cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer interactive heuristics to assess preference indefinition and resolve discrepancies between preference ratings and rankings

Ipsative and absolute assessment of preferences are contrasted, with particular reference to the different quantitative and qualitative information provided by each. Although it may not be possible to mathematically combine the respective qualitative information provided by rankings and ratings, when used in conjunction, they may offer a valuable consistency check of a respondent’s preference assessments. A set of heuristics, interactively implemented via computer, is proposed to (1) identify inconsistencies between preference rankings and ratings of the same set of items, and (2) attempt to resolve those inconsistencies. The number of iterations required to resolve inconsistencies might be used as an index of the respondent’s lack of preference definition.
Longitudinal Study of Absenteeism of Hard-Core Unemployed

Hard-core unemployed absenteeism was studied over a 2-yr. period using variables to measure organization-wide, immediate work environment, job content, and personal factors as predictors. Results indicated that initial absenteeism of the hard-core unemployed (6 mo.) was predicted by organization-wide, immediate work environment, and personal factors while longitudinal (24 mo.) absenteeism was predicted by immediate work environment and job content factors. The implication is that the pattern of absenteeism of the hard-core unemployed, although initially influenced by total organizational and personal variables, is better predicted by the immediate social setting of the job and the job itself over time.
122 SUPPRESSION OF EPIGENETIC MODIFIERS ALTERS THE BOVINE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM DURING IN VITRO CULTURE

During early bovine embryogenesis, the regular establishment of DNA methylation and histone modification patterns is essential for proper gene expression and continuation of embryonic development. Epigenome patterns established during this period, if improperly maintained, can lead to developmental anomalies and may partially explain the lower pregnancy rates of in vitro-produced embryos. We hypothesised that the suppression of translation of the genes euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), absent, small, or homeotic-like (ASH2L), and SET domain, bifurcated 1 (SETDB1) would provide insightful information on the importance of these genes during early embryonic development in an in vitro setting. In order to define the roles of these genes, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the gene of interest were synthesised and target verified in bovine cell culture using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). We acquired matured bovine oocytes from commercial suppliers, followed by IVF by standard laboratory procedures. Eighteen hours post IVF, cumulus cells were removed and zygotes separated into 3 different treatment groups: non-injected controls (CNTL), non-targeting siRNA injected controls (siNULL), and injection with siRNA targeting the gene of interest (si “gene target”). Each siRNA was mixed with a green fluorescent dextran at a concentration of 20 μM and ~100 pL injected cytoplasmically. The green fluorescent dextran was used to give visual confirmation that zygotes were indeed injected. Post-injection, fluorescent embryos were separated and cultured in Bovine Evolve (Zentih Biotech) medium supplemented with 4 mg mL–1 of BSA (Probumin, Millipore). Cleavage rates were monitored on Day 2, and only cleaved embryos were cultured further. On Day 8 post-IVF, embryos were morphologically examined and numbers of blastocysts recorded. Mean development rates between siNULL and targeting siRNA were compared using a t-test statistic. Over the course of these experiments the mean blastocyst rate for CNTL zygotes was 34.5% ± 2.6 s.e.m. (n = 1647). None of the zygotes injected with siEHMT2 (n = 1184) or siSETDB1 (n = 361) reached the blastocyst stage and these rates differed from the siNULL rate (21.0% ± 2.5 s.e.m., n = 1587; P 0.2). It is unknown at this time if inhibition of ASH2L translation will have effects later in development. Ongoing experiments analysing DNA methylation and histone modifications through immunocytochemistry and global gene expression via RT-qPCR will further explore the establishment and maintenance of these genes in the embryonic epigenome.
Partitioning stoichiometric components of epilithic biofilm using mixing models

Epilithic biofilms are an important and complex food resource in shallow aquatic ecosystems. Standard methods of sampling these biofilms typically yield a combination of algal cells, other organic material, and inorganic sediment. Physical methods of isolating algal fractions rely on differences in density among biofilm components, and clean separation is not always possible. Here, we explore the application of linear mixing models to the problem of estimating nutrient content of biofilm components. This method is based on the assumption that variation in bulk sample elemental composition within a sampling site is due to differences among samples in relative composition. By using standard methods to quantify organic content and algal biomass within biofilm samples, the mixing model produces estimates of nutrient content of each end member. To test this method, we analyzed the phosphorus (P) content of algal cells, non-algal organic material, and inorganic sediment associated with biofilm samples that increase in P-content 4-fold across a natural P gradient in lowland streams in Costa Rica. Our analyses show that nearly all of the observed increase in biofilm P from high-P streams was due to elevated P-content of algal cells, rather than P sorbed to inorganic sediments or in Prich heterotrophic bacteria. Results from the mixing model were supported by results from density fractionation. This linear mixing model approach complements empirical methods of separating complex food resources and may lead to a better understanding of trophic interactions in aquatic food webs.
Maxillary sinus puncture and culture in the diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis: The case for pursuing alternative culture methods

OBJECTIVE: Traditional assessments of the microbial flora associated with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis have relied on maxillary sinus punctures (taps) and culture. These taps are now considered the gold standard for obtaining cultures and are used as the method of identifying bacterial pathogens in antimicrobial trials. Maxillary sinus taps are limited by discomfort to the patients and technical concerns. Because of these factors, the standard of performing taps has limited antibiotic trials and microbial surveillance. Alternatives to maxillary sinus taps have been explored.STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective, systematic review of the literature from 1950 to 2000 of articles comparing culture techniques in the nose and paranasal sinuses for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis.RESULTS: Nasal cultures have poor correlation to maxillary sinus cultures, whereas there is 60% to 85% concordance between endoscopically guided middle meatal cultures and maxillary sinus cultures. These studies, however, are all...
The effect of pH, aluminum, and chelator manipulations on the growth of acidic and circumneutral species of Asterionella

The growth rates of two diatoms, acidophilic Asterionella ralfsii and circumneutral A. formosa, were differentially affected by varying pH, Al, and EDTA in chemically defined media. Free Al ion concentration increased as pH and EDTA concentration decreased. Free trace metal ion concentration decreased as EDTA levels increased but increased by orders of magnitude upon addition of Al. pH had an overriding species specific effect on growth rate; at low pH A. ralfsii had higher growth rates than A. formosa and vice versa at high pH. For both species higher EDTA levels depressed growth rates. Moderate additions of Al generally resulted in growth stimulation. The growth rate stimulations, especially at 200 and 400 μg L−1 Al additions, correlate to increases in free trace metal ion concentrations. The EDTA-AI interaction effects on growth rate were both pH and concentration dependent: at pH 7 both species were stimulated by addition of Al at all EDTA levels (except A. ralfsii at 5.0 mM EDTA and A. formosa at 0.5 mNM EDTA); at pH 6 Al addition either stimulated or had no effect on the growth rates of both species (except at low EDTA and high Al levels); at pH 5 A. formosa did not grow and additions of 200 μg L−1 Al stimulated growth of A. ralfsii. It is likely that the effect of pH, Al, and EDTA on speciation of essential or toxic trace metals affects growth rates of these diatoms in a species specific manner.
On Self-Adaptive Surface Grooves

Self-adaptive, microscale grooves improve the load-carrying capacity of the lubricated surfaces by providing a “flexible surface texturing.” These grooves use mechanical deflection to change the surface texture based on the loading condition. To accurately predict the behavior of a self-adaptive groove, the surface deformation is computed by treating the classical plate deflection equation simultaneously with a mass conservative formulation of the Reynolds equation. The results of a series of simulations reveal that the self-adaptive groove provides a greater load-carrying capacity in comparison with conventional grooved surfaces. Comparisons between the mass conservative formulation and Reynolds boundary condition for small length-to-width ratios show that the Reynolds boundary condition largely underestimates the cavitated area, leading to inaccuracies in the prediction of the load-carrying capacity.
Millon clinical multiaxial inventory assessments of patients manifesting either psychogenic or epileptic seizures

Previous investigations utilizing the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory have observed personality differences between patients with epilepsy (ES) and those with psychogenic seizures (PS). This research utilized a shorter, easier-to-administer instrument, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), to evaluate 27 PS patients and 22 ES patients. Based on the results of EEG/video monitoring, patients were assigned to either strictly ES or strictly PS groups. PS patients scored significantly higher on MCMI Axis I scale of Anxiety, Somatoform, and Dysthymia as well as the Axis II pathological personality disorder, Borderline. Only the Axis I scales, however, showed clinically elevated base rate scores. Classification rules developed from these results correctly indentified 74% of the PS and 72% of the ES patients. These results suggest that MCMI may be a useful instrument for the evaluation of patients with PS.
Signature of nearly icosahedral structures in liquid and supercooled liquid copper

A growing body of experiments display indirect evidence of icosahedral structures in supercooled liquid metals. Computer simulations provide more direct evidence but generally rely on approximate interatomic potentials of unproven accuracy. We use first-principles molecular dynamics simulations to generate realistic atomic configurations, providing structural detail not directly available from experiment, based on interatomic forces that are more reliable than conventional simulations. We analyze liquid copper, for which recent experimental results are available for comparison, to quantify the degree of local icosahedral and polytetrahedral order.
Specificity of axonal transport in C2, a histaminergic neuron of Aplysia californica

Abstract Several labeled neurotransmitter substances or precursors ([ 3 H]histamine, [ 3 H]serotonin, and [ 3 H]choline) were injected with pressure into the cell body of C2, an identified putative histaminergic neuron in the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia in order to study the selectivity of axonal transport. We examined transport of these substances along the posterior lip nerve which contains one of the 3 extraganglionic axons of C2. The distribution of radioactivity along this axon indicated that some of the [ 3 H]histamine is moved by fast transport, and some by diffusion. The velocity at which [ 3 H]histamine moved along the axon was estimated at approximately 50 mm per day at 23 °C. The movement was slower at lower temperatures, and was partially inhibited by colchicine. Transport was selective: 6 h after injection of [ 3 H]histamine into the cell body of C2, most of the radioactivity that appeared in axons was in the form of histamine. In contrast, equal amounts of the labeled amine and its metabolite, γ-glutamylhistamine, were found in the cell body. Fast transport was not observed when [ 3 H]serotonin or [ 3 H]choline were injected. Subcellular fractionation experiments after injection showed that [ 3 H]histamine was enriched in particulate fractions; [ 3 H]γ-glutamylhistamine was recovered only in the soluble fraction. Packaging of [ 3 H]histamine in C2 was not affected by treatment with reserpine; in contrast, subcellular fractionati on experiments indicated that reserpine blocks the uptake of [ 3 H]histamine into vesicles in the giant cerebral neuron, an identified serotonergic Aplysia cell.
In Situ STM Imaging of Silicon(111) in HF under Potential Control

In situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to examine the surface morphology of a Si(111) cathode in 1% HF or a mixed HF and H 2 O 2 solution under potential control. In the absence of H 2 O 2 , in situ STM revealed island-like features due to the native defects at the Si substrate and the subsequent dissolution of the native SiO 2 layer by the HF etchant
Sympathetic blockade blunts hypercapnic pulmonary arterial vasocontriction in newborn piglets

Objective: Hypercapnia has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertensive disease in newborns. However, little has been done to determine how its vasoconstrictive actions are mediated. The purpose of this study is to define the role of the sympathetic nervous system in modulating the response of the newborn pulmonary circulation to hypercapnia. Specifically, we studied the effect of sympathetic blockade on mean and pulsatile pulmonary arterial hemodynamics in 48-h-old, intact, open-chest Yorkshire piglets during hypercapnic ventilation. Methods: All animals were anesthetized and then instrumented for high fidelity measurement of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), flow (PAF), aortic pressure and radius of the main pulmonary artery (Rmn). Baseline data were acquired in all animals. Control animals (n 7) were subjected to 30 s intervals of hypercapnia (inspired CO2 fraction (FiCO2)0.20). Experimental animals (n7) were pre-treated with an intravenous bolus of the adrenergic blocking agent guanethidine (20 mg:kg) before being subjected to the hypercapnic stress. Characteristic impedance (Zo) and input mean impedance (Zm) were determined through application of a Fourier analysis of the PAP and PAF waveforms. The modulus of elasticity (Ey) was calculated from Zo and Rmn. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was calculated as (PAP LAP:PAF). Results: Control animals underwent significant increases in PVR (48609 341 dyne cm s 5 versus 80909 387 dyne cm s 5 , PB0.01) and Zm (72159495 dyne cm s 5 versus 102289 993 dyne cm s 5 , PB 0.01) when exposed to hypercapnia. Pre-treatment with guanethidine attenuated this response (PVR, 55529 368 dyne cm s 5 versus 71059 611 dyne cm s 5 , P0.31 and Zm, 79229446 dyne cm s 5 versus 97459 600 dyne cm s 5 , P 0.31). Characteristic impedance, modulus of elasticity and the radius of the main pulmonary artery were unchanged in both groups. Conclusions: These data indicate that vasoconstriction secondary to hypercapnia in the neonatal pulmonary arterial circulation occurs at the level of the distal arteriolar bed, rather than the more proximal pulmonary arteries. In addition, this response is partially modulated by the sympathetic nervous system and may therefore respond clinically to manipulation of sympathetic input to the pulmonary arterial circulation. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Low temperature fluxless bonding technique using In-Sn composite

Device packages usually need more than one soldering operation to complete. For photonic and fiber optics devices and packaging, indium solder has become ever more popular due to its ductility. Indium has a relatively low melting temperature of 156/spl deg/C. During subsequent bonding operations, another process with a bonding temperature lower than 156/spl deg/C is needed. Desirable bonding temperature should be lower than 156/spl deg/C but higher than the maximum temperature of the solder during device operation. In this paper, we report a new alternative to the conventional solder using In/Sn multilayer composite. This is a fluxless and oxidation-free soldering technique that has a bonding temperature of 140/spl deg/C. In fabrication, Cr/Sn/In/Au multilayer composite is deposited on bare silicon dice in one high vacuum cycle to prevent oxidation. Immediately upon deposition, Au and In react to form a stable AuIn2 protective outer layer against oxidation. Silicon substrates are deposited with thin Cr/Au layers. The silicon die and substrate are bonded in hydrogen environment at 140/spl deg/C. Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) analysis is used to evaluate the joint quality. This bonding technique consistently achieves uniform and void-free joints. SEM and EDX analyses also are performed on the joint cross sections. The SEM image shows uniform joint thickness of 5 /spl mu/m and joint microstructure. SEM and EDX results indicate the joint is consisted of In-Sn alloy with embedded AuIn2 grains. The re-melting temperature of several joints is measured. It ranges from 125/spl deg/C to 150/spl deg/C. This shows that the joint composition is not exactly eutectic that has a melting temperature of 118/spl deg/C, but rather is Sn-rich. This interesting result offers a very important advantage in that it increases the temperature that the device package can handle. The fluxless feature of this technology is valuable for bonding and assembling many emerging photonic devices that simply cannot tolerate flux.
Short-term community dynamics in the phyllosphere microbiology of field-grown sugar beet.

Short-term fluctuations in the number of culturable microorganisms and the composition of the bacterial community colonising the phyllosphere of field grown sugar beet were determined at 6 h intervals over a 42 h period. The number of culturable bacteria and Erwinia were found to fluctuate diurnally, increasing in size overnight and declining during daylight hours. In contrast, the number of Arthrobacter and yeasts were constant throughout the study, even after rainfall. Over most of the study the number of filamentous fungi and pseudomonads decreased. The short-term fluctuations in bacterial numbers were similar in magnitude to those detected over most of the previous season. No significant variation was observed in microbial numbers between samples taken from three locations within the field. Fatty acid analysis of isolated bacteria revealed the community to be similar in composition to that detected during the same period the previous year and indicated no significant short-term temporal or spatial variation. To limit the effects of diurnal fluctuations on the number of culturable bacteria detected, it is recommended that in long-term studies, samples be collected at the same time of day on each occasion.
Sports participation in non-compaction cardiomyopathy: a systematic review

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is typified by deep invaginations of the myocardium and is caused by an arrest of normal myocardial morphogenesis. NCCM was once considered rare, but is now widely recognised owing to frequent use of advanced imaging techniques. NCCM can also be detected when competitive athletes undergo preparticipation screening for cardiac disease or when being evaluated for cardiac symptoms. It is not clear how athletes with NCCM should be managed. We searched PubMed and Google for articles addressing the issue of NCCM and athletic participation. We were able to identify only 18 cases of NCCM described in the context of sports, athletics or exercise. We conclude that there are insufficient data to develop firm recommendations on how to manage vigorous activity in patients with NCCM and future registries of sudden death in athletes should include a careful search for cases of NCCM among the victims so that clinicians can develop more definitive recommendations for athletes with this condition.
The Role of Context and Team Play in Cross-Game Learning

One of the dividing lines between economics and psychology experiments is that economists favor abstract context while psychologists favor meaningful context. We investigate the effects of meaningful versus abstract context on cross-game learning in a signaling game experiment. With individual decision makers (1 times 1 games) meaningful context promotes positive cross-game learning in moving from a pooling equilibrium to a separating equilibrium, whereas abstract context yields negative cross-game learning. In 1 times 1 games a change in the (meaningful) context which accompanies “superficial” changes in the game stalls the learning process compared to an abstract context that does not change. In contrast, with two-person teams the same change in meaningful context has no disruptive effect on strategic play, with teams also having substantially higher levels of strategic play than the 1 times 1 games. We relate the effects of meaningful versus abstract context on cross-game learning to the psychology literature on deductive reasoning processes. (JEL C72, C92, D82, L12)
A Theoretical Framework on the Determinants of Strategic Cities Empirical Results From Florida City Governments

Strategic planning is a commonly used management technique, but most state and city studies on strategic planning are descriptive and have not developed a clear theory as to why cities use strategi...
Dysphagia and disrupted cranial nerve development in a mouse model of DiGeorge (22q11) deletion syndrome

We assessed feeding-related developmental anomalies in the LgDel mouse model of chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a common developmental disorder that frequently includes perinatal dysphagia – debilitating feeding, swallowing and nutrition difficulties from birth onward – within its phenotypic spectrum. LgDel pups gain significantly less weight during the first postnatal weeks, and have several signs of respiratory infections due to food aspiration. Most 22q11 genes are expressed in anlagen of craniofacial and brainstem regions critical for feeding and swallowing, and diminished expression in LgDel embryos apparently compromises development of these regions. Palate and jaw anomalies indicate divergent oro-facial morphogenesis. Altered expression and patterning of hindbrain transcriptional regulators, especially those related to retinoic acid (RA) signaling, prefigures these disruptions. Subsequently, gene expression, axon growth and sensory ganglion formation in the trigeminal (V), glossopharyngeal (IX) or vagus (X) cranial nerves (CNs) that innervate targets essential for feeding, swallowing and digestion are disrupted. Posterior CN IX and X ganglia anomalies primarily reflect diminished dosage of the 22q11DS candidate gene Tbx1. Genetic modification of RA signaling in LgDel embryos rescues the anterior CN V phenotype and returns expression levels or pattern of RA-sensitive genes to those in wild-type embryos. Thus, diminished 22q11 gene dosage, including but not limited to Tbx1, disrupts oro-facial and CN development by modifying RA-modulated anterior-posterior hindbrain differentiation. These disruptions likely contribute to dysphagia in infants and young children with 22q11DS.
Soil respiration rates of tropical peatlands in Micronesia and Hawaii

There are very few published reports of soil respiration rates from tropical peatlands, despite their importance to global carbon cycling. This study quantified in situ soil respiration rates in a suite of tropical peatlands in Micronesia and Hawaii using a soil CO2 flux chamber connected to a LI-COR 6400 Portable Photosynthesis Infrared Gas Analyzer. Soil respiration rates were higher in the warmer Micronesian peatlands (2.15–2.54 umol m−2 s−1) than in the cooler Hawaiian montane peatlands (0.83–1.81 umol m−2 s−1). The lone exception was the taro-cultivated peatland in Micronesia that had low soil respiration rates likely due to low amount of litterfall, root biomass, and root production. Deep standing water decreased soil respiration rates, while lowered water levels had mixed effects on soil respiration rates. Surprisingly, measured soil respiration rates were lower than rates measured in temperate and boreal peatlands in the summer. However, soil respiration rates in tropical peatlands are not limited by large diurnal or seasonal changes and can continue respiring at the same rates, resulting in higher annual CO2 flux rates compared to other nontropical peatlands.
The late Middle Devonian fauna of Red Hill I, Nevada, and its paleobiogeographic implications

Abstract. The fauna of the Middle Devonian Red Hill I locality, Nevada, is unusual in the co-occurrence of a rich fish assemblage with a rich invertebrate one. Sponges are second in abundance of specimens and number of species only to the fishes and occur together with other invertebrates (conodonts, conulariids, dacryoconarid tentaculites, gastropods, bivalves, brachiopods, arthropods, and unidentifiable ammonoids and echinoderms). The invertebrates indicate a marine depositional paleoenvironment. The conodonts indicate a placement within the lower disparalis Zone, late Givetian. The fish assemblage is dominated by the antiarch Asterolepis. All the other fishes, acanthodians, actinopterygians and sarcopterygians, are less common. The closest biogeographic relationship of the fish fauna is with the Middle/Late Devonian fish fauna of the Baltic Region, followed by that of eastern Canada (Miguasha), Scotland and Iran. This distribution corresponds to the Devonian Euramerica faunal province with connection to eastern Gondwana (Iran and Australia). Localities with the same genera as Red Hill I are interpreted as marine with the exception of the Scottish localities. Asterolepis is the most widely distributed vertebrate genus, mostly marine, but it may be able to enter freshwater like Eusthenopteron if one accepts a freshwater depositional paleoenvironment for the Scottish localities. doi: 10.1002/mmng.201000001
A simulation model for bioterrorism preparedness in an emergency room

The use of biological agents as weapons can cause disease and deaths in sufficient numbers that can greatly impact a city or region. Consequently, concerns about the preparedness and efficiency of healthcare systems for bioterrorism events have increased dramatically among hospital managements. This paper presents an innovative and sophisticated computer simulation model of the emergency room (ER) at the hospital featured in this study. The objective was to analyze patient flow throughout the treatment process, assess the utilization of ER resources, evaluate the impact of a hypothetical bioterrorist attack, and determine the appropriate resource and staff levels for such a bioterrorism scenario. The recommended staffing strategy at two bottlenecked areas of the hospital's treatment facility would allow a significant reduction in patients' total time in the ER and an improvement in the utilization of resources. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to investigate the effect of changes in input parameters.
Between Global Flows and Local Dams: Indigenousness, Locality, and the Transnational Sphere in Jharkhand, India

A critical examination of the transnational discourse of indigeneity in the context of adivasi or indigenous peoples' political struggles in India contrasts two Indian indigenous political movements: the “transnational” imaginary of the Indian Council for Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, which is the central organization representing India's indigenous peoples at the United Nations, and the “local” imaginary of the Koel-Karo movement, one of several adivasi movements against displacement that mark the Indian political landscape today. Given that these transnational and very local imaginaries both work in relation to different domains of governmentality, I question why a transnational governmentality involving indigenous peoples produces a static and essentialized discourse of indigeneity that inadvertently undermines local initiatives like Koel-Karo. Rural adivasi populations redeploy elements of colonial and nation-state governmentality forged in relation to them in ways that demonstrate a remarkable flexibility in the imagination of indigeneity. As the neoliberal regime in India has, with a terrifying intensity, contributed to the displacement of adivasis, the question of indigeneity as adivasi identity has to address these different histories of governmentality, the modalities of the politics they have precipitated, and other ways of articulating “local” adivasi movements with transnational alliances. This examination of indigeneity in India concludes by problematizing some of the ways in which contemporary academic discourse has interpreted “governmentality” in relation to subaltern movements.
Biopsy needles and devices: Assessment of ferromagnetism and artifacts during exposure to a 1.5‐T MR system

Forty-eight biopsy devices (needles, stylets, guide wires, biopsy guns, etc) were evaluated for ferromagnetism (n = 48) and artifacts (n = 43) in a 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) system, with previously described techniques. Forty-five of the 48 devices were found to be ferromagnetic. Artifacts varied, depending on the type and size of the component material(s) of the device. Most of the commercially available biopsy devices are not useful for MR imaging-guided biopsy procedures because of the presence of ferromagnetism and associated artifacts.
Comments on Molecular cavity flow by Donald Greenspan

Molecular mechanics simulations of liquid water in a shear-driven cavity flow have been presented by Greenspan [Fluid Dyn. Res. 25 (1999) 37]. The selected parameter values in these calculations require cautionary comments, for example, the presented turbulent flow results involve atomic motion with a kinetic temperature exceeding a million degrees Kelvin
Selenoprotein K and protein palmitoylation.

Abstract Significance: Selenoprotein K (SelK) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, and its expression is sensitive to dietary selenium levels. A recently described role for SelK as a cofactor in catalyzing protein palmitoylation reactions provides an important link between low dietary selenium intake and suboptimal cellular functions that depend on this selenoprotein for palmitoylation. Recent Advances: A recent breakthrough provided insight into the contribution of SelK to calcium (Ca2+) flux in immune cells. In particular, SelK is required for palmitoylation of the Ca2+ channel protein, inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) in the ER membrane. Without this post-translational modification, expression and function of the IP3R is impaired. SelK is required for palmitoylation of another transmembrane protein, CD36, and very likely other proteins. SelK serves as a cofactor during protein palmitoylation by binding to the protein acyltransferase, DHHC6, thereby facilitating addition of the ...
Defining a threshold for intervention in breast cancer-related lymphedema: what level of arm volume increase predicts progression?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate arm volume measurements and clinico-pathologic characteristics of breast cancer patients to define a threshold for intervention in breast cancer-related lymphedema. We prospectively performed arm volume measurements on breast cancer patients using a Perometer. Arm measurements were performed pre- and post-operatively, and change in arm volume was quantified using a relative volume change (RVC) equation. Patient and treatment risk factors were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent covariates for RVC were used to evaluate whether RVC elevations of ≥3 to 3 months after surgery were associated with progression to ≥10 % RVC. 1,173 patients met eligibility criteria with a median of 27 months post-operative follow-up. The cumulative incidence of ≥10 % RVC at 24 months was 5.26 % (95 % CI 4.01–6.88 %). By multivariable analysis, a measurement of ≥5 to 3 months after surgery was significantly associated with an increased risk of progression to ≥10 % RVC (HR 2.97, p 0.05). Breast cancer patients who experience a relative arm volume increase of ≥3 to 3 months after surgery do not have a statistically significant increase in risk of progression to ≥10 %, a common lymphedema criterion. Our data support utilization of a ≥5 to <10 % threshold for close monitoring or intervention, warranting further assessment. Additional risk factors for progression to ≥10 % include ALND, higher BMI, and post-operative arm volume elevation.
Effect of chemical ablation of myenteric neurons on neurotransmitter levels in the rat jejunum

We have quantified neurotransmitter changes in the rat jejunum in which the myenteric neurons were ablated by serosal application of benzalkonium chloride. Within 2 days after benzalkonium chloride treatment, there was a 40% reduction in the activity of choline acetyltransferase, a specific marker for cholinergic neurons, and a 25% reduction in the amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide per centimeter length of jejunum. By 15 days, levels were comparable to those in control segments, and by 45 days after myenteric neuronal ablation, levels in treated tissues were twice those in controls. In contrast, we observed no reduction in the amount of leucine-enkephalin per centimeter length of jejunum at early times after benzalkonium chloride treatment, although by 45 days, levels of this neurotransmitter in treated segments of jejunum were more than twice those in controls. Significant increases in muscle thickness and tissue weight were also observed at 15, 30, and 45 days after myenteric neuronal ablation. Thus we have observed that in response to chemical ablation of myenteric neurons in the rat jejunum, there is a thickening of the smooth muscle layers and a compensatory increase in the production of certain neurotransmitters by the surviving neuronal elements in the gut.
Synchrotron X-ray microanalysis

X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRFA) is a standard technique that is used routinely for the analysis of rocks and minerals. Potts (1987; Chapter 8) covers the theory and practice. When an X-ray photon interacts with an atom, there is a well-defined probability that the photon energy will drive out (i.e., ionize) an electron from a bound state. The excited atom regains equilibrium by emission of either an X-ray photon or an Auger electron, both with characteristic energy determined by the quantum numbers of the initial and final electronic states and the atomic number of the atom. Measurement of the energy of the emitted X-ray photon identifies the type of atom (except for accidental overlap within the experimental resolution). Determination of the flux of this particular type of photon with respect to the total flux from all X-ray photons from all atoms in a sample provides a measure of the atomic concentration in the bulk sample. There are many details involving the relative probabilities of the various processes, the competition with coherent diffraction and other scattering processes, the perturbation of electronic states of an atom from changes in chemical bonding, and the actual experimental details of the X-ray source, the detectors and the algorithms for the mathematical analysis. Nevertheless, the technique is fundamentally straightforward and potentially accurate to the per cent level of the amount present, when suitable standards are available. Classical X-ray fluorescence analysis is technically easiest for those elements that can be determined from K line fluorescent photons with energies in the 1–20 keV range. The spectrum becomes progressively more complex from the K to the L and M line series. Analytical complications from energy shifts related to chemical bonding and electronic state only become significant at lower energy, but these perturbations can be valuable to a structural crystallographer/geochemist.
Digital rights management: The cost to consumers [Point of View]

This paper begins with a brief overview of how digital rights management (DRM) technologies are being used to limit consumer rights. Next we show how this code is combined with a legal component, including the use of contractual agreements, to further narrow user rights. Providing a summary of the legal history, we build up to the current legal environment surrounding DRM in the United States, showing the need for DRM policy and coding changes to better balance the interests of copyright holders and the public.
Epigenetics in Eukaryotic Microbes: Epigenetics, which affects gene expression but does not involve mutations, can enable microorganisms to adapt quickly to their environments

Epigenetics, a buzzword in some fields, might not be so familiar to some microbiologists. Yet for those studying budding yeast and several other eukaryotic microbes, a detailed picture of epigenetics is emerging. Moreover, epigenetics can play a role in pathogenesis, and we will take a look at its role in two specific cases.
Electronic Structure, Defect Chemistry, and Transport Properties of SrTi1-xFexO3-y Solid Solutions

The electronic structure, defect chemistry, and transport properties of members of the mixed ionic electronic conducting SrTi1-xFexO3-y (STF) solid-solution system are revisited, and an improved defect chemical model is proposed in which Fe is considered to be one of the main constituents that shape the energy-band structure of STF, rather than an impurity dopant with acceptor-like character. As a consequence of the high inherent deficiency in the oxygen sublattice, introduced by the mixed-valence states of the B-site cations Ti4+ and Fe3+, oxygen vacancies and interstitials generated by the anion Frenkel reaction dominate the defect equilibria, leading to predominant ionic conductivity at intermediate partial pressures of oxygen. Increasing Fe content results in both a systematic decrease in band-gap energy, Eg0 = 3.2 − 1.9x + 0.5x2 eV, and reduction enthalpy, ΔHred = 5.8 − 3.4x + 1.7x2 eV. The decrease in band gap is explained on the basis of the systematic broadening of the Fe-derived 3d band lying abo...
Rabies: present attitudes.

The author presents the scope of the rabies problem, how to care for wounds, what reactions occur with vaccines and antiserums, how to immunize persons in high-risk occupations, and what treatment schedules should be followed after mild and severe exposures.
Decade-Long Trends in Liver Transplant Waitlist Removal Due to Illness Severity: The Impact of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Policy

Background The central tenet of liver transplant organ allocation is to prioritize the sickest patients first. However, a 2007 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulatory policy, Conditions of Participation (COP), which mandates publically reported transplant center performance assessment and outcomes-based auditing, critically altered waitlist management and clinical decision making. We examine the extent to which COP implementation is associated with increased removal of the "sickest" patients from the liver transplant waitlist. Study Design This study included 90,765 adult (aged 18 years and older) deceased donor liver transplant candidates listed at 102 transplant centers from April 2002 through December 2012 (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients). We quantified the effect of COP implementation on trends in waitlist removal due to illness severity and 1-year post-transplant mortality using interrupted time series segmented Poisson regression analysis. Results We observed increasing trends in delisting due to illness severity in the setting of comparable demographic and clinical characteristics. Delisting abruptly increased by 16% at the time of COP implementation, and likelihood of being delisted continued to increase by 3% per quarter thereafter, without attenuation (p Conclusions Although the 2007 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services COP policy was a quality initiative designed to improve patient outcomes, in reality, it failed to show beneficial effects in the liver transplant population. Patients who could potentially benefit from transplantation are increasingly being denied this lifesaving procedure while transplant mortality rates remain unaffected. Policy makers and clinicians should strive to balance candidate and recipient needs from a population-benefit perspective when designing performance metrics and during clinical decision making for patients on the waitlist.
Colloid oncotic pressure: current status and clinical applications in neonatal medicine.

Major changes in serum proteins and body water distribution occur in the neonate. Specific changes vary with different body sites and organs, amount of preexisting fluid and colloids, as well as physiologic state. Although the interactions between the hydrostatic and oncotic pressures are modified by the other forces locally, nevertheless sequential measurements of hydrostatic pressure and COP can provide an indication of fluid flux, as well as responses of the infant to therapy.
Long-Term Outcome of Infantile Brain Tumors

Twenty seven consecutive patients diagnosed with brain tumor in the first year of life, between 1980 and 2005, were followed at the University Children's Flospital of Zurich, Switzerland.
A Double-Layer Neural Network Framework for High-Frequency Forecasting

Nowadays, machine trading contributes significantly to activities in the equity market, and forecasting market movement under high-frequency scenario has become an important topic in finance. A key challenge in high-frequency market forecasting is modeling the dependency structure among stocks and business sectors, with their high dimensionality and the requirement of computational efficiency. As a group of powerful models, neural networks (NNs) have been used to capture the complex structure in many studies. However, most existing applications of NNs only focus on forecasting with daily or monthly data, not with minute-level data that usually contains more noises. In this article, we propose a novel double-layer neural (DNN) network for high-frequency forecasting, with links specially designed to capture dependence structures among stock returns within different business sectors. Various important technical indicators are also included at different layers of the DNN framework. Our model framework allows update over time to achieve the best goodness-of-fit with the most recent data. The model performance is tested based on 100 stocks with the largest capitals from the S8P 500. The results show that the proposed framework outperforms benchmark methods in terms of the prediction accuracy and returns. Our method will help in financial analysis and trading strategy designs.
Utilizing Mushrooms to Reduce Overall Sodium in Taco Filling Using Physical and Sensory Evaluation

This project investigated the use of integrating mushrooms into beef taco filling as a means to reduce overall sodium for food service applications. Initial product development used physical characterization analysis (moisture, yield, color, and texture) to determine initial threshold of mushroom inclusion with minimal differences against an all-meat control. Increasing mushroom inclusion increased moisture and yield before draining but decreased yield after draining, lightness, redness, and texture. Results showed that inclusion under 50% by weight minimized physical attribute deviation from an all-meat control. Additional physical analysis investigated a variety of other factors (mushroom type, blanching, and particle size) to determine if other attributing mushroom characteristics would yield statistical similarity to the all-meat control. Results showed that a formulation containing up to 45% mushrooms can be integrated into beef fillings using un-blanched, white button mushrooms with small grind (1 to 5 mm), which maximized mushroom usage while minimizing differences from the all-meat control. Additional sodium analysis showed that varying salt level in formulations did not affect physical characteristics and mushroom inclusion could not significantly reduce overall sodium level. Optimized mushroom samples were then fielded in a hedonic sensory study to untrained consumers to evaluate product liking attributes (overall liking, aroma, color, flavor, juiciness, saltiness, and texture). Samples with overall liking scores that closely matched the control were then fielded in a paired-preference test to determine acceptance. Consumers preferred a 45% mushroom with reduced sodium taco filling compared to its full sodium counterpart in a food service fielded paired-preference sensory test. Although diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, American consumers continue to eat detrimental diets high in fat and sodium. Products need to be made that decrease fat and sodium intake while still delivering acceptable taste. Mushroom substitution into meat-based products can be a strategy to develop products that can decrease fat and sodium consumption while increasing vegetable intake without compromising the quality and taste consumers demand. This research shows how consumers can accept meat-based products containing mushrooms with potential for direct food service application.
The "Medea complex" among men: the instrumental abuse of children to injure wives.

It has been previously documented that wife and child abuse often co-occur. The present study tested competing hypotheses about the reasons for this co-occurrence, specifically trait versus instrumental theories of aggression within families. Three commonly cited catalysts (unemployment, drinking, and life-stress events) for men's abuse of family members were analyzed to determine whether they equally predict partner or child abuse. Interviews were conducted with 363 women and children about spousal and paternal abuse, and women were interviewed about sociodemographics and the stressors described above. Families were oversampled for the presence of spousal violence. Logistic regressions revealed that heavy drinking (log-odds ratio 4.86) and life stress events (log-odds ratio 1.6) predicted men's abuse of their partners. These risk factors were unrelated to child abuse. Wife battering, however, placed children at heightened risk (log-odds ratio = 2.77). Children of battered women stood a 42% chance of receiving escalated abuse from their fathers. It is proposed that men's abuse of children is in many instances instrumental in order to coerce or retaliate against women, echoing the Greek myth of Medea who killed her own children to spite their father. Language: en
Nano-based gene therapy for dermatologic diseases

Nanotechnology examines and utilizes unique properties that arise in common materials when they are shrunk to sub-100 nm dimensions [1, 2]. At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ from the properties of individual molecules or bulk matter [2]. Mixing and matching different properties at the nanoscales can lead to the creation of novel and useful materials in a wide range of fields. In fact, nanotechnology has already been incorporated into our daily life from consumer product goods, to medical device, to industrial products, and to scientific research tools. Engineered nanomaterials hold particularly great promise for studying biological processes and creating diagnostics and therapeutics, as their sizes are perfectly matched to the biological machines that orchestrate life. In the field of dermatology, nanoparticles have already been incorporated into sunscreens and cosmeceuticals for many years, for instance to control drug release to skin and skin appendages, and for targeting hair follicle-specific cell populations [3].