cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-development: Integrating cognitive, socioemotional, and neuroimaging perspectives

This review integrates cognitive, socioemotional, and neuroimaging perspectives on self-development. Neural correlates of key processes implicated in personal and social identity are reported from studies of children, adolescents, and adults, including autobiographical memory, direct and reflected self-appraisals, and social exclusion. While cortical midline structures of medial prefrontal cortex and medial posterior parietal cortex are consistently identified in neuroimaging studies considering personal identity from a primarily cognitive perspective (“who am I?”), additional regions are implicated by studies considering personal and social identity from a more socioemotional perspective (“what do others think about me, where do I fit in?”), especially in child or adolescent samples. The involvement of these additional regions (including tempo–parietal junction and posterior superior temporal sulcus, temporal poles, anterior insula, ventral striatum, anterior cingulate cortex, middle cingulate cortex, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) suggests mentalizing, emotion, and emotion regulation are central to self-development. In addition, these regions appear to function atypically during personal and social identity tasks in autism and depression, exhibiting a broad pattern of hypoactivation and hyperactivation, respectively.
Hyperspectral resolution enhancement with an arbitrary point spread function

Several remote sensing platforms have been developed that include boresighted hyperspectral and panchromatic imaging sensors. The NASA EO-1 platform is a prime example, and includes the hyperspectral Hyperion sensor and multispectral Advanced Land Imager (ALI). Typically in these cases, the panchromatic imagery that is produced is of higher spatial resolution than the hyperspectral imagery. In the NASA EO-1 case, for example, Hyperion exhibits a 30 meter ground sample distance (GSD) and the ALI includes a 10 meter GSD panchromatic band. This paper addresses the issue of combining concurrent imagery from both sources with the goal of deriving a hyperspectral image with the spectral resolution of the hyperspectral data source and the spatial resolution of the panchromatic data source. Specifically, the use of a stochastic mixing model (SMM) along with MAP estimation is extended to the case where the point spread function of the hyperspectral sensor is not assumed to be detector-limited. This case is addressed by using an iterative optimization strategy based on a parametric description of the point spread function of the hyperspectral sensor. Results indicate that the iterative approach appears to find the optimal MAP solution. This paper summarizes the MAP/SMM enhancement method, the iterative optimization strategy, and enhancement results.
Assessing Raster GIS Approximation for Euclidean Shortest Path Routing

Identifying a route that avoids obstacles in continuous space is important for infrastructure alignment, robotic travel, and virtual object path planning, among others, because movement through space is not restricted to a predefined road or other network. Vector and raster GIS (geographic information system) solution approaches have been developed to find good/efficient routes. On the vector side, recent solution approaches exploit spatial knowledge and utilize GIS functionality, offering significant computational advantages in finding an optimal solution to this path routing problem. Raster-based shortest path techniques are widely applied in route planning for wayfinding, corridor alignment, robotics and video gaming to derive an obstacle avoiding path, but represent an approximation approach for solving this problem. This research compares vector and raster approaches for identifying obstacle-avoiding shortest paths/routes. Empirical assessment is carried out for a number of planning applications, highlighting representational issues, computational requirements and resulting path efficiency.
Gastric blood flow

Summary The role of gastric distention in regulating blood flow and its distribution within the gastric microcirculation was determined by the radiorubidium clearance technic. Gastric distention produces a profound and selective reduction in blood flow to the mucosa and submucosa of the corpus without altering blood flow to the adjacent muscularis. It is suggested that these changes in gastric blood flow result from lengthening and narrowing of the submucosal vessels of the distended corpus.
Composite nanomaterial thin film-based biosensors

This paper reports a new class of biosensors based on composite nanomaterial thin film. The composite nanomaterial film is synthesized using a simple vacuum filtration method. Using composite nanomaterial film, we can not only simplify the positioning and integration fabrication process of nanoscale materials into a functional device, but also enhance the sensing surface area significantly, which might open an opportunity to fabricate devices for ultrasensitive biosensing in a cost-effective way. Systematic measurements find that the composite film, containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and SnO 2 nanoparticles, shows the similar field effect as that of single CNTs or nanowires (NWs) and its resistance changes upon binding to biomolecules during a bioassay process.
Projection defocus analysis for scene capture and image display

In order to produce bright images, projectors have large apertures and hence narrow depths of field. In this paper, we present methods for robust scene capture and enhanced image display based on projection defocus analysis. We model a projector's defocus using a linear system. This model is used to develop a novel temporal defocus analysis method to recover depth at each camera pixel by estimating the parameters of its projection defocus kemel in frequency domain. Compared to most depth recovery methods, our approach is more accurate near depth discontinuities. Furthermore, by using a coaxial projector-camera system, we ensure that depth is computed at all camera pixels, without any missing parts. We show that the recovered scene geometry can be used for refocus synthesis and for depth-based image composition. Using the same projector defocus model and estimation technique, we also propose a defocus compensation method that filters a projection image in a spatially-varying, depth-dependent manner to minimize its defocus blur after it is projected onto the scene. This method effectively increases the depth of field of a projector without modifying its optics. Finally, we present an algorithm that exploits projector defocus to reduce the strong pixelation artifacts produced by digital projectors, while preserving the quality of the projected image. We have experimentally verified each of our methods using real scenes.
A nonconvex cost optimization approach to tracking multiple targets

The problem of tracking multiple targets in the presence of displacement noise and clutter is formulated as a nonconvex optimisation problem. The form of the suggested cost function is shown to be suitable for the graduated nonconvexity algorithm, which can be viewed as deterministic annealing. The method is first derived for the two-dimensional (spatial/temporal) case, and then generalized to the multidimensional case. The complexity grows linearly with the number of targets. Computer simulations show the performance with crossing trajectories. >
A randomized trial of direct-to-patient communication to enhance adherence to β-blocker therapy following myocardial infarction

Background Although β-blockers are routinely prescribed at hospital discharge after myocardial infarction (MI), patients' adherence has been shown to decline substantially over time. We sought to test the hypothesis that a simple, direct-to-patient intervention can improve adherence to β-blocker therapy following MI. Methods We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in 4 geographically dispersed health maintenance organizations testing the hypothesis that a simple direct-to-patient intervention could improve adherence. The study was carried out from June 2004 to March 2005. The primary analyses were based on 836 post-MI patients who were dispensed a β-blocker prescription after discharge. The intervention consisted of 2 mailings 2 months apart describing the importance of β-blocker use. The main outcomes were proportion of days covered with β-blocker therapy and percentage of patients with at least 80% of days covered in the 9 months after the first mailing. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, total medications dispensed, days between MI and intervention, and intervention site. Results Over the entire follow-up period, patients in the treatment arm had a mean absolute increase of 4.3% of days covered per month compared with patients in the control arm (a 5.7% relative change from baseline), representing 1.3 extra days ( P = .04). Treatment patients were 17% more likely (relative risk, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.29) to have 80% of days covered. For every 16 patients receiving the intervention, 1 additional patient would become adherent (80% or more days covered per month). Conclusion A low-cost, easily replicable effort to increase adherence can have a demonstrable impact on β-blocker adherence following MI. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00211172
Real time repeated video sequence identification

In this paper, we present a real time system for detecting repeated video clips from a live video source such as news broadcasts. Our system utilizes customized temporal video segmentation techniques to automatically partition the digital video signal into semantically sensible shots and scenes. As each frame of the video source is processed, we extract auxiliary information to facilitate repeated sequence detection. When the video transition marking the end of the shot/scene is detected, we are able to rapidly locate all previous occurrences of the video clip. Our objective is to use repeated sequence information in our multimedia content analysis application to deduce semantic relationships among shots/scenes in the input video. Our real time video processing techniques are independent of source and domain and can be applied to other applications such as commercial detection and improved video compression.
Triplate-fed arbitrarily-shaped annular ring slot antennas

In wireless communications, conformal antennas such as the slot antennas are integrated into the portable terminals. However, the energy of the annular ring slot antenna will radiate into the whole space, so a triplate structure is chosen to back-up the slot and increase the radiation efficiency into the upper half space. The mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) based on the moment method is used to analyse the the frequency behaviour of the return loss, impedance and radiation characteristics of this antenna.
Transient appearance of lectin receptors onRhizobium trifolii

The appearance on the surface ofRhizobium trifolii 0403 of determinants important to both clover lectin (trifoliin) binding and adherence of the bacteria to clover root epithelial surfaces was studied by quantitative agglutination, immunofluorescence, and direct microscopic techniques. These unique determinants were found for only transient periods of time—as cells left lag phase and as they entered stationary phase of growth in broth. When present, these receptors were associated with a fibrillar polyanionic capsule surrounding the cells when grown on solid medium. These studies support earlier proposals that the architecture of the rhizobial cell surface is not constant in composition, but changes with the phase of growth.
Combined fluticasone propionate and salmeterol reduces RSV infection more effectively than either of them alone in allergen-sensitized mice

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the major cause of bronchiolitis in infants and is a risk factor for the development of asthma. Allergic asthmatics are more susceptible to RSV infection and viral exacerbation. Since the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating RSV infection has been controversial, we tested fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol (Sal) alone versus FP plus Sal (FPS) on RSV-induced airway inflammation. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and infected with RSV. Following infection they were treated with FP, Sal, or FPS intranasally and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), inflammation and RSV titers were examined. The group treated with FPS showed significantly lower AHR compared to the group treated with FP or Sal alone. The group treated with FP alone showed slightly decreased (non-significant) AHR compared to controls. Treatment with FPS resulted in significant decreases in the percentage of eosinophils and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in lung pathology compared to FP or Sal. FP alone decreased eosinophils but not neutrophils or lymphocytes, while Sal alone decreased eosinophils and neutrophils but not lymphocytes. FPS treatment of mice infected with RSV in the absence of allergen sensitization resulted in a 50% decrease of RSV titer in the lung and a reduction in neutrophils compared to FP or Sal. Together, these results indicate that fluticasone in combination with salmeterol is a more effective treatment for decreasing airway hyperreactivity and inflammation than either of them alone in allergen-sensitized, RSV-infected mice.
Differential stability of β-catenin along the animal-vegetal axis of the sea urchin embryo mediated by dishevelled

β-Catenin has a central role in the early axial patterning of metazoan embryos. In the sea urchin, β-catenin accumulates in the nuclei of vegetal blastomeres and controls endomesoderm specification. Here, we use in-vivo measurements of the half-life of fluorescently tagged β-catenin in specific blastomeres to demonstrate a gradient in β-catenin stability along the animal-vegetal axis during early cleavage. This gradient is dependent on GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin. Calculations show that the difference in β-catenin half-life at the animal and vegetal poles of the early embryo is sufficient to produce a difference of more than 100-fold in levels of the protein in less than 2 hours. We show that dishevelled (Dsh), a key signaling protein, is required for the stabilization of β-catenin in vegetal cells and provide evidence that Dsh undergoes a local activation in the vegetal region of the embryo. Finally, we report that GFP-tagged Dsh is targeted specifically to the vegetal cortex of the fertilized egg. During cleavage, Dsh-GFP is partitioned predominantly into vegetal blastomeres. An extensive mutational analysis of Dsh identifies several regions of the protein that are required for vegetal cortical targeting, including a phospholipid-binding motif near the N-terminus.
Primary and secondary phase separation in GeS 2 -La 2 S 3 glasses

GeS2 is known to be a good chalcogenide glass former with a transmission cut off at 1 1 . tm and has been studied for its application in the mid infrared region. The rare earth sulfides (La-Er) form reasonably good and stable glasses when mixed with other chalcogenides such as Ga2S3. In this work glass formation was studied in the GeS2- La2S3 system. Two compositions containing 60 mol and 92. 5 mol GeS2 respectively were studied and the effect of composition on the microstructure and thermal stability of these glasses were investigated. Microstructural analyses were performed on the as prepared and heat treated glasses using TEM and SEM/EDXA. Glasses rich in GeS2 exhibited primary (6-80 nm) and secondary (3-13 nm) phase seperation at the molecular level. Differential thermal analysis performed on these glasses indicated glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 590C and 420C for the two compositions studied. The glasses were stable and the (Tg) was observed to decrease with increasing contents of GeS2 in these glasses. 1.
Lead Inhibition of DNA-Binding Mechanism of Cys2His2 Zinc Finger Proteins

The association of lead with chromatin in cells suggests that deleterious metal effects may in part be mediated through alterations in gene function. To elucidate if and how lead may alter DNA binding of cysteine-rich zinc finger proteins, lead ions were analyzed for their ability to alter the DNA binding mechanism of the Cys2His2 zinc finger protein transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA). As assayed by DNase I protection, the interaction of TFIIIA with the 50-bp internal control region of the 5S ribosomal gene was partially inhibited by 5 μM lead ions and completely inhibited by 10 to 20 μM lead ions. Preincubation of free TFIIIA with lead resulted in DNA-binding inhibition, whereas preincubation of a TFIIIA/5S RNA complex with lead did not result in DNA-binding inhibition. Because 5S RNA binds TFIIIA zinc fingers, this result is consistent with an inhibition mechanism via lead binding to zinc fingers. The complete loss of DNase I protection on the 5S gene indicates the mechanism of inhibition minimally involves the N-terminal fingers of TFIIIA. Inhibition was not readily reversible and occurred in the presence of an excess of β-mercaptoethanol. Inhibition kinetics were fast, progressing to completion in ∼5 min. Millimolar concentrations of sulfhydryl-specific arsenic ions were not inhibitory for TFIIIA binding. Micromolar concentrations of lead inhibited DNA binding by Sp1, another Cys2His2 finger protein, but not by the nonfinger protein AP2. Inhibition of Cys2His2 zinc finger transcription factors by lead ions at concentrations near those known to have deleterious physiological effects points to new molecular mechanisms for lead toxicity in promoting disease.
Rural tourism: an international perspective

Initially, the thought of reading 21 chapters on rural tourism invoked an anticipation of repetition and redundancy. However, Katherine Draper provides a valuable insight into the diversity and com...
Charting race: the success of Black performers in the mainstream recording market, 1940 to 1990

Abstract What factors shape the relative success of Black performers in the U.S. recording business? Two literatures suggest a range of hypotheses; one literature deals with concentration and diversity within markets and the other deals with the history of media and popular music as it pertains to issues of race. We test these hypotheses by analyzing the quarterly percentage of Black performers found on the mainstream popularity charts from 1940 to 1990. We find support for hypotheses from both literatures. Regarding the first literature, high concentration dampens the relative success of Black performers, but its negative impact is offset as recording firms embrace decentralized production. Regarding the second literature, several historical developments are key: the relative success of Black performers was dampened when networks dominated the radio industry and when the recording industry endured a recession; the relative success of Black performers expanded during periods of heightened racial conflict and during the integration of a key union, the American Federation of Musicians.
Measurement of metal induced recombination in solar cells

Metal induced recombination is a significant loss mechanism in standard and especially in high efficiency solar cells. It is usually measured by making solar cells with different metal contact areas, and inferring the metal induced recombination rate from the change in open circuit voltage. There are many errors which can occur if the test structure is not designed correctly - a small finger spacing should be used, with variable finger width to change the contact area.
Optimal Pricing and Advertising Policies for Web Services

The accumulated evidence indicates that pure revenue models, such as free-access models (where the revenue is solely dependent on advertisements) or pure subscription fee based models (where the revenue is solely based on subscription fees, and advertisements are not shown to customers), are not sufficient to support the survival of online information sellers. Hence, hybrid models based on a combination of subscription fees and advertising revenues have replaced the pure revenue models on many web sites including the popular online content provider sites such as Wall Street Journal and Classmates Inc. In response to increasing interest in hybrid models, we study the problem of dynamic pricing of web content on a site where revenue is generated from subscription fee as well as advertisements. Using the optimal control theory, we obtain a dynamic pricing strategy of subscription and the optimal level of advertisements shown to the subscribers. Since the decision in any one time period affects the decisions of all subsequent time periods, the proposed dynamic model provides a globally optimal solution. Our model shows that the subscription fee is reduced initially to attract more customers, and is subsequently increased once a large customer base is obtained. Even when the fee increases in later periods, the number of subscribers increases due to the value associated with the quality of the content. We present several analytical and numerical results which provide some important managerial implications.
Measuring Outcome Expectancies for Specific Coping Behaviors: the Coping Expectancies Scale (CES)

Outcome expectancies for specific coping strategies may help explain why people vary in their choices of coping strategies (e.g., whether to smoke a cigarette or talk to a friend). These choices have relevance to both physical and mental health. The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of a new measure of mood regulation expectancies for specific explicit coping strategies, the Coping Expectancies Scale (CES). 552 adults completed the CES and other measures online. Factor analysis of the CES using Maximum Likelihood Extraction with promax rotation revealed three factors: Expectancies for Passive/Avoidant Coping, Expectancies for Active Behavioral Coping, and Expectancies for Active Cognitive Coping. Concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity for these factors were strong, as was retest reliability. The CES enables researchers to measure expectancies for specific coping strategies, which may in turn help to explain people’s choices of strategies. In addition, the ability to measure these expectancies may allow for the development of treatment interventions that directly target them, ultimately enabling clients to adjust their expectancies and their choices of coping behavior, with implications for health and well-being.
From Lobster Shells to Plastic Objects: A Bioplastics Activity

A multiple day activity for students to create large-scale plastic objects from the biopolymer chitin (major component of lobster, crab, and shrimp shells) is described. The plastic objects created are durable and made from benign materials, making them suitable for students to take home to play with. Since the student-created plastic objects are sourced from biomass and fully compostable, the activity provides an opportunity to discuss depleting petrochemical resources and biorenewable feedstocks as well as issues of biodegradation vs persistence.
CSF1 overexpression promotes high-grade glioma formation without impacting the polarization status of glioma-associated microglia and macrophages.

Current therapies for high-grade gliomas extend survival only modestly. The glioma microenvironment, including glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAM), is a potential therapeutic target. The microglia/macrophage cytokine CSF1 and its receptor CSF1R are overexpressed in human high-grade gliomas. To determine whether the other known CSF1R ligand IL34 is expressed in gliomas, we examined expression array data of human high-grade gliomas and performed RT-PCR on glioblastoma sphere-forming cell lines (GSC). Expression microarray analyses indicated that CSF1, but not IL34, is frequently overexpressed in human tumors. We found that while GSCs did express CSF1, most GSC lines did not express detectable levels of IL34 mRNA. We therefore studied the impact of modulating CSF1 levels on gliomagenesis in the context of the GFAP-V12Ha-ras-IRESLacZ (Ras*) model. Csf1 deficiency deterred glioma formation in the Ras* model, whereas CSF1 transgenic overexpression decreased the survival of Ras* mice and promoted the formation of high-grade gliomas. Conversely, CSF1 overexpression increased GAM density, but did not impact GAM polarization state. Regardless of CSF1 expression status, most GAMs were negative for the M2 polarization markers ARG1 and CD206; when present, ARG1(+) and CD206(+) cells were found in regions of peripheral immune cell invasion. Therefore, our findings indicate that CSF1 signaling is oncogenic during gliomagenesis through a mechanism distinct from modulating GAM polarization status. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2552-60. ©2016 AACR.
A thermodynamic analysis of the π * and ET(30) polarity scales

The solvent-induced UV−vis spectral shifts in 4-nitroanisole and pyridinium N-phenoxide betaine-30 dyes utilized in the famous π* and ET(30) polarity scales, respectively, are analyzed by molecular theories in terms of long-range solute−solvent interactions due to induction, dispersion, and dipole−dipole forces. The solvent-induced shift is represented as a sum of the differential solute−solvent internal energy and the differential energy of binding the solvent molecules in the solute vicinity. The aim of the study is 3−fold: (i) to clarify and quantify the relative effects of the three types of interactions, (ii) to elicit the magnitude of the effect of specific forces, and (iii) to evaluate the contribution of the differential solvent binding to the spectral shift. For (i), the dye properties directing the weighting are the size and the differences in both polarizability and dipole moment between ground and excited states. Accordingly, the distinctions π* vs ET(30) derive from the different sizes (4.5 ...
Economic-Injury Levels of the Potato Leafhopper on Soybeans in Iowa

Experimental populations of Empoasca fabae (Harris) were studied during the summers of 1971 and 1972 to determine economic-injury levels on soybeans. Caged leafhoppers were allowed to feed on soybeans in the Iowa State University Insectary Garden during soybean stages V1 (1st trifoliate leaf), R4 (beginning bloom), and R7 (rapid bean development). Results showed consistent decreasing trends in soybean yield with increasing potato leafhopper numbers. Based on mean soybean-market values and insect control costs for 1971 and 1972, economic-injury levels determined were 1, 9, and 18 leafhoppers/plant for soybean stages V1, R4, and R7, respectively.
Estradiol-induced attenuation of pulmonary hypertension is not associated with altered eNOS expression.

Female rats develop less severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in response to chronic hypoxia compared with males, thus implicating a potential role for ovarian hormones in mediating this gender diffe...
Lysyl oxidase is associated with increased thrombosis and platelet reactivity

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is overexpressed in various pathologies associated with thrombosis, such as arterial stenosis and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). LOX is elevated in the megakaryocytic lineage of mouse models of MPNs and in patients with MPNs. To gain insight into the role of LOX in thrombosis and platelet function without compounding the influences of other pathologies, transgenic mice expressing LOX in wild-type megakaryocytes and platelets (Pf4-Lox(tg/tg)) were generated. Pf4-Lox(tg/tg) mice had a normal number of platelets; however, time to vessel occlusion after endothelial injury was significantly shorter in Pf4-Lox(tg/tg) mice, indicating a higher propensity for thrombus formation in vivo. Exploring underlying mechanisms, we found that Pf4-Lox(tg/tg) platelets adhere better to collagen and have greater aggregation response to lower doses of collagen compared with controls. Platelet activation in response to the ligand for collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (cross-linked collagen-related peptide) was unaffected. However, the higher affinity of Pf4-Lox(tg/tg) platelets to the collagen sequence GFOGER implies that the collagen receptor integrin α2β1 is affected by LOX. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that LOX enhances platelet activation and thrombosis.
Modeling ischemia in vitro: selective depletion of adenine and guanine nucleotide pools

Intracellular ATP depletion is a hallmark event in ischemic injury. It has been extensively characterized in models of chemical anoxia in vitro. In contrast, the fate of GTP during ischemia remains unknown. We used LLC-PK proximal tubular cells to measure GTP and ATP changes during anoxia. In 45 min, antimycin A decreased ATP and GTP to 8% and 2% of controls, respectively. Ischemia in vivo resulted in comparable reductions in GTP and ATP. After 2 h of recovery, GTP levels in LLC-PK cells increased to 65% while ATP increased to 29%. We also investigated steady-state models of selective ATP or GTP depletion. Combinations of antimycin A and mycophenolic acid selectively reduced GTP to 51% or 25% of control. Similarly, alanosine selectively reduced ATP to 61% or 26% of control. Selective GTP depletion resulted in significant apoptosis. Selective ATP depletion caused mostly necrosis. These models of ATP or GTP depletion can prove useful in dissecting the relative contribution of the two nucleotides to the ischemic phenotype.
The One-Hour Two-Dose Dextrose Tolerance Test

Alimentary glucose tolerance tests are in general use because they tell more about the way an organism handles carbohydrates than other clinical methods. Like them, however, sugar tolerance tests also have limitations which are very real, and current clinical opinion concerning their diagnostic value may, perhaps, best be portrayed by a few quotations from contemporary authorities. Thus Joslin states: "Glucose and other food tolerance tests are often unreliable." Mosenthal says: "Increase of glycemia following the ingestion of sugar may be of value in diagnosing diabetes in some cases." Wilder writes: "Atypical responses which are difficult to evaluate are sometimes obtained with the dextrose tolerance test," and Rabinowitch points out: "With blood sugar time curves, as with other laboratory tests, a variety of conditions may be responsible for similar results." Even more impressive than this unanimity of opinion is the prevailing diversity of practise in making sugar tolerance tests, and this involves not only laboratory technics. These are, in fact, unimportant in comparison with the existing differences in such practical details as preventing glucolysis, timing the tests, collecting the blood and urine samples, preparing and administering glucose and giving different amounts of glucose. Thus, the answers of one hundred clinical laboratories to a questionnaire about these details indicated in 1931 that it was very doubtful if any two of the laboratories were performing tests in exactly the same way. The literature of sugar tolerance tests is extensive and dates
Entering the public sphere: the citizenship practices of US immigrants

This paper originally delivered as a keynote speech at the Turkish Migration Conference 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic on June 25, 2015. It focuses on civic engagementi political participation and citizenship practices of Asian Indians in Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan area drawing on qualitative field research material. Community participation is a process. Embedded in this observation is an understanding that as the individual branches out, he or she is becoming involved with associations with great civic and/or political presence, moving from one community of practice to another, and from a peripheral position to one of greater participation to invoke the ideas of Lave and Wenger. But equally, these activities illustrate how new immigrants construct their own sense of belonging as they engage with and interpret what it means to be an American and what kind of an American they want to be.
The Corner Turned: 1943

It became clear in 1943 that the allies would win the war. The Axis certainly could not win it, and even a draw was now unlikely: allied victory in North Africa and the Atlantic, the surrender of Italy,1 German defeat at Stalingrad and a steadily advancing Red Army saw to that. The developments of 1943 gave British propaganda in neutral Europe a tremendous lift; but they did not mean that the war of words was won. Neutral countries maintained their various early agendas: fear Germany and distrust Soviet Russia, resent the British blockade, worry that the allies might not be sympathetic to them in post-war reconstruction, and in Spain and Portugal suspect the democratic states of interfering in their internal politics. The war ground wearily on as the propagandists strove to sustain the neutrals’ belief in allied victory and to reassure them that this was in their best interests both now and when the war was done.
Models of Absolute Risk

Individualized absolute risk is the probability that a person with defined risk factors who is free of the disease of interest at age a will be observed to develop the disease over the age interval (a, a + . For example, the chance that a 40-yr-old nulliparous white woman who began menstruating at the age of 14, who has had no breast biopsies, and whose mother had breast cancer, will develop breast cancer by the age of 70 can be calculated as 0.116, or 11.6%, using the Gail model for breast cancer risk (1). In this paper, breast cancer will usually be the disease of interest, but the ideas apply to any disease.
The effects of nitrogen, water and sulfur amendments on surface litter decomposition in the Chihuahuan Desert

The effects of nitrogen, water and sulfur amendments on the decomposition rates of three types of surface litter in the northern Chihuahuan Desert were evaluated. The amendments had no effects on the decomposition rates of leaf litter from black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). The rate of fluff grass (Erioneuron pulchellum) litter decomposition was increased by water and decreased by sulfur. Water affected fluff grass decomposition by increasing termite (Gnathamitermes tubiformans) above-ground activity. Sulfur decreased termite activity. These data suggest that the decomposer microflora and microfauna of the northern Chihuahuan Desert are more limited by quantity of organic matter than by water and nitrogen. Hence they do not respond opportunistically to increased availability of such resources.
Reproduction in Female Stone Crabs (Genus Menippe) from Tampa Bay, Florida: Interannual, Seasonal, and Temperature-Related Variation

ABSTRACT Knowledge of short- and long-term reproductive patterns is basic for numerous types of biological, ecological, evolutionary, and fisheries studies. Using data from more than 22 y of sampling commercially valuable stone crabs (genus Menippe (Say, 1819)) in Tampa Bay, FL, we defined size-specific interannual and intra-annual patterns in ovarian development and spawning; explored relationships between the molting cycle and intra-annual patterns; and identified the influence of water temperature on those interrelationships. Frequency of gravid females (frequency-gravid) seemed to shift in multiyear cycles but frequency of ovigerous females (frequency-ovigerous) did not. Frequency-gravid and frequency-ovigerous increased with size class except in the largest females. Interannual variation in frequency-ovigerous was the product of multiple patterns differing principally between size-class-70 and -80 females and size-class-90 and -100+ females. Ovarian development, spawning, and molting in females of si...
Current options in the management of clinical stage C prostatic carcinoma.

SUMMARY The evaluation of clinical stage C prostatic cancer has been enhanced by advances in staging modalities over the past 15 years. Better staging of the local lesion is possible with transrectal ultrasound-guided multiple biopsies of the prostate and its vicinity. Biopsies of suspect pelvic lymph nodes guided by CT (or lymphangiography) may obviate pelvic lymphadenectomy, particularly in patients with high-grade stage C lesions. Advances in the understanding of serum markers have supplemented other staging information. No single therapeutic modality is appropriate for all cases of clinical stage C cancer. In Cllesions, radical prostatectomy with adjunctive radiation or hormonal therapy seems to produce the best 5- and 10-year survival rates. External-beam radiation alone, or in combination with interstitial radiation, may have equivalent success. In clinical stage C2 disease, external-beam radiotherapy seems at present to be the best therapeutic modality. Interstitial radiation as a sole method of management in stage C disease carries a high local recurrence rate and a significant risk of metastatic progression. Transurethral prostatectomy and hormonal treatment continue to have a place in the management of selected poor-risk patients. The current results with surgery or radiation therapy alone are less than ideal. It is recommended that aggressive combination treatment be compared with monotherapy in randomized clinical trials monitored jointly by radiation and urologic oncologists.
Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction via Independent Tunnel Drilling: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Patellar Tendon and Hamstring Autografts.

Purpose To collect the highest level of evidence comparing anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via independent tunnel drilling using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts in terms of clinical outcome and failure rate. Methods We performed a systematic review of clinical trials that randomized patients to ACL reconstruction with either BTB or HT autografts with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Only trials using independent tunnel drilling, including outside-in and anteromedial portal techniques, for both autografts were eligible for inclusion, whereas all transtibial studies were excluded. Study design, demographics, surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, and clinical outcomes were compiled. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Quality assessment was performed using the Coleman Methodological Scale (CMS). Results Six published studies reporting on 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. No study reported a difference in rerupture rate between BTB and HT. BTB-reconstructed knees experienced a greater incidence of anterior knee pain or crepitus in 2/7 trials and radiographic evidence of degenerative change in 3/7 trials. HT-reconstructed knees had increased instrumented laxity in 2/7 trials and less knee flexion strength postoperatively. Conclusions This study collects all available Level I and II evidence for anatomic ACL reconstruction using BTB and HT grafts. According to the data presented in these studies, clinical outcome scores and failure rates showed no differences for anatomic reconstruction using either autograft. However, in some studies, BTB-reconstructed knees experienced a greater incidence of anterior knee pain and radiographic evidence of degenerative change, and in others, HT-reconstructed knees had increased laxity and less knee flexion strength. In our opinion, both BTB and HT autografts remain valid options for ACL reconstruction when using anatomic drilling techniques, providing a stable knee with reliable return to activity. Level of Evidence Level II, systematic review of Level I and II studies.
Plant Genetics, Ecologically Based Farming and the Future of Food

For 10,000 years, we have altered the genetic makeup of our crops. Conventional approaches are often quite crude, resulting in new varieties through a combination of trial and error, and without knowledge of the precise function of the genes that are being transferred. Such methods include grafting or forced pollinations between different species, as well as radiation or chemical treatments that induce random mutations in the seed. Today, virtually everything we eat is produced from seeds that have been genetically altered in one way or another. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Can't Shake It Off? Attachment Moderates the Link Between Hostility and Forgiveness

ABSTRACTAlthough previous research has indicated that forgiveness is an essential part of relationships that thrive, forgiveness tends to become increasingly difficult as the intensity and duration of hostility rises. Understanding conditions that help make forgiveness more possible, as well as those that actually make forgiveness more difficult, then becomes an important asset for clinicians promoting healthier relational dynamics and longevity. Using data from 257 participants across two time points, we measured the association between hostility and forgiveness to test the moderating role of attachment. Greater hostility was linked with less benevolent forgiveness and more resentment. Moreover, anxious attachment moderated the association between hostile interactions and resentment—the inability to forgive. Implications for helping professionals and clinicians are discussed.
On ($$\hbox {K}_t-e$$)-Saturated Graphs

Given a graph H, we say a graph G is H-saturated if G does not contain H as a subgraph and the addition of any edge $$e'\not \in E(G)$$ results in H as a subgraph. In this paper, we construct $$(K_4-e)$$ -saturated graphs with |E(G)| either the size of a complete bipartite graph, a 3-partite graph, or in the interval $$\left[ 2n-4, \left\lfloor \frac{n}{2}\right\rfloor \left\lceil \frac{n}{2}\right\rceil -n+6\right] $$ . We then extend the $$(K_4-e)$$ -saturated graphs to $$(K_t-e)$$ -saturated graphs.
Mortality Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups in the Veterans Health Administration: An Evidence Review and Map.

Background. Continued racial/ethnic health disparities were recently described as “the most serious and shameful health care issue of our time.” Although the 2014 US Affordable Care Act–mandated national insurance coverage expansion has led to significant improvements in health care coverage and access, its effects on life expectancy are not yet known. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest US integrated health care system, has a sustained commitment to health equity that addresses all 3 stages of health disparities research: detection, understanding determinants, and reduction or elimination. Despite this, racial disparities still exist in the VHA across a wide range of clinical areas and service types.Objectives. To inform the health equity research agenda, we synthesized evidence on racial/ethnic mortality disparities in the VHA.Search Methods. Our research librarian searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials from October 2006 through February 2017 using terms fo...
Effects of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and Phytoestrogens on the Kisspeptin System

Sex steroid hormones, most notably estradiol, play a pivotal role in the sex-specific organization and function of the kisspeptin system. Endocrine-­disrupting compounds are anthropogenic or naturally occurring compounds that interact with steroid hormone signaling. Thus, these compounds have the potential to disrupt the sexually dimorphic ontogeny and function of kisspeptin signaling pathways, resulting in adverse effects on neuroendocrine physiology. This chapter reviews the small but growing body of evidence for endocrine disruption of the kisspeptin system by the exogenous estrogenic compounds bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures, and the phytoestrogen genistein. Disruption is region, sex, and compound specific, and associated with shifts in the timing of pubertal onset, irregular estrous cycles, and altered sociosexual behavior. These effects highlight that disruption of kisspeptin signaling pathways could have wide ranging effects across multiple organ systems, and potentially underlies a suite of adverse human health trends including precocious female puberty, idiopathic infertility, and metabolic syndrome.
Transforming and Redescribing Critical Thinking: Constructive Thinking

The author describes a published symposium which debated “Is Critical Thinking Biased?” The symposium meant to address concerns about critical thinking that are being expressed by feminist and postmodern scholars. However, through the author's critique, and the symposium respondent's, we learn the participants ended up begging the question of bias. The author maintains that the belief that critical thinking is “unbiased” is based on an assumption that knowers can be separated from what is known. She argues that critical thinking is a tool which has no life of its own, it only has meaning and purpose when fallible, biased people use it (weak sense bias). She challenges the idea of a transcendental epistemological perspective, thus all knowledge is provisional and perspectival (strong sense bias). The author begins to redescribe a transformed critical thinking as constructive thinking.
The Integrated Model for Human Service Delivery in Child Welfare

The present child welfare system is under attack by both conservatives and liberals alike for its fragmented system resulting in less than adequate services for the children and families it serves. Multiple weaknesses of the current social service and child welfare systems have been broadly assessed. But there has been no sustained effort to create a satisfactory system of social services to meet the needs of children and their families. There is an extraordinary convergence of increased awareness of the problem, new knowledge of what works, and new openness to change the way social services are financed, organized, and delivered. The proposed “Integrated Human Service Delivery System: Child Welfare Model” will provide an innovative approach to service delivery, which will facilitate more comprehensive and effective service delivery and better meet the needs of children and families served by our child welfare system.
Variation in Cervical Length over Time during a Single Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination.

Objective To quantify the degree of change in cervical length (CL) over a 3-minute transvaginal ultrasound. Study Design We conducted a prospective observational study of nulliparous patients who underwent routine transvaginal CL screening at the time of their second-trimester ultrasound. We recorded CL at four time points (0, 1, 2, 3 minutes) and compared these values to determine the minute-to-minute change within a single patient. Results A total of 771 patients were included. The mean gestational age was 20.8 weeks (±0.84). We used a linear mixed effect model to assess if each minute during the ultrasound is associated with a change in CL. The intraclass correlation coefficient between minute 0 to minute 3 was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.80, 0.84). This indicates that there is a relatively high within-patient correlation in CL during their ultrasound. Additionally, we stratified patients based on their starting CL; the intraclass correlation coefficient remained high for all groups. We additionally compared CL at each minute. Although there is a statistically significant difference between several time points, the actual difference is small and not clinically meaningful. Conclusion The variation in CL over a 3-minute transvaginal ultrasound examination is not clinically significant. It may be reasonable to conduct this examination over a shorter period.
Associations of rurality and disease outcomes in urologic malignancies.

661Background: Patients residing in rural regions have comparatively worse outcomes for many cancers. However there is less known about treatment and outcome for patients with urologic cancers. The...