cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seagrass landscapes: a terrestrial approach to the marine subtidal environment.

Subtidal seagrass habitats are prime candidates for the application of principles derived from landscape ecology. Although seagrass systems are relatively simple compared to their terrestrial counterparts in terms of species diversity and structural complexity, seagrasses do display variation in spatial patterns over a variety of scales. The presence of a moving water layer and its influence on faunal dispersal may be a distinguishing feature impacting ecological processes in the subtidal zone. Studying seagrass-dominated landscapes may provide a novel approach to investigating questions regarding self-similarity of spatial patterns, and offers a new perspective for analysing habitat change in a variety of marine environments.
Echocardiographic Evidence of Left Ventricular Tumor in a Neonate

We present the case of a ten-hour-old infant with clinical findings suggestive of hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. A diagnosis of left ventricular tumor was made by echocardiographic examination. This diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy, when a large rhabdomyoma was found in the interventricular septum, obliterating the major portion of the left ventricular cavity. The echocardiographic findings are discussed.
Dehio, Long Cycles, and the Geohistorical Context of Structural Transition

Leadership long-cycle analyses emphasize the global political economy, sea power, and the cyclical rise and fall of maritime powers. Ludwig Dehio's interpretation of European international politics stressed regional politics, land power, and the cyclical rise and fall of continental powers. Since neither framework totally ignores what the other accentuates, a merger of the two perspectives is quite feasible and results in improved explanatory power. As an illustration, several of Dehio's generalizations about the nature and timing of regional power concentration are tested for the period 1494–1945. The outcome suggests that peaks of regional and global power concentration alternate. Global reconcentration is stimulated, at least in part, by the threat posed by a rising regional challenger.
Elevated Ratio of Urinary Metabolites of Thromboxane and Prostacyclin Is Associated with Adverse Cardiovascular Events in ADAPT

Results from prevention trials, including the Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT), have fueled discussion about the cardiovascular (CV) risks associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We tested the hypotheses that (i) adverse CV events reported among ADAPT participants (aged 70 years and older) are associated with increased ratio of urine 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (Tx-M) to 2′3-donor–6-keto-PGF1 (PGI-M) attributable to NSAID treatments; (ii) coincident use of aspirin (ASA) would attenuate NSAID-induced changes in Tx-M/PGI-M ratio; and (iii) use of NSAIDs and/or ASA would not alter urine or plasma concentrations of F2-isoprostanes (IsoPs), in vivo biomarkers of free radical damage. We quantified urine Tx-M and PGI-M, and urine and plasma F2-IsoPs from 315 ADAPT participants using stable isotope dilution assays with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and analyzed these data by randomized drug assignment and self-report compliance as well as ASA use. Adverse CV events were significantly associated with higher urine Tx-M/PGI-M ratio, which seemed to derive mainly from lowered PGI-M. Participants taking ASA alone had reduced urine Tx-M/PGI-M compared to no ASA or NSAID; however, participants taking NSAIDs plus ASA did not have reduced urine Tx-M/PGI-M ratio compared to NSAIDs alone. Neither NSAID nor ASA use altered plasma or urine F2-IsoPs. These data suggest a possible mechanism for the increased risk of CV events reported in ADAPT participants assigned to NSAIDs, and suggest that the changes in the Tx-M/PGI-M ratio was not substantively mitigated by coincident use of ASA in individuals 70 years or older.
Psychology of the scientist: LXXXV. Research on homosexuality: a response to Schumm (and Herek).

Because social science is "messy," just about any criticism of any work--including our efforts--has validity. But the empiricist principle is more important than a theoretical search for perfection in research. The findings from our 1983-1984 nationwide random survey are superior to earlier efforts and similar enough to those reported by the 1992 nationwide random survey conducted by University of Chicago investigators, the 1994 British effort, and the 1996 NHSDA to suggest all approximate "a similar truth about reported sexuality."
A primer of ethical issues involving opioid therapy for chronic nonmalignant pain in a multidisciplinary setting.

Objective. This forum presents a clinical vignette of orofacial pain and expounds on ethical issues related to opioid therapy in the context of multidisciplinary treatment. The purpose of this forum is to assist health care providers from different disciplines in identifying ethical issues and conflicts regarding opioid therapy encountered in multidisciplinary clinical pain practices. Design. We use the case vignette and opioid therapy as a backdrop for a discussion of 1) an overview of ethics terminology; 2) a presentation of key ethics principles; 3) our conceptualization of ethical obligations of patients regarding opioid therapy; and 4) the process of developing an appropriate treatment plan within the context of the discussed ethical principles.
Gender Differences in Personality across the Ten Aspects of the Big Five.

This paper investigates gender differences in personality traits, both at the level of the Big Five and at the sublevel of two aspects within each Big Five domain. Replicating previous findings, women reported higher Big Five Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism scores than men. However, more extensive gender differences were found at the level of the aspects, with significant gender differences appearing in both aspects of every Big Five trait. For Extraversion, Openness, and Conscientiousness, the gender differences were found to diverge at the aspect level, rendering them either small or undetectable at the Big Five level. These findings clarify the nature of gender differences in personality and highlight the utility of measuring personality at the aspect level.
The Dynamics of Cultural Change: The Effect of Cross Cultural Communication on Small Group Behavior in Thailand*

This is a field study of cultural change in Thailand in a cross-cultural small group setting involving Thai medical students and American and Thai teachers. Its purpose is to investigate the relationship of language, attitudinal, and socioeconomic factors with behavior representative of cultural change and in particular the effect of American teachers and cultural values on this change. This study attempts to go beyond the usual subjective anecdotal description of cultural change by careful observation of a discrete behavior operationally defined as representative of cultural change in a natural setting offering an unusually high degree of control over environmental variables. Results indicate that cultural change as measured by this behavior (student verbal assertiveness with the teacher) is significantly correlated at a moderate level with English language ability but not course grades. It is related to certain attitudes toward the learning process and future plans having to do with anticipated study in the United States. It is not related to a wide variety of socioeconomic background variables thought to be related to cultural change. The student's verbal assertiveness with the American teacher was significantly correlated at a high level with his verbal assertiveness with the Thai teacher. The implications of this for environment and personality as factors in cultural change are discussed.
Toxicity of binary mixtures of organic chemicals to microorganisms

Abstract Inhibition of microorganisms by single and binary mixtures of organic chemicals was experimentally determined using the respirometric technique. Single chemical dose-response relationships in these assays most closely fit the Probit versus the Weibit and Logit transformations. A QSAR-based approach was developed to predict the joint effects in the binary mixtures. The validity of the proposed approach was demonstrated by comparing the predicted values against the experimentally determined values. Good agreement between the two was found with a coefficient of determination, r 2 = 0.892.
The discordant Doe Run thrust: Implications for stratigraphy and structure in the Glenarm Supergroup, southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont

Detailed mapping and ground magnetic surveys in the area of Doe Run, southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont, show the Wissahickon Group to consistently lie above, and locally with angular contact upon, an overturned stratigraphic sequence of Grenville-aged (≈1 b.y. old) gneiss above Setters Formation above Cockeysville Marble. These discordant relations reflect the emplacement of the Wissahickon Group along the Doe Run thrust (redefined herein) across a previously folded footwall. Identifying the Doe Run thrust makes untenable the long-standing assumption of stratigraphic continuity throughout the Glenarm Supergroup of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suppresses renal thromboxane production but not proliferative lesions in the MRL/lpr murine model of lupus nephritis.

Abstract Introduction Proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) is marked by increased renal thromboxane (TX) A 2 production. Targeting the TXA 2 receptor or TXA 2 synthase effectively improves renal function in humans with LN and improves glomerular pathology in murine LN. This study was designed to address the following hypotheses: (1) TXA 2 production in the MRL/MpJ- Tnfrsf6 lpr /J (MRL/ lpr) model of proliferative LN is cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 dependent and (2) COX2 inhibitor therapy improves glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, markers of innate immune response and glomerular pathology. Methods Twenty female MRL/ lpr and 20 BALB/cJ mice were divided into 2 equal treatment groups: (1) SC-236, a moderately selective COX2 inhibitor or (2) vehicle. After treatment from the age of 10 to 20 weeks, the effectiveness of inhibition of TXA 2 was determined by measuring urine TXB 2 . Response endpoints measured at the age of 20 weeks were renal function (GFR), proteinuria, urine nitrate + nitrite (NO x ) and glomerular histopathology. Results SC-236 therapy reduced surrogate markers of renal TXA 2 production during early, active glomerulonephritis. When this pharmacodynamic endpoint was reached, therapy improved GFR. Parallel reductions in markers of the innate immune response (urine NO x ) during therapy were observed. However, the beneficial effect of SC-236 therapy on GFR was only transient, and renal histopathology was not improved in late disease. Conclusions These data demonstrate that renal TXA 2 production is COX2 dependent in murine LN and suggest that NO production is directly or indirectly COX2 dependent. However, COX2 inhibitor therapy in this model failed to improve renal pathology, making COX2 inhibition a less attractive approach for treating LN.
France, Britain and the intervention in Libya: an integrated analysis

This article seeks to explain the decisions by Nicolas Sarkozy's France and David Cameron's Britain to intervene in the 2011 Libyan crisis. None of the three major theories of international relations—constructivism, defensive realism and liberalism—can explain on its own such intervention decisions as the Libya case. The article's novel analytical model proposes that each theory emphasizes factors and mechanisms that explain part of the decision-making process and that these factors interact with state behaviour in complex ways. Britain and France initially began to consider intervention because they felt that the emergent norm of the ‘responsibility to protect’ applied to the Libyan case and because they believed the massive flows of refugees fleeing the violence were a threat to their border security. Both countries believed military intervention could be successful at relatively low cost and that if they did not intervene the problem would not be solved. At that point, the Sarkozy and Cameron governmen...
Preparation and properties of an improved photoaffinity ligand for the N-formyl peptide receptor.

A new superior photoaffinity ligand for the N-formyl peptide receptor was prepared by derivatization of N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys with a commercially available heterobifunctional crosslinking agent. The product, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-Ne-(2-(p-azidosalicylamido)ethyl-1,3′-dithiopropionyl)-Lys was readily synthesized and radiolabelled, and had increased specificity and stability as compared to previously used photoaffinity ligands. The ligand rapidly associated with the receptor with high affinity (Kd = 0.28 nM). Once bound, it was virtually non-dissociable (in the absence of photolysis) in an experimental time-frame (t12 (off) = 154 min). The covalent incorporation of the photoaffinity ligand into the receptor upon irradiation was complete within 5 min, minimizing cell damage, and the efficiency of covalent incorporation was approx. 40%. The derivative had enhanced biological activity, having an ED50 for superoxide anion production of 0.23 nM, 27-fold lower than its parent peptide. This derivative of the N-formyl peptide was useful for up to 3 months after radiolabelling, showing a progressive decline in specific activity during storage in the dark at 4°C. The enhanced stability, reproducibility and solubility of the photoaffinity ligand is expected to aid in the purification of the N-formyl peptide receptor and will prove a useful tool for analysing receptor-mediated processes.
Minor Changes in Sterol Structure Impact the Miscibility Temperatures of Model Cell Membranes Significantly

Evolution selected for an array of structurally similar sterols in cell membranes. While mammalian cells rely on cholesterol, yeast and fungi utilize ergosterol and plants incorporate a variety of phytosterols. Although the chemical structure of ergosterol and phytosterols differ only slightly from cholesterol, these small differences have been shown to significantly impact the solubility limit of the sterols in model cell membranes [Stevens & Keller, 2010, 5882]. In our current study, we use fluorescence microscopy to correlate the structural features of ergosterol, stigmasterol, and s-sitosterol with the miscibility temperature of ternary membranes containing DOPC, DPPC, and a sterol. We map the full ternary phase diagram of each system and compare it with that of the well-characterized DOPC/DPPC/cholesterol system. Our data provides insight into the intermolecular interactions taking place between sterols and PC-lipids and reveals that seemingly minor changes in sterol structure have a large impact on membrane miscibility temperatures.
Droughts, hydraulic redistribution, and their impact on vegetation composition in the Amazon forest

Hydraulic redistribution (HR), the nocturnal transport of moisture by plant roots from wetter to drier portions of the root zone, in general can buffer plants against seasonal water deficits. However, its role in longer droughts and its long-term ecological impact are not well understood. Based on numerical model experiments for the Amazon forest, this modeling study indicates that the impact of HR on plant growth differs between droughts of different time scales. While HR increases transpiration and plant growth during regular dry seasons, it reduces dry season transpiration and net primary productivity (NPP) under extreme droughts such as those during El Nino years in the Amazon forest. This occurs because, in places where soil water storage is not able to sustain the ecosystem through the dry season, the HR-induced acceleration of moisture depletion in the early stage of the dry season reduces water availability for the rest of the dry season and causes soil moisture to reach the wilting point earlier. This gets exacerbated during extreme droughts, which jeopardizes the growth of trees that are not in dry season dormancy, i.e., evergreen trees. As a result, the combination of drought and HR increases the percentage of drought deciduous trees at the expense of evergreen trees, and the fractional coverage of forest canopy is characterized by sudden drops following extreme droughts and slow recovery afterwards. The shift of the tropical forest towards more drought deciduous trees as a result of the combined effects of extreme drought and HR has important implications for how vegetation will respond to future climate changes.
On strategies for enforcing interfacial constraints and evaluating jump conditions with the extended finite element method

We consider a problem stemming from recent models of phase transitions in stimulus-responsive hydrogels, wherein a sharp interface separates swelled and collapsed phases. Extended finite element methods that approximate the local solution with an enriched basis such that the mesh need not explicitly 'fit' the interface geometry are emphasized. Attention is focused on the weak enforcement of the normal configurational force balance and various options for evaluating the jump in the normal component of the solute flux at the interface. We show that as the reciprocal interfacial mobility vanishes, it plays the role of a penalty parameter enforcing a pure Dirichlet constraint, eventually triggering oscillations in the interfacial velocity. We also examine alternative formulations employing a Lagrange multiplier to enforce this constraint. It is shown that the most convenient choice of basis for the Lagrange multiplier results in oscillations in the multiplier field and a decrease in accuracy and rate of convergence in local error norms, suggesting a lack of stability in the discrete formulation. Under such conditions, neither the direct evaluation of the gradient of the approximation at the phase interface nor the interpretation of the Lagrange multiplier field provide a robust means to obtain the jump in the normal component of solute flux. Fortunately, the adaptation and use of local, domain-integral methodologies considerably improves the flux evaluations. Several example problems are presented to compare and contrast the various techniques and methods.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MONKEY ECCRINE SWEAT GLANDS.

The ultrastructure of monkey eccrine sweat glands is described. The secretory portion of the sweat gland is discussed in detail. The morphological differences in the secretory coil using three different fixatives and fixative combinations are emphasized. The secretory product of dark cells is seen to have three distinct appearances depending upon the fixative used. The biochemical significance of the latter finding is discussed. The appearance of clear cell cytoplasmic processes is described using the different fixatives. The similarity of adjacent clear cell processes to those of avian salt glands is pointed out and discussed. Evidence is presented to indicate that dark cells arise from clear cells via an intermediate cell type. The appearance of the clear cell plasma membrane is described and the necessity for the use of the general term “multilaminar plasma membrane” is discussed.
Time, Self, and the Curiously Abstract Concept of Agency*

The term “agency” is quite slippery and is used differently depending on the epistemological roots and goals of scholars who employ it. Distressingly, the sociological literature on the concept rarely addresses relevant social psychological research. We take a social behaviorist approach to agency by suggesting that individual temporal orientations are underutilized in conceptualizing this core sociological concept. Different temporal foci—the actor's engaged response to situational circumstances—implicate different forms of agency. This article offers a theoretical model involving four analytical types of agency (“existential,” “identity,” “pragmatic,” and “life course”) that are often conflated across treatments of the topic. Each mode of agency overlaps with established social psychological literatures, most notably about the self, enabling scholars to anchor overly abstract treatments of agency within established research literatures.
A three-dimensional gravity study of the 95.5°W propagating rift in the Galapagos spreading center

Abstract Seafloor at the Galapagos 95.5°W propagating rift (PR) has a varied morphological expression that can be spatially correlated with the predicted kinematic history of the PR. A median valley-like depression occurs near the tip of the growing ridge axis. To test if this bathymetry is a dynamic feature supported by mantle or lithosphere strength or if it is due to isostatically compensated crustal thickness variations, we use three-dimensional gravity modelling to constrain the crustal structure in this region, from data collected by Hey in 1979 and 1982. The gravity anomaly at the PR tip depression suggests that the tip depression is not caused by crustal thinning. The data are consistent with a stress-supported PR tip depression caused by asthenospheric along-axis flow into the growing ridge axis (Phipps Morgan and Parmentier [1]). In contrast to the tip depression, seafloor in the sheared zone of material transferred through transform migration from the Cocos to Nazca plate is anomalously shallow and has a pronounced regional 300–400 m tilt towards the growing ridge axis over the 20 km width of the sheared zone. The gravity data also suggest that the sheared zone is not compensated by crustal thickening.
On the applicability and stress update formulations for corotational stress rate hypoelasticity constitutive models

The primary objectives of the present exposition focus on the applicability of corotational stress rate hypoelasticity models and the design leading to new stress update formulations for subsequent applications. In this regard, various corotational stress rate hypoelasticity models are first studied. The conclusion that only the logarithmic stress rate hypoelasticity is suitable for finite deformation analysis is first drawn. In regards to the development of stress update formulations, a second-order accurate stress update formulation for the corotational stress rate hypoelasticity, and an exact stress update formulation for the logarithmic stress rate hypoelasticity are proposed. A numerical illustration is presented which draws comparisons with existing stress update formulations in the literature and shows the superior capabilities of the proposed developments.
Processing real-time sensor data streams for 3D web visualization

Today, myriads of sensors are surrounding us. Their usage ranges from environmental monitoring (e.g., weather and air quality), over sensor-equipped smart buildings, to the quantified self and other human observing applications. The data streams produced by such sensors often update with high frequencies, resulting in large data volumes. Being able to analyze those real-time sensor data streams requires efficient visualization techniques. In our work, we explore how 3D visualizations can be used to extend the available information space. More specifically, we present an approach for processing real-time sensor data streams to enable scalable Web-based 3D visualizations. Based on an event-driven architecture, our key contribution is the presentation of three processing patterns to optimize transmission of sensor data streams to 3D Web clients.
Forest spread and phase transitions at forest-prairie ecotones in Kansas, U.S.A.

The spread of gallery forest habitat into upland areas is of substantial interest to resource managers because such spread has many implications for the management of grassland and forest habitats. This study used a dynamic percolation model to examine the potential rates of spread or invasion of forest in eastern Kansas. Aerial photos taken 16 years apart at the Fort Riley training base were used to calibrate a spatially explicit contagion model of forest spread to interpolate and extrapolate the forest spread processes. Results fit the actual pattern of spread well, as measured by both visual inspection and a multiscale fractal measure of pattern. Comparisons to a long-term fire-exclusion experiment in Geary County, Kansas, and to the Konza Prairie also provided validation. Both the simulation and the 100-year Geary County series showed an interesting pattern of forest spread. Spread was slow and steady until about 20% forest cover was reached, at which point the rate increased. We conclude that this self-accelerating response is due to spatial patterns created by the spreading forest that tend to accelerate the growth process after a critical point is reached. On the basis of theoretical study and experimental simulation of the percolation phase transitions, we suggest that fractal dimensions in a transient ecotone of binary mixtures (e.g., trees and grasses) should range between 1.56 and 1.8958, and the critical fractal dimension during ecotonal phase transitions should be 1.7951. This critical point of about 18.5% forest cover that we predicted was close to the observed result and might represent a phase transition at the forest-prairie ecotone.
Survival and social change among the Amish in five communities

This article will explore the Amish subculture and evidence suggesting that gradual social change is occurring within the five communities selected for study: Berne, Indiana; Ethridge, Tennessee; Intercourse, Pennsylvania; Kalona, Iowa; and, Plain City, Ohio. Data has been collected from 87 Amish families using a 12 page structured questionnaire. Social change is investigated in each major social institution that impacts upon Amish life—and select micro-trends are identified for the mid 1980's. The “findings” in this sample suggest that the Amish are accepting selective (modest) acculturation—particularly in their work and their search for economic survival. The respondents in this study have sought to avoid extreme dependence on any one aspect of modern life, and they have remained largely unfettered by the national pursuit of success, careerism, competition, one-up-manship, and power seeking.
On context and ambiguity in parsing

This note is by way of commentary on the notions of “bounded context” of Floyd [1] and “structural connections” of Irons [2], as these notions relate to as yet unpublished researches growing out of the development of the author's Algorithmic Theory of Language [3, 4]. In the closing paragraphs of [3], the author made comments concerning further developments of the theory which would include “context dependence” and “resolution of apparent syntactic ambiguities.” The work on parsing reported here was carried out in early September, 1962 (an earlier version in March, 1962), but has not been polished or reduced to final form because, for the purpose of the total theory, parsing should not be considered separately, and the complexities of the proper treatment of the “precedence string” (which relates to semantic structure as distinct from syntactic structure of parsing) have not yet been satisfactorily resolved.
New approach to background subtraction in low-energy neutrino experiments

We discuss a new method to extract neutrino signals in low-energy experiments. In this scheme the symmetric nature of most backgrounds allows for direct cancellation from data. The application of this technique to the Palo Verde reactor neutrino oscillation experiment allows us to reduce the measurement errors on the antineutrino flux from $\ensuremath{\sim}20%$ to $\ensuremath{\sim}10%.$ We expect this method to substantially improve the data quality in future low background experiments such as KamLAND and LENS.
Pertussis: Recent resurgence and advances in diagnostic techniques and control

A resurgence of pertussis, especially among adolescents and young adults, has occurred during the past 15 years. A likely explanation is that a pool of older individuals with short-lived immunity from immunization has replaced those with more durable natural immunity. This pool is an important source for pertussis in unimmunized infants. The frequency of pertussis is much higher than ordinarily recognized because mild, atypical, or even subclinical forms go unnoticed—particularly infection in adults. The polymerase chain reaction recently has been used in a technique that is much more sensitive than is culture for the detection of Bordetella pertussis but retains specificity. Three acellular pertussis vaccines, combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, have been licensed for infants and young children because they are efficacious and are less reactogenic than are whole-cell vaccines. Immunization goals include drastically reducing the incidence of pertussis, especially in the Third World, where mortality is still high.
Incidence Structures whose Planes are Nets

A d-net is a connected semilinear incidence structure π such that (D1) every plane is a net, (D2) the intersection of two subspaces is connected, (D3) if two planes in a 3-space have a point in common then they have a second point in common, and (D4) the minimum number of points which generate π is d. Let V be a vector space over a skew field F, and W a subspace of finite codimension d. Let P, L be the set of d-, (d - 1)-dimensional subspaces respectively of V whose intersection with W is the zero vector. The incidence structure ( P , L ⊇ ) is called an attenuated space. We show every d-net for finite d ⩾ 3 is an attenuated space. We also characterize d-nets (together with AG(d, 2)) as those incidence structures belonging to the diagram where signifies a projective plane and signifies a net.
Phased Array UT Technology for Nuclear Pipe Inspection

Phased array UT technologles have been applied to improve pipe inspection speed and reliability. Recent results on similar and dissimilar metal welds show clear, accurate, and fast results. Phased array ultrasound has been developed and commercialized already for high-value, inspections such as turbines and boiling water reactor (BWR) core shrouds. This paper describes how the benefits of phased array technology are being extended for application to piping examinations, including the detection and length sizing of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in austenitic and dissimilar metal welds. The costs associated with pipe inspections contain factors related to the duration and reliability of inspections. The phased array improvements in flaw detectability, sizing accuracy, and speed, will lower the cost and increase the reliability of piping examinations by reducing qualification costs, radiation exposure, re-scans, and repairs. EPRI is encouraging the deployment of phased array pipe inspection technology by coordinating the technique development with several vendors so that when the technique is qualified, the vendor(s) will be ready to deliver it. This approach has already worked well for other phased array applications. As more vendors develop phased array capabilities, the deployment task becomes easier. To encourage the use of this technology, EPRI has developed and qualified through the Performance Demonstration Initiative (PDI) an automated phased array procedure for piping weld inspection.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Nondiagnostic fine-needle aspirations of the thyroid: is the risk of malignancy higher?

Abstract Background Nondiagnostic fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) pose a dilemma in the management of patients with thyroid nodules. In most cases, these patients undergo either repeat FNA or surgical resection. However, a significant number of patients will only be observed, assuming that the risk of malignancy is low. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the risk of malignancy is higher in patients with thyroid nodules and nondiagnostic FNAs. Methods We reviewed reports from 4286 consecutive FNA biopsies performed on patients with thyroid nodules at our institution between 2002 and 2010. We divided FNAs into two categories: diagnostic and nondiagnostic. We collected demographic, follow-up, and pathology data from both groups and then analyzed them with analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Results Of the 4286 FNAs, 259 were classified as nondiagnostic (6%). We saw no significant differences in age or gender between patients with diagnostic versus nondiagnostic FNAs. Of the patients with nondiagnostic FNAs, 62 underwent diagnostic thyroidectomy (24%), 74 had a repeat FNA (29%), and 123 had observation only (47%); thus, 136 patients had a cytologic or pathologic diagnosis. Patients with nondiagnostic FNAs had a significantly higher rate of all types of thyroid cancer, compared with those with diagnostic FNAs (12% versus 5%, respectively; P Conclusions The percentage of nondiagnostic FNA at our institution during this period (6%) was relatively low. However, the incidence of malignancy in these patients was significantly higher. Therefore, we recommend that patients with thyroid nodules and nondiagnostic FNAs undergo either repeat biopsy or diagnostic thyroidectomy.
Spirituality and confidence to resist substance use among celebrate recovery participants.

Since self-efficacy is a positive predictor of substance use treatment outcome, we investigated whether it is associated with spirituality within a religious 12-step program. This was a cross-sectional survey (N = 91) of 10 different Celebrate Recovery sites held at community churches. The mean spirituality score for those with high confidence was significantly greater than those with low confidence. Spirituality associated with greater confidence to resist substance use (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17, P < 0.05). So every unit increase of measured spirituality increased the odds of being above the median in self-efficacy by 9%. We conclude that spirituality may be an important explanatory variable in outcomes of a faith-based 12-step recovery program.
Flexural and extensoral eruptions in dermatologic disease

Dermatologic eruptions can be generalized or localized to specific areas of the body. Eruptions in specific body regions may suggest specific diagnosis. Recognizing such clinical patterns can facilitate the identification of the underlying pathology. In this contribution, we shall discuss those dermatologic lesions that tend to affect the flexure and extensor surfaces.
Application of native-state electrospray mass spectrometry to identify zinc-binding sites on engineered hemoglobin.

We report the utility of native-state mass spectrometry to detect zinc ion binding to the engineered hemoglobin rHb52. Various preparations of this recombinant hemoglobin had significantly different oxygen affinities. Detailed characterization of denatured globins did not show any difference between analyzed hemoglobin molecules. However, when solutions of intact hemoglobin pseudotetramers were analyzed by native-state electrospray mass spectrometry, a significant shift in the mass spectrum was observed, indicating labile modification of hemoglobin. Using collision-induced dissociation (CID), we found a mass gain of 63 Da located on the beta-globin. EDTA treatment of modified hemoglobin prior to the infusion removed the modification and restored the predicted oxygen affinity. Ion-trap fragmentation of the +8 charged ion of modified beta-globin showed a neutral loss of 96+/-1 Da, consistent with neutral loss of zinc sulfide. These findings indicated zinc binding to the beta-globin through a cysteine residue. Involvement of Cys93 was confirmed by kinetics of cysteine residue reactivity with dithiodipyridine and peptide mapping. Presence of zinc was confirmed by ICP-MS metal analysis.
Determination of the Transmission Efficiency of an Aircraft Aerosol Inlet

Data are reported for both airborne and wind tunnel testing of the aerosol inlet on the CIRPAS Twin Otter research aircraft. Though utilizing different instrumentation and assumptions, results from the two test venues show broad agreement. The roll off in transmission efficiency of the inlet under standard flight conditions starts at ∼3.5 μ m but plateaus at 5.5 μm particle diameter at a value slightly in excess of 0.6. This value persists to the upper limit of the test range at 9 μ m and is likely due to the sub-isokinetic aspiration flow of the inlet.
A logic-based foundation of discrete event modeling and simulation

A logic-based foundation of discrete event modeling and simulation is presented by defining (1) its fundamental concepts and terms from a perspective commonly held by logicians, (2) a modal Discrete Event Logic LDE. The ways of expressing models using LDE are discussed and compared with the ways of expressing models in simulation languages that support the event scheduling world view. The logic-based foundation provides fundamentally new insights. It asserts that events are logical propositions and the use of temporal operators is implicit in discrete event modeling and simulation languages. However, existing languages utilize only a few temporal operators in a restricted manner. The logic-based foundation enhances the ways of expressing models by using the operators implicit in existing languages in more general ways, new operators, and a parallel connective ||. The logic LDE and notions implicit in it form a new framework for understanding, defining, and studying logical combinations of events, variables, and time, and expressions containing a wide range of temporal operators including next, if, when, whenever, until, while, unless, and at.
Plasma Processes in a Low-Pressure Spark Discharge

Measurements on a 60-kV 1-\ensuremath{\mu}F vacuum spark discharge indicate the following sequence of events. During the early stages of the discharge, the current is carried mostly by electrons which are accelerated to the full tube voltage, as seen from intense bremsstrahlung x-ray production at the anode. The fast electron current and accompanying x-ray emission then diminish, but the total current continues to increase. During the time of reduced x-ray emission, the plasma emits a strong microwave pulse which peaks near the frequencies characterizing the electron drift instabilities. The dense beam of fast electrons then reappears for about 50 nsec and the whole cycle repeats, perhaps twice more. Although the fast electron stream repeatedly appears and disappears, the total current (fast stream plus drift current) usually rises monotonically. When a current of about 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ A is reached (in \ensuremath{\sim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ sec), dense material vaporized from the anode reaches the cathode and the tube impedance collapses. These events are explained in terms of a model which treats the discharge as alternating between two current modes, one dominated by a fast electron beam, the other by electron drift instabilities.
Molecular Detection of Prostate Epithelial Cells from the Surgical Field and Peripheral Circulation during Radical Prostatectomy

AbstractPurpose: Prostate cancer progression despite organ confined pathological assessment has been reported in a variable number of men after radical retropubic prostatectomy. To study this phenomenon, we used the prostate specific antigen (PSA) reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay.Materials and Methods: We prospectively assayed the peripheral venous blood before, during and after surgical manipulation as well as the intraoperative field blood for PSA reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-positive cells in 22 men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.Results: PSA reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-positive cells were identified in 20 of the 22 operative field samples (91 percent) and 4 of 16 (25 percent) had evidence of intraoperative hematogenous dissemination (p = 0.046). No significant association was identified among Gleason score, pathological stage and the PSA reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction result.Conclusions: Our results suggest that ...
Using removable partial dentures to stabilize teeth with secondary occlusal traumatism

Abstract The theoretical and practical considerations in treating secondary occlusal traumatism with removable prostheses have been discussed. Long-term success depends on a continued control of periodontal inflammation and occlusal traumatism. A recommended course of treatment was divided into three equally important segments of (1) periodontal therapy, (2) the removable prosthesis, and (3) close maintenance.
Effects of agricultural biostimulants on soil microbial activity and nitrogen dynamics

We investigated the effects of two commercially available soil biostimulants, designated Z93 and W91, on key microbial and nutrient cycling processes in the soil, by conducting short-term (1 week) and longer-term (8 weeks) soil incubations in the laboratory. In the short-term soil incubations, the two compounds differed in their effects on microbial activity: Z93 was effective over a wide range, stimulating substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) at remarkably low concentrations (0.5–500 nl/g soil); W91 stimulated SIR at these concentrations, but also inhibited DHA. In longer-term soil incubations, we amended batches of soil with either finely-ground alfalfa leaves, wheat straw, or added no amendments, to alter patterns of soil nitrogen mineralization and immobilization. We treated these soils with Z93 and W91 at two concentrations (0.005 and 0.5l/g soil), and incubated them for up to 8 weeks. These extremely low doses of both Z93 and W91 influenced soil SIR, DHA, and cellulase activity significantly ( P< 0.05). Both compounds also influenced soil nitrogen dynamics significantly; the extent depending upon the quality of the organic amendments. In the alfalfa-amended soil there was a steep increase in NO3-N concentration during the incubation due to the rapid mineralization of nitrogen-rich alfalfa material. However, in this soil, both Z93 and W91 reduced NO3-N concentrations greatly after 56 days. In the straw-amended soil, mineral nitrogen concentrations were very low, probably due to rapid immobilization of nitrogen by microbial biomass. In this soil, treatment with both compounds decreased microbial biomass nitrogen and increased dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), relative to that in the controls. Our results suggest that the two biostimulants can stimulate both the breakdown and mineralization of soil organic materials, perhaps by selectively inhibiting or stimulating particular components of the microbial community, leading to lasting (8 weeks or longer) increases in soil nitrogen availability. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A comparison of patients with late‐stage rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the shoulder using self‐assessed shoulder function and health status

Objective. To compare the function and health status of individuals with advanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder using standardized patient self-assessment tools. Methods. A group of patients with late-stage arthritic involvement of the shoulder was evaluated at the time of initial presentation using 2 questionnaires, one focusing on shoulder function and the other on overall health status. Results. There was substantial variability in the shoulder function and health status within each diagnostic group; however, both groups demonstrated significant deficits in their Simple Shoulder Test responses and in many of their Health Status Questionnaire-Short Form 36 scores. While the patients with RA tended to have somewhat greater impairment of shoulder function, many of the differences were not statistically significant. By contrast, most health status parameters were significantly more impaired in the patients with RA. Conclusions. Among patients with late-stage shoulder arthritis, the overall health status of those with RA is significantly worse than those with OA. Differences in health status may be important in selecting the optimal management for individual patients with latestage shoulder arthritis. Self-assessment questionnaires are effective in characterizing these differences.
Spectroscopically determined dielectric constants for various esters

Polarity of a solvent can be defined by the Onsager function or the Debye function, which both are functions of the static dielectric constant. Polarity has also been shown to be related to the solvatochromic shifts of the absorption and fluorescence spectra. In this study, the emission maxima of the probe molecule Nile Red were taken in different solvents of known dielectric constants, and relationships between the emission maxima and the Onsager and Debye functions were established. These relationships were used to estimate dielectric constants for various environmentally benign esters.
Public Intellectuals and Conscious Pariahs: Hannah Arendt, Edward Said and a Common State in Palestine-Israel

In late nineteenth-century Europe, a distinct, secular socio-political type appeared: the conscious pariah. This essay traces the genealogy of the conscious pariah. Starting from Bernard Lazare and then comparing public intellectuals Hannah Arendt and Edward Said, it argues that the latter, too, can be interpreted as a conscious pariah. Whilst differences are not ignored, the essay highlights the shared political and scholarly insights Arendt and Said offer as conscious pariahs. The renewed relevance of the conscious pariah's politics and scholarship, owing to the project of the common state, runs through the essay both implicitly and explicitly. ‘The Atlantic City Resolution [October 1944] goes even a step further than the Biltmore Program (1942), in which the Jewish minority had granted minority rights to the Arab majority. This time the Arabs were simply not mentioned in the resolution, which obviously leaves them the choice between voluntary emigration and second-class citizenship.’ (Hannah Arendt, ‘Z...
Noradrenergic innervation patterns in three regions of medial cortex: an immunofluorescence characterization.

Abstract A homologous antiserum directed against rat dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) was used for the immunohistofluorescent visualization of the noradrenergic (NA) innervation of medial cortex in the albino rat. Three cytoarchitectonic divisions of the medial cortex were studied: prelimbic (PL), anterior cingulate (AC), and granular retrosplenial (RSg). Each division of medial cortex possesses a characteristic and distinct pattern and density of NA fibers. The branching patterns and density of the fibers in PL cortex are similar to those of lateral cortex. AC cortex has the lowest density of NA innervation found in the neocortex; there is minimal arborization in layer I, and a very low density of fibers in layers II and III. In contrast RSg is the most densely innervated region, and NA fibers arborize extensively throughout all layers. The dopaminergic (DA) fibers in medial cortex were studied with glyoxylic acid-induced histofluorescence following midbrain lesions of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle (DNB). A laminar complementarity exists in AC cortex such that the DA fibers terminate in layers I–III, while the NA fibers are largely confined to the deep layers. The distinctive patterns of termination of coeruleocortical fibers indicate that in different cortical areas NA axons contact different elements of neuronal circuitry and that there is some degree of specificity in the distribution of NA terminals within the cortex.
DIFFUSE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE MODIFICATION OF SKIN BY U.V. IRRADIATION

— Irradiation of guinea pig skin in vivo with light shorter than 300 nm produced a significant decrease in 330–400 nm reflectance. A similar decrease in reflectance was seen by irradiation of excised guinea pig and human skin. Chemical or physical vasodilation had no effect on the 240–400 nm reflectance. Irradiation of guinea pig skin in vivo with light longer than 300 nm produced no change in 330–400 nm reflectance unless photosensitized with 8-MOP. U.V. irradiation of skin (in the presence of suitable endogenous or exogenous photo-sensitizers) may result in the formation of new products that effectively absorb 330–400 nm photons.