cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding the ephemeral: Herding strategies and socio-economic organization in an urban West African context

Abstract In this paper, I use zooarchaeological data to investigate the relationship between food production strategies, particularly herding practices, and socioeconomic configurations in the ancient city of Jenne-jeno (occupied ca. 250 BCE to 1400 CE) and in archaeological contexts (ca. 1400–1900 CE) from the modern city of Djenne, both located in Mali's Inland Niger Delta (IND). IND populations are notable for their system of subsistence specialization, wherein self-ascribed ethnic groups identify strongly with specific subsistence regimes. This organization is a successful response to the area's unpredictability and, as such, exerts strong influence on interpretations of many IND archaeological contexts. In particular, scholars have invoked subsistence specialization as a possible underlying explanation for the distinctive social and political organization found at Jenne-jeno, most notably in Rod McIntosh's Pulse Model. Data from osteometric and isotopic (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of domestic herd animals, however, suggest that subsistence regimes were much more diversified at Jenne-jeno and neighboring sites, and that ethnically-linked subsistence specialization may have emerged in this area only as part of a broad social, political, and settlement pattern reorganization coincident with Jenne-jeno's abandonment. I argue that despite facing broadly similar climatic uncertainty over the past two millennia, populations in and around Jenne-jeno adopted shifting social and economic strategies, with new approaches emerging in the face of specific environmental challenges and changing social contexts. This study joins others in showing the extent to which ancient urban centers are the product of their local environmental and sociopolitical settings, rather than conforming to expected models of urban configurations.
Thermophysical Properties of Cold- and Vacuum Plasma-Sprayed Cu-Cr-X Alloys, NiAl and NiCrAlY Coatings II: Specific Heat Capacity

Part I of the paper discussed the temperature dependencies of the electrical resistivities, thermal conductivities, thermal diffusivities and total hemispherical emissivities of several vacuum plasma-sprayed (VPS) and cold-sprayed (CS) copper alloy monolithic coatings, VPS NiAl, VPS NiCrAlY, extruded GRCop-84 and as-cast Cu-17(wt.%)Cr-5%Al. Part II discusses the temperature dependencies of the constant-pressure specific heat capacities, C P, of these coatings. The data were empirically regression-fitted with the equation: $${\varvec{C}}_{\mathbf{P}} = {\mathbf{ AT}}^{\mathbf 4} + {\mathbf{BT}}^{\mathbf 3} + {\mathbf{CT}}^{\mathbf 2} + {\mathbf{DT}} + \varvec{E}$$ where T is the absolute temperature and A, B, C, D and E are regression constants. The temperature dependencies of the molar enthalpy, molar entropy and Gibbs molar free energy determined from experimental values of molar specific heat capacity are reported. Calculated values of C P using the Neumann–Kopp (NK) rule were in poor agreement with experimental data. Instead, a modification of the NK rule was found to predict values closer to the experimental data with an absolute deviation less than 6.5%. The specific molar heat capacities for all the alloys did not agree with the Dulong–Petit law, and C P > 3R, where R is the universal gas constant, were measured for all the alloys except NiAl for which C P < 3R at all temperatures.
A visual narrative analysis of children’s baby loss remembrance drawings

Children experiencing the death of baby brother or sister have reported individual, familial, and communicative challenges. Siblings also have indicated that the loss of a baby in their family enri...
Brief Announcement: Open Cilk

Open Cilk is a new open-source platform to support Cilk multithreaded programming, especially for researchers and teachers. Open Cilk aims to provide a full-featured implementation of Cilk that is easy to modify and extend. Based on the award-winning Tapir/LLVM compiler, Open Cilk will provide a streamlined runtime system and feature comprehensive static instrumentation for dynamic-analysis tools. As a community-infrastructure project, Open Cilk encourages contributions from researchers in the areas of languages, compilers, runtime systems, tools, libraries, and benchmarks.
Research Advances in the Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease

After the initial diagnosis of the disorder in 1907, very little research was done to determine the cause of AD for the next six decades. Beginning in 1970, however, research on AD began to shed light on the biochemical composition and mechanisms in the formation of amyloid deposits and PHFs, the structural hallmarks of the disease. This article details some of the discoveries made in recent years.
Laser-printed micro- and meso-scale power generating devices

Abstract: This chapter describes how laser direct-write (LDW) processes can be applied to the rapid prototyping of micro- and meso-scale power sources. The chapter reviews the use of laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) to deposit patterns of complex suspensions comprising the functional materials required for printing ultracapacitors, primary and secondary batteries and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The chapter describes the preparation of embedded microbatteries via LDW and concludes with a discussion on the present and future status of these laser-based digital microfabrication techniques.
Stanley Hauerwas: Character, Vision, and Narrative in Moral Life

A word of explanation is necessary at this point in our study. For, the moral theory to be elucidated in this chapter represents something of a sea-change relative to those theories considered heretofore. We have already noted that Hauerwas differs from McCormick and Ramsey in his insistence upon the priority of considering moral agents’ fundamental constitution, or character, as opposed to focusing upon the content of their specific decisions and actionguiding norms. Indeed, Hauerwas refers to integrity, rather than ‘rational deliberation’ or obedience to moral norms, as the keystone of moral life. He goes so far as to suggest that moral dilemmas or disagreements are what happens “when all else has been lost” — i.e., when the moral ‘vision’ of involved parties is so skewed by self-deception or lack of a communal `narrative’ that they lack the skill truthfully to see the situation for what it is and respond in a manner integral to their formed convictions and life plans. In a sense, then, Hauerwas’s enterprise will appear to some to involve a consideration of just about every factor in agential choosing and doing other than the sorts of abstract ‘values’ or ‘rules’ we have considered thus far.
Is there a shortening of the urethral plate in complete penile disassembly used in epispadias repair, and what is its impact on the final outcomes?

Abstract Purpose To assess the importance of shortening of the urethral plate that occurred with complete penile disassembly technique in epispadias repair and its impact on cosmetic and functional results (on urinary incontinence). Methods From January 2009 to December 2016, 26 boys underwent complete penile disassembly technique for proximal epispadias repair. Twenty-one patients had epispadias after primary repair of bladder exstrophy, and 5 patients had isolated penopubic epispadias. The age of the patients ranged from 11 months to 6 years (median 3 years). Results After disassembling the penis in three parts, the shortening and narrowing of urethral plate were found in all patients; the shortening varied between 2 and 16 mm. However, in isolated epispadias, the urethral plate is easily extensible. The cosmetic results (after dehiscence and fistulas repair) were found to be satisfactory in 24 patients with conical glans and meatus in the orthotopic position without any necrosis of the glans. However, 18 patients (81.8% of cases) who initially had a bladder exstrophy presented a dehiscence or fistula. The urinary continence ≥ 1 h was observed in 5 patients (19% of cases), and only 3 patients (11.5% of cases) had a urinary continence ≥ 3 h. Conclusions The complete penile disassembly procedure restores the normal anatomy of the penis. Despite the shortening and narrowing of the urethral plate, the cosmetic results were good in the majority of patients. However, its functional outcomes on urinary incontinence, particularly for epispadias with bladder exstrophy, remain uncertain.
Resisting a Curriculum of Control

I created a study to explore the way the environment of the school sent students messages about their subjectivities. Within my study, I witnessed the social control that the school tried to maintain over students and the student response to it. This paper discusses a portion of the study that supports that finding. Because of the ways in which the students used the study to react to the social control, this paper also takes up the argument that, when working with students, it is part of our ethical obligation to our participants to allow them space to create resistance in their own ways rather than trying to force our own research agendas.
The Unfolded Protein Response: Detecting and Responding to Fluctuations in the Protein-Folding Capacity of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Most of the secreted and plasma membrane proteins are synthesized on membrane-bound ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They require engagement of ER-resident chaperones and foldases that assist in their folding and maturation. Since protein homeostasis in the ER is crucial for cellular function, the protein-folding status in the organelle's lumen is continually surveyed by a network of signaling pathways, collectively called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Protein-folding imbalances, or "ER stress," are detected by highly conserved sensors that adjust the ER's protein-folding capacity according to the physiological needs of the cell. We review recent developments in the field that have provided new insights into the ER stress-sensing mechanisms used by UPR sensors and the mechanisms by which they integrate various cellular inputs to adjust the folding capacity of the organelle to accommodate to fluctuations in ER protein-folding demands.
Longitudinal evaluation of the Teen Outreach Programme: Impacts of a health promotion programme on risky sexual behaviours:

Objective:This study evaluated the longitudinal impact of the Teen Outreach Programme (TOP) on adolescent pregnancy, sexual behaviour, risky sex and sexual intentions in non-metropolitan high schoo...
A Review of Middle Aortic Syndromes in Pediatric Patients

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare vascular disease occurring in pediatric patients. MAS describes narrowing of the abdominal aorta, often referred to as abdominal coarctation. Extra-aortic vessels are commonly involved, including the renal and mesenteric arteries. Pediatric patients with MAS frequently present with severe hypertension, and medical management often is insufficient. Many of these patients require endovascular or open surgical intervention. This review article discusses the etiology, symptoms, and management of pediatric MAS. It highlights the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management of these patients. It is important that anesthesiologists be aware of this rare disease and its special anesthetic considerations when caring for children with MAS because of its high morbidity.
Why Patients Miss Scheduled Outpatient Appointments at Urban Academic Residency Clinics: A Qualitative Evaluation

Introduction Missed outpatient appointments are a common problem for academic residency clinics, and reducing their rate improves office efficiency, income, and resident education. Identifying specific reasons why some patients miss outpatient appointments may provide insight into developing targeted approaches to reducing their rates. This study sought to find reasons associated with patients’ missed appointments at two family medicine residency clinics. Methods The study utilized a qualitative research design involving patients at two urban, university-affiliated family medicine residency outpatient clinics. Twenty-five randomly selected patients who were dismissed from the clinics for missing three or more scheduled appointments during a five-year span (July 2012 to July 2017) were interviewed over the phone about reasons they did not keep their scheduled clinic appointments. The authors, individually and as a group, used an immersion-crystalization approach to analyze the content of the interviews. Results Responses from 25 participants (21 females and four males) are presented. Fifty-two percent of patients were Caucasian, 32% Black, 12% Hispanic, and 4% Asian. Five themes emerged from the data analysis as major reasons the patients missed their scheduled outpatient appointments: forgetfulness, transportation issues, personal health issues, family and employer obligations, and other issues, such as anticipated long clinic wait times, bad weather, and financial problems. Conclusions The findings showed there are several logistical, situational, and clinical reasons for patients’ missed scheduled outpatient appointments.
Onset of pituitary hormone deficiencies in optic nerve hypoplasia: a temporal trend analysis of 32 children at Mayo Clinic

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the age at onset and frequency of individual pituitary hormone deficiencies (PHDs) in optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients ≤21 years of age evaluated between 1996 and 2014. Patients were included if they had: (1) ONH diagnosed by an ophthalmologist and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (2) documentation of pituitary hormone function on at least two separate occasions and (3) at least one PHD documented or a midline abnormality of the brain on MRI. Results Thirty-two patients (18 females, 14 males) were included (median age, 8 years [range, 1.1-21.0 years]). All patients had ONH (bilateral, n = 31; unilateral, n = 1) and at least one midline abnormality of the brain. At least one PHD was present in 75% of patients (n = 24). The remaining 25% of patients (n = 8) did not develop any PHD at least until the last follow-up (<2-8.6 years of follow-up), despite the presence of ONH and a midline abnormality of the brain. The median age (years) at diagnosis of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH) deficiencies was 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 1.6, respectively. Twenty-three percent of all PHDs were identified during the neonatal period, 56% by 12 months and 72% by 36 months of age. The latest age at diagnosis of GH, ACTH and TSH deficiencies was 9.6, 9.9 and 12.6 years, respectively. Conclusions The majority of the PHDs in ONH develop within the first 3 years of life. We propose evaluation for endocrinopathies at the time of diagnosis of ONH, with repeat assessment for new deficiencies every 3-4 months until age 3 years and at least semi-annually until growth and puberty are complete.
Oncologic oocyte cryopreservation: national comparison of fertility preservation between women with and without cancer

The majority of data regarding oocyte cryopreservation (OC) outcomes focuses on healthy women. We compare trends, cycle characteristics, and outcomes between women freezing oocytes for fertility preservation due to cancer versus elective and other medical or fertility-related diagnoses. Retrospective cohort using national surveillance data includes all autologous OC cycles between 2012 and 2016. Cycles were divided into 4 distinct groups: cancer, elective, infertility, and medically indicated. We calculated trends and compared cycle and outcome characteristics between the 4 groups. We used multivariable log-binomial models to estimate associations between indication and gonadotropin dose, hyperstimulation, and cancelation and used Poisson regression models to estimate associations between indication and oocyte yield and maturity. The study included 29,631 autologous OC cycles. Annual total (2925 to 8828) and cancer-related (177 to 504) cycles increased over the study period; the proportions remained constant. Compared to elective, cancer-related cycles were more likely to be performed among women < 35 years old, with higher BMI, living in the South, using an antagonist protocol. Compared to elective OC cycles, gonadotropin dose (aRR 0.89, 95%CI 0.80–0.99), cancelation (aRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.70–1.14), and hyperstimulation (aRR 1.46, 95%CI 0.77–2.29) were not different for cancer-related cycles. Oocyte yield and percent maturity were comparable in both groups. The number of OC cycles among women with cancer has increased; however, the percentage OC cycles for cancer have remained stable. While patient demographic characteristics were different among those undergoing OC for cancer indication, cycle outcomes were comparable to elective OC. The outcomes of the subsequent oocyte thaw, fertilization, and embryo transfer cycles remain unknown.
“Loose production but great cause!!”: a response to the 2019 Rhetoric Society of America Project in Power, Place, and Publics at the University of Nevada, Reno

The 2019 Rhetoric Society of America Project in Power, Place, and Publics at the University of Nevada, Reno is a nice case study of how interactions between the academy and American Indian tribes d...
Effect of ICD-9 to ICD-10 Transition on Accuracy of Codes for Stage of Diabetic Retinopathy and Related Complications: Results from the CODER Study.

Purpose When the International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision (ICD-9) transitioned to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10), there was a marked increase in the complexity of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes with potential for improved specificity in clinical database research. The purpose of this study was to characterize the accuracy of coding for stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and DR-related complications (including vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma) during this transition. Design Retrospective chart review of 3 time periods corresponding to the use of ICD-9: 2014–2015; “early” use of ICD-10, 2015–2016; and “late” use of ICD-10, 2018–2019. Participants Patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of DR at a multispecialty academic institution. Methods Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and kappa (κ) statistics were generated for each diagnosis. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to assess the significance of the variables. Main Outcome Measure The main outcome was the proportion of agreement between the ICD code and the documented chart standard for stage of DR and DR-related complications. Results A total of 600 patients were included in the study (average age, 61 years; range, 25–93 years). Overall, there was substantial agreement between the ICD codes for stage of DR and the documented standard (κ = 0.66). The proportion of ICD codes in agreement with the documented standard diagnosis increased with time: 66.5%, 78.5%, and 83.3% for ICD-9, “early” ICD-10, and “late” ICD-10, respectively. The odds of agreement were 2.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–4.76, P 90%). The odds of agreement were 19.70 (95% CI, 11.54–33.64, P Conclusions Coding in ICD-10 is more accurate than in ICD-9, particularly for PDR compared with NPDR. The increased accuracy emphasizes the potential for ICD-10 coding to be used effectively in database research.
Sex differences in bonobo (Pan paniscus) terrestriality: implications for human evolution

Recent finds in hominin fossil environments place the transition to terrestriality in a wooded or forested habitat. Therefore, forest-dwelling apes can aid in understanding this important evolutionary transition. Sex differences in ape locomotion have been previously attributed to sexual dimorphism or ecological niche differences between males and females. This study examined the hypothesis that differential advantages of terrestrial travel may impact mating success in male bonobos. We examined whether males are more terrestrial when there are mating benefits for fast travel. We analyzed behavioral data on wild bonobos over a ten-month period in the Lomako Forest, DRC and examined the proportion of time spent at lower heights compared to higher heights between adult females and males relative to their location to feeding contexts with high mating frequencies. We found a significant interaction between sex and height class away from food patches (F=4.65, df =1, p <0.05) such that females were primarily arboreal whereas there was no difference between males across height classes. However, there was also a significant interaction between sex and height class (F =29.35, df =1, p <0.0001) for adults traveling near or entering a food patch. Males often arrived at food patches terrestrially and females arrived almost exclusively arboreally. We found a significant difference between the expected and observed distribution of matings by food patch context (G =114.36, df =4, p <0.0001) such that most mating occurred near or in a food patch. These results suggest that males may travel terrestrially to arrive at food patches before cohesive parties of females arrive arboreally, in order to compete with other males for mating access to these females. Such intrasexual selection for sex differences in locomotion may be important in considerations of the evolution of locomotion strategies in hominins in a forested environment.
Application of In-Home Monitoring Data to Transition Decisions in Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Usability Study.

Background: Continuous in-home monitoring of older adults can provide rich and sensitive data capturing subtle behavioral and cognitive changes. Our previous work has identified multiple metrics that describe meaningful trends in daily activities over time. The continuous, multidomain nature of this technology may also serve to inform caregivers of the need for higher levels of care to maintain the health and safety of at-risk older adults. Accordingly, care decisions can be based on objective, systematically assessed real-time data. Objective: This study deployed a suite of in-home monitoring technologies to detect changing levels of care needs in residents of independent living units in 7 retirement communities and to assess the efficacy of computer-based tools in informing decisions regarding care transitions. Methods: Continuous activity data were presented via an interactive, web-based tool to the staff identified in each facility who were involved in decisions regarding transitions in care among residents. Comparisons were planned between outcomes for residents whose data were shared and those whose data were not made available to the staff. Staff use of the data dashboard was monitored throughout the study, and exit interviews with the staff were conducted to explicate staff interaction with the data platform. Residents were sent weekly self-report questionnaires to document any health- or care-related changes. Results: During the study period, 30 of the 95 residents (32%) reported at least one incidence of new or increased provision of care; 6 residents made a permanent move to a higher level of care within their communities. Despite initial enthusiasm and an iterative process of refinement of measures and modes of data presentation based on staff input, actual inspection and therefore the use of resident data were well below expectation. In total, 11 of the 25 staff participants (44%) logged in to the activity dashboard throughout the study. Survey data and in-depth interviews provided insight into the mismatch between intended and actual use. Conclusions: Most continuous in-home monitoring technology acceptance models focus on perceived usefulness and ease of use and equate the intent to use technology with actual use. Our experience suggests otherwise. We found that multiple intervening variables exist between perceived usefulness, intent to use, and actual use. Ethical, institutional, and social factors are considered in their roles as determinants of use.
Negatively valenced questions with the Korean subject particle ka: Interactional practices for managing discrepancies in knowledge, understanding, or expectations

Abstract This study illustrates Korean speakers' routine practice of deploying the so-called subject particle ka in negatively valenced questions that display incipient disagreement, express disbelief, or make a challenge or complaint. An examination of 18 naturally occurring face-to-face conversations shows that a speaker's selection of the particle in such questions is contingent on neither the grammatical role of the referent (subject) nor the referent's information state (new vs. old). It is instead consistently contingent on the interactional job being done by the question (action formation) and the question's position in the sequential and interactional environment: the speaker questions how a referent is represented or understood in a prior turn, or notes a problem with the current state of the referent, as departing from the speaker's knowledge, understanding, or expectations. The particle serves to bring the target referent to the fore as the object of trouble at that moment of the interaction while leaving other possible candidates behind. This study illuminates the interactional import of the particle ka by demonstrating how it contributes to speakers' practices for managing discrepancies in their knowledge, understanding, or expectations regarding objects or matters in the material and social world with other participants of the talk-in-interaction.
Laser wakefield acceleration

The operation of the laser wake-field accelerator (LWFA), a plasma-based electron acceleration scheme that utilizes a relativistic optical guiding mechanism for laser pulse propagation is described. Laser pulse propagation within a plasma and the subsequent generation of large amplitude plasma waves have been studied analytically and numerically. The laser pulse propagation problem has been formulated self-consistently to include ponderomotive self-focusing effects (in addition to relativistic self-focusing effects) that result from the plasma electron density evolving under the influence of the laser pulse. The generation of large-amplitude plasma waves in regimes where the plasma waves become highly nonlinear has been examined. >
New Product Development Project Management: Differences Between Korean and U.S. Small Business Executives

The manifestation of cross-cultural differences in project management practices in small firms has received scant attention in existing literature. Based on a sample of 66 U.S. business executives and 62 Korean business executives, we find empirical support for the persistence of cross-cultural differences in the decision criteria used in project evaluation and management. Our findings reveal interesting differences in criteria used in project management. For example, while U.S. business executives emphasize safety management, Korean executives did not. We conclude with implications for future research, practitioners, and regulators.
Community Water System Regionalization and Stakeholder Implications: Estimating Effects to Consumers and Purveyors (PREPRINT)

Abstract : The water resource literature documents the solution that community water system regionalization (CWSR) offers, based on economies of scale, to challenges small community water systems (CWSs) face born of financial distress. But in practice very few systems actually regionalize. Imposing a model based on economies of scale, this paper estimates stakeholder implications to consumers and water purveyors that could materialize if CWSR takes place. The analysis applies social welfare theory then, drawing upon the literature and with empirical analysis, estimates consumer surplus and CWS rents to ascertain consumer and purveyor effects. The paper applies the framework to four New Mexico communities and reports results based on expected outcomes within these areas. Results indicate that the magnitude of consumer effects (generally positive) and purveyor effects (also, generally positive) depend on the pricing scheme imposed post regionalization. The results will inform those interested practitioners in CWSR.
Correlation between conformational dynamics and activity in protein kinase A (354.1)

Protein kinases mediate a myriad of cell signaling events. Protein kinase A (PKA) is considered the prototypical kinase, sharing its catalytic core (PKA-C) with many other kinases. Using NMR spectr...
A proof of the trace theorem of Sobolev spaces on Lipschitz domains

A complete proof of the trace theorem of Sobolev spaces on Lipschitz domains has not appeared in the literature yet. The purpose of this paper is to give a complete proof of the trace theorem of Sobolev spaces on Lipschitz domains by taking advantage of the intrinsic norm on Hs(∂Ω). It is proved that the trace operator is a linear bounded operator from Hs(Ω) to Hs− 1 2 (∂Ω) for 1 2 < s < 3 2 .
A parallel algorithm for the Lyapunov matrix equation

This paper presents a new parallel algorithm for solution of a large and dense Lyapunov matrix equation. The algorithm is based on an idea, entirely different from the ones available in the literature now both for parallel and sequential solutions of the problem. The preliminary modest test results show that the algorithm is efficient and accurate. Further studies are currently underway.
Sex and a Drinking Song

In this essay, I introduce Ikkyū Sōjun’s amoralism under the heading of negative ethics. I do so in the light of contemporary accounts of what some have called “Zen ethics.” Pushing away from such readings, the essay raises the issue of authority in Zen, whether it is construed as the authority of the dharma, the sangha, or the Buddha. Turning to the poetry of Ikkyū, I demonstrate that any such construing misses themark. As an alternative, I offer a reading of Ikkyū that takes meta-ethics as its starting point. I read Ikkyū’s amoralism as a particular form of negative ethics. This point is drawn out further with an examination of the reversibility (and ultimate inseparability) of seeming opposites.
Delayed biliary-to-bowel transit in cholescintigraphy after cholecystokinin treatment.

The authors assessed the influence of cholecystokinin (CCK), administered before cholescintigraphy, on the biliary-to-bowel transit time (BBTT) of technetium-99m disofenin. Fourteen healthy volunteers underwent two separate cholescintigraphic studies with and without CCK treatment. BBTT was less than 1 hour in all 14 studies of subjects not treated with CCK. In 14 subjects treated with CCK, there was no tracer activity in the bowel up to 2 hours in seven (50%) (P = .006). Eighty-three cholescintigrams obtained in patients with suspected acute cholecystitis were also retrospectively analyzed. In 53 of 83 patients in whom the gallbladder was visualized within 1 hour, significantly delayed BBTT was found in 14 of 29 (48%) who received CCK, compared with the BBTT in one of 24 patients (4%) who did not receive CCK (P less than .001). In the 30 patients in whom the gallbladder was never visualized (n = 28) or was visualized after 1 hour (n = 2), BBTT was less than 30 minutes, regardless of whether patients were...
Robust micromechanical neurite elicitation in synapse-competent neurons via magnetic bead force application

The ability to engineer living networks of interconnected neurons with specified connectivity would facilitate the study of synaptogenesis and information processing in the nervous system. Previously, we found that a neurite can be elicited from embryonic chick forebrain neurons by direct mechanical means using magnetic bead force application (MBFA); however, our previous studies and others focused on young, synapse-incompetent neurons. To address this issue, we tested cultures of embryonic chick forebrain neurons of varying age and found that neurites could be micromechanically elicited via MBFA at all ages tested, which ranged between 7 and 22 embryonic equivalent (EE) days (days in ovo plus days in vitro). The probability of neurite initiation was at least 40% for all ages, with a maximum of ∼80% after 2–4 days in vitro, and a decrease to ∼60% by day 10 in vitro. The force required to elicit a neurite was ∼1500 pN with a minimum of ∼700 pN at embryonic equivalent day 14. The probability of success was similar for two rates of force application (10 and 500 pN/s). Neurite initiation via micromechanical force is robust with respect to cell age, and micromechanical force can induce neurites in synapse-competent neurons.
Total Least Squares for Anomalous Change Detection

A family of subtraction-based anomalous change detection algorithms is derived from a total least squares (TLSQ) framework. This provides an alternative to the well-known chronochrome algorithm, which is derived from ordinary least squares. In both cases, the most anomalous changes are identified with the pixels that exhibit the largest residuals with respect to the regression of the two images against each other. The family of TLSQbased anomalous change detectors is shown to be equivalent to the subspace RX formulation for straight anomaly detection, but applied to the stacked space. However, this family is not invariant to linear coordinate transforms. On the other hand, whitened TLSQ is coordinate invariant, and special cases of it are equivalent to canonical correlation analysis and optimized covariance equalization. What whitened TLSQ offers is a generalization of these algorithms with the potential for better performance.
Chemoreception in four species of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnida): behavioural and morphological evidence

Silver nitrate staining of the solenidial and eupathidial sensilla on the palpi, tarsi and tibiae of legs I and II of Arrenurus acutus, Geayia ovata, Mideopsis reelfootensis and Albia caerulea, along with ultrastructural studies, showed that these setae have a porous shaft cuticle. These setae are hollow and contain dendrites in their lumens and more than one neuron is associated with each setae. Behavioural experiments supported the involvement of these sensilla in the perception of chemical cues from prey and sexual partners.
Pediatric arytenoid dislocation: diagnosis and treatment

Arytenoid dislocation and subluxation are well-described injuries in adults but are poorly documented in children. The most commonly cited etiology is intubation trauma although external blunt trauma also is recognized. Symptoms include dysphonia, vocal fatigue, loss of vocal control, breathiness, odynophagia, dysphagia, dyspnea, and cough. Prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to the best chance for recovery, and delayed treatment is likely to result in scarring and possibly ankylosis. The mean age of our study group was 12.3 years and consisted of six males (55%) and five females (45%). The most commonly presenting symptom was hoarseness (81.8%). Six of the 11 patients underwent surgical correction of the dislocated arytenoid cartilage. Four patients refused any treatment and one patient received voice therapy alone. Two patients who refused surgical intervention had spontaneous reduction of their dislocations. After surgical intervention, one patient regained normal voice, four patients had substantial voice improvement without return to preinjury vocal function, and one patient had only slight voice improvement. Pediatric symptoms are similar to these in adults, yet these may be less noticeable to the patient and clinician. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose and treat pediatric arytenoid dislocation.
Structured virtual synchrony: exploring the bounds of virtual synchronous group communication

Multipoint communication protocols that offer group membership and virtually synchronous message delivery are commonly believed to be heavyweight and non-scalable. To meet the needs of large-scale computer-supported collaborative work, distributed parallel computing, and future worldwide applications, we designed the Structured Virtual Synchrony (SVS) protocol. The protocol has been implemented as part of Horus, a group communication system developed at Cornell University. It scales up to 800 members, while achieving a one-way latency of 100 milliseconds over groups of 500 members.
On the completely-Q property for linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras

Abstract In this article, we introduce and study ultra and super SSM-(cone GUS)-properties for linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras. We show that the Jordan quadratic strict semimonotonicity (JQSSM)-property is equivalent to the completely-Q-property for linear transformations on any Euclidean Jordan algebra. Also, we investigate some interconnections between the SSM-property, the Jordan linear SSM (JLSSM)-property, and the completely-Q property on a Euclidean Jordan algebra. Moreover, we give a characterization of the completely-Q property on the Jordan spin algebra and study the completely-Q property for some special transformations on a Euclidean Jordan algebra.
Modular gene-circuit design takes two steps forward

Work from two independent groups opens the door to designing gene circuits with advanced regulatory functions.
The cyclic stress-strain response of polycrystalline AlZnMg alloy and commercial alloys based on this system

Abstract An investigation of cyclic response has been made of pure AlZnMg ternary alloy, heat treated by two methods so as to produce shearable and non- shearable precipitates, and two commercial alloys based on this system. A particular feature of the investigation was the measurement of cyclic stress-strain curves at very low strains not hitherto reported for aluminum-based commercial alloys. Plateaux have not been observed in the cyclic stress-strain curves of any of these alloys. The AlZnMg alloy was found to be cyclically stable for both heat treatments, and the constituent and dispersoid particles in the commercial alloys also helped to suppress any evidence of strain localization in the cyclic stress-strain curves. Life measurements for these alloys are also reported.
Final report on exposure during pregnancy from a pregnancy registry for quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine

Abstract Objective To better describe the safety profile of pregnancy exposures to the qHPV vaccine by acquiring and analyzing post-marketing data on pregnancy outcomes. Methods This is a voluntary, post-marketing prenatal vaccine exposure registry. Enrollment criteria included an identifiable patient and health care provider from the United States, France, or Canada and exposure within 1 month before the date of onset of the last menstrual period or at any time during pregnancy. Outcomes of interest were pregnancy outcomes and birth defects. Prospectively reported cases were used for rate calculations. Results For the 1752 prospective reports with known outcome, 1518 (86.6%) were live births, including ten twin pregnancies. Of 1527 neonates, 1444 (94.6%) had no congenital anomalies. The overall rate of spontaneous abortion was 6.7 per 100 outcomes (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5–8.2). The prevalence of major birth defects was 2.4 per 100 live-born neonates (95% CI 1.7–3.3). There were 12 fetal deaths (0.8 per 100 outcomes, 95% CI 0.4–1.4). Conclusion Rates of spontaneous abortions and major birth defects were not greater than the general population rates. Although no adverse signals have been identified to date, the qHPV vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Jihad after Iraq: Lessons from the Arab Afghans

The defeat of Al Qaeda in Iraq may generate new threats associated with the dispersal of its fighters in the region and around the world. Veterans of earlier insurgencies and civil wars in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Chechnya moved from one conflict zone to another, lending combatants valuable skills and networks of support. The flight of Iraq's irreconcilable insurgents is a greater threat to global security than the one posed by the Arab Afghans because of the range of combat experiences and skills acquired in Iraq since 2003. This manuscript revisits the history of Arab veterans of the anti-Soviet struggle in Afghanistan (1979–1989) to draw out lessons for countering the current bleed out from Iraq. It explores the diverse pathways taken by these “Arab Afghans” and the factors that facilitated different patterns of dispersal around the globe. The article concludes with broad strategic recommendations for counterterrorism measures.
The exchange of infrared radiative energy in the troposphere

On the basis of an atmospheric condition of a six-layer general circulation model of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the spatial and the spectral partition of the long-wave radiation energy exchange in the model atmosphere is investigated and its implications are discussed. It is found that most of the energy is exchanged between adjacent layers and through the wings of strong lines. The strong line approximation is found to be a good approximation for water vapor transmittance. Cooling to space, however, is found to be a poor approximation for the total cooling rate. Both the strong line and cooling to space approximation are discussed in the content of the energy exchange findings.
Effects of antihypertensive drugs atenolol and nifedipine on sexual function in older men: A placebo-controlled, crossover study

Investigated the adverse sexual effects of two antihypertensive drugs, atenolol and slow-release nifedipine, in a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study. Subjects were 16 older men (mean age = 66.6 years, SEM = 1.4) with mild to moderate hypertension. Subjects completed daily self-reports on 13 measures of sexuality: frequency of desire, coitus, noncoital partner sex, masturbation, morning erections, spontaneous erections, orgasms in coitus and masturbation, firmness of morning, masturbatory and coital erections, and subjective pleasure in coitus and masturbation. Except for a significant decrease in masturbatory erectile firmness with nifedipine therapy, variables did not differ between the two drug treatments or between either drug and placebo. Although the sample was relatively small, small differences between treatment means suggest that these antihypertensive agents are fairly benign relative to sexual function in men.
Cerenkov Light Tomography of 131I-labeled Ligands in Small Animal Tumor Models

Cerenkov light tomography calculates the distribution of 131I-labeled ligands by taking optical images at the tissue surface. We demonstrate the feasibility on a SK-NEP-1 tumor model and validate the results with SPECT.
Abstract 4450: Navigating Latinas with breast screen abnormalities to diagnosis: The Six Cities Study

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL BACKGROUND: We sought to compare time from initial abnormal breast screen to definitive diagnosis between navigated and non-navigated patients in racially/ethnically diverse Latina women in six U.S. cities. METHODS: Eligible Latinas had an abnormality of BIRADS 3, 4, or 5 detected on a mammogram, clinical breast exam, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound between July 2008 and December 2010 in six U.S. cities (San Antonio, Miami, Houston, San Diego, New York, and San Francisco). Data were pooled for this analysis. Navigated patients received assistance by locally trained navigators using a patient-centered model suggested by Harold Freeman and endorsed by the Institute of Medicine. Non-navigated patient data was obtained via retrospective medical chart review. We used Log-Rank Chi-squared tests to evaluate bivariate associations with dependent variables and Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses to compare time-to-diagnosis and timely diagnosis estimates between Navigated and Control group Latinas. RESULTS: Among 480 women with initial BIRADS 3, 4, or 5 results, follow-up data was available for 425 (88.5%). Radiologic classification of initial abnormality (BIRADS), rather than any other sociodemographic or clinical characteristic was the only significant predictor of overall and timely diagnosis. Data for women with an initial BIRADS 3 result were adjusted to control clinician-imposed diagnostic delays. Of all women, > 95% achieved definitive diagnosis within 180 days. Median time to definitive diagnosis was significantly reduced among navigated compared to non-navigated Latinas (20 days versus 27 days, hazard ratio [HR] 1.32, p = .007). This translates to a 132% increase in rates of diagnosis among navigated women. This effect was primarily observed in women with an initial BIRADS 3 result, especially when adjusted for clinically directed waiting periods between initial and follow-up screening examinations. Among navigated patients, only between-BIRADS variation rather than sociodemographic characteristics, number of barriers to care, insurance status or type or site-specific variables were associated with timely or time-to-diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-centered navigation to assist Latina women with breast screening abnormalities reduces median time-to-diagnosis by approximately 25% when types of screening abnormality and barriers to care are addressed at patient level. Community-based interventions may be the most effective means to reduce cancer health disparities when addressing the needs of underserved populations. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4450. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4450
Through-Plane Water Transport Visualization in an Operating PEM Fuel Cell by Visible and Infrared Imaging

In this study, the liquid water emergence and transport within anode and cathode gas diffusion layers in an operating fuel cell was observed from the cross-section with a digital microscope and a high resolution infrared camera. In the cathode, water droplets were found to be formed on the channel side of the GDL cross-section, while little water was detected in the vicinity of the microporous layer. This finding suggested that water was condensing inside the GDL and may imply the existence of a condensation front, which has been predicted by numerical simulation but previously has not been verified experimentally. The anode results indicate that water was transported through anode GDL dominantly in the vapor form. The temperature distributions across the anode and cathode GDL were also measured with a high resolution infrared camera. These visualizations provided critical information on the water transport across a fuel cell.
Seasonal recharge components in an urban/agricultural mountain front aquifer system using noble gas thermometry

Summary Thirteen noble gas samples were collected from eleven wells and two mountain springs in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, USA to derive recharge temperatures using noble gas thermometry. One common assumption with noble gas thermometry is that recharge temperatures are roughly equal to the mean annual surface temperature. When water table depths are shallow or variable, or infiltration is seasonal recharge temperatures may be significantly different from the mean annual surface temperature. Water table depths throughout the study area were used to estimate recharge source temperatures using an infiltration-weighted recharge temperature model which takes into account a time-variable water table. This model was applied to six different seasonally-dependent recharge scenarios. The modeled recharge temperatures for all scenarios showed a strong dependence of recharge temperature on mean annual depth to water. Temperature results from the different recharge scenarios ranged from near the mean annual surface temperature to as much as 6 °C warmer. This compared well to noble gas derived recharge temperatures from the valley wells which ranged from 5 °C below to 7.4 °C above the mean annual surface temperature of the valley. Cooler temperatures suggest an influence of recharge through the adjacent mountain block while warmer temperatures suggest an influence from summer irrigation.