cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia:

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated reaction caused by exposure to heparin that can lead to devastating thrombotic complications. HIT usually occurs 5 to 10 days after exposure to heparin but can happen more rapidly to patients who are reexposed to heparin within 100 days. The hallmark of this disorder is a sudden drop in platelet count of greater than 50%. Once HIT is suspected the heparin must be immediately discontinued and an anticoagulant (direct thrombin inhibitor or heparinoid) started. For patients presenting for cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass that have a history of HIT and positive antibodies a direct thrombin inhibitor such as lepirudin, argatroban or bivalirudin must be used in lieu of heparin.
Outcomes Following Sling Surgery : Importance of Definition of Success

Purpose: The assessment of incontinence therapies is complicated by the diverse outcomes instruments and definitions of success used by investigators. We defined this effect by using varied definitions of success to perform outcomes analysis following sling placement.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing SPARC™ (314) and autologous rectus pubovaginal sling (127) placement was performed, with 204 patients with the SPARC and 67 with pubovaginal sling completing questionnaire surveillance with the minimum 12-month followup. Outcomes were assessed using a questionnaire comprising validated incontinence questionnaires (Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire) and additional items addressing satisfaction. Success rates were compared using alternate definitions of success across all outcomes measures (eg dry rate, pad rate, percent improvement, degree of satisfaction).Results: Wide variations in outcomes were seen depending on the definition used for suc...
Effects of elevated CO2 on biomass and fungi associated with two ecotypes of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.)

Herbicide resistant weed populations have developed due to the repeated application of herbicides. Elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 can have positive effects on weed growth, but how rising CO2 might affect herbicide resistant weeds is not known. Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) ecotypes known to be resistant or susceptible to glyphosate herbicide were exposed to either ambient or elevated (ambient + 200 µmol mol-1) concentrations of CO2 in open top chambers. Plants were harvested following 8 weeks of CO2 exposure; at this time, they had begun to exhibit disease symptoms including spots on leaves and stems. Elevated CO2 significantly increased top, root, and total plant biomass. Also, glyphosate resistant plants had significantly greater top, root, and total biomass than plants susceptible to the herbicide. There were no significant CO2 by ecotype interactions. Fungi from 13 genera were associated with ragweed, several of the which can be either pathogens (i.e., Alternaria, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia), aiding the decline in health of the ragweed plants, or saprophytes existing on dead plant tissues. The common foliar disease powdery mildew was significantly higher on susceptible compared with resistant ragweed. Susceptible plants also showed an increased frequency of Rhizoctonia on leaves and Alternaria on stems; however, Fusarium occurred more frequently on resistant ragweed leaves. Fungi were not affected by CO2 concentration or its interaction with ecotype. This study reports the first information on the effects of elevated CO2 on growth of herbicide resistant weeds. This is also the first study examining the impact of herbicide resistance and elevated CO2 on fungi associated with weeds. What effects herbicide resistance might have on plant diseases and how rising atmospheric CO2 might impact these effects needs to be addressed, not only with important weeds but also with crops.
Identification of a novel human tissue factor splice variant that is upregulated in tumor cells.

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as the prime initiator of blood coagulation and plays a critical role in thrombosis and hemostasis. In addition, a variety of tumor cells overexpress cell-surface TF, which appears to be important for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. To elucidate the mechanism involved in the upregulation of TF in human tumor cells, a comprehensive analysis of TF mRNA from various normal and tumor cells was performed. The results of these studies indicate that, in addition to possessing a normal full-length TF transcript and minor levels of an alternatively spliced transcript known as alternatively-spliced tissue factor (asTF) (Bogdanov et al., Nat Med 2003;9:458–62), human tumor cells express additional full-length TF transcripts that are also generated by alternative splicing. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends- (5′-RACE) based analyses of cytoplasmic RNA from normal and tumor cells revealed that there is alternative splicing of the first intron between exon I and exon II resulting in 2 additional TF transcripts. One of the transcripts has an extended exon I with inclusion of most of the first TF intron (955 bp), while the second transcript is formed by the insertion of a 495 bp sequence, referred to as exon IA, derived from an internal sequence of the first intron. The full length TF transcript with alternatively spliced novel exon IA, referred to as alternative exon 1A-tissue factor (TF-A), represented ˜1% of the total TF transcripts in normal cells, but constituted 7–10% of the total TF transcript in tumor cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that cultured human tumor cells contain 10–25-fold more copy numbers of TF-A in comparison to normal, untransformed cells. We propose that high-level expression of the novel TF-A transcript, preferentially in tumor cells, may have utility in the diagnosis and staging of a variety of solid tumors. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Notes and comments on the energy cost of building construction

Abstract The energy cost for construction of new homes is about one million Btu/ft2, and higher for commercial buildings, confirming Stein's estimate of 1.3 million Btu/ft2. A home, constructed under ASHRAE Standard 90 - 75, will consume 150 000 – 250 000 Btu/ft2 annually, so its construction uses as much energy as about five years of operation. For a commercial building, the times are comparable.
Identifying and supporting young women experiencing dating violence: what health practitioners should be doing Now

This is the second opinion on screening for dating violence. It is written by Carolyn Olson, and Drs. Rickert, and Davidson from Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Heath at Columbia University, New York, NY. This team has studied dating violence and published previously in this regard. The first part of the opinion on dating violence, by Dr. Joan Griffith, was published in the previous issue.
VLA observations of Uranus at 1.3-20 cm

Observations of Uranus, obtained with resolution 0.5-1.2 arcsec at wavelengths 1.3, 2, 6, and 20 cm using the A and B configurations of the VLA in June-July 1982, October 1983, and February 1984, are reported. The disk-averaged brightness temperatures (DABTs) are determined by model fitting, and the results are presented in extensive graphs and contour maps and characterized in detail. Findings discussed include: (1) an overall spectrum which is relatively flat above 6 cm, (2) 1.3-6-cm brightness which is concentrated nearer to the pole than to the subsolar point, and (3) small changes in DABT from 1982 to 1983/1984 (consistent with an explanation based on a pole-equator temperature gradient).
Structural biology: A solution to the telomerase puzzle

Telomerase synthesizes DNA sequences that protect the integrity of chromosome ends. A model for how the components of this enzyme complex co-assemble offers insight into its structure and function. See Article p.187 The ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotes are maintained by a ribonucleoprotein complex known as telomerase. Juli Feigon and colleagues have obtained a long-awaited structure of the ciliate (Tetrahymena thermophila) telomerase by electron microscopy. Modelling with crystal structures of various components allowed identification of the catalytic core and subunit interactions, and a complete in vitro reconstitution of the enzyme was performed. The structure provides unprecedented detail about the architecture of the ribonucleoprotein catalytic core and reveals the organization of holoenzyme subunits that confer processivity and bridge telomerase to telomeres.
Splinting the Hand to Enhance Motor Control and Brain Plasticity

Theoretical constructs on the values of splinting the hand are reviewed. Therapists treating poststroke patients face a fast changing technology environment. This new technology allows scientists and physicians the opportunity to evaluate brain function. Scientists can increase understanding of the effects of stroke on function based upon location and severity. Physicians can evaluate the effects of medication and their interaction with the brain. Technology is unmasking the brain's vast ability to adapt and restore function due to its plasticity. Therapists must be diligent to gain knowledge of this everchanging science. Current research challenges the efficacy of splinting patients who are post stroke. If muscle and joint systems are allowed to become stiff and nonfunctional, what becomes of the sensory input to the brain? Now more than ever, therapists have an opportunity to apply motor reeducation with functionally based tasks and demonstrate the value of rehabilitation. This will only be realized if the peripheral muscle and joint systems are kept at a functional length. Custom splints applied after careful evaluation and as a adjunct prior to treatment will maximize functional outcomes.
Degree of causal relatedness and memory

Abstract J. M. Keenan, S. D. Baillet, and P. Brown ((1984) Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior , 23 , 115–126) varied the causal relation between two sentences in passages read by their subjects. Subsequent recall of one sentence cued by the other improved, and then deteriorated as the causal relatedness of the two sentences increased. The present experiments extended this work and replicated the basic finding of a quadratic relation between recall and causal relatedness. Several explanations are considered to account for these results. The long reading times together with relatively poor recall at low levels of causal relatedness argue against a pure processing effort model. Variations in the integration and elaboration of the representation of the sentence pairs would seem to better account for the relation of recall and causal relatedness. Several issues raised by this explanation are then briefly considered.
Thermodynamic Design and Comparative Analysis of Rankine, ORC and Kalina Cycles for Low-Cost, Meso-Scale Power Generation Systems

Thermodynamic and thermoeconometric aspects of a 12.5kW residential solar-thermal power generating system are presented in this paper. The design of a meso-scale power system greatly differs from centralized power generation and as a result, this system is limited to maximum pressure of 4 MPa and maximum temperature below 500°C. The cycles under consideration are the Rankine cycle, the Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with toluene, R123, and ethylbenzene as working fluids, and the Kalina cycle. Cycle comparisons are based off of a steady-state first law analysis of the systems under consideration. These systems are characterized to determine the system with the highest efficiency and minimum collection area. The solution that best fits a solar-thermal power system limited to 2 MPa is an ethylbenzene ORC. If the pressure is limited to 4 MPa, then the toluene ORC shows good potential.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Whole Cottonseed with Elevated Concentrations of Free Fatty Acids in the Oil

Twenty-four multiparous cows were used in a 10-wk randomized block design trial to evaluate the effects of feeding whole cottonseed (WCS) containing increasing concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, and select plasma metabolites. Two lots of WCS containing either 3 or 12% FFA were blended to provide WCS with 3, 6, 9, and 12% FFA. Cottonseeds were included in the wheat silage-based total mixed ration at 12.5% of dry matter (DM). There was no difference in intakes of DM, crude protein (CP), or neutral detergent fiber; yield of milk; or percentages of milk protein, lactose, or SNF. Milk fat percentage was lowest for the diet containing WCS with 6% FFA. Concentrations of individual milk fatty acids C6:0 decreased and C16:1 increased linearly as FFA in WCS increased. A cubic response was observed for concentrations of C8:0, C10:0, and C12:0 because of higher concentrations when diets contained WCS with 6% FFA than 3 and 12% FFA, which were higher than 9% FFA. Intake and apparent total tract digestibility of acid detergent fiber increased linearly as FFA concentration in WCS increased. Apparent NDF digestibility was highest for diets containing WCS with 3 and 6% FFA; CP digestibility was highest with WCS containing 3 and 9% FFA. Differences in milk fatty acid concentration and nutrient digestibility suggest minor changes in rumen fermentation; however, feeding WCS with up to 12% FFA did not negatively impact nutrient intake and digestibility or milk yield or composition.
A maximum-likelihood method for estimating natural mortality and catchability coefficient from catch-and-effort data

A simple stochastic model of a fish population subject to natural and fishing mortalities is described. The fishing effort is assumed to vary over different periods but to be constant within each period. A maximum-likelihood approach is developed for estimating natural mortality (M) and the catchability coefficient (q) simultaneously from catch-and-effort data. If there is not enough contrast in the data to provide reliable estimates of both M and q, as is often the case in practice, the method can be used to obtain the best possible values of q for a range of possible values of M. These techniques are illustrated with tiger prawn (Penaeus semisulcatus) data from the Northern Prawn Fishery of Australia.
Petrologic variations in Apollo 16 surface soils

Source rock, maturation history and intrasite variation data are derived for the Apollo 16 regolith by comparing modal analyses of 15 surface soils with rake and rock sample data. Triangular source rock component plots show that Apollo 16 soils have similar source rocks that are well homogenized throughout the site. The site can be divided into three soil petrographic provinces. Central site soils are mature, well homogenized, and enriched in glass. They are probably the most typical Cayley Plains materials present. North Ray soils are immature to submature, containing North Ray ejecta. South Ray soils are mature, but contain small amounts of fresh impact melts and plagioclase, due perhaps to the breakdown of blocky South Ray ejecta. The different compositions and physical properties of North and South Ray ejecta support the hypothesis that the latter event excavated Cayley material, while the former excavated Descartes materials.
Identification of the Internet end-to-end delay dynamics using multi-step neuro-predictors

Accurate end-to-end delay and roundtrip time estimates are crucial for implementation of performance management strategies in heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet. In particular, accurate predictions of these delay variables could be effectively used for improvements in the quality of service (QoS) of real-time flows over best-effort networks, and for implementing delay-based congestion control and bandwidth allocation strategies, in general. In this study an empirical approach is proposed for the identification of the end-to-end delay and round-trip time dynamics for a source-destination pair on the Internet using recurrent neural networks. The predictors are designed for multi-step-ahead prediction accuracy within a finite horizon. Measured values of packet source departure, destination arrival and source acknowledgment times are used to investigate the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Development and characterization of seven novel di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius)

We describe the enrichment for and characterization of seven Pleurogrammus monopterygius microsatellite loci. We used (GACA) 4 as an oligonucleotide enrichment probe and screened 484 clones from the enriched library. The seven microsatellite loci include five tetranucleotide, one dinucleotide, and one trinucleotide motif. These markers can potentially be useful tools for use in population genetics studies, parentage analyses, and examining other life history questions.
Cocaine-Induced Redoppuction of Glucose Utilization in Human Brain: A Study Using Positron Emission Tomography and [Fluorine 18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose

• We examined the effects of cocaine hydrochloride (40 mg intravenously) on regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose and on subjective self-reports of eight polydrug abusers in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose was measured by the [fluorine 18]-fluorodeoxyglucose method, using positron emission tomography. With eyes covered, subjects listened to a tape that presented white noise, "beep" prompts, and questions about subjective effects of cocaine or saline. Cocaine produced euphoria and reduced glucose utilization globally (mean reduction, 14%). Twenty-six of 29 brain regions (all neocortical areas, basal ganglia, portions of the hippocampal formation, thalamus, and midbrain) showed significant decrements (5% to 26%) in the regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose. No significant effects of cocaine were observed in the pons, the cerebellar cortex, or the vermis. Right-greater-than-left hemispheric asymmetry of regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose occurred in the lateral thalamus. The findings demonstrate that reduced cerebral metabolism is associated with cocaine-induced euphoria.
Marine biogeochemical patch recognition with MODIS

Water-leaving spectral signatures were used in the spectral regions where chlorophyll has its first and second absorption bands in order to recognize biogeochemical provinces in the pelagic and coastal ocean. The global data set for MODIS used in this study data has a 4.89-km pixel resolution that is mapped on a cylindrical equidistant map projection. The data presented are based on an interpretation of the ratios R443/R551 and R678/R667 that use the spectral region of the two absorption bands of chlorophyll, the fluorescence of chlorophyll at 678 nm und the hinge point at 551 nm. Examples have been presented for eutrophic and oligotrophic oceanic regions.
Structural bases for stability-function tradeoffs in antibiotic resistance.

Abstract Preorganization of enzyme active sites for substrate recognition typically comes at a cost to the stability of the folded form of the protein; consequently, enzymes can be dramatically stabilized by substitutions that attenuate the size and preorganization “strain” of the active site. How this stability–activity tradeoff constrains enzyme evolution has remained less certain, and it is unclear whether one should expect major stability insults as enzymes mutate towards new activities or how these new activities manifest structurally. These questions are both germane and easy to study in β-lactamases, which are evolving on the timescale of years to confer resistance to an ever-broader spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics. To explore whether stability is a substantial constraint on this antibiotic resistance evolution, we investigated extended-spectrum mutants of class C β-lactamases, which had evolved new activity versus third-generation cephalosporins. Five mutant enzymes had between 100-fold and 200-fold increased activity against the antibiotic cefotaxime in enzyme assays, and the mutant enzymes all lost thermodynamic stability (from 1.7 kcal mol− 1 to 4.1 kcal mol− 1), consistent with the stability–function hypothesis. Intriguingly, several of the substitutions were 10–20 A from the catalytic serine; the question of how they conferred extended-spectrum activity arose. Eight structures, including complexes with inhibitors and extended-spectrum antibiotics, were determined by X-ray crystallography. Distinct mechanisms of action, including changes in the flexibility and ground-state structures of the enzyme, are revealed for each mutant. These results explain the structural bases for the antibiotic resistance conferred by these substitutions and their corresponding decrease in protein stability, which will constrain the evolution of new antibiotic resistance.
Location and Growth in the Brazilian Northeast

Clustering of economic performance across jurisdictions has generated considerable research on the spillovers and linkages among geographical neighbors. Much of this work, however, has been aspatial, implying that the influence of location attributes on growth has been largely ignored. In this paper, we examine the contribution of location to regional economic growth using municipio-level data for the Brazilian Northeast—a historically lagging region of the country. We test if productivity among northeastern municipios is converging to a steady state and whether spatial externalities are linked to productivity growth in individual municipios. We find that, conditional on structural characteristics, productivity among municipios is converging at about 3 percent per year. Further, productivity in individual municipios is positively associated with own-structural characteristics but negatively associated with productivity growth in neighboring municipios. This means that there are negative spatial externalities coming from productivity improvements in neighboring regions.
Sutured Identities in Jewish Holocaust Survivor Testimonies

The Holocaust disrupted the foundations of identity for Jewish survivors: religious and social communities evaporated, families dwindled. This study explores the process of identity reconstruction within oral testimonies gathered through personal interviews with Jewish Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the United States. Thematically, their narratives confront three major forces that place conflicting demands on survivors: disclosure or nondisclosure of Holocaust experiences, autonomy and connection with religion and family, and the clash between stability and change in the transition to America. Each site of conflict exposes gaps in how identity becomes manifest through personal beliefs, observable behaviors, relationships with others, and communal affiliations. Attention to how narratives configure identity suggests ways that personal narratives illustrate the process of actively recrafting fractured selves.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) Stomach

We used micro computed tomography to produce a high-resolution density image of the lobster (Panulirus interruptus) stomach and identified on this image the previously defined stomach ossicles. These data are the first coordinate-based, three-dimensional description of the stomach and are a necessary first step for developing biomechanical models of it. They are also interesting for several reasons in their own right. First, the ossicles showed large shape and density variations. These data suggest that different ossicles may serve dif- ferent functions, with some acting as force-delivering levers, some as spring-like elements, and some as wall- like elements that resist internal stomach pressure or function as two-dimensional force-delivering plates. Sec- ond, large intra-ossicle density variations were present in individual ossicles, reminiscent of I-beams, oval bicycle frames, and similar mass-minimizing structural elements, suggesting that evolution has minimized ossi- cle mass and identifying which ossicle regions are most likely important in force delivery. Third, joints appeared to be either continuous density interconnections without distinct separations between the ossicles or 'floating' joints in which the ends of the two ossicles were sepa- rated by relatively large distances spanned by connec- tive tissue. In these latter joints, although the distance between ossicle ends is likely maintained at a relatively constant value, a wide range of ossicle angles would thus be theoretically possible. Notably absent are close- apposition, morphologically specialized joints such as hinge or ball-and-socket joints. J. Morphol. 270:1029-
Peroxidase-mediated degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid

Concentrations of aqueous-phase perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a representative perfluorinated aliphatic (PFA) compound, are shown to be reduced effectively via reaction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), hydrogen peroxide, and a phenolic cosubstrate (4-methoxyphenol). Reaction rate profiles are pseudo-first order, yielding an apparent best-fit removal rate constant of k1 = 0.003/min (r2 = 0.96, n = 14). Approximately 68% depletion of the parent compound and 98% depletion of its related acute aquatic toxicity are achieved in 6 h. Because no PFOA removal is observed in the absence of cosubstrate and/or following consumption thereof, we conclude that radical intermediate species generated during reaction between HRP and 4-methoxyphenol mediate nonspecific depletion of PFOA and that these intermediates may be sufficiently reactive to sever the extremely stable C-F bonds of PFOA. These results are consistent with measurements of reaction by-products, including fluoride ion and various aliphatic species of shortened chain length. Based on these findings, we conclude that PFA degradation may occur via one of two mechanisms: Kolbe decarboxylation followed by stepwise conversion of -CF2 units to CO2 and fluoride ion, or radical abstraction from a double bond with subsequent fragmentation. Our results indicate that under appropriate conditions, enzymatic degradation may comprise a natural transformation pathway for PFAs. Moreover, we anticipate that appropriately engineered enzymatic processes may hold promise for treatment of PFOA-contaminated waters. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report to substantiate the efficacy of HRP-catalyzed reactions for contaminant removal via degradative reactions versus polymerization reactions.
Characterizing application sensitivity to OS interference using kernel-level noise injection

Operating system noise has been shown to be a key limiter of application scalability in high-end systems. While several studies have attempted to quantify the sources and effects of system interference using user-level mechanisms, there are few published studies on the effect of different kinds of kernel-generated noise on application performance at scale. In this paper, we examine the sensitivity of real-world, large-scale applications to a range of OS noise patterns using a kernel-based noise injection mechanism implemented in the Catamount lightweight kernel. Our results demonstrate the importance of how noise is generated, in terms of frequency and duration, and how this impact changes with application scale. For example, our results show that 2.5% net processor noise at 10,000 nodes can have no impact or can result in over a factor of 20 slowdown for the same application, depending solely on how the noise is generated. We also discuss how the characteristics of the applications we studied, for example computation/communication ratios, collective communication sizes, and other characteristics, related to their tendency to amplify or absorb noise. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings on the design of new operating systems, middleware, and other system services for high-end parallel systems.
Ecological and evolutionary consequences of the trophic polymorphism in Cichlasoma citrinellum (Pisces: Cichlidae)

The neotropical cichlid fish Cichlasoma citrinellum is polymorphic in the structure of its pharyngeal jaw apparatus and external morphology. The pharyngeal jaws are either gracile and bear slender, pointed teeth (papilliform) or robust with strong, rounded teeth (molariform). Molariform morphs have a ‘benthic’, and papilliform morphs a ‘limnetic’ body form. Furthermore, this species is also polychromatic, with yellow and black morphs. The molariform morphology of the pharyngeal jaw apparatus adapts the fish for cracking and feeding on snails. Based on analysis of stomach contents, 94% of the molariform morph ate snails whereas only 190/, of the papilliform morph did so. This result suggests that the morphs occupy different ecological niches. The morphology of thc pharyngeal jaw apparatus does not correlate significantly with sex, but it does with body colouration (P<0.005). Cichlasoma citrinellum mate assortatively with their own colour; therefore a mating preference for colour may lead to genetic isolation of trophic morphs. The frequency of the molariform morph differs strikingly among populations of five Nicaraguan lakes and its abundance is correlated with the abundance of snails, the fishes’ principal prey item. Among populations the frequency of molariform morphs decreases in the dry season. Morphology possibly changes reversibly within particular individuals between seasons. These results suggest that phenotypic plasticity and polymorphisms may be an adaptive characteristic of cichlid fishes. Patterns of intraspecific morphological variation match patterns of interspecific morphological diversification which suggests that universal developmental mechanisms canalize the possible expressions of morphology. The ability to respond morphologically to environmental shifts, in conjunction with genetically determined trophic polymorphisms and sexual selection via mate choice, could be the basis for speciation through intermediate stages of polymorphism of the impressive adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes.
Retrofitting Short-Span Precast Channel Beam Bridges Constructed without Shear Reinforcement

This paper investigates retrofitting precast, nonprestressed, channel beams (PCB) used in short-span bridges to improve beam shear strength and, consequently, beam ductility. Three retrofit approaches were investigated: applying carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips, applying an epoxy spray-on, and retrofitting by installing shear bars within the stems of the precast channel beam. Implanting shear bars into each precast channel beam stem was found to be the optimal retrofit based on improved beam strength, installation ease, and economics. The suitability of the shear bar retrofit was further explored by implementing the shear bar retrofit at a short-span precast channel beam bridge. Precast channel beam sections cast without shear reinforcement were used to construct Arkansas Bridge #02992 over the Flat Hollow Branch Creek. The bridge was constructed in 1955, but several of the beams used in the original construction have since been replaced with better-condition similar-style beams. The bridge i...
Teaching Residents to “Teach-Back”: Does a Structured Curriculum Including Simulation Improve Pediatric Resident Communication Skills?

• Awareness of context of care 1. Brinkman WB, Geraghy SR, Lanphear BP, Khoury JC, Gonzalez del Rey JA, DeWitt TG and Britto MT. Effect of Multisource Feedback on Resident Communication Skills and Professionalism. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 161: 44-49 (2007) 2. Nuovo J, Bertakis ED and Rahman A. Assessing residents knowledge and communication skills using four different evaluation tools. Medical Education 40: 630-636 (2006) 3. lssenberg SB, McGaghie WC, Petrusa ER, Gordon DL, and Scalese RJ. Features and uses of high-fidelity medical simulations that lead to effective learning: a BEME systematic review. Medical Teacher 27: 10-28 (2005) 4. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Pediatrics Residency Program Training Requirements. Available at www.acgme.org. Accessed March 7, 2012 5. Alan Schwartz, PhD; Saul J. Weiner, MD; Ilene B. Harris, PhD; Amy Binns-Calvey, BA. An Educational Intervention for Contextualizing Patient Care and Medical Students’ Abilities to Probe for Contextual Issues in Simulated Patients. JAMA. 2010;304(11):1191-1197 6. Gunning, Robert. The Technique of Clear Writing. McGrawHill,1952. 7. McLaughlin, GH. SMOG Grading – A New Readability Formula. Journal of Reading: 639-646 (May, 1969). 8. Flesch, R. A New Readability Yardstick. Journal of Applied Psychology: 32(3): 221-233 (1948). •Health literacy awareness and improved communication have been shown to affect1,2,3: •Patient outcomes •Patient satisfaction •Hospital re-admission rates •Rates of medical errors •The ACGME requires programs to teach and assess communication skills in our residents4.
The efficacy of drug-eluting stents in women: a window of opportunity.

During the past several decades, there have been numerous studies evaluating sex-based differences in patients undergoing coronary revascularization across the clinical spectrum of coronary artery disease, reporting remarkably consistent findings ([1][1]). Yet, the number and rate of studies
Reversing the Roles of Predator and Prey

Plants, like all organisms on the planet, live to perpetuate their own existence and to reproduce. The transmission of genetic material to future generations is the driving force behind life. In habitats where light, and water, and the essential nutrients are easily available, plants must merely allocate resources to contend with the challenges associated with reproduction, and defending themselves against the environment and herbivores. However, in more stressful habitats where nutrients are in short supply, plants have developed novel solutions to increase their chances of survival.
POLO2: A Computer Program for Multiple Probit or Logit Analysis

In entomology, analysis of the results of quantal response experiments is commonly performed by using a pro bit or logit model with only one independent variable in addition to the constant term. For example, in a dose-response experiment with an insecticide, the model used is usually Y = α + βX, in which Y is the pro bit or logit of the response and X is the logarithm of dose. The use of this model has been justified by the assumption that dose is the only relevant explanatory variable determining response.
ASSOCIATION OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY WITH AN INCIDENCE OF HEART FAILURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Obesity is a growing global health problem associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The risk of obesity on incident new-onset heart failure is controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between overweight, obesity and incident new-
Granulated Insecticides for Control of the European Chafer in Meadows

During 1953, work was initiated with a number of granulated insecticides for the control of the European chafer, Amphimallon majalis (Raz.) in a meadow planted to a mixture of timothy, orchard grass, red clover and alfalfa. Since some difficulties were encountered in applying the materials and because of the interest of research workers in granulated insecticides, a preliminary report on the working properties and effectiveness of these formulations was made in an earlier paper (Gyrisco & Evans 1954). Since that time additional work has been conducted concerning the residues from granulated applications, the effects of grub control on hay yields, and the residual effectiveness of the treatments. Work was also initiated on various methods of application using handoperated equipment, usually found on most farms, to apply granulated dieldrin as this was the most effective toxicant found in 1953.
Research progress on detection technique of Shigella

Shigella spp. is the most common pathogen which can cause the intestinal infectious diseases in humans,and it is comfortably perched at the top pathogen of intestinal infectious in China in recent years. In order to effectively control and prevent the waterborne and foodborne diseases,and rapidly detect the Shigella in patients,water and food,the author makes a systematic review about the research progress on the detection technique for Shigella,and focuses on its principle,sensitivity,specificity and practicability. At present,the development directions of detection technique for Shigella are simple,rapid and reliable,so as to meet the requirements of public health emergency disposal,and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Fibroepithelial Polyps of the Ureter

AbstractWe report a case of fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter, which are rare, benign mesodermal tumors. The advantage of ureteroscopic confirmation of this benign tumor is emphasized.
Cardiac Cine Imaging

Cine cardiac imaging is the primary technique by which cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging characterizes regional and global contractile function of the heart and resulting blood flow through the great vessels. As such, cine imaging is of fundamental importance to clinical and research applications of CMR. The underlying technical challenge is to acquire high-quality images fast enough to characterize cardiac motion. A number of strategies have been developed to overcome this intrinsic challenge for MR-based imaging compared to real-time x-ray or ultrasound-based imaging. In general these strategies are highly successful, but typically involve trade-offs that vary somewhat depending on the health of the patient and the specific clinical question. In this chapter we review the fundamental principles of cine imaging, discuss the trade-offs associated with different strategies, and summarize these in the context of a typical CMR clinical service.
Trust me: multimodal signals of trustworthiness

This paper builds on prior psychological studies that identify signals of trustworthiness between two human negotiators. Unlike prior work, the current work tracks such signals automatically and fuses them into computational models that predict trustworthiness. To achieve this goal, we apply automatic trackers to recordings of human dyads negotiating in a multi-issue bargaining task. We identify behavioral indicators in different modalities (facial expressions, gestures, gaze, and conversational features) that are predictive of trustworthiness. We predict both objective trustworthiness (i.e., are they honest) and perceived trustworthiness (i.e., do they seem honest to their interaction partner). Our experiments show that people are poor judges of objective trustworthiness (i.e., objective and perceived trustworthiness are predicted by different indicators), and that multimodal approaches better predict objective trustworthiness, whereas people overly rely on facial expressions when judging the honesty of their partner. Moreover, domain knowledge (from the literature and prior analysis of behaviors) facilitates the model development process.
Truck acceleration behavior study and acceleration lane length recommendations for metered on-ramps

Abstract This paper investigated the actual truck acceleration capability at metered on-ramps. Truck acceleration performance data were collected through a video-based data collection method. A piecewise constant acceleration model was employed to capture truck acceleration characteristics. It was found that the existing acceleration length will affect truck drivers’ acceleration behavior. At the taper type ramp that has limited acceleration distance, acceleration profile indicated a decreasing trend with distance. While for the ramp with an auxiliary lane that has sufficient acceleration distance, it was found that the acceleration behavior is to have a high acceleration rate in the beginning, then acceleration rate decrease with speed increase, and high acceleration rate again as drivers approach the merging area. Field data show that the truck acceleration performance data documented in the ITE’s (Institute of Transportation Engineers) “ Traffic Engineering Handbook ” are much lower than the field collected data. Also, based on the regression analysis of speed versus distance profiles, it was found that the AASHTO’s (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) Green Book acceleration length design guidance is insufficient to accommodate trucks at metered on-ramps. The required acceleration lengths for medium and heavy trucks are approximately 1.3 and 1.6 times of the Green Book design guideline, respectively.
Synthesis of Brominated Thiazoles via Sequential Bromination–Debromination Methods

The synthesis of the full family of bromothiazoles has been revisited in order to update and optimize their production. The species reported include 2-bromothiazole, 4-bromothiazole, 5-bromothiazole, 2,4-dibromothiazole, 2,5-dibromothiazole, 4,5-dibromothiazole, and 2,4,5-tribromothiazole, the majority of which are produced via sequential bromination and debromination steps. This complete family can now be produced without the use of elemental bromine, and the presented methods have allowed the physical and NMR spectroscopic characterization of the full family to be reported for the first time.
Employment motivation of airline pilots in the USA

The airline industry is currently experiencing a high volume of airline pilot retirements. As a result, there is a large demand for new airline pilots. Many regional airlines are reporting that there is a pilot shortage in the airline industry since they are having difficulty hiring enough qualified pilots to meet their demand. Conversely, research has shown that there is a sufficient number of qualified pilots in the USA to meet the current and future demand. The purpose of this descriptive study was to quantify the motivations of the entire ATP/commercial pilot population and to specifically identify the reasons why two-thirds of the ATP/commercial pilot population have decided not to seek airline employment. The results suggest that insufficient pay is the primary reason that pilots choose non-aviation careers and that an increase in starting salary would motivate many qualified pilots to seek employment at regional airlines.
Fracture Conductivity Under Triaxial Stress Conditions

Abstract The production in organic-rich shale reservoirs typically decline very rapidly as a result of decay in fracture conductivity. Proppant embedment into fracture walls results in reduction in the width of the proppant pack impacting the fracture conductivity. Spalling can take place as small particles break off, lowering the proppant pack permeability and porosity. The results of these two damage mechanisms have been investigated experimentally in this chapter for Niobrara and Vaca Muerta shale core samples using simultaneous measurements of compressional and shear wave velocities, conductivity, geomechanical properties, and geochemical composition changes during core flow experiments under triaxial stress state initially measuring intact sample properties, then using Brazilian tests to fracture the samples, place proppants in the fractures, and measure the variation of fracture conductivity. Niobrara samples presented about 20%–25% Young's modulus decrease when 2% KCl was used, whereas Vaca Muerta samples' Young's modulus reduction with the same fluid was 5%, yet conductivity reduction was larger than Niobrara. This variation was attributed to local mineralogical changes in the samples and the choice of higher strength calcite-filled fracture location in Niobrara sample.
9/11 and International Student Visa Issuance:

International student migration to the United States markedly dropped after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Considering the interaction of immigration policy and student agency, this study examine...
Impact of seed size on seeds viability, vigor and storability of Hordeum vulgare (L.)

Seed size may influence seed germination, and seedling vigor. Few investigations are available about the effect of seed size on barley seedling vigor in Jordan. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of seed size on germination percentage, seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index, and germination percentage after accelerated aging in barley. Three seed sizes i.e. large, medium, and small (having diameter of > 2.75 millimeter, 2.5 - 2.75 millimeter, and < 2.5 millimeter, respectively) were tested in the experiment. Seed quality for different seed size categories was evaluated in the laboratory by measuring seed germination, germination after accelerated aging, as well seedling dry weight and vigor index. Results showed significant differences for large seeds in germination percentages, seedling dry weight and vigor index. It may be concluded that large seed size of barley showed best quality.
The Role of Long Periods of Infectiousness in the Dynamics of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Single and multiple group models for the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are introduced. Partial analytical results for these models are presented for two specific cases. First for a model for which the duration of infectiousness has a negative exponential distribution and second for a model for which all individuals remain infectious for a fixed length of time.
The Psychoanatomy of Binocular Single Vision

Humans, in common with the rest of the vertebrates, have two eyes. In common with a significant subset of the vertebrates, notably predators, the visual fields of those two eyes overlap to a substantial extent. This arrangement offers a number of substantial benefits. Binocular overlap makes possible stereoscopic depth perception (Wheatstone, 1938). Many visual tasks are performed better with two eyes than one (Blake and Fox, 1974; Blake et al., 1981 ; Jones and Lee, 1981). Two eyes together have a larger field of view than one eye, even in animals with frontal eyes. Finally, two eyes provide insurance against the loss of one eye.
Mixing and delivery of multiple controlled oxygen environments to a single multiwell culture plate.

Precise oxygen control is critical to evaluating cell growth, molecular content, and stress response in cultured cells. We have designed, fabricated, and characterized a 96-well plate-based device ...
Estimating the probability density function of transmission loss in an uncertain ocean using machine learning

Predicted values of transmission loss (TL) in ocean environments are sensitive to environmental uncertainties. The resulting predicted-TL uncertainty can be quantified via the probability density function (PDF) of TL. Monte Carlo methods can determine the PDF of TL but typically require thousands of field calculations, making them inappropriate for real-time applications. Thus, a variety of alternative techniques based on polynomial chaos, field shifting, modal propagation in ocean waveguides, and spatial variations of TL near the point(s) of interest have been proposed. This presentation describes an innovative approach to estimating the PDF of TL based on nominal TL, ocean environmental parameters, and machine learning. This approach has two main challenges. First, appropriate representations must be found for ground-truth PDFs of TL generated from Monte Carlo calculations so that a neural network can be constructed to predict each parameter of the estimated PDF of TL. Four such representations are considered here. And second, a framework must be developed to generate training data for the neural networks. A proposed framework that predicts candidate environments’ training utility without computing any PDFs of TL is described. The performance of this approach is analyzed and compared to that of prior techniques. [Sponsored by ONR.]
Environmental perceptions on entrepreneurial thinking in the wine industry

The US wine industry is a well-studied industry with little research observing small business perceptions of entrepreneurship and their contextual factors. This study uses survey data of Northern C...