cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Renal Allograft Loss following Early Antibody-Mediated Rejection

Unlike antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) with clinical features, it remains unclear whether subclinical AMR should be treated, as its effect on allograft loss is unknown. It is also uncertain if AMR’s effect is homogeneous across donor (deceased/live) and (HLA/ABO) antibody types. We compared 219 patients with AMR (77 subclinical, 142 clinical) to controls matched on HLA/ABO-compatibility, donor type, prior transplant, PRA, age, and year. One and 5-year graft survival in subclinical AMR was 95.9% and 75.7%, compared to 96.8% and 88.4% in matched controls (P=0.0097). Subclinical AMR was independently associated with a 2.15-fold increased risk of graft loss (95%CI: 1.19–3.91; P=0.012) compared to matched controls, but not different from clinical AMR (P=0.13). 53.2% of subclinical AMR patients were treated with plasmapheresis within 3 days of their AMR-defining biopsy. Treated subclinical AMR patients had no difference in graft loss compared to matched controls (HR 1.73;95%CI: 0.73–4.05; P=0.21), but untreated subclinical AMR patients did (HR3.34;95%CI: 1.37–8.11; P=0.008). AMR’s effect on graft loss was heterogeneous when stratified by compatible deceased donor (HR=4.73;95%CI:1.57–14.26; P=0.006), HLA-incompatible deceased donor (HR=2.39;95%CI:1.10–5.19; P=0.028), compatible live donor (no AMR patients experienced graft loss), ABO-incompatible live donor (HR=6.13;95%CI:0.55–67.70; P=0.14), and HLA-incompatible live donor (HR=6.29;95%CI:3.81–10.39; P<0.001) transplant. Subclinical AMR substantially increases graft loss, and treatment seems warranted.
Cerebral oximetry monitoring during sinus endoscopy

Objectives/Hypothesis Deliberate hypotension, reverse Trendelenburg position, and hyperventilation are techniques utilized during functional endoscopic sinus surgery to attempt to reduce surgical bleeding. These methods may predispose patients to cerebral ischemia. Cerebral oximetry has not been investigated extensively within otolaryngologic surgery. Our study sought to address the question of whether cerebral oximetry is feasible in the FESS population and evaluate whether the data provided may be useful in the assessment of cerebral perfusion. Study Design Prospective, blinded, observational trial. Methods We designed a prospective, blinded, observational trial of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery using cerebral oximetry monitoring. Collected data included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), cerebral saturation (SctO2), postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results Thirty-one subjects were enrolled into the study. Univariate analyses showed cross-correlation between concurrent EtCO2 values and SctO2 of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.59) and between present EtCO2 and the SctO2 5 minutes later of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.59). MAP was not significantly cross-correlated with SctO2. Patients who had an SctO2 below 60% at any time had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) PACU length of stay of 167 (IQR, 95–386) minutes. Patients whose cerebral saturation did not fall below 60% at any time had a median PACU length of stay of 103 (IQR, 76–155) minutes. This difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .257). The median (IQR) maximum decline in SctO2 for patients with PONV was 11.2% (IQR, 8.2%–13.1%) and for patients without PONV was 7.1% (IQR, 5.1%–9.8%) (P = .126). Conclusions Cerebral oximetry monitoring was feasible during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study demonstrated a cross-correlation between EtCO2 and SctO2, but not MAP and SctO2. A longer PACU length of stay and higher rate of PONV were seen but did not reach statistical significance. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 125:E127–E131, 2015
The presence of a meconium-like substance in second-trimester amniotic fluid

Previous studies of the significance of meconium-stained second-trimester amniotic fluid have relied upon visual assessment of fluid color as the screening procedure followed by spectrophotometric analysis at 405 nm to confirm the presence of "meconium" (incidence of 1% to 3%). This assumes that in the absence of discolored fluid there is no "meconium." In the present study, prospective spectrophotometric analysis was performed on 123 serially obtained amniotic fluid specimens sampled at 15 to 19 weeks' gestation. The presence of an absorbing species peaking near 405 nm was observed in 91% of the samples. This substance is generally not present at term. Its presence does not correlate with pregnancy outcome and is of no prognostic significance. However, it is related to gestational age and placental implantation site. Further analysis supports the hypothesis that our tracings represent a variety of pigments derived from the metabolism of intra-amniotic hemoglobin resulting from the normal physiologic development of early pregnancy.
Seasonal Variations of Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillations: A 20–25-Day Oscillation in the Western Pacific

Abstract Spectral analysis within a movable time window is used to investigate the frequency and intensity of tropical oscillations with intraseasonal time scales. Surface and rawinsonde time series from several locations in the western Pacific and Indian oceans are used. Evidence is provided that the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Indian Ocean region shows a seasonal variation in its preferred period from 50 days during Northern Hemisphere winter to about 35 days during summer, though this evidence is weak and stretches the limits of our ability to define a precise period for the oscillation. In the western tropical Pacific during the September–December season, a pronounced spectral peak with a central frequency between 20 and 25 days is observed. This spectral peak appears to reveal an oscillation that is distinct from the MJO but may also result from coupling between the large-scale motion and latent heat release on much smaller scales. A relationship between the oscillation and the occurrence ...
Response of dairy cows to high doses of a sustained-release bovine somatotropin administered during two lactations. 2. Health and reproduction.

Abstract Eighty-two lactating Holstein cows in their first, second, or third lactation received either one, three, or five concurrent i.m. injections of a unit dose (.6 g) of zinc methionyl bST (sometribove) or five doses of the vehicle. Injections were given at 14-d intervals from 60 ± 3 d postpartum until the end of lactation or necropsy. Thirty-eight animals were continued on treatment for a 2nd yr Sometribove did not affect the incidence of ketosis, milk fever, tetany, or pneumonia. Digestive disorders, primarily cows going off feed, were increased by bST during yr 1 only. The incidence of lameness was increased by bST in some time frames because of an increase in the 3.0-g bST group. Lameness was not associated with treatment-specific histopathologic changes or with abnormalities in cartilage or bone. Reproductive health generally was unaffected by treatment, but delayed conception and increased incidence of abortion were noted, Incidence of cystic ovaries was unaffected by bST. Pregnancy rates were decreased during the 100-d breeding interval of yr 1 but not during the 215-d interval of yr 2. The incidence of clinical mastitis was increased by bST, primarily at the 3.0-g dose. During the 2-yr study, 0, 3, 3, and 2 cows died or became moribund on 0, .6, 1.8, and 3.0 g of bST, respectively. Health issues identified for further evaluation included lameness and clinical mastitis for the 3.0-g group and early removal from the herd and decreased reproductive performance for all bST groups. Bovine somatotropin caused no treatment-specific toxic effects in dairy cows even at 3.0 g every 14 d.
Growth hormone: the effect on skeletal renewal in the adult dog. I. Morphometric studies.

In intact adult dogs of both sexes exogenous growth hormone induced a marked increase in new bone formation. The net effect on resorption could not be defined quantitatively but endosteal resorption was decreased. Intracortical resorption was increased but intracortical porosity rose only slightly. In addition to the decrease in endosteal resorption, there was abundant endosteal new bone formation. This rise in endosteal new bone formation plus the marked stimulus to periosteal new bone formation led to anet increase in skeletal mass. The bone formed was normal histologically and microradiographically. Despite a marked rise in new bone formation, alkaline phosphatase values remained unchanged.
State of the art in high density image matching

Image matching has a history of more than 50 years, with the first experiments performed with analogue procedures for cartographic and mapping purposes. The recent integration of computer vision algorithms and photogrammetric methods is leading to interesting procedures which have increasingly automated the entire image-based 3D modelling process. Image matching is one of the key steps in 3D modelling and mapping. This paper presents a critical review and analysis of four dense image-matching algorithms, available as open-source and commercial software, for the generation of dense point clouds. The eight datasets employed include scenes recorded from terrestrial and aerial blocks, acquired with convergent and normal (parallel axes) images, and with different scales. Geometric analyses are reported in which the point clouds produced with each of the different algorithms are compared with one another and also to ground-truth data.
Microwave preparation of osmium clusters with anticancer activity; rapid syntheses of Os6(CO)18, Os3(CO)10(acetonitrile)2, and Os3(μ-H)(μ-OH)(CO)10

Abstract Microwave-assisted syntheses of the osmium cluster synthons Os 6 (CO) 18 , Os 3 (CO) 10 (NCMe) 2 , and Os 3 (μ-H)(μ-OH)(CO) 10 are reported. Microwave irradiation of Os 3 (CO) 12 in a small amount of 1,2-dichlorobenzene is shown to be a superior method of preparing Os 6 (CO) 18 that produces a relatively high yield in only 35 min of heating instead of many days of pyrolysis. In a simple two-step method requiring less than 1 h, the labile complex Os 3 (CO) 10 (NCMe) 2 is prepared in excellent yield (over 90%). This preparation is accomplished without the need to exclude air from the reaction vessel, and with one-tenth as much solvent and one-half as much trimethylamine- N -oxide as the standard method of synthesis. The cluster Os 3 (μ-H)(μ-OH)(CO) 10 is also conveniently prepared with a small amount of solvent by heating a mixture of Os 3 (CO) 12 , silica gel, toluene and water in a microwave reactor for 2 h.
DESERT STORM SEQUELAE: ARE GULF WAR VETERANS FATHERING AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS?. 472

DESERT STORM SEQUELAE: ARE GULF WAR VETERANS FATHERING AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS?. 472
Crystallization process of polymer-derived ceramic fibers with nano-structure

Abstract The crystallization processes of 2 kinds of Si-Ti-C-O fibers with different C/Si molar ratios of 0.99 and 1.65 were characterized. Both the as-received fibers have a microstructure where β-SiC nanocrystals (3–5 nm) are dispersed over an amorphous matrix, but the fiber with C/Si = 1.65 additionally contains some carbon units (
Clavicular and meningeal alveolar soft part sarcoma: An unusual case and literature review.

Introduction Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) commonly arises in the soft tissue of the lower extremities. Primary bone involvement is rare.
Localization of lipid exchange sites between bulk lung surfactants and surface monolayer: Freeze fracture study

Abstract Air bubbles trapped in calf lung surfactants (CLS) and an extract of CLS (CLSE), as foam, have been used to provide a model air-water interface for study of surfactant structures at the interface. Freeze fracture replicas of the foam from CLS show tubular myelin figures (TMF) attached to the bubble surface. Replicas from samples of CLSE foam show vesicles in the bulk phase attached to bubble surfaces either directly or, more common, through “funnel-like” structures. Such funnel-like structures are also found in CLS foam. Foam from pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, however, does not show any evidence of interaction of bulk-phase lipid with the bubble surfaces. These data have important implications with respect to activity of lung surfactants; we interpret the funnel-like structures as regions at which rapid lipid exchange occurs between the bulk surfactants and surfactant monolayers at the air-water interface.
Setup Reduction in the Economic Production Quantity Model

We present an analysis of setup cost reduction using the economic production quantity model. The objectives of the paper are to draw conclusions by investigating several classes of setup reduction functions and to provide a general solution procedure. We examine the trade-offs between reduced inventories and increased capital investment and show that given any hypothetical setup cost reduction function, we can determine whether the total relevant cost can be reduced and how the reduction is achieved.
Optimizing summary knowledge of results for skill learning

Abstract Summary knowledge of results (KR) consists of presenting KR for each of a set of trials only after the last trial in the set has been completed. In experiment 1, motivated by a guidance hypothesis for KR, we searched for an optimal number of trials to be contained in the summary KR. Using a coincident-timing task with summary lengths of 1, 5, 10, and 15 trials, in a delayed no-KR retention test of learning, we found an inverted-U relationship between summary length in acquisition and retention performance, the 5-trial group being most effective. Experiment 2 did not support the hypothesis that the enhanced retention performance of this group relative to the 1-trial group was due merely to a similarity between acquisition and retention conditions (specificity of learning). Both experiments are discussed in terms of a guidance hypothesis to explain how optimizing KR summaries can enhance learning.
Non-adherence and graft failure in adult liver transplant recipients.

Non-adherence to medical therapy after liver transplantation is confounded by different methods of measurement. (1) To compare the performance of three different methods of measuring non-adherence: (a) biochemical (standard deviation [SD] tacrolimus levels), (b) clinician report, (c) self-report. (2) To identify pre-transplant predictors of post-transplant non-adherence. (3) To evaluate whether SD tacrolimus is an accurate predictor of graft outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, charts of adult recipients of a liver transplant 2003–2009 (sample A, n = 444) were reviewed to determine pre-transplant predictors of non-adherence and clinician report of non-adherence. SD tacrolimus levels were measured between 6 and 18 months post-transplant. A subset of sample A (n = 122) completed a survey on non-adherence. The three methods were compared using linear and logistic regression. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate pre-transplant predictors of non-adherence. In sample B (transplant recipients 1995–2003, n = 544) Cox regression was used to determine the relationship between SD immunosuppressant level and graft failure. Non-adherence was found in 22–62 % of subjects, with the highest rates indicated by self-report. Clinician report of non-adherence was associated with both self-report and SD tacrolimus. On multivariable analysis, unemployment at time of listing and chart evidence of pre-transplant non-adherence were significant predictors of higher SD of tacrolimus. History of substance abuse and pre-transplant chart evidence of non-adherence were also significant independent predictors of post-transplant chart evidence of non-adherence. Drug variability in the immediate post-transplant setting was independently associated with graft failure over time (hazard ratio 1.005 per unit increase in standard deviation, p = 0.04). Non-adherence among liver transplant recipients is a common problem associated with increased risk of graft failure. SD tacrolimus can be used to measure non-adherent behavior and perhaps target patients for behavioral interventions.
Tethering, crumpling, and melting transitions in hexatic membranes

We consider membranes with bending rigidity and internal hexatic orientational order. For crumpled membranes, in the absence of disclinations, the internal metric undergoes a transition between tethered and liquidlike behaviors. However, this "tethering" transition is destroyed upon inclusion of disclinations, coupled to suitable conical deformations of the membrane. Critical properties at "crumpling" and "melting" transitions of high-rigidity membranes are examined. We suggest that, upon inclusion of self-avoiding effects, the behaviors of hexatic and tethered surfaces are very similar.
A 66Gb/s 46mW 3-tap decision-feedback equalizer in 65nm CMOS

Given the continuously climbing data rates of high-speed I/O's, equalizer circuits-and particularly decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) designs-are being pushed to operate at ever-higher speeds. At 20 to 40Gb/s data-rates, loop-unrolled DFEs are widely adopted to relieve the feedback timing constraints of the initial tap(s) [1]. However, loop-unrolling introduces additional delay into the critical paths of later (non-unrolled) DFE taps due to the selection MUXes, and with its exponential growth in complexity, does not scale well as the number of unrolled taps increases. Perhaps due to this challenge, no multi-tap DFE solutions with single pJ/bit efficiencies have yet been demonstrated at data rates >40Gb/s.
Incidental diagnosis of multiple myeloma during the treatment of low back pain − A case report −

A 49-year-old male patient presented at our clinic with back pain due to an insignificant injury that had occurred approximately 7 months earlier. Although the patient had been treated at primary clinics, the pain had gradually become aggravated and characterized by resting and night pain. We initially diagnosed the patient with myofascial pain syndrome and began treatment comprised of trigger point injection (TPI) on the back muscles to control the pain. His symptoms improved after the first treatment (TPI), but he complained of back pain again several days later. At that time he also reported that he had lost 10 kg over the 4 months preceding his initial visit. Plain radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine revealed L1-L5 compression fractures and generalized osteopenia. The patient was then diagnosed with multiple myeloma based on the results of a bone marrow biopsy. This case demonstrates the importance of using comprehensive diagnostic approaches when the patient manifests symptoms that are unresponsive to conventional treatment.
Improved Decomposition Solution to Green and Ampt Equation

Here, the author expands on the results of the paper “Explicit Solution to Green and Ampt Infiltration Equation” by Serrano published in 2001. Specifically, new simple expressions are given for the cumulative infiltration depth and the infiltration rate that include more terms in the decomposition series. These expressions improve the results and overcome the transcription errors in Eqs. (16) and (17) in the paper by Serrano. A criterion for the convergence of the series is given with graphical illustrations of applications. Generally, the decomposition solution is accurate for a wide range of soil and hydrologic parameters. Important errors occur when the rainfall rate is very high relative to the soil hydraulic conductivity (e.g., high rainfall intensity on clayey soils). As time increases, the errors decrease and the decomposition solution is accurate.
The use of Drugs in the Search for a Human Aphrodisiac Experience

This article delineates man's search for sexual pleasure through the aid of drugs and other substances. While myths prevail that drugs create the sexual libertine spirit, scientific evidence indicates that no known drug serves as an aphrodisiac. Alcohol and other drugs may be used in moderate doses to temporarily free sexual desire, lower inhibitions, and reduce anxiety. A drug, however, cannot by itself cause an individual to engage in sexual behavior that would otherwise be abhorrent to him. Excessive use of drugs usually is accompanied by diminished sexual interest and performance. L-Dopa and P.C.P.A. are the latest substances used where there have been claims of human sexual improvement. The reputed causal relationship between drugs and sex, however, appears to be inconsistent and quite secondary to psychological and emotional factors.
Effective field theory of nucleon-nucleon scattering on large discrete lattices

Nuclear effective field theory is applied to the effective-range expansion of S-wave nucleon-nucleon scattering on a discrete lattice. Lattice regularization is demonstrated to yield the effective-range expansion in the same way as in the usual continuous open space. The relation between the effective-range parameters and the potential parameters is presented in the limit of a large lattice.
Target acceleration modeling for tactical missile guidance

For future short-range air-to-air missile concepts, it has been demonstrated that linear optimal guidance laws provide significant performance improvements over proportional navigation guidance laws. This paper addresses the critical problem of estimating the missile-to-target position, velocity, and acceleration (required by the linear optimal guidance law) when only passive (angle only) seeker information is available onboard a highly maneuverable bank-to-turn missile concept. More specifically, the problem is how to model the target acceleration to achieve improved missile performance. Four target acceleration models coupled with an extended Kalman filter are presented and evaluated on a six-degree-of-freedom missile simulation to determine their estimation effectiveness and their influence on missile guidance.
Effect of time‐temperature path of cure on the water absorption of high Tg epoxy resins

The effect of different time—temperature paths of cure on the water absorption of high Tg epoxy resins has been investigated. The resins were cured isothermally for different times, with the following results: as extent of cure increased, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased, the room temperature (RT) modulus decreased, the RT density decreased, the RT diffusion coefficient appeared to decrease, and the RT water absorption increased. The decrease in RT density is related to an increase in free volume, which controls the amount of water absorbed. A qualitative model accounts for the increase in RT free volume with increasing cure. The model is based on a restricted decrease of free volume on cure due to the rigid molecular segments in the cured resin systems. The sorption isotherms can be characterized by the dual mode theory at low activities but at high activities the sorption is complicated by penetrant clustering. A thermodynamic approach, independent of the absorption model, can correlate sorption data at different temperatures. The diglycidyl resin was also cured for extended times at three temperatures, in an effort to achieve full cure at each temperature. For these, the higher the cure temperature, the lower the RT density, which could result from the lower initial density of materials cured at higher temperatures. The equilibrium water absorption increased with increasing cure temperature, consistent with the decrease in RT density. The systems studied were a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A cured with an aromatic tetrafunctional diamine, trimethylene glycol di-p-aminobenzoate (Tg∞ = 156°C), and a triglycidyl ether of tris(hydroxyphenyl)methane cured with the same amine (Tg∞ = 268°C).
The Legacy of Max Weber: A Non‐Metaphysical Politics

Science, said Weber, cannot provide truth (only knowledge) and it cannot validate values (only help to achieve them) since reason, fact, and value are separate and unconnectable realms. In taking this position, Weber sought to remove social science from the metaphysical tradition of the West (in which it is still mired). For Weber, man creates his own meanings in a meaningless universe, a possibly moral creature with neither natural nor supernatural absolutes to guide him. This perspective gave Weber a unique detachment against all views of society, whether Traditional, Marxian, or his own preference, liberal, a detachment which contains unparalleled benefits for the student of contemporary society and its politics.
Relationship between the Big Five personality factors and conflict management styles.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality factors and five styles of handling interpersonal conflict. The Big Five factors are extroversion, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism, and the five conflict styles are integrating, obliging, dominating, avoiding, and compromising. A total of 351 students completed questionnaires. As a check on generalizing the results beyond students, 110 managers also completed the same surveys. The main results indicate that extroversion, conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness have a positive relationship with integrating style. Extroversion has a positive relationship with dominating, while agreeableness and neuroticism have negative relationships with dominating. Extroversion, openness, and conscientiousness have a negative relationship with avoiding, while agreeableness and neuroticism have a positive relationship with avoiding. Implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Quantitative trait loci and gene interaction: the quantitative genetics of metapopulations.

Genetic population differentiation is typically viewed as differentiation of population means. However, several theories of evolution and speciation postulate that populations differentiate not only with respect to the population means, but also with respect to the effects of alleles within these populations. I develop herein a measure of population differentiation for the ‘local average effects’ of alleles, where local average effect is defined as the average effect of an allele in a deme measured as a deviation from the metapopulation mean. The differentiation for local average effects has two components, a component attributable to the population mean and a residual component that is attributable to changes in the local average effects independent of the population mean. The variance in local average effects attributable to the population mean is measured as the variance in the mean local average effect of all alleles. The variance in the residual local average effects is measured as the difference between the variance local average effects of individual alleles and the variance in the mean local average effects of all alleles. Differentiation for population means and differentiation for residual local average effects need not be related. I show that when there is only additive gene action, populations can differentiate for population means, but not for residual local average effects. However, if there is gene interaction then populations can also differentiate for local average effects of alleles. The consequence of this differentiation is that the local average effects of alleles change relative to each other such that an allele that is favoured by selection in one population may be removed by selection in other populations. I discuss the evolutionary consequences of differentiation for local average effects, and the interpretation of QTL data in light of this model.
JUSTO SIERRA: A STUDY IN THE VALUE OF A TEACHER

Author's summary.— Justo Sierra, one of the earliest of cosmopolitan spirits in the field of Spanish-American letters was the “maestro y gufa” of practically all of the “modernista” poets of Mexico and such was his personality and his influence that he not only improved the literary trend of a nation but also brought about social and economic advancement.
Illness categories and action strategies in a Tarascan town

A set of Mexican folk illness terms is examined using cluster analysis. The distinctions that best explain the resulting illness categories are found to be also among the most important considerations involved in the formulation of strategies for preventing and alleviating illness. The “hot-cold” distinction is found to be less important than has been assumed in accounting for the classification.
Care of the adult with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction Although many children with inflammatory arthritis enter long-term remission before entering adulthood, a substantial proportion exhibit persistent disease and require ongoing rheumatologic care beyond the pediatric years. These patients have medical needs that differ, occasionally substantially, from those of patients with adult-onset rheumatic diseases. This review will summarize outcomes data in juvenile-onset arthritis and discuss the medical management of these patients as adults, including the transition from pediatric to adult care.
The current and future capabilities of MCP based UV detectors

At the heart of future space-based astronomical UV instruments will be a sensitive UV detector. Though there has been a death of new UV mission opportunities, detector development has continued. Improvements have been made in spatial resolution, dynamic range, detector size, quantum efficiency and background. At the same time the power and mass required to achieve these goals have decreased. We review the current capabilities of microchannel plate based detectors at Berkeley, both in the laboratory and aboard current on-orbit spacecraft. We also discuss what can be expected from the next generation of UV detectors over the next decade.
Land-use effects on organic matter and physical properties of soil in a southern Mediterranean highland of Turkey

Abstract Forest and grassland soils in highlands of southern Mediterranean Turkey are being seriously degraded and destructed due to extensive agricultural activities. This study investigated the effects of changes in land-use type on some soil properties in a Mediterranean plateau. Three adjacent land-use types included the cultivated lands, which have been converted from pastures for 12 years, fragmented forests, and unaltered pastures lands. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from four sites at each of the three different land-use types from depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm in Typic Haploxeroll soils with an elevation of about 1400 m. When the pasture was converted into cultivation, soil organic matter (SOM) pool of cultivated lands for a depth of 0–20 cm were significantly reduced by, on average 49% relative to SOM content of the pasture lands. There was no significant difference in SOM between the depths in each land-use type, and SOM values of the forest and pasture lands were almost similar. There was also a significant change in soil bulk density (BD) among cultivation (1.33 Mg m−3), pasture (1.19 Mg m−3), and forest (1.25 Mg m−3) soils at depth of 0–20 cm. Only for the pasture, BD of the depth of 0–10 cm was significantly different from that of 10–20 cm. Depending upon the increases in BD and disruption of pores by cultivation, total porosity decreased accordingly. Cultivation of the unaltered pasture obviously increased the soil erodibility measured by USLE-K factor for each soil depth, and USLE-K factor was approximately two times greater in the cultivated land than in the pasture indicating the vulnerability of the cultivated land to water erosion. The mean weight diameter (MWD) and water-stable aggregation (WSA) were greater in the pasture and forest soils compared to the cultivated soils, and didn’t change with the depth for each land-use type. Aggregates of >4.0 mm size were dominant in the pasture and forest soils, whereas the cultivated soils comprised aggregates of the size ≤0.5 mm. I found that samples collected from cultivated land gave the lowest saturated hydraulic conductivity values regardless of soil depths, whereas the highest values were measured on samples from forest soils. In conclusion, the results showed that the cultivation of the pastures degraded the soil physical properties, leaving soils more susceptible to the erosion. This suggests that land disturbances should be strictly avoided in the pastures with the limited soil depth in the southern Mediterranean highlands.
Occult serious bacterial infection in infants younger than 60 to 90 days with bronchiolitis: a systematic review.

Objective To summarize the risk of occult serious bacterial infection in the youngest febrile infants presenting with either clinical bronchiolitis or respiratory syncytial virus infection. Data Sources We performed a systematic search of the Medline database for studies reporting rates of serious bacterial infection in infants younger than 90 days with clinical bronchiolitis and/or respiratory syncytial virus infection. Study Selection Studies reporting on cultures performed at the time of presentation to care and providing a denominator, ie, total number of each type of culture obtained, were analyzed. Main Exposure Admission for bronchiolitis. Main Outcome Measures Age-specific rates of urinary tract infection, bacteremia, and meningitis were extracted. Results The weighted rate of urinary tract infections in the youngest infants in the 11 studies analyzed was 3.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.9%-5.7%). No case of bacteremia was reported in 8 of 11 studies. No case of meningitis was reported in any of the studies. Summary statistics for meningitis and bacteremia are not provided because of an excess of zero events in these samples. Conclusions A screening approach to culturing for serious bacterial infections in febrile infants presenting with bronchiolitis or respiratory syncytial virus infection is very low yield. The rate of urine cultures positive for bacteria remains significant, though asymptomatic bacteriuria may confound these results.
Psychological Well-Being Among Three Successive Cohorts of Older American Women Who Live Alone

ABSTRACT This study uses a national probability sample to construct a profile of women in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s who are living alone and to compare correlates of psychological well-being for each age group. Measures include: (1) sociodemographics; (2) health and functioning; (3) social and psychological stressors; and (4) informal and formal supports. Results show that, overall, older women have high levels of psychological well-being. Health problems were common correlates for all three age groups, but other within-group predictors varied. Living alone was inversely related to well-being only for women in their 70s.
The Failure of a Socially Responsive Gold Mining MNC in El Salvador: Ramifications of NGO Mistrust

In July 2008, Pacific Rim Mining, a socially responsive Canadian gold mining Multinational Corporation (MNC) with $77 million invested in El Salvador, experienced a 30% decline in stock price when it suspended exploration drilling for gold there. In April 2009, the company filed a lawsuit against the government of El Salvador through Central American Free Trade Agreement to recover its investments plus damages. This corporate failure is explored based on: (1) four globalization economic development models, (2) the social, political, and economic history of El Salvador, (3) the El Salvador gold mining industry, and (4) social movement reactions to international mining companies. MNCs must carefully engage “Social Justice” Nongovernment Organizations when pursuing economic development projects to ensure a nation’s successful integration into the global economy.
Evaluation of Inhaled Dornase Alfa Administration in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center:

Purpose:The use of dornase alfa in a non-cystic fibrosis population has been proposed to help improve atelectasis and secretions. Data evaluating dornase alfa in a non-cystic fibrosis population ar...
Pro-inflammatory Secretory Phospholipase A2 Type IIA Binds to Integrins αvβ3 and α4β1 and Induces Proliferation of Monocytic Cells in an Integrin-dependent Manner

Secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Catalytic activity of this enzyme that generates arachidonic acid is a major target for development of anti-inflammatory agents. Independent of its catalytic activity, sPLA2-IIA induces pro-inflammatory signals in a receptor-mediated mechanism (e.g. through the M-type receptor). However, the M-type receptor is species-specific: sPLA2-IIA binds to the M-type receptor in rodents and rabbits, but not in human. Thus sPLA2-IIA receptors in human have not been established. Here we demonstrated that sPLA2-IIA bound to integrin αvβ3 at a high affinity (KD = 2 × 10-7 m). We identified amino acid residues in sPLA2-IIA (Arg-74 and Arg-100) that are critical for integrin binding using docking simulation and mutagenesis. The integrin-binding site did not include the catalytic center or the M-type receptor-binding site. sPLA2-IIA also bound to α4β1. We showed that sPLA2-IIA competed with VCAM-1 for binding to α4β1, and bound to a site close to those for VCAM-1 and CS-1 in the α4 subunit. Wild type and the catalytically inactive H47Q mutant of sPLA2-IIA induced cell proliferation and ERK1/2 activation in monocytic cells, but the integrin binding-defective R74E/R100E mutant did not. This indicates that integrin binding is required, but catalytic activity is not required, for sPLA2-IIA-induced proliferative signaling. These results suggest that integrins αvβ3 and α4β1 may serve as receptors for sPLA2-IIA and mediate pro-inflammatory action of sPLA2-IIA, and that integrin-sPLA2-IIA interaction is a novel therapeutic target.
Trace-element geochemistry of individual glass shards of the Old Crow tephra and the age of the Delta glaciation, central Alaska

Two widespread tephra deposits constrain the age of the Delta Glaciation in central Alaska. The Old Crow tephra (ca. 140,000 ± 10,000 yr), identified by electron microprobe and ion microprobe analyses of individual glass shards, overlies an outwash terrace coeval with the Delta glaciation. The Sheep Creek tephra (ca. 190,000 yr) is reworked in alluvium of Delta age. The upper and lower limiting tephra dates indicate that the Delta glaciation occurred during marine oxygen isotope stage 6. We hypothesize that glaciers in the Delta River Valley reached their maximum Pleistocene extent during this cold interval because of significant mid-Pleistocene tectonic uplift of the east-central Alaska Range.
NEUROENDOCRINE REGULATION OF FOOD INTAKE

Seeley RJ, Schwartz MW. Neuroendocrine regulation of food intake. Acta Paediatr 1999; Suppl 428: 58–61. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5326 Maintenance of appropriate stores of metabolic fuels depends on carefully matching caloric intake to caloric expenditure. Achieving such‘energy balance’is a product of complex interactions of peripheral hormones with effector systems in the central nervous system (CNS) that regulate food intake and energy expenditure. Leptin is a hormone that is made in the adipocytes, circulates in the blood and interacts with receptors in the CNS. These receptors can be found in two different types of systems. One effector system is termed‘anabolic’and is activated by low levels of leptin during negative energy balance. This system (exemplified by the hypothalamic neuropeptide Y system) increases food intake and decreases energy expenditure to facilitate the regaining of lost energy stores. The other effector system is termed‘catabolic’and is activated by high levels of leptin during positive energy balance. This system (exemplified by the hypothalamic melanocortin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone systems) decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure to facilitate the loss of excess energy stores. Further understanding of these systems is necessary to develop adequate treatments for disorders of energy balance, such as obesity and wasting. □Corticotrophin-releasing hormone, energy balance, food intake, leptin, melanocortin, neuropeptide Y
Weakly dissipative predator-prey systems

In the presence of seasonal forcing, predator-prey models with quadratic interaction terms and weak dissipation can exhibit infinite numbers of coexisting periodic attractors corresponding to cycles of different magnitude and frequency. These motions are best understood with reference to the conservative case, for which the degree of dissipation is, by definition, zero. Here one observes the familiar mix of “regular” (neutrally stable orbits and tori) and chaotic motion typical of non-integrable Hamiltonian systems. Perturbing away from the conservative limit, the chaos becomes transitory. In addition, the invariant tori are destroyed and the neutrally stable periodic orbits becomes stable limit cycles, the basins of attraction of which are intertwined in a complicated fashion. As a result, stochastic perturbations can bounce the system from one basin to another with consequent changes in system behavior. Biologically, weak dissipation corresponds to the case in which predators are able to regulate the density of their prey well below carrying capacity.
Structural evaluation of slow desorbing sites in model and natural solids using temperature stepped desorption profiles. 1. Model development

In the first of this two-paper series, a new model is presented that simulates the effects of a temperature perturbation on the rate of slow desorption as a function of mass remaining. The model assumes slow desorption is controlled by one-dimensional diffusion from a single or many hydrophobic micropores and that the micropores of a geosorbent are defined by a γ distribution of diffusion rate constants. Simulation results indicate that during slow desorption the relative increase in flux upon heating increases with decreasing micropore width. Simulation results also indicate that the relative increase in flux upon heating increases with desorption time when diffusion occurs from successively smaller width micropores with decreasing mass remaining. In paper 2, the model is tested and used to examine micropore geometry in natural and model solids by simulating results from temperature stepped desorption (TSD) experiments.
Automated After Action Review: State-of-the-Art Review and Trends:

Military training relies upon the after-action review (AAR) to provide feedback and instruction to the trainee. After-action review can refer to any number of activities including verbal feedback, review of audio and video recording, and playback of the training session. Training can be directed at an individual or group of individuals. The effectiveness of the review is dependent upon timely and accurate expert assessment. Traditionally, this assessment is made by a human expert; however, the need for this type of expertise far exceeds its availability. Modern intelligent computer systems cannot completely replace human expertise, but there are certainly places where an intelligent system can aid and add to the after-action review process. This paper examines the current state of the research and development in this area. In addition, some recent research in intelligent systems is reviewed for the possibility of use in the automation of military AAR.
Protective effects of niacinamide in staphylococcal enterotoxin-B-induced toxicity

Abstract Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) interact with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II cell-surface receptors, eliciting signal transduction in antigen-presenting cells (APC). Subsequent toxin-class II complex interaction with specific T-cell receptors induces T-cell activation. We investigated the effect of niacinamide and interleukin (IL)-10 on SEB-induced responses. In a macrophage cell line, niacinamide (ED50 − 2 mM) and IL-10 (ED50 − 7 U/ml) inhibited interferon (IFN)-γ-induced MHC class II expression in a dose-dependent manner. Also, niacinamide was a potent inhibitor of T-cell proliferation induced by SEB (ED50 − 1 mM) while IL-10 had minimal effects. In mice, the temporal responses of IL-1α, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ evoked by SEB were synergistically potentiated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lethality occurred only when SEB was potentiated by LPS. Niacinamide or IL-10 improved survival of mice after lethal SEB challenge. Niacinamide reduced cytokine serum levels, although the pattern differed from that of IL-10. Niacinamide primarily reduced IL-2 and IFN-7, while IL-10 predominantly reduced IL-1α and TNF-α. The immunomodulatory effects of niacinamide observed on SEB-induced activation of APC and T-cells in vitro and in the LPS potentiated murine model for SEB-induced toxicity suggest it may have therapeutic value.
Degradation Product Analysis for Polymeric Dielectric Materials Exposed to Partial Discharges

Partial discharge phenomena appear to play an important role in insulation failure, and thus the analysis of products resulting from such degradation may lead to an understanding of insulation breakdown mechanisms and more accurate determination of insulation lifetimes. Progress in the area of degradation product analysis is reviewed for solid and liquid insulating materials.
Remote and Virtual Instrumentation Platform for Distance Learning

This journal presents distance learning using the National Instruments ELVIS II and how Multisim can be combined with ELVIS II for distance learning. National Instrumentâ??s ELVIS II is a new version that can easily be used for e-learning. It features 12 of the commonly used instruments in engineering and science laboratories, including an oscilloscope, a function generator, a variable power supply, and an isolated digital multi-meter in a low-cost and easy-to-use platform and completes integration with Multisim software for SPICE simulation, which simplifies the teaching of circuit design. As NI ELVIS II is based on LabView, designers can easily customize the 12 instruments or can create their own using the provided source code for the instruments.
Longevity Like, Metal and Stone: the Role of the Mirror in Han Burials

When debating the significance of jade objects unearthed in early Chinese burials, most scholars look beyond the object's shape to also probe the ritual meaning of its medium the jade itself. The classics have invested jade with many virtues such as 'smoothness like benevolence' and 'durability like intelligence',l and when archaeology yields jade suits, jade disks or jade tubes, scholars rightly take this physical material into account. Yet while there exist many theories as to the presence of mirrors in Han burials, to my knowledge none regards the significance of the mirror's metallic medium. Like jade, metal was a benchmark of longevity, the trait most desired in considerations of the afterlife. At least as early as the Ming Dynasty, scholars have regarded the number of mirrors recovered from early tombs as noteworthy. The scholar Xie Zhaozhe -SXjUlJ (fl. 1592-1607) in his Wu zazu :wAS considered their great number unusual:
On the shear and bending of a degrading polymer beam

In this paper we develop a model, within a general framework that has been developed to describe the response of dissipative systems, for the strain induced degradation of polymeric solids, due to scission. The theory can be generalized to include degradation due to ultraviolet radiation, oxygen diffusion etc., by incorporating an appropriate form for the rate of dissipation associated with these processes. We study the simple shear and pure bending of such degrading polymer beams.
Nanorice and Nanospears from Polymer Nanospheres

They found that rice-shaped nanoparticles made of gold and iron oxide are themost sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) nanosensorsyet devised. They hope to get a clearer picture of proteins andunmapped features on the surfaces of cells by attaching themto scanning probe microscopes.Although there are tremendous potential advantages ofusing anisotropic nanoparticles like nanorice instead of con-ventional spherical nanoparticles, the development of control-ling such shape on the nanoscale is in its early stages. Somecontrolled growth of the end shape of nanorods with specificequipment at specific conditions has been reported for inor-ganic or metallic nanoparticles.