cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constraining frequency–magnitude–area relationships for rainfall and flood discharges using radar-derived precipitation estimates: example applications in the Upper and Lower Colorado River basins, USA

Abstract. Flood-envelope curves (FECs) are useful for constraining the upper limit of possible flood discharges within drainage basins in a particular hydroclimatic region. Their usefulness, however, is limited by their lack of a well-defined recurrence interval. In this study we use radar-derived precipitation estimates to develop an alternative to the FEC method, i.e., the frequency–magnitude–area-curve (FMAC) method that incorporates recurrence intervals. The FMAC method is demonstrated in two well-studied US drainage basins, i.e., the Upper and Lower Colorado River basins (UCRB and LCRB, respectively), using Stage III Next-Generation-Radar (NEXRAD) gridded products and the diffusion-wave flow-routing algorithm. The FMAC method can be applied worldwide using any radar-derived precipitation estimates. In the FMAC method, idealized basins of similar contributing area are grouped together for frequency–magnitude analysis of precipitation intensity. These data are then routed through the idealized drainage basins of different contributing areas, using contributing-area-specific estimates for channel slope and channel width. Our results show that FMACs of precipitation discharge are power-law functions of contributing area with an average exponent of 0.82 ± 0.06 for recurrence intervals from 10 to 500 years. We compare our FMACs to published FECs and find that for wet antecedent-moisture conditions, the 500-year FMAC of flood discharge in the UCRB is on par with the US FEC for contributing areas of ∼ 102 to 103 km2. FMACs of flood discharge for the LCRB exceed the published FEC for the LCRB for contributing areas in the range of ∼ 103 to 104 km2. The FMAC method retains the power of the FEC method for constraining flood hazards in basins that are ungauged or have short flood records, yet it has the added advantage that it includes recurrence-interval information necessary for estimating event probabilities.
An Assessment of Consumer Purchasing Behavior for Private-Label vs. Brand-Name Over-the-Counter Products in Chain Pharmacies

The purpose of this study was to determine consumer purchasing behavior for 38 private-label and brand-name over-thecounter products. Questionnaires were administered to 525 consurners at 3 chain pharmacies in different socioeconomic areas. Overall, 68.7% of the respondents indicated purchase of the private-label product, and 80.5% indicated that the quality of private-label and brand-name products is equivalent. The results showed a possible association between perceived product quality and purchase decision. Results also showed that all of the private-label products could withstand a price increase before a majority of respondents would switch to the brand-name product. Sixty-four percent of the respondents indicated that they would change their purchase decision based on the recommendation of a pharmacist.
Localization of MtuA, an LraI homologue in Streptococcus uberis.

AIMS: To determine the localization of MtuA, an LraI lipoprotein within Streptococcus uberis and assess whether the protein was able to induce an antibody response capable of growth inhibition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunoblots and ELISAs were performed on S. uberis cell fractions to localize the protein. The strongest reactivity was within the membrane-enriched fraction. Electron micrographs also showed labelling consistent with a location within the membrane. Specific antibodies from both rabbits and calves were unable to inhibit the growth of S. uberis in milk. In addition, MtuA was not detectable in a whole-cell ELISA and whole bacterial cells were unable to adsorb specific antibodies from antiserum raised against MtuA. CONCLUSIONS: The MtuA protein appears to be located within the cell membrane and is not on the bacterial surface and thus not available for interaction with potentially growth-inhibiting antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Unlike PsaA of S. pneumoniae and MtsA of S. pyogenes, MtuA of S. uberis does not appear to be located at the cell surface. Therefore, in contrast to studies with other similar proteins, MtuA is unlikely to be a good vaccine candidate.
In Vivo Imaging of RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi), an effective technique for regulating or silencing specific genes, can be applied to treat various diseases. Multiple clinical trials using RNAi are ongoing, and molecular imaging can serve as a powerful tool in RNAi-based therapies. This brief review will highlight the current progress on in vivo imaging of RNAi delivery and silencing effects. Incorporation of suitable molecular imaging techniques into future RNAi-based clinical trials will provide more pieces of the puzzle, thus facilitating the transformation of RNAi into a powerful therapeutic modality in the clinic.
The Theological Bearing of Purāṇic Stories: An Enquiry into the Presence of Feminine Theology in the Brahma-vaivarta-purāṇa

In Western indological literature the term ‘theology’ is often used to analyse descriptions of Hindu gods and their attributes. Western scholars have likewise retrieved a theology focusing on Rādhā in various texts, notably in the Brahma-vaivarta-purāna. In this purāna a feminine theology is said to have been developed. The aim of the present study was to assess whether a feminine theology is present in the Brahma-vaivarta-purāna and to evaluate whether our understanding of the purāna as a theological or non-theological text could enhance our understanding of Hinduism. Both predicates ‘feminine’ and ‘theological’ are problematic with regard to the purāna. The purāna can only with difficulty be called feminine because women are not always respectfully approached and Rādhā is not consistently portrayed as superior or equal to Krsna. Since the purāna links Rādhā with the theologically important functions of creation and redemption, the text seems theological. Yet logical inconsistencies make the term theology also unsuitable for the purāna. If this purāna and other similar texts are not theology, they cannot be used to solve theological problems like the relationship between divine nature and ethics. Hence, there is no contradiction between Rādhā’s elevated position in some texts and a secondary treatment of women.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in the United States: The First 1,000 Cases

Between June 1981 and February 1983, the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta) received reports of 1,000 patients living in the United States who met a surveillance definition for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Seventy-three percent of these patients were diagnosed after January 1, 1982. The 1,000 patients included 284 with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 497 with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), 83 with KS and PCP, and 136 with opportunistic infections other than PCP. The overall mortality has been 39.2%. Cases have been reported from 32 states and the District of Columbia; New York, California, New Jersey, and Florida account for 82.7% of the reports. All but 61 of the patients could be classified into one or more of the following groups: homosexual or bisexual men, intravenous drug abusers, Haitian natives, or patients with hemophilia. Epidemiologic trends in AIDS cases are consistent with the gradual extension of an infectious agent into new populations.
Particulate and Alkali Capture from PFBC Flue Gas Utilizing Granular Bed Filter (GBF)

Abstract Abstract— The adequacy of a high-temperature, high-pressure gas cleanup system in protecting a large industrial gas turbine in a combined PFBC cycle can be evaluated by determining the dust and alkali loading into and out of the hot-gas cleanup unit. Sub-pilot plant experiments were performed at the New York University (NYU)-DOE PFBC facility to evaluate Ihe performance of the Granular Bed Filter (GBF) designed by Combustion Power Company, Inc., Menlo Park, California, in terms of its ability to capture dust and alkali. The inlet to and outlet of the GBF were isokinetically sampled for alkali and dust loadings. The particulate sampling system consisted of a total filter and a cascade impactor. The total filter collected the dust in a microfiber tube. In Ihe impactor, the particles collected are separated according to their size. Alkali emissions were measured using two techniques, namely. NYU total vapor condensation method and METC/INEL on-line alkali monitor. The results show that the dust and ...
Police applicant screening: An analogue study

Police department supervisors rated subordinates (N = 424) as either a credit or discredit to the department. A derived empirical MMPI index called the Goldberg Index (L + PA + SC − HY − PT) was used to differentiate three groups of officers: Acceptables, Intermediates, and Unacceptables. Acceptables could be differentiated from Unacceptables with the Goldberg Index at a high level of confidence. Validational shrinkage was observed when Intermediates were added to the pool. Conclusions drawn were that (1) police officers are a heterogeneous population and that numerous predictive indices will be required to screen adequately a pool of applicants; (2) the Goldberg Index with a cutting score of 60 may detect as many as 25% of a target population; (3) indices such as that of Goldberg are useful as phase I screens to generate high-density samples of a target phenomenon; (4) further work is necessary to determine what the Goldberg Index is measuring in a nonpsychiatric population.
False advertising and experience goods: the case of political services in the U.S. senate

This study uses the voter-shopping construct to analyze signaling of moderateness in the U.S. Senate. We compare legislator-provided signals (advertising)—such as membership in the U.S. Senate’s Centrist Coalition—with actual voting histories in order to characterize these types of advertising cues as sincere or insincere. Following recent research indicating that moderate legislators receive greater financial support, we test whether or not Political Action Committees (PACs) are willing to support financially those who send false signals of moderateness. Our results show that the mean level of real PAC contributions garnered by non-moderate Democrats who send false signals exceeds that of the non-moderate Democrats who do not do so by $182,078. This figure is about 74% of mean level of real PAC contributions for those non-moderate Democrats who do not send false signals.
A PDF/NPF Neuropeptide Signaling Circuitry of Male Drosophila melanogaster Controls Rival-Induced Prolonged Mating

A primary function of males for many species involves mating with females for reproduction. Drosophila melanogaster males respond to the presence of other males by prolonging mating duration to increase the chance of passing on their genes. To understand the basis of such complex behaviors, we examine the genetic network and neural circuits that regulate rival-induced Longer-Mating-Duration (LMD). Here, we identify a small subset of clock neurons in the male brain that regulate LMD via neuropeptide signaling. LMD requires the function of pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) in four s-LNv neurons and its receptor PDFR in two LNd neurons per hemisphere, as well as the function of neuropeptide F (NPF) in two neurons within the sexually dimorphic LNd region and its receptor NPFR1 in four s-LNv neurons per hemisphere. Moreover, rival exposure modifies the neuronal activities of a subset of clock neurons involved in neuropeptide signaling for LMD.
A factor analytic study of the state trait anxiety inventory utilized with preservice elementary teachers

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) has been widely used as a measure of anxiety in the psychological literature. A new form (STAI-Y) has recently been developed and some psychometric data were available from one previous study of Air Force recruits. In order to validate the instrument's use with preservice elementary teachers, a factor analytic study was undertaken. Preservice elementary teachers (N = 103) were administered the self-report instrument during a required science course. A restricted principal components analysis with iterations was employed as the factoring technique. A four-factor solution accounting for 58.8% of the variance resulted, with a factor-loading pattern very similar to the earlier study. This result, along with high-interval consistency levels, supports the use of the instrument with preservice elementary teachers.
Distance-Dependent Kronecker Graphs for Modeling Social Networks

This paper focuses on a generalization of stochastic Kronecker graphs, introducing a Kronecker-like operator and defining a family of generator matrices H dependent on distances between nodes in a specified graph embedding. We prove that any lattice-based network model with sufficiently small distance-dependent connection probability will have a Poisson degree distribution and provide a general framework to prove searchability for such a network. Using this framework, we focus on a specific example of an expanding hypercube and discuss the similarities and differences of such a model with recently proposed network models based on a hidden metric space. We also prove that a greedy forwarding algorithm can find very short paths of length O((log log n)2) on the hypercube with n nodes, demonstrating that distance-dependent Kronecker graphs can generate searchable network models.
Bayesian filtering for location estimation

Bayesian-filter techniques provide a powerful statistical tool to help manage measurement uncertainty and perform multisensor fusion and identity estimation. The authors survey Bayes filter implementations and show their application to real-world location-estimation tasks common in pervasive computing.
EMTALA and Patients With Psychiatric Emergencies: A Review of Relevant Case Law

Study objective Emergency department (ED) care for patients with psychiatric complaints has become increasingly challenging given recent nationwide declines in available inpatient psychiatric beds. This creates pressure to manage psychiatric patients in the ED or as outpatients and may place providers and institutions at risk for liability under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). We describe the patient characteristics, disposition, and legal outcomes of EMTALA cases involving patients with psychiatric complaints. Methods Jury verdicts, settlements, and other litigation involving alleged EMTALA violations related to psychiatric patients between the law's enactment in 1986 and the end of 2012 were collected from 3 legal databases (Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law). Details about the patient characteristics, disposition, and reasons for litigation were independently abstracted by 2 trained reviewers onto a standardized data form. Results Thirty-three relevant cases were identified. Two cases were decided in favor of the plaintiffs, 4 cases were settled, 10 cases had an unknown outcome, and 17 were decided in favor of the defendant institutions. Most patients in these 33 cases were men, had past psychiatric diagnoses, were not evaluated by a psychiatrist, and eventually committed or attempted suicide. The most frequently successful defense used by institutions was to demonstrate that their providers used a standard screening examination and did not detect an emergency medical condition that required stabilization. Conclusion Lawsuits involving alleged EMTALA violations in the care of ED patients with psychiatric complaints are uncommon and rarely successful.
A New Indirect Calibration Method for an Equivalent Source Mismatch of a Power Splitter Using Measurements at Only One Port

A new measurement procedure is described for determining the equivalent source mismatch ΓG of a power splitter. It uses a vector network analyzer (VNA) configured for one-port calibration and measurement. The power splitter ports that are not connected to the VNA test port are loaded in turn with characterized standards, such as an open, a short, a load, and a termination. It also takes advantage of the reciprocity characteristic of the power splitter. As the system impedance is normalized to the impedance of the termination, the termination works as a perfect load in measurements and calculations for the S-parameters of the power splitter. ΓG is calculated from the renormalized S-parameters to Z0 . The propagation of uncertainties is analyzed.
Chain graphs and symmetric associations

Graphical models based on chain graphs, which admit both directed and undirected edges, were introduced by by Lauritzen, Wermuth and Frydenberg as a generalization of graphical models based on undirected graphs, and acyclic directed graphs. More recently Andersson, Madigan and Perlman have given an alternative Markov property for chain graphs. This raises two questions: How are the two types of chain graphs to be mterpreted? In which situations should chain graph models be used and with which Markov property?
Honey bee colonies regulate queen reproductive traits by controlling which queens survive to adulthood

The production of new queens in honey bee colonies is one of the most important determinants of reproductive success, and it involves cooperative behavior among hundreds or thousands of workers. Colony members are generally expected to benefit by optimizing the reproductive traits of prospective replacement queens, but potential conflicts of interest among colony members could result in suboptimal queens. We studied the degree to which colonies regulate adult queen traits by controlling access to developing queens that survived from pupation to adulthood. We also searched for evidence of strong conflict among patrilines by comparing the contribution of patrilines to new queens and new workers, although we found no evidence for the existence of significantly queen-biased patrilines or for any association between patriline contribution to new queens and queen traits. However, adult queens emerging from cells accessible to workers were larger in terms of compared to adult queens emerging from cells that were not accessible to workers. These results suggest that colonies regulate queen quality traits by curtailing low-quality queens from fully developing, which is further evidence that cooperation predominates over potential conflict within honey bee colonies.
Anorexia of aging: physiologic and pathologic

Despite the increase in body fat and obesity that occurs with aging, there is a linear decrease in food intake over the life span. This conundrum is explained by decreased physical activity and altered metabolism with aging. Thus, older persons fail to adequately regulate food intake and develop a physiologic anorexia of aging. This physiologic anorexia depends not only on decreased hedonic qualities of feeding with aging (an area that remains controversial) but also on altered hormonal and neurotransmitter regulation of food intake. Findings in older animals and humans have provided clues to the causes of the anorexia of aging. An increase in circulating concentrations of the satiating hormone, cholecystokinin, occurs with aging in humans. In addition, animal studies suggest a decrease in the opioid (dynorphin) feeding drive and possibly in neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide. The physiologic anorexia of aging puts older persons at high risk for developing protein-energy malnutrition when they develop either psychologic or physical disease processes. Despite its high prevalence, however, protein-energy malnutrition in older persons is rarely recognized and even more rarely treated appropriately. Screening tools for the early detection of protein-energy malnutrition in older persons have been developed. Multiple treatable causes of pathologic anorexia have been identified. There is increasing awareness of the importance of depression as a cause of severe weight loss in older persons. Approaches to the management of anorexia and weight loss in older persons are reviewed. Although many drugs exist that can enhance appetite, none of these are ideal for use in older persons currently.
Design optimizations for a lens-to-channel waveguide solar concentrator

Design optimizations for the previously proposed lens-to-channel waveguide concentrator is discussed. Using integrated tapered waveguides, up to 900x geometric concentration can be achieved without separate secondary optics under ideal conditions. A 600x practical system is built in Zemax and simulated using a Fresnel lens array, showing less than 1% structural loss and angular response over 0.6 degrees.
Supported Employment for Adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is currently on the rise nationwide. Approximately one fifth of all individuals with autism and related disorders function within the normal range of intelligence, and may, in fact, possess superior intelligence in certain areas. Despite this, many individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are not competitively employed. The challenges that such individuals experience in securing and maintaining employment are often just as severe as those for individuals with more limited intellectual functioning. Characteristics of high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are described, and recommendations for how rehabilitation counsellors and other professionals can best support the employment pursuits of individuals with the disorders are provided.
A Global Information Exchange (GIE) Project in a Graduate Course

Graduate students who were enrolled in an introductory educational technology course that met face-to-face completed a Global Information Exchange (GIE) project. The goal of the project was to promote global awareness among the graduate students who were also classroom teachers, and by extension their K-12 students. The graduate students, who also were the participants in this study, implemented the GIE project by communicating and exchanging information with teachers in other countries. The study participants were provided with twenty questions that they could use as a guide to maintain journals regarding their thoughts and experiences related to their implementation of the GIE project. Because the study participants and teachers in other countries worked with their K-12 students, several such students were involved, albeit indirectly, in the GIE project. Seventeen journals maintained by the study participants were analyzed and the findings of the study are reported in this paper. The overall findings indicate that even though there were some initial issues associated with the GIE project, the project was successfully implemented by a majority of the study participants.
P5-14-25: Disease Presentation, Treatment, and Outcome in Young and Elderly Women with Breast Cancer.

Aim: To determine the influence of age on disease presentation, treatment, and outcome in breast cancer patients who are not routinely screened by mammography, women younger than 40 and women older than 69 years. Methods: The records of 272 breast cancer patients who presented to the Emory University Department of Radiation Oncology between 1997 and 2010 were reviewed. We excluded women with inflammatory or Stage IV breast cancer and those diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 69. We compared presentation, staging, treatment, and outcomes in women younger than 40 with those older than 69. Results: The median age of the young and older patient groups were 31 (range 16–40) and 76 years (range 70–91), respectively. Young women more often presented with a symptomatic breast mass than older women whose cancers were more frequently detected on screening mammography (p Among women treated with chemotherapy, older women more often received a non-anthracycline based regimen (82% vs 7% of young patients, p Discussion: Our data suggest that young women present with more advanced stage tumors than older patients and are subsequently treated with more aggressive surgery and systemic treatments, including chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. In spite of this, young women are more likely to develop breast cancer recurrence largely due to their higher T and N stages at diagnosis. Select women less than the age of 40 may benefit from screening and early detection of their breast cancers. Regardless, future studies aimed at developing better systemic treatments for younger breast cancer patients are warranted. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-14-25.
Enhanced Instruction of Engineering Mechanics Using Curvature Experiments

Resistive strain gauges are the most commonly used experimental devices for stress analysis. Their versatility stems from their ability to directly measure local strain on the surface of a structure, almost regardless of geometry. This strength can represent an educational limitation, however. Measurements made using strain gauges tend to provide results without students assessing or understanding the global structural response; limiting the insight gained and the instructional value of the experiment. Herein a low-cost device is presented that allows accurate measurement of local curvature in a beam. Once the local curvature is known, the elastic equations governing the beam may be used to calculate the local strain, stress, and deflection. The educational strength of the device is that students are forced to understand the interrelation of stress, strain, and deflection to post-process the experimental results. The device, though limited to beam geometries, has proven effective in helping students master engineering mechanics. It also allows investigation of the entire beam without added expense; as the device is not permanently affixed to one location. This is a significant advantage compared to strain gauges that provide only point data and are single-use. Details of the device itself, how it has been incorporated into the curriculum, and data assessing its effectiveness within a junior-level course are presented.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
AI-06NON-CANONICAL NF-kB SIGNALING DRIVES THE AGGRESSIVE INVASIVENESS OF GLIOBLASTOMA

The aggressive migration and invasion of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells into healthy brain tissue are major factors contributing to the therapy resistance and poor prognosis of this malignancy. Aberrant activation of NF-kB has been shown to play key roles in the invasiveness and pathogenesis of many cancers, including GBM. Most of these studies have focused on canonical NF-kB signaling, which is mediated by RelA and p50. Activation of the canonical NF-kB pathway is induced by IkB kinase-b (IKKb), whose inhibition has been pursued as a therapeutic approach to attenuate NF-kB activation in cancer with limited success to-date. We have recently shown that the alternative, or non-canonical, NF-kB signaling pathway mediated by RelB, predominates in a very aggressive GBM subtype. Here, we investigate this previously unrecognized role for non-canonical NF-kB signaling in CNS tumor initiation and progression. Using both established and primary GBM tumor lines, we show that in high RelB-expressing GBM cells, loss of RelB inhibits invasion to a greater extent than loss of RelA. Furthermore, RelB expression is sufficient to promote invasion in RelA-deficient GBM cells. Stimulation with Tumor Nectosis Factor Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) preferentially activates non-canonical NF-kB signaling and regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression, resulting in strongly increased invasion. Finally, we show that a key upstream regulator of RelB, NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK), induces dramatic cell shape changes, increases tumor cell invasion and promotes aggressive orthotopic tumor growth in mouse xenografts. These results not only expand on previously described roles for TWEAK in promoting tumor cell survival, but also demonstrate a potent pro-invasion function for NIK in aggressive GBM and, potentially, other RelB-driven tumors. Notably, oncogenic functions of the non-canonical NF-kB pathway remain poorly elucidated in the CNS. Our data highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting NIK in GBM.
Going virtual: A non-traditional approach to a pharmacy degree

In January 2001 Ohio State University admitted its first class of non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy students. The impetus for offering a complete distance education program in Pharmacy came from the decision of the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education that by 2004 all practicing pharmacists would need the PharmD degree for entry into practice. The first class consisted of 30 students all who already had a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and were licensed practicing pharmacists. The paper describes the steps the library took to assure that off-campus students would have access to the same sources and services as traditional students, describes what services the students used and how satisfied they were with what the library offered. Tips are given for librarians who may be involved in setting up their institution's distance education program.
Low Values for Sebum in Eunuchs and öphorectomized Women.

Summary and conclusionsComparisons of intact and castrate males indicate that testicular secretions or their metabolites are responsible for the increased amount of sebum observed in males after sexual maturation. Values for sebum were less in ophorectomized than in intact women, which suggests that ovarian secretions or their metabolites may also enhance sebaceous function. Sebum values remained high in tests made 4 weeks after orchiectomy. A long latent period before sebum values decline markedly upon reduction in androgenic stimulation (even with the sudden and drastic decrease afforded by castration) should be considered in evaluating therapy designed to reduce sebaceous secretions and acneform responses.
Analysis of the abnormal results of individual dose monitoring of radiation workers in Baoji City

[Objective]To investigate the abnormal results of individual dose monitoring of radiation workers in Baoji City,and analyze the reasons and excessive radiation in different industries.[Methods]The radiation workers with single monitoring result met the investigated level in 2010 and 2011 were investigation.Excessive radiation reasons were identified and analyzed statistically.[Results] A total of 2 978 person times was monitored radiation in 2 years,with 76 meeting the investigated levels,among which 52.63% had actually excessive radiation.Excessive radiation rate in interventional operation,nuclear medicine was higher than it in other medical careers.Excessive radiation rate of workers engaged in industrial unsealed source was higher than that of workers with other industrial careers.[Conclusion]The possibility of excessive radiation in interventional operation,nuclear medicine and unsealed source isotope applications is relatively high.
Endoscopic Features and Eosinophil Density Are Associated with Food Impaction in Adults with Esophageal Eosinophilia

Food impaction has been described in both eosinophilic esophagitis and proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. The association between endoscopic/histologic features of esophageal eosinophilia and food impaction remains unclear. We aimed to identify clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings associated with a history of food impaction in esophageal eosinophilia. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult esophageal eosinophilia patients at a tertiary center in 6/2005–10/2014. Only patients with ≥15 eosinophils/high-power field on mucosal biopsies were included. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, endoscopic/histologic findings on initial endoscopy, and history of food impaction were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test (univariate) and forward stepwise logistic regression (multivariate). 400 patients (42 ± 14 years, 61 % male) were included, with 78 (20 %) having food impaction history. On univariate analyses, rings (62 vs 42 %, p = 0.003), erosions (12 vs 5 %, p = 0.03), eosinophil density on biopsy (40 [IQR = 30–50] vs 30 [IQR = 15–50], p = 0.004), and dysphagia (88 vs 62 %, p < 0.0001) were more prevalent among patients with food impaction history, while heartburn (10 vs 33 %, p < 0.0001) and abdominal pain (1 vs 12 %, p = 0.002) were less common. On multivariate analysis, rings (OR 2.6, p = 0.002), erosions (OR 3.2, p = 0.02), and eosinophil density (β-coefficient = 0.01, p = 0.04) remained associated with food impaction. Findings of rings and erosions on endoscopy and increased eosinophil density on histology were independently associated with a history of food impaction in adult esophageal eosinophilia patients. Food impaction may result from both active inflammation (erosions and increased eosinophil density) and chronic fibrostenotic changes (rings).
Enzymatic degradation of the factor-VIII-von-Willebrand protein: a unique tryptic fragment with ristocetin cofactor activity

Abstract Human von Willebrand protein was purified from pooled cryoprecipitate, then degraded by trypsin and analyzed primarily for ristocetin cofactor activity in relation to the electrophoretic pattern in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gradient gels. Activity decreased rapidly at first, from 55 to 5.5 U/ml of activity after 20 min of degradation, in association with the appearance and disappearance of fragments of molecular weight equal to or greater than 314,000. Ristocetin cofactor activity remained constant at 1.7-3.6 U/ml during the remainder of the 90-min hydrolysis. The contribution of individual degradation products to this residual activity of the digest, which contained more than twice the activity in normal human plasma, was assessed by gel filtration of 30, 45, and 90-min digests through Sephacryl S-200 columns. Activity paralleled the second protein peak, which eluted at 1.31 void volume. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gradient gel analysis of the pooled, concentrated, nonreduced fractions showed that the activity was correlated with the concentration of a 116,000 molecular weight fragment. Gel elution allowed purification of this fragment to greater than 90% homogeneity. The fragment retained immunologic reactivity with monospecific anti-von-Willebrand protein antibody and was found to have two disulfide-bondθd polypeptide subunit chains, one of molecular weight 73,000 and the other of 43,000 or 46,000. Retention of a small portion of ristocetin cofactor activity in this tryptic fragment is compatible with the concept that a relatively well delineated area of the von Willebrand molecule has structural features that contribute to the activity of the intact protein.
Hypospadias Repair in Children Less than 1 Year Old

AbstractEarly repair of hypospadias (less than age 1 year) appears to be psychologically less traumatic than reconstruction at a later age. Experience with a variety of procedures in 37 children suggests that technical considerations are not a limiting factor.
Environmental Aspects of Wastewater Reuse

Wastewater has a high potential for reuse in agriculture, especially in arid and semiarid areas. Wastewater reuse increases food production by providing a stable supply of water, and contributes to environmental security by reducing the pollution level of rivers and surface water. It also conserves a significant portion of river basin waters and allows for the disposal of municipal wastewater in a low-cost, sanitary way. A very small percentage of wastewater is currently being used for irrigation in the world. Wastewater collection, its treatment, disposal of waste, and use of treated wastewater is a big challenge to environmental security. This paper discusses the latest research developments in the field of wastewater reuse and the factors affecting environmental security.
A mission of mediation: Dalmatia's multi-national regionalism from the 1830s-60s

On 3 April 1848 an announcement was published in Venice and distributed throughout the northern Adriatic, specifically addressed to the ‘valorous of the Venetian and Dalmatian navies’. Signed ‘your brothers in Venice’, the leaflet begged sailors to come join the battle against Austrian troops eager to re-conquer the city. To make sure that the message hit home, Dalmatians from the eastern Adriatic were urged to flock to their former metropolis with the pitiful words that, ‘mother is calling her children to her’.1 Within days of this announcement, Nicolo Tommaseo, one of the leading figures in the Italian Risorgimento and Minister of Education and Religion in the revolutionary Venetian government, contacted Dalmatians insisting that they stay put.2 ‘Remain calm’, the Dalmatian-born Tommaseo insisted, ‘stay far away from either side [of the war] … and concentrate … on keeping the peace’.3 Though he himself went into debt, lost his eyesight, and was exiled from both Venice and Dalmatia as a result of his participation in Venice’s battle for independence, Tommaseo repeatedly discouraged Dalmatian naval officers, students, soldiers, and community leaders from getting involved, insisting that they concentrate their efforts on their homeland’s own destiny. He assured them, as one Slav to another, that their fortune lay elsewhere.
Lipid disequilibrium disrupts ER proteostasis by impairing ERAD substrate glycan trimming and dislocation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mediates the folding, maturation, and deployment of the secretory proteome. Proteins that fail to achieve their native conformation are retained in the ER and targeted for clearance by ER-associated degradation (ERAD), a sophisticated process that mediates the ubiquitin-dependent delivery of substrates to the 26S proteasome for proteolysis. Recent findings indicate that inhibition of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases with triacsin C, a fatty acid analogue, impairs lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and ERAD, suggesting a role for LDs in ERAD. However, whether LDs are involved in the ERAD process remains an outstanding question. Using chemical and genetic approaches to disrupt diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)-dependent LD biogenesis, we provide evidence that LDs are dispensable for ERAD in mammalian cells. Instead, our results suggest that triacsin C causes global alterations in the cellular lipid landscape that disrupt ER proteostasis by interfering with the glycan trimming and dislocation steps of ERAD. Prolonged triacsin C treatment activates both the IRE1 and PERK branches of the unfolded protein response and ultimately leads to IRE1-dependent cell death. These findings identify an intimate relationship between fatty acid metabolism and ER proteostasis that influences cell viability.
Up and away in the potential landscape of diatomic molecule potential energy curves

Abstract The understanding of the potential curves of a given molecule has expanded in many ways during my last 52 years as an experimental and theoretical molecular chemist/physicist in graduate school in Chemistry at Harvard and in both the Chemistry and Physics Departments at University of Iowa and University of Connecticut. This expansion has been up in energy and vibrational and rotational quantum numbers and away from Re to long range as well. It is clear that Prof. Robert Le Roy, who I have known since the late 1960s, has made many important and greatly appreciated contributions to the landscape I describe below from my personal perspective, especially with regard to long range molecules and solution of the radial Schrodinger equations and related calculations.
American Indians/Alaska Natives and Cardiovascular Disease: Outcomes, Interventions, and Areas of Opportunity

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a reported leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and takes a disproportionate toll on these populations. Using the electronic database PubMed, the purpose of this review is to summarize findings from CVD morbidity/mortality outcome studies, as well as CVD and CVD risk factor intervention studies among AI/ANs, published in 2014 and 2015. Eighteen empirical studies that focused on CVD outcomes and CVD/CVD risk factor interventions were reviewed. Four of five studies on CVD mortality found that CVD is a leading or second leading cause of death among AI/ANs and that CVD mortality is still disproportionately high compared to whites. Three studies examined smoking or high-fat diets and found an association between these risk factors and CVD. Two CVD prevalence studies did not find statistically significant differences between AI/ANs and whites; however, this may be due to specific sample characteristics of these particular studies. Seven of eight CVD/CVD risk factor intervention studies, ranging in type of interventions delivered and outcomes measured, found beneficial CVD/CVD risk factor outcomes. One study uniquely underscored historical trauma and social determinants of health as barriers to healthy living. CVD disproportionately burdens AI/AN communities. Large-scale studies that oversample for AI/ANs are needed to document the continuing effects of CVD among Indigenous communities and monitor their disparity status in CVD morbidity/mortality. More interventions with control or comparison groups are also needed to address CVD and CVD risk factors among AI/AN communities and document their effectiveness. In addition, collaborative community-based interventions that tackle root issues of CVD-related disparities and attend to social determinants of health are needed.
Discrete element modeling of 3D media motion in vibratory finishing process

Abstract A model has been developed to investigate the three-dimensional media motion during the vibratory finishing processes. This work presents a vibratory finishing machine model using a discrete element method (DEM) that calculates the media interactive normal and tangential contact forces among the media particles. The DEM model predicts the dynamic motion of individual particles inside the vibratory machine container based on Hertzian contact mechanics. The influence of contact parameters such as contact stiffness, friction and damping on media motion has been investigated to determine the critical operating parameters for the vibratory finishing process. The simulation results have been validated with experimental data. This model provides an understanding of vibratory finishing process fundamentals, guidelines for vibratory finishing machine design and optimal operating conditions.
Data-Driven Synchronization for Internet-of-Things Systems

The Internet of Things (IoT) is fueled by the growth of sensors, actuators, and services that collect and process raw sensor data. Wearable and environmental sensors will be a major component of the IoT and provide context about people and activities that are occurring. It is imperative that sensors in the IoT are synchronized, which increases the usefulness and value of the sensor data and allows data from multiple sources to be combined and compared. Due to the heterogeneous nature of sensors (e.g., synchronization protocols, communication channels, etc.), synchronization can be difficult. In this article, we present novel techniques for synchronizing data from multi-sensor environments based on the events and interactions measured by the sensors. We present methods to determine which interactions can likely be used for synchronization and methods to improve synchronization by removing erroneous synchronization points. We validate our technique through experiments with wearable and environmental sensors in a laboratory environment. Experiments resulted in median drift error reduction from 66% to 98% for sensors synchronized through physical interactions.
Migratory Typing: Ten Years Later

In this day and age, many developers work on large, untyped code repositories. Even if they are the creators of the code, they notice that they have to figure out the equivalent of method signatures every time they work on old code. This step is time consuming and error prone. Ten years ago, the two lead authors outlined a linguistic solution to this problem. Specifically they proposed the creation of typed twins for untyped programming languages so that developers could migrate scripts from the untyped world to a typed one in an incremental manner. Their programmatic paper also spelled out three guiding design principles concerning the acceptance of grown idioms, the soundness of mixed-typed programs, and the units of migration. This paper revisits this idea of a migratory type system as implemented for Racket. It explains how the design principles have been used to produce the Typed Racket twin and presents an assessment of the project's status, highlighting successes and failures.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Levels Do Not Predict Changes in Carotid Arterial Stiffness The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Objective— To evaluate the impact of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on longitudinal changes in arterial stiffness. Approach and Results— Distensibility coefficient and Young’s elastic modulus of the right common carotid artery were evaluated at baseline and after a mean (SD) of 9.4 (0.5) years in 2580 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were evaluated using multivariable linear regression and analysis of covariance. At baseline, participants were 60.1 (9.4) years old (54% female; 26% black, 20% Hispanic, 14% Chinese). Mean annualized 25(OH)D was 65 pg/dL in 285 participants. In cross-sectional analyses, low 25(OH)D ( P >0.4). PTH >65 pg/mL was associated with stiffer arteries after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors, other than systolic blood pressure (distensibility coefficient: β=−2.4×10 −4 mm Hg −1 , P =0.003; Young’s elastic modulus: β=166 mm Hg, P =0.01); however, after adjustment for systolic blood pressure, these associations no longer were statistically significant. Longitudinal arterial stiffening was associated with older age ( P P P P >0.1). Conclusions— Carotid arterial stiffness is not associated with low 25(OH)D concentrations. Cross-sectional associations between arterial stiffness and high PTH were attenuated by systolic blood pressure. After nearly a decade of follow-up, neither baseline PTH nor 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with progression of carotid arterial stiffness.
Beyond the Kale: Urban Agriculture and Social Justice Activism in New York City

While it is no easy task unpacking the plethora of deeply rooted issues embedded in contemporary urban agriculture movements, Beyond the Kale comprehensively explores the diverse relationships esse...
Hybrid zero dynamics of human biped walking with foot slip

Most existing bipedal dynamics models are built on an assumption of no foot slip. We relax such assumption and present hybrid zero dynamics model and properties for bipedal walking with foot slip. When foot slips, the biped hybrid zero dynamics (HZD) preserve rich features such as high dimensionality and transitions between slip and non-slip dynamics. We present the closed-form of the HZD for human walking and discuss the transition between non-slip and slip states through slip recovery design. We illustrate the analysis and design through human walking experiments. The proposed HZD models and analysis can be further used to design control systems for robotic rehabilitation and assistive devices.
Longitudinal nuclear relaxation measurements in hcp H2

Abstract Measurements of T1 in the hep phase of H2, over the temperature range 2°–12°K and the ortho concentration range between 0.5 and 0.97 are presented. At temperatures below 10°K, the thermally activated self-diffusion is negligible and the mechanism for nuclear relaxation is that attributed by Moryia and Motizuki and by Harris to intramolecular dipolar interaction, modulated by intennolecular electric quadrupole-quadrupole (EQQ) interaction. The gaussian approximation for the correlation function was used by these authors to predict T1. From the comparison between experiment and theory, we determine the EQQ parameter Γ k B to be 0.67°K. Above 10°K the effect of diffusion influences T1, and the experimental results for an 88 per cent ortho H2 sample up to the melting point suggest that the relaxation mechanisms resulting from EQQ interaction and diffusion are not independent of one another.