cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual function in the postpartum period: effects of maternal depression and interpersonal psychotherapy treatment

Women's sexual functioning in the postpartum period is understudied given its potential impact on women's mental health and their relationships with their partners. The sexual functioning of women with postpartum depression (PPD) in particular is not well characterized. The goals of this study were to examine factors associated with the sexual functioning of postpartum women and to compare the long-term sexual functioning of depressed postpartum women treated with interpersonal psychotherapy with a group of postpartum women who had never been depressed. Depressed (120) and never depressed (56) postpartum women were enrolled. Self-report questionnaires and clinician-rated measures were completed at initial entry to study, immediately post-treatment, and at 6, 12, and 18 months post-treatment. Analyses revealed significant differences in sexual interest between depressed and never depressed postpartum women (t (171) = 11.82, p < 0.001). Although sexual interest improved significantly following treatment for depression (t (104) = −3.18, p < 0.01), those women who fully recovered continued to experience less interest (F (2, 140) = 32.24, p < 0.0001) and less sexual satisfaction through 2 years postpartum than never depressed women. These findings suggest that differences in sexual functioning exist between depressed and never depressed postpartum women, even after depressed women are treated and have recovered from their depression. Clinicians should inquire about changes in sexual functioning when treating women with PPD.
Spatial and temporal continuity of kangaroo rat populations shown by sequencing mitochondrial DNA from museum specimens

The advent of direct sequencing via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has opened up the possibility of molecular studies on museum specimens. Here we analyze genetic variation in populations over time by applying PCR to DNA extracted from museum specimens sampled from populations of one species over the last 78 years. Included in this study were 43 museum specimens of the Panamint kangaroo ratDipodomys panamintinus from localities representing each of three geographically distinct subspecies. These specimens were originally collected and prepared as dried skins in 1911, 1917, or 1937. For each specimen, a 225-bp segment of the mitochondrial genome was sequenced. These mitochondrial DNA sequences were compared to those of 63 specimens collected at the same localities in 1988. The three subspecies were nearly completely distinct. Only 2 of the 106 individuals shared mitochondrial types between subspecies. For all three localities, the diversity levels were maintained between the two temporal samples. The concordance observed between the two temporally separate phylogenies supports the use of museum specimens for phylogenetic inference. This study demonstrates the accuracy and routine nature of the use of museum specimens in the analysis of mitochondrial sequence variation in natural populations and, importantly, that a temporal aspect can now be added to such studies.
Ocmulgee fault: The Piedmont-Avalon terrane boundary in central Georgia

The Ocmulgee fault is a fundamental boundary within the Piedmont of central Georgia separating North American, Piedmont terrane rocks from exotic rocks of the Avalon (Carolina) terrane. Contrasts in stratigraphy, metamorphic grade, and aeromagnetic signature coincide with the fault trace. The fault comprises a broad zone (ca. 2 km) of foliation dipping steeply southeast and containing localized syn- and post-thermal-peak right-lateral strike-slip shear zones. Oblique dextral convergence between the Avalon and Peidmont terranes, most likely around 350 Ma, produced the steep zone and its attendant dextral shear zones. Steep foliation within the fault zone resulted in its predisposition to later faulting.
Cascaded adaptive canceller using loaded SMI

A fast-converging, highly parallel/pipeline cascaded canceler which uses the 2-input loaded sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm as the fundamental building block is developed which has convergence performance almost identical to one of the standards of a fast-converging adaptive canceler, the fast maximum likelihood (FML) canceler. Furthermore, the new algorithm, denoted as the cascaded loaded SMI (CLSMI), does not require the numerically intensive singular value decomposition (SVD) of the input data matrix as does the FML algorithm. For both the FML and CLSMI developments it is assumed that the unknown interference covariance matrix has the structure of an identity matrix plus an unknown positive semi-definite Hermitian (PSDH) matrix. The identity matrix component is associated with the known covariance matrix of the system noise and the unknown PSDH matrix is associated with the external noise environment. For narrowband (NB) jamming scenarios with J jammers it was shown via simulation that the CLSMI and FML converge on the average -3 dB below the optimum in about U independent sample vectors per sensor input. Both the CLSMI and FML converge much faster than the standard canceler technique, the SMI algorithm.
Trilinear analysis of images obtained with a hyperspectral imaging confocal microscope

and Allan R. Brasier b Hyperspectral imaging confocal microscopy (HSI-CM) is a powerful tool for the analysis of cellular processes such as theimmuneresponse.HSI-CMisadatarich techniquethatroutinelygeneratestwo-waydatahavingaspectraldomain and an image or concentration domain. Using a variety of modifications to the instrument or experimental protocols, one can readily produce three-way data with HSI-CM. These data are often amenable to trilinear analysis. For example we have used a time series of 18 images acquired during photobleaching of the fluorophores in an effort to identify fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The resulting images represent intensity as a function of concentration, wavelength and photodegradation in time, to which we apply our techniques of trilinear decomposition. We have successfully employed trilinear decomposition of photobleaching spectral image data from fixed A549 cells transfected with yellow and green fluorescent proteins (YFP and GFP) as molecular probes of cellular proteins involved in the cellular immune response. While useful in the interpretation biological processes, the size of the data generated with the HSI-CM can be difficult to manage computationally. The 208T204T512T18 elements in the image data require careful processing and efficient analysis algorithms. Accordingly, we have implemented fast algorithms that can quickly perform the trilinear decomposition. In this paper we describe how three-way data are produced and the methods we have used to process them. Specifically, we show that co-adding spectra in a spatial neighborhood is a highly effective method for improving the performance of these algorithms without sacrificing resolution. Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enrolling and Engaging High-Risk Youths and Families in Community-Based, Brief Intervention Services

Increasing interest has been shown in brief interventions for troubled persons, including those with substance abuse problems. Most of the published literature on this topic has focused on adults, and on the efficacy of these interventions. Few of these studies have examined the critical issues of enrollment and engagement in brief intervention services. The present article seeks to address the shortcomings in the current literature by reporting on our experiences implementing National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded brief intervention projects involving truant and diversion program youths.
The catalytic low temperature oxydehydrogenation of methane. Temperature dependence, carbon balance and effects of catalyst composition

In an earlier publication [1] it has been claimed that oxidative coupling of methane to higher hydrocarbons had been obtained with close to 100% selectivity at 600 ° C and atmospheric pressure in the presence of steam over a CaNiK oxide catalyst. These results have been confirmed in longer runs. Artifacts, such as carbonate formation on the catalyst, have been excluded. The reaction is slightly exothermic. An Arrhenius plot shows that methane oxidation to CO2 predominates at temperatures above 600 ° C and oxidative methane coupling at lower temperatures. The importance of exact catalyst composition is demonstrated.
Catastrophic disruptions and cratering of solar system bodies: a review and new results

Abstract Collisions of bodies of the solar system have played an important role in their evolution and current observable state, but the mechanics and outcomes of those collisions are not well understood. This contribution discusses the mechanics and outcomes of those impacts, melding the existing theory, recent experiments and observations into a new and revised scaling theory, for both catastrophic disruptions and for the largest basins remaining for impacts below that threshold. New evidence is obtained by an analysis of those largest solar system basins and craters, and from some recent experiments on disruptions. The paper will present certain problems with the quantitative estimates of former approaches (Holsapple and Housen, Memorie della Societa Astronomica Italiana57, 65–85, 1986; Housen and Holsapple, Icarus84, 226–253, 1990), discuss remaining areas of uncertainty, and will give updated estimates for these important phenomena.
School Nurses’ Support for Bereaved Students: A Pilot Study:

Children may have difficulty with schoolwork because of grief over the death of an important person in their lives. School nurses provide support to these children. This pilot study consisted of a Web-based survey completed by 6 school nurses in a 3-county area in Washington state. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the need for additional support for bereaved children and the extent to which school nurses meet the needs of these students. Results indicated that many school nurses have large caseloads that preclude spending as much time with bereaved students as the nurses feel is necessary. Bereaved students exhibit a wide variety of grief symptoms that may interfere with learning. In addition, rural areas do not have adequate community bereavement resources that nurses can use to refer students who need help beyond that offered at school. Nurses must be more active in supporting students within the school setting despite limited resources.
N-Methylpyridoxamine: Novel canine vitamin B6 urine metabolite

Abstract Cation-exchange HPLC analysis of urine from dogs given large daily doses of pyridoxamine revealed an unidentified metabolite hypothesized to be N-methylpyridoxamine. Identity was established by N-methylpyridoxamine synthesis and HPLC comparison to the canine metabolite. Compound synthesis was confirmed by IR, NMR, UV–vis and emission spectroscopy. It seems to have less fluorescent character than other routinely-measured vitamin B6 metabolites. Upon administration of substantial pyridoxamine doses, N-methylpyridoxamine appears to be a quantifiable canine urine metabolite, although, at either pharmacological or dietary pyridoxamine intakes, its relevance to vitamin B6 metabolism in other species, including humans, is not yet determined.
Superconductivity at the surface of PbTe

These experiments describe a superconducting state formed when thin layers of Pb, In, Al, Sn, and Tl are deposited on a clean PbTe surface. Initial studies were made previously of crystalline Al films deposited on single-crystal Si substrates. These present experiments extend the study of ultrathin films of superconducting metals to a system thought to be favorable to the observation of excitonic superconductivity. Some discussion is given of low-energy-electron- diffraction (LEED) studies of the initial epitaxy of Pb, In, and Tl layers on PbTe. It appears that the superconductivity is not in the deposited layer but is in a region which includes the PbTe surface. (auth)
Do focus measures apply to retinal images

The diverse needs for digital auto-focusing systems have driven the development of a variety of focus measures. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether any of these focus measures are biologically plausible; specifically whether they are applicable to retinal images from which defocus information is extracted in the operation of accommodation and emmetropization, two ocular auto-focusing mechanisms. Ten representative focus measures were chosen for analysis, 6 in the spatial domain and 4 transform-based. Their performance was examined for combinations of non-defocus aberrations and positive and negative defocus. For each combination, a wavefront was reconstructed, the corresponding point spread function (PSF) computed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and then the blurred image obtained as the convolution of the PSF and a perfect image. For each blurred image, a focus measure curve was derived for each focus measure. Aberration data were either collected from 22 real eyes or randomly generated data based on Gaussian parameters describing data from a published large scale human study (n>100). For the latter data set, analyses made use of distributed computing on a small inhomogeneous computer cluster. In the presence of small amounts of nondefocus aberrations, all focus measures showed monotonic changes with positive or negative defocus, and their curves generally remained unimodal, although there were large differences in their variability, sensitivity to defocus and effective ranges. However, the performance of a number of these focus measures became unacceptable when nondefocus aberrations exceed a certain level.
Selectivity mechanisms at self-assembled monolayers on gold: Implications in redox recycling amplification systems

Abstract Redox recycling systems enable marked improvement of electrochemical detection capabilities. Enhanced sensitivity is achieved by employing a sacrificial redox species that recycles the analyte back to its original oxidation state through a catalytic homogeneous electron transfer. Repetition of the cycle leads to multiple heterogeneous electron transfer events for each analyte molecule, serving to enhance the transduced signal. The success of redox recycling is intimately linked to the selectivity of heterogeneous electron transfer: the analyte should undergo a fast reaction while the sacrificial species should ideally be excluded from contributing directly to the current. This requirement stems from the relationship between selectivity and detection limit in that the direct heterogeneous electrolysis of the sacrificial additive can increase the background current which can degrade detection capabilities. Earlier work has shown that electrodes with suitable selectivity can be constructed using alkanethiolate monomolecular films on gold, with various ferrocenes (FcX) serving as a model analyte and ferrocyanide ( Fe ( CN ) 6 4 - ) acting as the recycling agent [A.J. Bergren, M.D. Porter, J. Electroanal. Chem. 585 (2005) 172, A.J. Bergren, M.D. Porter, J. Electroanal. Chem. 591 (2006) 189, P.T. Radford, M. French, S. E. Creager, Anal. Chem. 71 (1999) 5101, P.T. Radford, S.E. Creager, Anal. Chim. Acta 449 (2001) 199, S.E. Creager, P.T. Radford, J. Electroanal. Chem. 500 (2001) 21]. The work herein investigates the origins of the selectivity for this system by analysis of the different pathways (e.g., electron transfer kinetics, size-exclusion, and partitioning) that can suppress the heterogeneous electrolysis of Fe ( CN ) 6 4 - , while maintaining that for FcX at a rapid level. Comparisons of experimental data to expectations derived from model assessments are used to evaluate the relative importance of each possibility. The properties (i.e., size and hydrophobicity) of several FcX molecules and Fe ( CN ) 6 4 - are also examined to provide additional insight into the processes that are important in creating a potent redox recycling system. These results show how the inherent differences in the heterogeneous electron transfer reaction rates can dictate the kinetic selectivity of the system. These findings indicate that partitioning augments the kinetic selection for the FcX / Fe ( CN ) 6 4 - system, leading to the high level of observed selectivity.
A continuum theory for fully saturated porous elastic materials

Abstract A continuum theory for a fully saturated poroelastic material is presented. This continuum description first introduces distributed fluid and solid bodies in an average sense and defines a set of appropriate kinematical and dynamical variables. The conservation laws are then considered for each phase along with appropriate entropy inequalities. These inequalities are then exploited along with the conservation laws and a method of Langrangian multipliers to derive a set of constitutive equations for the medium under consideration. The derived governing equations of motions of solid and fluid phases then indicate that the present formulation contains Biot's theory of poroelastic media as well us Brinkman's theory for flow through porous media as special cases. Finally, a problem on wave propagation in such media is also investigated.
Synthesis and characterization of chromium and molybdenum(0) complexes bearing the (pentafluoroethyl)diphenylphosphine (pfepp) ligand

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of two Group VI pentacarbonyl complexes (pfepp)M(CO) 5 (M = Cr 1 , Mo 2 ; pfepp = PPh 2 C 2 F 5 ) are reported. Thermolysis of M(CO) 6 and pfepp in refluxing octane afforded 1 and 2 in moderate yields. These complexes were completely characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and elemental analysis. X-ray structures for these complexes indicated they were isostructural, crystalizing in triclinic unit cells with four molecules per asymmetric unit. A comparison of the bond lengths in 1 and 2 to other (L)M(CO) 5 complexes showed a relationship between the M–C ax bond length and the electronic influence of the phosphine ligand, and establishes the pfepp ligand as neither electron-rich nor electron-poor. A comparison of IR data with other (L)M(CO) 5 complexes also indicates the pfepp ligand is electronically neutral, with an electronic influence that approximates phosphites.
Ultrastructure of the wall of the hyphal coils of the Microthyriaceae

Transmission electron microscopy of leaves of Canthium bearing mycelium of Echidnodella and Balladyna (Microthyriaceae) showed fungal coils in the epidermal cells that were connected to the external mycelium by slender penetration hyphae. The fungal coils were surrounded by a cellulose-containing layer that appeared to be an extension of the host epidermal cell wall.
Home Buprenorphine/Naloxone Induction in Primary Care

BACKGROUND Buprenorphine can be used for the treatment of opioid dependence in primary care settings. National guidelines recommend directly observed initial dosing followed by multiple in-clinic visits during the induction week. We offered buprenorphine treatment at a public hospital primary care clinic using a home, unobserved induction protocol.
Atherogenic Diet Causes Lethal Ileo-ceco-colitis in Cyclooxygenase-2 Deficient Mice

Cyclooxygenases (COX) regulate a variety of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While the pathological effects of COX-1 inhibition by NSAIDs on intestinal ulceration are well established, the role of COX-2 on intestinal inflammation remains under investigation. In this paper, we report a protective role for COX-2 against diet-mediated intestinal inflammation in mice. COX-2−/− mice fed an atherogenic diet or diet containing cholate, but not chow or fat alone, had a high mortality whereas COX-1−/− mice and wild-type mice were unaffected by the dietary changes. Histological analysis identified the cause of death in COX-2−/− mice due to severe intestinal inflammation that was surprisingly limited to the ileo-ceco-colic junction. COX-2 expression is induced in the cecum of wild-type mice fed an atherogenic diet. Our findings show that COX-2 plays an anti-inflammatory role at the ileo-ceco-colic junction in mice, and the pathology of diet-mediated intestinal inflammation in COX-2−/− mice offers an excellent model system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of intestinal inflammation.
Relation of R-analysis factor scores and Q-analysis factor loadings.

Algebraic relationships are developed which give the Q-analysis factor loadings in terms of the R-analysis factor scores. This is possible when the Q-analysis is cone on the raw cross-products matrix of scores standardized over persons. This contrasts with the usual case of Q-analysis where each person is treated as a test.
Efficacy of a baculovirus pesticide expressing an eclosion hormone gene

Abstract There is considerable interest in the possibility of using insect hormones or hormone regulatory proteins in conjunction with microbial delivery systems as a means of controlling insect pests. We have employed Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) to express a Manduca sexta (L.) cDNA encoding eclosion hormone (EH) to explore the effects this hormone might have during infection in larvae. AcMNPV naturally blocks molting of its insect host by expression of an ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase ( egt ) gene. EH-expressing viruses which either possessed or did not possess an intact egt gene were tested. M. sexta EH produced by recombinant viruses elicited eclosion behavior when injected into pharate Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) pupae. The presence of the EH gene reduced the infectivity of the virus slightly in neonate S. frugiperda . Expression of the EH gene during infection of late instar S. frugiperda larvae had neither a positive nor a negative effect on the ability of AcMNPV to limit insect feeding or hasten death. No differences in behavior were observed in larvae infected with EH-recombinant versus wild-type virus.
Differences in Detection Rates of Adenomas and Serrated Polyps in Screening Versus Surveillance Colonoscopies, Based on the New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry

Background & Aims The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality indicator originally developed for screening colonoscopies. However, it is unclear whether the ADR should be calculated using data from screening and surveillance examinations. The recommended benchmark ADR for screening examinations is 20% (15% for women and 25% for men ≥50 y). There are few data available to compare ADRs from surveillance vs screening colonoscopies. We used a population-based registry to compare ADRs from screening vs surveillance colonoscopies. The serrated polyp detection rate (SDR), a potential new quality indicator, also was examined. Methods By using data from the statewide New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry, we excluded incomplete and diagnostic colonoscopies, and those performed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, familial syndromes, or poor bowel preparation. We calculated the ADR and SDR (number of colonoscopies with at least 1 adenoma or serrated polyp detected, respectively, divided by the number of colonoscopies) from 9100 colonoscopies. The ADR and SDR were compared by colonoscopy indication (screening, surveillance), age at colonoscopy (50−64 y, ≥65 y), and sex. Results The ADR was significantly higher in surveillance colonoscopies (37%) than screening colonoscopies (25%; P P Conclusions In a population-based study, we found that addition of data from surveillance colonoscopies increased the ADR but had a smaller effect on the SDR. These findings indicate that when calculating ADR as a quality measure, endoscopists should use screening, rather than surveillance colonoscopy, data.
Facilitating Curricular Change: Some Thoughts for the Principal:

In this wrap-up article by the guest editor of this issue of the BULLETIN, two factors of student discontent, along with partial solutions, are brought to our attention.
Mechanisms for Mixed-Initiative Human-Computer Collaborative Discourse

In this paper, we examine mechanisms for automatic dialogue initiative setting. We show how to incorporate initiative changing in a task-oriented human-computer dialogue system, and we evaluate the effects of initiative both analytically and via computer-computer dialogue simulation.
Estimates of US children exposed to alcohol abuse and dependence in the family.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to provide direct estimates of the number of US children younger than 18 years who are exposed to alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence in the family. METHODS: Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey. RESULTS: Approximately 1 in 4 children younger than 18 years in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence in the family. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for approaches that integrate systems of services to enhance the lives of these children.
Solving the multiple platforms configuration problem

The focus of manufacturing has been shifting from mass production to mass customization and producers are seeking ways to reduce production costs, still offering a competitive basket of products. One approach for implementing mass customization is to develop or produce products based on platform architecture. Variant products make use of the product platform as the starting point and then add or remove components to change features of the base product. This allows the manufacturer to offer the variety of products that meet market demands without developing each product independently. In this paper, we propose multiple platforms for the production of a given product family while minimizing the overall production cost. The methodology considers the demand for each product variant, with the decision variables as the optimal number of platforms, optimal configuration of each platform, and assignment of the products to the platforms. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer program, and both the optimal fo...
Malrotation of the humeral component of the capitellocondylar total elbow replacement is not the sole cause of dislocation

Malrotation of the humeral component of the capitellocondylar total elbow replacement is thought but not proved to be one of the major causes of postoperative dislocation. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the effect of malrotation of the humeral component on the kinematics and laxity of the capitellocondylar total elbow prosthesis. Eleven fresh previously frozen elbows were used. With the humeral component in optimal position, external rotation, or internal rotation, movements of the elbow with neutral, valgus, and varus loading were monitored with an electromagnetic tracking device. When the humeral component was positioned in external rotation, the ulna was more valgus and supinated than when the component was in optimal position, and when the component was in internal rotation the ulna was more valgus in extension and more supinated in flexion. Malrotation in external rotation decreased valgus-varus laxity, and malrotation in internal rotation increased rotational laxity. Only one elbow became dislocated, despite constant severe maltracking between the components in all of the specimens. We concluded that although malrotation of the humeral component influences the laxity and causes maltracking, it is not the primary cause of postoperative dislocation. The contribution of other factors should be investigated.
Short-term plasticity shapes activity pattern-dependent striato-pallidal synaptic transmission

The cortico-striato (Str)-globus pallidus external segment (GPe) projection plays major roles in the control of neuronal activity in the basal ganglia under both normal and pathological conditions. The present study used rat brain-slice preparations to address our hypothesis that the gain of this disynaptic projection is dynamically controlled by activations of short-term plasticity mechanisms of Str-GPe synapses. The Str-GPe projection neurons fire with very different frequency and firing patterns in vivo depending on the condition of the animal. The results show that the Str-GPe synapses have very strong short-term enhancement mechanisms and that repetitive burst activation of the Str-GPe synapses, which mimic oscillatory burst firing of Str neurons, can sustain enhanced states of synaptic transmission for tens of seconds. The results reveal that the short-term enhancement of Str-GPe synapses contributes to the generation of pauses in the firing of GPe neurons and that signal transfer function in the Str-GPe projection is highly dependent on the firing pattern of Str neurons.
Reviews of "The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Family Therapy and Collaborative System Approach to Amelioration," by Linda J. Gottlieb and "Parental Alienation Syndrome-Disorder: A Serious Form of Psychological Child Abuse With Case Examples," by Wilfrid von Boch-Galhau

Linda J. Gottlieb. (2012). The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Family Therapy and Collaborative System Approach to Amelioration. Springfield, IL: C. C. Thomas, 277 pp. Wilfrid von Boch-Galhau. (201...
Knowledge and Culture

This chapter presents the abstract philosophical principles behind the methods presented in prior chapters. The unique culture and philosophy of Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) Corporation is studied and presented with applications to clinical medicine. The knowledge of the organization is increasingly recognized as the wealth of corporations and wealth of nations. With increasing complexity of products, knowledge and innovation are increasingly a collaborative effort. Organizations that are unable to collaborate and create fail to synergize their talents into creating great products or services. This chapter looks at the genesis of knowledge in organizations. Vision, mission, and values give birth to knowledge. Knowledge gives birth to processes. Knowledge development leads to development of an organization’s identity and development of core competencies. This leads to a culture of excellence. Teamwork synergizes individual talents into a great product or service which is beyond the capability of any one individual alone. These principles are presented for forming a basis for successful outcomes in medicine. Case examples of poor outcomes from lack of teamwork and of immense success from successful teamwork are presented. Teamwork should not be seen as intellectual or professional altruism, but as a force and knowledge multiplication method. Features which guide successful teamwork are presented. The career of a physician goes through many seasons of evolution and development for which ongoing training, leadership, and development of strong institutional culture and loyalties are essential. Management concepts of mentorship, ownership, and collaborative responsibility are presented.
Percutaneous Cryoablation of Musculoskeletal Oligometastatic Disease for Complete Remission

Abstract Purpose To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation to treat limited metastases to the musculoskeletal system, with the goal of complete disease remission. Materials and Methods In a single-institution retrospective study of data from December 2003 to October 2011, 43 consecutive patients underwent initial cryoablation of limited (five or fewer) musculoskeletal metastases with the goal of complete disease remission (ie, no clinical or radiographic evidence of disease). Three patients were lost to follow-up. As a result, the present report describes 40 patients who underwent 40 cryoablation procedures to treat 52 tumors. Results Local control was achieved in 45 of 52 tumors (87%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 75%–93%) at a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 4–62 mo). Thirteen of 19 treated bone metastases (68%) and 32 of 33 soft-tissue metastases (97%) showed local control ( P = .007). One- and 2-year overall survival rates were 91% (95% CI, 75%–97%) and 84% (95% CI, 65%–93%), respectively. Median overall survival was 47 months (95% CI, 26–62 mo). One- and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 22% (95% CI, 11%–37%) and 7% (95% CI, Conclusions Percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment to achieve local tumor control and short-term complete disease remission in patients with limited metastatic disease to the musculoskeletal system.
On the textured iterative algorithms for a class of tridiagonal linear equations

The textured, iterative approximation algorithms are a class fast linear equation solvers and differ from the classical iterative algorithms fundamentally in their approximations of system matrices. The textured approach uses different approximations of a system matrix in a round-robin fashion while the classical approaches use a single fixed approximation. It therefore has a better approximation of system matrix and a potentially faster speed. In this paper we prove that the convergent speed of the textured iterative algorithms for linear equations with a class of tridiagonal system matrices is strictly faster than the corresponding classical iterative algorithms. We also give the spectral radii of the textured iterative and classical algorithms for this class of linear equations. These results provide some insights and theoretical supports for the textured iterative algorithms. >
Sustained antibody responses depend on CD28 function in bone marrow-resident plasma cells.

Sustained long-term antibody levels are the cornerstone of protective immunity, yet it remains unclear how they are durably maintained. A predominant theory implicates antigen-independent antibody production by a subset of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) that survive within bone marrow (BM). Central tenets of this model—that BM LLPCs constitute a subset defined by intrinsic biology distinct from PCs in other tissues and contribute to long-term antibody titers—have not been definitively demonstrated. We now report that long-term humoral immunity depends on the PC-intrinsic function of CD28, which selectively supports the survival of BM LLPC but not splenic short-lived PC (SLPC). LLPC and SLPC both express CD28, but CD28-driven enhanced survival occurred only in the LLPC. In vivo, even in the presence of sufficient T cell help, loss of CD28 or its ligands CD80 and CD86 caused significant loss of the LLPC population, reduction of LLPC half-life from 426 to 63 d, and inability to maintain long-term antibody titers, but there was no effect on SLPC populations. These findings establish the existence of the distinct BM LLPC subset necessary to sustain antibody titers and uncover a central role for CD28 function in the longevity of PCs and humoral immunity.
A complicated case of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma (MCL) with resulting short bowel syndrome

Objectives: The aim of the study was an osteosonography assessment of the bone mineralization in young patients with celiac disease (CD) and its relationship with clinical, serological and istological features at diagnosis. Methods: Analysis included 38 children aged 1–11 years with untreated celiac disease at diagnosis. Anthropometric and diseaserelated data were collected. Each patients underwent a quantitative ultrasound bone measurements to measure amplitude dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) and bone transmission time (BTT) at hand phalanges. Results: Disturbances of mineral bone density were observed in 7 out of 38 children with diagnosed celiac disease (18.4%). At diagnosis, a pathologic osteosonography have a positive correlation with children with clinical sign of malabsorption: diarrhea (p = 0.03) and failure to thrive (p = 0.05). No correlation was found with atipic (p = 0.5) and silent (p = 0.2) form of CD. No statistical difference was found between children with normal and pathological osteosonography concerning serum anti htTG (p = 0.4) and histological grading (p = 0.3). Conclusions: Osteopenia is a common complication in patients with celiac disease. Our findings show that ultrasound signal parameters are influenced by clinical manifestation of celiac disease: patients with ‘classic’ CD symptoms showed more disturbances of bone mineralization respect patients with ‘atipical’ CD symptoms. No correlation was found between istological grading, serological values of ATtg and disturbances of bone mineralization. There is a need of diagnostic scheme for early diagnosis of mineral bone density disturbances in children with celiac disease.
Rationally biased arithmetic

One can naively view a computer number system as a pair (F, P) consisting of a finite set F of real numbers and a rounding rule P. One such number system is a hyperbolic rational number system which has as F a finite set of rational numbers and as P the so-called mediant rounding rule. In this paper we demonstrate how one can simulate a hyperbolic rational number system in any high level language that supports floating point computation. From this simulation we infer that hyperbolic rational number systems form viable alternatives to traditional binary floating point number systems. Many properties of hyperbolic rational number systems are derived from the relationship of their rounding rule to the well-developed theory of best rational approximation.
Star-Structured High-Order Heterogeneous Data Co-clustering Based on Consistent Information Theory

Heterogeneous object co-clustering has become an important research topic in data mining. In early years of this research, people mainly worked on two types of heterogeneous data (denoted by pair-wise co-clustering); while recently more and more attention was paid to multiple types of heterogeneous data (denoted by high- order co-clustering). In this paper, we studied the high- order co-clustering of objects with star-structured interrelationship, i.e., there is a central type of objects that connects the other types of objects. Actually, this case could be a very good model for many real-world applications, such as the co-clustering of Web images, their low-level visual features, and the surrounding text. We used a tripartite graph to represent the interrelationships among different objects, and proposed a consistent information theory which generates an effective algorithm to obtain the co-clusters of different types of objects. Experiments on a Web image show that our proposed algorithm is a better choice compared with previous work on heterogeneous object co-clustering.
Racializing language, regimenting Latinas/os: Chronotope, social tense, and American raciolinguistic futures

Abstract In this article, I introduce a race-based reconsideration of chronotopes that frame conceptions of language, Latinas/os, and the American future. Specifically, I argue that conceptions of the pastness and futurity of the Spanish and English languages differ depending on language users' ethnoracial positions. Focusing on a range of recent popular cultural representations of language and Latinas/os, I suggest that these space-time narratives reflect a racialized social tense that perpetuates the marginalization of Latinas/os by continually deferring their claims to societal inclusion to an unnamed future. I argue that these Latina/o-oriented time-scales characterize the contemporary political economy of racialized language and identity.
Geomorphology of Surface-Mined Lands in the Western United States

The Western United States is a repository for bountiful reserves of minerals and fossil fuels. Often, these resources are located relatively near the surface, and hence, can be extracted very economically using surface-mining techniques. Few human activities so thoroughly alter the local physical environment as these mining methodologies. Protective vegetation cover is removed. Soil profiles are disrupted. The geologic materials overlying the resources are nearly homogenized. Steep hillslopes of “spoils” are produced. Drainage networks and stream channels are obliterated. Consequently, the geomorphic processes operating on these disturbed lands usually differ significantly in magnitude, frequency, and work performed, when compared to adjacent, undisturbed areas.
Evaluation of Word Vector Representations by Subspace Alignment

Unsupervisedly learned word vectors have proven to provide exceptionally effective features in many NLP tasks. Most common intrinsic evaluations of vector quality measure correlation with similarity judgments. However, these often correlate poorly with how well the learned representations perform as features in downstream evaluation tasks. We present QVEC—a computationally inexpensive intrinsic evaluation measure of the quality of word embeddings based on alignment to a matrix of features extracted from manually crafted lexical resources—that obtains strong correlation with performance of the vectors in a battery of downstream semantic evaluation tasks.1
A Modified Simplex Solution for Linear Programming with Variable Capital Restrictions

INEAR programming is becoming a widespread and useful tool in economic guidance. However, possibilities still exist for increasing the flexibility in application of the method to a wider range of situations, and in lessening time or cost of computations. This paper reports a method whereby linear program solutions can be provided easily for a large number of capital situations. The results can be presented in a simple manner for use by extension personnel, or by farmers themselves. Most farmers have limited amounts of capital at their command. Hence, the capital restriction used for one programming situation does not apply to another farm with more or less capital available. In many farming regions, a large number of farms have similar soil, acreage, building and family labor restrictions, whereas capital is highly variable. Many previous programming studies have attempted to meet this problem by computing programs for a few discrete capital levels, such as $5,000, $10,000, etc. However, the method proposed here allows capital to be a continuous variable and hence can replace a number of discrete solutions. It derives the optimum production plan "continuously" for each and every level of capital; not merely for discrete, arbitrary levels.
A Supply Chain Perspective of RFID Systems

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) initially introduced during WW-II, has revolutionized the world with its numerous benefits and plethora of implementations in diverse areas ranging from manufacturing to agriculture to healthcare to hotel management. This work reviews the current research in this area with emphasis on applications for supply chain management and to develop a taxonomic framework to classify literature which will enable swift and easy content analysis and also help identify areas for future research. Keywords—RFID, supply chain, applications, classification framework.
Roles and mechanisms of urinary buffer excretion

Excretion of acid (or generation of bicarbonate) by the kidneys is necessary for acid-base homeostasis. Most of this acid is excreted in the form of ammonia and titratable acid, the latter representing the amount of acid required to titrate the urine buffers from the plasma pH to urine pH. The transport of ammonia in the kidney is now recognized to entail more than simple nonionic diffusion of NH3 and trapping of NH4+. NH4+ transport in the kidney probably occurs by passive diffusion and by transport on the Na+-H+ exchanger, the Na+-K+-2Cl- transporter and on Na+-K+-ATPase. NH3 diffusion is stimulated by an acid disequilibrium pH in various nephron segments. Also, diffusion equilibrium of NH3 in various regions of the kidney has now been disproved. These various mechanisms of ammonia transport are considered in terms of their possible changes with acid-base disturbances. Phosphate is the most predominant urine buffer; its urinary excretion increases with acidosis. The mechanisms probably involve a decrease in the preferentially transported species, HPO4(2-), and a direct effect of pH on proximal tubule apical phosphate transport. With chronic acidosis, changes in the activity of the apical Na+-phosphate transporter occur. These effects of systemic acid-base balance interact with parathyroid hormone and dietary phosphate status to alter phosphate reabsorption. Citrate transport in the kidney is analyzed because of its sensitivity to systemic pH and because of the possible influence on systemic acid-base status in certain circumstances. Alterations in citrate excretion with acid-base disturbances depend on changes in the concentration of the transported species, citrate2-, and on changes in renal metabolism.
Historical narratives and post-conflict reconciliation: An experiment in Azerbaijan:

How malleable are the attitudes of people in a post-conflict society toward their former adversaries? I conduct a laboratory experiment in Azerbaijan, which fought a war against its neighbor Armeni...
Ambiguous Appetites: A Modern History

Debates about the tasteful date back to ancient times, and stretch far beyond the kitchen. Not only do such debates reflect the ambiguity of the term “taste” itself, they also tell us much about different eras' anxieties and social hierarchies. From the creators of a cuisine based on le gout naturel in the eighteenth century to the advocates of “real” food in the twenty-first century, arbitrators of culinary taste have long celebrated the fresh, simple and pure. At the same time, they have tended to obscure the history that has made these qualities appealing yet unevenly accessible.
Level of Nerve Growth Factor in the Serum of Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Objective To detect the level of nerve growth factor(NGF) in the serum of patients with atopic dermatitis and analyze correlations between the NGF level and the severity in atopic dermatitis,in order to study its role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.Methods The level of NGF in the serum of 80 atopic dermatitis(including twenty-five mild grade cases,thirty moderate grade cases and twenty-five severe grade cases) and 60 normal controls were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The level of NGF in the serum of patient group was increased significantly compared with that of normal controls(P0.01).In patient group,compared that of to mild and moderate ones,patients with severe grade showed obviously higher NGF,respectively(all P0.01),which was found between moderate and mild grade ones(P0.01) too.High level of NGF was found both in intrinsic type AD and extrinsic type AD when compared that of to normal(P0.01).Positive correlation was found between NGF level and the grading of the severity in atopic dermatitis.Conclusion NGF may be a useful marker of disease activity in atopic dermatitis patients.