cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoimmunity in Chagas heart disease

The possibility that cardiac autoimmunity contributes to the pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease is controversial. In this paper, we address the following questions regarding the genesis of autoimmunity in Chagas heart disease: (i) What mechanism(s) are potentially responsible for the generation of self-directed antibodies and lymphocytes? (ii) What is the evidence that any of these mechanisms actually can occur? (iii) What are the implications of the presence of autoimmunity for other mechanisms of cardiac inflammation?
Factors in Validating Affective Scales: An Applied Study

In spite of claims to the contrary, affective factors related to teaching and learning can be measured. Recent development of affective scales in reading attest to this, yet caution must be observed that as new-scales are developed, they are adequately validated so that the research emanating from their use can be regarded with a high degree of credibility. In that light, those who construct affective scales must consider more than content validity; they must also investigate construct validity. This includes evidence in four categories: reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and sensitivity to treatment. Specific references are made to investigations of the validity of the Vaughan Attitude Scale which measures teachers' attitudes toward teaching reading in content area classrooms.
Cystatin C as a Marker of Early Renal Insufficiency in Children with Congenital Neuropathic Bladder

Purpose: Due to decreased muscle mass in children with congenital neuropathic bladder there may be significant inaccuracy when using the creatinine based estimated glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin C is highly sensitive and specific for measuring changes in the glomerular filtration rate in children and in patients with muscle wasting conditions. We hypothesized that a cystatin C calculated glomerular filtration rate would be more sensitive than the standard creatinine based modified Schwartz equation to detect renal insufficiency in children with congenital neuropathic bladder.Materials and Methods: We prospectively identified children with congenital neuropathic bladder at a multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic who underwent serum creatinine and serum cystatin C testing. Clinical history and anthropomorphic variables at the time of laboratory testing were catalogued. The creatinine based glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the modified (bedside) Schwartz formula and the cystatin C based r...
Imperialism and Democracy: Convergence and Divergence

The relation between imperialism and democracy has been debated for over 2500 years, from fifth century Athens to the USA in recent decades with the wars launched in futile efforts to stave off a d...
Doctrinal Development and the Demons of History: The Historiography of John Henry Newman

In response to the emergence of historicism in nineteenth-century intellectual life, John Henry Newman sought to reintroduce typological or "mystical interpretation" into the discourse of his time. Through "vertical" (i.e., typological) and "horizontal" historiography, Newman believed he could reintegrate the practice of historical narrative standard in modern history with a variety of transhistorical and spatial hermeneutic models that gave one a vision of the archetypes present in different temporal periods. Early in his career, he formulated these archetypes in terms of "demons" present in different social forces. In his Arians of the Fourth Century , he formulated a typology between the ancient Alexandrian Church and the modern Anglican. After he determined this model was indefensible, he accepted the Catholic Church as the manifest archetype (the "Church of History") in light of which all other historical forces (revolutions or heresies) and figures (state and sectarian) could be interpreted and judged. Newman's historiography recuperates for the Church the spiritual exegesis that subtends its doctrine, but it also anticipates and indeed influences the historical theories that subtend the major works of modernist literature, most prominently Joyce's Ulysses.
Effect of Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement Containing Monofluorophosphate on Fluoride Uptake and Solubility of Enamel

Sound enamel blocks had significantly higher fluoride concentrations after being placed in contact with zinc oxide-eugenol cements containing monofluorophosphate in vitro than control blocks covered with no cement or a conventional ZOE cement. The acid solubility of intacl enamel surfaces after exposure to ZOE cements containing MFP also was reduced significantly.
A genomic analysis of Drosophila somatic sexual differentiation and its regulation

In virtually all animals, males and females are morphologically, physiologically and behaviorally distinct. Using cDNA microarrays representing one-third of Drosophila genes to identify genes expressed sex-differentially in somatic tissues, we performed an expression analysis on adult males and females that: (1) were wild type; (2) lacked a germline; or (3) were mutant for sex-determination regulatory genes. Statistical analysis identified 63 genes sex-differentially expressed in the soma, 20 of which have been confirmed by RNA blots thus far. In situ hybridization experiments with 11 of these genes showed they were sex-differentially expressed only in internal genital organs. The nature of the products these genes encode provides insight into the molecular physiology of these reproductive tissues. Analysis of the regulation of these genes revealed that their adult expression patterns are specified by the sex hierarchy during development, and that doublesex probably functions in diverse ways to set their activities.
Soil carbon and nitrogen in relation to shrub size and death in a semi-arid grassland

Abstract Nutrient accumulation as fertile islands beneath invasive trees and shrubs in grasslands may provide opportunities for carbon sequestration. In a southwestern USA grassland, our objectives were to describe 1) the accumulation beneath Prosopis velutina (velvet mesquite) and isolated grass plants, and 2) the loss of accumulated nutrients 40 y after P. velutina death. We compared organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN) and δ13C in soil organic matter among large living, large dead, and small living P. velutina and open grassland, and between grass plants and bare ground. Soil samples were collected at 0–5, 5–10, 16.8–23.2, and 36.8–43.2 cm depths, and separated into five size/density fractions: particulate organic matter (Macro- and Micro-POM), mineral associated organic matter (Micro-MAOM), Silt, and Clay. We expected that differences in OC, TN, and δ13C among soil fractions would suggest mechanisms and rates of accumulation with P. velutina persistence and loss following P. velutina death. Soil OC and TN accumulation was ~ 80–750% greater for large P. velutina than open grassland for whole soil and 4 of 5 fractions at 0–5 cm depth, but only 50–250% greater at 5–10 cm depth for whole soil and 3 of 5 fractions. Total OC and TN accumulation at 0–10 cm depth was 6.12 kg C m− 2 and 0.55 kg N m− 2, respectively. Accumulation did not occur in whole soil or any fraction at 16.8–23.2 cm and 36.8–43.2 cm depths, or in the Micro-MAOM fraction at any depth. Accumulation under small P. velutina was less than large plants, and not significantly different from open grassland. Beneath isolated grass plants, accumulation of TN occurred at 0–5 cm depth, and OC accumulation at 0–5 and 5–10 cm depths in whole soils only, but change in δ13C did not accompany accumulations. Forty years after death of large P. velutina, 67–106% of accumulated OC and TN were lost from whole soil and soil fractions at 0–5 cm depth. At 5–10 cm depth, loss (78–93%) was only detected in whole soils. Greater accumulation of OC and TN in the POM than the Silt and Clay fractions is consistent with the large physical size of recent organic matter inputs from P. velutina, but no differences in loss rates among fractions following P. velutina death suggests density dependent rates of organic matter consumption. Declines in δ13C accompanied OC accumulation and increases occurred during loss. A 20–30 y mean residence time (MRT) for whole soil and the Clay fraction over those 40 y is suggested by changes in OC and δ13C, but MRT based on changes in OC and δ13C differ for Macro-POM (1–3 y versus 20–25 y, respectively) and Silt (> 50 y versus 20–30 y, respectively). Activities that remove P. velutina should focus on small plants and protect large plants thereby maintaining their carbon sequestration potential.
Parallel operation of Brayton cycle alternators. I. Formulation of mathematical model

The development of dynamic power system models for space applications which use multiple generators operating in parallel is presented. The system will include a mathematical model of the Brayton cycle alternator with voltage and active power control in both single operation and a multiple generator in parallel operation. Multiple generators operating in parallel at the same bus and connected to the system network each have a single parasitic load speed control. Coordination of the control actions of a single alternator and a group of alternators sharing the common system load demand is formulated, and mathematical models and control are developed. The more general case of complex system control and coordination of control actions with the parasitic load controllers is presented, and the mathematical model is formulated. The subject of the parallel operation of Brayton cycle alternators is treated from the point of view of system formulation and mathematical model definition. >
Framework for designing Adaptive Automation

Adaptive automation (AA) has been proposed as a solution for problems associated with using static automation. Despite the potential benefits of AA systems, several limitations impede the construction of an effective operational AA system. Hence, the goal of the present paper is to provide general guidelines for constructing an AA system while addressing some of the associated design issues. Recommendations for future studies are presented, where the focus should be on accurate detection of dramatic transitions between Operator Functional States (OFSs) and possibly its precursor, if it exists, and build AA system based on what we are actually capable of clearly identifying.
Social Cognitive Impairments and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Are There Subtypes With Distinct Functional Correlates?

Social cognitive impairments and negative symptoms are core features of schizophrenia closely associated with impaired community functioning. However, little is known about whether these are independent dimensions of illness and if so, whether individuals with schizophrenia can be meaningfully classified based on these dimensions (SANS) and potentially differentially treated. Five social cognitive measures plus Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores in a sample of 77 outpatients produced 2 distinct factors--a social cognitive factor and a negative symptom factor. Factor scores were used in a cluster analysis, which yielded 3 well-defined groupings--a high negative symptom group (HN) and 2 low negative symptom groups, 1 with higher social cognition (HSC) and 1 with low social cognition (LSC). To make these findings more practicable for research and clinical settings, a rule of thumb for categorizing using only the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test and PANSS negative component was created and produced 84.4% agreement with the original cluster groups. An additional 63 subjects were added to cross validate the rule of thumb. When samples were combined (N = 140), the HSC group had significantly better quality of life and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores, higher rates of marriage and more hospitalizations. The LSC group had worse criminal and substance abuse histories. With 2 common assessment instruments, people with schizophrenia can be classified into 3 subgroups that have different barriers to community integration and could potentially benefit from different treatments.
CDC37 is required for p60v-src activity in yeast.

Abstract Mutations in genes encoding the molecular chaperones Hsp90 and Ydj1p suppress the toxicity of the protein tyrosine kinase p60v-src in yeast by reducing its levels or its kinase activity. We describe isolation and characterization of novel p60v-src-resistant, temperature-sensitive cdc37 mutants, cdc37-34 and cdc37-17, which produce less p60v-src than the parental wild-type strain at 23 degrees C. However, p60v-src levels are not low enough to account for the resistance of these strains. Asynchronously growing cdc37-34 and cdc37-17 mutants arrest in G1 and G2/M when shifted from permissive temperatures (23 degrees C) to the restrictive temperature (37 degrees C), but hydroxyurea-synchronized cdc37-34 and cdc37-17 mutants arrest in G2/M when released from the hydroxyurea block and shifted from 23 to 37 degrees C. The previously described temperature-sensitive cdc37-1 mutant is p60v-src-sensitive and produces wild-type amounts of p60v-src at permissive temperatures but becomes p60v-src-resistant at its restrictive temperature, 38 degrees C. In all three cdc37 mutants, inactivation of Cdc37p by incubation at 38 degrees C reduces p60v-src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of yeast proteins to low or undetectable levels. Also, p60v-src levels are enriched in urea-solubilized extracts and depleted in detergent-solubilized extracts of all three cdc37 mutants prepared from cells incubated at the restrictive temperature. These results suggest that Cdc37p is required for maintenance of p60v-src in a soluble, biologically active form.
Roles of helper and defective retroviral genomes in murine erythroleukemia: studies of spleen focus-forming virus in the absence of helper.

Abstract Retroviruses that cause acute oncogenesis are generally complexes of a replication-competent helper virus and a replication-defective component. However, the pure defective components have not been previously available. We prepared the defective spleen focus-forming virus component of Rauscher erythroleukemia virus (R-SFFV) by transfecting a colinear R-SFFV DNA clone into a retroviral packaging cell line (psi 2 cells). The transfected cells released virus (psi 2/SFFV) that was free of helper virus and that induced erythropoietin-dependent erythroid burst formation in bone marrow cultures. When injected into normal adult NIH/Swiss mice in moderate doses, psi 2/SFFV caused a rapid splenic erythroblastosis that regressed. Extensive erythroblastosis could be maintained by repeated injections of psi 2/SFFV into anemic mice or by the addition of a helper virus. We conclude that R-SFFV alone causes proliferation but not immortalization of a population of erythroblasts that is normally replenished from a precursor stem cell pool. Because these precursor cells are inefficiently infected, a single moderate inoculum of psi 2/SFFV causes a wave of erythroblastosis. The properties of the proliferating erythroblasts are substantially determined by the R-SFFV viral component.
Low capacitance approaches for 22nm generation Cu interconnect

Various integration approaches, including homogeneous porous Low-k and air gaps, for low-capacitance solution were investigated for 22nm Cu interconnect technology and beyond. For homogeneous Low-k approach, K=2.0 Low-k material is successfully integrated with Cu. Up to 15% line to line capacitance reduction compared with LK-1 (K= 2.5) was demonstrated by a damage-less etching and CMP process. For air gap approach, a cost-effective and Selective air gaps formation process was developed. Air gaps are selectively formed only at narrow spacing between conduction lines without additional processes.
A Systematic Review of Adherence With Medications for Diabetes

OBJECTIVE —The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which patients omit doses of medications prescribed for diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A literature search (1966–2003) was performed to identify reports with quantitative data on adherence with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) and insulin and correlations between adherence rates and glycemic control. Adequate documentation of adherence was found in 15 retrospective studies of OHA prescription refill rates, 5 prospective electronic monitoring OHA studies, and 3 retrospective insulin studies. RESULTS —Retrospective analyses showed that adherence to OHA therapy ranged from 36 to 93% in patients remaining on treatment for 6–24 months. Prospective electronic monitoring studies documented that patients took 67–85% of OHA doses as prescribed. Electronic monitoring identified poor compliers for interventions that improved adherence (61–79%; P CONCLUSIONS —This review confirms that many patients for whom diabetes medication was prescribed were poor compliers with treatment, including both OHAs and insulin. However, electronic monitoring systems were useful in improving adherence for individual patients. Similar electronic monitoring systems for insulin administration could help healthcare providers determine patients needing additional support.
Simple technique for observing subsurface damage in machining of ceramics

A simple technique is proposed for directly observing subsurface damage in the machining of ceramics. The technique requires two polished specimens and an optical microscope with Nomarski illumination for examination. The subsurface damage created by the grinding of an alumina ceramic is investigated using this technique. The mode of damage is identified as intragrain twinning/slip, and intergranular and transgranular cracking. Chipping along the twinned planes and along the transgranular crack planes, and dislodgement of the intergranularly debonded grains are suggested to be the mechanisms of material removal in the machining of this alumina ceramic.
Continued Fraction Expansions

A continued fraction [2, 3, 4, 5] is a sequence of fractions $$ f_n = b_0 + \frac{{a_1 }}{{b_1 + \frac{{a_1 }}{{b_2 + \frac{{a_3 }}{{b_3 + \cdots + \frac{{a_n }}{{b_n }}}}}}}} $$ (3.1) formed from two sequences a 1, a 2,… and b 0, b 1,… of numbers. For typographical convenience, definition (3.1) is usually recast as $$f_n = b_0 + \frac{a_1}{b_1 +} \frac{a_2}{b_2 +} \frac{a_3}{b_3 +} \ldots \frac{a_n}{b_n}.$$ In many practical examples, the approximant f n converges to a limit, which is typically written as $$\lim\limits_{n \rightarrow \infty} f_n = b_0 + \frac{a_1}{b_1 +} \frac{a_2}{b_2 +} \frac{a_3}{b_3 +} \ldots.$$ Because the elements a n and b n of the two defining sequences can depend on a variable x, continued fractions offer an alternative to power series in expanding functions such as distribution functions. In fact, continued fractions can converge where power series diverge, and where both types of expansions converge, continued fractions often converge faster.
Party Autonomy and Beyond: An International Perspective of Contractual Choice of Law

As a popular choice of law doctrine, party autonomy allows the parties in international contracts (or foreign contracts) to choose governing law of particular jurisdiction they prefer. Premised on freedom of contract, this doctrine has evolved in many ways since it was introduced in the 1600's and has become an internationally accepted principle governing choice of law in contracts. In international community, the doctrine of party autonomy has been adopted and applied through the rule-based framework or mechanism. But the acceptance of party autonomy in the United States is intertwined with interest or policy analysis so closely that it is often quite difficult for the parties to predict the ultimate outcome of the choice of law they have made. In addition, the interest and policy analysis based American choice of law approaches and the choice of law rules so developed in the US hardly have any general application internationally. Also, the connection requirement has rendered the US contractual choice of law in discordance with international common practice. In fact, both interest analysis and connection requirement are not necessarily needed with regard to the choice of law by the parties. Choice of law should be ruled based and the rules should be intended to maximize the individual or private welfare rather than the state interest.
A CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND RIGHT-SIDE COLON CANCER THE INFLUENCE OF ALTERNATIVE DATA SOURCES AND DIFFERENTIAL INTERVIEW PARTICIPATION PROPORTIONS ON ODDS RATIO ESTIMATES

One hundred fifty patients with right-side colon cancer (i.e., patients with adenocarcinoma of the cecum or ascending colon) were compared to 150 matched left-side colon cancer controls (i.e., patients with adenocarcinoma of the descending or sigmoid colon) and to 123 neighborhood controls, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, 1975-1978. The gastrointestinal surgical history was ascertained for all study subjects so that the presence or absence of a history of cholecystectomy could be noted. Cholecystectomy history was obtained through telephone interviews and whenever possible subsequently validated from operative and pathology reports at time of cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy history for the colon cancer patients was also abstracted from hospital records at time of colon cancer diagnosis with an attempt to confirm the gallbladder's status through operative reports, cholecystograms, and physical examinations. Hospital records and interviews for the colon cancer patients appeared to provide accurate exposure history. Point estimates of the odds ratios and confidence intervals for intra- and inter-data source comparisons (i.e., hospital records, interviews, and hospital records and interviews combined) were comparable with similar measures of effect. Consistent odds ratio estimates appeared in both left-side colon cancer controls (1.9) and neighborhood controls (1.89). The authors suggest that changes in bile acid metabolism following cholecystectomy may be associated an increased risk of right-side colon cancer.
The determinants of occupational injury severity: the case of Maine sawmills

The determinants of injury severity in industry are sought. From a modified epidemiological framework, several hypotheses are developed about the relationship between the environment/host and severity. These hypotheses are tested against a sample of sawmill injuries using a multiple regression model. Severity is measured by the number of days of work lost. For important hypotheses are supported by the evidence. Age shows it's expected curvilinear relationship. Both young workers and older workers suffer more serious injuries. Also highly significant is the temporary job assignment variable, supporting the hypothesis that lack of familiarity with the job increases exposure to more severe injuries. Finally, persons injured in hardwood sawmills appear to lose an average of 17 more days of work than persons injured in softwood sawmills.
Experimental Demonstration of Simultaneous Optical Wavelength Interchange with a Nonlinear Photonic Crystal

We present results of the first experimental demonstration of simultaneous optical wavelength interchange with a two-dimensional quadratic nonlinear photonic crystal. Fabrication details and performance parameters of a 1535-1555 nm wavelength interchange lattice fabricated in lithium niobate will be highlighted.
Benzene—a Review of the Literature from a Health Effects Perspective:

A literature review of the impact on human health of exposure to benzene was conducted. Special emphasis in this report is given to the health effects reported in excess of national norms by participants in the Benzene Subregistry of the National Exposure Registry--people having documented exposure to benzene through the use of benzene-contaminated water for domestic purposes. The health effects reported in excess (p < or = .01) by some or all of the sex and age groups studied were diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory allergies, skin rashes, and urinary tract disorders; anemia was also increased for females, but not significantly so.
Causal Complexity: A Measure of Consumer Causal Attribution

A proposed measure of consumer causal attribution based on the stochastic assumptions of information theory is examined. Given the same product information, subjects who had simple and those who ha...
Distribution of Crassostrea oysters in coastal sea of Fujian

In present studies,we used multiplex species-specific PCR to identify the distribution of Crassostrea oysters in coastal sea of Fujian.A total number of 657 oysters were randomly collected from 11 sites along the coast.Among them,327 oysters were subjected to a mitochondrial COI gene-based speciation analysis.As results,it showed that 4 species identified were C.angulata(200 samples),C.ariakensis(101 samples),C.sikamea(20 samples),C.hongkongensis(6 samples).
Effects of resistance in stator circuit on subsynchronous resonance

In order to give a further discussion on the influence of the stator circuit resistance on the electrical damping,analysis method and simulation are both employed in this paper.The electromagnetic torque increment under the system subjecting to a small perturbation was derived,and the relevant part of stator circuit resistance was disassembled to synchronous torque and damping torque.According to the parameters provided by IEEE first benchmark model(FBM),the damping torque coefficient of generator and that related to the stator circuit resistance were discussed.Finally,the relationships between the electrical damping and the stator circuit resistance were obtained.The results show that due to the decrease of the stator circuit resistance,the electrical damping declines,and the torsional oscillation between different cylinders in the turbine generator intensifies,some even diverges in spite of convergence at first.Therefore,the resistance of each component in the generator stator circuit needs to be handled carefully in the research of subsynchronous resonance(SSR) of power system;otherwise it would make the accuracy of analysis results decline,or even get the wrong conclusion.The simulation results are in line with the conclusions achieved by the analysis method.
Type Synthesis and Principal Freedom Analysis of Parallel Flexure Mechanisms Based on Screw Theory

With the development of precision engineering,flexure mechanisms are more and more applied in many fields.The increasing of application requirements call for development of a variety of flexure mechanisms,especially high performance ones.Under the direction of screw theory,a graphic configuration synthesis method based on the complementary rule of freedom and constraint is proposed to synthesize parallel flexure mechanisms.This method is visual and has a definite physical meaning.The synthesis chart of 2R1T and 3R parallel flexure mechanisms is presented as an illustration.In order to verify the characteristic of freedom,a principal freedom analysis method aiming at the practical flexible constraint is also proposed.The analysis of a 2R1T parallel flexure mechanism is implemented,and the influence of structure parameters on the mechanism characteristic compliance is given through the analysis.
Mavridis’ Area Targeting for Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatric Disorders: Stereotactic Microanatomy and Technical Aspects

Context: The human Nucleus Accumbens (NA) constitutes nowadays a target of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for selected patients mainly suffering from some psychiatric disorders. Mavridis’ Area (MA) of the human brain is the most reliable stereotactically standard part of the NA, regardless of side or gender. Primary purpose of this review article was to discuss the MA as a stereotactic microanatomic target for NA DBS application, emphasizing on technical aspects of targeting the MA. Evidence Acquisition: A detailed search of the current literature regarding MA was applied. The critically reviewed literature was then used to discuss the MA as a stereotactic microanatomic target for NA DBS application, emphasizing on technical aspects of targeting the MA. The suggestion of future research directions was also aimed. Results: Following the currently used trajectory through the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) in combination with the principles of the ‘port model’, a DBS electrode placement within the NA, targeting the MA, is feasible. MA could be the target area of one, only, of the electrode contacts, preferably contact 1 or 2. It could be also the target area for contact 0 in ALIC DBS and even the target for a combined NA-ALIC DBS. MA is the first and most representative example of the evolution of stereotactic anatomy into stereotactic microanatomy, in order to serve the development of the field of stereotactic microneurosurgery. Conclusions: MA is nowadays the most accurate stereotactic anatomic guide for targeting the human NA. It is a representative example of how stereotactic microanatomy could serve the development of stereotactic microneurosurgery. Following the currently used trajectory through the ALIC, a DBS electrode placement within the NA, targeting the MA, is feasible, allowing either NA or ALIC stimulation. Simultaneous stimulation of the NA and ALIC is also possible with this application.
Lime Rates and Sources

A lime rate and source study was implemented in 1996 at the Armstrong Research Farm to observe liming practices in no-till situations. The addition of lime to raise pH to 6.5 for row crops has been a long-standing recommendation. Those recommendations have included thorough mixing of the lime material with the soil which might be expected from normal tillage practices. This study will measure any corn and soybean yield changes, and the possible stratification of soil pH over time using no-till production practices.
SHEAR DEFORMATION UNDER HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE OF POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE AND POLYCARBONATE

In a previous study, the dependence of the shear stress-strain behavior of two polymers, polyoxymethylene (POM) and polypropylene (PP) on hydrostatic pressure was well documented [l]. Furthermore, at a critical shear strain of 0.500, both polymers exhibited a region of concentrated shear strain (girdle) in the central portion of the test specimens. Evidently, instabilities similar to those usually observed in tensile specimens (necking) may also develop in highly deformed torsion specimens. Other researchers have reported the pressure dependence of the shear modulus and the shear yield stress of polymers, but none has reported observing a girdle [2–5]. This study was directed toward the investigation of the pressure-dependent shear stress-strain behavior of two diverse polymers; namely, highly crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and completely amorphous polycarbonate (PC). In addition, physical changes in the specimens were monitored to ascertain the generality of the shear strain girdle as a manifestation of shear yielding in these materials.
Aging Effect on Gait Symmetry After Perturbation Training

Fall accident is a growing concern for the aging workforce. Reducing fall injuries has been identified as a primary strategic goal in the National Occupational Research Agenda. The objective of the study was to investigate the interaction effect between aging and a novel Automated Walkway Surface Perturbation Training (AWSPT) on kinematic gait asymmetry. Five older adults and five gender-matched younger adults were involved in a laboratory study. Three- dimensional linear accelerations of left and right knee joints were measured via two Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) during both before and after training sessions. Gait asymmetry was quantified by the percentage difference between peak knee resultant acceleration normalized to the average peak knee resultant acceleration. The results indicated significant training effect on Gait Asymmetry Index (GAI). Neither the interaction effect nor the aging effect was found to be significant. In conclusion, the current study provided evidence supporting the effecti...
Degradation and metabolism of synthetic plastics and associated products by Pseudomonas sp.: capabilities and challenges

Synthetic plastics, which are widely present in materials of everyday use, are ubiquitous and slowly-degrading polymers in environmental wastes. Of special interest are the capabilities of microorganisms to accelerate their degradation. Members of the metabolically diverse genus Pseudomonas are of particular interest due to their capabilities to degrade and metabolize synthetic plastics. Pseudomonas species isolated from environmental matrices have been identified to degrade polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene succinate, polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl alcohol at varying degrees of efficiency. Here, we present a review of the current knowledge on the factors that control the ability of Pseudomonas sp. to process these different plastic polymers and their by-products. These factors include cell surface attachment within biofilms, catalytic enzymes involved in oxidation or hydrolysis of the plastic polymer, metabolic pathways responsible for uptake and assimilation of plastic fragments and chemical factors that are advantageous or inhibitory to the biodegradation process. We also highlight future research directions required in order to harness fully the capabilities of Pseudomonas sp. in bioremediation strategies towards eliminating plastic wastes.
Electrical conductivity of nonstoichiometric rutile single crystals from 1000° to 1500°C

Abstract The electrical conductivity of single crystals of rutile was measured in the ‘ c ’ direction over the temperature range 1000°–1500°C and from 1 to 10 −15 atm of oxygen. Based on the excellent fit observed between the theoretically derived relation σ 5 = ( A σ + B ) P −1 O 2 + D 'σ 4 and the experimental conductivity data, the nonstoichiometric defect structure of rutile was rationalized in terms of a defect model involving quasi-free electrons and both triply and quadruply ionized titanium interstitials. The standard enthalpy of formation for the following defect reactions in rutile: (a) Ti + 20 = O 2 ( g ) + Ti i +3 + 3 e ; Δ H 0 a = 9.24(eV) (b) Ti + 20 = O 2 ( g ) + Ti i +4 + 4 e ; Δ H 0 b = 10.67(eV) (c) Ti +3 i = Ti +4 i + e ; Δ H 0 c = 1.43(eV) were determined from the temperature dependence of A and B obtained from the above relation and from the experimental expression between the electron mobility and temperature. Excellent agreement was observed between the value of Δ H 0 a = 9.24(eV) and the negative value of the relative partial molar enthalpy of oxygen—Δ H o 2 = 9.16(eV), for nonstoichiometric rutile obtained by employing an electrochemical technique. The electrical conductivity of rutile in air below approximately 950°C appears, on the basis of this investigation to be impurity controlled due to the presence of aluminum rather than intrinsic conduction.
Meta-analysis of chromosomal aberrations as a biomarker of exposure in healthcare workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs

Many antineoplastic drugs used to treat cancer, particularly alkylating agents and topoisomerase inhibitors, are known to induce genetic damage in patients. Elevated levels of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, and DNA damage have been documented in cancer patients. Elevations in these same biomarkers of genetic damage have been reported in numerous studies of healthcare workers, such as nurses and pharmacists, who routinely handle these drugs, but results vary across studies. To obtain an overall assessment of the exposure effect, we performed a meta-analysis on data obtained from peer-reviewed publications reporting chromosomal aberration levels in healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs. A literature search identified 39 studies reporting on occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and measurement of chromosomal aberrations in healthcare workers. After applying strict inclusion criteria for data quality and presentation, data from 17 studies included in 16 publications underwent meta-analysis using Hedges' bias-corrected g and a random-effects model. Results showed the level of chromosomal aberrations in healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs was significantly higher than in controls. The standardized mean differences (difference of means divided by within sd) from all studies were pooled, yielding a value 1.006 (unitless) with p<0.001. Thus, in addition to the documented genotoxic effects of antineoplastic drugs in cancer patients, this meta-analysis confirmed a significant association between occupational exposure to antineoplastics during the course of a normal work day and increases in chromosomal aberrations in healthcare workers. Based on the studies reviewed, we were unable to accurately assess whether appropriate use of protective measures might reduce the incidence of genetic damage in healthcare workers. However, given the potential for increased cancer risk linked to increases in chromosomal aberrations, the results of this study support the need to limit occupational exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic drugs as much as possible.
Large T wave inversion and QT prolongation associated with pulmonary edema: a report of nine cases.

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to describe a new clinical electrocardiographic phenomenon characterized by diffuse symmetrical T wave inversion and QT prolongation after recovery from an episode of cardiogenic but nonischemic pulmonary edema. BACKGROUND A variety of clinical conditions, but not acute pulmonary edema, have been previously associated with giant negative T waves and QT prolongation in the postevent electrocardiogram. METHODS In nine patients not suspected of having ischemic heart disease, new large or global T wave inversion with QT prolongation was observed after resolution of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Each patient underwent detailed clinical evaluation including testing for myocardial injury and a coronary ischemic etiology. RESULTS There were seven women and two men with ages ranging from 32 to 79 years. The etiology of pulmonary edema was diverse, but acute myocardial infarction and significant coronary artery disease were ruled out in each case. During the index event, most patients had elevated blood pressure, sinus tachycardia, minimal nonspecific ST and T wave changes and normal QT intervals. Large inverted T waves with marked prolongation of the QT intervals evolved within 24 h after clinical stabilization. The electrocardiographic changes gradually resolved in one week. There was no in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS Acute cardiogenic but nonischemic pulmonary edema may cause deep T wave inversion and QT prolongation after resolution of the symptoms. The repolarization abnormalities may last for several days. These electrocardiographic changes do not adversely effect short-term prognosis.
Show the model – A Harrell plot combines a forest plot of effects and uncertainty with a dot plot of the data

Several high profile editorials and articles have advocated replacing the ubiquitous, but not especially informative, bar plot with dot plots or box plots which show the data or some summary of the data distribution. I argue that the biggest deficiency of bar plots (and other mean-and-error plots) is that they fail to directly communicate modeled effects and uncertainty, and dot and box plots do not address this deficiency. A Harrell plot combines a forest plot of modeled treatment effects and uncertainty, a dot plot of raw data, and a box plot of the distribution of the raw data into a single, two-part graph. A Harrell plot encourages best practices such as communication of the distribution of the data and a focus on effect size and uncertainty, while discouraging poor practices such as hiding distributions and focusing on p-values.
Multi-institutional Evaluation of Medialization Laryngoplasty in the Elderly.

ObjectiveTo evaluate voice outcomes of medialization laryngoplasty in the elderly population (65 years and older) and to identify swallow outcomes, complication rates, and predictors of voice outco...
Magnitude estimation of loudness. III: Performance of selected hearing aid users.

Aided and unaided loudness functions for narrow-band noise stimuli were obtained from hearing-impaired listeners with a magnitude estimation procedure. A comparison of aided loudness functions with...
New Strategies of Immunotherapy1

The recent advances in the immunopharmacologic development of immunotherapeutic drugs and biologicals have been significant. The recent discoveries of cloned anticancer biologicals like α and γ interferons, tumor necrosis factor, and lymphotoxin and of monoclonal antibodies to several human tumor antigens add important anticancer potential to the therapeutic repertoire. Based upon many examples of synergistic interactions of the various immunotherapeutic agents it seems warranted to use, in conjunction with cytoreductive therapy, new strategies involving the combined use of immunorestorative agents, anticancer biologicals and monoclonals, and antisuppression therapy in the experimental treatment of cancer.
Experiencing the real context between families, schools, and community relationships: transforming preservice teachers’ perceptions

ABSTRACTThis Reflection on Practice is based upon a change in the undergraduate course Family and Community Relations. Historically, this course has been taught on campus in a lecture format, as we...
Kornai’s Overcentralization and naïve empiricism

This paper addresses Janos Kornai’s early work on the socialist economy as summarized in his first book, Overcentralization in Economic Administration. In this context, I discuss the parallel research of the 1950s by American scholars, such as Joseph Berliner, David Granick, Gregory Grossman and Eugene Zaleski, who used similar methods and arrived at similar conclusions. Kornai found little evidence of comprehensive planning. Instead, he determined that the planning system consisted of quarterly gross output orders that could readily be manipulated by managers and had to be fulfilled at any price. Kornai’s Overcentralization already contained the seeds of Kornai’s later key findings of the dysfunctionalities of socialist planning; namely, soft budget constraints and the shortage economy. Kornai’s most important finding was largely overlooked throughout the socialist world—that the planned economy could not be reformed by partial measures.
America will be! Conversations on hope, freedom, and democracy

This book is an encouragement and call to perseverance in social activism promoting human rights, democracy, and peace-building in the United States and around the world. Based on a dialogue betwee...
Towards the Recognition and Integration of Action Research and Deliberative Democracy

Because of the shared underlying value systems of action research (AR) and deliberative democracy (DD), the former can be a powerful means for engaging the academy in the latter. AR and DD are both grounded in principles of inclusion, equity, the co-generation of knowledge, and action. In making the case for the integration of AR and DD, we describe their commonalities and place AR in the context of other forms of engaged scholarship. We review outreach scholarship, community-based research and other forms of participatory research, examining each in terms of their alignment with deliberative democratic principles and their potential for furthering deliberative democracy generally. Engaging the academy in research on and for deliberative democracy requires the full recognition of AR and other forms of engaged scholarship. However, Ernest Boyer’s call for the academy to recognize the scholarship of engagement as scholarship worthy of tenure and promotion has been heeded unevenly across and within higher education institutions. Yet, embedding action research firmly in the academy is critical to engaging faculty in research that not only furthers our understanding of deliberative democracy, but engages higher education in the work of pushing democracy forward.
Access, Quality, And Financial Performance Of Rural Hospitals Following Health System Affiliation

More than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. Some rural hospitals have affiliated with health systems to improve their financial performance and potentially avoid closure, but the effects ...
Radiation exposure during videourodynamic testing: Is dose reduction possible using a standardized protocol?

AIMS To evaluate the impact of a protocol for standardized image capture during video urodynamics (VUD) on radiation exposure. Secondly, to categorize radiation exposure by condition warranting VUD and to identify clinical variables that correlate with increased radiation exposure. METHODS One hundred fifty patients underwent VUD using our standardized protocol. All images were taken using low dose and pulsed settings. Four images are captured: one scout image, one filling image, one voiding image, and one post-void image. If the patient is unable to void with the catheter in place, the catheter is removed and a second image is taken during an attempt at unintubated flow. If vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is identified, an alternate protocol is entered to document parameters. The mean radiation exposure measured in dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time, and number of images were noted and compared with previously published fluoroscopy data collected at our institution before protocol implementation. RESULTS The mean fluoroscopy exposure after the implementation of our protocol was 273.5 mGy/cm2 taking 5.2 images in 4.5 seconds. Protocol implementation leads to a 51.2% reduction in radiation exposure calculated by mean DAP (P 25 were associated with higher radiation exposure (P 25 were associated with higher radiation exposure.
The System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality (STAR): A head-mounted display to improve surgical coaching and confidence in remote areas

Abstract Background The surgical workforce particularly in rural regions needs novel approaches to reinforce the skills and confidence of health practitioners. Although conventional telementoring systems have proven beneficial to address this gap, the benefits of platforms of augmented reality-based telementoring in the coaching and confidence of medical personnel are yet to be evaluated. Methods A total of 20 participants were guided by remote expert surgeons to perform leg fasciotomies on cadavers under one of two conditions: (1) telementoring (with our System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality) or (2) independently reviewing the procedure beforehand. Using the Individual Performance Score and the Weighted Individual Performance Score, two on-site, expert surgeons evaluated the participants. Postexperiment metrics included number of errors, procedure completion time, and self-reported confidence scores. A total of six objective measurements were obtained to describe the self-reported confidence scores and the overall quality of the coaching. Additional analyses were performed based on the participants’ expertise level. Results Participants using the System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality received 10% greater Weighted Individual Performance Score (P = .03) and performed 67% fewer errors (P = .04). Moreover, participants with lower surgical expertise that used the System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality received 17% greater Individual Performance Score (P = .04), 32% greater Weighted Individual Performance Score (P Conclusion Participants using the System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality performed leg fasciotomies with fewer errors and received better performance scores. In addition, participants using the System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality reported being more confident when performing fasciotomies under telementoring. Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display–based telementoring successfully provided confidence and coaching to medical personnel.