cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Screening Among Dominicans and Puerto Ricans: Stigma and Misperceptions

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Latinos, but a lower percentage of Latinos are screened than Whites and Blacks. Along with recognized economic barriers, differences in knowledge and perceptions might impede colorectal screening among Latinos. We conducted 147 individual, qualitative interviews with Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in the northeastern United States to explore their explanatory models for colorectal cancer and screening barriers. Many participants had not previously heard of colorectal cancer. The most commonly mentioned cause of colorectal cancer was anal sex. Also considered risks were “bad food,” digestion leading to constipation, and strained bowel movements. Screening barriers included stigma, misperceptions, embarrassment, and machismo. Progress toward increasing colorectal cancer screening requires normalization of this screening among Latinos. Higher patient familiarity, along with improved physician counseling and referral, might contribute to reducing stigma a...
Alcohol withdrawal management in adult patients in a high acuity medical surgical transitional care unit: a best practice implementation project

BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption, a major health problem worldwide, affects about 6% of the United States population. Caring for patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome in a hospital ward presents complex physiologic and psycho-social challenges which are best met with evidence-based practices. An academic medical center in the United States has been experiencing an increase in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, gaps in clinician knowledge and infrastructure supporting the management of these patients still existed. OBJECTIVES The aim of this project was to improve the continuity of care of patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal in a medical surgical high acuity transitional care unit by incorporating evidence-based practices, and thereby to positively impact on patient outcomes. Specific objectives were related to standardized assessments and pharmacologic management strategies. METHODS The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tool for promoting change in health practice. A baseline clinical audit was conducted to assess compliance with best practices for managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which was followed by several interventions targeted at nurses and providers. A follow-up audit was conducted to assess compliance with the implemented strategies. The follow-up audit used the same evidence-based audit criteria as those used for the baseline audit. A non-probabilistic, convenience sampling approach was used. A sample size of 15 patients was used for both the baseline and follow-up audits. RESULTS The baseline audit revealed a high compliance rate for four of the five audit criteria concerning risk assessment and TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS
Dehydrohalogenation Condensation Reaction of Phenylhydrazine with Cl-Terminated Si(111) Surfaces

Formation of stable organic–inorganic contacts with silicon often requires oxygen- and carbon-free interfaces. Some of the general approaches to create such interfaces rely on the formation of a Si–N bond. A reaction of dehydrohalogenation condensation of Cl-terminated Si(111) surface with phenylhydrazine is investigated as a means to introduce a simple function to the surface using a −NH-NH2 moiety as opposed to previously investigated approaches. The use of substituted hydrazine allows for the formation of a stable structure that is less strained compared to the previously investigated primary amines and leads to minimal surface oxidation. The process is confirmed by a combination of infrared studies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry investigations. Density functional theory is utilized to yield a plausible surface reaction mechanism and provide a set of experimental observables to compare with these data.
Strain Measurement and Mechanical Property Evolution in Sol-Gel PZT Thin Films

Cracking is a notorious issue with sol-gel PZT thin films, and film failure in this manner is difficult to reliably predict due to constantly evolving mechanical properties. In this work, two non-contact experimental methods are used to quantify the stiffness response of PZT sol-gel during thermal loading and the influence of solution additives, such as lactic acid and gycerol. The mechanical properties are determined using a digital image correlation method to measure strain and wafer curvature measurements to estimate bi-axial stress. Results show the transition from a compliant response to more glassy behavior. The importance of this changing stiffness is shown for a specific application of a buckled MEMS actuator and in relation to adhesion based failure modes.
Coherent Optical Signal Processing using Optical Frequency Combs and Injection Locked VCSELs (Invited)

Optical frequency combs are used as a set of mutually coherently orthogonal signals to realize high speed signal processing. Here, we demonstrate high speed sampling, arbitrary waveform generation and matched filtering functionality using frequency combs and vertical cavity surfacing emitting lasers as modulation elements for individual comb components.
Self-calibration performance in stereoscopic PIV acquired in a transonic wind tunnel

Three stereoscopic PIV experiments have been examined to test the effectiveness of self-calibration under varied circumstances. Measurements taken in a streamwise plane yielded a robust self-calibration that returned common results regardless of the specific calibration procedure, but measurements in the crossplane exhibited substantial velocity bias errors whose nature was sensitive to the particulars of the self-calibration approach. Self-calibration is complicated by thick laser sheets and large stereoscopic camera angles and further exacerbated by small particle image diameters and high particle seeding density. Despite the different answers obtained by varied self-calibrations, each implementation locked onto an apparently valid solution with small residual disparity and converged adjustment of the calibration plane. Therefore, the convergence of self-calibration on a solution with small disparity is not sufficient to indicate negligible velocity error due to the stereo calibration.
Magnitude of the Förster Radius in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solids

Excitonic energy transfer among colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) is responsible for exciton transport in many QD optoelectronic devices. While Forster theory has successfully accounted for the distance scaling of energy transfer in many QD systems, the overall magnitude of the Forster radius in close-packed QD solids remains an open question. Here, we use spectrally resolved transient photoluminescence quenching to measure the magnitude of the Forster radius in blended donor–acceptor QD assemblies. For blends of CdSe/CdZnS core/shell QDs consisting of 4.0 nm diameter donors (λmax,em ≈ 550 nm) and 5.5 nm acceptors (λmax,abs ≈ 590 nm), we measure energy transfer rates per donor–acceptor pair that are 10–100 times faster than the predictions of Forster theory. These rates correspond to an effective Forster radius of 8–9 nm, compared to a theoretical Forster radius of 5–6 nm. We discuss possible sources for the discrepancy between theory and experiment—including the magnitude of the absorption cross s...
Self‐Determined Feedback Seeking: The Role of Perceived Supervisor Autonomy Support

We use self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework for investigating how perceived autonomy-supportive supervision positively influences conditions that motivate newcomer subordinates to engage in feedback seeking. Based on data collected from MBA interns at two time periods, perceived autonomy support predicted task autonomy, informal supervisor feedback, and subordinate relationship building, and the latter two mediated the relationship between autonomy support and feedback seeking. Our study provides an SDT perspective on newcomer socialization by highlighting the important role supervisor support for autonomy can play in motivating feedback seeking as a proactive socialization tactic. Organizations and human resources management professionals should consider including training around autonomy support in supervisory training programs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Empirical Study on the Quality of Utilizing FDI in China: from the Perspective of Externalities of Business Export on FDI Conditions

The export externality(the influence on export from domestic enterprises) of FDI enterprises is the key factor to measure the quality of utilizing FDI.This paper uses the regression analysis and the panel data model to study the influence of FDI enterprises on the quantity,structure and competitiveness of export of domestic enterprises.The research shows that in China the quality of utilizing FDI is higher with regard to the export quantity of domestic enterprises affected by the export of FDI enterprises,but it is lower with regard to the export structure and competitiveness of domestic enterprises affected by the export of FDI enterprises.
Ultraviolet Photodissociation Dynamics of the Allyl Radical via the B̃2A1(3s), C̃2B2(3py), and Ẽ2B1(3px) Electronic Excited States

Ultraviolet (UV) photodissociation dynamics of jet-cooled allyl radical via the B2A1(3s), C2B2(3py), and Ẽ2B1(3px) electronically excited states are studied at the photolysis wavelengths from 249 to 216 nm using high-n Rydberg atom time-of-flight (HRTOF) and resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) techniques. The photofragment yield (PFY) spectra of the H atom products are measured using both allyl chloride and 1,5-hexadiene as precursors of the allyl radical and show a broad peak centered near 228 nm, whereas the previous UV absorption spectra of the allyl radical peak around 222 nm. This difference suggests that, in addition to the H + C3H4 product channel, another dissociation channel (likely CH3 + C2H2) becomes significant with increasing excitation energy. The product translational energy release of the H + C3H4 products is modest, with the P(ET) distributions peaking near 8.5 kcal/mol and the fraction of the average translational energy in the total excess energy, ⟨fT⟩, in the range 0.22...
Dechlorination and decolorization of high-molecular-weight chlorolignin from bleach plant effluents by an oxidation process

Etude de la possibilite de traiter les lignines chlores de haut poids moleculaire au cours de l'etape primaire de traitement des effluents par un processus d'oxydation, et des facteurs (pression, temperature, charge basique, agitation) influencant la dechloration et la decoloration par ce procede
6.15 – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Glycogen Synthesis in Bacteria and Mammals and Starch Synthesis in Plants

This chapter reviews the past and current information on the biosynthesis of mammalian and bacterial glycogen, and of starch in plants. It first discusses the role of these storage polysaccharides and later discusses the biosynthetic reactions involved in the synthesis of the polysaccharides in the above three systems. In plants and in bacteria, the synthesis of starch or glycogen occurs by utilizing adenosine disphosphate (ADP)-glucose as the glucosyl donor for the elongation of α-1,4-glucosidic chains. The first committed step in these pathways is the synthesis of ADP-glucose in a reaction catalyzed by ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and the reaction is the regulatory step in plants and in bacteria. The enzyme is allosterically activated by glycolytic intermediates and inhibited by either 5′-adenylate or adenosine diphosphate. In mammals uridine diphosphate glucose is the glucosyl donor and the regulatory step is glycogen synthase. Glycogen synthase activity is regulated allosterically and most important by covalent modification by protein kinases and protein phosphatases that are under hormonal control. A detailed description of the chemical, structural, kinetic, and regulatory properties of the biosynthetic enzymes involved in the three systems, bacterial, plant, and mammalian, is provided.
ADHD Coaching With College Students: Exploring the Processes Involved in Motivation and Goal Completion

College students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience increased academic difficulties, which can negatively impact graduation rates, employment, self-esteem, and me...
Psychology and Lived Space: Woodland Paths and the Pathic Dimension of Place Experience

The following inquiry maps out a region of concepts that can support a qualitative, human science psychology of place. We will think through the concept of experience and broaden it beyond ‘subject’, ‘interiority’, and ‘inner representations’ and develop a trans-personal model of the psyche based on the phenomenology of perception. The investigation of the experience of lived space leads to the latent, pathic communication between the body and its spatial situation and the effects it has on consciousness. The idea of the pathic dimension of spatial experience will be developed in dialogue with a phenomenological description of losing one’s path in the woods. A hermeneutic of the pathic quality of place experience reveals the intentionality of places eo ipso, and how they impact human perception, consciousness, and embodiment. Embodied consciousness has a semiotic, species-specific relationship with its places and Umwelts: the lived body is not bounded by the skin, but moves through its spatial field as an extension of its gestures. The pathic dimension of place experience can be accessed through a study of the affective, attuned quality of places, the ‘action-space’ invitations they issue, in the impersonal transcendence of spatial characteristics that conceal and reveal their profiles in a changing perceptual tableau, and in the basic spatial organization of life. A psychology that leaves the Cartesian interior and its representations behind becomes attuned to the deep, chiasmic entanglement of body and consciousness within the web of spatial things. It respects the trans-personal, transcendent presence of anonymous being around and within it.
Führung und Gesundheit in klein- und mittelständischen Unternehmen

Anders als in Grosunternehmen, in denen es haufig eine Vielzahl an Fuhrungskraften mit individuellen Fuhrungsstilen gibt, ist die Kultur in klein- und mittelstandischen Unternehmen (KMU) deutlich starker vom Einfluss des Geschaftsfuhrers bzw. des Inhabers gepragt. Diese besonderen Rahmenbedingungen wirken sich auch auf die Einfuhrung und Verstetigung von Programmen der Gesundheitsforderung aus. Authentische Beispiele aus der Praxis machen deutlich, welche Fallen auf dem Weg zur gesunden Fuhrung in klein- und mittelstandischen Unternehmen auftreten konnen. Daruber hinaus zeigen sie, wie Fuhrungskrafte mit ihrer Einstellung und ihrem Handeln das Verhalten ihrer Mitarbeiter positiv beeinflussen und die Gesundheit ihrer Beschaftigten aktiv fordern konnen.
The Emerging Role of Pattern Recognition Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Malaria

Despite a global effort to develop an effective vaccine, malaria is still a significant health problem. Much of the pathology of malaria is immune mediated. This suggests that host immune responses have to be finely regulated. The innate immune system initiates and sets the threshold of the acquired immune response and determines the outcome of the disease. Yet, our knowledge of the regulation of innate immune responses during malaria is limited. Theoretically, inadequate activation of the innate immune system could result in unrestrained parasite growth. Conversely, hyperactivation of the innate immune system, is likely to cause excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and severe pathology. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have emerged as essential receptors which detect signature molecules and shape the complex host response during malaria infection. This review will highlight the mechanisms by which Plasmodium components are recognized by innate immune receptors with particular emphasis on TLRs. A thorough understanding of the complex roles of TLRs in malaria may allow the delineation of pathological versus protective host responses and enhance the efficacy of anti-malarial treatments and vaccines.
Internal Marketing at Continental Airlines: Convincing Employees that Management Knows Best

Maintaining a high level of customer service quality is necessary for success, particularly for firms in service industries, but employees need to be motivated to provide it. Management can provide the motivation through the use of compensation schemes and internal marketing. In this paper we examine profit sharing compensation schemes that reward employees for achieving customer service objectives. We discuss how such schemes should be implemented, and explain why management needs to convince employees through internal marketing programs about the benefits of its scheme. We obtain the optimal amount of profit that the firm should share with employees, and the optimal effort it should spend on internal marketing. Finally, we relate the analysis to a successful scheme implemented by Continental Airlines.
Frontal-Orbital-Ethmoid Mucoceles

Mucoceles are the most common benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses, and have a predilection for the anterior ethmoid cavity, most likely due to the labrynthine nature of the anatomic region
INDUCTION OF CYTOCHROME P-450 BY LONG-TERM INFUSION OF PHENOBARBITAL

ABSTRACT A procedure is described for studying the induction of hepatic enzyme systems by long-term continuous intraperitoneal infusion of drugs at constant rates into rats. Its purpose is to prevent the fluctuations of the tissue levels of inducers associated with intermittent injections or their uptake with the drinking water. It was found that phenobarbital (PB), the inducer studied, can be infused at a rate of 80 mg/kg/day for at least three weeks without affecting activity, food consumption, and weight gain of the animals. Preliminary data are reported on the induction response to PB with this method in comparison with intermittent intraperitoneal administration. Up to a total dose of 320 mg PB/kg, induction of cytochrome P-450 in terms of specific microsomal concentration as well as total liver content was a linear function of the total dose irrespective of the method of administration used: daily injection of 80 mg/kg for four days, of 40 mg/kg every 48 hours for 16 days or continuous infusion at this dose level for six days–a novel and unexpected finding. The effect of higher accumulative doses of PB, up to 1680 mg/kg, was studied with the infusion technique. Maximal induction of PB was reached after a total dose of 560 mg/kg. The same held true for induction of demethylation activities toward codeine and ethylmorphine. The results indicate that the optimal or limiting dose for induction of PB, as observed by previous investigators, cannot be exceeded by continuous infusion of PB. Exploratory experiments have shown that urinary elimination of PB, which never exceeds 30% of the administered daily dose, drops to 9% when the limiting total dose is being reached, suggesting that conversion of the inducer to an inactive metabolite causes the limiting dose phenomenon. Experiments to establish such a relationship are in progress.
Optimal Spectral Initialization for Signal Recovery With Applications to Phase Retrieval

We present the optimal design of a spectral method widely used to initialize nonconvex optimization algorithms for solving phase retrieval and other signal recovery problems. This paper leverages recent results that provide an exact characterization of the performance of the spectral method in the high-dimensional limit. This characterization allows us to map the task of optimal design to a constrained optimization problem in a weighted $L^2$ function space. The latter has a closed-form solution. Interestingly, under a mild technical condition, our results show that there exists a fixed design that is uniformly optimal over all sampling ratios. Numerical simulations demonstrate the performance improvement brought by the proposed optimal design over existing constructions in the literature. In a recent work, Mondelli and Montanari have shown the existence of a weak recovery threshold below which the spectral method cannot provide useful estimates. Our results serve to complement that work by deriving the fundamental limit of the spectral method beyond the aforementioned threshold.
Simulating the Weekly Cycle of NOx-VOC-HOx-O3 Photochemical System in the South Coast of California During CalNex-2010 Campaign

Author(s): Cai, Chenxia; Avise, Jeremy; Kaduwela, Ajith; DaMassa, John; Warneke, Carsten; Gilman, Jessica B; Kuster, William; de Gouw, Joost; Volkamer, Rainer; Stevens, Philip; Lefer, Barry; Holloway, John S; Pollack, Ilana B; Ryerson, Thomas; Atlas, Elliot; Blake, Donald; Rappenglueck, Bernhard; Brown, Steven S; Dube, William P
SEQUENCE DETERMINATION OF THE PSEUDOMONAS PUTIDA CYTOCHROME P-450: ISOLATION AND PARTIAL SEQUENCES OF THE CYSTEINE PEPTIDES

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the sequence determination of the Pseudomonas Putida cytochrome P-450. Pseudomonas putida contains a camphor hydroxylating system, which requires NADH-putidaredoxin reductase, putidaredoxin, and cytochrome P-450. The amino acid sequences of the protein components are essential for investigating the structure–function relationships of the individual components and a multienzyme complex for comparing the chemical structures of the individual components from different living species and for the complete structural determination of the protein components by crystal X-ray diffraction studies. For the goal of studying the structure–function relationships of the cysteine residues in cytochrome P-450 by chemical modification experiments, it was necessary to devise a method for isolating the individual cysteine peptides by tryptic hydrolysis of P-450 cam . A method has been devised for isolating 6 tryptic peptides that contain cysteines. The chapter presents the partial or complete sequences of these peptides and discusses the possible enzymatic or structural roles of the cysteine residues.
Optical sensors for harsh environment applications

The development of a harsh environment ammonia slip sensor based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is presented. A hybrid optical sensor design, through combination of wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and alignment control, is proposed as an approach towards reliable in-situ measurements in misalignment prone harsh environments. 1531.59 nm, 1553.4 nm and 1555.56 nm are suggested as possible absorption lines for trace ammonia measurement (<1ppm at 10m path length at 500K) in gas turbine exhaust conditions. Design and performance of the alignment control system are presented in detail. Effect of misalignment related measurement degradation is investigated and significant improvement in measurement fidelity is demonstrated through the use of the hybrid optical sensor design.
How are gold returns related to stock or bond returns in the U.S. market? Evidence from the past 10-year gold market

Although the gold market over the past decade has been soaring relative to its prior history, there have been few studies on the relationship between the gold market and other major financial marke...
Bryophyte abundance, composition and importance to woody plant recruitment in natural and restoration forests

Abstract Restoration of tropical forests can lead to enhanced ecosystem services and increases in native biodiversity. Bryophytes may be an integral part of the forest restoration process and can serve a critical role in forest functioning. However, the recovery of bryophytes and their ability to facilitate woody plant establishment during restoration remains poorly studied, especially in the tropics. We investigate how bryophyte abundance and community composition, as well as woody plant seedling associations with bryophyte mats and other ground cover types change from under the canopy of intact forest to under trees in restoration corridor plantings in Hawaii. Restoration corridors consisted of corridors of koa ( Acacia koa ) trees that were planted roughly 30 years ago. Some corridors were planted around remnant ʻōhiʻa trees ( Metrosideros polymorpha ) that can be several hundred years old. We sampled under ʻōhiʻa in intact forest and both koa and ʻōhiʻa trees in restoration corridors. In restoration corridors, bryophyte abundance was low relative to intact forest and species diversity was a subset of that found in intact forest despite restoration corridors being several decades old. Seedlings strongly associated with bryophytes across all habitats suggesting that bryophytes may significantly enhance forest seedling establishment when present in restoration corridors. Other ground cover types like woody litter and nurse logs also had a positive association with forest seedlings but were rare in restoration corridors. Grass remained a dominant ground cover type in restoration corridors under koa and remnant ʻōhiʻa trees and only a single seedling was ever found growing in this grass. Enhancing bryophyte growth and recovery within restoration plantings through the reduction of grass cover could facilitate native plant establishment.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been studied in lower-extremity arthroplasty, there are few guidelines regarding established risk factors for VTE in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). With literature suggesting the VTE rate may be as high as 13%, VTE prevention and risk factors should be considered in preoperative planning. Methods All TSAs from 2011 through 2016 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, ethnicity, functional status, comorbidities, discharge destination, surgical indication, length of stay, and operative time were compared between patients with and without 30-day postoperative VTE. Pearson χ2 and t tests were used to assess baseline categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine associated independent risk factors for VTE. Results The analysis included 13,299 patients; VTE developed in 83 patients (0.62%). Patients with VTE were older (72 years vs. 69 years) and had a longer hospital stay (3.5 days vs. 1.9 days). Compared with patients with no VTE, patients with VTE were more likely to undergo TSA for proximal humeral fractures, to be discharged to a rehabilitative center, to have a preoperative albumin level lower than 3.5 g/dL, to undergo non-elective surgery, to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 3 or greater, to have a surgical-site infection develop, and ultimately to need a shoulder reoperation (all P Conclusion Patients with hypoalbuminemia, an increased length of stay, and African American ethnicity are at an increased risk of VTE after shoulder arthroplasty. A high index of suspicion is warranted for elderly patients with fractures who may need preoperative medical optimization.
The expansion and validation of a new upper extremity item bank for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS)

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) includes a Physical Function (PF) item bank and an Upper Extremity (UE) item bank, which is composed of a subset of items from the PF bank. The UE item bank has few items and known ceiling effects. Therefore, this study aimed to expand the item bank to assess a wider range of functioning. With the additional content, other psychometric properties—improved content validity, item bank depth, range of measurement, and score reliability—were also evaluated. We convened an expert panel to review potential items, and then conducted psychometric analyses on both extant and newly-collected data. Expert focus groups reviewed the PF item bank for items that were “sufficiently” related to upper extremity functioning for inclusion in the expanded UE item bank. The candidate item bank was quantitatively evaluated in a new sample of 600 people. The final items were calibrated in an aggregated dataset (n = 11,635) from two existing datasets, and the newly collected sample. The original UE item bank included 15 items. After expert review and quantitative evaluation, 31 items were added. The combined 46 items were calibrated using item response theory (IRT). Then computer adaptive tests (CATs) were simulated based off of the psychometric results. These indicated that the new UE item bank has an extended measurement range compared to the original version. The expanded PROMIS UE item bank assesses a wider range of upper extremity functioning compared to the initial UE item bank. However, ceiling effects remain a concern for unimpaired groups. The new UE item bank is recommended for individuals with known or suspected upper extremity limitations.
Theoretical and experimental study of supersonic steady flow around inclined bodies of revolution

Three dimensional hypersonic steady flow around blunt and pointed cones at nonzero angles of attack calculated by method of characteristics
Chapter 24 – Distributed Arithmetic

Publisher Summary Distributed arithmetic (DA) is a computation algorithm that performs multiplication using precomputed lookup tables (LUTs) instead of logic. It is well suited to implementation on homogeneous field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) because of its high utilization of the available LUTs. It may also have advantages for modern heterogeneous FPGAs that contain built-in multipliers because it is area efficient for implementing long digital filters. DA targets the sum-of-products (or vector dot product) operation, and many digital signal processing (DSP) tasks such as filter implementation, matrix multiplication, and frequency transformation can be reduced to one or more sum-of-products computations. A common DA application on FPGAs is acceleration of frequency transformations such as the discrete cosine transform (DCT), which is a critical component of the MPEG video compression and JPEG image compression standards. The two-dimensional DCT can be implemented as two one-dimensional DCTs and a matrix transposition. Each DCT can be implemented as a matrix–vector multiplication, which is easy to implement on an FPGA using DA because it can be decomposed into a set of vector dot products.
Gelfoam in oral surgery; a report of 250 cases.

Abstract Having used Gelfoam in a series of 250 cases, we feel that the material is an aid to oral surgery. As we reported originally, the value of the absorbable gelatin sponge is twofold, first as a hemostatic agent and second to obliterate “dead space.” Gelfoam has many applications to the routine practice of surgery about the mouth, whether it be to control postoperative bleeding or to fill cavities created by the removal of bone or cystic tissue. The use of Gelfoam in lower third molar sockets is subject to local conditions encountered by the operator. It has its place in third molar sockets, we feel, when used with discrimination. In most cases, Gelfoam need not be combined with thrombin to affect hemostasis. The material alone or wetted with saline for easier handling will suffice to control bleeding, or act as a space filler. The sponge should, however, be soaked in thrombin when used on patients with bleeding difficulties or severe hemorrhage. The use of an absorbable dressing material has been another advance in oral surgery. Postoperative complications and the necessity for prolonged treatment are often avoided by its use.
High-dose methotrexate-based regimens with or without vincristine for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare malignancy with few treatment options. One regimen used for induction is rituximab, high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV). A common institutional practice is removing vincristine (VCR) from this regimen due to its poor CNS penetration and associated toxicities. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the omission of VCR from HD-MTX-based induction impacted clinical outcomes. Methods In a retrospective review, patients with PCNSL who received HD-MTX-based induction therapy between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2018 were evaluated. Patients were stratified according to treatment into 2 groups, VCR-containing therapy versus no VCR. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate following the completion of induction chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse event rate. Results Twenty-nine patients were included: 16 patients in the VCR group and 13 in the non-VCR group. A CR was achieved in 7 (44%) and 5 (38%) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-5.53) patients, respectively. Median OS was 85.3 (95% CI: 20.2-85.3) versus 67.1 months (95% CI: 10.5-NR) and median PFS was 60.7 (95% CI: 9.4-NR) versus 23.7 months (95% CI: 4.7-NR) in the VCR group versus non-VCR group, respectively. The incidence of any grade peripheral neuropathy was higher in the VCR group. Conclusions CR rate, OS, and PFS were similar between groups regardless of VCR inclusion. Adverse events were higher in the VCR group. Larger studies are required to further evaluate the efficacy of VCR in PCNSL induction regimens.
Tribological behavior of ammonium-based protic ionic liquid as lubricant additive

In this study, the tribological behavior of an ammonium-based protic ionic liquid (PIL) as an additive in a base mineral oil (MO) is investigated on a steel-steel contact at room temperature and 100 °C. Tri-[bis(2-hydroxyethylammonium)] citrate (DCi) was synthesized in a simple and low-cost way, and the ionic structure of DCi was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The stability measurement of 1 wt% DCi to a MO was investigated, and the lubricating ability and anti-wear properties of DCi as an additive in MO were also examined using a custom-designed reciprocating ball-on-flat tribometer. Optical microscope and profilometry were used to obtain the worn morphology of the steel disks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out to investigate the wear mechanism and to analyze the surface interactions between the rubbing components. When 1 wt% DCi is added into the base MO, frictional performance is improved at both temperatures studied with a friction reduction of 29.0% and 35.5%, respectively. Moreover, the addition of 1 wt% DCi to MO reduced the wear volume 59.4% compared to the use of MO. An oxygen-richened tribolayer is confirmed by EDS on the disk surface when DCi was used as additive under 100 °C.
A Molecular Phylogeny for the Genus Coccoloba (Polygonaceae) with an Assessment of Biogeographic Patterns

Species in the genus Coccoloba are trees, shrubs, and lianas present in low elevation tropical and sub-tropical forests. Since 1756, well over 400 taxa have been described for Coccoloba. Coccoloba species are natively distributed throughout the New World in a variety of habitats. Despite being distributed throughout the Neotropics, the concentration of Coccoloba species in a given area varies considerably, with four centers of diversity for the genus: southern and coastal Brazil, the West Indies, Mesoamerica, and Amazonia. We here present the first molecular phylogeny of Coccoloba and use this phylogeny to investigate geographic patterns of diversity within the genus. The topology of the phylogeny and the closest related genera to Coccoloba suggest a Mesoamerican origin for the genus. The South American species are recovered as the crown group of the phylogeny with one instance of a separate migration event from Mesoamerica to South America. Coccoloba species in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean show little to no geographic pattern to their diversification. Mesoamerica and the Caribbean are best considered as one phytogeographic region for Coccoloba.
Optimization to the Rescue: Evading Binary Code Stylometry with Adversarial Use of Code Optimizations

Recent work suggests that it may be possible to determine the author of a binary program simply by analyzing stylistic features preserved within it. As this poses a threat to the privacy of programmers who wish to distribute their work anonymously, we consider steps that can be taken to mislead such analysis. We begin by exploring the effect of compiler optimizations on the features used for stylistic analysis. Building on these findings, we propose a gray-box attack on a state-of-the-art classifier using compiler optimizations. Finally, we discuss our results, as well as implications for the field of binary stylometry.
Effects of Cu(II)(3,5-DIPS)2 on Solid Ehrlich Cell Tumor in Mice: A Pathological Study

The first evidence indicating that Cu (II) (3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 (CuDIPS) possessed antitumor activity was published in 1981 by Leuthauser et al.1. This group of investigators showed that when Ehrlich ascites cells were injected into thigh muscle of adult mice, solid tumors developed. Subsequent administration of CuDIPS directly into the tumor site yielded both retardation and reduction of tumor growth with an increased survival rate when compared to the saline treated controls. Using light microscopy, these investigators found that the metastatic activity of the tumor cells was also reduced and delayed in CuDIPS treated mice. Small nodules of metastatic tumor cells were found in the lungs of the saline controls as early as 10 days after implantation whereas, metastasis was not observed until day 45 in CuDIPS treated mice.
Gap junction structures. V. Structural chemistry inferred from X-ray diffraction measurements on sucrose accessibility and trypsin susceptibility.

Abstract X-ray diffraction patterns have been recorded from partially oriented specimens of gap junctions isolated from mouse liver and suspended in sucrose solutions of different concentration and thus of different electron density. Analysis of these diffraction patterns has shown that sucrose is excluded from the 6-fold rotation axis of the junction lattice for a length of about 100 A. This indicates that the aqueous channel of the junctions is in the closed, high resistance state in these preparations. Mapping of the sucrose-accessible space in the junction indicates that the cross-sectional area of the channel entrance on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane could be up to five times larger than the area of the transmembrane channel. Sucrose does not penetrate more than 20 A into the membrane along the channel. Apparently the aqueous channel, 8 to 10 A in radius for most of its length, is narrowed or blocked by a small feature about 50 A from the center of the gap. Very close interactions exist between the gap junction protein and the lipid polar head groups on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane. In this region, the protein intercalates between the polar head groups. These results suggest that the gap junction protein may have a functional two-domain structure. One domain, with a molecular weight of about 15,000, spans one bilayer and half of the gap and is contained largely within a radius of 25 A from the 6-fold axis. The second domain is smaller and occupies the cytoplasmic surface of the gap junction membrane. Trypsin digestion removes about 4000 M rmr from the cytoplasmic surface domain of the junction protein. Most of the material susceptible to trypsin digestion is located more than 28 a from the 6-fold axis.
A Comparison of Health Care in Canada and the US - The Case of Pap Smears

This study compares the Canadian and US health care systems on the provision of Pap smears for women. Probit estimates show that American women are more likely to receive the screening. A question arises as to whether differences in the estimated probability of the Pap smear are the result of differences in the demographics between Canadian and American women or differences in the estimated coefficients. A Blinder/Oaxaca type decomposition yields estimates of the influence of each. The decomposition shows that the differences between the Canadian and US women mostly occur because of differences in coefficients and not the distributions. One coefficient driving this difference is age. Older Canadian women have a lower average predicted probability of a Pap smear.
Bone nodule formation via in vitro differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells.

Publisher Summary For more than a decade numerous laboratories have differentiated osteoprogenitors from neonatal calvaria or marrow stromal cells/ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the bone marrow into mature osteoblasts in tissue culture. During this process, a single-cell or colony-forming unit (CFU) is able to proliferate, secrete, and mineralize bone matrix yielding a discrete raised nodule that protrudes into the medium and readily absorbs the silver nitrate in a von Kossa stain after fixation. Observing the similarities between the differentiation potential of rodent and human MSCs and murine embryonic stem (ES) cells, the ability of ES cells to form mineralized nodules in vitro under similar conditions is explored in the chapter. The author has utilized a fairly simple method for allowing EB formation and culture the EBs for only two days, after which individual cells are plated under conditions typically used for the in vitro differentiation of bone nodules from stem and progenitor cells from other sources. Despite the differences in the methodology, it is clear that there is a progenitor population in the EB that is capable of becoming an osteoprogenitor and forming a mineralized nodule in vitro . This is extremely important because ES cell-derived osteoblasts and their progenitors show excellent therapeutic promise for osteoporosis, rheumatic diseases, developmental bone defects, and severe fractures. Also, the in vitro differentiation of ES cells along the osteoblast lineage is a valuable tool for addressing pertinent questions about the proliferation, differentiation, survival, and intercellular communication between cells of the bone lineage.
Analysis of an Ada System Using Coloured Petri Nets and Occurrence Graphs

This paper summarizes a project that used a new prototype occurrence graph (OG) tool to analyze a hierarchical coloured Petri net. The net models the behavior of an example Ada program that controls an interrupt-driven system. Our goals were to verify the results of the prior manual analysis, further examine the Ada program design, and assess the significance of such tool support in the application of Petri net theory to Ada program development. With OG tool support, we were able to identify additional problems with this Ada program that had defied manual analysis. The new insights gained with minimal effort are very encouraging. We believe the approach we have demonstrated can, with further refinements, become a practical means of verifying Ada program designs.
Age and directed-participation variables influencing the effectiveness of televised instruction in concrete operational behaviors

Head Start preschoolers on an isolated Papago reservation in southern Arizona were subjects of two studies of the effects of televised instruction and directed participation on teaching enumeration and conservation skills. Television instruction was most effective when used with active, directed participation and corrective feedback, but this, as well as amount and skills learned, varied with age. The televised segments used linear sequencing rather than the fragmented approach of Sesame Street.
Colorectal cancer: screening

Introduction Nearly two thirds of colorectal cancers occur in the rectum or sigmoid colon. It is the third most common cancer in resource-rich countries, accounting for about 20,000 deaths each year in the UK, and 60,000 each year in the USA.
Volterra Filtering of Noisy Images of Curves

How should one filter very noisy images of curves? While blurring with a Gaussian reduces noise, it also reduces contour contrast. Both non-homogeneous and anisotropic diffusion smooth images while preserving contours, but these methods assume a single local orientation and therefore they can merge or distort nearby or crossing contours. To avoid these difficulties, we view curve enhancement as a statistical estimation problem in the three-dimensional (x, y, ?)-space of positions and directions, where our prior is a probabilistic model of an ideal edge/line map known as the curve indicator random field (CIRF). Technically, this random field is a superposition of local times of Markov processes that model the individual curves; intuitively, it is an idealized artist's sketch, where the value of the field is the amount of ink deposited by the artist's pen. After reviewing the CIRF framework and our earlier formulas for the CIRF cumulants, we compute the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimate of the CIRF embedded in large amounts of Gaussian white noise. The derivation involves a perturbation expansion in an infinite noise limit, and results in linear, quadratic, and cubic (Volterra) CIRF filters for enhancing images of contours. The self-avoidingness of smooth curves in (x, y, ?) simplified our analysis and the resulting algorithms, which run in O(n log n) time, where n is the size of the input. This suggests that the Gestalt principle of good continuation may not only express the likely smoothness of contours, but it may have a computational basis as well.
Assessing patterns of participation and enjoyment in children with spinal cord injury.

Aim To determine patterns of participation and levels of enjoyment in young people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to assess how informal and formal participation varies across child, injury-related, household, and community variables. Method One hundred and ninety-four participants (106 males, 88 females; mean age 13y 2mo, SD 3y 8mo, range 6–18y) with SCI and their primary caregivers completed a demographics questionnaire and a standardized measure of participation (the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment, [CAPE]) at three pediatric SCI centers in a single hospital system in the United States. Their mean age at injury was 7 years 2 months (SD 5y 8mo, range 0–17y); 71% had paraplegia, and 58% had complete injuries. Results Young people participated more often in informal activities (t(174)=29.84, p<0.001) and reported higher enjoyment with these (t(174)=2.01, p=0.046). However, when engaging in formal activities, they participated with a more diverse group (t(174)=−16.26, p<0.001) and further from home (t(174)=−16.08, p<0.001). Aspects of informal participation were related to the child’s age, sex, and injury level, and formal participation to the child’s age and caregiver education. Caregiver education was more critical to formal participation among young people with tetraplegia than among those with paraplegia (F(4,151)=2.67, p=0.034). Interpretation Points of intervention include providing more participation opportunities for young people with tetraplegia and giving caregivers the resources necessary to enhance their children’s formal participation.
Probing NMSSM Scenarios with Minimal Fine-Tuning by Searching for Decays of the Upsilon to a Light CP-Odd Higgs Boson

Completely natural electroweak symmetry breaking is easily achieved in supersymmetric models if there is a SM-like Higgs boson, h, with m{sub h} 0.7, and if m{sub a}<2m{sub b}, then the LEP constraints are satisfied even if m{sub h} < or approx. 100 GeV. In this paper, we show that in the next-to-minimal supersymmetric model the above h and a properties (for the lightest CP-even and CP-odd Higgs bosons, respectively) imply a lower bound on Br({upsilon}{yields}{gamma}a) that dedicated runs at present (and future) B factories can explore.