cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Upper Chamber of a Bicameral National Legislature

Although this book deals primarily with unicameral national legislatures and the lower chamber of bicameral legislatures, it would be inappropriate to entirely ignore the upper chamber of bicameral legislatures. At least 48 nations have bicameral national legislatures in which the members of the upper chamber are appointed, including those in which these members are “indirectly elected” by state, provincial, or other local legislative bodies. Another 28 nations have bicameral national legislatures in which at least some in the upper chamber are directly elected. At least 128 have unicameral national legislatures. Appendix B provides a list of nations with bicameral and unicameral national legislatures. In most of the nations with bicameral legislatures, only the members of the “lower chamber” are directly elected.
Assessing the fatigue crack growth behavior of highly sensitized AA5456-H116 under cathodic polarization

Abstract Fatigue crack growth experiments were conducted on highly sensitized AA5456-H116 in laboratory air and 0.6 M NaCl at two applied potentials (−900 mVSCE and −1300 mVSCE; vs. saturated calomel electrode) using frequencies of 5 and 0.1 Hz. At 5 Hz, the fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) was similar between −900 mVSCE and −1300 mVSCE (~1.5 × 10−4 mm/cycle), which were both approximately 10-fold faster than the da/dN measured in laboratory air. However, significant differences in da/dN were observed between −900 and −1300 mVSCE for testing at 0.1 Hz. Specifically, while a nominally similar da/dN to the 5 Hz data was observed for −900 mVSCE, a 1000-fold decrease in da/dN was noted for −1300 mVSCE at 0.1 Hz. Microscopy of the crack tip region on interrupted fatigue experiments conducted at −1300 mVSCE revealed significant blunting of the crack tip at 0.1 Hz, while the crack tip cycled at 5 Hz remained sharp. A stepped potential experiment demonstrated that the measured da/dN at −1100 mVSCE decreased by multiple orders of magnitude when this potential was approached from the cathodic versus the anodic direction. Collectively, these data suggest a salient role of corrosion-induced blunting on the measured da/dN for highly sensitized AA5xxx-series alloys immersed in marine environments at highly cathodic potentials and low loading frequency.
Spatial and temporal variation in sedimentary phosphorus species in Lake Champlain (Vermont, New York, Québec)

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that the analysis of operationally defined sedimentary phosphorus species gives a finer resolution of historical land-use changes in lake watersheds than does total phosphorus alone. We measured loosely sorbed/interstitial, reductant soluble, aluminum-bound, apatite, organic and total phosphorus in eleven cores taken from heterogeneous regions of Lake Champlain using sequential extraction. During the pre-settlement period (before 1770 C.E.) concentrations of all P species were low, stable, and dominated by apatite P. With the exception of apatite P, sediment concentrations of all P species increased from pre-settlement times to the present. When accumulation rates were examined, the three P species least susceptible to post-depositional migration (apatite, aluminum-bound, and organic P) were unaffected by deforestation and the development of small, family-scale farms in the 19th century. Increases in accumulation rates were only detected in the early 20th century coincident with afforestation of the watershed as marginal farms were abandoned. By mid-20th century, the accumulation rate of apatite P decreased in all but the lake regions most affected by the industrialization of agriculture and urban development. Aluminum-bound and organic P rates continued to increase in all regions.
IL-10 based immunomodulation initiated at birth extends lifespan in a familial mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Inflammatory signaling is thought to modulate the neurodegenerative cascade in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously shown that expression of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a classical anti-inflammatory cytokine, extends lifespan in the SOD1-G93A mouse model of familial ALS. Here we test whether co-expression of the decoy chemokine receptor M3, that can scavenge inflammatory chemokines, augments the efficacy of IL-10. We found that recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of IL-10, alone, or in combination with M3, resulted in modest extension of lifespan relative to control SOD1-G93A cohort. Interestingly neither AAV-M3 alone nor AAV-IL-10 + AAV-M3 extend survival beyond that of the AAV-IL-10 alone cohort. Focused transcriptomic analysis revealed induction of innate immunity and phagocytotic pathways in presymptomatic SOD1-G93A mice expressing IL-10 + M3 or IL-10 alone. Further, while IL-10 expression increased microglial burden, the IL-10 + M3 group showed lower microglial burden, suggesting that M3 can successfully lower microgliosis before disease onset. Our data demonstrates that over-expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine and a decoy chemokine receptor can modulate inflammatory processes in SOD1-G93A mice, modestly delaying the age to paralysis. This suggests that multiple inflammatory pathways can be targeted simultaneously in neurodegenerative disease and supports consideration of adapting these approaches to treatment of ALS and related disorders.
We Will Win the Day: The Civil Rights Movement, the Black Athlete, and the Quest for Equality

With We Will Win the Day, Louis Moore, associate professor of history at Grand Valley State University, has delivered an excellent and timely synthesis of the experiences and activism of black athl...
Introducing the critical aging point (CAP) of asphalt based on its restoration capacity

Abstract This study introduces a critical aging point (CAP) for asphalt binder beyond which rejuvenation of aged asphalt binder is not effective. To do so, we determined the effect of aging on the restoration capacity of asphalt binder via both computational modeling and laboratory experiments. Evaluation was done based on the extent of change in the thermo-mechanical properties of asphalt binder as it goes through the processes of aging and rejuvenation. Our molecular-level analysis showed that as aging progressed, the binding energy of asphaltene monomers increased, leading to an increase in the size of asphaltene nanoaggregates. The latter increase in intermolecular interactions was supported by our laboratory experiments showing an increase in shear thinning as aging progressed. It was also found that aging continuously increased the crossover modulus, Glover-Rowe parameter, stiffness, and critical cracking temperature; aging continuously decreased the stress relaxation capacity, healing index, and thermal conductivity. The rate of change in binder properties was high at the beginning of aging and slowed down as aging progressed. Initially, oxidation mechanism dominates, however in latter stages aromatization and carbonation dominate. The rejuvenator effectively restored aged asphalt; however, the rejuvenator's efficacy diminished as aging progressed, to a point that it had only a marginal effect on asphalt binder aged beyond 80 h (equivalent to 2nd or 3rd generation RAP depending on pavement location and sun intensity). This is especially critical since with the increasing use of RAP in new pavements, road authorities soon will be dealing with second, third, fourth, and older generations of RAP. The study outcomes further highlight the importance of accounting for the age of as received RAP; for instance, RAP in states with high temperature and high sun intensity are aged more than RAP in milder climates. The results emphasize that adjusting the age of the RAP using a rejuvenator before each recycling stage is critical to avoid reaching and passing the CAP beyond which rejuvenation is not effective. Such adjustment also allows for implementation of a uniform RAP application guideline regardless of the location and source of the RAP.
Sovereignty, wealth, culture, and technology : mainland China and Taiwan grapple with the parameters of "nation state" in the 21st century

This paper introduces the historical background of the present confrontations and negotiations between Taiwan and the mainland in terms of Formosa?s ("the beautiful island" in Portuguese) convoluted relations with the Portugal and Holland, survivors of the Ming dynasty, the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Japan, and the United States. The foreign interests who have had control of Taiwan make its sovereignty more complex. A consideration of the relationship of the Nationalist Republic of China and the Communist People?s Republic of China is also included. The debate on culture, economics and political control between their two political entities is informed past events, and a concern for the present legitimacy of both entities. Moreover, the challenges of globalization further complicate the picture in that the odd convergence of economic and cultural convergence with political tensions may be representative of the conflicts we will encounter in this century. The paper considers the economic, cultural, and technological ties that continue to bind Taiwan and the mainland despite serious differences and closes with a short consideration of possibilities for a long-term peaceful solution.
Association of loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits with food insecurity and dietary intake of adults and children.

Background Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) disenrollment among income-eligible households could limit their ability to access food. Objectives To assess the association of loss of SNAP benefits on food security status and dietary intake of household members, using 2011-2016 NHANES data. Methods SNAP participation status among those with a household income ≤130% of the federal poverty level was categorized as 1) current participants, 2) former participants with benefits cut off in the past year, and 3) former participants with benefits cut off for more than a year. Logistic regression examined associations of SNAP participation status with odds of household (n = 7387), adult (n = 7387), and child (n = 5898) food security. Linear regression examined associations of participation status with Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) total and component scores in adults (n = 2784) and children/adolescents (n = 2553). Results Former SNAP participants with benefits cut off in the past year had greater odds of severe household (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.25, 3.78) and adult (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.24, 3.54) food insecurity compared with current participants. Benefit cutoff in the past year was significantly related to low child food security (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.11) and lower child/adolescent greens and beans score (estimate: -0.40; SE: 0.18). Loss of benefits for more than a year was significantly associated with increased marginal child food security odds (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.47), lower adult dairy score (estimate: -0.63; SE: 0.24), and lower child/adolescent greens and beans (estimate: -0.34; SE: 0.16), whole grains (estimate: -0.50; SE: 0.21), and dairy scores (estimate: -0.93; SE: 0.29). Conclusions This study suggests that loss of benefits may increase household food insecurity. Although child/adolescent intakes of certain HEI-2015 adequacy components were lower among former SNAP participants, overall diet quality score did not differ. Findings collectively imply the need for policies that protect households from the adverse effects of benefits loss.
Revisiting Ho-Kalman based system identification: robustness and finite-sample analysis

We consider the problem of learning a realization for a linear time-invariant (LTI) dynamical system from input/output data. Given a single input/output trajectory, we provide finite time analysis for learning the system's Markov parameters, from which a balanced realization is estimated using the classical Ho-Kalman algorithm. By proving a robustness result for the Ho-Kalman algorithm and combining it with the sample complexity results for Markov parameters, we show how much data is needed to approximate the balanced realization of the system up to a desired accuracy with high probability.
Proximity-dependent biotinylation to elucidate the interactome of TNK2 non-receptor tyrosine kinase

Non-receptor tyrosine kinases represent an important class of signaling molecules which are involved in driving diverse cellular pathways. Although, the large majority have been well-studied in terms of their protein-binding partners, the interactomes of some of the key non-receptor tyrosine kinases such as TNK2 (also known as activated Cdc42-associated kinase 1 or ACK1) have not been systematically investigated. Aberrant expression and hyperphosphorylation of TNK2 has been implicated in a number of cancers. However, the exact proteins and cellular events that mediate phenotypic changes downstream of TNK2 are unclear. Biological systems that employ proximity-dependent biotinylation methods, such as BioID, are being increasingly used to map protein-protein interactions as they provide increased sensitivity in discovering interaction partners. In this study, we employed BioID coupled to the biotinylation site identification technology (BioSITe) method that we recently developed to perform molecular mapping of intracellular proteins associated with TNK2. We also employed stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to quantitatively explore the interactome of TNK2. By performing a controlled comparative analysis between full-length TNK2 and its truncated counterpart, we were not only able to confidently identify site-level biotinylation of previously well-established TNK2 binders and substrates such as NCK1, NCK2, CTTN, STAT3, but also discover several novel TNK2 interacting partners. We validated TNK2 interaction with one of the novel TNK2 interacting protein, clathrin interactor 1 (CLINT1), using immunoblot analysis. Overall, this work reveals the power of the BioSITe method coupled to BioID and highlights several molecules that warrant further exploration to assess their functional significance in TNK2-mediated signaling.
Difference in color of hematuria in the nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis.

Eleven grossly bloody urines were obtained from seven children with nephrosis; the color was bright red in nine and red with a brownish tinge in two. The supernate was yellow in 10 of the urines and slightly brownish in one. The sedimentation rate of the urinary sediment was slow. Seventy to ninety-six per cent of the erythrocytes were well preserved, with an average of 84%. Thirty bloody urines were obtained from 24 children with acute nephritis and two with chronic nephritis; the color of 21 specimens was brown and of 4 was red. The supernate was brownish in 18 and yellow in 11. The sediment settled readily. The number of well preserved erythrocytes varied from less than 10% to 80%, with an average of 46%. The conversion of hemoglobin from a red to a brownish pigment takes place in any acid urine whether obtained from a normal subject or from one with nephritis or nephrosis. The difference in color of hematuria of the nephritic and nephrotic subject lies in different rates of erythrocyte destruction, probably indicating differences in the intraglomerular lesions leading to hematuria in nephritis and in the nephrotic syndrome. A practical implication of the described difference between the hematuria in nephritis and nephrosis is that a bright red urine suggests the nephrotic syndrome as an underlying disease, whereas a brown color points toward a nephritic renal disorder.
Accelerated Spatially Encoded Spectroscopy of Arbitrarily Shaped Compartments Using Prior Knowledge and Linear Algebraic Modeling

Low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and long scan times are endemic in spatially localized spectroscopy. While chemical shift imaging (CSI) offers the best SNR efficiency, the minimum scan time is set by the need to acquire a full set of phase-encoding gradients steps (PEs), even if an average spectrum from a multi-voxel compartment would suffice. Moreover, adding voxels to create a compartment-average spectrum post-acquisition sacrifices SNR compared to directly acquiring the spectrum from a correctly sized compartment. Spectroscopy with linear algebraic modeling (SLAM) is a relatively new approach to localization that directly encodes spectra in C arbitrarily prescribed compartments that are segmented from accompanying scout images. SLAM uses a tiny subset (≥C) of the CSI PEs selected from central k-space plus prior knowledge of the compartments, to maximize SNR/volume and greatly reduce scan times. Spectra representing compartment averages are reconstructed by solving a set of C linear simultaneous equations that eliminate unneeded PEs from the standard CSI algorithm. SLAM is further optimized for SNR and compartmental bleed errors, by permitting fractional- instead of integer-stepped gradients. SLAM is amenable to spatial and temporal inhomogeneity corrections, as used routinely in CSI. Combining SLAM with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) techniques from parallel MRI permits replacement of even more of the already-reduced SENSE encoding PEs, for even faster acquisitions. Adoption of the technique in initial cardiac 31P and brain 1H patient studies has demonstrated effective acceleration factors of 4- to 120-fold, SNR efficiency gains of several-fold, and accurate metabolite quantification with respect to reference CSI scans. Keywords: spectroscopy; localization; chemical shift imaging; SLAM; human studies; reconstruction techniques; pulse sequences
Method and the Virtual: Anecdote, Analogy, Culture

The question of what counts as culture in the spaces of virtual worlds has emerged as a compelling topic for research, and will likely remain so into the foreseeable future. This is a question not just of theory, but of method. In this formative period for an emerging research community on culture in virtual worlds, it is thus crucial to foster a wide range of approaches, and to challenge forms of methodological partisanship that assert the superiority of any one approach.
Coronary artery surgery.

CIRURGIA DAS CORONARIAS Nenhum campo da cirurgia cresceu tao rapidamente como o da revascularizacao coronaria directa. De facto, desde a introducao da portagem aorto-coronaria por Favaloro e Johnson, este processo foi adoptado nos E.U.A. e o numero destas operacoes tem aumentado anualmente. Pensa-se que, no ultimo ano, foram feitas cerca de 80000 revascularizacoes e parece que este numero vai aumentar no presente ano. As razoes deste aumento sao varias mas, acima de tudo, parece estar ligado a procura por parte da populacao. Contudo, os resultados estao directamente ligados a experiencia dos grupos cirurgicos e a mortalidade, dependendo deste factor varia entre 1% e 16% conforme o trabalho da «Veterans Administration». Semelhante variacao e relatada na Gra-Bretanha. E dificil obterem-se bons resultados comparativos acerca da eficiencia das portagens coronarias. Tem sido dito que a idade e um factor limitante mas, segundo o autor, a idade cronologica e irrelevante. O que e importante e a idade mental e fisiologica como se demonstra pelo facto de se terem operado doentes entre os 19 e os 87 anos de idade. A seleccao de doentes candidatos a cinecoronariografia devera seguir as regras seguintes: 1) angina cronica incapacitante, 2) angina instavel, 3) angina de inicio recente, 4) enfarte subendocardio, 5) enfarte de miocardio em doentes com menos de 45 anos de idade, 6) prova de esforco positiva em doentes assintomaticos, 7) prova de esforco fortemente positiva, 8) angina refractaria ao tratamento medico, 9) doentes valvulares com angina, 10) enfartes complicados. Na Mayo Clinic estas indicacoes representam cerca de 2000 cineangicos por ano. Porem, neste grupo de doentes so 35% tem indicacao cirurgica. Dos restantes, cerca de 10% tem angiogramas normais e outros 10% tem doenca extensa ou insuficiencia ventricular esquerda e nao sao candidatos a cirurgia. Cerca de 10% 15% sao estudados porque tem outras indicacoes para cirurgia do coracao aberto. Os doentes restantes tem lesoes em que o tratamento medico e preferido ou entao os que se apresentam para follow-up . Tao importante como a seleccao dos doentes e o tratamento pre e pre-operatorio (beta bloqueantes, sedacao, anestesia, monitorizacao, cardioplagia, prevencao da agregacao plaqueta ria). Os varios resultados cirurgicos podem ser considerados em quatro grupos: 1) erro tecnico, 2) mas arterias coronarias com deficiente rum-off , 3) doenca aterosclerotica, 4) obstrucao da portagem. A continuacao dos estudos comparativos e do aperfeicoamento tecnico deverao levar-nos a solucao deste problema de modo a melhorar os resultados a distância.
Participatory Management within a Theory of the Firm

American industrial enterprises long were organized as rigid hierarchies in which production-level employees had little discretion or decision making authority. Recently, however, many firms have adopted participatory management programs purporting to give workers a substantially greater degree of input into corporate decisions. Despite the democratic rhetoric of employee involvement, participatory management in fact has done little to disturb the basic hierarchical structure of large corporations. Instead, it is simply an adaptive response to three significant problems created by the tendency in large firms towards excessive levels of hierarchy. First, large branching hierarchies themselves create informational inefficiencies. Second, informational asymmetries persist even under efficient hierarchical structures. Finally, excessive hierarchy impedes effective monitoring of employees. Participatory management facilitates the flow of information from the production level to senior management by creating a mechanism for by-passing mid-level managers, while also bringing to bear a variety of new pressures designed to deter shirking. On its face, this account implies no affirmative public policy beyond appropriate enabling rules. Yet, many academics and government leaders nevertheless propose mandating some form of participatory management. Drawing on several strands of economic analysis, including game theory and public choice, this paper concludes that such proposals are unwarranted.
Zebrafish informatics and the ZFIN database.

Publisher Summary The recent increase in the number of research studies using zebrafish to analyze vertebrate development and genetics has led to a significant information access problem. A concerted effort has begun to establish and maintain a centralized database for the zebrafish research community. Because of the dramatic increase in the amount of data and the need for more sophisticated search methods, the Web site information and other zebrafish research information have been integrated into a relational database called the “Zebrafish Information Network” (ZFIN). The ultimate usefulness and usability of the database depend on a careful assessment of the requirements of the users, early and continued testing of prototype interfaces by real users, and analysis of the users' interactive behavior while using the database. The data model is an abstract representational schema that defines the organization of information stored within the database. The chapter describes the data model that underlies the ZFIN database in a detailed document, which provides descriptions of the data categories defined for the database—how data are represented in the database, how data are entered and by whom, and how data are accessed through database queries.
IL‐1β Induces p62/SQSTM1 and Represses Androgen Receptor Expression in Prostate Cancer Cells

Chronic inflammation is associated with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), although the mechanisms governing inflammation-mediated PCa progression are not fully understood. PCa progresses to an androgen independent phenotype that is incurable. We previously showed that androgen independent, androgen receptor negative (AR(-) ) PCa cell lines have high p62/SQSTM1 levels required for cell survival. We also showed that factors in the HS-5 bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) conditioned medium can upregulate p62 in AR(+) PCa cell lines, leading us to investigate AR expression under those growth conditions. In this paper, mRNA, protein, and subcellular analyses reveal that HS-5 BMSC conditioned medium represses AR mRNA, protein, and nuclear accumulation in the C4-2 PCa cell line. Using published gene expression data, we identify the inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, as a candidate BMSC paracrine factor to regulate AR expression and find that IL-1β is sufficient to both repress AR and upregulate p62 in multiple PCa cell lines. Immunostaining demonstrates that, while the C4-2 population shows a primarily homogeneous response to factors in HS-5 BMSC conditioned medium, IL-1β elicits a strikingly heterogeneous response; suggesting that there are other regulatory factors in the conditioned medium. Finally, while we observe concomitant AR loss and p62 upregulation in IL-1β-treated C4-2 cells, silencing of AR or p62 suggests that IL-1β regulates their protein accumulation through independent pathways. Taken together, these in vitro results suggest that IL-1β can drive PCa progression in an inflammatory microenvironment through AR repression and p62 induction to promote the development and survival of androgen independent PCa.
Knee pain: an unanticipated finding related to a rare genetic disorder--abetalipoproteinemia.

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to raise awareness about an uncommon cause of knee pain. Data sources Review of literature was done using PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline. There was no limitation placed on the publication year. Only articles written in English were included. Conclusion Knee pain is a common diagnosis that many healthcare providers see on a daily basis in their practice. Musculoskeletal injury or trauma is most commonly identified as the cause of this symptom. However, there are rare instances in which an unexpected finding in a client's history and physical exam lead us to an unexpected cause, such as abetalipoproteinemia. Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which an affected individual does not absorb lipids or the lipid-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Multiple body systems are impacted by this fat malabsorption and resultant vitamin deficiencies. Without corrective supplementation, clinical manifestations which are directly related to the vitamin deficiencies will appear as presented in this case study—knee pain. Implications for practice This case study emphasizes the need for nurse practitioners to seek out opportunities to further our knowledge which will enhance our clinical expertise as well as the quality of the health care we provide to our clients.
Spontaneous basophilic hypertrophic foci of the parotid glands in rats and mice.

Basophilic hypertrophic foci of the parotid glands characterized by focal hypertrophy and hyper- chromasia of acinar cells was seen in Sprague-Dawley rats and Swiss mice with overall incidences of 4.8% (102/ 2,138) and 0.6% (4/723), respectively. In rats, the incidence increased significantly with age, but the size and number of the lesions per rat did not. Based on the similar incidence in both control and treated animals, lesions were considered to be spontaneous. Their morphology and growth pattern suggested that they were neither degenerative, necrotic, hyperplastic/preneoplastic, nor neoplastic, but, that they are a distinct pathologic entity of a nature not yet determined. In spite of the large number of rodents that have been examined histopathologically in recent years, re- ports of spontaneously occurring lesions of the parotid glands in laboratory rodents are relatively infrequent. The reasons may be that the salivary glands 1) have not been considered to be a major organ and have not been routinely examined histologically in the past, 2) have few primary lesions with low incidence, and 3) have rarely been shown to be a target organ in toxicity and oncogenicity studies. Focal changes of the parotid acinar cells character- ized histomorphologically by enlargement and in- creased basophilia have been seen in rats and mice used in safety assessment tests of chemicals at Haskell Laboratory. Similar lesions have been reported to oc- cur spontaneously or to be induced experimentally in several strains of rats.IJ1J2J5J6 However, the occur- rence of such lesions in Sprague-Dawley rats and mice has not been documented. In addition, this lesion has not been described in humans. Generally, information regarding the nature, classification, terminology, and incidence of this lesion is fragmented and confusing. Because of its characteristic histomorphologic appear- ance, the lesion is called basophilic hypertrophic focus in this report. This paper reports the incidence and histomorphology of the lesion in rats and mice and discusses its nature, significance, and terminology.
Church leader’s perspectives on coalition development to improve nutrition and physical activity in rural communities (624.2)

Obesity disparities persist among rural areas and the South, which often have higher rates of obesity and comorbidities. Churches in rural areas generally provide support, stability, facilities and resources which makes them ideal for nutrition and physical activity interventions. Community-engaged participatory research partnerships between academic researchers and church leaders may be beneficial for guiding interventions in rural, underserved communities using health ministries. The aim of this study is to determine church leader’s perspectives on the infrastructure of the Coalition for South Mississippi Church Health partnership and benefits and barriers of church involvement in community health. During a series of focus groups, African American and Caucasian church leaders of various denominations discussed health ministries, health disparities of the congregations and local communities, and collaboration of churches, academic researchers, and key stakeholders to address obesity and preventable chron...
Spotting the owl: surreptitious cytomegalovirus disease in a renal transplant recipient

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a known cause of ulcerative oral lesions among HIV-infected patients, but such ulcers have not been previously reported in recipients of solid organ transplants. We describe a case of a renal transplant recipient who developed severe CMV-associated oral lesions despite prophylaxis with valganciclovir, and in the absence of detectable CMV viremia. The diagnosis was made only after multiple biopsies of the lesions. The patient recovered upon reducing immunosuppression. Potential pitfalls in making a prompt diagnosis are reviewed. The differential diagnosis of a large oral ulceration in a transplant recipient is broad, but should include CMV infection.
Valvular and Structural Heart Disease: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)

This chapter about antithrombotic therapy for valvular heart disease is part of the American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs. Grade 2 suggests that individual patient values might lead to different choices (for a full understanding of the grading see Guyatt et al, CHEST 2008; 133[suppl]:123S-131S). Among the key recommendations in this chapter are the following: for patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease complicated singly or in combination by the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF), previous systemic embolism, or left atrial thrombus, we recommend vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy (Grade 1A). For patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and normal sinus rhythm, without left atrial enlargement, we do not suggest antithrombotic therapy unless a separate indication exists (Grade 2C). For patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), not complicated by AF, who have not had systemic embolism, unexplained transient ischemic attacks, or ischemic stroke, we recommend against antithrombotic therapy (Grade 1C). In patients with mitral annular calcification complicated by systemic embolism or ischemic stroke, we recommend antiplatelet agent (APA) therapy (Grade 1B). For patients with isolated calcific aortic valve disease, we suggest against antithrombotic therapy (Grade 2C). But, for those with aortic valve disease who have experienced ischemic stroke, we suggest APA therapy (Grade 2C). For patients with stroke associated with aortic atherosclerotic lesions, we recommend low-dose aspirin (ASA) therapy (Grade 1C). For patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke and a patent foramen ovale (PFO), we recommend APA therapy (Grade 1A). For patients with mechanical heart valves, we recommend VKA therapy (Grade 1A). For patients with mechanical heart valves and history of vascular disease or who have additional risk factors for thromboembolism, we recommend the addition of low-dose aspirin ASA to VKA therapy (Grade 1B). We suggest ASA not be added to long-term VKA therapy in patients with mechanical heart valves who are at particularly high risk of bleeding (Grade 2C). For patients with bioprosthetic heart valves, we recommend ASA (Grade 1B). For patients with bioprosthetic heart valves and additional risk factors for thromboembolism, we recommend VKA therapy (Grade 1C). For patients with infective endocarditis, we recommend against antithrombotic therapy, unless a separate indication exists (Grade 1B).
Recurrent Oral Mucosal Ulcerations and Gingival Edema

Awhite woman in her 50s presented for evaluation of recurrent gingival ulcers of 8 years’ duration. She reported that at the time of initial onset, multiple painful ulcers had appeared on the anterior maxillary gingiva. She stated that the lesions had resolved spontaneously without treatment but recurred 8 years later as swelling and ulceration of themaxillary and mandibular gingiva. She denied involvement of cutaneous surfaces and reported a history of ligneous conjunctivitis since childhood (Figure, A). Her medical history was significant for hypothyroidism, seizures, and functional heart murmur. Medications included levothyroxine sodium, mometasone furoate, levocetirizine, and benzonatate. Review of systems was significant for easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. Intraoral examination revealed generalized mild edema with rolled margins of the maxillary and mandibular gingiva accompanied by nodular ulceration of the left maxillary gingiva (Figure, B). Biopsy specimens were obtained from the gingival ulcer (Figure, C and D) and buccal mucosa for routine histological and direct immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Also obtained were a complete blood cell count with differential and comprehensive metabolic panel; no abnormal findings were identified. A
A comment on testing for a decline in upper Cretaceous dinosaur diversity.

Summary. A common problem in ecology is to determine whether the diversity of a. biological community has changed over time or in response to a disturbance. This involves testing the null hypothesis that diversity is constant against the alternative hypothesis that it has changed. As the power of this test may be low, Fritsch and Hsu (1999, Biometrics55, 1300–1305) proposed reversing the null and alternative hypothesis. Here, I return to the original formulation and point out that power can be improved by adopting a parametric model for relative abundances and by testing against an ordered alternative.
A protocol for scalable distributed concurrency services

As researchers share computational resources, such as objects in large distributed environments, it becomes difficult to achieve scalability of synchronization. Concurrency protocols currently lack scalability. Our protocol enhances middleware concurrency services to provide scalability of synchronization enabling resource sharing and computing with distributed objects in systems with a large number of nodes.
PAGURIXUS NOMURAI, NEW SPECIES, AND ADDITIONAL RECORD OF PAGURIXUS MAORUS (NOBILI, 1906), HERMIT CRABS FROM KUME-JIMA ISLAND, THE RYUKYUS, JAPAN (DECAPODA: ANOMURA: PAGURIDAE)

Two pagurid species of the genus Pagurixus Melin, 1939, P. nomurai, new species, and P. maorus (Nobili, 1906), are described and illustrated in detail on the basis of material from Kume-jima Island, the Ryukyus, Japan. Among the 12 known species of the genus, the new species appears closest to P. maorus, and the material at hand permits an adequate evaluation of the differences between the two taxa. The present record of Pagurixus maorus greatly extends its known biogeographical range north and west. The hermit crab genus Pagurixus Melin, 1939, now contains 12 species known from the cool temperate to tropical regions of the Indo-West Pacific (McLaughlin and Haig, 1984; Gunn and Morgan, 1992; Morgan, 1993). Three of these species, i.e., P. anceps (Forest, 1954), P. boninensis (Melin, 1939),
On strong solutions of the multi-layer quasi-geostrophic equations of the ocean

Abstract In this article, we study the multi-layer quasi-geostrophic equations of the ocean. The existence of strong solutions is proved. We also prove the existence of a maximal attractor in L 2 ( Ω ) and we derive estimates of its Hausdorff and fractal dimensions in terms of the data. Our estimates rely on a new formulation that we introduce for the multi-layer quasi-geostrophic equation of the ocean, which replaces the nonhomogeneous boundary conditions (and the nonlocal constraint) on the stream-function by a simple homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. This work improves the results given in [C. Bernier, Existence of attractor for the quasi-geostrophic approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations and estimate of its dimension, Adv. Math. Sci. Appl. 4 (2) (1994) 465–489].
Reduced order thermal modeling of a one-dimensional electrothermally actuated micromirror device

A reduced order thermal model of a one-dimensional (1D) electrothermally actuated micromirror device is reported. Thermal bimorphs with integrated Pt resistors are used for generating the angular rotation. Neglecting the temperature variation perpendicular to the length of the bimorphs, a 2D finite element thermal model with 4647 nodes is built. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparing the simulation results with thermal imaging data. Using a Krylov subspace based algorithm, a reduced order model is extracted from the finite element model. Results obtained from a reduced model with order ≥ 5 agree well with finite element results. Hence, a reduced order thermal model that saves computation time and resources without compromising the computation accuracy has been demonstrated.
Regional specialization for an optomotor response in the honeybee compound eye

. The optomotor head-turning response of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) to a horizontally moving stripe pattern was analysed after occlusion of specific regions of the compound eye. The dorsal half of the eye and the medial region appear to be irrelevant to this behavioural reflex. Occlusion of the ventrolateral portion of the eye, however, even with the remainder of the eye unoccluded, rendered the optomotor system blind. The optomotor response was found to be mediated by an area roughly equal to one-fifth of the total eye surface with some redundancy in the system, since occlusion of at least half of the zone did not significantly impair the response. These results support the hypothesis of physically separate visual subsystems in the bee eye which are adapted for different functions.
Measurements of positron scattering by hydrogen, alkali metal, and other atoms

Abstract Recent developments in measurements of total and positronium (Ps) formation cross sections for positrons (in the energy range of 1–300 eV) scattered by hydrogen, alkali metal, and other atoms are reviewed. Measurements and calculations of total and Ps formation cross section (QPs's) for positrons scattered by hydrogen atoms are in very good agreement, and for the most part there is also good agreement for sodium, potassium, and rubidium atoms, but there is a puzzling discrepancy between measured and recently calculated QPs's for sodium. Preliminary measurements of QPs's for Mg show a very rapid rise to a large maximum value less than 2 eV above the Ps formation threshold energy (0.8 eV) which may be related to the proximity of that threshold to zero energy. It appears that structure observed in e+–Ar and Kr QPs measurements may be related to capture of inner-subshell electrons.
Emergency department patient safety incident characterization: an observational analysis of the findings of a standardized peer review process

Emergency Department (ED) care has been reported to be prone to patient safety incidents (PSIs). Improving our understanding of PSIs is essential to prevent them. A standardized, peer review process was implemented to identify and analyze ED PSIs. The primary objective of this investigation was to characterize ED PSIs identified by the peer review process. A secondary objective was to characterize PSIs that led to patient harm. In addition, we sought to provide a detailed description of the peer review process for others to consider as they conduct their own quality improvement initiatives. An observational study was conducted in a large, urban, tertiary-care ED. Over a two-year period, all ED incident reports were investigated via a standardized, peer review process. PSIs were identified and analyzed for contributing factors including systems failures and practitioner-based errors. The classification system for factors contributing to PSIs was developed based on systems previously reported in the emergency medicine literature as well as the investigators’ experience in quality improvement and peer review. All cases in which a PSI was discovered were further adjudicated to determine if patient harm resulted. In 24 months, 469 cases were investigated, identifying 152 PSIs. In total, 188 systems failures and 96 practitioner-based errors were found to have contributed to the PSIs. In twelve cases, patient harm was determined to have resulted from PSIs. Systems failures were identified in eleven of the twelve cases in which a PSI resulted in patient harm. Systems failures were almost twice as likely as practitioner-based errors to contribute to PSIs, and systems failures were present in the majority of cases resulting in patient harm. To effectively reduce PSIs, ED quality improvement initiatives should focus on systems failure reduction.
Axillary intertriginous granular parakeratosis responsive to topical calcipotriene and ammonium lactate

A 70-year-old white man presented to our clinic with a 6–8-month history of a pruritic, occasionally burning eruption in both axillae. He had been using the same deodorant for more than 1 year and denied any changes in laundry detergent, soaps, or shampoos. He also denied application of other topical products. On physical examination, there were slightly erythematous, lichenified plaques in both axillae, with more extensive involvement of the left side (Fig. 1). Histologic examination of a punch biopsy specimen from a left axillary plaque revealed hyperkeratosis with retention of nuclei and keratohyaline granules in the stratum corneum (Fig. 2). The stratum granulosum was slightly thickened, and the epidermis was mildly acanthotic. Patch tests of the patient's deodorant and shampoo were negative. The patient was advised to discontinue use of his deodorant. His right axilla was treated with topical calcipotriene, applied twice daily, and his left axilla was treated with topical 12% ammonium lactate, applied twice daily. One month later, the lesions in the right axilla had completely resolved. The left axilla was slightly improved, but still exhibited dusky erythematous plaques. After one additional month of treatment with ammonium lactate, the left axillary lesions completely resolved. A follow-up examination 9 months later revealed no recurrence of the lesions in either axilla. Figure 1. Erythematous, lichenified plaques in the axilla Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Photomicrograph of biopsy specimen showing keratohyaline granules in the stratum corneum (hematoxylin and eosin, × 200) Download figure to PowerPoint
Two mechanisms of multiplicity production and clan structure

Some characteristics of clan structure have been analysed by the phenomenological model which is based on an assumption that there are two mechanisms of secondary particle production where the first of which causes secondary particle generation by decays of primary generated resonances (clans) and the second of which calls forth secondary particle production by inverse processes of merging of couple of particles into one particle.
High-temperature creep of a bi-directional, continuous-SiC-fiber-reinforced glass-ceramic composite

The ‘off-axis’, high-temperature compression creep behavior of bidirectionally (2D, 0/90°) reinforced CAS–II/SiC (Nicalon® fiber) composites was studied experimentally in the stress–temperature regime of 1275–1325°C and 15–50 MPa. The results indicated that the overall, high-T rheologic response of the 2D composites was intermediate to the properties of 1D composites with fiber orientations corresponding to the constituent plies in the 2D material. This behavior strongly suggested that the 2D material behaved as an isostrain laminate during creep. A simple analysis, treating the 2D material as a three-phase laminate, where the constituent plies were assigned the viscoelastic properties of the corresponding 1D materials and separated by thin layers of unreinforced matrix, fit the experimental data. In the case of 2D composites with the plies misoriented at 20 and 70° to the applied stress (20/–70° composites), however, microstructural study suggested that growth of cracks in directions perpendicular to the applied stress due to the Poisson effect would have made a significant contribution to the bulk strain. Hence, such crack growth acts as a limitation to the universal applicability of the laminate model.
Immunohistological localization of γG, γA, γM secretory piece and lactoferrin in the human female genital tract

Abstract The observations of particular importance presented in this study can be summarized as follows: Immunoglobulins and secretory piece (SP) are present in appreciable amounts in the endometrium, fallopian tubes and cervix. The stage of endometrial activity does not seem to have any particular effect on the demonstration of immunoglobulins or SP in these tissues. Lactoferrin, on the other hand, appears to be present more frequently in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase. Lactoferrin is completely absent from the decidua and the fallopian tube tissue, unless polymorphonuclear leukocytes are present. Absence of γM in the decidua may be co-related to its susceptibility to infections and may be responsible for the virulence of septic abortions. This is the first report in the literature in which the two proteins, SP and lactoferrin, have been localized and identified in the placental membrane. Increasing knowledge of the immunoglobulins and their localization in the genital tract may facilitate the development of contraception by immunologic means, especially by the production of local antibodies against antigens which possess functions essential to the reproductive process. Conversely, such knowledge might help to resolve problems of infertility based on immune or autoimmune mechanisms.