cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addressing Suicides in Special Operations Forces: Enhancing Resilience in a Unique Population

Suicides within the US military’s most elite personnel, the Special Operations Forces (SOF), are on the rise. With these highly trained and versatile service members representing a crucial military asset due to the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, preserving the ability of these individuals to carry out their deployments is a high priority. As opposed to efforts that explicitly aim to prevent suicide, recent programmes have emerged that aim to increase resilience. The research on the potential utility of resilience enhancement as suicide prevention will be reviewed. Example programmes that have been implemented with SOF and related groups such as other military branches, law enforcement, and first responders will be examined. Lastly, caveats and future directions in addressing the strain on these unique individuals will be described.
TO LYSE OR NOT TO LYSE: THE DANGEROUS RIGHT VENTRICULAR THROMBUS

Optimal approach to right ventricle (RV) thrombus remains unknown. A 71 year old male recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma presented with shortness of breath. Three weeks ago, he was treated for pulmonary embolism with therapeutic enoxaparin. His heart rate was 120/minute, blood
Adrenocortical Function, Factors Controlling Development Thereof

The adrenal gland, like the gonad and the kidney, is derived from components of the urogenital ridge. Adrenocortical development is directed by a tight program of sequential expression and activation of transcription factor genes. The interplay of these factors directs the morphological development as well as the functional programming of the adrenal gland as the end organ of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical stress axis. To date, the network of SF1 and DAX1 is the most well-characterized system in adrenocortical development.
A Multidimensional Psychobiological Model of Violence

Violence is an interpersonal activity influenced by a complex interplay of multiple psychosocial and neurobiological factors. In this chapter, we will describe a general psychobiological model of personality with multiple components, each of which has a distinct psychological description, neurobiological substrate, and genetic and environmental causes. This general model includes components of reactive aggression, like the impulsive-aggressive temperament traits described by Eysenck and Eysenck (1985) and Barratt and colleagues (in press), and components ofpredatary aggression, like the non-impulsive hostile attitudes described by Huesmann and others (Dodge & Newman, 1981; Heilbrun et al, 1978). First, we will describe the general model of personality briefly, and then I will relate the general model to violence and the causes of aggressive criminality in particular. The interaction of these components in the development of violence will be described as a complex adaptive system with nonlinear dynamics.
A Geochemical and Geophysical Assessment of Coastal Groundwater Discharge at Select Sites in Maui and O’ahu, Hawai’i

This chapter summarizes fieldwork conducted to derive new estimates of coastal groundwater discharge and associated nutrient loadings at select coastal sites in Hawai’i, USA. Locations for this work were typically identified based on pronounced, recent ecosystem degradation that may at least partially be attributable to sustained coastal groundwater discharge. Our suite of tools used to evaluate groundwater discharge included select U/Th series radionuclides, a broad spectrum of geochemical analytes, multi-channel electrical resistivity, and in situ oceanographic observations.
The Effects of Mood and Message Characteristics on Information Processing Styles and Advertising Effectiveness

A 2 by 2 factorial experiment was conducted to examine how positive and negative mood and types of ad appeals influence people’s information processing styles, and evaluations of the ad, product and purchase intention. A total of 263 undergraduate students at Iowa State University were recruited as participants in this study. The study was conducted in two separate phases; the first phase involved mood manipulation and the second phase focused on ad and brand evaluation. The findings showed that people in a positive mood were more likely to utilize relational processing, whereas people in a negative mood were more likely to utilize itemspecific processing. Also, people tended to utilize relational processing when they were exposed to an experiential appeal, whereas people tended to utilize item-specific processing when they were exposed to a utilitarian appeal. However, the study failed to find any significant interaction effects between mood and message characteristics. The results showed that people in both positive and negative mood states evaluated ad and product more positively when they were exposed to ad with an experiential appeal. Mood and message characteristics did not have significant influence on people’s purchase intention.
Effect of processing parameters and controlled environment storage on the disproportionation and dissolution of extended-release capsule of phenytoin sodium.

Phenytoin sodium (PS) is a narrow therapeutic index drug that dictates maintenance of narrow plasma concentration of the drug. This requires a good quality product that meets regulatory specifications throughout shelf-life as well as during the usage period. Quality of the drug product may change if not develop in a scientific fashion which may have ramifications on clinical outcome. The focus of the study was to understand the effect of process variables and storage conditions on the disproportionation and phase transformation of the drug, and dissolution of extended-release capsules of PS. Four formulations were prepared to contain either powder blend or granules of PS with commonly used excipients. The granules were prepared in a high shear mixture by granulating with water, ethanol or mixture thereof. The capsules were stored in pharmacy vials for 4-weeks at 40 °C/75% RH and 30 °C/65% RH. Formulations were characterized by spectroscopies (FTIR, NIR, and chemical imaging), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), dissolution and assay. Granules filled capsule did not meet USP dissolution specifications and there was a significant decrease in dissolution on exposure to stability conditions. Dissolution decreased from 77.56 ± 3.83% to 42.34 ± 4.31%, and 63.96 ± 6.12 to 46.53 ± 2.91 in physical mixture and water granulated formulations, respectively, after four weeks exposure at 40 °C/75% RH. Spectroscopic (NIR, FTIR, and chemical imaging) data indicated disproportionation of the drug during the storage period. Moreover, XRPD data explained a decrease in dissolution in the initial granules filled capsules as well as temperature and humidity exposed samples. It indicated the phase transformation of the drug and/or excipients, disproportionation and/or interactions. These changes further accelerated on exposure to stability conditions. In conclusion, our studies indicated the significant effect of process variables and stability conditions on the critical quality attributes of PS extended-release capsule that has the potential impact on the clinical performance of the product.
Intravenous alprazolam challenge in normal subjects. Biochemical, cardiovascular, and behavioral effects.

Alprazolam, a novel benzodiazepine derivative is thought to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, panic, and depressive disorders. There is considerable interest in alprazolam's mechanism of action, particularly whether its profile of actions might resemble that of the α2 adrenore-ceptor agonist, clonidine. The present study assessed the biochemical, cardiovascular, and behavioral responses of healthy volunteers to acute intravenous infusions of alprazolam and placebo. Alprazolam reduced ACTH and cortisol while increasing growth hormone. There was a transient reduction in plasma norepinephrine and only modest effects on cardiovascular parameters. Subjects became quite sedated after intravenous alprazolam. This pharmacodynamic profile resembles that previously reported for traditional benzodiazepines, although alprazolam may be a more potent stimulator of growth hormone release. Alprazolam's effects on growth hormone resemble those of clonidine, but unlike clonidine, alprazolam has relatively little effect on plasma catecholamine and cardiovascular parameters. This suggests that α2 mechanisms do not play a primary role in alprazolam's mode of action. Since alprazolam infusion affects three different measures (ACTH/cortisol, growth hormone, and plasma norepinephrine) thought to be dysregulated in depression, challenge with intravenous alprazolam may prove to be a useful “probe” in affective disorders.
Cultural development and psychopathology

Culture plays a pivotal role in adaptive and maladaptive development. However, culture remains disconnected from theory, research, training, assessment, and interventions in developmental psychopathology, limiting our understanding of the genesis and epigenesis of mental health. Cultural development and psychopathology research can help overcome this limitation by focusing on the elucidation of cultural risk, protective, and promotive factors, at the individual and social levels, that initiate, derail, or maintain trajectories of normal and abnormal behavior. The goal of this Special Issue is to showcase research on the association between culture, development, and psychopathology that investigates equifinality and multifinality in cultural development, the interplay between culture and biology, cultural assessment and interventions, and cultural differences and similarities.
Adaptive Control using Gaussian-Process with Model Reference Generative Network

In this paper, we present a new architecture for Gaussian Processes Model Reference Adaptive Control (GP-MRAC) trained using a generative network. GP-MRAC is a successful method for achieving global performance in the systems enabling adaptive control. GP-MRAC can handle a broader set of uncertainties without requiring apriori knowledge of the domain of operation. However, existing GP-MRAC work requires estimates of the state-derivate, and this is a primary limitation in the implementation of the controller. In this paper, we alleviate this major limitation by creating Model reference adaptive framework as Generative Network (MRGeN). Our contribution is a generative network architecture for learning Gaussian model to predict system uncertainties without having to estimate the state derivatives while ensuring that the system stability properties are unaffected. We retain the nonparametric nature of the controller by sharing the kernels between GP's and MRGeN, ensuring global performance and stability guarantees. GP-MRGeN can also be viewed as a method of baseline policy transfers, with applications in Reinforcement Learning.
Nanoscale bending properties of bio-inspired Ni-graphene nanocomposites

Abstract At the nanoscale , bone consists of a hierarchical structure of mineral crystals (hard material) and collagen (soft material). Inspired by bone’s nanoscale structure and properties, we design a nanocomposite with flexible pristine/polycrystalline graphene embedded in a hard Ni matrix. We model Ni graphene nanocomposites, with different structural arrangements for graphene in the Ni matrix. We use molecular dynamics to investigate the deformation of Ni-graphene nanocomposites under 3-point bending. We find that nanocomposites can deform approximately 30% more than pure Ni. The flexibility of the nanocomposite is optimally enhanced with a distance between graphene sheets greater than or equal to 3.05 nm. Polycrystalline graphene nanocomposites show approximately 15–20% improvement in bending modulus compared to pristine graphene nanocomposites. The increase in bending modulus of polycrystalline graphene nanocomposite is because polycrystalline graphene has higher interfacial shear strength compared to pristine graphene. We also find that the structural arrangement of graphene sheets is more important than increases in their volume fraction in the Ni matrix. These results suggest that graphene sheets scattered in the Ni-matrix is preferable to other structural arrangements. The results from this simulation could help in tuning nanocomposite with desired mechanical properties for various engineering applications.
A Rare Case of Primary Intracardiac Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Multimodality Imaging to the Rescue.

Cardiac tumors may be primary (benign or malignant) or metastatic. Symptoms tend to be nonspecific and develop according to the location and nature of the tumor. Primary cardiac lymphoma is extremely rare and most often occurs in immunocompromised patients. It may present in any of the four cardiac chambers but has a predilection for the right atrium (RA) and the right ventricle (RV). It can grow rapidly, resulting in heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and fatal arrhythmias. Multimodality cardiac imaging is necessary and effective in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected cardiac malignancy.1 Once the diagnosis is established, treatment for primary lymphoma should begin as soon as possible.2
Post-normal evaluation?:

Evaluation evolves, responding to developments in the technical, social, and political environments in which it unfolds as well as influencing how those contexts are to be understood and assessed. ...
Cryptocurrency: Adoption efforts and security challenges in different countries

This research paper is a holistic review done on the rise of Blockchain and cryptocurrency, then elaborate about the great advantages of having a decentralized finance system. The existing scenarios from a sample of countries were reviewed in regards to their effort to adopt cryptocurrency to find some of the challenges like what are the security challenges this new monetary system faces, and limitations faced by different countries. A detailed analysis was done to answer some of the vital questions as such why cryptocurrency is banned in a few countries when other countries see cryptocurrency as a secured mode of payment transaction or what kind of security is provided by cryptocurrency compared to the traditional payments such as pay by cash, credit, or checks. Lastly, this paper also summarizes a high-level overview to propose recommended solutions to overcome the security concerns associated with the adoption of cryptocurrencies and how does the future of cryptocurrency look.
Functional Synthesis with Examples

Functional synthesis (FS) aims at generating an implementation from a declarative specification over sets of designated input and output variables. Traditionally, FS tasks are formulated as \(\forall \exists \)-formulas, where input variables are universally quantified and output variables are existentially quantified. State-of-the-art approaches to FS proceed by eliminating existential quantifiers and extracting Skolem functions, which are then turned into implementations. Related applications benefit from having concise (i.e., compact and comprehensive) Skolem functions. In this paper, we present an approach for extracting concise Skolem functions for FS tasks specified as examples, i.e., tuples of concrete values of integer variables. Our approach builds a decision tree from relationships between inputs and outputs and preconditions that classify all examples into subsets that share the same input-output relationship. We also present an extension that is applied to hybrid FS tasks, which are formulated in part by examples and in part by arbitrary declarative specifications. Our approach is implemented on top of a functional synthesizer AE-VAL and evaluated on a set of reactive synthesis benchmarks enhanced with examples. Solutions produced by our tool are an order of magnitude smaller than ones produced by the baseline AE-VAL.
Virtual Scribe Services Decrease Documentation Burden Without Affecting Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Category:OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Scribes are utilized as a means to reduce administrative burden on surgeons and enhance the physician- patient interaction. Virtual scribe services (VSS) are a co...
Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, Third Edition

This update to 2007's second edition adds information regarding nutrition of Florida citrus trees affected by huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. Much of the guidance provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling, and irrigation scheduling is also effective for trees affected by HLB. However, research conducted since the previous edition was published has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the second edition will appear at the beginning of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11. See also this topic page for links to individual chapters in HTML and PDF formats. This 115-page book was edited by Kelly T. Morgan and Davie M. Kadyampakeni, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.
The importance of an industrial court in the interpretation of labour statutes

The paper highlights the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s (NICN) importance over the general courts in the interpretation of labour statutes. It compares the judicial interpretation of some p...
Development of Ferrocene-Based Planar Chiral Imidazopyridinium Salts for Catalysis

Imidazol-2-ylidenes and their N,N′-diaryl derivatives constitute an important class of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) which possess a unique level of versatility in both organocatalysis and transition-metal catalysis. However, there remain few examples of carbenes of this type that are chiral. Here we describe the development of a family of closely related imidazopyridine-based NHCs that derive their asymmetry purely from planar chirality through the incorporation of the classic metallocene framework. An NMR analysis of 77Se complexes of this family is used to assess their degrees of σ donicity and π acidity in comparison to a larger family of NHCs. Percent buried volume (%Vbur) calculations were performed to measure the steric bulk of this distinct class of NHCs. Additionally, these NHCs were employed in various enantioselective transformations to survey their use as organocatalysts as well as ligands for transition-metal-catalyzed processes.
Uncertainty, Risk and Information

This textbook incorporates the author’s previous book "The Economics of Uncertainty and Insurance" and extends it with the addition of several new chapters on risk sharing, asymmetric information, adverse selection, signaling and moral hazard. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the analysis of economic decisions under uncertainty and to the role of asymmetric information in contractual relationships. It is richly illustrated with 150 figures. It is suitable for both self-study and as the basis for an upper-division undergraduate course. The book is written to be accessible to anyone with minimum knowledge of calculus, in particular the ability to calculate the (partial) derivative of a function of one or two variables. The book contains a total of 150 fully solved exercises.
Ascorbic acid spares α-tocopherol and prevents lipid peroxidation in cultured H4IIE liver cells

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, can recycle α-tocopherol in lipid bilayers, but even sparing of α-tocopherol has not been a consistent finding in intact cells. Therefore, we tested the ability of ascorbate loading to spare α-tocopherol and to prevent lipid peroxidation of cultured H4IIE rat liver cells. Although α-tocopherol was undetectable in H4IIE cells, its cell content was increased by overnight incubation with α-tocopherol in culture. Cells incubated with ascorbate 2-phosphate accumulated ascorbate to concentrations as high as 0.6 mM after overnight loading, but also released ascorbate into the medium. Ascorbate loading of α-tocopherol-treated cells spared α-tocopherol in a concentration-dependent manner during overnight incubation. Lipid peroxidative damage, measured as a decrease in fluorescence of cell-bound cis-parinaric acid, was decreased in cells loaded with either α-tocopherol or ascorbate 2-phosphate, and showed an additive effect. These results suggest that ascorbate loading of H4IIE cells spares cellular α-tocopherol and either directly or through recycling of α-tocopherol prevents lipid peroxidative damage due to oxidant stress in culture.
Monotonicity as a Nonparametric Approach to Evaluating Rater Fit in Performance Assessments

Rater fit analyses provide insight into the degree to which rater judgments correspond to expected properties, as defined within a measurement framework. Parametric models such as the Rasch model p...
A 24-29.5 GHz 256-Element 5G Phased-Array with 65.5 dBm Peak EIRP and 256-QAM Modulation

This paper presents a 24-29.5 GHz 256-element phased-array for 5G applications. The array is based on commercial 2×2 TRX beamformer chips, designed with SiGe BiCMOS technology, which employ 6 bits of phase control and 8 bits of gain control. A symmetrical 1:64 Wilkinson network is used to distributed the power to all elements. The phased-array can achieve -20 dB sidelobe levels after calibration, and can scan up to ±60° in the azimuth-plane and ±50° in the elevation-plane. The measured EIRP is 63.5 dBm and 65.5 dBm at PldB and Psat respectively, with a 3-dB bandwidth of 5.5 GHz (24-29.5 GHz). Complex modulation measurements on the 16×16 array with 64-QAM and 256-QAM 100 Mbaud waveforms ( $a = 0.35$ , PAPR=7.7 to 8.2 dB) show low EVM values (2-3%) up to an EIRP of 58 dBm. An ISI (inter-symbol interference) study is done on the array, and shows that the time delay between the radiating antennas at edges of the array contributes insignificant ISI error and can also be removed using a simple equalizer. This is the first 256-element array for 5G applications with very high EIRP, and which can support 64 and 256-QAM modulation formats.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of PF-5190457, a Novel Ghrelin Receptor Inverse Agonist in Healthy Volunteers and in Heavy Alcohol Drinkers

The ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) is a potential target for alcohol use disorders. PF-5190457 is the first inverse agonist of GHS-R1a to progress to clinical development with potential to treat alcohol use disorder. We present a population pharmacokinetic model for PF-5190457 in non-heavy (alcohol consumption status = 0) and heavy alcohol drinkers (alcohol consumption status = 1), and identify relevant factors that can influence its pharmacokinetics. Plasma concentration–time data from non-heavy (n = 35) and heavy drinkers (n = 12) were pooled for the population pharmacokinetic model development. The influence of various covariates including alcohol consumption status was evaluated. The accuracy, precision, and robustness of the model were also evaluated using bootstrapping and visual predictive checks. A two-compartment model best described the pharmacokinetics of PF-5190457. The apparent volume of distribution of 44.5 L, apparent clearance of 72.0 L/h, apparent peripheral volume of distribution of 271 L, apparent distributional clearance of 28.7 L/h, and first-order absorption rate constant of 0.27/h were accurate and precise. The apparent volume of distribution was 3.8-fold higher (169 L) in heavy drinkers, and correlated with a lower maximum plasma concentration in heavy drinkers compared with non-heavy drinkers at the same dose; and a corresponding reduced incidence of somnolence in heavy drinkers at doses > 50 mg. This work provides an accurate, precise, and robust two-compartment model that describes the pharmacokinetics of PF-5190457 and suggests a possible link of PF-5190457 pharmacokinetics with somnolence. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier numbers NCT01247896 and NCT02039349
Weight Change and Outcomes in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose Lung transplantation is a lifesaving therapy in patients with advanced lung disease. A body mass index (BMI) >30 is associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation. Therefore, a BMI above 30 is considered a relative contraindication for lung transplantation. However, it is not clear how weight change after lung transplantation affects outcomes. We investigated the impact of weight change after lung transplantation on outcomes. Methods We retrospectively assessed BMI and several post-transplant outcomes in 78 consecutive lung transplant recipients. The data was analyzed using R 4.0.2 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing http://www.R-project.org). Packages Performance Analytics and ggplot2 were used in addition to core R. FVC was modeled as a linear regression against BMI at transplant. To show a different approach, FEV1 was modeled by group of BMI, breaking the BMI values in three equal sets. We checked our hypothesis that people with lower BMI had better lung function when their weight increased from consult to one year after transplant by running a Wilcoxon Sum-Rank test. Results We evaluated 78 lung transplant recipients, 39 of whom were female. The average age was 55 years. The average transplant BMI was 24.3 with a range from 16.8 to 32.2. At one year post transplant, the average BMI was 25.7. By BMI, 33% of recipients were overweight at the time of transplant and 5% were obese. Higher BMI was associated with increased length of stay (LOS) and decreased FVC and FEV1 at 1 year post transplant compared to those with normal BMIs. More than half the patients who needed to lose weight for transplant re-gained the weight by 1 year post transplant. Underweight recipients who gained weight after transplant had increased FVC and FEV1 compared to those who didn't gain weight. Conclusion A rather large proportion of lung transplant candidates are overweight by BMI criteria. A higher BMI was associated with a longer LOS after transplant. One year pulmonary function (PFT) data was also worse in patients with higher BMIs compared to those with normal BMIs. Interestingly, underweight patients who gained weight after lung transplant had a strong trend for statistically significant improvement in PFT one year after lung transplant. Larger studies are needed to better understand the impact of weight change on outcomes after lung transplant.
Food and eating in Mexican American agrarian novels: cultivating a culture of sustenance hospitality in public literature

Literary novels on agricultural workers within the United States provide a context to explore representations of food, eating, and related socio-cultural practices for these people of mobility. Thi...
Intimate Partner Violence among Korean Immigrant Women in the United States: Intersectionality of Gender Norms, Immigration, and Socioeconomic Status

With the theory of feminist intersectionality, this study examined intimate partner violence (IPV) among Korean immigrant women focusing on gender norms, immigration, and socioeconomic status in th...
Characterizing Decisional Conflict in Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic and an Exploration of Resource Limitations.

OBJECTIVES Numerous therapies exist for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), creating potential for patient decisional conflict (DC) that impacts treatment adherence and post-treatment regret. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated DC in OSA patients presenting for positive airway pressure (PAP) alternative therapies and identified gaps in available resources about OSA therapies. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed based on questionnaires completed by adult OSA patients presenting to an academic sleep surgery clinic from March to October 2020. Surveys examined sleep symptoms, sleep apnea treatment history, goals of therapy, and the SURE checklist, a validated 4-item DC screening scale. Additional qualitative data about OSA decision tool needs were queried with structured interviews in a smaller subset of patients. RESULTS Among 100 respondents, 60 were open to multiple treatment options, whereas 22 were not interested in surgical treatment. Eighty-one respondents (81%) had elevated DC (SURE score < 4). High DC was not associated with CPAP history, OSA severity, or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10). Elevated DC was related to uncertainty regarding optimal treatment choice in 54% of respondents (n = 54), and lack of knowledge regarding risks and benefits of each treatment option in 71% (n = 71). Common themes identified in 9 interviewed patients suggested helpful resources should ideally compare treatment modalities and educate on surgery details, efficacy, and recovery. CONCLUSIONS The majority of OSA patients presenting to sleep surgery clinics have elevated decisional conflict influenced by limited knowledge about options and the risks and benefits of each therapy. There is a need for decision tools that can reduce decisional conflict and promote equitable knowledge about PAP alternative OSA treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2384-2390, 2021.
Narrowing the Knowledge Gap Between Basic Neuroscience Research and Management of Concussive Injury

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a common injury seen in organized sport. At this time, diagnosis is based on the athlete’s mechanism of injury, response to the 5th edition of the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-5)/Child SCAT-5, and physical examination findings. Most athletes who suffer SRC recover within 10–14 days. However, persistent symptoms are defined as greater than 4 weeks in children and greater than 10–14 days in adults. The process of return to participation (RTP) is completed with a stepwise progression, while the process of return to learning (RTL) involves providing students with a list of school accommodations from their physician that can be given to school administrators and disseminated to all teachers and professors. Common clinical tools to be considered in the treatment of SRC include the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT), tilt table testing, physical/vestibular therapy, nutraceuticals, or neuropsychological testing. Other measures like virtual reality (VR), biomarkers, impact monitors, and advanced imaging techniques are not currently used clinically but are growing areas of research. Limitations with current clinical practice include inconsistencies with symptom reporting in athletes who suffer SRC and the fact that many athletes continue participating in sport after sustaining a possible injury, which suggests a potential lack of understanding of the consequences of SRC. However, to potentially address these limitations, recent policy changes have aimed at prevention, education, and systemic rule changes, particularly in ice hockey and American football. It is recommended that future work examines both clinical and physiological recovery to best address the current limitations.
How Sunlight Ages Skin

That sunlight, more than the passage of time, removes the visage of youth has been known by dermatologists for years, but the rest of us remain oblivious to this dictum. In addition to immediate, acute deterioration and rapid healing of the epidermis following sunburn, more permanent changes are induced in both epidermis and dermis by repeated, excessive, long-term exposure of the skin to the sun (Table 6:1). Often the deleterious effects are not recognized as a consequence of overexposure to sunlight in youth, but more popularly interpreted as a result of aging. Frequently, weather-beaten, wrinkly, furrowed, splotchy, excrescence-marred faces characteristic of extreme old age develop in early middle age or sooner as a consequence of too much sun.
Neuroendocrine tumors in the ovary: histogenesis, pathologic differentiation, and clinical presentation

Primary neuroendocrine tumors in the ovary are rare. These tumors arise from the neuroendocrine cell system of ovarian stroma and surface epithelium, and may also arise from teratoma. We present four primary ovarian neuroendocrine tumors and compare clinicopathologic findings based on tumor histogenesis and site of origin. Four primary ovarian neuroendocrine tumors were identified from our 10-year departmental archives. H&E slides and immunostains were reviewed and the diagnoses were confirmed. Clinical history, imaging studies, and follow-up data were obtained from medical records. Patients' ages ranged from 26 to 63. All patients presented with abdominal discomfort and unilateral or bilateral ovarian masses. MRI and CT scans from cases 1 and 2 revealed a solid ovarian mass with no extra-ovarian extension. In case 1, the patient also had a cystic mass in the opposite ovary and an elevated urine 5-HIAA. Microscopically, case 1 revealed a well-differentiated carcinoid tumor with no surface epithelial involvement, and a mature teratoma in the contralateral ovary. Case 2 revealed a stromal carcinoid within the ovarian parenchyma. Imaging studies from cases 3 and 4 showed large complex masses with peritoneal implants and ascites. In both cases 3 and 4, tumor grossly involved both ovarian parenchyma and surface epithelium with multiple pelvic implants. In addition, liver metastases were present in case 4. Microscopically, these tumors were poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Histologic sections revealed extensive necrosis, and both cases showed positivity for neuroendocrine markers. Primary neuroendocrine tumors in the ovary are rare and consist of a group of heterogeneous malignancies that express similar immunohistochemical markers. Primary neuroendocrine tumors that are limited to the ovarian parenchyma often arise from ovarian stroma and teratoma, and are carcinoid tumors with a good prognosis. Neuroendocrine tumors that arise from surface epithelium or dedifferentiate from de novo carcinoma often involve both ovarian stroma and surface epithelium and clinically present as aggressive malignancies with poor prognoses.
Dissipation of Excitation Energy During Development of Photosystem 2 Photochemistry in Helianthus annuus

Etiolated sunflower cotyledons developed in complete darkness and lacking photosystem (PS) 2 were exposed to continuous 200 µmol(photon) m−2 s−1 “white light” for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 h prior to evaluations of excitation-energy dissipation using modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence. Photochemical potential of PS2, measured as the dark-adapted quantum efficiency of PS2 (FV(M)/FM), and thermal dissipation from the antenna pigment-protein complex, measured as the Stern-Volmer non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), increased to 12 h of irradiation. Following 12 h of irradiation, thermal dissipation from the antennae pigment-protein complex decreased while the efficiency of excitation capture by PS2 centers (F′V/F′M) and light-adapted quantum efficiency of PS2 (ΦPS2) continued to increase to 18 h of irradiation. The fraction of the oxidized state of QA, measured by the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), remained near optimal and was not changed significantly by irradiation time. Hence during the development of maximum photochemical potential of PS2 in sunflower etioplasts, which initially lacked PS2, enhanced thermal dissipation helps limit excitation energy reaching PS2 centers. Changes of the magnitude of thermal dissipation help maintain an optimum fraction of the oxidized state of QA during the development of PS2 photochemistry.
Understanding and Managing Variability

Variability exists in almost all production and manufacturing systems. Demand and product mix may vary over time, as may the processing capacity of the system and the availability of raw materials and components. Variability in demand or manufacturing processes makes seamless alignment of demand and supply impossible and degrades system performance. Understanding the effects of variability and how to effectively manage them are critical elements to the design and control of production and service systems. This article discusses the sources and types of variability, the effect of variability in manufacturing systems, and managerial tools to mitigate the adverse effects of variability. Keywords: variability; coefficient of variation; mitigation of variability; variability pooling; effect of operational variability
CD36 modulates proinflammatory cytokine responses to Plasmodium falciparum glycosylphosphatidylinositols and merozoites by dendritic cells

Studies have shown that glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) of Plasmodium falciparum activate macrophages mainly through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-mediated signalling and to certain extent through TLR4-mediated signalling to induce proinflammatory cytokine production. However, the ability of parasite GPIs to activate dendritic cells (DCs) has not been reported. Here, we show that parasite GPIs efficiently activate DCs through TLR2-mediated signalling mechanism and induce the production of TNF-α and IL-12. We also studied the role of scavenger receptor CD36 in P. falciparum GPI- and merozoite-induced cytokine responses by DCs. The results indicate that CD36 modulates the cytokine-inducing activity of the parasite GPIs by collaborating with TLR2 in DCs. Furthermore, our data reveal that CD36 modulates the activity of P. falciparum merozoites, likely by the contribution of phagocytosis-coupled CD36-mediated signalling to the signalling induced by merozoites. Altogether, these results contribute towards understanding of signalling mechanisms in malaria parasite-induced activation of the innate immune system.
BCL3 encodes a nuclear protein which can alter the subcellular location of NF-kappa B proteins.

Abstract BCL3 is a candidate proto-oncogene involved in the recurring translocation t(14;19) found in some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. BCL3 protein acts as an I kappa B in that it can specifically inhibit the DNA binding of NF-kappa B factors. Here, we demonstrate that BCL3 is predominantly a nuclear protein and provide evidence that its N terminus is necessary to direct the protein into the nucleus. In contrast to I kappa B alpha (MAD3), BCL3 does not cause NF-kappa B p50 to be retained in the cytoplasm; instead, in cotransfection assays, it alters the subnuclear localization of p50. The two proteins colocalize, suggesting that they interact in vivo. Further immunofluorescence experiments showed that a mutant p50, lacking a nuclear localization signal and restricted to the cytoplasm, is brought into the nucleus in the presence of BCL3. Correspondingly, a wild-type p50 directs into the nucleus a truncated BCL3, which, when transfected alone, is found in the cytoplasm. We tested whether BCL3 could overcome the cytoplasmic retention of p50 by I kappa B alpha. Results from triple cotransfection experiments with BCL3, I kappa B alpha, and p50 implied that BCL3 can successfully compete with I kappa B alpha and bring p50 into the nucleus; thus, localization of NF-kappa B factors may be affected by differential expression of I kappa B proteins. These novel properties of BCL3 protein further establish BCL3 as a distinctive member of the I kappa B family.
A Multiplexed, Two-Electrode Platform for Biosensing Based on DNA-Mediated Charge Transport

We have developed a thin layer, multiplexed biosensing platform that features two working-electrode arrays for detecting small molecules, nucleic acid sequences, and DNA-binding proteins. DNA duplexes are patterned onto the primary electrode array, while a secondary electrode array is used both to initiate DNA monolayer formation and for electrochemical readout via DNA-mediated charge transport (DNA CT) chemistry. Electrochemical reduction of Cu(phendione)22+ (phendione is 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) at the secondary electrodes induces covalent attachment via click chemistry of ethynyl-labeled DNA probe duplexes onto the primary electrodes that have been treated with azide-terminated alkylthiols. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry confirm that catalyst activation at the secondary electrode is essential to maintain the integrity of the DNA monolayer. Electrochemical readout of DNA CT processes that occur at the primary electrode is accomplished also at the secondary electrode....
Pleasure reading behavior and attitude of non-academic ESL students: A replication study

The present study replicated the methods and data analysis of Crawford Camiciottoli’s (2001) study on second language (L2) reading behavior of academic English-as-aforeign-language students. Using the original study’s questionnaire, we investigated 60 advanced non-academic English-as-a-second-language learners’ L2 reading frequency and attitude. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were applied for the analysis. Our study revealed differentiated findings, while partially confirming Crawford Camiciottoli’s results. In contrast to the original study, we found that the participants with positive attitudes towards reading tend to read more and that experience in the target-language culture and years of previous English study did not show statistically significant results on the participants’ reading habits and attitudes. On the other hand and in line with the original study, first language (L1) reading correlated with L2 reading habits, and lack of time was the most selected reasons for poor reading habits.
Simulation of compact high power antenna concepts loaded by double-positive metamaterials

An ongoing effort to reduce the size of high power antennas in the VHF and UHF bands investigates loading novel composite materials into the antenna structure. A previous effort developed high dielectric constant composites with a high dielectric strength for high power antennas. The current work aims to develop metamaterials with greater-than-unity values of relative permittivity and permeability. By designing the relative permittivity and permeability, the wave velocity in the antenna can be reduced while also controlling the wave impedance. These new magnetodielectric composite materials provide additional design flexibility over conventional dielectric loading for both traveling wave antennas and resonant antennas in HPM and HPRF applications. While a previous demonstration of dielectric loading of a dielectric resonator antenna utilized a composite with a dielectric constant of approximately 100 for high peak power operation in a very compact form factor, the current work focuses on achieving similar reductions in antenna size using composites with relative permittivity and permeability values of less than 10. Preliminary simulation analyses using CST Microwave Studio have shown the effectiveness of this approach in compact horns and helical antennas operating at frequencies below 1 GHz. This work presents the simulation of antenna concepts using magnetodielectric materials with greater than unity values of the relative permittivity and permeability. Magnetodielectric loading is compared to antennas not loaded with dielectrics and antennas loaded with conventional dielectric or magnetic materials. It is shown that magnetodielectric materials can achieve similar antenna size reduction as antennas with conventional dielectric or magnetic loading while improving the bandwidth.
A 2Mpixel 1/4-inch CMOS Image Sensor with Enhanced Pixel Architecture for Camera Phones and PC Cameras

This paper presents performance data for a second-generation, 2Mpixel, 1/4-inch CMOS image sensor with state-of-the-art pixel technology that targets camera phones, PC cameras, PDAs and other portable devices. Continuous improvements in pixel design have enabled smaller pixels to be used without compromising performance. This sensor incorporates the latest pixel technology and enables higher performance than previous generations with the same optical format. The sensor uses a fully symmetric common-element pixel architecture (CEPA) with 2.5 equivalent transistors per pixel along with internal control of a reset transistor to maximize quantum efficiency and enable additional process improvement. The die size is also significantly smaller than the previous generation, simplifying the design process and enabling smaller modules. The sensor is also compatible with standard mobile imaging architecture (SMIA) requirements, which simplifies camera module design.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FLUORESCENCE EMITTED BY SLICES OF RAT LIVER AND AVIAN SALT GLAND.

Abstract The fluorescence emitted by slices of rat liver and sea-gull salt gland which were irradiated with light at 366 mμ, showed a peak at 468 mμ under aerobic conditions. The intensity of the fluorescence decreased during the early stages of incubation of 38°, due largely to the effects of the ultraviolet exciting radiation. Under aeobic conditions of incubation the fluorescence intensity fell by 40–60, and the remained relatively constant for a period of several hours; in anaerobic conditions the fall in intensity continued to lower levels. During the period in which the fluorescence of aerobic slices constant, quantitatively reproducible increases in tissue fluorescence were caused by the onset of tempory anoxia, by the addition of succinate to the medium and by the treatments which stimulated ion transport in the slices.
Rotational path removable partial denture design

A detailed description of a rotational path of insertion design for removable partial dentures has been presented. By minimizing the use of conventional clasps, this technique offers some advantages. Rotational path designs may minimize adverse periodontal response to a removable partial denture by reducing plaque accumulation and may be applied in esthetically demanding situations. The design concept involves the use of rigid retentive components that gain access to undercut areas through a rotational path of insertion. These rigid components satisfy the basic requirements of conventional direct retained design.
Using external data and databases: issues and sources

Third party payers, employers, and accrediting organizations such as the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organization have played an important role in moving health care organizations toward the use of outcomes to measure quality. In addition, other external forces, such as shrinking health care resources and an increasingly competitive health care environment, have pressured organizations to implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs. These programs are an important component in effective and efficient organizational operations. Health care organizations must provide the best quality at the lowest cost to survive today. CQI programs incorporate internal and external comparisons to demonstrate improvement. Internal and external comparisons are important to validate the organization's level of quality. The article concentrates on the use of external comparisons, sources of external data or databases, and issues involved in external comparisons or benchmarking.
Effect of population density on agronomic performance and chemical yields in pokeweed, Phytolacca americana

Abstract Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) has been identified as a promising species for development as a whole-plant source of polyphenols and oil and as a high protein feed. Plants were established in the field in the spring of 1982 at Beltsville, Maryland (MD) and Experiment, Georgia (GA) and harvested in the fall of 1982 and 1983. In 1982, maximum dry matter (DM) yields (leaves, stems, and berries) in GA and MD were 7·5 and 3·1 Mg ha−1 respectively, maximum acetone extract (EX) yield in GA was 0·53 Mg ha−1 (leaves and stems only). In 1983 in GA and MD, maximum DM yields were 13·6 and 4·1 Mg ha−1 respectively, amd maximum EX yields were 0·59 and 0·32 Mg ha−1, respectively. Population densities of 12 000, 18 000 and 36 000 plants ha−1 had no significant effect on yields in GA, but in MD, DM yields were highest at 36 000 plants ha−1 in 1982 and at 18 000 plants ha−1 in 1983. Genetic variation for DM and EX yield was noted.