cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Scenario Planning on Participant Decision-Making Style.

This research examines changes in decision-making styles as a result of participation in scenario planning. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design and several nonparametric tests were used to analyze data gathered from research participants in a technology firm in the Northeastern United States. Results show that participants tend to transition toward more intuitive-based decision-making styles after participation in scenario planning. Limitations are examined and conclusions are drawn concerning the effects of scenario planning on participation decision-making styles as measured by the General Decision-Making Style Survey. Much has been written about the difficulties in coping with uncertainty in the business environment, but there is relatively little research concerning how people actually make decisions in this domain, attempting to account for the complexity of the environment. This lack of research is a result of the difficulties in specifying measures of decision-making performance (Driver, 1979; Scott & Bruce, 1994). Although some decisions require a vigilant, analytical information processing style, others call for creativity and novelty. Strategic planning in today’s business environment is a phenomenon that demands novelty in thought and is designed to prompt decision makers to think differently about the future. Effective planning in an uncertain environment means divergent thought and creation of imagined alternative future states to examine current business practices and processes (Chermack, 2005; Georgantzas & Acar, 1995; Schoemaker, 1995; van der Heijden, 1997).
The Utility of Multidisciplinary Assessment Reports for Classroom Intervention: Ratings From the Field

Assessment is a mandated component of early intervention direct service programs (Campbell, 1992; Fewell, 1991; Slentz and Bricker, 1992; Stayton and Johnson, 1990), but there has been little research to determine 1) how useful assessment results are for professionals providing direct service and 2) the role of direct service professionals in the assessment process. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of information included in multidisciplinary assessment reports and how useful this information is to educators in planning intervention programs. This study investigates the frequency and helpfulness of information included in multidisciplinary assessment reports as rated by direct service providers and administrators in planning intervention programs for young children and their families. Results of a random questionnaire indicate a significant difference in the ratings of direct service providers and of administrators in terms of frequency and helpfulness of the information found on t...
The Aesthetics of Emptiness: Sky Art

The sky and celestial phenomena surround us everywhere, all the time. However, they have not received due attention in philosophical discourses dealing with the environment, or in our daily experie...
Estimation of the aerosol phase function in backscatter from coincident AVHRR and Sun-photometer data

Aerosol phase function, P/sup A/(/spl chi/), is estimated in backscatter (/spl chi/>130/spl deg/) from match-up AVHRR and ship Sun-photometer measurements. The linearized single-scattering approximation for the radiative transfer equation is used, with some adjustments to account approximately for multiple scattering effects. The newly estimated P/sup A/(/spl chi/) is in agreement with the phase function of maritime aerosol proposed in the scientific literature. The derived P/sup A/(/spl chi/) may be used to constrain the range of its variability in real marine atmosphere, which is important for aerosol retrievals from CZCS, AVHRR, MODIS, MISR, and SeaWiFS.
Reassessing the definition of heartworm infection in cats

JAVMA, Vol 231, No. 9, November 1, 2007 R studies by Browne et al and Dillon et al have corroborated earlier findings of Selcer et al, who reported radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease in cats experimentally exposed to heartworm infective larvae, but which did not develop mature heartworm infection (dirofilariasis). Importantly, the two more recent aforementioned studies identified histologic lesions in the pulmonary arteries or in airways and pulmonary parenchyma, as well as pulmonary arteries in cats with natural or experimental infections, respectfully. While it remains to be proven that naturally infected cats (with presumably lesser L 3 exposure) develop pulmonary parenchymal and airway lesions, it seems clear that naturally exposed cats that resist mature infection develop, at the very least, pulmonary vascular disease. These three landmark works broaden our understanding of the pathophysiology of the respiratory tract signs associated with exposure to various stages of Dirofilaria immitis. Their findings also raise questions as to appropriately descriptive terminology, particularly regarding the use of the word exposure. In 2005, I was an investigator on a study of heartworm risk in nondomestic cats in the southeastern United States. In that article, we defined antibodypositive cats as those exposed to, but negative for, heartworm infection if they were heartworm antigen negative and if no heartworms were found on necropsy. During the peer review process, one reviewer challenged this definition conceptually, arguing that antibody-positive cats indeed were infected. While acknowledging that exposed cats might well have pulmonary lesions, we argued that a cat without mature (L 5 ) heartworms did not meet the requirements for a diagnosis of heartworm infection. Our arguments were convincing enough that the manuscript was published with this distinction intact. Perhaps, in light of recent work, this point should be reconsidered. Conceptually, this represents a thorny problem. In an ideal world, cats would either have heartworm infection or not, but there is now a recognized gray zone in which cats that have successfully rejected an infection (probably at the young L 5 stage) may develop lesions (ie, disease) induced by D immitis. New terminology is Reassessing the definition of heartworm infection in cats
Chronic alcohol ingestion exacerbates skeletal muscle myopathy in HIV-1 transgenic rats

Separately, chronic alcohol ingestion and HIV-1 infection are associated with severe skeletal muscle derangements, including atrophy and wasting, weakness, and fatigue. One prospective cohort study reported that 41% of HIV-infected patients met the criteria for alcoholism, however; few reports exist on the co-morbid effects of these two disease processes on skeletal muscle homeostasis. Thus, we analyzed the atrophic effects of chronic alcohol ingestion in HIV-1 transgenic rats and identified alterations to several catabolic and anabolic factors. Relative plantaris mass, total protein content, and fiber cross-sectional area were reduced in each experimental group compared to healthy, control-fed rats. Alcohol abuse further reduced plantaris fiber area in HIV-1 transgenic rats. Consistent with previous reports, gene levels of myostatin and its receptor activin IIB were not increased in HIV-1 transgenic rat muscle. However, myostatin and activin IIB were induced in healthy and HIV-1 transgenic rats fed alcohol for 12 weeks. Catabolic signaling factors such as TGFβ1, TNFα, and phospho-p38/total-p38 were increased in all groups compared to controls. There was no effect on IL-6, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), or ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in control-fed, transgenic rats. However, the co-morbidity of chronic alcohol abuse and HIV-1-related protein expression decreased expression of the two anabolic factors, CT-1 and CNTF. Consistent with previous reports, alcohol abuse accentuated skeletal muscle atrophy in an animal model of HIV/AIDS. While some catabolic pathways known to drive alcoholic or HIV-1-associated myopathies were also elevated in this co-morbid model (e.g., TGFβ1), consistent expression patterns were not apparent. Thus, specific alterations to signaling mechanisms such as the induction of the myostatin/activin IIB system or reductions in growth factor signaling via CT-1- and CNTF-dependent mechanisms may play larger roles in the regulation of muscle mass in alcoholic, HIV-1 models.
Optical Integrated Circuits: A Personal Perspective

The remarkable early success and current explosive growth of electronic integrated circuits have fascinated photonics researchers since 1969 with the prospect of similar success in optical integrated circuits. Alas, physical and economic factors have stymied their efforts. Two recent commercial optical integrated circuits may be the first points on a photonic Moore's law curve. The author presents his view of the progress of optical integrated circuits since S. E. Miller's proposal in the 1969 Bell Systems Technical Journal .
Revised concept of the genus Euryporus Erichson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) and phylogenetic significance of Staphylinini from New Guinea.

The Staphylinini rove beetle genus Euryporus Erichson from the subtribe Quediina is restricted to include only three species from the Western Palearctic region: Euryporus picipes (Paykull, 1800), Euryporus aeneiventris (Lucas, 1846), and Euryporus princeps Wollaston, 1864. Euryporus argentatus Fauvel, 1881, Euryporus warisensis Last, 1987 and Euryporus multicavus Last, 1980, which do not even belong to the subtribe Quediina, are excluded fromthe genus. Of these, two were transferred to different genera: Tympanophorus argentatus (Fauvel, 1881), comb. nov., from Sumatra;and Hesperus warisensis (Last, 1987), comb. nov.,from New Guinea. “Euryporus” multicavus could not be placed to any of the described genera of Staphylinini and is left as incertae sedis pending a broader study of the relevant fauna of this tribe in New Guinea and adjacent regions. The taxonomic history of Euryporus is reviewed, and an updated diagnosis of this genus is provided.
Effects of restraint stress on plasma LH and testosterone concentrations, Leydig cell LH/HCG receptors, and in vitro testicular steroidogenesis in adult rats

Abstract We examined the effect of restraint stress (3 hr) on plasma LH and testosterone levels, on the Leydig cell LH/hCG receptor, and on the activity of enzymes in the testicular steroidogenic pathway of the adult rat. Restraint stress caused a 47% reduction in plasma testosterone concentrations, but had no effect on plasma LH levels. The binding capacity and affinity of Leydig cell LH/hCG receptors were not affected by restraint. Stress did not affect the testicular activity of 20,22 desmolase or 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but testicular interstitial cells of stressed rats incubated in vitro with progesterone as a substrate produced more 17α-hydroxyprogesterone but less testosterone than control cells, and when incubated with 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, produced 39% less androstenedione and 40% less testosterone than control cells. These results suggest that restraint stress inhibited 17,20 desmolase but not 17α-hydroxylase activity. When the Δ4 pathway was blocked with cyanoketone (3β-HSD inhibitor), stress did not alter the production of pregnenolone or 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, but the production of dehydroepiandrosterone by cells from stressed rats was subnormal, suggesting again a reduction of 17,20 desmolase activity. The data suggest that a major site of the inhibitory action of restraint stress on testicular steroidogenesis is the 17,20 desmolase step. The disruption of androgen production by restraint appears to be LH independent since stress did not affect plasma LH levels, the binding capacity or affinity of LH/hCG receptors, or the activity of 20,22 desmolase.
Dairy consumption is a significant correlate of urinary equol concentration in a representative sample of US adults

Background: Equol and O-desmethylangolensin (ODMA) are products of gut bacterial metabolism of daidzein, a phytochemical found predominantly in soy. Dietary sources of equol from animal products have been identified, which has raised the question of the relative contributions of daidzein intake and gut metabolism to equol and of equol intake from animal products in low-soy-consuming populations. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the contribution of dietary food groups to urinary isoflavone and daidzein metabolite concentrations in a representative sample of US adults. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of dietary and urinary isoflavonoid data from 3115 individuals in the 2001‐2002 and 2003‐2004 data cycles of the National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted. Results: Daidzein intake and consumption frequency of grain products and legumes, nuts, and seeds were significant correlates of daidzein, genistein, and ODMA concentrations; and soy legumes were a stronger correlate than were nonsoy legumes. Milk and milk product consumption and daidzein intake, but not legumes, were significant correlates of urinary equol concentrations; milk products were more strongly correlated (P for trend , 0.001) than was daidzein intake (P = 0.011). Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary daidzein and legumes may contribute to urinary daidzein, genistein, and ODMA concentrations in this low-soy-consuming population. These results also suggest that equol concentrations in low-soy-consuming populations may reflect equol intakes from mammalian milk sources and may not reflect the endogenous production of equol from the microbial metabolism of daidzein—an observation not yet documented in the US population. These results support the careful design and interpretation of urinary isoflavonoid excretion studies, particularly bacterial metabolites, in low-soy-consuming populations. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.011825.
Miniaturized delay-enhanced substrate-guided wave based holograms for continuous tuning of delay times

In this paper, a miniaturized continuously tunable optical true-time-delay module has been designed, fabricated and evaluated for integrating into a X-band 4X4 2-D phased array antenna system. A novel symmetric structure is introduced to keep the output beam position fixed and avoid using a set of large collimators. This new structure is compact and easy to package while providing doubled delay time. Therefore, this module can easily scale up for large arrays due to its compressive structure.
Stress and temperature in the bending lithosphere as constrained by experimental rock mechanics

Summary. Previous attempts to deduce the stress distribution in the bending lithosphere near a consuming plate margin have relied on the observed bathymetry and an assumed constitutive relation for lithospheric behaviour, eg. perfectly elastic, viscous/perfectly plastic, or elastic perfectly plastic. From the point of view of rock mechanics, each of these approximations fails to describe one or more of several basic phenomena, including brittle failure of rock, temperature dependence of elasticity, and temperature and/or strain rate dependence of ductile behaviour. In order to formulate a more realistic constitutive relation, a limiting yield strength curve, which is primarily a function of temperature, is constructed from data from brittle failure and ductile flow experiments. The moments which can be supported by plates with this constitutive behaviour are compared to the moments calculated from bathymetric profiles. The comparison indicates that moments required by the bathymetric data are consistent with moments supported by plates with experimentally determined constitutive laws as extrapolated to geo- logically reasonable temperatures and strain rates. The stresses developed in such models are required to reach values greater than 100 MPat in the depth range 25-45 km. Geotherms necessary for strength curves consistent with moments calculated from the bathymetric data match those derived from heat flow data for the Aleutian, Bonin, Mariana and Tonga trenches. Of the trenches studied, only the geotherm inferred from the Kuril trench data is significantly different, perhaps implying that the Kuril plate is weaker than the others. The strength curves show that as a first approximation it is better to assume that bending moment is independent of curvature of the plate than to assume that bending moment and curvature are linearly related.
Aging And Health In South Dakota: Who Will Provide Care?

Demographers have long been writing of an aging population. The forthcoming demographic changes predicted include the doubling of the elderly in selected states between 1995 and 2025, and the possibility that the numbers of people over age 85 is expected to reach at least 27 million by 2050. These changes in the population will have a major impact on many sectors of the United States economy, including health care. The effect on health care will include changes in technology to provide needed services to the elderly, access to medications by the elderly, overall service provision to the elderly by health care organizations, as well as reimbursement for services to the elderly. The most dramatic affect on health care is still a couple of decades away. As a result of the demographic trends there will be an insufficient supply of health care workers, while at the same time an increase in the health care needs of the elderly. In South Dakota the working population, those 16 to 64 years of age, is experiencing significant changes. The 16 to 44 year old segment of the population has declined by 10.4%. The 45 to 64 year old segment has increased by 23.5%. These changes in the South Dakota demographics indicate that the working population is aging, while the numbers of individuals available to replace them in the work force (the replacement group) is declining. The data provides an indication that there will be more elderly consuming greater amounts of health care resources and fewer health care professionals, specifically nurses, in South Dakota to provide health care for the elderly.
Resource allocation in IT projects: using schedule optimization

Resource allocation is the process of assigning resources to tasks throughout the life of a project. Despite sophisticated software packages devoted to keeping track of tasks, resources and resource assignments, it is often the case that project managers find some resources over-allocated and therefore unable to complete the assigned work in the allotted amount of time. Most scheduling software has provisions for leveling resources, but the techniques for doing so simply add time to the schedule and may cause delays in tasks that are critical to the project in meeting deadlines. This paper presents a software application that ensures that resources are properly balanced at the beginning of the project and eliminates the situation in which resources become over-allocated. It can be used in a multi-project environment and reused throughout the project as tasks, resource assignments and availability, and the project scope change. The application utilizes the bounded enumeration technique to formulate an optimal schedule for which both the task sequence and resource availability are taken into account. It is run on a database server to reduce the running time and make it a viable application for practitioners.
Biosynthesis of two distinct types of mucin in HM3 human colon cancer cells

Mucins, high-M(r) glycoproteins with a large amount of O-glycosidically linked carbohydrate, protect the colonic epithelial surface and are altered in ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. At least two mucin genes, MUC2 and MUC3, are expressed at high levels in the human intestine. As an experimental model for studying the biosynthesis of human intestinal mucins, we used HM3 colon cancer cells. When mature mucins labelled with [3H]glucosamine or [3H]threonine were analysed by gel filtration, it was found that secreted mucins (M(r) > 10(8) were larger than soluble cellular mucins (M(r) approx. 5 x 10(6)). Only secreted mucin was sensitive to reduction. Both MUC2 and MUC3 proteins, identified by labelling with [3H]threonine or [35S]cysteine and immunoprecipitation with antibodies to synthetic mucin peptides, were already of large size (M(r) > 180,000) by the earliest labelling time (5 min). The MUC3 precursor was completely degraded by trypsin, but the MUC2 precursor had a trypsin-resistant fragment of M(r) approx. 240,000 containing threonine and cysteine. The trypsin-resistant MUC2 fragment contained N-linked carbohydrate, as indicated by a decrease in size as a result of peptidyl N-glycosidase digestion or tunicamycin treatment of HM3 cells. These results show that HM3 colon cancer cells produce at least two distinct human intestinal mucins. They also indicate that the mechanisms of biosynthesis of intestinal mucins differ from those of other mucin-like glycoproteins that have been studied.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cancer Chemotherapy

The majority of anticancer agents in current clinical practice arrest cell cycle progression at one or more definable points (Table 1). The DNA damaging agents including, bleomycin, adriamycin, etoposide, nitrogen mustards and cisplatin, arrest cell cycle progression in G1 and/or G2 phases. These agents can also prolong S phase progression. The antimetabolites including, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil and 6-mercaptopurine, arrest cell cycle progression at the G1/S phase border and in S phase. The microtubule inhibitors including, vincristine, vinblastine and taxol, arrest cells primarily in mitosis and more specifically in a pseudometaphase state. Arrest at these stages in the cell cycle is dependent on the integrity of a series of negative feedback control systems that have become commonly termed checkpoints (1, 2). These checkpoints could protect cells from cytotoxicity by extending the time for drug-induced perturbations to be corrected before cell division. This possibility is supported by findings from yeast genetics, which have shown that inactivating mutations in checkpoint control genes sensitized cells to DNA damaging agents, antimetabolites or antimitotic agents (1, 2). Furthermore, the findings by Pardee and colleagues, that chemical agents like pentoxifylline, can abrogate G2 checkpoint control and synergise with DNA damaging agents (3), also supports the protective role of cell cycle checkpoints. Based on such observations, we have suggested that the integrity of checkpoint control systems in cancer cells may in large part determine chemosensitivity (1). Our thinking here is that uncontrolled progression through one or more of these checkpoints in the presence of damage will predispose cells to killing. We discuss below recent observations we and other workers have made in investigating the role of the G1 and G2 cell cycle checkpoints in chemosensitivity. We focus on attempts to determine whether the G1 and G2 cell cycle checkpoints are commonly defective in cancer cells, whether such checkpoint alterations affect chemosensitivity and whether checkpoint alterations in cancer cells could provide new opportunities for drug discovery.
Abstract TP244: Distinguishing Stroke Mimics From Strokes Prior To Treatment With tPA

Introduction: Up to 25% of patients treated with IV tPA are later found to have stroke mimics. Despite low rates of hemorrhagic transformation in these patients, avoiding exposure to unnecessary ri...
Lying, cheating and stealing at government expense: Striking a balance between the public interest and the interests of the public in the Witness Protection Program

This article examines the initial recommendations for change of the witness protection program and the 1984 Reform Act to determine positive and/or negative effects. The article then suggests alternative approaches to the witness protection program in light of the critical legal and moral considerations surrounding its implementation.
Ultrafast switching of tunable infrared plasmons in indium tin oxide nanorod arrays with large absolute amplitude

All-optical control of plasmons can enable optical switches with high speeds, small footprints and high on/off ratios. Here we demonstrate ultrafast plasmon modulation in the near-infrared (NIR) to mid-infrared (MIR) range by intraband pumping of indium tin oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs). We observe redshifts of localized surface plasmon resonances arising from a change of the plasma frequency of ITO, which is governed by the conduction band non-parabolicity. We generalize the plasma frequency for non-parabolic bands, quantitatively model the fluence-dependent plasma frequency shifts, and show that different from noble metals, the lower electron density in ITO enables a remarkable change of electron distributions, yielding a significant plasma frequency modulation and concomitant large transient bleaches and induced absorptions, which can be tuned spectrally by tailoring the ITO-NRA geometry. The low electron heat capacity explains the sub-picosecond kinetics that is much faster than noble metals. Our work demonstrates a new scheme to control infrared plasmons for optical switching, telecommunications and sensing. Ultrafast plasmon modulation has been realized in the near- to mid-infrared range by intraband pumping of indium tin oxide nanorod arrays.
Vibrational spectroscopy of small hydrated CuOH+ clusters.

Coordinated copper hydroxide centers can play an important role in copper catalyzed water oxidation reactions. To have a better understanding of the interactions involved in these complexes, we studied the vibrational spectra of D2 tagged CuOH+(H2O)n clusters in the OH stretch region. These clusters are generated by electrospray ionization and probed via cryogenic ion vibrational spectroscopy. The results show that the copper center in the n = 3 clusters has a distorted square planar geometry. The coordination in CuOH+(H2O)n is therefore more akin to Cu2+(H2O)n with four ligands in the first solvation shell than Cu+(H2O)n with two ligands in the first solvation shell. There is also no evidence of any strong axial ligand interactions. The well-resolved experimental spectra enabled us to point out some discrepancies in the calculated spectra, which were found to be highly dependent on the level of theory used.
Analysis on Epidemic Situation of Notifiable Infectious Diseases in Changping District of Beijing in 2009

[Objective] To provide the evidences for controlling outbreaks and prevalence of infectious diseases.[Methods]The reported cases of notifiable infectious diseases in Changping district in 2009 were analyzed.[Results]10 541 cases of notifiable infectious disease,including 2 categories of 19 kinds,were reported in Changping district in 2009,no cases of category A notifiable infectious diseases was reported,and the reported incidence was 1406.45/lakh.There were 12 death cases,the reported mortality was 1.60/lakh,and the fatality rate was 0.11%.Compared with 2008,the reported incidence increased by 15.92%,reported mortality increased by 131.47%,and the fatality rate declined by 99.72%.4 009 cases of 12 kinds of category B infectious diseases and 6 532 cases of 7 kinds of category C was reported,which accounted for 38.03% and 61.97% of total cases respectively.[Conclusion]The infectious diseases in Changping district was dominated by intestinal infectious diseases,most of patients were scattered children,kindergarten children and students,cases mainly occurred in rural-urban continuum.It is necessary to strengthen law enforcement of food safety,health knowledge education and expended program for immunization (EPI).
Health effects following subacute exposure to geogenic dusts from arsenic-rich sediment at the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV

Geogenic dust from arid environments is a possible inhalation hazard for humans, especially when using off-road vehicles that generate significant dust. This study focused on immunotoxicological and neurotoxicological effects following subacute exposure to geogenic dust generated from sediments in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada that are particularly high in arsenic; the naturally-occurring arsenic concentrations in these surficial sediments ranged from 4.8 to 346μg/g. Dust samples from sediments used in this study had a median diameter of 4.5μm and also were a complex mixture of naturally-occurring metals, including aluminum, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, strontium, cesium, lead, uranium, and arsenic. Adult female B6C3F1 mice exposed via oropharyngeal aspiration to 0.01 to 100mg dust/kg body weight, four times, a week apart, for 28days, were evaluated 24h after the last exposure. Peripheral eosinophils were increased at all concentrations, serum creatinine was dose responsively increased beginning at 1.0mg/kg/day, and blood urea nitrogen was decreased at 10 and 100mg/kg/day. Antigen-specific IgM responses and natural killer cell activity were dose-responsively suppressed at 0.1mg/kg/day and above. Splenic CD4+CD25+ T cells were decreased at 0.01, 0.1, 10, and 100mg/kg/day. Antibodies against MBP, NF-68, and GFAP were selectively reduced. A no observed adverse effect level of 0.01mg/kg/day and a lowest observed adverse effect level of 0.1mg/kg/day were determined from IgM responses and natural killer cell activity, indicating that exposure to this dust, under conditions similar to our design, could affect these responses.
The Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnancy

Management of the patient with sickle cell disease during pregnancy requires intimate knowledge of the patient and her clinical status before pregnancy. The obstetrician must thus seek the cooperation of the patient’s family physician or hematologist. An occasional patient reaches her teens before the diagnosis is made. No matter when it is discovered, the implications of the diagnosis for the patient’s own health and that of her progeny must be made clear to the parents.
Nonpotable Reuse: Development of Health Criteria and Technologies for Shower Water Recycle

The U.S. Army is evaluating recycle of field shower water as a conservation practice in arid regions and is seeking to define appropriate technologies and health criteria. Shower wastewaters at a military installation have been characterized in terms of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Two treatment technologies have been investigated. Microfiltration cartridges with a nominal pore size of 0.2 µm achieved consistent removals of 75±15% of total organic carbon (TOC) and better than 99% of turbidity from synthetic shower water containing 50 to 100 mg/L of TOC as soap. An alternative treatment technology utilized powdered activated carbon and coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation followed by diatomaceous earth filtration. A TOC reduction of 70±15% was achieved in three separate studies, although at a cost of 1 g/L or more of powdered activated carbon. Revised quality criteria for recycled shower water have been developed with guidance from the National Research Council. Parameters which can practically be measured in the field are primarily associated with microbiological safety. Therefore, the safety of recycled shower water with respect to chemical contamination must depend on design considerations.
Differential Equations from Vector Geometry

This chapter presents projects exemplifying the powerful combinations of vector geometry and the meaning of the derivative, which can be used to describe the motion of many real objects. The Perfecto Skier project investigates the 3-D effect of sliding down a slippery slope. The base direction of the acceleration is the same as the gradient, but motion under this acceleration does not produce gradient trajectories. The low level bombing project models low-level bombing using differential equations. This involves determining where a bomb lands when one drops it from a specific height and velocity or when and where to release a bomb when one is given a specific, stationary target. The project involving a pendulum uses the vector form of Newton's law, F = m A, to determine the equation of motion of the pendulum. The project proposing the use of Jupiter as a slingshot for space faring vessels determine the necessary relationship between the spacecraft's original trajectory and Jupiter's orbit so that Jupiter will boost the space-craft out of the solar system.
Analysis and synthesis of passive coupled-switched-capacitor-resonator-based RF filters

Conventional radio-frequency filters, such as those realized using surface and bulk acoustic wave technologies, are continuous-time with well-known corresponding synthesis methods. Discrete-time continuous-value active filters, such as switched capacitor filters using operational amplifiers, are also well documented. In this paper, an analysis and synthesis of a special class of discrete-time continuous-value passive filters, namely, passive coupled-resonator switched-capacitor filters, are presented. Monolithic bandpass radio-frequency passive filters with high selectivity can be realized in commercial CMOS processes using this approach. These filters can be linear, low noise, com pact, and tunable. Furthermore, the filter responses, including the number of properties of pass-bands and stop-bands, can be reconfigurable without significant performance degradation.
Unusual Presentation of Infantile Myofibroma in the Deep Palm of a Child: A Case Report and Discussion of the Differential Diagnosis

Infantile myofibroma or myofibromatosis is a myofibroblastic and fibroblastic proliferation that is most commonly reported in children younger than 2 years of age. It is a benign process composed histologically of a biphasic pattern of spindle-shaped cells surrounding a zone of less differentiated cells in a hemangiopericytoma-like pattern. We report this tumor in a unique presentation in the deep palm of a 2-year-old child without skin ulceration and with an intimate association with the median nerve. The well-circumscribed nature of the tumor facilitated complete excision with neural preservation. Final pathology was consistent with an unusual type of myofibroma or myofibromatosis. Conservative management with partial excision has been advocated for these masses because of potential surgical morbidity and its benign nature. This case report highlights the differential diagnosis of uncommon soft tissue tumors in the pediatric hand as well as the importance of a surgeon's surgical assessment in guiding treatment.
A phase I study of ADH-1 with cisplatin (Cisp) and gemcitabine (Gem) in patients (Pts) with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

306Background: Pancreatic cancer cells in vitro undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT) by up-regulating mesenchymal markers, including N-cadherin. The EMT leads to increased motilit...
Attribution of Attitude and Behavior Change and Its Relevance to Behavior Therapy

This review presents evidence in support of the position that greater attitude and behavior change results when an individual attributes changes in his behavior to himself rather than to external manipulations. Research derived from the Schacter and Singer emotionality model, Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance, and role-playing studies clearly supports this perspective. The implications of this research in terms of the practice and scope of behavior therapy as well as new areas of research were also discussed.
Chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta are associated with an up-regulation of amniotic fluid CXCR3: A marker of allograft rejection

Objective The objective of this study is to determine whether the amniotic fluid (AF) concentration of soluble CXCR3 and its ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10 changes in patients whose placentas show evidence of chronic chorioamnionitis or other placental lesions consistent with maternal anti-fetal rejection. Methods This retrospective case-control study included 425 women with (1) preterm delivery (n=92); (2) term in labor (n=68); and (3) term not in labor (n=265). Amniotic fluid CXCR3, CXCL9 and CXCL10 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Results (1) Amniotic fluid concentrations of CXCR3 and its ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10 are higher in patients with preterm labor and maternal anti-fetal rejection lesions than in those without these lesions [CXCR3: preterm labor and delivery with maternal anti-fetal rejection placental lesions (median, 17.24 ng/mL; IQR, 6.79-26.68) vs. preterm labor and delivery without these placental lesions (median 8.79 ng/mL; IQR, 4.98-14.7; P=0.028)]; (2) patients with preterm labor and chronic chorioamnionitis had higher AF concentrations of CXCL9 and CXCL10, but not CXCR3, than those without this lesion [CXCR3: preterm labor with chronic chorioamnionitis (median, 17.02 ng/mL; IQR, 5.57-26.68) vs. preterm labor without chronic chorioamnionitis (median, 10.37 ng/mL; IQR 5.01-17.81; P=0.283)]; (3) patients with preterm labor had a significantly higher AF concentration of CXCR3 than those in labor at term regardless of the presence or absence of placental lesions. Conclusion Our findings support a role for maternal anti-fetal rejection in a subset of patients with preterm labor.
Contribution of Day-Night Temperature Fluctuation to Top-Down Cracking in Asphalt Pavement

AbstractTop-down longitudinal cracking in asphalt pavement is one of the serious issues in cold regions, although a recently developed pavement mechanistic-empirical (ME) design guide predicts the ...
Introduction: 2017 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences

This special issue of Interfaces is devoted to the finalists of the 46th annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the profession’s most prestigious award for deployed work. As in previous years, the six finalists this year cover a wide range of industries and functions.
DUALITY FOR ALGEBRAS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the duality of algebras. It presents the proof of a functorial representation theorem for subalgebras of Cartesian powers of bicentral algebras. The construction of duality is up to a point very similar to the duality between algebraic varieties and their coordinate rings. The chapter also discusses some properties of a duality between the category of compact spaces and a category of infinitary algebras.
Reduced serum cholesterol with dietary change using fat-modified and oat bran supplemented diets.

A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and oat bran supplementation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia were studied for their effectiveness in lowering blood lipids and their impact on dietary intake. Seventy-one free-living men and women with hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol greater than 75th percentile) were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: low-fat, low-cholesterol diet (LFLC); low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plus 50 gm/day oat bran (LFLC + OB); 50 gm/day oat bran supplemented diet (OB); or 42.5 gm/day processed oat bran (ready-to-eat cereal containing beta-glucan concentrated from oat bran) (POB). Subjects assigned to regimens OB and POB were requested to add the oat supplement without making additional changes in their diet. Serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol analyses were performed at 4-week intervals, and diet records were assigned and analyzed. All groups experienced significant decreases in cholesterol from original levels (p less than .05). The average decrease in total serum cholesterol varied from 10% to 17%, with no significant differences among the four groups. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased in all groups except group 4, in which there was a slight increase; however, no differences were found between groups. Energy, fat, and cholesterol intakes decreased in all groups, suggesting that displacement of higher fat foods from the diet may be one of the many mechanisms whereby oat supplements lower serum cholesterol. In addition, all groups reduced their intakes of calcium, copper, folic acid, and potassium from marginal levels at the beginning of the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Congenital Tuberculosis: A New Concern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is rare in the United States. Recent immigration patterns to the United States have made the diagnosis of congenital TB an important public health issue. Purpose To explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for congenital TB. The implications for exposed healthcare professionals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting are also explored. Methods/search strategy Relevant articles were accessed via PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Findings/results Until 1994, fewer than 400 cases of confirmed congenital TB had been reported in the literature worldwide. An additional 18 cases were reported from 2001 to 2005. Neonatal providers need to be aware of the potential for congenital TB infection as the immigrant population in the United States continues to increase, many of whom originate from TB endemic countries. Implications for practice The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity. Congenital TB should be ruled out in infants with signs and symptoms of sepsis or pneumonia and in whom broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy does not improve their clinical status. Implications for research The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity; more research is needed regarding best practice in diagnosis. Established protocols are needed to address the healthcare of TB-exposed providers in the NICU.
Higher Score on Preospital Los Angeles Motor Scale Predicts Likelihood of Mechanical Thrombectomy After Acute Ischemic Stroke. (P1.472)

Objective: To study whether the prehsopital Los Angeles Motor Score (LAMS) is significantly associated with having mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Background: The LAMS is a prehospital scale that checks for facial droop, arm drift, and grip strength for a total of 0 to 5 points. With the advent of urgent mechanical intervention for large vessel strokes emerging as the treatment of choice, the identification of such strokes as quickly as possible is important. Design/Methods: Data from all stroke transports to a comprehensive stroke center during the immediate previous 12 month period were abstracted from our IRB approved prehospital research registry. Statistical analyses were performed using JMP 13 Pro for the Macintosh. Results: The cohort had 157 patients, 53% female, median age was 68 with interquartile range 58–79 years. Patients who received mechanical thrombectomy (table 1) were significantly more likely to have a LAMS of 5 (P= 0.0193), and receive tPA (P=0.0002). The LAMS retained statistical significance in a multivariate model that included age, gender, and baseline Rankin score. Conclusions: LAMS score of 5 is a powerful predictor of stroke patients who are likely to have mechanical thrombectomy, underlining its strong correlation to large vessel occlusion. Study Supported by: n/a Disclosure: Dr. Ganti has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Springer- International Journal of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Banerjee has nothing to disclose.
Evaluation of graphic messages to promote human papillomavirus vaccination among young adults: A statewide cross-sectional survey.

Abstract Young adults in the United States 18–26 years of age are eligible for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, yet they rarely attend preventive healthcare visits. In contrast, they have a high prevalence of social media use, which could be leveraged to provide healthcare recommendations. Since graphics attract users, the study's primary objective was to determine the most appealing graphic to promote HPV vaccination to young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Minnesota State Fair. Participants 18–26 years of age completed a 36-item survey including information on demographics, HPV vaccination status, eHealth literacy, and assessed the appeal of 8 Instagram graphic mock-ups promoting HPV vaccination to prevent cancer. The graphics represented 4 categories: 1) infographics; 2) disease photos; 3) young adult cancer patient photos; 4) humorous graphics. A total of 1037 eligible young adults participated in the study. Median age was 22 years. A majority were women (63%), white (82%), educated (79% post-secondary education or greater), or privately insured (85%). Although 61% reported receiving at least one dose of HPV vaccine, only 48% reported receiving all three recommended doses. Participants were slightly more drawn to posts with humorous graphics or infographics than disease or patient photos (pairwise p-values In conclusion, graphic types tested in this study showed only small differences in response, suggesting that factors other than graphic type need to be explored to improve appeal of HPV vaccine promotional messaging.
Review and Update on Evidence-Based Surgical Treatment Recommendations for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the United States. Surgery is considered the gold standard treatment. Techniques include curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, and Mohs micrographic surgery. While each is effective, there are relative advantages and disadvantages with respect to cost, time, quality of life, and role in patients with limited life expectancy. Preventing local tumor recurrence is the primary objective; however, recurrence rates are based on retrospective data, and high-quality comparator studies assessing effectiveness are scarce. Prospective and randomized controlled trials are imperative to create comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of NMSC.
Evaluation of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Among Young Children Receiving Consecutive Versus Nonconsecutive Vaccination During Influenza A(H3N2)-Predominant Seasons

A test-negative case-control analysis of 1478 children aged 6 months to 8 years of age seeking care at an emergency/urgent care setting with influenza like illness during the 2016-17 and 2018-19 (H3N2 predominant) influenza seasons demonstrated that influenza vaccine effectiveness did not vary significantly by the prior seasons' vaccination status. Clinical trials registration NCT02979626.
IntelliPad: Intelligent Soft Robotic Pad for Pressure Injury Prevention

This paper presents the preliminary development of a modular, intelligent soft robotic pad (IntelliPad) for pressure injury prevention. IntelliPad is constructed of multiple individual dome-shaped actuators (domes), which are fabricated from soft silicone rubber and driven by pressurized air and vacuum. We present the mechanical characterization and control of the modular domes. The individual soft domes can achieve both vertical and horizontal motions that are controlled independently. Each individual dome measures the contact interaction forces at the top of the dome using force-sensitive resistor (FSR). In the evaluation study, a small-scale version of the IntelliPad system was tested for its ability to redistribute the applied normal load and shear loads. The simplified mechanical testing experiments simulating skin-pad loading conditions over three adjacent domes demonstrate the system capabilities to redistribute the applied loads. Results demonstrate the applicability of using the IntelliPad system for pressure injury prevention applications.