cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Situation exploration in a persistent surveillance system with multidimensional data

There is an emerging need for fusing hard and soft sensor data in an efficient surveillance system to provide accurate estimation of situation awareness. These mostly abstract, multi-dimensional and multi-sensor data pose a great challenge to the user in performing analysis of multi-threaded events efficiently and cohesively. To address this concern an interactive Visual Analytics (VA) application is developed for rapid assessment and evaluation of different hypotheses based on context-sensitive ontology spawn from taxonomies describing human/human and human/vehicle/object interactions. A methodology is described here for generating relevant ontology in a Persistent Surveillance System (PSS) and demonstrates how they can be utilized in the context of PSS to track and identify group activities pertaining to potential threats. The proposed VA system allows for visual analysis of raw data as well as metadata that have spatiotemporal representation and content-based implications. Additionally in this paper, a technique for rapid search of tagged information contingent to ranking and confidence is explained for analysis of multi-dimensional data. Lastly the issue of uncertainty associated with processing and interpretation of heterogeneous data is also addressed.
Large-format IRFPA development on silicon

High performance large-format Infrared Focal Plane Arrays are required for Third Generation Infrared Imaging technology. HgCdTe IRFPAs exhibit performances to meet this goal. Si-based composite substrates have proven to be the substrate of choice to realize high-resolution HgCdTe arrays. Composite substrate technology offers scalability, and wafer sizes as large as six-inches have been used with excellent compositional uniformity. Current state-of-the-art composite substrates exhibits dislocation density in low to mid 105 cm-2 range. The HgCdTe epitaxial layers on composite substrates, however, show a defect density in the low to mid 106 cm-2. Recent developments in CdSeTe/Si composite wafers show great promise for a better lattice matching to HgCdTe alloy, and it is envisioned that with further improvements in both, materials quality and device architecture, a HgCdTe based scalable technology is within our grasp.
Metadata-Weighted Score Fusion for Multimedia Event Detection

We address the problem of multimedia event detection from videos captured 'in the wild,' in particular the fusion of cues from multiple aspects of the video's content: detected objects, observed motion, audio signatures, etc. We employ score fusion, also known as late fusion, and propose a method that learns local weightings of the various base classifier scores which respect the performance differences arising from the video quality. Classifiers working with visual texture features, for instance, are given reduced weight when applied to subsets of the video corpus with high compression, and the weights associated with the other classifiers are adjusted to reflect this lack of confidence. We present a method to automatically partition the video corpus into relevant subsets, and to learn local weightings which optimally fuse scores on a particular subset. Improvements in event detection performance are demonstrated on the TRECVid Multimedia Event Detection (MED) MED Test dataset, and comparisons are provided to several other score fusion methods.
PARITY-ASSOCIATED BODY WEIGHT : MODIFICATION BY SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND BEHAVIORAL FACTORS

This research examines the association between parity and body weight and how this relationship is modified by sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the study assessed the relationship between parity and relative body weight (as Body Mass Index, BMI) and how this relationship interacts with seven sociodemographic and seven behavioral factors in a national sample of 5,707 women from the Second National Health and Nutritional Examination (NHANES II) survey. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the amount of weight associated with parity averaged about 0.5 kg per child. However, parity-associated weight differed by sociodemographic and behavioral factors, and was much larger in some subgroups. Among 18-45 year olds, the amount of weight associated with parity was greater in blacks than in whites, less in employed than unemployed white women but greater in employed than unemployed black women, less in smokers than nonsmokers, less in those with a high level of recreational exercise, and differed with the level of nonrecreational physical activity depending on race. Among 46-74 year olds, the amount of weight associated with parity was greater in married than unmarried women, and less in those who were active outside of recreation versus those who were less active. These results suggest that sociodemographic and behavioral variables modify the relationship between parity and body weight, and provide insight for identifying women who are at risk for having greater BMI with higher parity. This information may be applicable to the targeting and design of interventions to prevent postpartum weight retention.
Identifying Spirituality in Workers: A Strategy for Retention of Community Mental Health Professionals

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between workplace spirituality and intention to leave employment among community mental health workers. The study uses a cross-sectional self-administered survey of 403 direct service workers at the 20 participating community mental health centers in the state of Kansas. Results support the effect of perceived workplace spirituality on intention to leave and how intention to leave is moderated by degree of spirituality. Study results highlight how workplace spirituality can be viewed as a crucial factor that human service organizations can use to empower their workers. A recommendation for future research is to identify workplace spirituality as a factor for organizational transformation.
Sensitivities of measurement methods for the thermal radiative properties and optical constants of metals in the spectral range 0.4 to 10 μm

The sensitivities to measurement errors and potential effectiveness of six methods (involving reflection, emission, and ellipsometry) for determining the optical constants (index of refraction n and extinction coefficient k) of isotropic conductors are compared. The methods treated are generally regarded as most promising for use with high-temperature solid and liquid metals with smooth surfaces of high purity. For each method, contours of constant measured variable are plotted vs n and k. By analysis of the spacing and angle of intersection of these contours, we show that only methods based on measuring both amplitude attenuation and phase shift on reflection can yield n and k, and thus the spectral and directional emissivity, reflectivity, and absorptivity, with reasonable precision over the spectral range 0.4 to 10 μm. Methods based only on amplitude attenuation on reflection, or on the angular dependence of emission, are poorly suited to ranges of n and k that are typical of the infrared. The method of Beattie and Conn retains the ability to determine both optical constants to 10 μm.
Evidence for Pulmonary Venoconstriction in Brisket Disease

Measurements were made of simultaneous pulmonary artery wedge (PA w ) and left ventricular diastolic (LV ed ) pressures 39 times during 21 venous and left ventricular cardiac catheterization studies in eight animals with brisket disease. Each animal was studied during the acute phase of the disease. The remaining 13 studies were carried out in six animals at various intervals during spontaneous recovery from pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. A pressure gradient between PA w and LV ed (δP) which averaged 14.6 ± 1.6 (SE) mm Hg was demonstrated in 12 measurements during seven studies in four animals (group A). The δP in 27 measurements during 14 studies in six animals averaged 2.4 ±0.8 mm Hg (group B). Venous resistance (R v ) represented 39±5% of the total resistance (R T ) of pulmonary vessels in group A and 13±4% in group B studies. The δP and R v /R T in group A animals are consistent with findings caused by pulmonary venous obstruction. The obstruction was interpreted to represent the effect of pulmonary venoconstriction.
Applications of Variational Principles to Scattering Problems

The Schwinger variational principle is reduced to a convenient form by using trial solutions of the form ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{i}{c}_{i}{u}_{i}(x)$. The reliability of the formalism for polynomial trial solutions is studied for several fields, and wherever possible comparisons are made with phase shifts determined from other variational principles.The forward scattering amplitude is determined variationally for scattering in the static field of the hydrogen atom, and it is demonstrated that the undisturbed wave as trial solution provides more accurate results for all incident energies than second Born approximation. The improved variational estimate of the total cross section for this field approaches that of Born at the higher energies.
4.48-MeV Level of Ca 40

The reaction ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{40}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, {\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$ was studied using particle-gamma coincidence techniques and the 22-MeV alpha-particle beam from the Indiana University cyclotron. The 4.48-MeV level of ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{40}$ is observed to decay strongly to the 3.73-MeV ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ level. An upper limit of 5% is placed on the intensity of the ground-state transition. The weakness of the ground-state transition is strong evidence against a ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ assignment for the 4.48-MeV level. This result, together with other data, indicates that the 4.48-MeV level is ${5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$.
Influence of multipolar correlations and surface imperfections on the efficiency of diffusion-controlled reactive processes on molecular organizates and colloidal catalysts

Un modele reticulaire, mecanique-stochastique, est introduit et des calculs etendus sont effectues pour connaitre le role des correlations multipolaires et des imperfections de la surface d'un catalyseur colloidal ou de micelles, vesicules, cellules sur des processus controles par diffusion
Management of Pain With Comorbid Substance Abuse

Substance use disorders are a large public health problem in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a trend of increased prescription drug misuse, morbidity, and mortality related to prescription opioids. For providers who treat pain, this has led to clinical dilemmas as the newly appreciated risks must be balanced with the benefits of treatment, particularly in patients with known substance use disorders. Acute, chronic, and palliative each present distinct issues in pain treatment. A best practices model of pain treatment, including risk stratification and integrative treatment, may provide the best prospect for safe and effective treatment.
Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide, and Nicotinamide Riboside: A Molecular Evaluation of NAD+ Precursor Vitamins in Human Nutrition

Although baseline requirements for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis can be met either with dietary tryptophan or with less than 20 mg of daily niacin, which consists of nicotinic acid and/or nicotinamide, there is growing evidence that substantially greater rates of NAD+ synthesis may be beneficial to protect against neurological degeneration, Candida glabrata infection, and possibly to enhance reverse cholesterol transport. The distinct and tissue-specific biosynthetic and/or ligand activities of tryptophan, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and the newly identified NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide riboside, reviewed herein, are responsible for vitamin-specific effects and side effects. Because current data suggest that nicotinamide riboside may be the only vitamin precursor that supports neuronal NAD+ synthesis, we present prospects for human nicotinamide riboside supplementation and propose areas for future research.
PRODUCTION OF ENRICHED PROTEIN FRACTIONS OF β-LACTOGLOBULIN AND α-LACTALBUMIN FROM CHEESE WHEY

A method for the fractionation of enriched fractions of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin from whey has been developed. To accomplish this separation, the whey proteins are concentrated by ultrafiltration, the concentrate is adjusted to pH 4.65 and demineralized by electrodialysis. The demineralized concentrate is readjusted to pH 4.65, if necessary, and a precipitate consisting primarily of β-lactoglobulin is formed. This precipitate is separated from the enriched α-lactaglobulin fraction by centrifugation. Protein yields and purities were determined gravimetrically and by gel electrophoresis. Some functional properties of each fraction were evaluated.
How to avoid building DataBlades(R) that know the value of everything and the cost of nothing

The object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) offers many potential benefits for scientific, multimedia and financial applications. However work remains in the integration of domain-specific class libraries into ORDBMS query processing. A major problem is that the standard mechanisms for query selectivity estimation, taken from relational database systems, rely on properties specific to the standard data types; creation of new mechanisms remains extremely difficult because the software interfaces provided by vendors are relatively low-level. We discuss extensions of the generalized search tree, or GiST, to support a higher level but less type-specific approach. Specifically, we discuss the computation of selectivity estimates with confidence intervals using a variety of index based approaches and present results from an experimental comparison of these methods with several estimators from the literature.
Layering central authentication on existing distributed system terminal services

An approach to the secure logon problem in distributed systems managed by a single authority is considered in which central authentication is layered onto existing terminal services. This approach suggests itself when a large installed base of computer systems that do not support central authentication already exists. Work to assess the feasibility of this approach was carried out. The results demonstrate that layering can be used in certain circumstances to provide central authentication services, although, as a result, the concomitant maintenance costs may increase. It was also determined that terminal service features are necessary so that central authentication is easily layered over existing terminal services. Recommendations are made concerning how to structure terminal services in a distributed system to support an integrated central authentication service. >
Learning as Investment: Notes on governmentality and biopolitics

The ‘European Space of Higher Education’ could be mapped as an infrastructure for entrepreneurship and a place where the distinction between the social and the economic becomes obsolete. Using Foucault's understanding of biopolitics and discussing the analyses of Agamben and Negri/Hardt it is argued that the actual governmental configuration, i.e. the economisation of the social, also has a biopolitical dimension. Focusing on the intersection between a politicisation and economisation of human life allows us to discuss a kind of ‘bio‐economisation’ (cf. Brockling), a regime of economic terror and learning as investment. Finally it is argued how fostering learning, i.e. fostering life (as a learning process) could turn into ‘let die’ and even into ‘make die’.
Wittgenstein Versus Artificial Intelligence

Those of us who grew up on Frege were raised to believe that “psychologism” was worse than any four-letter word.* If we smelled the slightest intrusion of psychology into logic, if we heard even the rumor that someone had conflated the laws of logic with empirical psychological laws, we reacted as Akhilleus did to the death of Patroklos. As well we should — we were raised correctly. Logic is not psychology.
The Impact of Mothers’ Relationship Quality and Parenting on Children’s Peer Relationships:

This study examined the longitudinal effects of mothers’ partner relationship quality on parenting behaviors and school-age children’s peer relationships. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development archival data were used to examine parenting behaviors as a mediator between partner relationship quality and child peer outcomes using structural equation modeling. Maternal report was used to assess partner quality; a parent–child interaction task was used to measure parenting behaviors; teacher and child report were used to assess children’s peer relationships. Maternal parenting behaviors partially mediated the association between partner quality and children’s teacher-reported social–emotional outcomes with peers. Results are discussed in terms of the spillover hypothesis and implications for clinical interventions are discussed.
Multiple nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes are expressed in goldfish retina and tectum

cDNAs encoding a novel nAChR structural subunit (GFn alpha-3) and a ligand-binding subunit (GF alpha-3) have been isolated from a goldfish retina cDNA library. The protein encoded by GFn alpha-3 shares 88% amino acid similarity with that encoded by GFn alpha-2, a structural subunit gene previously identified to be expressed in this system (Cauley et al., 1989). The ligand-binding subunit (GF alpha-3) is likely the goldfish homolog of the rat alpha-3 gene (Boulter et al., 1986). Northern blots and S1 protection experiments show that GFn alpha- 3 and GF alpha-3 genes are expressed in retina and brain. GFn alpha-3 identifies multiple RNAs differing in their 3′ untranslated regions. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrates GFn alpha-3, GFn alpha-2, and GF alpha-3 expression by cells of the retinal ganglion cell layer. Unlike GFn alpha-2 and GF alpha-3, GFn alpha-3 is expressed at highest levels by cells of the retina9s inner nuclear layer. In the optic tectum, both GF alpha-3 and GFn alpha-3 genes are expressed by cells of the periventricular zone, as well as more superficial layers. These results suggest the presence of multiple nAChR systems in retina and tectum. In addition, they indicate that tectal nAChRs may arise from remote (ganglion cell) as well as local (tectal cell) synthesis.
Understanding the Soil Contact Problem for the LWD and Static Drum Roller by Using the DEM

The estimation of the elastic soil modulus from many in situ field test devices currently rely on the continuum theory and assumptions about linear elasticity that are somewhat ill-posed. To improve the understanding of in situ field measurement of elastic modulus using intelligent roller compactors and light-weight deflectometers (LWDs), a complete understanding of the contact problems formed through the use of these devices is needed for a wide range of soils. The varying material properties of cohesionless and cohesive soils can have dramatic effects on the assumed stress distributions, contact areas, and surface deformations. Investigations are conducted by using the discrete-element method (DEM) to investigate the relationships between soil properties and the mechanical responses for both plate (simulated LWD) and drum-roller loading. Simulations of purely cohesionless granular soils are shown to exhibit substantially different stress and strain fields compared to simulations of cohesive soils. This ...
Control of Hemoglobin Synthesis in Fetal Erythroid Cells by L-Thyroxine

Fetal mouse liver cells were incubated in the presence of L-thyroxine, Globin synthesis by cells from the 13th to 15th days of gestation was stimulated by the presence of the hormone. Although protein synthesis by cells from the 17th day of gestation was stimulated, the protein was not identified as globin. A tentative conclusion was drawn that fetal erythroid tissue may be preferentially stimulated by thyroid hormone.
Intravenous immune globulin: dosage and administration

Intravenous immune globulin (IV-IgG) is approved for use in substitution therapy of immunodeficiency syndromes and treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The initial dose for substitution therapy is 0.2 g/kg body weight repeated monthly. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 0.3 g/kg and the frequency to every 2-3 weeks. The approved dosage for ITP is 0.4 g/kg daily for 2 to 5 consecutive days. Repeat doses of 0.4 g/kg have been used as maintenance therapy. The initial infusions of IgG to immunodeficient patients who have not been treated during the previous 8 weeks or never treated at all should proceed with caution. These patients are at risk of potentially serious complement-mediated adverse reactions. Adverse reactions due to IgG administration are less frequent and less severe for patients with ITP. Currently available preparations are contraindicated in patients with a selective IgA deficiency and detectable IgA antibodies.
Red Supergiants and Post-Red Supergiants – the Evidence for High Mass Loss Events

The complex circumstellar environments associated with several of the most luminous cool supergiants provide evidence for episodic high mass loss events. The origin of the high mass loss is not understood but circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that large scale surface activity and magnetic fields are responsible. I briefly review the observational evidence from multi-epoch imaging and spectroscopy for the high mass loss events and instabilities in these stars. New results from high-resolution AO near and mid-IR imaging of VY CMa, IRC +10420 and μ Cep is also presented.
Trichoderma hamatum: Its hyphal interactions withRhizoctonia solani andPythium spp.

The mode of hyphal interaction and parasitism ofPythium spp. andRhizoctonia solani byTrichoderma hamatum was studied by both phase-contrast and Nomarski differential interference-contrast microscopy. Directed growth of the mycoparasite toward its host was observed. In the area of interaction,T. hamatum produced appressorial-like structures attached to the host cell wall. Subsequently, several different types of interactions occurred.T. hamatum either grew parallel to and along the host hypha or coiled around its host. In the contrast regions the parasite formed bulbular or hook-like structures that contained granular cytoplasm. In other cases the parasite penetrated into and grew within the mycelium ofR. solani orP. ultimum. As a consequence of the attack, the host hypha became vacuolated, shrank, collapsed, and finally disintegrated. These observations suggest the involvement of parasitism followed by lysis rather than involvement of antibiotics in this host-mycoparasite relationship.
Contemporary issues in pituitary disease: case-based management update

Since 2005, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation has held an annual symposium addressing contemporary issues in pituitary disease. The faculty includes Cleveland Clinic Foundation staff, physicians and invited specialists, and the presentations are case-based with frequent audience response in order to be of real value in terms of the issues that may occur in day-to-day clinical practice relating to pituitary disease. This brief meeting report summarizes the key points arising from this interactive format. We feel it is worth pointing out that re-emphasizing ‘old truths’ is always an essential and valid aspect of any symposium addressing contemporary issues.
Exploitation of Landsat imagery and ancillary data for battlespace characterization

Spectral data provide opportunities to discriminate targets from background clutter and to detect partially concealed objects. However, data with high spatial resolution generally are not synoptic scale (hundreds of kilometers). By analyzing courser resolution synoptic imagery, high-resolution sensors can then be cued to areas of potential targets. Multispectral images (Landsat 7) are combined with ancillary data-lines of communication, digital elevation models (DEMS), etc.-in order to characterize the scene of interest. Two scenes were examined: regions of the Balkans (Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia), and Iraq. Three data products result from this fusion of data sources: (1) land cover classification, (2) trafficability analysis, and (3) "hide area" delineation. In addition, the fusion of imagery with elevation models provides a beneficial perspective to the analyst. The classification is a thematic map of the different land cover types produced through a combination of supervised and unsupervised means. Trafficability may be dependent on a number of factors including land cover type, vegetation density, soil moisture content, and access to major roads or navigable rivers. In addition to land cover-based trafficability analysis, terrain-based trafficability uses DEM-derived slope information to determine vehicle accessibility. Determination of "hide areas" may be another important product. These can be defined by their proximity to the forest perimeter, access to roads, and the underlying terrain. As a result of these analyses carried out on the synoptic scale, the collective size of the areas of interest provided to the next sensor in the intelligence chain may be greatly reduced.
Saturated free fatty acids and apoptosis in microvascular mesangial cells: palmitate activates pro-apoptotic signaling involving caspase 9 and mitochondrial release of endonuclease G

In type 2 diabetes, free fatty acids (FFA) accumulate in microvascular cells, but the phenotypic consequences of FFA accumulation in the microvasculature are incompletely understood. Here we investigated whether saturated FFA induce apoptosis in human microvascular mesangial cells and analyzed the signaling pathways involved. Saturated and unsaturated FFA-albumin complexes were added to cultured human mesangial cells, after which the number of apoptotic cells were quantified and the signal transduction pathways involved were delineated. The saturated FFA palmitate and stearate were apoptotic unlike equivalent concentrations of the unsaturated FFA oleate and linoleate. Palmitate-induced apoptosis was potentiated by etomoxir, an inhibitor of mitochondrial β-oxidation, but was prevented by an activator of AMP-kinase, which increases fatty acid β-oxidation. Palmitate stimulated an intrinsic pathway of pro-apoptotic signaling as evidenced by increased mitochondrial release of cytochrome-c and activation of caspase 9. A caspase 9-selective inhibitor blocked caspase 3 activation but incompletely blocked apoptosis in response to palmitate, suggesting an additional caspase 9-independent pathway. Palmitate stimulated mitochondrial release of endonuclease G by a caspase 9-independent mechanism, thereby implicating endonuclease G in caspase 9-indpendent regulation of apoptosis by saturated FFA. We also observed that the unsaturated FFA oleate and linoleate prevented palmitate-induced mitochondrial release of both cytochrome-c and endonuclease G, which resulted in complete protection from palmitate-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that palmitate stimulates apoptosis by evoking an intrinsic pathway of proapoptotic signaling and identify mitochondrial release of endonuclease G as a key step in proapoptotic signaling by saturated FFA and in the anti-apoptotic actions of unsaturated FFA.
Effects of insulin and phorbol esters on subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoforms in rat adipocytes

Effects of insulin and phorbol esters on subcellular distribution of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms were examined in rat adipocytes. Both agonists provoked rapid decreases in cytosolic, and/or increases in membrane, immunoreactive PKC-alpha, PKC-beta, PKC-gamma, and PKC-epsilon. Effects of phorbol esters on PKC-alpha redistribution to the plasma membrane, however, were much greater than those of insulin. In contrast, insulin, but not phorbol esters, stimulated the translocation of PKC-beta to the plasma membrane, and provoked changes in PKC-zeta redistribution. Neither agonist altered subcellular distribution of PKC-delta, which was detected only in membrane fractions. Our findings indicate that insulin and phorbol esters have overlapping and distinctly different effects on the subcellular redistribution of specific PKC isoforms.
The Immune Response and Protective Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Neonates Born from Hepatitis B Carrier Mothers

목 적 : B형 간염 바이러스(hepatitis B virus; HBV) 보유 산모로부터 출생한 신생아의 수직감염 양상을 관찰하고 HBV 백신의 면역반응 및 방어효과를 평가하기 위하여 본 연구를 시행하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 1995년 7월부터 1996년 12월까지 18개월간 가톨릭대학교 성빈센트병원을 방문한 HBV 보유 산모와 이들로부터 분만된 신생아중 12개월간 추적관찰이 가능하였던 78례를 연구대상으로 하였다. 이들 HBV 보유 산모의 신생아에게 출생 직후부터 HBV 면역 글로불린(HBIG)과 가열 불활성화 혈장 백신을 접종한 후 4, 8, 12개월시에 검체를 채취하여 일반표지자의 양상을 면역효소법 및 방사면역법으로 측정한 후 HBV 보유 산모와 그 신생아의 각 표지자간의 관계 및 변화를 분석하였다. 결 과 : 1) 연구 대상 산모 중 HBV 보유자는 5.0%(106/2,117), HBeAg 양성 및 음성의 비율은 38.5%(37/96)와 61.5%(59/96)이었다. 2) HBV 보유 산모로부터 출생한 영아에 있어서 백신에 대한 anti-HBs 양전율은 4, 8, 12개월 시 각각 85.9%(67/78), 75.6%(59/78), 73.1%(57/78)로 유의한 차이가 있었으나(P 【Purpose : We performed this study to evaluate the immune responses and protective efficacies of the HBV vaccine in infants born from hepatitis B virus(HBV) carrier mothers. Methods : Seventy eight infants born from HBV carrier mothers, who were able to follow up for 12months in the Catholic University St. Vincents hospital, were involved in this study from July 1995 to December 1996. Samples were collected at birth, 4, 8 and 12months after injection of HBIG and HBV heat-inactivated plasma derived vaccines. We evaluated the changes and relationships of viral markers detecting by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay between HBV carrier mothers and their infants. Results : 1) A total of 5.0%(106/2,117) of pregnant women were found to be a HBV carrier. The rates of HBeAg positive and negative were 38.5%(37/96) and 61.5%(59/96), respectively. 2) The seroconversion rates of anti-HBs with infants of HBV carrier mothers at 4, 8 and 12 months were 85.9%(67/78), 75.6%(59/78) and 73.1%(57/78), respectively. Although these were statistically significant differences(P】
Astrophysics: Illuminating brown dwarfs.

Objects known as brown dwarfs are midway between stars and planets in mass. Observations of a hot brown dwarf irradiated by a nearby star will help to fill a gap in our knowledge of the atmospheres of fluid planetary objects. See Letter p.366
Multidisciplinary Response to the Escherichia coli O104 Outbreak in Europe

ABSTRACTThe 2011 outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O104 in northern Germany resulted in over 4,100 illnesses, 900 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, and 50 deaths. The U.S. Army's Public Health Command Region-Europe established a multidisciplinary advisory team to prevent E. coli O104 exposure in the Department of Defense (DoD) population. This decentralized, interagency team engaged European public health authorities and coordinated control measures including risk communication. Following German public health investigations, the DoD advisory team compiled information from available official reports, assessed risk, and published guidance to halt the local procurement and supply of suspect foods for all DoD installations in Europe. Advisory team members processed outbreak information, adjusted advisories, and coordinated response efforts. The advisory team quickly identified authoritative information sources, coordinated case definitions, and streamlined potential case reporting. Timely and accurate ...
Countering the small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) threat in the United States homeland: Technological and legal challenges

The small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) threat is not emerging. It is real. It is international. It is varied. A quadcopter landed on the White House lawn.1 A SUAS hovered in front of German Chancellor Angela Merkel while she stood on a public podium.2 Numerous unidentified SUAS' have conducted surveillance of French nuclear facilities.3 A man recently crashed his SUAS into the Empire State Building, asked Security to give it back, and live tweeted the entire event.4
Congressional Investigation of American Foreign Policy: Iran-Contra in Perspective

Some argue the Iran-Contra investigations were inadequate, and that Congress shirked its constitutional responsibilities to expose the affair. Others charge Congress expects “another Watergate” in ...
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Is Dependent on BCL2 and Sensitive to Venetoclax

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with dismal outcomes for which no standard therapy exists. We found that primary BPDCN cells were dependent on the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and were uniformly sensitive to the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, as measured by direct cytotoxicity, apoptosis assays, and dynamic BH3 profiling. Animals bearing BPDCN patient-derived xenografts had disease responses and improved survival after venetoclax treatment in vivo. Finally, we report on two patients with relapsed/refractory BPDCN who received venetoclax off-label and experienced significant disease responses. We propose that venetoclax or other BCL-2 inhibitors undergo expedited clinical evaluation in BPDCN, alone or in combination with other therapies. In addition, these data illustrate an example of precision medicine to predict treatment response using ex vivo functional assessment of primary tumor tissue, without requiring a genetic biomarker.
Examining the role of attentional control in terms of specific emotion regulation difficulties

Abstract Despite the fact that attentional control is often used as an emotion regulation strategy, empirical research has yet to examine the relationship between attentional control and emotion regulation difficulties. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the unique associations between attentional control in terms of specific emotion regulation difficulties (i.e., with emotional clarity and awareness, impulse control, emotional acceptance, the ability to engage in goal directed behavior when upset, and access to effective emotion regulation strategies when upset). Participants were 355 undergraduate students (67.9% female; Mage = 19.38, SD = 2.08, Range = 18–42 years) who completed self-report measures for course credit. Partially consistent with hypotheses, after controlling for the effects of gender, negative affect, and non-criterion emotion regulation difficulties, greater attentional control was significantly associated with fewer difficulties with emotional clarity (2.7% variance) and the ability to engage in goal-directed behavior when upset (6% variance). These findings suggest that interventions that focus on improving attentional control (e.g., mindfulness training, attention bias modification) may be useful in improving difficulties with emotion regulation.
Sonographic Evaluation of a Large Placental Chorangioma

Placental chorangioma is a rare, benign tumor of the placenta. Chorangiomas are typically small, are asymptomatic, and pose no threat to pregnancy. However, in extreme cases, large placental choran...
Ten-year review of isolated spontaneous mesenteric arterial dissections

Abstract Objective Isolated spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac artery (CA) remains a rare condition; however, it has been increasingly noted incidentally on diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this study was to examine the natural history and outcomes of patients presenting with isolated spontaneous mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD). We hypothesized that most SMADs can be treated nonoperatively. Methods This was a single-center retrospective review of patients presenting with the diagnosis of SMAD between 2006 and 2016. Data analysis included demographics, clinical data, radiologic review, treatment, and outcomes. Results A total of 77 patients were found to have CA dissection, SMA dissection, or both in the absence of aortic dissection diagnosed on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The average age was 56 years (range, 26-86 years), 80% were male, and 10 patients (13%) had underlying connective tissue disorders. The majority, 64%, presented with symptoms including abdominal pain, back pain, and chest pain; the remaining 36% were asymptomatic. Combined SMA and CA dissection was found in 14 (18%) patients; 33 (43%) presented with isolated CA dissection, and 30 (39%) presented with isolated SMA dissection. Only four patients required intervention. Mesenteric bypass was performed in two patients, and SMA endarterectomy with patch angioplasty was performed in one patient for signs of bowel ischemia. No patient required bowel resection. The two bypasses were anastomosed to a branch of the SMA, and complete lumen restoration was seen on long-term imaging follow-up. One patient underwent stent grafting of the CA and hepatic artery for aneurysmal degeneration 1 month after diagnosis. The remaining 73 patients were managed nonoperatively; 40 (52%) were treated with a short course of anticoagulation, 23 (30%) were treated with antiplatelet therapy, and 10 (13%) were treated with observation alone. No other late interventions or recurrences were noted during a mean follow-up of 21 months. Conclusions Whereas isolated SMAD poses a risk of visceral ischemia, most patients presenting with this diagnosis can be treated nonoperatively with a short course of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Only a small number of patients require surgical revascularization for bowel ischemia.
High throughput quantification of apolipoproteins A-I and B-100 by isotope dilution MS targeting fast trypsin releasable peptides without reduction and alkylation

PURPOSE Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) are amphipathic proteins that are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease risk. The traceable calibration of apolipoprotein assays is a persistent challenge, especially for ApoB-100, which cannot be solubilized in purified form. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A simultaneous quantitation method for ApoA-I and ApoB-100 was developed using tryptic digestion without predigestion reduction and alkylation, followed by LC separation coupled with isotope dilution MS analysis. The accuracy of the method was assured by selecting structurally exposed signature peptides, optimal choice of detergent, protein:enzyme ratio, and incubation time. Peptide calibrators were value assigned by isobaric tagging isotope dilution MS amino acid analysis. RESULTS The method reproducibility was validated in technical repeats of three serum samples, giving 2-3% intraday CVs (N = 5) and <7% interday CVs (N = 21). The repeated analysis of interlaboratory harmonization standards showed -1% difference for ApoA-I and -12% for ApoB-100 relative to the assigned value. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by repeated analysis of 24 patient samples with a wide range of total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The method is applicable for simultaneous analysis of ApoA-I and ApoB-100 in patient samples, and for characterization of serum pool calibrators for other analytical platforms.
Temporal context in human fMRI

Memory for personally experienced events includes temporal context that allows organization and retrieval according to sequence. This review compares fMRI studies of temporal context, assessing the processes required within each paradigm. Prefrontal cortex is important for temporal sequence memory, perhaps due to its role in organizing information online, and relative recency judgments, perhaps due to its role in evaluating familiarity. Hippocampal and parahippocampal regions are also involved in these tasks but make reduced contributions to relative recency when familiarity is diagnostic. Parahippocampal cortex contributions to accurate sequence memory are also reduced when multiple encoding repetitions are used. Finally, implicit temporal memory paradigms show that hippocampal and parahippocampal representations are sensitive to temporal context in the absence of mnemonic task demands.
The Honey Bee Initiative — Smart hive

Bees are an important part of our echo system. Pollinators, such as bees, help at least 30% of the worlds crops and 90% of the worlds wild plans to thrive via cross-pollination. Studies show that between 2015 and 2016 beekeepers lost 44% of bee colonies over the winter, this is up about 10% from the previous decade. Causes for this decline is correlated to the overall hive health. The healthier the hive the more likely it is to survive the winter. Current technology dictates humans check the hives for Varroa Mite infestations, poor moisture levels, and other telling signs of an unhealthy hive. These checks are invasive to the bee colonies and only happen once or twice a year. This projects aims to create a “Smart Hive” that can be monitored from the cloud that will have high resolution (spacial and temporal) data recorded from a variety of sensors to assist beekeepers in keeping their hives healthy. The “Smart Hive” will be added to the George Mason Universities' Honey Bee Initiative's collection of hives. Realtime “Smart Hive” data will be made available to the public, and all systems developed will be made opensource.
Incidence, malignancy rates of diagnoses and cyto-histological correlations in the new Italian Reporting System for Thyroid Cytology: An institutional experience.

Objective FNA biopsy is considered as the most accurate method for the selection of patients with thyroid nodules that need for surgery or for the wait and see management. The aim of the present study is to clarify the risk of malignancy for the cytological data classified according to the 2014 Italian reporting system. Methods We report a retrospective analysis of 4043 patients in our institution's experience during the period April 2014 through December 2016 with the Italian reporting system for thyroid cytology. Results The diagnostic incidences of the 4043 cases were as follows: 9.8% TIR1; 1.3% TIR1C; 70% TIR2; 6.6% TIR3A; 4.5% TIR3B; 2.4% TIR4; 5.2% TIR5. A repeated aspiration was carried out in 68 out of 269 cases (25%) classified as TIR3A. A total of 407 cases with cytology underwent surgical resection. A malignant neoplasm was detected in 261 out of 407 (64%) cases. Regarding TIR3B, surgical excision was undertaken in 109 cases, which included 42 high-risk lesions and 67 Hurthle cell neoplasms. The risk of malignancy was significantly higher in the former compared to the latter (50% vs 9%; P<.05). Conclusions This investigation emphasises the reliability of the 2014 Italian Reporting System concerning the mutual frequency of the diagnostic categories. The risk of malignancy is perfectly within the range of the estimated values.
Video-intuboscopic assistance is a useful aid to tracheal intubation in pediatric patients.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of video-intuboscopic assisted tracheal intubation in a difficult intubation setting.
‘Now I Am the Master’: Home Video, Canon, and Authorship Among George, Lucasfilm, Fox, and Fans

Star Wars has for decades expanded its universe across thousands of TV episodes, books, comics, games, and other licensed narrative forms. George Lucas’s sale of his company Lucasfilm to Disney in 2013, however, brought about a crisis of identity for Star Wars and its “Expanded Universe.” This has been particularly prolific in relation to home media releases and re-releases. In this chapter I will analyze how Lucasfilm has altered the structure of the Star Wars transmedia continuity from a multi-tiered hierarchical creator-centric canon to a new, broadly collaborative, non-hierarchical canonical system. This has particularly been evidenced in the paratextual discourse that surrounds the DVDs and Blu-rays for Episodes I–VI.
Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is Associated with Glycaemia Status in South Asian Men and Women in the United States.

Abstract Aims To examine the association between glycaemia status and the risk for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in a cohort of South Asians living in the United States. Methods A secondary analysis of a community based cohort of 899 participants from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. The Berlin Questionnaire was used to screen for OSA. Results Almost one in four (24%) South Asians was at high risk for OSA. Compared to the normal glucose tolerance group (18%), high risk of OSA was significantly more likely in the prediabetes (24%) and diabetes (32%) groups ( p = 0.007). More men (28%) than women (18%) were at high risk of OSA. Risk for OSA was also associated with higher haemoglobin A1c values, hypertension, large waist circumference, and BMI >27.5 kg/m 2 . In a multivariate regression analysis, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) remained significantly associated with higher haemoglobin A1c values, even after controlling for waist circumference and other demographic and clinical factors. Conclusions The risk for SDB and OSA was high among South Asian men and women. Given the association between dysglycaemia and risk for OSA, these health issues require simultaneous clinical assessment. Future studies using objective sleep measures such as polysomnography are warranted in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA in the South Asian adult population already at high risk for dysglycaemia.
Broken-ended DNA and V(D)J recombination.

Antigen receptor genes are assembled during lymphocyte development by a highly regulated site-specific DNA recombination mechanism known as V(D)J recombination [1]. There are hundreds of variable (VH), 12 diversity (DH), and four joining (JH) gene-segments in the mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy-chain locus, for example. The recombinase juxtaposes V, D, and J gene segments to produce complete Ig or T cell receptor (TCR) genes. This novel mechanism allows for a tremendous diversity of potential antigen receptor structures with a minimal investment of genetic resources. The price of this elegant solution to the diversity problem, however, is the occasional aberrant recombination event resulting in chromosomal translocation and activation of a proto-oncogene [2].
PD-1 blockade in metastatic melanoma (MEL): The University of Pittsburgh experience.

e21031Background: PD-1 inhibitors have reported response rates of 34-40% in patients (pts) with advanced MEL. Landmark 1- and 2- year survival rates with Nivolumab (Nivo), Pembrolizumab (Pembro) an...
Green synthesis of a highly efficient biosorbent for organic, pharmaceutical, and heavy metal pollutants removal: Engineering surface chemistry of polymeric biomass of spent coffee waste

Abstract The current study reports synthesis and characterization of an ecofriendly, cheap and efficient biosorbent, sulfonated spent coffee waste (SCW-SO3H) for water remediation. SCW-SO3H was synthesized through introducing sulfonic acid polar functionalities over the polymeric biomass (cellulose and lignin) of the spent coffee waste (SCW) by a simple, facile and versatile method. ICP-OES, SEM-EDX, FT-IR, XPS, TGA, Raman and UV–vis spectroscopy were used to analyze the developed SCW-SO3H biosorbent and its adsorption capacity towards the removal of different environmental pollutants. In order to optimize and maximize adsorption capacity of the developed biosorbent, different variables such as initial concentration, biosorbent dosage, pH, time and temperature were evaluated. The chemically engineered biosorbent showed excellent pollutant removal capacity of 812 mg/g, 462 mg/g and 302 mg/g toward methylene blue, tetracycline and Cr (VI), respectively. Isotherms studies showed that while organic pollutants adsorption follow Langmuir isotherm, Cr(VI) adsorption follows Freundlich isotherm. It was also found that adsorption of all the adsorbates follow pseudo-second order rate kinetic and thermodynamic values, ΔH >0 and ΔG