cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensions of jump Markov system estimation techniques

In this paper, we review the framework for fault modeling and identification using jump Markov systems. We derive a special case of an estimation problem where the Viterbi algorithm holds, allowing the most-likely model path to be computed recursively in time, with fixed computational requirements at each time step. In the same case, the model probability at each time step can also be calculated exactly, with fixed computation. We also present a new heuristic, and evaluate it's performance on a well-known example.
Visual hallucinations related to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use: case reports and review.

Four patients experienced visual hallucinations that appear to have been precipitated by lisinopril. Other cases of visual hallucinations have been reported with other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Older patients, particularly those with a history of either dementia or mild cognitive impairment, may be at higher risk. Hallucinations resolved within 1 to 30 days after cessation of ACE inhibitors. Development of visual hallucinations after initiation of ACE inhibitors should prompt discontinuation of therapy. Visual hallucinations have been reported in one case involving an ARB. Visual hallucinations have not been associated with direct renin inhibitors. Consideration should be given to use of alternative, unrelated antihypertensive drug classes.
Convergence Analysis of Blind Equalizer in a Filter-Bank-Based Multicarrier Communication System

A recent development in the literature has proposed a cosine-modulated filter-bank-based multicarrier modulation (CMFB-MCM) system with blind equalization capability. However, convergence studies of the proposed blind equalizer have been carried out through computer simulations only. In this correspondence, we present a study of the blind equalizer by analyzing its associated cost function thoroughly. We show that the blind equalizer cost function is characterized by two global minima and two saddle points. We note that the presence of saddle points may result in occasional slow convergence of the adaptation algorithm and present a modified algorithm that avoids this problem
Alternative mRNA splice variants of the rat ClC-2 chloride channel gene are expressed in lung: genomic sequence and organization of ClC-2

The ClC-2 epithelial cell chloride channel is a voltage-, tonicity- and pH-regulated member of the ClC super family. We have previously shown that rat lung ClC-2 (rClC-2) is down-regulated at birth, and molecular diversity is generated by alternative splicing [Murray et al. (1995) Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 12, 597-604; Murray et al. (1996) Am. J. Physiol. 271, L829-L837; Chu et al . (1996) Nucleic Acids Res. 24, 3453-3457]. To investigate other possible mRNA splice variations, we sequenced the entire rClC-2 gene and found that ClC-2Sa (formerly ClC-2S) results from the deletion of exon 20. The preceding intron 19 has an unusually high CT content and a rare AAG acceptor site. Because both features were also found in intron 13, we next tested the hypothesis that intron 13 would be involved in alternative splicing. As predicted, a second splice product, ClC-2Sb, was found by RT-PCR, but only in lung. When we compared the genomic maps of rClC-2 and human ClC-1 (hClC-1), striking similarities were found in each exon except for rClC-2 exon 20, which is absent in hClC-1. These observations suggest that ClC-1 and ClC-2 may have evolved by gene duplication, mutation and DNA rearrangement.
When do speakers take into account common ground

What role does common ground play in the production of utterances? We outline and test two models. One model assumes that common ground is involved in initial utterance planning, while the other model assumes that it only plays a role in monitoring. To compare these models, we focus on common ground as evidenced in physical co-presence. We had speakers describe objects for listeners in a modified version of the referential communication task. While descriptions under no time constraints appeared to incorporate common ground with the listener, common ground was not used when the speakers were under time pressure. These results suggest that speakers do not engage in audience design in the initial planning of utterances; instead, they monitor those plans for violations of common ground.
Failure to develop vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus with oral vancomycin treatment of Clostridium difficile.

OBJECTIVE: Oral vancomycin therapy has been a risk factor for turning culture positive for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). VRE colonization status was reviewed for all patients who received oral vancomycin and underwent prospective cultures. METHODS: Data were extracted from the medical records of all patients receiving oral vancomycin between August 1995 and February 2001 regarding history, hospital course, and perirectal VRE cultures. Hospital policy required contact isolation for patients receiving oral vancomycin until colonization with VRE was excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-six courses of oral vancomycin were given to 22 patients. VRE colonization status after completion of therapy was evaluated for 23 courses in 20 (91%) of these patients. None of these patients became VRE culture positive during a median follow-up of 18 days (range, 9 to 39 days), with a median duration of treatment of 10 days (range, 3 to 58 days), and with a median total dose of 6,500 mg (range, 1,250 to 29,000 mg). All patients received other antibiotics within 30 days prior to therapy with oral vancomycin, during therapy with oral vancomycin, or both; 95% had received anti-anaerobic therapy and 35% had received parenteral vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS: Even when other risk factors were present, no patient receiving oral vancomycin at our facility subsequently became culture positive for VRE. This suggests that oral vancomycin therapy or other antibiotic use, including anti-anaerobic therapy, may not be a significant independent risk factor for turning culture positive for VRE among patients not previously exposed to the microbe.
STEPS TOWARDS CRYPTANALYSIS OF CHAOTIC ACTIVE/PASSIVE DECOMPOSITION ENCRYPTION SCHEMES USING AVERAGE DYNAMICS ESTIMATION

We analyze the security of encryption schemes based on chaos synchronization and active/passive decomposition. The security is quantied by the number of transmitted samples that has to be acquired in order to reconstruct the transmitted message with an accuracy that may compromise the transmitted information. The dynamics is estimated as the average of dynamics of the observed data within a small neighborhood of the time delay embedding phase space. We examine the factors that aect the choice of embedding dimension and neighborhood size by the unauthorized receiver. We show that the security can be enhanced by mixing a large randomly modulated message component with a smaller chaotic component while keeping the message modulation ne grained. This result is in contrast to the common approach to ensure security by adding a small message component to a larger chaotic component. Further, we show that even when a low dimensional chaotic map is used, then the unauthorized receiver is required to use a reconstruction embedding dimension that can be made large by using chaotic dynamics with large conditional negative Lyapunov exponent. This result allows one to avoid the common restriction to use only high dimensional chaotic dynamics to maintain security. We also suggest guidelines for the design of ecien t active passive/passive decomposition schemes in order to maintain low transmission power, fast synchronization, and yet preserve security. We demonstrate our analysis using a relatively simple encryption scheme based on a one-dimensional chaotic tent map.
Synthesis of rabbit globin in a cell-free protein synthesis system utilizing sea urchin egg and zygote ribosomes

Abstract Reports of the reduced ability of sea urchin egg ribosomes to participate in synthetic mRNA-directed protein synthesis have fostered the suggestion that the low protein synthesis rate of eggs is due to ribosome-associated inhibitors. To test this hypothesis with a natural message, we have isolated 80S ribosomes and microsomal ribosomes of sea urchin eggs and zygotes and compared their activity at synthesizing protein from rabbit α and β globin mRNA in a Krebs II ascites tumor cell-free system. Both egg and zygote 80S ribosomes responded to added mRNA and were shown to synthesize complete α and β globin chains by CM-cellulose chromatography. In most cases, the activity of the egg ribosomes was in comparable instances higher than the zygote ribosomes. Attempts to determine the cause of this difference indicated that it was not a function of K+ or Mg2+ concentration, type of tRNA used, or ribosomal wash proteins. From these studies it is apparent that sea urchin egg ribosomes are functional at a level equivalent to or better than zygote ribosomes, and it appears that the lack of protein synthetic activity in unfertilized eggs is not due to the presence of a population of inhibited ribosomes.
Embedded Literacy Programs within a First-Year Service Learning Course: Opportunities for Library Outreach and Instruction

Library faculty participating in first-year experience courses have an opportunity to engage with students and collaborate with departmental faculty across many disciplines in ways that can strengthen library programs already in place. At Mississippi State University, a successful service learning course for freshmen is in its fifth year, aimed at improving retention rates, developing personal connections with new students, and helping them hone leadership skills and citizenship through service to their local community. In collaborations with administrators in student affairs and public libraries, information literacy components were embedded within the service learning projects to create new relationships and new partners in outreach and instruction efforts.
Performance evaluation of IEEE 802.11 DCF in comparison with IEEE 802.11e EDCA

IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is one of the most widely deployed wireless network technologies in the world today. However, 802.11 MAC algorithm is unable to support modern multimedia applications which require certain level of quality of service (QoS) guarantees in terms of consistent, timely and reliable data transfer. The 802.11e MAC protocol provides extension for adjustment of MAC parameters that were previously fixed in the standard 802.11 CSMA/CA contention mechanism. In this paper we conduct the evaluation study of 802.11e Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mechanism which supports service differentiation by assigning data traffic with different priorities based on their QoS requirements. The evaluation also includes the study of the role of different parameters IEEE 802.11e EDCA utilizes to realize service differentiation as well as the performance comparison of 802.11 and 802.11e along with its capability to resolve downlink/uplink fairness problem.
Lex genetica: The law and ethics of programmingbiological code

Recent advances in genetic engineering now allow the design of programmable biological artifacts. Such programming may include usage constraints that will alter the balance of ownership and control for biotechnology products. Similar changes have been analyzed in the context of digital content management systems, and while this previous work is useful in analyzing issues related to biological programming, the latter technology presents new conceptual problems that require more comprehensive evaluation of the interplay between law and technologically embedded values. In particular, the ability to embed contractual terms in technological artifacts now requires a re-examination of disclosure and consent in transactions involving such artifacts.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia A Case Report with Known Cerebral Involvement and Cardiac Catheterization Data

Numerous bleeding episodes, neurological signs and symptoms, and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are well documented in reports of families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. It is always assumed that these are due to the arteriovenous malformations. We are here reporting a case with positive cerebral angiographic findings of large arteriovenous communications, as well as catheterization data revealing pulmonary ab normalities secondary to the cerebral arteriovenous fistula, but no ab normalities within the pulmonary vasculature itself.
Sex-Related Differences and Similarities in Geographic and Environmental Spatial Abilities

On average, males have reliably been found to outperform females on several traditional psychometric tests of spatial ability, especially those involving a component of mental rotation. The evidence is much less clear and complete with respect to performance on larger-scale and more ecologically valid tasks generally associated with geographic investigation, such as those involved in wayfinding, map use, and place learning. In this study, a community sample of 43 females and 36 males performed a large battery of spatial and geographic tasks. The battery included psychometric tests; tests of directly acquired spatial knowledge from a campus walk; map-learning tests; tests of extant geographic knowledge at local, regional, national, and international scales; tests of object-location memory; a verbal spatial task; and various self-report measures of spatial competence and style. Both univariate means tests and multivariate discriminant analyses largely agree on a comprehensive picture of the spatial abilitie...
Perspectives on Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age

n a pre-election debate in October 2008, Senator John McCain pointed out several times that Senator Barack Obama had once said that he intended to "spread the wealth" through his proposed tax policies. McCain clearly did not mean this observation to be a compliment or an incentive for voters to prefer his rival; his repetition of the phrase and sarcastic tone of voice conveyed McCains conviction that "spreading the wealth" is a goal that most Americans abhor. That conviction is especially striking given that it came during a period of several weeks in which the stock market plummeted, housing foreclosures and the unemployment rate rose, banks denied credit to small businesses, the ex-CEO of the bankrupt Lehman Brothers firm defended being paid hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years, and a story in the AARP newsletter featured several middle class women sleeping in their cars before going to work each day. So, do Americans oppose spreading the wealth? If so, why do they think that they would lose some of their own wealth, or that those other people whose wealth would be spread around really deserve to keep it, or what? The outcome of the presidential election in November 2008 suggests that a majority of American voters do not oppose the idea of spreading the wealth, or at least do not oppose it so much that they will vote against a candidate who purportedly endorses such a policy. But it is hard to find evidence that they support it. Larry Bartels s stunning new book, Unequal Democracy, helps us to understand the complexities of Americans' views and practices with regard to economic redistribution through its exposition of essential evidence, its historical perspective, and its telling observations and analyses. The book is exemplary throughout
Enzymatic Degradation of Oxidized and Reduced Graphene Nanoribbons by Lignin Peroxidase.

The widespread use of graphene for various industrial and biomedical applications requires efficient remediation strategies during its disposal into waste streams. In addition, the interactions of graphene with the biota need thorough evaluation. In this study, we investigated the interactions of oxidized and reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs and rGONRs) with lignin peroxidase (LiP), a ligninolytic enzyme released from white rot fungus. GONRs and rGONRs were treated with LiP in the presence and absence of veratryl alcohol (VA; an electron transfer mediator and secondary metabolite of white rot fungi). Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of large defects (holes) in the graphene sheet, which increased in diameter with increased degradation time. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that, within 96 hours, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and VA, the GONRs and rGONRs were completely and partially degraded by LiP, respectively. Comparisons between groups with or without VA showed that degradation of GONRs was accelerated in the presence of VA. These results indicated that LiP could efficiently degrade GONRs and rGONRs in the presence of VA, suggesting that VA may be an essential factor needed to degrade rGONRs via LiP treatment. Thus, the wide presence of white rot fungi, and thereby LiP, in nature, could lead to efficient degradation of graphene present in the environment. Additionally, LiP, which has a higher theoretical redox potential compared to horseradish peroxidases and myeloperoxidases, could be a better candidate for the environmental remediation of graphene.
Some Exact Sample Sizes for Comparing the Squared Multiple Correlation Coefficient to a Standard

When analyzing p, the squared multiple correlation coefficient, an investigator may be more interested in determining whether p is above or below a known constant rather than testing the hypothesis that p = 0. This paper gives the exact sample sizes required for answering this question when an indifference zone formulation of the problem is used. The results reported here also give a lower bound to the probability of making a correct decision when n observations are available.
Urban America: Growth, Crisis, and Rebirth

The article reviews the book "Urban America: Growth, Crisis, and Rebirth," by John F. McDonald.
Winglets on low-aspect-ratio wings

The drag reduction potentially available from the use of winglets at the tips of low aspect ratio (1.75-2.67) wings with pronounced (45-60 deg) leading edge sweep is assessed numerically for the case of a cruise design point at Mach of 0.8 and a lift coefficient of 0.3. Both wing-winglet and wing-alone design geometries are derived from a linear-theory, minimum induced drag design methodology. Relative performance is evaluated with a nonlinear extended small disturbance potential flow analysis code. Predicted lift coefficient/pressure drag coefficient increases at equal lift for the wing-winglet configurations over the wing-alone planform are of the order of 14.6-15.8, when boundary layer interaction is included.
Achromatic waveguide coupling with a hybrid grating-mirror

A new grating coupler that incorporates a hybrid grating-mirror is proposed. An analysis of the device indicates that it has a much larger achromatic range than that of conventional grating couplers, as well as a relaxed fabrication requirement for the grating.
Front-end electronics based on high-yield-pileup-event-recovery method for a high resolution PET camera with PMT-quadrant-sharing detector modules

Front-end electronics based on a high-yield-pileup-event-recovery (HYPER) method has been developed for a high resolution PET camera with 12 PMT-quadrant-sharing (PQS) detector modules that decoding 38,016 BGO crystal elements. Each module has 60 BGO blocks coupled to 77 PMTs that are organized as four Auger cameras in electronics. Each Auger camera is served by one HYPER decoding board to solve the pileup problem in order to have better count-rate and dead-time performance. There are 48 HYPER boards and only 144 A/D converters are used in the entire PET scanner. EPLD/FPGA based real time pileup remnant-correction algorithm and high-resolution digital trigger delay unit are developed for HYPER in PET coincidence application. Random coincidence events can also be acquired with the same digital delay method. A fast automatic PMT gain equalization method has been proposed to equalize the gains of 924 PMTs within two minutes. This instantaneous LED tuning can be performed between patient scans, hence it gives a better PET quality control. A standard daisy parallel port is used to control all the parameters such as gains of preamplifiers, trigger thresholds, signal DC offset control, trigger delay alignment, and as well as the coincidence time windows. A fast HOTLink (400Mbit/s, Cypress Semiconductor inc.) serial bus is used to transfer the coincidence data to networked data acquisition and image processing computers, and the sinogram binning and image reconstruction can be processed in parallel. This camera also has an ECG/respiratory gated imaging capability.
Automated Perimetry and Visual Dysfunction in Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury

Purpose To evaluate feasibility and results of automated perimetry in veterans with combat blast neurotrauma. Design Prospective, longitudinal, observational case series. Participants Sixty-one patients in a Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Center diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) from combat blast exposure. Methods Study participants underwent automated perimetry at baseline (median interval, 2 months after injury) (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm 30-2 Standard or Fast), and 36 of them were followed up (median interval, 10 months after baseline). Presence of significant mean deviation and pattern standard deviation was determined for testing with reliability indices ≤20% for fixation loss, 15% for false-positives, and 33% for false-negatives. Test–retest stability of global visual field indices was assessed for tests with these cutoffs or with elevated fixation loss. Associations between global visual field defects and predictors were examined. Main Outcome Measures Global visual field indices (mean deviation and pattern standard deviation). Results Among 61 study participants (109 study eyes) with baseline testing, a field that met reliability cutoffs was obtained for 48 participants (79%) and 78 eyes (72%). Fixation loss was found in 29% of eyes in initial testing. Nine study participants (15%) demonstrated hemianopia or quadrantanopia, and an additional 36% had an abnormal global visual field index. Global indices were relatively stable at follow-up testing for tests meeting fixation-loss cutoffs and tests that did not. Visual scotomas due to post-chiasmal lesions were associated with moderate to severe TBI or penetrating head injury, but other visual field deficits were prevalent across the range of mild to severe TBI. Ocular injury to the retina or choroid, poorer visual acuity, and pupillary defect were associated with visual field defects. Participants with depressed visual field sensitivity reported lower visual quality of life. Conclusions Reliable automated perimetry can be accomplished in most patients with TBI from combat blast exposure and reveals high rates of visual field deficits, indicating that blast forces may significantly affect the eye and visual pathways.
Nanomanipulation of Biological Macromolecules by AFM

AFM-based nanomanipulation has been used to study every type of biological macromolecules and revealed important, previously unknown properties and functional mechanisms. The capacity of the AFM for the isolation, transfer, positioning and assembling of individual macromolecules with nanometer spatial resolutions has significantly advanced the field of bionanotechnology toward the fabrication of functional structures and devices with macromolecules as building blocks. This review focuses on the studies of proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides using AFM-based nanomanipulation technique. An introduction to the principles of the technique is followed by reviewing the types of problems investigated, with emphasis on the capacities of the technique to reveal novel structural and functional mechanisms of biological macromolecules.
Triangular Framework Model for Plate Bending

Spierig has presented several framework models for plate bending and stretching by developing models found by Hrennikoff. The models are valid for the value \(1/3) of Poisson’s ratio only. One of them is an equilateral triangular plate-bending model that consists of three bars, situated along the sides of the element. The bars have certain bending but no torsional stiffness. The note attempts to extend the model for arbitrary values of Poisson’s ratio by also giving suitable torsional stiffnesses to the bars of the model.
Shear-Sensitive Genes in Aortic Valve Endothelium.

Abstract Significance: Currently, calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is only treatable through surgical intervention because the specific mechanisms leading to the disease remain unclear. In this review, we explore the forces and structure of the valve, as well as the mechanosensors and downstream signaling in the valve endothelium known to contribute to inflammation and valve dysfunction. Recent Advances: While the valvular structure enables adaptation to dynamic hemodynamic forces, these are impaired during CAVD, resulting in pathological systemic changes. Mechanosensing mechanisms—proteins, sugars, and membrane structures—at the surface of the valve endothelial cell relay mechanical signals to the nucleus. As a result, a large number of mechanosensitive genes are transcribed to alter cellular phenotype and, ultimately, induce inflammation and CAVD. Transforming growth factor-β signaling and Wnt/β-catenin have been widely studied in this context. Importantly, NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species/...
Drug Interactions with the Dopamine Transporter in Cryopreserved Human Caudate

Although several model systems have been developed to characterize the function of the dopamine transporter (DAT), there is a relative lack of data regarding dopamine (DA) uptake by human caudate, as contrasted to binding studies. Cryopreserved human brain tissue can be used for functional as well as radioligand binding studies of neuronal proteins. The drug-induced inhibition of [125I]RTI-55 binding to, and [3H]DA uptake by, cryopreserved human caudate preparations has now been characterized. Using human caudate membranes, a single site for [125I]RTI-55 binding was observed in association and saturation experiments. The relative potencies of 22 drugs for inhibition of [125I]RTI-55 binding to membranes prepared from cryopreserved human caudate, fresh rat striatum, and HEK293 cells expressing the recombinant human DAT (HEK-hDAT) were highly correlated. The affinity of DA for the DAT, as measured by [3H]DA uptake experiments, was higher in both the cryopreserved human caudate and freshly prepared rat striatum than in HEK-hDAT cells. Although affinities were similar in rat and human brain tissue preparations, the maximal uptake rate in the cryopreserved human caudate was approximately 1 to 4% and 7% of the rate in fresh and cryopreserved rat striatal preparations, respectively. The relative potencies of 22 drugs for inhibition of [3H]DA uptake were similar for tissue prepared from cryopreserved human caudate, nonfrozen rat striatum, and intact HEK-hDAT cells. These data suggest that cryopreserved human caudate can be used to characterize drug interactions with the DAT, and that HEK-hDAT cells provide a comparable system for modeling the initial interaction of drugs with native hDAT.
A Clinical Evaluation of a New Silastic Seminal Fluid Collection Device

A new Silastic seminal fluid collection device has been tested clinically and comparison studies have been made with both the polyethylene sheath and commercial latex condoms. In a series of 100 patients, the Silastic seminal fluid device has been found to be superior to the polyethylene sheath with regard to patient comfort and also has had greater reliability. In comparison with the latex device, the Silastic seminal fluid collection device is nearly as comfortable and has been found to be far more reliable.
CONTROLLING STUDENT RESPONSES THROUGH PROGRAMMED VISUAL PRESENTATIONS.

An experiment was performed to demonstrate: (1) that student responses can be effectively brought under the control of programmed visual presentations, and (2) that verbal concepts can be acquired through the practice of discriminations about non-verbally presented science demonstrations. Results based on the test performance of 7th and 8th grade students provided support for both propositions.
Response variability in the quail (Coturnix coturnix Japónica)

Twenty two Coturnix quails were tested in mazes involving a single forced turn preceding the choice point. With turn preference and direction of forced turn balanced the Ss showed a significant number of choices in the direction opposite the forced turn on all trials except the first two.
Enhancing the efficacy of Ara-C through conjugation with PAMAM dendrimer and linear PEG: a comparative study.

1β-d-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (Cytarabine, Ara-C) is a key drug in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Ara-C has a number of limitations such as a rapid deactivation by cytidine deaminase leading to the formation of a biologically inactive metabolite, Ara-U (1β-d-arabinofuranosyluracil), a low lipophilicity, and fast clearance from the body. To address these problems, we developed a conjugate in which hydroxyl-terminated PAMAM dendrimer, G4-OH [“D”] and PEG were used as carriers for the drug (Ara-C). The conjugates were synthesized using an efficient multistep protection/deprotection method resulting in the formation of a covalent bond between the primary hydroxyl group of Ara-C and dendrimer/PEG. The structure, physicochemical properties, and drug release kinetics were characterized extensively. 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry suggested covalent attachment of 10 Ara-C molecules to the dendrimer. The release profile of Ara-C in human plasma and in PBS buffer (pH 7.4) showed that the conjugates...
Draft Genome Sequence of Lampenflora Chlorobium limicola Strain Frasassi in a Sulfidic Cave System

ABSTRACT The draft genome sequence of Chlorobium limicola strain Frasassi was assembled from metagenomic sequencing of a green mat in an artificially lighted aquarium inside the Frasassi caves in Italy. The genome is 2.08 Mbp in size and contains the necessary genes for anoxygenic photosynthesis and CO2 fixation.
Using Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) Associated with Transmission Electron Microscopy to Determine Oxidation States of Ce and Fe in Minerals

EELS based on features of ELNES of M 4 and M 5 ed ges can provide information regarding oxidation states of Ce in proposed host ph ases of radioactive wastes (e.g., pyrochlore) and other REE- bearing minerals. M 4 and M 5 edges of Ce- 4+ have higher energy-loss than those of Ce- 3+. Intensity ratio between M 4 and M 5 edges and weak peaks after the M 4 and M 5 edges can be used for quantifica tion of Ce- 3+ and Ce- 4+. EELS data from an unaltered area of pyrochlo re from Inner Mongolia o f China indicate Ce- 3+ and other rare earth elements (REE). However, EELS spectrum from the neighboring altered area shows Ce- 4+, Ba and other REE. The oxidation of Ce results in loss of REE, U, and alpha decay product Pb during the alteration of the pyrochlore. Based on features of ELNES of L 3 edges, EELS spectra can also provide quantitative information regarding oxidati on states of Fe in Fe-bearing amphiboles, Fe-bearing pyroxenes, and other sili ca te minerals. There is a large difference in Fe oxidation states of the amphibol e between the directly measured and indirectly calculated methods.
Analysis on antibody level for dengue virus and its influence factor in health population in Shenzhen,2011

In order to explore the epidemic investigation and countermeasure of dengue virus(DV) among healthy people in Shenzhen and analyze its risk factors,907 healthy people aged from 16 to 60 were interviewed face-to-face with questionnaires and their sera were collected.Anti-DV IgG was detected with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).It was found that the antibody positive rate was 4.30%,with highest ratio in the age of 36.Six factors were statistically significant both in univariate analysis and multivariate analysis of logistic regression.Senior citizen,low education level,lack of knowledge about dengue prevention,sleep in the open,dwelling with high density of mosquitoes and lack of mosquito control facilities might be the risk factors for the increasing positive rate of Anti-DV IgG.Results indicated that dengue virus infection is widely found in the healthy residents of Shenzhen.It is necessary to carry out health education of dengue control and emphasis on environmental sanitation and good personal mosquito protection work.
Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a correlative study of noninvasive arterial health testing.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between noninvasive measures of arterial health and both estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk and measures of disease activity over time in established rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty rheumatoid arthritis patients underwent noninvasive arterial health testing (brachial artery reactivity, aortic augmentation index [AIx], pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and carotid artery plaque presence) and assessment of clinical disease activity (tender or swollen joint counts, Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI], and Health Assessment Questionnaire II [HAQ-II]). Clinical measures during 3 years before the study visit were averaged. Arterial health testing was compared with the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) Pooled Cohort Equation. Spearman methods identified correlations between disease activity measures, cardiac biomarkers, and arterial health parameters. Among the patients (mean age, 57.5 years), disease activity was moderate (mean [SD] CDAI, 16.9 [15.3]). At the study visit, corrected aortic augmentation index correlated with CDAI (r = 0.37, P = .009) and HAQ-II (r = 0.33, P = .02). AIx correlated with time-averaged tender joint count (r = 0.37, P = .008), CDAI (r = 0.36, P = .01), HAQ-II (r = 0.36, P = .01), swollen joint count (r = 0.36, P = .10), patient global assessment (r = 0.33, P = .02), physician global assessment (r = 0.35, P = .01), and pain score (r = 0.38, P = .007). The AHA/ACC low-risk group (<5% 10-year risk) had highest prevalence of carotid plaques. Arterial health testing may identify increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with risk obtained through AHA/ACC Pooled Cohort Equation. Measures of arterial stiffness correlate with the burden of disease activity over time.
Antiscaling efficacy of CaCO3 and CaSO4 on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified reverse osmosis membranes in the presence of humic acid: interplay of membrane surface properties and water chemistry

Mineral scaling persists in many water treatment processes. More specifically, it can significantly reduce the efficacy of aromatic polyamide (PA) membranes during reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment. Previous studies have integrated hydrophilic materials, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), onto RO membranes to combat scaling from generally hydrophobic feed water constituents; however, there are still outstanding knowledge gaps regarding the interplay of the modified membrane surface chemistry and the water chemistry in complex RO feed waters. In this work, we have investigated the mechanisms of hydrophilic PEG-grafted PA membranes in reducing mineral scaling from calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) in the presence of humic acid (HA). Based on surface and solution analyses, we found that colloidal formation was significantly reduced on PA–PEG surfaces in systems without HA. When HA was introduced, CaCO3 scaling was reduced on both virgin and PA–PEG membrane surfaces; while, interestingly, synergistic PEG–HA–CaSO4 interactions increased CaSO4 colloidal formation on PA–PEG membranes. Promoted CaSO4 formation results from a high negative surface charge near the PEG-modified membrane surface when HA and SO42− are present, attracting more Ca2+ to form CaSO4. The results of this work provide new information about colloidal formation at water–membrane interfaces for designing better PEG and PEG-based scale-resistant desalination membranes.
Prevention of Falls and Frailty in Older Adults with Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for falls and frailty in older adults. The purpose of this review was to survey, the current literature on risk factors and interventions for prevention of falls and frailty in older adults with T2DM. Screening for falls and frailty in the clinical setting is recommended. Exercise to improve balance, strength, and mobility; health education; and diabetes self-management are potential interventions for falls and frailty in older adults with T2DM. Pharmacologic agents are the focus of current studies which may lead to potential future interventions for both falls and frailty. Evidence-based guidelines and tools for prevention and management of falls and frailty have been developed for clinicians caring for older adults. Because of the reciprocal relationship between falls and frailty, interventions to prevent one may also improve the other geriatric syndrome.
The aetiopathologies of Ménière's disease: a contemporary review.

Meniere's disease, a condition first described in the 1800's, has been an advancing area of clinical interest and scientific research in recent decades. Guidelines published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery remained nearly static for almost 20 years, although we have certainly expanded our knowledge of the aetiology of the disease since that time. This review of the literature highlights the breadth and detail of the current theories in understanding the pathophysiology of this enigmatic disease. Histopathological specimens providing evidence of many of the aetiologies are presented as well. We aim to provide a centralised and updated resource regarding current and emerging theories for Meniere's disease.
Central nervous system-penetrating antiretrovirals impair energetic reserve in striatal nerve terminals

The use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs with central nervous system (CNS) penetration effectiveness (CPE) may be useful in the treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) as well as targeting a CNS reservoir in strategies to achieve a functional cure for HIV. However, increased cognitive deficits are linked to at least one of these drugs (efavirenz). As mitochondrial dysfunction has been found with a number of ARVs, and as such can affect neuronal function, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of ARV with high CPE for toxicological profiles on presynaptic nerve terminal energy metabolism. This subcellular region is especially vulnerable in that a constant supply of ATP is required for the proper maintenance of neurotransmitter release and uptake supporting proper neuronal function. We evaluated the effects of acute treatment with ten different high CPE ARVs from five different drug classes on rat cortical and striatal nerve terminal bioenergetic function. While cortical nerve terminal bioenergetics were not altered, striatal nerve terminals exposed to efavirenz, nevirapine, abacavir, emtricitabine, zidovudine, darunavir, lopinavir, raltegravir, or maraviroc (but not indinavir) exhibit reduced mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity (SRC). Further examination of efavirenz and maraviroc revealed a concentration-dependent impairment of striatal nerve terminal maximal mitochondrial respiration and SRC as well as a reduction of intraterminal ATP levels. Depletion of ATP at the synapse may underlie its dysfunction and contribute to neuronal dysfunction in treated HIV infection.
Social Media and Information Behavior: A Citation Analysis of Current Research from 2008–2015

This article presents a survey study of social media and information behavior research published from 2008 to 2015 by way of bibliometric principles. Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were...
Perceived Needs, Preparedness, and Emotional Distress of Male Caregivers of Postsurgical Women With Gynecologic Cancer

Objectives To describe the perceived needs, preparedness, and emotional distress of male caregivers of postsurgical patients with gynecologic cancer during the transition from hospital to home. . Sample & setting 50 male caregivers of patients with gynecologic cancer on an inpatient unit at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, OH. . Methods & variables Caregiver needs, perceived preparedness, and emotional distress were measured at admission and at one week postdischarge. Instruments included the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers, Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. The analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlations, and univariate linear regressions. . Results At both time points, male caregivers' greatest needs were interaction with the healthcare staff and information. Perceived preparedness was not associated with emotional distress. Male caregivers who were young, were employed, were unmarried, and had a lower income had greater needs. . Implications for nursing A relational nursing care approach that maintains effective communication with male caregivers is essential. Nurses should broaden the caregiver assessment beyond the practical care of the patient.
Successfully implementing Safety WalkRounds: secret sauce more than a magic bullet.

Implementing management innovations to improve safety of healthcare delivery is a critically important, yet often elusive, goal for healthcare organisations. Safety rounds, in which senior executives spend time on the frontlines of care, talking with staff and observing work, aim to improve safety of healthcare delivery by providing a systematic approach for engaging senior executives with the work system challenges faced by front-line staff and ensuring follow-up and accountability for addressing these challenges. They resemble ‘Management by Walking Around’, which originated at Hewlett-Packard1 and ‘gemba walks’, which are considered a key component of the Toyota Production System.2 However, descriptions of these precursor interventions emphasise engagement of senior executives with front-line workers and not follow-up and feedback about ideas generated through observation and discussion. Perhaps unlike in healthcare delivery, 3 follow up and feedback in technology and manufacturing companies can be assumed. In this issue of BMJ Quality and Safety , Sexton and colleagues found inconsistent provision of feedback and that ‘providing feedback following Leadership WalkRounds is associated with better patient safety culture, higher employee engagement and lower burnout.’4 Their research represents a welcome advance over typical intervention studies that simply assess whether an intervention is or is not effective, in that the authors identify a key component of the WalkRounds intervention that differentiates more and less effective forms of intervening. Specifically, WalkRounds followed by feedback to staff generated substantially higher safety culture domain scores and …
Modelling determinants of walking and cycling adoption: A stage-of-change perspective

Abstract Shifting travel away from cars and towards more active modes has proven a formidable policy challenge. This study aims to uncover the determinants of walking and cycling adoption by applying a stage-of-change framework. Drawing on the Transtheoretical Model, this framework models the adoption of active modes as a series of stages from pre-contemplation to maintenance. Ordinal logit models applied to US data (n = 914) illustrate the importance of both observable demographic-personal and perceptual-attitudinal variables for determining stage-of-change membership. Comparing walking and cycling, the model reveals both shared variables (vehicle ownership, self-identity) and differing factors (gender, environmental spatial ability) distinguishing among adoption stages, which has significant implications for transport policy. Results indicate that a model combining both demographic-personal and perceptual-attitudinal factors has the best fit and validity, suggesting that travel behavior interventions would benefit from multivariate segmentation methods that consider an array of individual and group characteristics. This research also gives evidence of different determinants motivating change processes for cycling versus walking. Taken together, results suggest a need for tailored policy interventions to promote behavioural adoption based not merely on the specific mode selection, but also on the usage stage under consideration.
Stages of Budgetary Development

This article examines the development of public budgeting since the Industrial Revolution to offer an explanatory framework on budgeting as a governance instrument. The article proposes that budgeting has evolved as innovations in financial administration to respond to socio-economic challenges as society entered the industrial, the welfare and the economy states. Government first expanded to provide public services that were vital during early industrialization; it then increased expenditure on social programs to dissolve potential social unrests; it finally intensified intervention in the economy to mitigate drastic fluctuations of national economies. Corresponding to the three socio-economic eras, budgeting has gone through three stages: the budget, the finance, and the economy. In the course, budgeting shifted from a micro to macro focus, moving toward longer spans, wider perspectives, and loss of annual budget balance. The article includes three mini-cases to test the framework. It concludes with directions for further research.
The Role of Anxiety in Facilitating Stereotypic Judgments of Outgroup Behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of anxiety in facilitating stereotypic judgment of outgroup behavior. Anxiety increases one's reliance on social stereotypes and makes the person traitor to his or her objective reason. When anxiety distracts persons from careful attention to the environment, they rely more on available cognitive structures such as social stereotypes in making judgments of others. Increased reliance on stereotypes manifests in two ways. First, stereotypes supply best guesses to complete gaps in information created by anxiety. Second, counter-stereotypic information loses impact when persons are anxious and their attention is restricted. In the research discussed in the chapter, stereotypes are beliefs about the characteristics or behaviors of most members of a social group.
Performance Analysis of Feature Selection Techniques for Support Vector Machine and its Application for Lung Nodule Detection

Lung cancer typically exhibits its presence with the formation of pulmonary nodules. Computer Aided Detection (CAD) of such nodules in CT scans would be of valuable help in lung cancer screening. Typical CAD system is comprised of a candidate detector and a feature-based classifier. In this research, we study and explore the performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) based on a large set of features. We study the performance of SVM as a function of the number of features. Our results indicate that SVM is more robust and computationally faster with a large set of features and less prone to over-training when compared to traditional classifiers. In addition, we also present a computationally efficient approach for selecting features for SVM. Results are presented for a publicly available Lung Nodule Analysis 2016 dataset. Our results based on 10-fold validation indicate that SVM based classification method outperforms the fisher linear discriminant classifier by 14.8%.