current literature using 29 studies that met our evidence-based review protocols. Data showed that the effects of thinning and burning treatments on regeneration depended on time since treatment. Mechanical thinning, prescribed burning, and thinning plus burn treatments all increased seedling density, but there was high variability among sites and studies. There were mixed results in the short-term ( 20 years) concluded that stands can return to pre-treatment densities in terms of total trees per hectare and forest floor duff levels when there are no maintenance treatments applied. Several studies showed the average ponderosa pine seedling presence, survival and growth found in today’s forests to be at a high density; this combined with missed fire cycles could contribute to future fire risk and reduce the efficacy of maintaining fuel reduction goals.
Structural Damage Identification with Various Uncertainties

This paper presents an investigation of structural damage identification with various uncertainty conditions. The model-based damage identification techniques compare the change of the identified model and the change of the analytical model, such as a finite element model, due to damage. The analytical model is different from the identified model because of errors from boundary conditions, material properties, and other variability. The uncertainty associated with identification errors and other random factors may also result in false indications of damage. In this study, we examine the damage identification with various uncertainties, such as boundary condition variation, temperature change, and environmental variation. Experiments of a beam structure under various uncertainties will be used to demonstrate the study.
Sequential Interval Network for parsing complex structured activity

SIN parses structured activity sequence (or time series data in general).SIN is not a time sliced graphical model.SIN is equivalent to a left-right segmental model (HSMM) and allows exact inference. We propose a new graphical model, called a Sequential Interval Network (SIN), for parsing complex, structured activities whose composition can be represented by a stochastic grammar. By exploiting the grammar, the generated network captures an activity's global temporal structure while avoiding a time-sliced manner model. In this network, the hidden variables are the start and end times of the component actions, which allows reasoning about duration and observation on interval/segment level. Exact inference can be achieved and yield the posterior probabilities of the timing variables as well as each frame's component label. Importantly, by using uninformative expected value of future observations, the network can predict the probability distribution of the timing of future component actions. We demonstrate this framework on vision tasks such as recognition and temporally segmentation of action sequence, or parsing and making future prediction online when running in streaming mode while observing an assembly task.
Electrophysiology of bull spermatozoa: Correlations with motility

Abstract The bioelectric characterization of bull spermatozoa was based on the establishment of a standard, for comparison with cells subjected to manipulation of the ionic environment. In addition to potassium and sodium, chloride concentration was also found to have an effect on bull spermatozoa membrane potential and motility. The chloride effect on potential was similar in magnitude to that of sodium but smaller than that of potassium. Potential difference in potassium, sodium and chloride supplemented media was related to the amplitude of the flagellar wave.
Chemical Contamination of Poultry Meat and Eggs

Abstract: Poultry products are some of the most important sources of protein in the world. Even though poultry is considered a healthy meat type, there are wide concerns regarding chemical contamination in poultry products. This review will describe some potential chemical contaminants in poultry meat and eggs. It also briefly discusses the regulatory process used in the US for the control of these contaminants as an example of prevention and control strategies used around the world.
Solid Particles Falling Through Fluids

The forces acting on a sphere falling through a fluid (call it gas for convenience) are as follows: Open image in new window In symbols $$|F| = {m \over {{g_c}}}{{du} \over {dt}} = \left({{\pi \over 6}d_{{\rm{sph}}}^3} \right)\left({|{\rho _s} - {\rho _g}|} \right){g \over {{g_c}}} - |{F_d}|$$ (8.1) where the drag force Open image in new window At the terminal velocity du/dt = 0, in which case equations (8.1) and (8.2) give $${u_t} = {\left({{{4g{d_{{\rm{sph}}}}(|{\rho _s} - {\rho _g}|)} \over {3{\rho _g}{C_D}}}} \right)^{1/2}}\;\;\;\;{\rm{or}}\;\;\;\;{C_D} = {{4g{d_{{\rm{sph}}}}(|{\rho _s} - {\rho _g}|)} \over {3{\rho _g}u_t^2}}$$ (8.3) The drag coefficient in equation (8.3) has been found by experiment to be related to the particle Reynolds number at terminal velocity, defined as $${{\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} _{{\rm{sph}},t}} = {{{d_{{\rm{sph}}}}{u_t}{\rho _g}} \over \mu}$$ (8.4)
Proteases are mitogenic to mesenchyme in vivo: A study using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane

Abstract The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the 9 and 10 day chick embryo has been used as a system to investigate the control of growth of mesenchymal tissue in vivo. The mesenchyme (but not the chorionic epithelium or allantoic epithelium) responded to the mitogenic stimuli of trypsin, activated macrophages and the secreted products of activated macrophages. The response to trypsin mimics the response of chick embryo fibroblasts in vitro. Under the conditions used, the increased labeling index was observed in CAM mesenchyme by 6 h (the shortest time assayed) and remained at this level for at least 24 h. This system could be used to evaluate the mitogenicity in vivo of other substances known to be mitogenic to fibroblasts in vitro.
Future Research Directions

We addressed several well-known and new canonical Location Discovery problems in wireless sensor networks, including engineering change-based node addition, and design and operation of Location Discovery Infrastructure for mobile users. Location Discovery is a generic, broad, and deep problem with many facets and numerous formulations, and can be addressed with a variety of objectives and constraints. The techniques, approaches and algorithms are the first step toward developing viable methodology, algorithms, and tools for addressing Location Discovery. In this chapter, we propose several research directions that deserve future investigation including characterization of mobile trajectories, design of infrastructure for characterization.
Two Speeds of Isokinetic Exercise as Related to the Vertical Jump Performance of Women

Abstract In order to ascertain the effect of 2 contrasting speeds of isokinetic training programs upon performance of women in the vertical jump, 48 varsity and second team intercollegiate volleyball players from 4 universities were randomly assigned to either a control or isokinetic training group. After performing 3 sets of 10 leg press repetitions maximum, 3 days/wk for 8 wks, on isokinetic speed controlled machines, the groups were compared on a strength measure and on vertical jump performance. According to the group to which they were assigned (control, fast speed, or slow speed) subjects from all schools were combined according to treatment effect for comparison purposes on the vertical jump. For the strength measure, the combined slow or fast speed subject groupings formed an experimental treatment group which was compared to a combined control group. A 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures on 1 factor was applied to data obtained on the jump and on each of the strength measures. Results indicated th...
Associations Between Temperament and Social Responsiveness in Young Children.

Recent research has demonstrated that social responsiveness (comprised of social awareness, social information processing, reciprocal social communication, social motivation, and repetitive/restricted interests) is continuously distributed within the general population. In the present study, we consider temperament as a co-occurring source of individual differences in social responsiveness in young children. The sample consisted of 62 infants assessed at 2-, 3-, and 4-years-old. Measures of temperament were obtained at each age (Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire, Children’s Behavior Questionnaire) and social responsiveness was measured at 4-years-old (Social Responsiveness Scale; SRS). Multivariate patterns of association between components of temperament and social responsiveness were observed at each age, with overall findings in line with the broader literature examining temperament and socio-development associations. Importantly, these results provide support for the usefulness of temperament as a relevant source of variability in social responsiveness, as measured by the SRS, in typically developing young children.
Stability Of Directional Spectral Reflectance For Materials In The Space Environment

In this paper we report recent research findings which quantify the variations of spectral directional reflectance properties for calibration plaque candidate m aterials used a s i n-situ a bsolute r adiometric standards for thermography and space instrumentation. The monochromatic bi-directional scattering distribution function (BSDF) is found to vary with simulated combined s pace radiation exposure, while the integrated spectral reflectance degrades inversely with the wavelcngth at which it is measured. Theories and practices which address the rclativk influence of several processing variables on the optical behavior of matcrials in anaerobic radiation environments are examined, a nd c ontrol s trategies for remote s ensing m etrology are summarized.
Habitat context influences nitrogen removal by restored oyster reefs

Summary Like many ecosystem functions in marine and terrestrial environments, nutrient processing varies dramatically over small spatial scales, making efforts to apply findings within and across ecosystems challenging. In estuaries, information on the influence of habitat context on sediment nutrient cycling is lacking even though this is an important estuarine function with high societal value. We collected triplicate intact sediment cores from restored oyster reefs located in different habitat contexts (adjacent to salt marshes, seagrass beds and mudflats), as well as salt marshes, seagrass beds and mudflats without reefs (controls). Sediment denitrification and fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen were measured under ambient and experimentally elevated water column nitrate levels. Under ambient nitrate, oyster reefs enhanced sediment denitrification by 18–275% over the controls, with highest rates of denitrification in the mudflat context. With experimentally elevated nitrate, the rate of denitrification was higher for oyster reefs compared to the controls in all contexts. This suggests that oyster reefs prime sediments to denitrify nitrate pulses by providing a labile carbon source for denitrifying bacteria. There was a weak positive relationship between oyster density and denitrification under ambient nitrate concentrations and a positive relationship with denitrification that became negative beyond ∼2400 individuals m−2 with elevated nitrate concentrations. The effect of the oyster reef on sediment denitrification was most pronounced in the mudflat context, due to the absence of other structured habitats and higher oyster density, compared to the other two habitat contexts investigated. The consistency of denitrification efficiency across the habitats and lack of difference between habitats with reefs and those without (controls) suggest oyster-mediated denitrification is an effective sink for nitrogen in coastal systems. Synthesis and applications. Our study indicates that oyster-mediated denitrification is dependent on the habitat context of the oyster reef, and variation in oyster density and the relative functional redundancy of oyster reefs where other structured habitats exist (e.g. seagrass and salt marshes) may explain this pattern. Efforts to model and predict ecosystem services provided through oyster reef restoration such as the removal of anthropogenically derived nitrogen should incorporate how habitat context influences ecosystem functions.
The altered expression of MiR-221/-222 and MiR-23b/-27b is associated with the development of human castration resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND We have previously identified seven miRs-miR-221, -222, -23b, -27b, -15a, -16-1, and -203, that are differentially expressed in the hormone sensitive LNCaP cell line and the hormone resistant LNCaP-abl cell line and hypothesized that these miRs may characterize certain subtypes of human castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS Functional studies in cell culture systems have been performed to determine the effect of alternated expression level on cellular response to androgen treatment. To determine the clinical relevance of the expression patterns of these miRs, we compared the expression levels of these seven miRs in normal prostate tissues from 86 individuals, prostate tumor tissues from 34 individuals with localized hormone naive disease, and bone-derived metastatic CRPC tissues from 17 individuals. RESULTS The altered expression of miR-221/-222 (as previously described) or miR-203 affected the cellular response to androgen treatment, suggesting their potential involvement in the transition to CRPC. However, the expression of miR-23b, -27b, -15a, and -16-1 did not have a significant influence in the cellular response to androgen treatment, suggesting that these miRs may not play a causative role in the CRPC phenotype. Comparison of the expression levels of these miRs in tissue samples revealed that strikingly, ∼90% of the analyzed metastatic CRPC tumors could be characterized by the increased miR-221/-222 expression and the down-regulated miR-23b/-27b expression. CONCLUSIONS This finding suggests that altered miR-221/-222 and miR-23b/-27b expression may be associated with the CRPC process. Prostate 72:1093–1103, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A neurobiological basis for substance abuse comorbidity in schizophrenia.

It is commonly held that substance use comorbidity in schizophrenia represents self-medication, an attempt by patients to alleviate adverse positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, or medication side effects. However, recent advances suggest that increased vulnerability to addictive behavior may reflect the impact of the neuropathology of schizophrenia on the neural circuitry mediating drug reward and reinforcement. We hypothesize that abnormalities in the hippocampal formation and frontal cortex facilitate the positive reinforcing effects of drug reward and reduce inhibitory control over drug-seeking behavior. In this model, disturbances in drug reward are mediated, in part, by dysregulated neural integration of dopamine and glutamate signaling in the nucleus accumbens resulting form frontal cortical and hippocampal dysfunction. Altered integration of these signals would produce neural and motivational changes similar to long-term substance abuse but without the necessity of prior drug exposure. Thus, schizophrenic patients may have a predilection for addictive behavior as a primary disease symptom in parallel to, and in many cases independent from, their other symptoms.
Examination of a Psychoeducational Intervention and a Respite Grant in Relieving Psychosocial Stressors Associated with Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver

Alzheimer's disease can be particularly devastating to those who are caring for their loved one with the condition. There have been recent calls for the tailoring of caregiving interventions to examine outcome differences between groups of caregivers and the reporting of effectiveness via longitudinal and specific outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine 3 interventions (psychoeducational training, a respite voucher-type grant, or their combination) while looking for possible group differences. A total of 367 caregivers participated in the study. Participants completed surveys and questionnaires before the intervention and at a 6-month follow-up. Positive outcomes were found, including lower depression scores, increased support service use, and increased support group usage. Possible effectiveness of the 3 types of interventions and variation among caregiver characteristics are discussed along with implications for future research.
Elasticity and thermal expansivity of (AgI)x(AgPO3)1-x glasses.

We have measured the transit times of longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves in (AgI${)}_{\mathit{x}}$(${\mathrm{AgPO}}_{3}$${)}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ glasses, with 0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.46, at temperatures between 80 and 360 K and at pressures up to 4 kbar at 196 K and/or 296 K. We have also measured the thermal expansivity of (AgI${)}_{\mathit{x}}$(${\mathrm{AgPO}}_{3}$${)}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ glasses with x=0 and 0.31 between 90 and 295 K. From the transit-time data, we found that all the elastic stiffness moduli decrease with increases in AgI content or temperature. However, all moduli increase with increasing pressure. The shear-to-bulk modulus ratio, ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathrm{T}}$/B, is close to 0.25, the value calculated by Bergman and Kantor for a material having a one-dimensional backbone and an interstitial fluid near the percolation limit. The ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathrm{T}}$/B ratio decreases as AgI content or pressure increases, indicating a reduction in structural stability and that a structural phase transition involving macroscopic shear may occur at high pressure. The temperature dependence of each elastic modulus has a component due to elastic anharmonicity and, in some samples, an inflection due to Ag-ion relaxation which occurs at a lower temperature the higher the AgI content. The pressure dependences of the elastic moduli yielded positive ultrasonic mode Gr\"uneisen parameters and an average high-temperature Gr\"uneisen parameter greater than the mode Gr\"uneisen parameters deduced from the temperature dependences of the moduli or from thermal expansion data. While the latter Gr\"uneisen parameters agreed at room temperature the thermal Gr\"uneisen parameters fell as temperature decreased and became negative at about 155 K for the x=0 sample, indicating the importance of excitations having a negative anharmonicity parameter (mode Gr\"uneisen parameter).
Malleable splints in the neonatal management of clubfoot

Abstract This paper describes the technique and outcome of the manipulation and straping of idiopathic clubfoot, using malleable aluminium finger splints in the neonatal period. We report the results of treating 103 feet, over a consecutive 9-year period. Surgery was required in 59 feet (57%) over a follow-up period of 4 years and 10 months. The splint complication rate was 4%. The advantages of the splinting method are discussed. This is the first report of the results of this particul technique.
Spontaneous Urinary Bladder Perforation: An Unusual Presentation of Diabetes Mellitus ☆

Spontaneous urinary bladder perforation is a rare event, which requires immediate medical attention due to its extremely high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 36-year-old man who presented with acute-onset abdominal pain without any inciting events. His glucose level at the time of presentation was 1107 mg/dL. On initial abdominal imaging, it was believed that he had a large pelvic mass likely originating from the bladder. On further workup at our hospital, it was discovered that he had an intraperitoneal perforation after which he underwent an exploratory laparotomy and a cystorrhaphy.
BALANITIS XEROTICA OBLITERANS IN BOYS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a chronic dermatitis of unknown etiology most often involving the glans and prepuce but sometimes extending into the urethra. We report our 10-year experience with BXO in pediatric patients.Materials and Methods: Our pathology database was queried for all tissue diagnoses of BXO from 1992 to 2002. Available charts were reviewed and patient presentation, clinical and referral history, operative procedure(s) and postoperative course were recorded.Results: A total of 41 patients had a tissue confirmed diagnosis of BXO. Median patient age was 10.6 years. Of the patients 85% were 8 to 13 years old and all had referrals available for review. The most common referral diagnoses were phimosis (52%), balanitis (13%) and buried penis (10%). No patient had the diagnosis of BXO at referral. Of the patients 19 (46%) underwent curative circumcision or redo circumcision and had no recurrence at a mean followup of 12.5 months (range 1 to 57). A total of 11 patients (...
Government deficits and the term structure of interest rates

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of government deficits on interest rates with different terms to maturities. A nonlinear term structure model with a time-varying term premium is presented as a vehicle to discuss the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis. It is found that the nonlinear term structure model of the equivalence hypothesis that allows for a time-varying term premium and a conditional heteroskedasticity is compatible with the data and performs far better than does the linear model.
Teleoperation and Autonomy for Space Robotics

Abstract A logical enhancement to manned space flight includes the use of robots in space. To achieve this goal, there must be a phased program where the capabilities of the robot can evolve as technology advances. This paper will review some of the ways in which robots can be used in space. Then, a system architecture standard will be suggested which supports the evolution of robot control from teleoperation to autonomy. Finally, some areas of technology transfer will be discussed which are relevant to land-based robot operation.
Identification of CO2 sequestered in electrospun metal oxide nanofibers

We demonstrate, using diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), that carbon dioxide is sequestered in electrospun metal oxide nanofibers upon removal of the guide polymers by pyrolysis. Carbon dioxide is not present before pyrolysis and is formed during combustion of the polymer. The sequestration of carbon dioxide within these metal oxide nanofibers does not appear to depend on the particular metal precursor, guide polymer, or synthesis method.
Basal Contributions to Short-Latency Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emission Components

The presence of short-latency (SL), less compressive-growing components in bandpass-filtered transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) waveforms may implicate contributions from cochlear regions basal to the tonotopic place. Recent empirical work suggests a region of SL generation between ∼1/5 and 1/10-octave basal to the TEOAE frequency’s tonotopic place. However, this estimate may be biased to regions closer to the tonotopic place as the TEOAE extraction technique precluded measurement of components with latencies shorter than ∼5 ms. Using a variant of the non-linear, double-evoked extraction paradigm that permitted extraction of components with latencies as early as 1 ms, the current study empirically estimated the spatial-extent of the cochlear region contributing to 2 kHz SL TEOAE components. TEOAEs were evoked during simultaneous presentation of a suppressor stimulus, in order to suppress contributions to the TEOAE from different places along the cochlear partition. Three or four different-latency components of similar frequency content (∼2 kHz) were identified for most subjects. Component latencies ranged from 1.4 to 9.6 ms; latency was predictive of the component’s growth rate and the suppressor frequency to which the component’s magnitude was most sensitive to change. As component latency decreased, growth became less compressive and suppressor-frequency sensitivity shifted to higher frequencies. The shortest-latency components were most sensitive to suppressors approximately 3/5-octave higher than their nominal frequency of 2 kHz. These results are consistent with a distributed region of generation extending to approximately 3/5-octave basal to the TEOAE frequency’s tonotopic place. The empirical estimates of TEOAE generation are similar to model-based estimates where generation of the different-latency components occurs through linear reflection from impedance discontinuities distributed across the cochlear partition.
Does the resting state connectivity have hemispheric asymmetry? A near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a novel technology for low-cost noninvasive brain imaging suitable for use in virtually all subject and patient populations. Numerous studies of brain functional connectivity using fMRI, and recently NIRS, suggest new tools for the assessment of cognitive functions during task performance and the resting state (RS). We analyzed functional connectivity and its possible hemispheric asymmetry measuring coherence of optical signals at low frequencies (0.01-0.1 Hz) in the prefrontal cortex in 13 right-handed (RH) and 2 left-handed (LH) healthy subjects at rest (4-8 min) using a continuous-wave NIRS instrument CW5 (TechEn, Milford, MA). Two optical probes were placed bilaterally over the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) using anatomical landmarks of the 10-20 system. As a result, 28 optical channels (14 for each hemisphere) were recorded for changes in oxygenated (HbO) and de-oxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin. Global physiological signals (respiratory and cardiac) were removed using Principal and Independent Component Analyses. Inter-channel coherences for HbO and HbR signals were calculated using Morlet wavelets along with correlation coefficients. Connectivity matrices showed specific patterns of connectivity which was higher within each anatomical region (IFG and MFG) and between hemispheres (e.g., left IFG right IFG) than between IFG and MFG in the same hemisphere. Laterality indexes were calculated as t-values for the 'left>right' comparisons of intrinsic connectivity within each regional group of channels in each subject. Regardless of handedness, the group average laterality indexes were negative thus revealing significantly higher connectivity in the right hemisphere in the majority of RH subjects and in both LH subjects. The analysis of Granger causality between hemispheres has also shown a greater flow of information from the right to the left hemisphere which may point to an important role of the right hemisphere in the resting state. These data encourage further exploration of the NIRS connectivity and its application for the analysis of hemispheric relationships within the functional architecture of the brain.
Effect of dietary lipids on fatty acid composition of body lipid in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Three isocaloric diets were prepared. Diet 1 (Control) contained 22% herring oil. In diets 2 and 3, a third and a half of the herring oil was replaced, respectively, by an animal fat (lard) which contained a high percentage of saturated fatty acids. Each diet was fed to duplicate groups of rainbow trout for 14 wk. The results of the feeding trial indicated that the concentration of the saturated fatty acids in trout body lipid did not increase despite the high concentration of these fatty acids in Diets 2 and 3. Fish growth, feed efficiency, mortality and the level of fatty acid deposited in fish body lipid and phospholipids are discussed.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Subtypes and Genetic Testing Strategies

Objective: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) affects 1 in 2,500 people and is caused by mutations in more than 30 genes. Identifying the genetic cause of CMT is often necessary for family planning, natural history studies, and for entry into clinical trials. However genetic testing can be both expensive and confusing to patients and physicians. Methods: We analyzed data from 1,024 of our patients to determine the percentage and features of each CMT subtype within this clinic population. We identified distinguishing clinical and physiological features of the subtypes that could be used to direct genetic testing for patients with CMT. Results: Of 1,024 patients evaluated, 787 received CMT diagnoses. A total of 527 patients with CMT (67%) received a genetic subtype, while 260 did not have a mutation identified. The most common CMT subtypes were CMT1A, CMT1X, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), CMT1B, and CMT2A. All other subtypes accounted for less than 1% each. Eleven patients had >1 genetically identified subtype of CMT. Patients with genetically identified CMT were separable into specific groups based on age of onset and the degree of slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities. Interpretation: Combining features of the phenotypic and physiology groups allowed us to identify patients who were highly likely to have specific subtypes of CMT. Based on these results, we propose a strategy of focused genetic testing for CMT, illustrated in a series of flow diagrams created as testing guides. ANN NEUROL 2011;69:22–33
Electrostatically tunable analog single crystal silicon fringing-field MEMS varactors

This paper reports on the design of a new analog MEMS varactor that uses electrostatic fringing-field actuation and is based on a single-crystal silicon movable structure coated with a thin metallic layer. Electrostatic fringing-field actuation allows for an analog displacement with no pull-in instability that yields a much larger tuning ratio compared to conventional electrostatic designs. In addition, total lack of dielectric layers and the use of single crystal silicon for the moving membrane significantly enhances the robustness of our proposed varactor by making it devoid of dielectric charging and stiction, insensitive to process variations, amenable to high yield manufacturing and less susceptible to hysteresis and creep. Based on this idea, we present example designs and the associated fabrication processes for varactors that exhibit a tuning ratio of 4.5∶1 with capacitance values in the range of 43–200 fF achieved with DC voltages of 0–55 V. Such varactors are key elements in MEMS matching networks, tunable filters and reconfigurable antennas in the K/Ka/W-bands.
Subtle activation of a social categorization triggers group-level emotions

Previous research [Smith, E. R., Seger, C. R., & Mackie, D. M. (2007). Can emotions be truly group-level? Evidence regarding four conceptual criteria. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93, 431–446] has demonstrated that when people are explicitly asked about the emotions they experience as members of a particular group, their reported emotions converge toward a profile typical for that group. Two studies demonstrate that the same type of convergence occurs when a group identity is made situationally salient through priming, without an explicit request to report group-level emotions. People who identify more strongly with the group converge more, and show more similarity between their group-primed emotions and explicitly reported group-level emotions. This research confirms that activating a social identity produces convergence for emotions as well as for attitudes and behaviors. It also suggests that some previous emotion research may have tapped group rather than individual-level emotions, potentially requiring some reconceptualization.
Improved inversion of MR elastography images by spatio-temporal directional filtering

MR elastography can visualize and measure propagating shear waves in tissue-like materials subjected to harmonic mechanical excitation. This allows the calculation of local values of material parameters such as shear modulus and attenuation. Various inversion algorithms to perform such calculations have been proposed, but they are sensitive to areas of low displacement amplitude (and hence low SNR) that result from interference patterns due to reflection and refraction. A spatio-temporal directional filter applied as a pre-processing step can separate interfering waves so they can be processed separately. Weighted combinations of inversions from such directionally separated data sets can significantly improve reconstructions of shear modulus and attenuation.
On the Allocation of the Net Monetary Benefits of Credit Union Membership

ship are numerous, but the most important and most familiar bene? fits are dividend rates on savings in excess of those offered by other depository institutions, and loan rates below those charged by other consumer lending institutions.2 Since the primary source of credit union funds is the sale of shares to members, while the primary use of funds is loans to members, a potential conflict arises between the interest of members who are primarily savers and that of members who are primarily borrowers.3 Maintaining low loan rates may limit the credit union's ability to pay dividends, while the maintenance of high dividends may require higher loan rates. The resolution of the potential conflict between the competing interests of the two groups of credit union members is not a simple task in an unconstrained environment, and it is made more difficult by the regulatory constraints which credit union management must satisfy. Two aspects of regulation?the ceiling rate on loan interest charges and the ceiling rate on dividend payments?prevent the credit union from treating the competing groups equitably in allocating the net monetary benefits of credit union membership; the result is a pro-borrower bias. The industry convention of paying interest re? bates seems to increase the pro-borrower bias in the allocation of such benefits.
The Phenomenal Stance Revisited

In this article, we present evidence of a bidirectional coupling between moral concern and the attribution of properties and states that are associated with experience (e.g., conscious awareness, feelings). This coupling is also shown to be stronger with experience than for the attribution of properties and states more closely associated with agency (e.g., free will, thoughts). We report the results of four studies. In the first two studies, we vary the description of the mental capacities of a creature, and assess the effects of these manipulations on moral concern. The third and fourth studies examine the effects of variations in moral concern on attributions of mindedness. Results from the first two studies indicate that moral concern depends primarily on the attribution of experience, rather than the attribution of agency. The results of the latter two studies demonstrate that moral concern increases attributions of mindedness, and that this effect is stronger for attributions of experience than for attributions of agency.
Mortality in First 5 Years in Infants With Functional Single Ventricle Born in Texas, 1996 to 2003

Background— Infants with functional single ventricle have a high risk of death during the early years of life. Studies have reported improvement in postoperative survival, but they do not include preoperative deaths or those occurring before transfer. The purpose of this population-based study was to estimate 5-year survival in infants with functional single ventricle, to define factors associated with survival, and to estimate improvement in outcome. Methods and Results— Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum, single ventricle, and tricuspid atresia born in 1996 to 2003 were identified from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and linked to state and national birth and death vital records. We examined the effects of defect type, birth era, birth weight, gestational age, maternal race/ethnicity, extracardiac anomalies, sex, and maternal age and education on survival. Five-year survival varied by defect type: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 38.0% (95% confid...
Evaluating a pattern-based visual support approach for humanitarian landmine clearance

Unexploded landmines have severe post-conflict humanitarian repercussions: landmines cost lives, limbs and land. For deminers engaged in humanitarian landmine clearance, metal detectors remain the primary detection tool as more sophisticated technologies fail to get adopted due to restrictive cost, low reliability, and limited robustness. Metal detectors are, however, of limited effectiveness, as modern landmines contain only minimal amounts of metal, making them difficult to distinguish from the ubiquitous but harmless metallic clutter littering post-combat areas. We seek to improve the safety and efficiency of the demining process by developing support tools that will enable deminers to make better decisions using feedback from existing metal detectors. To this end, in this paper we propose and evaluate a novel, pattern-based visual support approach inspired by the documented strategies employed by expert deminers. In our laboratory study, participants provided with a prototype of our support tool were 80% less likely to mistake a mine for harmless clutter. A follow-up study demonstrates the potential of our pattern-based approach to enable peer decision-making support during landmine clearance. Lastly, we identify several design opportunities for further improving deminers' decision making capabilities.
Specific heat data of high-Tc superconductors: Lattice and electronic contributions

Abstract A high-temperature expansion for the harmonic portion of the lattice specific heat, of the form C 3 Nk= ∑ ∞ n= 0 B n u -n , where u=[( T T b ) 2 + 1 ] and Tb≈90 K, is used to represent the lattice specific heats of the high-Tc superconductors DyBa2Cu3O7 and YBa2Cu3O7 near and above Tc. With this expansion and published data it is possible to obtain values for the electronic specific heat coefficient (γ) of 38±3 and 40±5 mJ mol-1K-2, respectively, for DyBa2Cu3O7 and YBa2Cu3O7. These values for γ, when combined with the observed ΔC(Tc) at Tc, are consistent with the BCS prediction that ΔC(Tc)=1.43γTc for a superconductor in the weak-coupling limit, although the shape of the specific heat anomaly for the dysprosium compound gives evidence of a fluctuation contribution.
Why Even a Believer Should Not Believe That God Answers Prayers

Recent studies provide some support for the idea that prayer has curative powers. It is argued that even if prayers are effective in these kinds of cases it cannot be because God is answering them. While many have challenged theological explanations for the efficacy of prayer on epistemic grounds, the argument presented here concludes that the theological explanation conflicts with the standard conception of God. In particular, if God answers prayers in these kinds of cases then God is immoral.
The Cooperative Standardization of Spectrographic Emulsion Contrast Factors

Some time ago, several members of the ASTM Committee on Spectrographic Analysis examined an experimental emulsion produced by the Eastman Kodak Co. to test its suitability for use in spectrochemical analysis. The reports agreed well on the three characteristics tested: graininess, speed, and uniformity of contrast with respect to wave-length. Although general adoption of the emulsion was not recommended, the way was opened for similar cooperative efforts in the future. This raised the prospect that Committee members and others might some day be asked to determine the contrast of a new — or old — emulsion at specified wave-lengths, under specified operating conditions.
Temperature-controlled Kelvin microprobe

Abstract An insulated-gate field-effect transistor with the metal gate suspended 1–2 μm above the solid insulator is a miniature equivalent of a Kelvin probe. The suspended gate is a thin layer of platinum, which is mechanically supported by a layer of polyimide several micrometers thick. In addition to being the gate electrode, the platinum film serves as a resistive thermometer and a heater. By passing a constant current through it, it is possible to heat the bridge up to 400 °C. This heating has only a negligible effect on the transistor characteristics of the structure below it. The new device can be used as a tool to study electrochemically deposited layers and as a chemical microsensor.
Race, Sex and Social Example: An Analysis of Character Portrayals on Inter-Racial Television Entertainment:

An analysis of character portrayals on inter-racial television entertainment with a focus on race, sex, and social example was performed. Nine regularly broadcast programs having bi-racial representation with at least one male and one female portrayal were selected and a total of 60 characters analyzed according to eight categories of interpersonal and self-control behaviors. White males were aggressive and persistent but non-altruistic and unable to resist temptations to break the rules of society, or repair the damage they caused to others. Black males were non-aggressive, persistent, altruistic, and more likely than any other group to make reparation for injury. White females were non-aggressive, likely to make reparation for damage to others, and altruistic; they displayed resistance to temptation but little delay of gratification/task persistence. Black women exhibited the same self-control pattern as white women and also were non-aggressive, non-altruistic, and not inclined toward reparation for dam...
Conflicts in Developing an Elementary STEM Magnet School.

Elementary schools in the United States have been the terrain of a highly politicized push for improved reading and mathematics attainment, as well as calls for increased importance to be given to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With priorities placed on basic skills, however, instructional time in subjects such as science in the elementary years has been greatly diminished. We recount in this article the efforts of a school district to create an elementary STEM school through the designation of a magnet school and elaborate on the inherent tensions and conflicts in such an effort.
ClinicalKey: A Review

Elsevier is a leading publisher of medical content, and ClinicalKey is the company's latest endeavor to aggregate multiple resources in one easily searchable interface. ClinicalKey merges medical education with clinically relevant information. This review will provide an overview of the contents, search options, features and limitations of this database.