cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using singlet molecular oxygen to probe the solute and temperature dependence of liquid-like regions in/on ice

Liquid-like regions (LLRs) are found at the surfaces and grain boundaries of ice and as inclusions within ice. These regions contain most of the solutes in ice and can be (photo)chemically active hotspots in natural snow and ice systems. If we assume all solutes partition into LLRs as a solution freezes, freezing-point depression predicts that the concentration of a solute in LLRs is higher than its concentration in the prefrozen (or melted) solution by the freeze-concentration factor (F). Here we use singlet molecular oxygen production to explore the effects of total solute concentration ([TS]) and temperature on experimentally determined values of F. For ice above its eutectic temperature, measured values of F agree well with freezing-point depression when [TS] is above ∼1 mmol/kg; at lower [TS] values, measurements of F are lower than predicted from freezing-point depression. For ice below its eutectic temperature, the influence of freezing-point depression on F is damped; the extreme case is with Na2SO4 as the solute, where F shows essentially no agreement with freezing-point depression. In contrast, for ice containing 3 mmol/kg NaCl, measured values of F agree well with freezing-point depression over a range of temperatures, including below the eutectic. Our experiments also reveal that the photon flux in LLRs increases in the presence of salts, which has implications for ice photochemistry in the lab and, perhaps, in the environment.
Photoconduction of ZnO-Bi2O3 varistors

Zinc oxide (ZnO) ceramics with a few mol % Bi203, CoO, MnO, Sb203, etc., as additives exhibit a high non-ohmic property in their voltage-current characteristics [1, 2], and therefore they are called varistors and are widely used for surge protection against transient voltage and powder overload [3]. Another interesting property of ZnO is its high photoconductivity, as can be seen from the fact of many applications of ZnO in electrophotography [4, 5]. Bismuth sesquioxide (Bi203) is also known to create photoconductive materials, as Bi~2MO20 (M = Si, Ge or Ti) crystals with 7-form show a high photoconductivity [6, 7]. In addition the authors have found that photoconductive films with a &-related structure are obtained by roller-quenching Bi203 melts containing a small amount of second oxide [8-11]. From such photo-effects of ZnO and Bi203, it would be consistent to suppose that ZnO-Bi203 varistors have a photoconductivity. However, few studies have been made on the photoconductivity in ZnO-Bi203 varistors. In this work the photoconductivity of ZnO-Bi203 ceramics containing up to 20% Bi203 was measured and the influence of temperature on the photoconductivity was investigated. Reagent grade (99.9% pure) ZnO and Bi203 were used to prepare the ceramic samples. Powder mixtures of these oxides containing 1, 5, 10 and 20% Bi203 were heated at 800 ° C for 5 h in air. Following this preliminary heat treatment, they were finely ground, pressed into rods (5mm x 5mm × 30mm) and sintered under the same heating conditions. The sintered rods were cut into segments in the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds of length about 5mm, to measure the photoconductivity. Conductive silver paste was applied to both sides of the segments as electrodes. Applying 100V (d.c.) between the electrodes, the electrical resistivity was measured in the range of room temperature to 170°C using an electrometer (Advantest, TR8652) while irradiating one side of the samples with light from a spectro-irradiator (Jasco, CRM-FA) and scanning the wavelength of the light in the range 300 to 700 nm. As expected, all ceramic samples prepared were confirmed to show photoconductivity at room temperature. In the samples containing 5% Bi203 o r more, it was observed that the photoconductivity was influenced by temperature. As a typical example, electrical resistivity curves at various temperatures for the sample of composition 9ZnO.Bi203 are shown in Fig. 1 as a function of the wavelength of the incident light. The photoconductivity of this sample is characterized by a steep decrease in the resistivity at wavelength 400 to 500nm (blue-purplish to blue-greenish light). The doublet peak seen on the curves suggests
Application of SWAT Model to Non-point Source Pollution Simulation in Heihe River Basin of Shaanxi Province

SWAT model is one of the most active non-point source pollution models. Combined with GIS, it can simulate non-point source pollution under the different conditions of land use in complex large river basin. This study is based on the basic database of non-point source pollution and the integrity of the measured data and uses the GIS integration with the SWAT 2000 model. Model parameters are estimated using the measured data of water, sediment, and nutrient load from 1991 to 1996 and are verified using measured data from 1997 to 1998. Applicability and reliability of SWAT model in non-point source pollution simulation in Heihe River basin are determined, which provides a reliable model foundation for non-point source pollution simulation in Heihe River basin of Shaanxi Province.
Family Caregivers for Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia Patients

Families and friends provide most of the chronic care for dementia patients. The impact of caregiving on caregivers, as well as the training and informational needs of caregivers will vary substantially, depending on the underlying cause of the dementia. Clinicians can provide these caregivers with support and training but must assess both the nature of the caregiving burden and the capacity of the caregiver to provide care. This article provides a review of the literature on the impact of caring for Alzheimer’s patients and suggests how impact can vary widely by examining caregiving in six other dementing conditions.
Characterization of Asphalt Materials for Moisture Damage Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoindentation

Asphalt materials have traditionally been characterized for moisture damage at component (microscale) and laboratory specimen (macro) scales. Though characterizations at such scales are commendable and often necessary and well understood by the pavement engineering community, there are problems which cannot be solved using micro and macroscale characterizations. For example, moisture damage in asphalt pavement is caused by moisture interaction with asphalt-aggregate bonds, which occurs at the atomic or nanoscale level. Macro and microscales scales are inadequate for developing an understanding of the bond damage phenomena. As a result the moisture damage still remains as one of the most common but complex problems of asphalt concrete. This chapter describes the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation techniques to gain accurate insight into moisture damage performance of asphalt materials at nanoscale. In particular, moisture damage is quantified in performance grade (PG) asphalt binders using AFM measured adhesion values. It is shown that a PG 76-28 binder is more resistant to moisture damage than a PG 70-22 binder. Using nanoindentation, it is shown that hardness increases due to wet conditioning of aggregate, whereas hardness decreases due to wet conditioning of mastic, which is a mixture of fines and asphalt binder. Modulus value measured by nanoindenter did not show any tend due to wet and dry conditioning. It is hoped that pavement materials engineers and researchers benefit from the nanoscale characterization presented in this chapter.
TGF-β1 pretreatment improves the function of mesenchymal stem cells in the wound bed

The wound healing process initiates after injury to a tissue and involves a series of orchestrated events to minimize the invasion of foreign matters such as bacteria and efficiently regenerate the damaged tissue. A variety of cells must be recruited to the tissue during wound healing. However, this process is severely disrupted in patients suffering from chronic illness, including diabetes, leading to impaired healing or non-healing wounds. Current avenues of treatment include negative-pressure therapy, wound debridement, growth factor replacement, and cell-based therapies. Among these therapies, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery to the wound holds a very high promise due to the innate abilities of MSCs that include immunogenicity, plasticity, and self-renewal. Bone marrow derived MSCs have been shown to promote more rapid wound healing by increased cytokine production in diabetic mice. However, the lack of understanding of the mechanical and chemical interaction of the transplanted MSCs with the factors present in the regenerative niches limits their efficacy in the wound bed. In this study, we sought to understand how the changes in MSC biochemical and biophysical properties can affect their function in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that pre-treatment with the MSC mechano-stimulatory soluble factor transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), which is highly expressed in injury sites, improves wound closure in a syngeneic murine wound model. This improved wound closure correlated with increased invasion into the wound bed. In vitro studies demonstrated that TGF-β1 pretreatment expedited wound closure by increasing adhesion, traction force, and migration even after removal of the stimulus. Furthermore, this response was mediated by the cytoskeletal protein focal adhesion kinase. Taken together, this study suggests that defined chemical stimuli can benefit site specific adaptability of MSCs to improve their function and therapeutic usefulness.
Tendon implants: primary and secondary usage.

Summary The staged tendon grafting technique has definite advantages in reconstructive hand surgery. The benefits are realized in the more severely injured flexor tendon systems (Boyes' grades 2 to 4). The results obtained in these cases compare favorably with those achieved by primary tendon grafting in less severe grade 1 cases. This is made possible for the following two reasons: First, the inert nature of the implant allows numerous auxiliary procedures to be clone at stage I, such as digital neurorrhaphy, osteotomy, capsulotomy, scar resection, and pulley reconstruction. This can be done without fear of profuse formation of adhesions. Second, the passive gliding of the implant forms a pseudosynovial sheath, which provides a nutritive and physiologic bed for the autograft tendon at stage II. The operative technique has been presented and the postoperative care has been outlined. It cannot be overstressed that a good working relationship between the surgeon, hand therapist, and patient is of paramount importance to the success of the final result. Work on a prototype active gliding tendon prosthesis is described with details of the concepts and biomaterials involved in its development.
Inquiry in the Round? Education Rounds in an Teacher Residency Program

ABSTRACTIn education, the Rounds model provides opportunities for engaging educators as communities of learners who examine instructional issues for purposes of understanding and improving them. Over the past 10 years, Rounds have been implemented in school-based experiences in teacher preparation programs across the nation. Yet despite recent interest, there is little description of the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Rounds in teacher preparation. The purpose of this article is to describe Education Rounds implemented in one urban teacher residency program. To do so, we explore the emerging literature on Rounds and the residency program’s process of implementing Rounds. We present examples of residents’ experiences with Rounds, and we discuss tensions that arise when implementing Rounds as an innovative pedagogical approach in teacher preparation.
Susac’s Syndrome

Susac’s syndrome is a rare multisystemic disease characterized by a clinical triad of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and visual disturbances. These deficits result from a microangiopathy involving the brain, cochlea, and retina producing the pathognomonic findings of corpus callosum lesions on brain MRI, branch retinal artery occlusion on fluorescein angiography, and low-moderate frequency hearing loss on audiometry. This microangiopathic disease is thought to be secondary to an autoimmune process although no specific causative antibody has been identified. The disease is most common among young women although pediatric cases in both sexes have been described. Disease progression is variable and can manifest primarily with either encephalopathy or with recurrent retinal involvement. Most cases do not initially present with the complete clinical triad, but a majority of patients eventually have involvement of all three systems. Treatment is difficult and is centered on the use of long-term immunosuppressant agents (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, etc.). Outcomes are variable with residual visual, auditory, and neuropsychological symptoms persisting in many patients.
Electrical Characterization of Discrete Defects and Impact of Defect Density on Photoluminescence in Monolayer WS2

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are an exciting class of 2D materials that exhibit many promising electronic and optoelectronic properties with potential for future device applications. The properties of TMDs are expected to be strongly influenced by a variety of defects which result from growth procedures and/or fabrication. Despite the importance of understanding defect-related phenomena, there remains a need for quantitative nanometer-scale characterization of defects over large areas in order to understand the relationship between defects and observed properties, such as photoluminescence (PL) and electrical conductivity. In this work, we present conductive atomic force microscopy measurements which reveal nanometer-scale electronically active defects in chemical vapor deposition-grown WS2 monolayers with defect density varying from 2.3 × 1010 cm–2 to 4.5 × 1011 cm–2. Comparing these defect density measurements with PL measurements across large areas (>20 μm distances) reveals a strong inverse...
Residual limb fluid volume change and volume accommodation: Relationships to activity and self-report outcomes in people with trans-tibial amputation.

Background:Fluctuations in limb volume degrade prosthesis fit and require users to accommodate changes using management strategies, such as donning and doffing prosthetic socks.Objectives:To examin...
Lingual Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Surgical Approaches in the Literature:

Introduction Lingual thyroid cancer is a rare entity with a paucity of literature guiding methods of surgical treatment. Its location presents anatomic challenges with access and excision. Objective We present a case of T4aN1b classical variant papillary thyroid carcinoma of the lingual thyroid that was removed without pharyngeal entry. We also present a review of the literature of this rare entity and propose a treatment algorithm to provide safe and oncologic outcomes. Findings Our review of the literature found 28 case reports of lingual thyroid carcinoma that met search criteria. The trans-cervical/trans-hyoid approach was the most frequently used and provides safe oncologic outcomes. This was followed by the transoral approach and then lateral pharyngotomy. Complications reported across the series include 1 case of pharyngocutaneous fistula associated with mandibulotomy and postoperative respiratory distress requiring reintubation or emergent tracheostomy in 2 patients. Conclusion The location of lingual thyroid carcinoma can be variable, and surgical management requires knowledge of adjacent involved structures to decrease the risk of dysphagia and airway compromise. In particular, for cases where there is extensive loss to swallowing mechanisms, laryngeal suspension can allow the patient to resume a normal diet after treatment.
FIV vaccine with receptor epitopes results in neutralizing antibodies but does not confer resistance to challenge

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is the feline analogue to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and utilizes parallel modes of receptor-mediated entry. The FIV surface glycoprotein (SU) is an important target for induction of neutralizing antibodies, and autoantibodies to the FIV binding receptor (CD134) block infection ex vivo; thus highlighting the potential for immunotherapies which utilize anti-receptor antibodies to block viral infection. To determine whether vaccination with CD134-SU complexes could induce protection against FIV infection, cats (n = 5 per group) were immunized with soluble CD134, recombinant FIV-SU protein, and/or CD134+SU complexes. Two trials were performed with different antigen combinations and vaccination schedules. In vivo generation of anti-CD134 and anti-SU IgG antibodies was measured, and in vitro neutralization assays were conducted. Immunization induced production of anti-CD134 and anti-SU antibodies that significantly inhibited FIV infection in vitro. However, no vaccine combination protected cats from FIV infection, and neat serum from vaccinated cats enhanced FIV growth in vitro. CD134+SU vaccinated cats exhibited increased CD4:CD8 ratio immediately prior to challenge, and antibodies were much more efficiently generated against vaccine by-products versus target antigens. Results suggest vaccination against viral and cryptic receptor epitopes yields neutralizing antibodies that synergistically inhibit FIV infection in vitro. Factors contributing to vaccine failure may include: (1) Heat-labile serum factors that enhance viral replication, (2) changes in circulating target cell populations induced by vaccination, and (3) weak immunogenicity of neutralizing epitopes compared to off-target vaccine components. Results reinforce the need to monitor vaccine preparation components and avoid non-specific immune stimulation during vaccination. A vaccine candidate for feline immunodeficiency virus elicits strong immunological reaction in vitro, but no protection to live cats. The feline analog to human immunodeficiency virus, FIV shares a similar infection paradigm and has only one partially effective vaccine. A US team, led by Colorado State University’s Susan VandeWoude, immunized cats using a complex of an FIV surface protein and a feline cell-surface protein known to facilitate FIV’s entry into immune cells. Tissue culture assays yielded promising results; however, this did not translate to live-animal protection. The researchers highlighted multiple factors that could explain the lack of success, including circulatory pro-infection factors, and immune responses generated against vaccine by-products rather than intended targets. While the vaccine candidate failed, the research provides invaluable guidance for future efforts into FIV vaccination with implications for HIV vaccine trials.
Equity in social policy and liability

Economists frequently use the criteria of equity and efficiency as criteria for social policies concerning the distribution of goods such as money or access to medical care. Recently, economic analyses have also been applied to the analysis of the law. This chapter considers alternative approaches to the problems of distribution, and to the problem of just compensation as embodied in liability law.
An Artemia salina factor which counteracts the mRNA-induced inhibition of initiator Met-tRNA binding to initiation factor eIF-2.

Abstract Ternary complex formation between eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2), initiator Met-tRNA and guanosine 5′-(β, γ-imino) triphosphate [GMP-P(NH)P] is strongly inhibited by mRNA in the Artemia salina system. Developing A. salina embryos contain a factor which displays a novel activity, namely the ability to counteract the mRNA-induced inhibition of ternary complex formation. This factor is heat-labile. It is proposed that the factor may play an important role in protein biosynthesis by preventing mRNA from inhibiting an early step of peptide chain initiation.
Apgar score of 0 at 10 min and survival to 1 year of age: a retrospective cohort study in Washington state.

To determine 1-year survival in a cohort of newborns with an Apgar score of 0 at 5 and 10 min of age. A retrospective cohort study of the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System from 2005 to 2014. Of 879,340 births, 199 (0.02%) had an Apgar score of 0 at 5 min, and 109 (0.01%) also had a score of 0 at 10 min. One-year survival was 46% for newborns with Apgar score of 0 at 5 and 10 min. One-year survival by gestational age was 4% for newborns <30 weeks, 38% for 30–35 weeks, and 67% for ≥36 weeks. Survival at 1 year of age for newborns with an Apgar score of 0 at 5 and 10 min has improved, as compared with historic cohorts. Cautious optimism is warranted since morbidity-free survival could not be assessed.
An Automated, Quantitative, and Multiplexed Assay Suitable for Point-of-Care Hepatitis B Virus Diagnostics.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a global reach with high prevalence in resource-limited areas like China and Africa. HBV patients in these areas have limited access to the currently used, costly HBV assays, which are performed in centralized clinical laboratories using single-plexed assays with bulky and expensive instruments. We aim to overcome these limitations by developing a simple and affordable HBV diagnostic platform to allow for timelier diagnosis and intervention of HBV infection. Using giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensor chips, we developed an automated and multiplexed quantitative platform for the measurement of a panel of HBV serology markers, including HBV “e” antigen (HBeAg), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and the antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs). Our assay platform was able to detect each HBV marker with high specificity and sensitivity (with three orders of magnitude in dynamic range for each marker). Blinded analysis of HBV patient sera showed excellent correlation between our multiplexed quantitative HBsAg results and the qualitative results obtained using FDA-approved immunoassays, as well as those obtained using quantitative, single-plexed, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The portable, automated, multiplexed, quantitative HBV serology assay platform we designed shows great promise as a more accessible alternative for HBV screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
Review: Derek Dunne, Shakespeare, Revenge Tragedy and Early Modern Law: Vindictive Justice .

This review considers Derek Dunne's Shakespeare, Revenge Tragedy and Early Modern Law: Vindictive Justice (2016).
Higher CD34 Cell Dose Is Associated with Improved 5-Year Survival after Peripheral Blood Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Adults with Hematologic Malignancies

Introduction Higher CD34+ cell dose is associated with improved short-term outcomes (e.g., engraftment) but may also be associated with an increased risk of complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT), including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We examined the impact of CD34+ cell dose by actual and ideal body weight (ABW, IBW) on overall survival (OS) and graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse free survival (GRFS) in patients undergoing alloHCT with peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft source. Methods We identified 377 adults with hematologic malignancies who received myeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning alloHCT with matched sibling donor PBSC at the University of Minnesota from 2002-2015. Results Patients had a median age of 52 years (range 18-74), were predominantly male (n=237, 63%) and had primarily leukemia (68%) or lymphoma (25%) with an intermediate disease risk index (n=258, 68%). Median CD34+ dose was 6.1 × 106/kg by ABW (quartiles in Table 1) and 7.72 × 106/kg by IBW [QT1 10.12]. Patients in higher quartiles were younger at transplant (p Conclusion The highest quartile of CD34+ cell dose by ABW is associated with superior OS at 5 years and improved engraftment without increased risk of morbidity. These data support further development of novel stem cell mobilization techniques in donors at higher risk for low collection yield. Further studies should evaluate if cell dose has similar prognostic impact in 5-year survival in alternative donor transplant.
Evaluating Arguments for the Sex/Gender Distinction

Many philosophers believe that our ordinary English words man and woman are “gender terms,” and gender is distinct from biological sex. That is, they believe womanhood and manhood are not defined even partly by biological sex. This sex/gender distinction is one of the most influential ideas of the twentieth century on the broader culture, both popular and academic. Less well known are the reasons to think it’s true. My interest in this paper is to show that, upon investigation, the arguments for the sex/gender distinction have feet of clay. In fact, they all fail. We will survey the literature and tour arguments in favor of the sex/gender distinction, and then we’ll critically evaluate those arguments. We’ll consider the argument from resisting biological determinism, the argument from biologically intersex people and vagueness, the argument from the normativity of gender, and some arguments from thought experiments. We’ll see that these arguments are not up to the task of supporting the sex/gender distinction; they simply don’t work. So, philosophers should either develop stronger arguments for the sex/gender distinction, or cultivate a variety of feminism that’s consistent with the traditional, biologically-based definitions of woman and man.
Games with Strategic Substitutes

Contradirectional incentives formalize situations in which participants have an incentive to move in the direction opposite to other participants. Payoff functions with a combination of decreasing differences, submodularity, dual single crossing property, and quasisubmodularity capture these incentives. Games with strategic substitutes are lattice games in which each player has an incentive to move in the direction opposite to their opponents. Distinctive features of these games imply new patterns for individual and equilibrium behavior. The theory identifies principles governing behavior in these cases and a diversity of examples highlights applications of these principles.
Breaking Tradition to Bridge Bench and Bedside: Accelerating the MD-PhD-Residency Pathway.

Problem Physician-scientists are individuals trained in both clinical practice and scientific research. Often, the goal of physician-scientist training is to address pressing questions in biomedical research. The established pathways to formally train such individuals are, mainly, MD-PhD programs and physician-scientist track residencies. Although graduates of these pathways are well equipped to be physician-scientists, numerous factors, including funding and length of training, discourage application to such programs and impede success rates. Approach To address some of the pressing challenges in training and retaining burgeoning physician-scientists, New York University Grossman School of Medicine formed the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway in 2016. This pathway builds on the previously established accelerated three-year MD pathway to residency at the same institution. The Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway conditionally accepts MD-PhD trainees to a residency position at the same institution through the National Resident Matching Program. Outcomes Since its inception, 2 students have joined the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway, which provides protected research time in their chosen residency. The pathway reduces the time to earn an MD and PhD by one year and reduces the MD training phase to three years, reducing the cost and lowering socioeconomic barriers. Remaining at the same institution for residency allows for the growth of strong research collaborations and mentoring opportunities, which foster success. Next steps The authors and institutional leaders plan to increase the number of trainees that are accepted into the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway and track the success of these students through residency and into practice to determine if the pathway is meeting its goal of increasing the number of practicing physician-scientists. The authors hope this model can serve as an example to leaders at other institutions who may wish to adopt this pathway for the training of their MD-PhD students.
Croon’s Bias-Corrected Estimation of Latent Interactions

Estimation of structural equation model (SEM) parameters is frequently complicated by the inclusion of latent interactions. A computationally simple sequential estimation approach using corrections...
Congenital arteriovenous malformations of the face. Report of a case.

Abstract Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are uncommon vascular abnormalities which can be either developmental defects present from birth, or acquired ones, secondary to trauma. They may cause local swelling and discomfort, and also may present a potential for severe bleeding. Traumatic AVM are usually single fistulous channels, whereas congenital lesions are most often multiple interconnections of vessels of varying caliber that result in a diffuseness which renders clinical delineation and treatment difficult. The nature of the lesion is determined by the stage of development of the vascular system during which it develops. Congenital lesions range from finely channelled capillary hemangiomas to large-bore, high-flow A-V fistulas. Most lesions are not observed at birth, but become manifest later in life; minor trauma and endocrine change are implicated as the stimuli for the initiation of hemodynamic activity. The diagnosis is clinical, with confirmation by arteriography. The treatment has not been completely satisfactory in all cases. Surgical intervention has been used most often, but newer techniques include cryotherapy and muscle embolization.
The Finite Element Method with Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Applications

1. The finite element method: introductory remarks 2. Some methods for solving continuum problems 3. Variational approach 4. Requirements for the interpolation functions 5. Heat transfer applications 6. One-dimensional steady-state problems 7. The two-dimensional heat conduction problem 8. Three-dimensional heat conduction applications 9. One-dimensional transient problems 10. Fluid mechanics finite-element applications 11. Use of nodeless degrees of freedom 12. Finite element analysis in curvilinear coordinates 13. Finite element modeling in annular passages 14. Extracting the F.E. domain from a larger flow system 15. Finite element application to unsteady flow problems 16. F.E.-based perturbation approach to unsteady flows.
Amniotic fluid levels of uric acid and creatinine in toxemic patients--possible relation to diuretic use.

Abstract Amniotic fluid uric acid and creatinine were measured in 35 pregnant women as close to term as clinical circumstances warranted, 10 pre-eclamptic patients, 9 control subjects with diuretic therapy, and 16 control subjects without diuretic therapy. Levels of both uric acid and creatinine were significantly higher in women of both groups who had ingested diuretics. The potential harmful effects of these elevated levels on the fetus should be considered. Therapy should be re-evaluated in this light, and the almost routine prescribing of thiazide diuretics should be reconsidered.
Development and application of an integrated wind resource assessment tool for wind farm planning

An integrated wind resource assessment tool has been developed to help public operators and private investors in wind farm planning. The two–parameter Weibull probability density function is used to calculate wind speed frequency distribution. The system takes advantage of an integrated database including an updated list of more than 200 windgenerators manufactured by the most experienced worldwide companies. Main wind resource and turbine–converted energy indicators are computed, such as mean wind speed and power density, Weibull’s scale and shape factors, Betz annual specific energy, availability and capacity factors, annual energy production, and full–load hours. A comprehensive energy report is eventually created for any site, including plots and tables such as wind rose and Joint Frequency Functions, Weibull’s wind speed distribution and cumulated probability, annual energy production vs. turbine power curve. Thereby, the system is suitable for on–site pre–feasibility studies. Furthermore, it operates according to a point–by–point fashion, as it may be routinely run in an automated mode for a large number of points over the study area. This later enables main wind energy contouring maps to be plotted. The system has been applied to perform a wind turbine comparison aimed at detecting the site most efficient windgenerator within a number of works. As a benchmark, an extensive application of the developed system has been carried out to assess the large–scale wind potential of Tuscany region, Italy. Hourly wind estimates calculated by the coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and CALMET models at a 2–Km resolution have been processed by the system over the region through a 4–year time period.
Predictors of HEDIS Performance and Improvement

Objective: To identify factors related to an HMO's performance on the standardized HEDIS and CAHPS measures and factors related to improvement in those measures over time. Study Design: Longitudinal analysis of a four year panel of HEDIS and CAHPS data (calendar year 1998-2001). All plans reporting to NCQA, regardless of their decision to allow the data to be publicly available, were included. All plans that reported data in at least one year of the panel were included. Data Sources: Data were obtained from a variety of sources including the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Interstudy, the Area Resource File, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Methods: Multivariate growth models were estimated on market demographic and competition variables, as well as health plan characteristics and decisions regarding data collection and reporting. Principal Findings: Our estimates don't support the hypothesis that greater competition is associated with better performance on the six HEDIS measures examined. HMO penetration is positively related to HEDIS performance for four of the six measures. Health plan characteristics such as plan profit status, model type, reporting method and decision to allow the data to be made publicly available are all significantly related to better HEDIS performance. The growth parameters indicate that the relationship between the covariates and HEDIS performance is stable over time.
Variation in treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases at major referral centers in the United States.

We performed a prospective study of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases to examine variations in treatment among medical centers. In a prospective cohort study of 1659 patients with Crohn’s disease and 946 patients with ulcerative colitis seen at 7 high-volume referral centers, we collected data on demographics, disease characteristics, and medical and surgical treatments. We used logistic regression to determine differences in treatment among centers, controlling for potential confounders. We found significant variations among centers in the treatment of Crohn’s disease with immunomodulators (odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.09–5.32) but not anti–tumor necrosis factor agents (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.97–2.77). There was less variation in the treatment of ulcerative colitis; we found no difference in use of immunomodulators (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.00–3.36) or anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.40–1.65). The development and implementation of evidence-based standards of care for inflammatory bowel disease may help reduce variation and improve outcomes.
Validity of the SF-12 quality of life instrument in patients with retinal diseases.

Abstract Objective To investigate the construct validity and reliability of the SF-12 with the SF-36 composite scores in patients with retinal diseases. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants One thousand eighty-one patients with retinal disease presenting for care at a tertiary referral university-based retina practice. Methods Each patient completed the SF-36 before his or her initial ocular examination. The SF-12 is based on a subset of 12 items from the SF-36. Main outcome measures Physical Composite Score (PCS) and Mental Composite Score (MCS) as determined by the SF-36 and SF-12. Results Eight hundred thirty-nine (78%) of the participants had scorable PCS and MCS scores on the SF-12. No significant differences were found between the SF-36 and SF-12 for the PCS and MCS overall and stratified by the four most frequently occurring disease categories (all P > 0.20). There were statistically significant differences across the disease categories in the mean PCS scores ( P P = 0.04). The SF-12 PCS and MCS scores were highly correlated with similar indicators (composite scores and subscales) on the SF-36. Conclusions The SF-12 is a valid measure of general health status for ophthalmic research, as long as differences in mental composite scores do not need to be demonstrated between different ocular disease groups. The benefit of reduced administration time makes the SF-12 a recommended general quality-of-life outcomes tool.
YouTube Videos Related to Skin Cancer: A Missed Opportunity for Cancer Prevention and Control

Background: Early detection and treatment influence the mortality risk of skin cancer. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the content of the most viewed professional and consumer videos uploaded to YouTube related to skin cancer. Methods: A total of 140 professional and consumer videos uploaded between 2007 and 2014 were identified and coded. Coding involved identifying and sorting followed by gathering descriptive information, including length of the video, number of views, and year uploaded. A dichotomous coding scheme (ie, yes or no) was used in coding specific aspects of video content, including provision of information, type of skin cancer, age group, family history, risk reduction, risk factors, fear, and home remedies for skin cancer treatment. Results: The majority of videos provided information related to screening. Many consumer videos conveyed information related to the use of a black salve as a home remedy for skin cancer, despite the fact that there is no evidence that it is an effective treatment. Conclusions: Research is needed to identify characteristics of videos that are most likely to be viewed to inform the development of credible communications. [JMIR Cancer 2015;1(1):e1]
Release of the β-Galactosidase-Synthesizing System from Ultraviolet Catabolite Repression by Cyclic 3′,5′-Adenosine Monophosphate, Dark Repair, Photoreactivation, and Cold Treatment

Abstract Recovery from the inhibitory effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the induced synthesis of β-galactosidase was studied in Escherichia coli B/r. When irradiated cells (520 ergs/mm2 at 254 nm) were induced and incubated in minimal medium supplemented with Casamino Acids (conditions of catabolite repression), the ability to form enzyme was greatly reduced for about 100 min and then recovery began. The inhibition observed immediately after ultraviolet irradiation was partially reversed by cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) or by photoreactivation treatment. Inhibition was reduced if the cells were given cold treatment (5 C) before or during irradiation; the kinetics of induced enzyme formation in each case were similar to those of irradiated cells receiving cyclic AMP. These kinetics suggest that the cold treatments, like cyclic AMP, cause the release of the β-galactosidase-synthesizing system from catabolite repression. When irradiated cells were incubated for various times before cyclic AMP or photoreactivation treatment, some reversal of the inhibition of induced enzyme formation was obtained, but by 100 min the treatments were ineffective. Because 100 min was also the time at which dark recovery of enzyme formation began, the recovery process was interpreted to be the result of completion of DNA repair, which, in turn, released the β-galactosidase-synthesizing system from catabolite repression.
Phylogeny of immunoglobulin structure and function XV. Idiotypic analysis of shark antibodies.

Abstract Nurse shark antibodies to the streptococcal A-variant carbohydrate were specifically purified from the sera of four individual animals and used as immunogens in guinea pigs. The resultant guinea pig antisera contained antibodies with apparent idiotypic specificities for the homologous shark proteins. The shark idiotypic sites were located on the Fab fragments and appeared to require the participation of H and L chains for full expression. Tests for cross reactivity employing the four guinea pig anti-idiotypic sera and antibodies from 13 immunized sharks were positive in only two cases (heterologous inhibition). These findings indicate that the idiotypic library (and by inference the antibody combining site reportoire) of nurse sharks to the streptococcal A-variant antigen is probably quite extensive.
Mutations in the su(s) gene affect RNA processing in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract We have studied the effect of mutations in the suppressor of sable [su(s)] gene on P element-induced yellow alleles. Two independent mutations tested, y76d28 and y1#7, contain a 1.1-kilobase (kb) P element inserted in the 5' transcribed untranslated portion of the yellow gene. Sequences responsible for the y1#7 mutation are inserted in the same transcriptional orientation as yellow and cannot be processed by splicing, and this mutation is not suppressed by su(s) mutations. P element sequences are located in a transcriptional orientation opposite to that of the yellow gene in y76d28; these sequences can be spliced from a composite P element-yellow mRNA, resulting in low accumulation of a functional 1.9-kb yellow transcript. The levels of both the putative precursor P element-yellow RNA and the 1.9-kb yellow transcript increase in y76d28 su(s) flies, suggesting that mutations in su(s) do not affect the efficiency of splicing of the P element sequences. Analysis of y76d28 cDNAs isolated from flies carrying a wild-type or mutant su(s) gene demonstrates that the choice of splice junctions to process P element sequences is unchanged in these different backgrounds, suggesting that mutations in su(s) do not affect the selection of donor and acceptor splice sites. We propose that the su(s) protein functions to control the stability of unprocessed RNA during the splicing reaction.
Cardiovascular hazard and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 depress prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) without a concomitant inhibition of platelet COX-1-derived thromboxane (Tx)A 2 . Experiments in gene-deleted mice have shown that ablation of the PGI 2 receptor (the IP) predisposes to an exaggerated response to agonists which elevate blood pressure, accelerate atherogenesis and induce thrombosis. Such a class-based effect would be expected to be modulated by the underlying risk of cardiovascular disease in patients, elements of drug exposure, such as dose, duration of action and duration of dosing, and inter-individual variability of drug response. Five placebo-controlled trials of three structurally distinct selective inhibitors of COX-2 have revealed an increased hazard of myocardial infarction and stroke consistent with a mechanism-based class-specific cardiovascular hazard. Sustained inhibition of platelet TxA 2 by aspirin affords cardiovascular benefit, despite concomitant inhibition of PGI 2 . Although there is no information from randomized placebo-controlled trials, traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen, dicofenac and ibuprofen, might differ in their effects of cardiovascular biology.
Carbohydrate Concentration as a Factor in the Resistance of Squash Varieties to the Pickleworm

D-glucose concentrations were higher in the fruit of squash varieties which were known to be resistant to the pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll), than in varieties known to be susceptible. Concentrations were higher in the interior of fruits than in the rind, and were higher in fruits 10 days old than in fruits 2 days old. Resistance of fruits in the field appears to increase as D-glucose concentrations increase above 1% and susceptibility increases as concentrations decrease below 1%. Total soluble solids concentrations were highest in young fruits when the content of D-glucose was low. As fruits aged, the amount of D-glucose increased and other soluble solids decreased probably through conversion. Preference tests in the laboratory showed that response of pickleworms to D-glucose could differentiate between concentrations above and below 3%. Their response to squash pulp with 1% galacturonic acid added was decreased. This carbohydrate has been found only in Butternut squash, the most resistant variety tested. Flower nectaries contained 0.5% D-glucose or less with the lower concentrations in susceptible squash varieties. Individual F2 squash plant segregants selected in the field showed that fruits from uninfested plants had a concentration of D-glucose in the fruit rind of nearly twice that in the rind of heavily infested fruits from susceptible F2 selections.
Why Covalent Ceramics are Hard

Pure metals with nearly the same elastic properties as hard, covalent ceramics are often very soft, even at low temperatures. Why the difference? “Directed bonds” is the common answer. Or, “the Peierls-Nabarro stress is large”. However, the former is only qualitative, while the latter does not distinguish between covalent and metallic bonding, and is quantitatively incorrect. The rules of quantum chemistry, as developed to account for chemical reaction rates, indicate why dislocation mobilities are low in crystals bonded through hybrid sp and spd orbitals. Resistance to the motion of kinks on dislocation lines arises from the way in which the initial electronic states of these kinks are correlated with the final states (after a unit of motion has occurred). The initial bonding states correlate with the final antibonding states, and vice versa. Thus, the correlation lines cross, creating substantial barriers to the motion. The barrier magnitudes can be calculated from the energy gaps (e.g., for Sic, the HOMO-LUMO gap); together with the quadratic dependencies of bond energy on bond-bending. The calculated results agree with observations. A second prototype, TiC is also discussed.
Notoedric Mange in Two Free-ranging Mountain Lions (Puma concolor)

Two mountain lions (Puma concolor) were found dead in the Simi Hills area of southern California (Ventura County). Postmortem examination and toxicological analyses indicated that the cause of death was anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. In addition, both lions had marked alopecia and skin crusts, caused by Notoedres cati. The diagnosis of notoedric mange was confirmed by histology and direct examination of mites obtained from skin scrapings of the two animals. Histologically, the affected skin showed acanthotic epidermis with parakeratosis and parasitic tunnels in the stratum corneum. This is the first report of the pathological changes associated with notoedric mange in free-ranging mountain lions.
The power and powerlessness of academe: Toward a general theory of human behavior

This article attempts to examine the raw face of academic politics as the personnel in the academy confront and manipulate the petty power there. These descriptions are woven into a fabric of a general theory of human behavior to demonstrate that academics are no worst than others in the broad attempt to live with human inferiority complexes.