cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Program in Middle School Problem Solving.

literature concerned with the mathematics curricula for the elementary and middle school grades has stressed the need for inclusion of more activities involving problem solving and meaningful computational instruction. The authors of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (Standards) (NCTM 1989) encourage the development of kkan individual's abilities to explore, conjecture, and reason logically, as well as the ability to use a variety of mathematical methods to solve nonroutine problems/' (p. 5) They plea for intuitive approaches to solving problems in the middle school years as a foundation for solving problems in algebra. Mathematics competitions can be one way to create opportunities for developing interest and skills in problem solving and dealing with nonroutine problems. For the past eight years the author has been responsible for designing and writing the tests for a statewide middle school mathematics competitive program. Mathematical topics that might not otherwise be presented to students because of the usual concentration on computational procedures are finding their way into the schools through this program. Subtle and interesting applications of computation are appearing in the curriculum in spite of the common practice of considering only the mechanical nature of the algorithms. Visits to par-
So You Want to Start an Institutional Biosafety Committee

Introduction:The number of institutions engaging in research with potentially biohazardous materials has increased, indicating a need for newly formed Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) in t...
Is vessel narrowing secondary to pediatric deep neck space infections of clinical significance

Abstract Introduction Pediatric deep neck space infections (DNSI) may cause internal jugular vein and/or carotid artery narrowing. Radiologists and otolaryngologists are often queried by emergency room providers and pediatricians with regards to the clinical significance when this radiographic finding is noted. There are often questions raised about need for further imaging, anticoagulation and overall management strategy. There is limited data to support our answers to these questions. This study investigated the clinical significance of vessel narrowing of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery in the setting of DNSI in children. Methods 208 patients over a 10 year period were reviewed in retrospective fashion. CT scans reports were evaluated for vessel narrowing, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results This study found that nearly half (44.7%, 93 of 208) of pediatric DNSIs reviewed showed evidence of either carotid and/or internal jugular vein narrowing. There was no significant difference in vascular complications in those with vessel narrowing and those without (p = 0.09). There were no observed neurologic complications in either group. Conclusions Vessel narrowing is a very common finding in pediatric DNSI. Vascular complications are very rare, and importantly no patients had neurologic complications in either group (vessel narrowing or not). We found no evidence to support more aggressive surgical management, getting further imaging, starting anticoagulation, nor changing overall management strategy for patients based solely to the finding of vessel narrowing in DNSI.
Acute on chronic liver failure in non-alcoholic fatty liver and alcohol associated liver disease

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) presents acutely with multiple organ failure and is precipitated by an acute event. The syndrome has high short-term mortality with a potential of returning to baseline liver function if the precipitating event is controlled and patient/s survive the acute event. With heterogeneous definition across the globe of this syndrome, there is a clinical unmet need to homogenize this definition as basis for developing pathogenesis targets, collaboration across countries and centers, and identifying new therapeutic targets. Although, the syndrome can occur in any chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol associated liver disease (AALD) all across the world, this review will discuss specific issues regarding ACLF among patients with chronic liver disease from NAFLD and ALD.
Quantitative multivariate complex Korovkin theory

Let K be a compact convex subset of $${\mathbb {C}}^{k}$$, $$k\ge 2$$, and $$ C\left( K,{\mathbb {C}}\right) $$ be the space of continuous functions from K into $${\mathbb {C}}$$. We consider bounded linear operators from $$C\left( K, {\mathbb {C}}\right) $$ into itself. We assume that these are bounded by companion positive linear operators from $$C\left( K,{\mathbb {R}}\right) $$ into itself. We study quantitatively the rate of convergence of the approximation and high order approximation of these multivariate complex operators to the unit operators. Our results are inequalities of Korovkin type involving the multivariate complex modulus of continuity of the engaged function or its partial derivatives and basic test functions. On the way to prove our main results we establish a complex multivariate Taylor’s formula and results on complex multivariate modulus of continuity. We consider related approximations under convexity and we finish with important applications.
Thirty-Day Nonindex Readmissions and Clinical Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery.

Background With increasing emphasis on readmissions as an important quality metric, there is an interest in regionalization of care to high-volume centers. As a result, care of readmitted cardiac surgery patients may be fragmented if readmission occurs at a nonindex hospital. This study characterizes the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of nonindex hospital readmission after cardiac surgery. Methods In this multicenter, population-based, nationally representative sample, we used weighted 2010-2015 National Readmission Database claims to identify all US adult patients who underwent 2 of the major cardiac surgeries, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), during their initial hospitalization. We examined characteristics, predictors, and outcomes after nonindex readmission. Results Overall, 1,070,073 procedures were included (844,206 CABG and 225,866 SAVR). Readmission at 30 days was 12.8% for CABG and 14.5% for SAVR. Nonindex readmissions accounted for 23% and 26% at 30 days; these were primarily noncardiac in etiology. The proportion of nonindex readmissions did not change significantly from 2010 to 2015. For CABG and SAVR, in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratios of 1.26 and 1.37, respectively) and major complications (odds ratios of 1.17 and 1.25, respectively) were significantly higher during nonindex versus index readmission, even after adjusting for patient risk profile, case mix, and hospital characteristics. Older age, higher income, and increased comorbidity burden were all independent predictors of nonindex readmission. Conclusions A considerable proportion of patients readmitted after cardiac surgery are readmitted to nonindex hospitals. This fragmentation of care may account for worse outcomes associated with nonindex readmissions in this complex population.
My Case of and for Coauthoring

The benefits of coauthoring vastly outweigh the costs is my own case. So much so that I have engaged in this form of publication on numerous occasions. The present paper (single authored) sets out the advantages and disadvantages, and relates my several decades long experience with this mode of cooperative writing.
Wsr-88d Cell Trends

This report documents the Applied Meteorology Unit's evaluation of the Cell Trends display as a tool for radar operators to use in their evaluation of storm cell strength. The objective of the evaluation is to assess the utility of the WSR-88D graphical Cell Trends display for local radar cell interpretation in support of the 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS), Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG), and National Weather Service (NWS) Melbourne (MLB) operational requirements. The analysis procedure was to identify each cell and track the maximum reflectivity, height of maximum reflectivity, storm top, storm base, hail and severe hail probability, cell-based Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL) and core aspect ratio using WATADS Build 9.0 cell trends information. One problem noted in the analysis phase was that the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) algorithm had a difficult time tracking the small cells associated with the Florida weather regimes. The analysis indicated numerous occasions when a cell track would end or an existing cell would be give a new ID in the middle of its life cycle. This investigation has found that most cells, which produce hail or microburst events, have discernable Cell Trends signatures. Forecasters should monitor the PUP's Cell Trends display for cells that show rapid (1 scan) changes in both the heights of maximum reflectivity and cell-based VIEL. It is important to note that this a very limited data set (four case days). Fifty-two storm cells were analyzed during those four days. The above mentioned t=ds, increase in the two cell attributes for hail events and decrease in the two cell attributes for wind events were noted in most of the cells. The probability of detection was 88% for both events. The False Alarm Rate (FAR) was a 36% for hail events and a respectable 25% for microburst events. In addition the Heidke Skill Score (HSS) is 0.65 for hail events and 0.67 for microburst events. For random forecast the HSS is 0 and that a perfect score is 1.
Heightened Exploratory Behavior Following Chronic Excessive Ethanol Drinking: Mediation by Neurotensin Receptor Type 2 in the Anterior Paraventricular Thalamus.

BACKGROUND Chronic, excessive alcohol drinkers, even without dependence, can exhibit changes in behavior and neurochemical systems. Identifying these changes and their relationship with one another could provide novel avenues for the prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorder. We recently demonstrated, in rats, that neurotensin (NTS) in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) regulates excessive ethanol (EtOH) drinking. Here, we investigate the effects of chronic EtOH drinking on the PVT-NTS system and its contribution to EtOH-induced behavioral changes. METHODS We gave adult male Long-Evans rats 20% EtOH under the intermittent access 2-bottle-choice paradigm or maintained them on chow and water for up to 11 weeks. Prior to EtOH exposure and following several weeks of access, during acute abstinence, we tested these groups for multiple behaviors. In the 12th week, during acute abstinence, we examined gene expression and peptide levels of NTS and its receptors in the anterior and posterior subregions of the PVT. Finally, in chronic EtOH drinkers, during acute abstinence, we microinjected the NTS receptor type 2 (NTS2R) agonist, JMV-431, in the anterior PVT (aPVT) and examined subsequent EtOH intake and behavior. RESULTS Following chronic intermittent EtOH access, rats were classified by cluster analysis as high or low EtOH drinkers. High EtOH drinkers spent more time in the light chamber of a light-dark box and open arms of an elevated plus maze and entered fewer familiar holes in a hole-board apparatus. These differences were absent prior to EtOH exposure but were detectable as early as 4 weeks into drinking. Time in the light chamber following chronic drinking also predicted level of subsequent drinking. High EtOH drinkers also showed elevated protein levels of NTS2R in the aPVT, and pharmacological stimulation of aPVT NTS2R in low drinkers mimicked the increased time spent in the light chamber that was observed in high drinkers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that chronic, excessive, but not lower level, EtOH drinking induces heightened or flexible exploratory behavior, which predicts future EtOH drinking and is partly mediated by elevated NTS2R signaling in the aPVT. These EtOH-induced alterations represent adaptations that could perpetuate excessive drinking and lead to the development of EtOH dependence.
Evaluation of next generation emission measurement technologies under repeatable test protocols

Twelve next generation emission measurement (NGEM) technologies completed single-blind testing at the Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center in 2018. This is the first series of tests to evaluate a wide variety of NGEM solutions including handheld, mobile, and continuous monitoring methods using comparable, repeatable protocols. Results assess performance of detection, localization and quantification, albeit with limited statistical significance due to a low number of tests. Overall, a higher detection rate is observed for handheld and mobile solutions than for continuous monitoring solutions. Compared to when a single emission source is present, a decline in detection rate is observed across all methods when multiple, steady emission sources are present. Localization by handheld and mobile solutions is more accurate than continuous monitoring solutions. These results support the common perception that detections by continuous monitoring systems will need to be confirmed and pinpointed by a follow-up inspection. Finally, this and other controlled release experiments, have been performed across a limited range of environmental conditions. To develop robust probability of detection curves needed for demonstrating emission reduction potential of leak detection and repair programs, new protocols are needed to evaluate methods across a wide range of metrological conditions and emission scenarios in a cost-effective manner.
Intergroup Contact Reduces Dehumanization and Meta-Dehumanization: Cross-Sectional, Longitudinal, and Quasi-Experimental Evidence From 16 Samples in Five Countries.

In 16 independent samples from five countries involving ~7,700 participants, we employ a mixture of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and quasi-experimental methods to examine the effect of intergroup...
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assists Diagnosis of Spontaneously Passed Common Bile Duct Stone.

Abstract Background Choledocholithiasis complicates approximately 10% of gallstone disease. Spontaneous stone migration out of the common bile duct (CBD) may occur in as many as 20% of choledocholithiasis cases. A decrease in CBD caliber occurs in the setting of spontaneous stone passage, but to our knowledge, this finding has not been appreciated using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency medicine setting. Case Report A 49-year-old woman presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with a complaint of epigastric pain radiating to the left shoulder. On examination she was found to have epigastric tenderness to palpation, but no guarding or rebound. POCUS demonstrated a dilated common bile duct, and her liver function tests were abnormally high. She was admitted to Medicine with concern for choledocholithiasis and plan for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but her pain had resolved shortly after ED arrival. A repeat ultrasound examination demonstrated a normal-caliber common bile duct approximately 3 h after the initial scan. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Choledocholithiasis often requires admission and invasive testing. Using POCUS in conjunction with liver function tests and patient assessments may obviate a need for ERCP.
FADU: a Quantification Tool for Prokaryotic Transcriptomic Analyses

Quantification tools for RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses are often designed and tested using human transcriptomics data sets, in which full-length transcript sequences are well annotated. For prokaryotic transcriptomics experiments, full-length transcript sequences are seldom known, and coding sequences must instead be used for quantification steps in RNA-Seq analyses. However, operons confound accurate quantification of coding sequences since a single transcript does not necessarily equate to a single gene. Here, we introduce FADU (Feature Aggregate Depth Utility), a quantification tool designed specifically for prokaryotic RNA-Seq analyses. FADU assigns partial count values proportional to the length of the fragment overlapping the target feature. To assess the ability of FADU to quantify genes in prokaryotic transcriptomics analyses, we compared its performance to those of eXpress, featureCounts, HTSeq, kallisto, and Salmon across three paired-end read data sets of (i) Ehrlichia chaffeensis, (ii) Escherichia coli, and (iii) the Wolbachia endosymbiont wBm. Across each of the three data sets, we find that FADU can more accurately quantify operonic genes by deriving proportional counts for multigene fragments within operons. FADU is available at https://github.com/IGS/FADUIMPORTANCE Most currently available quantification tools for transcriptomics analyses have been designed for human data sets, in which full-length transcript sequences, including the untranslated regions, are well annotated. In most prokaryotic systems, full-length transcript sequences have yet to be characterized, leading to prokaryotic transcriptomics analyses being performed based on only the coding sequences. In contrast to eukaryotes, prokaryotes contain polycistronic transcripts, and when genes are quantified based on coding sequences instead of transcript sequences, this leads to an increased abundance of improperly assigned ambiguous multigene fragments, specifically those mapping to multiple genes in operons. Here, we describe FADU, a quantification tool for prokaryotic RNA-Seq analyses designed to assign proportional counts with the purpose of better quantifying operonic genes while minimizing the pitfalls associated with improperly assigning fragment counts from ambiguous transcripts.
Alteration in Integrated Relaxation Pressure During Successive Swallows in Subjects With Normal Manometry Versus Those With Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction

Background/Aims Integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) is defined as the average minimum esophagogastric junction pressure for 4 seconds of relaxation (contiguous or noncontiguous) within 10 seconds of swallowing. The durability of IRP values during successive swallows in the supine position remains to be elucidated. The aim is to determine alteration in IRP values during successive swallows among subjects with normal esophageal manometry versus those with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). Methods Consecutive subjects, who underwent high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) were included in the study. Individuals had to have either normal manometry or EGJOO. A total of 10 wet swallows of 5 mL water were performed after an adaptation period of a minimum of 3 minutes. Mean IRP was analyzed for both subject groups for each individual swallow. Results Thirty-one patients with EGJOO and seventy patients with normal manometry were included. As expected, the median IRP was higher in EGJOO patients compared to those with normal HREM (mean: 23.92 vs 5.34, P < 0.001). The mean IRP of the last swallow was 40% lower than the mean IRP of the first swallow in the normal subjects (P = 0.015). In contrast, the difference in the mean IRP value in the EGJOO group between the first and the last swallow was 19% (P = 0.018). Conclusions This study demonstrated that there is a significant decline in the mean IRP during successive swallows in subjects with normal esophageal manometry and those with EGJOO, despite adequate adaptation periods. This decline in IRP was less pronounced in EGJOO. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021;27:185-190)
Germ Cell Tumours of the Ovary

Ovarian germ cell tumours are uncommon tumours with clinical presentations that vary from benign to frankly malignant, requiring adjuvant chemotherapy for disease control. Due to their rarity, the optimal chemotherapy for these tumours is not fully known. Fortunately, more patients with ovarian germ cell tumours are achieving medium to long-term survival, and younger patients are increasingly able to preserve their fertility potential.
Drell-Yan Cross Section and J/psi Production in High-Energy Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions

We use the Drell-Yan differential distribution dN_{DY}^{AB}/dE_T in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions to obtain a relation between the transverse energy E_T and the impact parameter b. Such a relation is then utilized to study the transverse-energy dependence of J/psi production in Pb-Pb collisions, using the J/psi absorption model presented previously. The anomalous Pb-Pb suppression data at 158A GeV can be explained if one assumes the occurrence of a new phase of strong J/psi absorption when the energy density exceeds 4.2 GeV/fm^3. The results are extended to make predictions for J/psi production at higher collision energies. It is found that J/psi survival probabilities reach the lowest survival limit when the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energies is greater than about 35 GeV.
Temporary stabilization policy

Abstract The effects of a temporary slowdown in the rate of expansion of money supply are studied under Ramsey-Lucas and money-superneutrality assumptions. It is shown that such a policy expands consumption and leads to capital decumulation and current-account deficits in the short run. The model is a benchmark case in which temporary policy is always detrimental to welfare. Connection with the policy-credibility issue is briefly discussed.
Cutting Edge: IFN-γ Signaling to Macrophages Is Required for Optimal Vα14i NK T/NK Cell Cross-Talk

Activated NK T cells are known to rapidly stimulate NK cells and, subsequently, CD8+ T cells and B cells. In this report, we first demonstrate that the downstream effects induced by α-galactosylceramide activated NK T cells on NK cells are mainly dependent on IFN-γ. We found that NK T cell activation of NK cells requires a functional IFN-γ signaling in macrophages and dendritic cells but not in B cells, NK cells, or NK T cells. NK T cell activation is dendritic cell-dependent whereas NK T cell activation of NK cells is indirect and in part mediated by macrophages. Interestingly, in this context, macrophage participation in the CD1d Ag presentation of α-galactosylceramide to NK T cells is not necessary. These data indicate that NK T cell-dependent activation of macrophages is required for optimal NK T cell-induced stimulation of NK cells.
Extracellular biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum

Production of metal nanoparticles using fungi provides a safe and eco-friendly method superior to the traditional physical and chemical methods. Metal nanoparticles can be produced biosynthetically by intracellularly, extracellularly, or both. Extracellular biosynthesis is superior, as it is void of unnecessary adjoining cell components. A commonly used fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (the penicillin producer) has been reported previously to produce gold nanoparticles intracellularly. In the current work, P. chrysogenum was used to produce extracellular gold nanoparticles when gold chloride ion solution (HAuCl4?3H2O) was added to the fungal filtrate. These nanoparticles were characterized to determine the composition, shape, structure, and particle size.
The role of tinman, a mesodermal cell fate gene, in axon pathfinding during the development of the transverse nerve in Drosophila

During the development of peripheral nerves, pioneer axons often navigate over mesodermal tissues. In this paper, we examine the role of the mesodermal cell determination gene tinman on cells that provide pathfinding cues in Drosophila. We focus on a subset of peripheral nerves, the transverse nerves, that innervate abdominal segments. During wildtype embryonic development, the transverse nerve efferents associate with glial cells located on the dorsal aspect of the CNS midline (transverse nerve exit glia). These glial cells have cytoplasmic extensions that prefigure the transverse nerve pathway from the CNS to the body wall musculature prior to transverse nerve formation. Transverse nerve efferents extend along this scaffold to the periphery, where they fasciculate with projections from a peripheral neuron--the LBD. In tinman mutants, the transverse nerve exit glia appear to be missing, and efferent fibers remain stalled at the CNS midline, without forming transverse nerves. In addition, fibers of the LBD neurons are often truncated. These results suggest that the lack of exit glia prevents normal transverse nerve pathfinding. Another prominent defect in tinman is the loss of all dorsal neurohemal organs, FMRFamide-expressing thoracic structures which likely contain the homologs of the transverse nerve exit glia in the thoracic segments. Our results support the hypothesis that the exit glia have a mesodermal origin and that glia play an essential role in determining transverse nerve axon pathways.
Analytical Applications of Ionic Liquids

Analytical methods involving ionic liquids (ILs) have significantly increased in recent years, in part because of the unique solubilization and physical properties on this class of organic compounds. This article provides an overview of the different applications of ionic liquids in analytical chemistry. The presentation is divided into a section describing the properties of liquids that are of interest to analytical chemists, followed by nine sections pertaining to simple biphasic liquid-liquid extractions, liquid-phase microextraction methods, ionic liquid-based solid-phase microextractions (SPME), thin layer chromatographic (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods, electromigration methods, gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) methods, supported ionic liquid membrane separations, mass spectrometric methods, electrochemical methods, and spectroscopic methods. Representative samples of each application are given, along with specific references to the ionic liquid used and type of sample analyzed.
Barriers to Telephone Quitline Use Among Methadone-Maintained Smokers.

INTRODUCTION Drug users have high rates of tobacco use and tobacco-related disease. Telephone quitlines promote smoking cessation, but their reach among drug users is unknown. We thus aimed to assess utilization of and barriers to telephone quitlines among methadone-maintained smokers. METHODS Subjects were opioid-dependent smokers in Bronx, New York, methadone treatment programs who were enrolled in a clinical trial of varenicline. All subjects were offered referral to a free, proactive quitline. We examined quitline records, surveyed barriers to quitline use, and queried reasons for declining referral. RESULTS Of the 112 subjects enrolled, 47% were male, 54% were Hispanic, and 28% were Black. All subjects were offered referral, and 25 (22% of study participants) utilized the quitline. Quitline utilizers (vs. nonutilizers) were significantly more likely to have landline phone service (72 vs. 42%, p = .01), interest in quitline participation (92 vs. 62%, p < .01), and willingness to receive calls (96 vs. 76%, p = .02). Nonutilizers were significantly more likely to report cell phone service lapse (38 vs. 14%, p = .04), and difficulty charging cell phones (19 vs. 0%, p = .02). Reasons for quitline refusal included: (a) skepticism of quitline efficacy; (b) aversion to telephone communication; (c) competing life demands (e.g., drug treatment, shelter); and (d) problems with cell phone service or minutes. CONCLUSIONS Despite several limitations to quitline access among methadone-maintained smokers, routine quitline referral was associated with 22% utilization. To expand provision of smoking cessation treatment to opioid-dependent smokers, interventions to promote routine quitline referral in substance abuse treatment programs warrant investigation.
A numerical investigation of a subsonic jet in a crossflow

A numerical analysis is presented of the flowfield induced by a single subsonic jet exhausting perpendicularly from a flat plate into a subsonic crossflow. The analysis used available experimental data from a test case where the jet Mach number was 0.78 and the freestream Mach number was 0.13. Time-averaged solutions were obtained using the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations and two overlapping grids. The effect of turbulence model on the solutions was evaluated using two turbulence models: the zero-equation two-layer Baldwin-Lomax (1978) turbulence model and the one-equation Baldwin-Barth (1990) turbulence model. It was found that, for some conditions, the zero-equation Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model gave better results than the one-equation Baldwin-Barth model or the laminar case.
Factors affecting farm enterprise diversification

Enterprise diversification is a self‐insuring strategy used by farmers to protect against risk. This study examines the impact of various farm, operator, and household characteristics on the level of onfarm enterprise diversification. Evidence exists that larger farms are more specialized. Also, farmers who participate in off‐farm work, farms located near urban areas, or farms with higher debt‐to‐asset ratios are less likely to be diversified. In contrast, evidence suggests there is a significant positive relationship between diversification and whether the farm business has crop insurance, is organized as a sole proprietorship, or receives any direct payments from current farm commodity programs.
Impact on Intra-European Trade Agreements, 1990-2005: Policy Implications for the Western Balkans and Ukraine

The paper provides quantitative estimates of the impact of the European trade agreements on trade flows. It applies both static and dynamic panel estimation techniques. The results are useful to policymakers because new intra-European trade agreements are being negotiated. In the absence of a further expansion of the European Union, estimates of alternative policies may help to clarify the policy debate. The paper also illustrates that the performance of individual countries under the trade agreements can be explained in terms of their macroeconomic environment. The conclusions are likely to be relevant to the western Balkan countries and Ukraine.
Photo-formation of Gold Nanoparticles in the solid Monoliths of Au(III)-chitosan-silica aerogels: Photoacoustic and electron microscopic studies

Effect of 320-nm light on the solid monoliths of Au(III)-chitosan-silica aerogels (Au/NH2=1:5) has been investigated. A slight blue shift of about 7 nm is noticed in the plasmon resonance peak upon increasing the exposure duration.
Graphically Comparing the Predictive Performance of Two Selection Models

In this paper a method is demonstrated which allows for the comparison of the predictive performance of 2 preference ordering models. This method employs a 3-dimensional graph which is both informative and easy to interpret. This method is demonstrated with a Monte Carlo study designed to compare the predictive performance of a utility preference model using different weighting coefficient schemes.
Misdiagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis: Frequency, Causes, Effects, and Prevention

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is heavily influenced by clinical judgment. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis is common and has important consequences for patients and the cost of healthcare. Although rigorous data about the frequency and causes of misdiagnosis are lacking, misinterpretation and misapplication of clinical and radiographic diagnostic criteria and terminology are likely important factors. Appropriate and stringent application of diagnostic criteria and continued vigilance for “red flags” suggesting alternative diagnoses are strategies critical for prevention of misdiagnosis.
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is regulated by butyrate-induced epigenetic modulation of gene expression in bovine cells.

We present evidence that butyrate induced histone acetylation regulates miRNA expression. MicroRNA expression microarray profiling revealed that 35 miRNA transcripts are significantly (P < 0.05) differentially expressed after cells were treated with 10 mM butyrate. Among them, 11 transcripts are differentially expressed very significantly (P < 0.01). The functional and pathways analysis using MetaCore analytical suite shows differentially expressed miRNAs targeting some very important gene networks and differentially expressed miRNAs may interfere with butyrate induced modulation of gene expression and cellular functions. The data indicates the complicated interaction between miRNA and histone acetylation forms a highly integrated regulatory mechanism.
Arrhythmias in children with ventricular assist devices.

Background: Children with decompensated heart failure are at high risk for arrhythmias, and ventricular assist device placement is becoming a more common treatment strategy. The impact of ventricular assist devices on arrhythmias and how arrhythmias affect the clinical course of this population are not well described. Methods and results: A single-centre retrospective analysis of children receiving a ventricular assist device between 1998 and 2011 was performed. In all, 45 patients received 56 ventricular assist devices. The median age at initial placement was 13 years (interquartile range 6–15). The median duration of support was 10 days (range 2–260). The aetiology of heart failure included cardiomyopathy, transplant rejection, myocarditis, and congenital heart disease. In all, 32 patients (71%) had an arrhythmia; 19 patients (42%) had an arrhythmia before ventricular assist device and eight patients (18%) developed new arrhythmias on ventricular assist device. Ventricular tachycardia was most common (25/32, 78%). There was no correlation between arrhythmia and risk of death or transplantation (p=0.14). Of the 15 patients who weaned from ventricular assist device, post-ventricular assist device arrhythmias occurred in nine (60%), with five (33%) having their first arrhythmia after weaning. Patients with ventricular dysfunction after ventricular assist device were more likely to have arrhythmias (p<0.02). Conclusions: Arrhythmias, especially ventricular, are common in children requiring ventricular assist device. They frequently persist for those able to wean from ventricular assist device.
The likely region of overlap (LRO) method for physical assignment of loci.

Numerical analysis is applied to physical assignments of loci, providing point estimates, an LRO confidence interval, and a χ2 test of consistency whether there is a smallest region of overlap (SRO) or not. Results are given for two examples and summarized for 81 loci in man.
A novel continuous countercurrent epoxidation process

A laboratory process has been developed for the continuous countercurrent preparation of epoxidized oils. This consists of introducing continuously, to a packed column, an unsaturated oil, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid, and withdrawing the epoxidized product. Operating variables have been investigated and optimum conditions predicted. Obtainment of maximum yields must await construction of a longer column.
The spatial distribution of several thermodynamic quantities within the electrolyte during an asymmetric polarization experiment

Abstract The spatial variations within the electrolyte phase of several thermodynamic and transport-related quantities are determined for an asymmetric polarization cell. The case of AgBr is used as a numerical example.
Severe Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and associated CF carrier mutations

Abstract Combination of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome genetic mutations and cystic fibrosis carrier mutations can account for severe morbidity and early mortality in a patient with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.
Mechanisms for Fair Attribution

We propose a new framework for optimization under fairness constraints. The problems we consider model procurement where the goal is to optimize a buyer's utility while paying sellers in a manner that reflects their contribution to the buyer's utility. The payment rules we consider are natural interpretations of fairness based on concepts such as Shapley values and the nucleolus from cooperative game theory. The question in this setting is whether the outcome (measured in terms of the buyer's utility) produced by mechanisms that enforce fair payments is competitive with the outcome of a mechanism that simply pays agents their costs and is not committed to fair payments. Our main result shows that there exists a mechanism which guarantees a solution whose value is at least one third of the optimal unfair solution for any submodular utility function, and that this ratio is optimal. We discuss several special cases for which this approximation ratio can be improved and natural extensions.
PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF LYMPHOVASCULAR INVASION OF BLADDER CANCER TREATED WITH RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: We determined the prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients treated for invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods:: From August 1971 to June 2004, 2,005 patients underwent radical cystectomy for primary bladder cancer with intent to cure. All patients with nontransitional cell carcinoma histology, palliative procedures, unknown lymphovascular status, less than pT1 pathological stage, or any neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy/radiation therapy were excluded, leaving 702 comprising the study cohort. Of the 702 patients 249 (36%) had LVI.Results:: Median followup was 11.0 years (range 8 days to 23.2 years). Overall 5 and 10-year survival was 51% and 34%, while 5 and 10-year recurrence-free survival was 66% and 64%, respectively. Ten-year recurrence-free survival in patients without LVI was 74% compared with 42% in those with LVI (p <0.0001). Similarly 10-year overall survival was 43% in patients without LVI...
Error corrections for an automated time-domain network analyzer

The errors are considered for an automated time-domain network analyzer based on a Tektronix sampling oscilloscope. Procedures are presented for removing the errors produced by two important sources: unwanted reflections associated with discontinuities and nonlinearities in the time base of the oscilloscope. The effectiveness of the error correction procedures is demonstrated by measurements of standard terminations with known reflection coefficients.
Language Universals and Socio-Cultural Implications in Deviant Usage: Personal Questions in Swedish.

This paper investigates the address avoidance of second person personal pronouns in Swedish in terms of language universals and the relationship between deviation from a universal linguistic feature and social structural change. The hypothesis proposed is that if a language universal exists, and if a language possesses this universal language feature but under specific conditions systematically avoids this feature with circumscriptions, then this particular language usage contains clues to the socio-cultural-economic conditions in that social structure. The language universal examined is Hockett's “Among the deictic elements of every human language is one that denotes the speaker and one that denotes the addressee.” Eleven ways of expressing “What do you want?” in Swedish, only two of which denote the addressee, are examined and the contextual conditions which tend to elicit the various forms are discussed. The assumption given to account for this address avoidance is that it reflects a stage of development from the non-reciprocal power semantic to the solidarity semantic in the terms of the Brown and Gilman study “Pronouns of Power and Solidarity”; that it reflects the dichotomy between a still highly stratified community in terms of social class and the social democratic ideology of equality which has been the dominant political ideology since 1932.
The university of wyoming's small scientific balloon program

Over 500 small scientific balloons have been launched by the University of Wyoming's Atmospheric Physics Group from 26 locations over the globe in a study of stratospheric aerosol physics and chemistry which began in 1971. These flighs have led to a basic understanding of the evolution of sulfurous gases, injected into the stratosphere by major volcanic eruptions, into sulfuric acid aerosol droplets. The recent use of new, thin film balloon technology, to reduce cost and simplify launch techniques, has been a major advantage to the program.
R-(+)-HA-966, an antagonist for the glycine/NMDA receptor, prevents locomotor sensitization to repeated cocaine exposures

Repeated administration of cocaine results in a reverse tolerance or sensitization to the locomotor stimulant properties of cocaine. In this study, we examined the effect of an antagonist for the strychinine-insensitive glycine receptor of the NMDA receptor complex, R-(+)-HA-966, on the development of locomotor sensitization to cocaine. Co-administration of R-(+)-HA-966 with repeated cocaine prevented locomotor sensitization to a subsequent challenge dose of cocaine. However, R-(+)-HA-966 (15 mg/kg i.p.) did not attenuate locomotor activation to an acute dose of cocaine (15 mg/kg). These results indicate that the glycine/NMDA receptor is involved in locomotor sensitization to repeated cocaine administration but not in the locomotor activation to the acute stimulant effects of cocaine administration.
Diminishing Returns for Customer Service

The power of a distribution channel member represents “(his) ability to control decision variables in the marketing strategy of another member operating at another level”. Bucklin and Alderson stress that power relationships are essential for strong marketing channels. The five bases of power which have been identified and discussed in the marketing channel literature include rewards, coercion, expertness, legitimacy and identification. These power bases are useful in understanding the nature and use of customer service in channels of distribution. For example, reward power is based on the belief by one channel member that another member has the ability to mediate rewards for him. The customer services, fill rate and lead time can be viewed as bases for reward power. Expert power is based on one channel member's belief that another member has some special knowledge or expertise. The ability of a manufacturer to provide market information and/or assistance in inventory management is a potential basis for expert power. Thus, a supplier's strategy for achieving power bases is by providing customers with packages of customer service which they find particulary important.
Predicting the Histology of Renal Masses Using Preoperative Doppler Ultrasonography

Purpose: Traditional imaging techniques cannot differentiate among benign, indolent and malignant renal neoplasms. Since conventional clear cell carcinomas are highly vascular, we used preoperative color and/or power Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate the association between vascular flow in a renal mass and surgical pathology.Materials and Methods: Nephrectomies performed at our institution between January 2001 and December 2004 were retrospectively evaluated. Any detection of flow in the renal mass on color Doppler ultrasonography was defined as vascular flow. A prospective validation study was then performed from January 2005 to October 2005 and a nomogram was constructed to predict clear cell histology.Results: Of 299 renal lesions in the retrospective cohort 210 (70%) had evidence of vascular flow, including 156 of 169 conventional clear cell carcinomas (92%) (p <0.0001). On logistic regression analysis vascular flow was associated with conventional clear cell histology (OR 16.9, 95% CI 8.7–32.8; p ...
Conformational polymorphism in thiophenyl substituted quinones and the disappearing NMR spectrum

The stepwise addition of thiophenol to benzoquinone gives thiophenylbenzoquinone (1b), 2,5-and 2,6-di-(thiophenyl)benzoquinone (2,3),2,3,6-tri(thiophenyl)benzoquinone (4) and 2,3,5,6-tetra(thiophenyl)benzoquinone. (5). Compounds1–4 can be crystallized, and the13C NMR spectra are readily interpreted. Compound5 could not be crystallized easily, and the NMR showed more than twice as many lines as the number of carbon atoms. Slow evaporation in an NMR tube produced three distinct crystals. X-ray analysis of two crystals (5a and5c) showed the compounds to be conformational polymorphs. Direct synthesis of5 from tetrachlorobenzoquinone and thiophenol yielded only conformer5a, and the13C NMR spectrum showed only the 6 lines expected for four equivalent phenyl substituents on benzoquinone. Subjecting5a to a variety of solvents, reagents and temperatures did not regenerate the original13C NMR spectrum. The crystal structures, conformations, and polymorphs are discussed.
Lymphocyte subsets in cord blood of preterm infants: effect of antenatal steroids.

The objective of this study was to evaluate prospectively the influence of gestational age (GA) and short-term antenatal steroids on total lymphocyte count and lymphocyte subsets in cord blood from pr
Addressing Treatment Motivation in Borderline Personality Disorder: Rationale for Incorporating Values-Based Exercises into Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is one empirically supported treatment for individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and has demonstrated efficacy in reducing distress and behaviors that are often utilized by those with BPD to manage that distress. Treatment dropout rates of those with BPD receiving DBT are high, with serious deleterious effects. Increasing motivation for treatment, including treatment adherence, homework completion and skill use, in those with BPD is a critical factor in improving daily functioning and overall quality of life for these individuals. As described in ACT, values work in the service of increasing values-consistent behavior, or valued or committed action, may be one way to improve treatment motivation both in-session and out of session. This paper outlines the theoretical rationale for adding values components to existing DBT skills, including suggestions for where and how values work might be done in this population and potential difficulties.
Acceptability, Language, and Structure of Text Message-Based Behavioral Interventions for High-Risk Adolescent Females: A Qualitative Study

Purpose To elucidate key elements surrounding acceptability/feasibility, language, and structure of a text message-based preventive intervention for high-risk adolescent females.
Scintigraphic localization of ectopic parathyroid lesions with thallium‐201

Six consecutive patients with ectopic parathyroid lesions were studied by preoperative thallium-technetium scintigraphy. Ectopic lesions were accurately localized in 5 of 6 patients. Four of five lesions deep in the superior mediastinum, and 1 in the superior carotid sheath, were correctly identified. Ectopic lesions in 4 of 5 patients, who had previously undergone unsuccessful exploration, were correctly localized. In 1 previously unoperated patient, a mediastinal lesion was identified by preoperative scintigraphy. In 2 patients, deep mediastinal exploration via manubriotomy was successfully conducted without confirmation by 'invasive' intravascular procedures. There were no false-positive studies. Lesions identified weighed from 185 mg to 9 g and were from 1.1 to 3.0 cm in size. Scintigraphy is particularly effective for demonstration of ectopic parathyroid tissue, because the absence of thyroid tissue in the mediastinum or superior cervical region permits appreciation of areas of abnormal thallium uptake unobscured by uptake in adjacent thyroid tissue. We conclude that ectopic parathyroid tissue may be accurately identified by thallium-technetium scintigraphy without confirmation by invasive intravascular studies.30 references.
Some Howell Designs of prime side II

In part I of this paper we showed that for any pair (m, r) of positive integers, r odd, there is a positive integer N"1(m, r) such that if p is a prime, p = 2^mrs+1>N"1(m>, r), r, s odd positive integers, then Howell Designs of all types H^*(p, 2n), p+1= , r) = (1, 1) is not allowed), there is a positive integer N"2(m>, r) such that if p = 2^mrs+1>N"2(m, r), then Howell Designs of all types H^*(p, 2n). 2p-2s= , 2p-4) and H^*(p, 2p) are known to exist for p>=7, it follows that if p = 2^mrs+1>N(m, r) = max{N"1(m,r). N"2(m,r)}, then Howell Designs of all types H^*(p, 2n), except possibly type H^*(p, 2p-2), exist. When this is the case, we say that almost all H^*(p, 2n) exist. As in part I, the method of construction appears to be much better than the general bounds obtained. We are able to show that N(2, 1) = 5. Thus, if 5