cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How research becomes knowledge in radiology: an analysis of citations to published papers.

The process by which research becomes generally disseminated knowledge in radiology was studied by an analysis of reference citations. A citation is the event that occurs when one paper is listed as a reference by another paper. Analysis of the citations received by 30 diagnostic radiology journals in 1985 showed that five journals received 73% of the citations. Approximately half of the citations were made to papers over 5 years old. Analysis of the citations received by the 1977 issues of eight journals over a 9-year period showed a rapid rise in the number of citations received, a peak in the third year after publication, and a slow, exponential decline. Analysis of citations to a group of individual papers showed that 10% of the papers received nearly 50% of the citations. This information suggests that citations to the radiology literature are concentrated among a handful of papers in a few journals. The citation activities of individual journals reflect in part their editorial policies. Parameters o...
Energy, Climate, Food and Health

ABSTRACT On June 3–5, 2008, international organizations and heads of state met in Rome to discuss the critical situation in global food supplies and prices during the World Food Crisis Summit. The intent of this column is to provide approaches to identifying the complex issues that impact public health, public safety, and nutrition on a global basis. The Web sites selected provide a background for the complex issues involved (energy, climate and environment, agriculture, and politics) and reveal controversial and competing agendas with many far-reaching implications.
A Survey for Enhanced Lithium in 261 Globular Cluster Giants

A survey of 261 giants in the globular clusters M3, M13, M15, and M92 carried out with the Hydra multiobject spectrograph on the WIYN 3.5 m telescope has identified no stars with Li I 6707 A resonance lines stronger than 20 mA. The limiting equivalent widths of the lithium line provide upper limits of log (Li) < +0.0 at Teff = 4500 K and log (Li) < +1.0 at Teff = 5000 K. The absence of lithium-rich stars in the sample suggests that the percentage of giants exhibiting enhanced lithium abundances in globular clusters is low.
Plummer-Vinson syndrome associated with chronic blood loss anemia and large diaphragmatic hernia

The coexistence of large diaphragmatic hernia and Plummer-Vinson syndrome in two patients is described. It is proposed that the hernias caused chronic blood loss anemia, and that iron deficiency then resulted in postcricoid web formation.
Role of microRNAs in the Reperfused Myocardium Towards Post-Infarct Remodelling

Myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced remodelling generally includes cell death (necrosis and apoptosis), myocyte hypertrophy, angiogenesis, cardiac fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction. It is becoming increasingly clear that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), a group of highly conserved small (∼18–24 nucleotide) non-coding RNAs, fulfil specific functions in the reperfused myocardium towards post-infarct remodelling. While miR-21, -133, -150, -195, and -214 regulate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, miR-1/-133 and miR-208 have been elucidated to influence myocardial contractile function. In addition, miR-21, -24, -133, -210, -494, and -499 appear to protect myocytes against I/R-induced apoptosis, whereas miR-1, -29, -199a, and -320 promote apoptosis. Myocardial fibrosis can be regulated by the miR-29 family and miR-21. Moreover, miR-126 and miR-210 augment I/R-induced angiogenesis, but miR-24, -92a, and -320 suppress post-infarct neoangiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the identification of myocardial ischaemia-associated miRNAs and their functional significance in the modulation of I/R-triggered remodelling. Controversial effects of some miRNAs in post-infarct remodelling will be also discussed.
Nanoscale titania ceramic composite supports for PEM fuel cells

Titanium-based ceramic supports designed for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells were synthesized, and catalytic activity was explored using electrochemical analysis. Synthesis of high surface area TiO2 and TiO supports was accomplished by rapidly heating a gel of polyethyleneimine-bound titanium in a tube furnace under a forming gas atmosphere. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed anatase phase formation for the TiO2 materials and crystallite sizes of less than 10 nm in both cases. Subsequent disposition of platinum through an incipient wetness approach leads to highly dispersed crystallites of platinum, less than 6 nm each, on the conductive supports. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive x-ray analysis results showed a highly uniform Ti and Pt distribution on the surface of both materials. The supports without platinum are highly stable to acidic aqueous conditions and show no signs of oxygen reduction reactivity (ORR). However, once the 20 wt% platinum is added to the material, ORR activity comparable to XC-72-based materials is observed.
Distributed coloring algorithms for triangle-free graphs

Vertex coloring is a central concept in graph theory and an important symmetry-breaking primitive in distributed computing. Whereas degree-Δ graphs may require palettes of Δ + 1 colors in the worst case, it is well known that the chromatic number of many natural graph classes can be much smaller. In this paper we give new distributed algorithms to find ( Δ / k ) -coloring in graphs of girth 4 (triangle-free graphs), girth 5, and trees. The parameter k can be at most ( 1 4 - o ( 1 ) ) ln ? Δ in triangle-free graphs and at most ( 1 - o ( 1 ) ) ln ? Δ in girth-5 graphs and trees, where o ( 1 ) is a function of Δ. Specifically, for Δ sufficiently large we can find such a coloring in O ( k + log * ? n ) time. Moreover, for any Δ we can compute such colorings in roughly logarithmic time for triangle-free and girth-5 graphs, and in O ( log ? Δ + log Δ ? log ? n ) time on trees. As a byproduct, our algorithm shows that the chromatic number of triangle-free graphs is at most ( 4 + o ( 1 ) ) Δ ln ? Δ , which improves on Jamall's recent bound of ( 67 + o ( 1 ) ) Δ ln ? Δ . Finally, we show that ( Δ + 1 ) -coloring for triangle-free graphs can be obtained in sublogarithmic time for any Δ.
The evolution of authorship in a remix society

Authorship entails the constrained selection or generation of media and the organization and layout of that media in a larger structure. But authorship is more than just selection and organization; it is a complex construct incorporating concepts of originality, authority, intertextuality, and attribution. In this paper we explore these concepts and ask how they are changing in light of modes of collaborative authorship in remix culture. We present a qualitative case study of an online video remixing site, illustrating how the constraints of that environment are impacting authorial constructs. We discuss users' self-conceptions as authors, and how values related to authorship are reflected to users through the interface and design of the site's tools. We also present some implications for the design of online communities for collaborative media creation and remixing.
Risk factors for and behavioral consequences of direct versus indirect exposure to violence

Research suggests that direct exposure (personal victimization) and indirect exposure (witnessing or hearing about the victimization of a family member, friend, or neighbor) to violence are correlated. However, questions remain about the co-occurrence of these phenomena within individuals. We used data on 1915 youths (with an average age of 12 years at baseline) from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods to examine this issue. Results indicated that youths who tended to be personally victimized were also likely to witness violence; conversely, youths who disproportionately witnessed violence were relatively unlikely to experience personal victimization. In addition, direct and indirect exposures to violence were associated with subsequent adverse outcomes in similar ways. The key distinguishing factor was, rather, the cumulative level of violence (both direct and indirect) to which youths were exposed.
Design for reuse

The “Golden Age” of electronics is upon us. Traditional technologies such as computers, telecommunications and networking are fast converging into a set of consumer-electronic applications. What is emerging are consumer products-Internet appliances, set-top-boxes, wireless communications, toys and portable “everything”. These products demand shorter product cycles, increased functionality and lower cost with every new release. They also tend to have very small “market windows”. The electronics industry is faced with an enormous challenge of coming up with a solution to this problem. Continuing at the current rate of technology and EDA tools advancement will inevitably result in failure. There needs to be a new approach. This paper describes a new design paradigm based on “design reuse” as the pivotal element. (6 pages)
Modeling and simulation validation for EMC applications

Modeling and simulation tools are very valuable as design and analysis tools to help in EMC engineering problems. As with any tool, they only provide accurate results when used properly. It is not always practical to use measurements to validate simulation results. Intermediate results from various modeling techniques can be used to help validate specific models, and increase confidence in the final results.
Evaluation of die-attach adhesives by curvature measurements

The authors examined three types of die-attach adhesives by measuring curvatures in assemblies that are formed by adhesively joining silicon chips to alumina substrates. The adhesives differ mainly in their post-cure elastic moduli, which are 24 GPa for a solder-like adhesive, 2.7 GPa for an epoxy-like adhesive, and 0.003 GPa for a gel-like adhesive. All of the as-prepared assemblies have residual bending resulting from the adhesive curing process. The assembly bonded by the gel-like adhesive has substantially lower, about a factor of ten less, bending than the assemblies attached by the other two types of adhesives. Thermal responses of assembly curvatures are measured by subjecting the assemblies to a temperature excursion from -15 degrees C to 160 degrees C. The measured temperature dependences of curvature in all three types of assemblies are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical derivations by E. Suhir (1986) for thermally induced bending in finite tri-material structures. >
TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING: THE CONCURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

This paper develops and presents a technology engineering framework for the s election, development, and insertion of space transportation technologies concurrent with the systems engineering of the space transportation system(s) in which the technology will eventually be employed. The technology engineering framework developed and presented in this paper draws on existing systems engineering processes, tools, and methods; takes into account the differences between systems engineering and technology engineering; and accounts for the high degree of interaction required between the co ncurrent technology and system development programs. The components of this technology engineering framework are discussed, and the major steps in the technology engineering process are outlined. An investigation is also conducted into facilitating the implementation of key portions of the framework using a state -of -the -art relational computer database referred to as the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Database (RTDB). This database is demonstrated to provide an invaluable tool to collect, man ipulate, analyze, document, and disseminate technology -related information, including: previous research results, key technical parameters and characteristics, technology readiness levels, relationships to other technologies, costs, and potential barriers and risks.
Insulin-Degrading Activity in Mononuclear and Polymorphonuclear Circulating Leukocytes of Nondiabetic and Diabetic Subjects*

Abstract Insulin-degrading activity in mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) fractions of circulating leukocytes obtained from 7 nondiabetic and 13 insulin-dependent diabetic subjects was studied. Insulin-degrading activity in both MN and PMN fractions was activated by reduced glutathione and was inhibited completely by N-ethylmaleimide. Both fractions had Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) (insulin) valueswithin the range of values reported for purified glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase (GIT). In double immunodiffusion tests with antibody to human liver GIT, the MN fraction showed immunoprecipitin bands continuous with those of purified liver enzyme, but the PMN fraction showed little or no reaction with the antibody. These data indicate that both leukocyte fractions contain thiol-dependent insulin-degrading activity; however, only in the MN fraction was the degrading activity immunologically similar to that of liver GIT. Kinetic studies showed that the insulin-degrading activity of MN and PMN cell...
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATORS AND OLDER EMPLOYEES' ATTITUDES TOWARDS THEIR CURRENT JOBS

It has been suggested that one of most dramatic changes in the workplace over the next decade will be the growing number of older employees. The task of managing, challenging, and motivating this aging work force is expected to be more complex due to varied needs and goals. An analysis of data from 3358 workers (45–59 yr. old) in a national longitudinal sample on attitudes indicated that jobs that provided intrinsic motivators or a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators were better received than those that offered only extrinsic motivators.
Electromyography of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles in Subjects with Normal Knees and Acutely Effused Knees

The purpose of the study was to describe the electrical activity of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis muscles in subjects with normal knees and acute, severely effused knees when contracting maximally at 30 degrees and 0 degrees of knee flexion. Two groups identified were 1) an effused group (n=8) with subjects having one effused knee and one normal knee and 2) a normal group (n = 8) with subjects having two normal knees. The results were evaluated on two occasions by an observer who has unfamiliar with the groups to which the subjects belonged. The repeated evaluation yielded a high reliability coefficient (Spearman Rho r = .91). Analysis revealed a marked decrease in electrical activity at 0 degrees knee flexion compared to 30 degrees knee flexion in all muscles monitored in the effused knees, while the electrical activity was about equal in both joint positions for the normal knees in both groups. A hypothesis was formed that suggests the decreased electrical activity at 0 degrees in the effused knees results from reflex inhibition caused by joint capsule distension and intra-articular pressures that change with joint position.
Variation in nutrient limitation and seagrass nutrient content in Bahamian tidal creek ecosystems

Abstract The traditional model of nutrient availability in coastal estuarine ecosystems is based on predictable inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) via riverine and oceanic sources, respectively. But coastlines with low nutrient input from these sources may not fit into this simple framework. Here we use observational (seagrass nutrient content) and experimental (nutrient enrichment assays) data for assessing nutrient availability and limitation for primary producers along a spatial transect extending from the mouth (nearest to the ocean) to the terminal portion (boundary with the terrestrial ecosystem) of three coastal mangrove-lined tidal creeks in The Bahamas. Compiling seagrass nutrient content from all sites showed a negative relationship between seagrass nutrient limitation (either N or P) and distance from mouth, but this pattern differed across sites with respect to which nutrient was more limiting. Our experimental results demonstrated patterns of decreased response by microalgae to dual nutrient enrichment in one site with distance from the creek mouth, and increased response to single nutrient enrichment in another, with the third showing no trend along this gradient. Our findings show that Bahamian mangrove wetlands are extremely nutrient-limited ecosystems, and that the most limiting nutrient varied among sites. In general, these ecosystems deviate from the typical paradigm of spatial nutrient limitation patterns in estuaries. We suggest that various site-specific biological and physical factors may be more important than large-scale hydrologic factors in driving trends of nutrient availability in coastal ecosystems under strong nutrient constraints, such as in The Bahamas. Our findings suggest that even minor changes in nutrient loading rates can have significant implications for primary production in subtropical oligotrophic systems.
Some contextual effects on the perception of synthetic vowels

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the identification of vowel quality in selected vowel-like sounds is affected by the characteristics of an immediately preceding vowel.Listeners were presented recordings of pairs of vowels and instructed to identify the second of each pair as [i, I, e, Λ] or [α] . The initial, or " affecting ", vowel in each pair was either [i, I, e, Λ] or [α] ; two sets of affecting vowels were used—human and synthetic. All of the affected vowels (stimuli to to be judged) were generated synthetically; three were intended to be good examples of the vowels [I, e, Λ], while the formant frequencies of the remaining four were intended to create ambiguous vowels (that is, two had formant frequencies between those of the synthetic vowels [I] and [e] ; the others, between [e] and [Λ]).Results indicate that some shift in vowel identification does occur as a function of an immediately preceding vowel. The effect, of moderate strength when the two vowels are similar, decreases ...
Mortality among rubber workers: VIII. Industrial products workers.

This report compares the mortality experience of 6,533 men employed in the industrial products division of a rubber manufacturing company with that of U.S. males and of other rubber workers. For most causes of death the mortality rates of industrial products workers were lower than those of U.S. males and similar to those of other rubber workers. Relative to other rubber workers, men in the industrial products division had a 50% excess of deaths from lymphoma, a 90% excess of deaths from multiple myeloma, and a 20% excess of deaths from bladder cancer during the study period. The excesses of lymphoma and multiple myeloma were strongest during recent follow-up in 1970-78 (observed/expected deaths: 10/4.3 for lymphoma; 10/4.4 for multiple myeloma), whereas bladder cancer mortality was not excessive during this calendar period.
Estimating high latitude radiative fluxes from satellite data: problems and successes

Surface-based observations of polar radiative fluxes are limited to a small number of coastal stations in both polar regions, a few Arctic Ocean drifting ice stations, and a few interior Antarctic stations. Long-term monitoring of the surface and top of the atmosphere radiation balances and the factors that affect them, as well as an analysis of their spatial patterns, will therefore require the use of satellite data. The authors consider whether one can estimate the radiation balance accurately enough for climate change studies, say to within 5 W m/sup -2/. To answer this question they first address how well one can retrieve those geophysical parameters that are used in the estimation of the radiative fluxes: surface temperature and albedo, cloud and aerosol properties, and atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles. The highly reflective snow/ice surface, frequent temperature inversions, persistent ice crystal precipitation, and absence of solar radiation for many months are a few of the factors unique to polar regions that result in ambiguous solutions in the retrieval of cloud, aerosol, and surface properties. The authors present a method of estimating surface and top of the atmosphere radiative fluxes from visible, near-infrared, and thermal satellite data. A procedure is described and applied to AVHRR imagery of the Beaufort Sea during the March-April 1992 Leads Experiment (LEADEX). This combined satellite-in situ data set allows to assess the accuracies with which the radiation balance components can be measured, and provides guidance for future research. >
Mechanical noise-limited CMOS-MEMS accelerometers

The latest generation of CMOS-MEMS accelerometer has measured mechanical Brownian noise-limited resolution of 45 /spl mu/g//spl radic/(Hz) at 1 atm. A modified pre-amplifier design with sub-threshold transistor dc biasing is robust against leakage paths to positive and negative supplies and has an input referred noise of 14.6 nV//spl radic/(Hz) at the 2 MHz modulation frequency. The accelerometer proof mass is purposely sized to have equivalent mechanical Brownian noise. An array approach to improve the noise floor further is proposed and fabricated.
Policy making and rent-dissipation: An experimental test

We present a transfer-seeking model of political economy that links the theory of Becker (1983) with Tullock-type models of politically contestable rents. In our model the size of the transfer is determined endogenously, and over-dissipation of rents is predicted even under conditions of risk-neutrality and perfect rationality. We implement an empirical test of this model by collecting behavioral data in a laboratory experiment. We confirm the existence of behavior that leads to over-dissipation of rents in games with both symmetric and asymmetric political power. To the extent that the transfer-seeking costs are social costs, our findings imply that the total costs of running government might be greatly underestimated if the value of the rent is used as a proxy for the rent-seeking cost. We also confirm the hypotheses that lowering the political power of one player can lead to smaller rent-seeking expenditures and to larger transfers
An analysis of human pathogens found in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks.

Objective To determine the prevalence of microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic for humans in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail (JMT). Methods Random samples of horse/mule manure were collected along sections of the JMT in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks (NP), as well as in portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and selected JMT/PCT access trails. Convenience samples of wild animal scat found within 1 mile of trails were also collected. The fresh specimens were individually preserved both in 0.9% saline and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-containing tubes and stored at 4°C until time of analysis. Bacteriological analysis was performed using standard microbiology laboratory procedures. PVA samples were stained with trichrome and were then examined by a parasitologist. Results Collection: A total of 186 trail miles were sampled, including 113 on the JMT (Yosemite 37, Kings 53, and Sequoia 23). The PCT samplings included 24 miles, and NP and wilderness area access trails added an additional 49 miles. A total of 102 samples were collected, which included 81 samples from pack animals and 21 identified as having come from wild animals. Pack Animal Bacteria: All plated specimens grew large numbers of commensal gut flora. Potential pathogenic bacteria were found in only 12 samples and included Hafnia alvei (4), Serratia odorifera (1), Citrobacter freundii (1), Escherichia vulneris (1), Clostridium clostridioforme (1), Yersinia enterocolitica (1), Sherwinella putraformus (1), and Enterobacter spp (4). No Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, or Aeromonas were found. Microscopic examination for protozoal organisms revealed occasional commensal ciliates and 1 Giardia. Wild Animal Pathogens: One specimen grew Y enterocolitica, and another grew Enterobacter amnigenus. Conclusions We found a low prevalence of human pathogens in pack animal manure on the JMT.
Left ventricular—Right atrial communication☆

Abstract Ten cases of left ventricular-right atrial communication are reported, making a total of 122 cases documented in the literature. A new anatomic classification is proposed, based on the location of the defect in the cardiac septum. The clinical course of left ventricular-right atrial communication is similar to that of ventricular septal defect in many respects but may be differentiated from it by the earlier onset of congestive failure and the development of arrhythmias of atrial origin. Physical examination reveals a harsh holosystolic murmur and thrill at the left sternal border. The murmur usually radiates well to the right of the sternum and is frequently associated with close expiratory splitting of the second sound in the pulmonic area. The murmur is often heard during the newborn period. Typical electrocardiographic findings consist of peaked P waves, a prolonged P-R interval, rSR pattern in the right precordial leads and biventricular hypertrophy. Chest roentgenograms characteristically disclose cardiomegaly and increased pulmonary vascularity. The most striking finding is disproportionate right atrial enlargement. This, together with a prominent pulmonary artery and ventricular enlargement, produces a “ball-like” configuration. Cardiac catheterization reveals a moderate left to right shunt at the level of the right atrium, despite the presence of an intact atrial septum. The diagnosis is confirmed by left ventricular angiocardiography, which demonstrates immediate opacification of a dilated right atrium.
Mechanism of iron uptake by plants

Abstract. Green plants require a continuous supply of Fe as they grow, because Fe does not not move from the older to the newer leaves. Soils do not lack Fe per se, but it may not be available to plants grown in alkaline soils. Plants are classed ‘Fe-efficient’ if they respond to Fe-deficiency stress by inducing biochemical reactions that make Fe available in a useful form, and ‘Fe-inefficienT’ if they do not. Iron uptake induced in response to Fe stress involves release of hydrogen ions and reductants by the root. The lowered pH and presence of reductant at the root zone, along with reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ at the root surface, enables Fe2+ to be taken up primarily through the young lateral roots. Ferrous iron is present throughout the protozylem and may or may not have entered the root by a carrier. The root-absorbed Fe2+ is oxidized to Fe3+ at the junction of the protoxylem and the metaxylem, chelated by citrate, and then transported in the metaxylem to the plant top. In the plant, the chemical reactions injuced by Fe-deficiency stress may affect nitrate reductase activity, use of Fe from Fe3+ phosphate and chelating agents, and tolerance to heavy metals. An efficient mechanism for Fe uptake in roots appears to be important for the efficient use of Fe in plant tops.
Moisture and temperature requirements for London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) emergence

Abstract London rocket is hypothesized to be the most important overwintering host of the beet leafhopper in southern New Mexico. Knowledge of the environmental factors affecting the emergence of this plant is essential to developing a predictive model for London rocket and leafhopper populations. The temperature and moisture optima for London rocket germination and emergence were assessed using growth chamber studies. Temperatures of 5 to 35 C and soil water tension treatments of − 0.01 to − 1.5 MPa were tested. Optimal seed burial depth also was assessed. Optimal London rocket germination occurred at approximately 15 C and maximum emergence was achieved at 15 to 20 C with soil moisture tensions of − 0.01 to − 1.2 MPa. London rocket emergence occurred best at a seed burial depth of 2 mm. Nomenclature: London rocket, Sisymbrium irio L.
Transmucosal impedance of small intestine: correlation with transport of sugars and amino acids.

Transmucosal impedances of isolated perfused segments of jejunum from mice and hamsters were measured at frequencies from 10-100,000 Hz in the presence and absence of sugars and amino acids. Na-coupled transport of organic substrates caused large decreases of transmucosal impedance, reflecting contraction of cytoskeletal proteins controlling permeability of tight junctions, functional surface of basolateral membranes, and width of extracellular pathways. The observed changes of impedance were closely correlated with molar rates of Na-coupled active transport rather than with molecular species. Thus amino acids and sugars having the same molar rates of active transport also have the same effects on transmucosal impedance. It is proposed that a nonspecific increase of intracellular osmotic pressure during active transport is the first step initiating cytoskeletal contraction. Cell volume regulatory responses, including increased basolateral K+ conductance and Ca2+ influx, may be subsequent steps leading to contraction of perijunctional actomyosin, formation of junctional dilatations, and exposure of lateral membranes. Enhancement of oxygen capacity of perfusion fluids (e.g., with fluorocarbon emulsion) is required to maintain viability of isolated intestinal epithelium; in plain oxygenated Ringer-HCO3 solution, the transmucosal impedance is abnormally low and cytoskeletal contractile responses to Na-coupled transport are attenuated. An electrical circuit analog is presented that simulates almost exactly the observed transmucosal impedances and provides quantitative evaluation of the effects of Na-coupled transport of sugars and amino acids on resistances of tight junctions, capacitance of basolateral membranes, and postjunctional resistances of lateral intercellular spaces and villus cores.
Engineering solutions for food-energy-water systems: it is more than engineering

Food, energy, and water systems interact extensively, giving rise to the term “food-energy-water (FEW) nexus,” with the term “nexus” signifying connectedness and interrelationships. A systems approach involving multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams and partnerships is needed to address complex challenges of the nexus. A concurrent cyber-physical framework comprised of systems informatics, information analysis methods and tools, and systems analytics and decision support could provide a viable approach for addressing FEW system challenges. A fundamental requirement for implementing the framework is data. Needed data are often difficult to obtain; for example, while much agricultural production system data are collected, the data are not generally available. A priority for addressing FEW system challenges must be development of mechanisms for widespread curation and sharing of data; a few such efforts are underway. Implementing the framework also requires many collaborations. Creating new collaborations among multiple disciplines and organizations to implement the framework could be aided by convergence thinking, which engages approaches to problem solving that transcend disciplines and integrates knowledge from the physical, biological, social, and mathematical sciences and engineering to form comprehensive and integrated thinking at the interfaces of areas. A variety of organizations, private and public, can help in facilitating collaboration and partnerships among the disciplines. Government agencies, industry, academia, and professional societies can all play significant roles in furthering collaboration to address challenges in integrated FEW systems using a systems approach.
Nonalcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis. I. Molecular mechanism for polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription.

This review addresses the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly those of the n-3 family, play pivotal roles as “fuel partitioners” in that they direct fatty acids away fr...
Re-Entrant Fiber Optic Rotation Sensors

A recirculating fiber optic rotation sensor is described which employs multiple transits of pulsed light around a closed coil of optical fiber. An all-fiber implementation of this re-entrant rotation sensor is presented. The experimental results verify the basic operation of the device.
MULTIPLE-FORMAT SESSIONS FOR TEACHING ENDOCRINE PHYSIOLOGY

The University of Kentucky medical curriculum was revised in 1994 to implement a more interactive approach. The Endocrine Physiology section of the new physiology course, Human Function, was modified from its former daily lecture and weekly laboratory format to eight daily 3½-h sessions. Each session is composed of four components: a didactic lecture, a whole class discussion session, a quiz, and a patient presentation. These components are presented in a staggered format over the course of 2 days, i.e., the lecture is presented on the first day, and the remaining three components take place on the second day. This allows students to assimilate the new lecture material before participating in the discussion session, quiz, and patient presentation, which are more interactive. This format has been received favorably by the students because of its variety, and it is easier to keep up with the material.
A proposition against using the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" in research on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

In the United States, the term ‘‘Hispanic’’ has been used to refer to a person or groups of persons who originate from Spanish-speaking countries. However, this term fails to account for variables such as nationality, ethnicity, race, and cultural origin as well as the extent of assimilation to a new culture. In addition, factors such as the individual’s generation, specific migratory status, years of education in each country, fluency, and day-to-day language usage contribute to variance in neuropsychological testing outcomes, which are sensitive to these factors. We have noted that the usage of the terms ‘‘Hispanic’’ and ‘‘Latino’’ is problematic in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) research; therefore, we propose grouping individuals by nationality or by the Spanish-speaking culture to which they belong. The rationale for not using these terms is based upon the sociodemographic findings among Spanish speakers infected with HIV and how these terms inadequately describe the rich heterogeneity of this population. (Ethn Dis. 2010; 20:479–484)
An Automatic Assessment System of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on Wound Area Determination, Color Segmentation, and Healing Score Evaluation.

Background:For individuals with type 2 diabetes, foot ulcers represent a significant health issue. The aim of this study is to design and evaluate a wound assessment system to help wound clinics as...
Glomerular function in spontaneously diabetic rats.

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine whether hyperfiltration exists at the single nephron level and whether albumin excretion is increased early in the course of diabetes in Biobreeding rats. Diabetic rats were studied at 8–12 weeks after the onset of diabetes. Control animals were age-matched, diabetes-resistant rats. Urinary and tubular fluid albumin concentrations were measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Clearance and micropuncture techniques were used to determine whole kidney and single nephron glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, and glomerular capillary pressure. The urinary albumin excretion rate (1.3 ± 0.1 mg/24 hr) and the tubular fluid albumin concentration (4.7 ± 0.7 mg/dl) in the diabetic group were significantly elevated when compared with urinary albumin excretion (0.9 ±0.1 mg/24 hr) and tubular fluid albumin concentration (2.5 ± 0.5 mg/dl) in the control group. There were no significant differences in glomerular hemodynamics (whole kidney or single nephron gl...
Teaching Children With Disabilities: Preparation Through State Music Educators Association Conferences

The purpose of this study was to determine the types and frequency of music and special education workshops held at state music educators association (MEA) conferences. Specifically, the researchers sought to determine the following within the past 10 years: (a) states that offered music and special education workshops at their MEA conferences, (b) frequency of music and special education workshops at each MEA conference, (c) frequency of music and special education workshops by music classroom type or IDEA disability category, and (d) significant differences in frequency of music and special education workshops between state MEAs with and state MEAs without a Special Learners Chair. There were 226 conference programs obtained from 2004 to 2013, of which 33 states (73%) provided at least one conference program and 12 states (27%) provided all programs. Within the provided conference programs, there were 300 music and special education sessions listed. Furthermore, most sessions were those that gave specia...
Study on the determination of iodine in water

Objective: To establish a accurate and simple method to determine the microiodine in water.Methods: The contents of iodine in water were determination by spectrophotometry based on the catalysis of iodine on oxidation-reduction reaction between arsenic and cerium.Results:The improved method revealed better linear relationship in the range of 0~600μg/L iodine.The detection limit of 0.25 mL water sample,correlation coefficient,recovery rate were 3μg/L,-0.9998,98.71%~101.44%.The precision and accuracy of the improved method were qualified.The existence of a complicated reaction solution system with multiple ions at a certain concentration did not interfere with the data obtained by the improved method.Conclusions: The improved method revealed easy,rapid opetation and calculation.The results were precise and reliable.
Optimization Scheduling of Cascade Hydro-Thermal Power Considering Energy Saving and Emission Reduction

The joint scheduling of cascade hydro-thermal power is difficult and multi-constrained,therefore a multi-objective fuzzy scheduling model is presented based on fuzzy theory,considering the three objectives: energy saving,emission reducing and cascade energy storage.The maximum satisfaction index method is adopted to reformulate the multi-objective problem into an optimized single-objective problem,which is solved by genetic algorithm.It has been demonstrated that the optimal scheduling of cascade hydro-thermal power can have better effects on energy saving and emission reduction than that of thermal power;the proposed multi-objective optimal hydro-thermal power scheduling model can take energy saving,the emission reduction and cascade energy storage into better account and achieve the maximized social comprehensive benefits than the single-objective scheduling.
Synthesis of triphenylphosphonium phospholipid conjugates for the preparation of mitochondriotropic liposomes.

Surface modification of liposomes with a ligand is facilitated by the conjugation of the ligand to a hydrophobic molecule that serves to anchor the ligand to the liposomal bilayer. We describe here a simple protocol to conjugate a triphenylphosphonium group to several commercially available functionalized phospholipids. The resulting triphenylphosphonium-conjugated lipids can be used to prepare liposomes that preferentially associate with mitochondria when exposed to live mammalian cells in culture.
The thymus in myasthenia gravis: an immunohistologic study.

Abnormalities of the thymus have long been noted in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).1,2,3 Morphologically, the presence of germinal centers in the medulla of the MG thymus was described by Castleman in 1949.1 Functionally, the MG thymus cells have altered immunologic activity.2,3 Recently the development of monoclonal antibodies to T cell subsets allows for the furthur investigation of the MG thymus.4 We have used such monoclonal antibodies to investigate the MG thymus in tissue sections. We have compared these results to findings obtained in studies of suspended cells from the same thymus specimens.
A computational study of PCB layer orientation of WCSP assembly under temperature dependent drop impact loading

Chip Scale Packages (CSP) are used more and more in the portable electronic devices with its growing popularity due to small form factor. Electrical, Thermomechanical and Mechanical loadings act simultaneously on the electronic products during their daily usage. Due to the market demand, new high-performance functions are continuously being integrated with these devices despite the decreasing from factor and generation of more thermal stresses inside. These smaller devices are more prone to accidental drop and experience impact load, causing board interconnect failure by the repeatability of the drop occurrences. Therefore, the reliability of these products due to various loadings are being researched by taking multi-dimensional approach. A computational study has been carried out in this paper to investigate the effect of impact loading on the solder joints of WLCSP component boards. Here, a more thorough understanding of the solder joint behavior is examined by carrying out drop test with respect to elevated temperature and using PCBs of varying thickness and layer stack-ups. The same WLCSP is used for different boards and subjected to drop test according to the JEDEC specifications [1]. Two different types of boards are used and to simulate the actual drop test modified Input G method, that is Direct Acceleration Input method, was followed. The comparison of the boards has been made to understand the effect of temperature on the reliability of solder interconnects and on the strain generation induced in the PCBs during the drop test. It has been found that due to decreasing elastic modulus at higher temperature the behavior of both the boards are similar except the fact that thin board experiences relatively more stress in its interconnects after crossing a threshold temperature.
Gene bb0318 Is Critical for the Oxidative Stress Response and Infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi

A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that Borrelia burgdorferi uses to survive during mammalian infection is critical for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the clinical management of Lyme disease. By use of an in vivo expression technology (IVET)-based approach to identify B. burgdorferi genes expressed in vivo, we discovered the bb0318 gene, which is thought to encode the ATPase component of a putative riboflavin ABC transport system. Riboflavin is a critical metabolite enabling all organisms to maintain redox homeostasis. B. burgdorferi appears to lack the metabolic capacity for de novo synthesis of riboflavin and so likely relies on scavenging riboflavin from the host environment. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of bb0318 in B. burgdorferi pathogenesis. No in vitro growth defect was observed for the Δbb0318 clone. However, the mutant spirochetes displayed reduced levels of survival when exposed to exogenous hydrogen peroxide or murine macrophages. Spirochetes lacking bb0318 were found to have a 100-fold-higher 50% infectious dose than spirochetes containing bb0318 In addition, at a high inoculum dose, bb0318 was found to be important for effective spirochete dissemination to deep tissues for as long as 3 weeks postinoculation and to be critical for B. burgdorferi infection of mouse hearts. Together, these data implicate bb0318 in the oxidative stress response of B. burgdorferi and indicate the contribution of bb0318 to B. burgdorferi mammalian infectivity.
A method to simulate fluorine outgas and Al bond pad corrosion in wafer fab

This paper describes a wafer-level Reliability test methodology for Al bond pad corrosion due to long term wafer storage even in a controlled environment, such as N2 cabinet or vacuum packaged wafer box. The sensitivity of such a reliability test very much depends on how well it captures fluorine contaminant and moisture, the two key determinants of Al pad corrosion. Our test methodology is able to do so by a simple improvised solution to the experimental setup involving a wafer-box which contains quartz-boat mount test wafers. An array of small holes were drilled in the top cover lid of the box so that it can allow moisture from the test chamber to diffuse into the container and at the same time, still trap fluorine outgassed from the test wafer. The accelerated test methodology was successfully used to simulate, in laboratory time-scales, Al pad corrosion due to F-outgas from the pad sidewall polymer residue.
Predictors and Barriers to Hepatitis B Screening in a Midwest Suburban Asian Population

Despite guidelines recommending hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening among the Asian population, not all Asians are screened. We assessed barriers to and factors predicting HBV screening in Michigan. Adults residing in Southeast Michigan self-identifying as Asian were surveyed at Asian grocery stores, restaurants, churches, and community events. 404 persons participated in the survey, 54 % were women, median age was 51 years, 63 % were Chinese, and 93.8 % were born outside the U.S. 181 (44.8 %) had not or could not recall having been screened for HBV. Of these, 89 % said their primary care physicians (PCP) had never brought up screening. Unscreened participants were more likely to think HBV is genetically inherited and cannot be treated than those who had been screened. They were also more likely to think they should avoid close contact with others, would bring shame to their families, and lose their job, if found to be infected with HBV. Among 223 (55.2 %) who had been screened, 48 % said their PCP had the greatest influence in their decision to be screened and 70.9 % said they were screened at a doctor’s visit. Screened participants were more likely to know someone with HBV, have a PCP, and have health insurance. Logistic regression analysis showed knowing someone with HBV was the only predictor for screening. Despite guidelines for HBV screening, only half of the Asian Americans surveyed had been screened. Increasing awareness among PCPs is needed to increase HBV screening in this population.
Racial differences in perceived risk in participants enrolled in the American College of Radiology (ACRIN-6654) arm of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST).

1563 Background: Blacks in the U.S. have higher incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer (LC) compared to whites. Previous work in small studies suggests that blacks have lower perceived risk of LC which may influence smoking cessation behavior. However, racial disparities in risk perceptions (RP) of LC and smoking related diseases (SRD) in heavy smokers have not been studied. We examined LC and SRD risk perceptions among black and white ACRIN NLST participants. Methods: The 10-item Smoking Risk Perceptions Scale (SRPS) for LC and SRD was administered to NLST participants, from 4 ACRIN sites, with a minimum 30 pack-year smoking history at 1 year following baseline screening chest x-ray or low dose computerized tomography (LDCT). We 1) validated the SRPS in black and white participants separately using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, 2) used 2-way ANOVAs to compare RP of black and white participants and 3) used multivariable linear regression models to identify factors associated with RP....