cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extended use of superconducting magnets for bio-medical development

Magnetic fields interact with biological cells affecting them in variety of ways which are usually hard to predict. Among them, it was observed that strong fields can align dividing cells in a preferred direction. It was also demonstrated that dividing cancer cells are effectively destroyed by applying electric fields in vivo with a success rate dependent on the cell-to-field orientation. Based on these facts, the present note aims to suggest the use of magnetic and electric fields for improved cancer treatment. Several possibilities of generating the electric fields inside the magnetic field volume are reviewed, main tentative approaches are described and discussed. Most if not all of them require special magnet configuration research which can be based on existing magnet systems in operation or in development.
Nonsurgical management of primary cholangiocarcinoma. Retrospective analysis of 40 cases.

Forty patients with cholangiocarcinoma (23 men, 17 women) underwent nonsurgical palliative biliary drainage over a period of 12 years. All were surgically unfit or had unresectable disease. All were jaundiced at presentation with a mean serum bilirubin of 11.5±1.9 mg/dl. Thirty patients (75%) had hilar obstruction. Twenty-eight were drained percutaneously, three endoscopically and nine by a combined endoscopic and percutaneous procedure. Technical success was 97.5%. Final mean bilirubin was 1.5±0.4 mg/dl. Minor complications occurred in 10 (25%) patients, and major complications in four (10%). Procedure-related mortality was 2.5% with a 30-day mortality of 7.5%. Mean survival was 8.2±0.5 months. Stent changes were required in eight patients. In patients with inoperable or unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, percutaneous or endoscopic biliary drainage offers effective palliation.
A Comparative Analysis of Monadic and Dyadic Perspectives on the 1976 Lebanese Crisis

Do monadic and dyadic approaches to the study of international crisis produce different representations of reality? This question is explored through an analysis of the 1976 Lebanese Crisis. A comparison is made between Dawisha's (1980) analysis of Syrian decisionmaking processes and an events data-based early warning indicator. The study investigates whether the quantitative shifts in the interactions among Lebanese groups correspond with what the Syrians perceived to be critical turning points in the civil war. The evidence indicates for the most part there is congruence. It suggests that monadic and dyadic perspectives are not always far apart in their intellectual appraisal of crises and that a call for a synthesis in the study of crisis management is not unreasonable.
Does Amount of Variant Differentiation and Mitotic Rate in Bladder Cancer Change With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, and Can These Features Be Used to Predict Response?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is recommended to all candidate patients with pT2 bladder cancer. However, NAC is effective in only a subset of patients and predictors of response are lacking. Our study aimed to characterize tumoral changes with NAC usage and to identify features at bladder biopsy/transurethral resection (Bx/TUR) that may predict response. A retrospective search was performed to identify patients that were pT2 …
Critical techniques in development of large-size solid rocket motors

The present status and progress trend of propulsion technique for large-size solid rokret motors was introduced and some technique questions of the large-size motor design were discussed, such as matching of system arrangement and various parts, design optimization, properties of propellant, interface debonding, thermal-structure design and material of nozzle, flexible bearing-gimbaled nozzle and inverse calculation of motor performances during the qualification phase. The experience of research and development in recent years was summarized.
A Survey on Iodine Nutrition Condition of Residents in Jiaojiang District,Taizhou City,Zhejiang Province

[Objective] To understand the prevalence of thyropathy among the residents of Jiaojiang District and related iodine nutrition condition.[Methods] A cross-sectional design survey was conducted among residents of 311 households in 3 villages by stratified cluster sampling from April through June.A total of 944 subjects were registered to urinary iodine test(arsenic-cerium catalyzed spectrophotometry) and 793 to type-B ultrasound thyroid examination.Other tests included chemiluminesent immunoassay for thyroid hormone and direct titration for iodine in table salt.[Results] The thyroid nodule rate was 22.95%(182/793) and increased with age(χ2=72.12,P=0.001).The difference of thyroid nodule rate between the 6-14 years group(0.00%) and the≥15 years group(25.60%) was statistically significant(χ2=27.24,P=0.001),and that between female(26.79%) and male(17.82%) was also found statistically significant(χ2=9.25,P=0.002).No enlarged thyroid was found in the 31 children(8-10-year-old).The prevalence rate of thyroid nodule in the group of urinary iodine 100 μg/L was higher than that in the group of urinary iodine≥100 μg/L(χ2=12.50,P=0.007).The standardized prevalence rates in Baiguo Village,Gaozhang Village and Huajing Village were 19.44%,26.43% and 19.42% respectively.The median urinary iodine(MUI) of all 944 residents was 178.25 μg/L,with 185.85 μg/L for the children investigated,138.50 μg/L for the pregnant females,181.40 μg/L for the lactating females,176.00 μg/L for the general population,184.40 μg/L for Baiguo Village,152.00 μg/L for Gaozhang Village and 192.00 μg/L for Huajing Village.Among the pregnant females examined,6.06%(2/33) were found positive in both thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb).Among the 178 participants with B-type ultrasonic abnormalities,an elevated free triiodothyronine(FT3) was found in 171 cases(96.07%);elevated free thyroxine(FT4) and total thyroxine(TT4) were found in 178 cases(100.00%);an elevated total triiodothyronine(TT3) in 159 case(89.33%);thyrotropin(TSH) abnormality showed in 11 cases(3 reduced,8 increased)(6.18%);TgAb-positive and TPOAb-positive were found in 27 cases(15.17%).The iodized salt coverage rate of the 311 households surveyed was 77.50%,of which 90.30% were qualified iodized salt,the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 74.34%,and the mean of iodine content in salt was 28.74 mg/kg.Of the 9 tap water samples,the median of iodine content was 2.2 μg/L.[Conclusion] The iodine condition is generally acceptable in Jiaojiang District,but not sufficient among pregnant women.The hypothesis regarding iodized salt as the cause of thyroid nodules is not supported by available evidences.
Molecular genetics of the HPRT-deficiency syndromes.

A severe form of gout has been linked to the human HPRT gene. Defects in the same gene are also responsible for the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Successful cloning of the gene offers promise for treatment of both the devastating neuromuscular syndrome and the unusual arthritic disease. Gene transfer may soon be possible—but when and into what tissue remain to be established.
Abnormal clot retraction, altered fibrin structure, and normal platelet function in multiple myeloma

Clot retraction, measured by serum expression, is absent in some cases of multiple myeloma. Decreased clot retraction has been attributed to platelet dysfunction. A new instrument allows simultaneo...
Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Stratification: A Comparative Analysis of Free and Pedicled Flap Patients.

Patients with head and neck cancer who undergo reconstructive surgery are at risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but the risk profile for patients undergoing major flap reconstruction is highly variable. Herein, we report our findings from a retrospective analysis of head and neck cancer patients (n = 517) who underwent free (n = 384) or pedicled (n = 133) flap reconstructive operations at a major tertiary care center from 2011 to 2014. DVTs developed perioperatively in 9 (1.7%) patients. Compared with pedicled flap patients, free flap patients had a longer mean operative time (421.4 ± 4.4 vs 332.7 ± 10.7 min, P < .0001), but the DVT incidence did not differ significantly between free and pedicled flap patients (1.6% vs 2.2%, respectively, P = .28). These data suggest that perioperative DVT risk in head and neck oncology patients may be largely similar regardless of the reconstructive strategy pursued.
An overview of the hybrid sulfur cycle process for solar hydrogen production

Hybrid sulfur (HyS) cycle or Westinghouse cycle is among the main candidates for full-scale solar hydrogen production. This cycle is one of the most attractive and simplest thermochemical processes, because it comprises only two global reaction steps and has only fluid reactants. It consists of an endothermal high temperature step of 800–1200 °C and slightly exothermal electrochemical reaction operating at about 80 °C. In this process, the water is dissociated indirectly by means of auxiliary substances, which are recycled. The aim of this work is discuss the possible introduction of solar source into the sulfuric acid decomposition. The study is limited to the case of Algeria. In the first part, the concept of thermochemical cycle to split water is briefly reported. The main concept of the hybrid sulfur thermochemical cycle are then described. Finally, some information about the potential of solar Algerian source are provided and the potential of hydrogen production using HyS cycle discussed.
Development of a non-orthogonal macroscale material model for advanced woven fabrics based on mesoscale structure

Abstract A macroscale non-orthogonal constitutive material model for woven fabrics based on a mesoscale unit cell is developed and implemented in an explicit finite element code. The model utilizes two important deformation mechanisms involved in woven fabrics: (1) Yarn elongation, and (2) Relative yarn rotation due to shear loads. The yarns' uniaxial tensile response is modeled using nonlinear springs within the unit cell formulation while a nonlinear rotational spring is used to define the fabric's shear stiffness. Continuum mechanics are employed to keep track of the yarn orientations at a given unit cell configuration. Material properties/parameters of the model can be easily determined from standard experimental tests. The material model is validated using uniaxial tensile, bias extension, 30° off axis tension and indentation tests for two different plain weave Kevlar fabrics. The results show that the developed model is capable of the mechanical response of the woven fabrics under various loading conditions.
Direct Midline Posterior Corpectomy and Fusion of a Lumbar Burst Fracture with Retrospondyloptosis

Background Traumatic burst fractures of the lumbar spine can result in significant neurologic injury and mechanical instability. The ideal surgical approach for the treatment of unstable lumbar spine burst fractures remains debatable. Case Description A 37-year-old man presented with severe neurologic injury including loss of motor function below the level of the iliopsoas muscles bilaterally, saddle anesthesia, and absent rectal tone, after a fall from 18.28 m (60 ft). Computed tomography showed an L4 vertebral body comminuted burst fracture with complete posterior translation of L4 over L5. The patient was taken to the operating room for an L4 corpectomy and L2-S1 posterior fusion. The L4 vertebral body was visualized posterior to the posterior elements of L5 and resected in a piecemeal fashion. Because the thecal sac had been completely transected, a visible path down the L3-L4 and L4-L5 disk spaces was apparent, allowing direct posterior discectomies at these levels and completion of the L4 segment resection. The use of a direct posterior approach resulted in minimal blood loss, correction of sagittal alignment, and satisfactory outcomes comparable with the standard posterior transpedicular approach. Construct stability and solid bony fusion have been maintained for 4 years postoperatively. Conclusions The use of a direct midline posterior corpectomy approach may be considered for patients with lumbar burst fractures, high-grade neurologic injury, and transection of the thecal sac.
¿CUMPLE CHILE LOS ESTÁNDARES INTERNACIONALES EN MATERIA DE CONSULTA A LOS PUEBLOS INDÍGENAS?: UNA BREVE REVISIÓN A LOS D.S. N° 66 DEL MINISTERIO DE DESARROLLO SOCIAL Y N° 40 DEL MINISTERIO DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE

espanolLa Consulta Indigena, como ha sido concebida en el Derecho Internacional, es una forma en que los pueblos expresan el derecho de decidir sus propias prioridades en lo que atane al proceso de desarrollo, en la medida en que este afecte a sus vidas, creencias, instituciones y bienestar espiritual y a las tierras que ocupan o utilizan de alguna manera, y de controlar, en la medida de lo posible, su propio desarrollo economico, social y cultural. Ademas, una forma en que dichos pueblos participan en la formulacion, aplicacion y evaluacion de los planes y programas de desarrollo nacional y regional susceptibles de afectarles directamente. Tambien una forma de contrapesar la mirada de desarrollo con la mirada del desarrollo del Estado y de los empresarios. El presente articulo busca, por una parte, sistematizar los estandares internacionales sobre la consulta, analizar el cumplimiento que de ellos en materia de derechos humanos y de derechos de los pueblos indigenas hace el Estado de Chile, confrontando la implementacion administrativa del derecho a la consulta de los pueblos indigenas, a traves esencialmente de un analisis del D.S. No 66 y del Decreto No 40 que reglamenta la Ley No 19.300 sobre Bases del Medio Ambiente, con los estandares internacionales. EnglishSummary: Indigenous consultation, as conceived in international law, is a way in which people express the right to decide their own priorities in the development process, insofar as it affects their lives, Beliefs, institutions and spiritual well-being and to the lands they occupy or otherwise use, and to control, as far as possible, their own economic, social and cultural development. In addition, a way in which such peoples participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of national and regional development plans and programs that may affect them directly. Also a way to counterbalance your developmental look with the look of the development of the State and the businessman. The present article seeks, on the one hand, to systematize the international standards on the consultation, to analyze the fulfillment that of them in the matter of human rights and of rights of the indigenous peoples, does the State of Chile, confronting the administrative implementation of the right to the Consultation of indigenous peoples, essentially through an analysis of D.S. No 66 and Decree No 40, which regulates law No 19.300 on the basis of the environment, with international standards.
Rigorous Kinetics Modeling of Hydrogen Synthesis

Closed-loop real-time optimization (CLRTO) with rigorous models improves the profitability of scores of process units in refineries and chemical plants. In addition to optimizing operations, the models serve as the basis for effective process monitoring and the identification of revamp opportunities. Rigor in every part of the plant – equipment, feed definition and reaction kinetics – is the key to success. Equipment constraints define the plant's capability, so CLROT models must include these too. Hydrogen synthesis online optimizers are part of several plant-wide optimizers.
Exchange-Coupled Fe 3 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 Nanoparticles for Advanced Magnetic Hyperthermia

We report a systematic study of the effects of core and shell size on the magnetic properties and heating efficiency of exchange-coupled Fe3O4/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were synthesized using thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of spherical Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Magnetic measurements showed high saturation magnetization for the nanoparticles at room temperature. Increasing core diameter (6.4±0.7, 7.8±0.1, 9.6±1.2 nm) and/or shell thickness (∼1, 2, 4 nm) increased the coercive field (HC), while an optimal value of saturation magnetization (MS) was achieved for the Fe3O4 (7.8±0.1nm)/CoFe2O4 (2.1±0.1nm) nanoparticles. Magnetic hyperthermia measurements indicated a large increase in specific absorption rate (SAR) for 8.2±1.1 nm Fe3O4/CoFe2O4 compared to Fe3O4 nanoparticles of same size. The SAR of the Fe3O4/CoFe2O4 nanoparticles increased from 199 to 461 W/g for 800 Oe as the thickness of ...
How Interdependence in Team Task Structure Impacts Evaluations of Members’ Work Contributions: Examining Resource versus Process Interdependence

Evaluations of people’s work value form the cornerstone of several important group processes, but few studies examine how team task structure shapes evaluations of group members’ contributions. Thi...
Theoretical Study of X-ray Induced Energy Transfer (XIET) from Nanomaterial Donors to Nanomaterial Acceptors

A systematic theoretical study was carried out here to investigate a new phenomenon of X-ray induced energy transfer (XIET) within the purview of X-ray nanochemistry. XIET occurs between a strongly...
Selective recovery and separation of copper and iron from fine materials of electronic waste processing

Abstract As electronic waste (e-waste) is increasing, its by-products such as flue dust and wastewater, which are generated during its treatment process, are also increasing. In this study, the fine material generated in the processing of e-waste by both mechanical and thermal methods was investigated for the effective recovery and separation of valuable metals, including Cu and Fe, using both physical and chemical methods. The Fe in this sample was present mostly as magnetite, as determined by XRD, and was removed by magnetic separation. Three different acid solutions (HNO 3 , HCl, and H 2 SO 4 ) were used for selective Cu recovery. All experiments were conducted with varying length of time (1–10 h) and temperature ranges (20–60 °C). The kinetics of Cu dissolution in HNO 3 was studied, based on the shrinking core model, and the activation energy was about 5.0 kcal/mol. The dissolution of Cu in HNO 3 was faster than that of other metals such as Fe and Al. In the case of H 2 SO 4 , dissolution of Cu was not observed, while Fe was completely dissolved after about 4 h at 60 °C. Based on the results of various leaching and the kinetic study, a two-step process was performed for selective metal recovery. H 2 SO 4 was used to dissolve Fe as the first leaching process and HNO 3 was used for Cu dissolution as the second leaching process. Through this two-step process, Fe and Cu leaching efficiencies were obtained at approximately 90% and 98%, respectively.
Task-related environment alters the cuticular hydrocarbon composition of harvester ants.

Within a colony of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus), workers in different task groups differ in the hydrocarbon composition of the cuticle. Foragers and patrollers, which spend extended periods of time outside the nest, have a higher proportion of saturated, unbranched hydrocarbons (n-alkanes) on the cuticle than nest maintenance workers, which spend only short periods of time outside the nest. We tested whether these task-related differences in ant cuticular chemistry arise from exposure to conditions outside the nest. Nest maintenance workers experiencing daily, short-term outside exposure developed a higher proportion of n-alkanes on the cuticle than workers kept inside the lab. Independent manipulations of ultraviolet radiation, relative humidity, and temperature revealed that only the combination of high temperature (ca. 38°C) and low relative humidity (ca. 8%) increased the proportion of cuticular n-alkanes. The results indicate that warm dry conditions, such as those encountered when an ant leaves the nest, trigger changes in cuticular chemistry.
An Agent Based Methodology to Design Serious Game in Social Field

Training and simulation games are a type of serious game that allow learners to deal with realistic scenarios, to test their behavior under controlled conditions and to increase their understanding of the simulated system/process. In these games, the educational goal changes the issues related to the simulation design. In particular, achieving right balance between realism and teaching effectiveness is an essential design criterion. The difficulties in designing this type of serious games are particularly evident in the social field. In fact, this area is characterized by a complexity that is hard to design in formal terms. Starting from recent evolutions in the field of social simulation, this paper proposes the agent paradigm as a methodological tool to guide the design of serious games in the social field. The PNPV game, designed within the framework of the European project “I can … I cannot … I go!” Rev. 2 (PNPV project), which aims to introduce and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among young people, is described as a case study of a serious game developed by means of the agent based approach.
Immigration: Public Policy

Historically, international borders were only approximately known and rarely policed. Regulation of interstate migration and the issuance of passports are modern phenomena that emerged gradually over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Restrictive immigration policies emerged as a product of multiple forces, but one of the most important was the ideology of nationalism, which engendered a fear of ‘foreigners’ who might threaten the primacy of the ‘nation’—the dominant group or culture in a country. The first half of the twentieth century represented the apogee of nationalism and restrictive immigration policies around the world. In the late twentieth century, tentative cracks in restrictive immigration policies began to emerge in many countries. All of these changes (guest worker programs, tolerance of illegal immigration, ending of ethnic and geographic quotas, and unregulated migration of citizens in the European Common Market) can be explained by unique historical outcomes, but there appears to be a widespread trend toward more open policies of international migration. Perhaps the ‘normal population dynamics of civilization,’ including the modern global economy, conflict with the restrictive immigration policies inspired by the nationalist impulse of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Creep deformation and rupture behavior of a laminated metal matrix composite

In this study, the creep behavior of a laminated composite, composed of layers of metal matrix composite having 20 vol% particulate SiC and 2014-aluminum matrix and 6061-aluminum as the ductile layers, was investigated at 250°C under constant loading. In spite of the absence of delamination between the layers, the observed creep rates of the laminated composite were much higher and rupture times were much shorter than those seen for its constituent layers. This behavior is explained with a model based on laminate theory.
A Proposal for Thinking Strategically About Ethics Education: Applying the Principles of Andragogy to Enhance Teaching and Learning About Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is mandated for select trainees supported by federal funds. RCR Instructors typically address standards and accepted practices for the planning, conduct and reporting of academic research. While this focus may be relevant to future academic scientists, the majority of science graduate students pursue careers in non-academic employment sectors (e.g., government, non-profit, industry). The ethical and regulatory conventions, norms and expectations of the academic setting may not always transfer to other work environments. As such, educators should focus less on answering specific questions about standards and practices in academia, and instead design ethics education to actively engage students in a learning process that prepares them with the skills to identify and navigate ethical dimensions in a wide range of possible science professions. This paper introduces the principles of andragogy and provides recommendations for educators to consider when designing research ethics education for graduate students seeking cross-sector science careers. By applying principles that resonate with adult learning and integrating strategies that promote self-directed and life-long learning (e.g., reflective practice and collaborative projects), professional and research ethics instructional effectiveness may be enhanced. Introduction Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is provided to students and postdoctoral trainees at academic institutions throughout the United States, primarily in response to federal funding requirements (NIH 1992; NIH 2009; NSF 2009). Core areas of instruction associated with RCR training (e.g., data management, conflict of interest, authorship, research subject protections) were initially identified by the National Institutes of Health (NIH 1992) and, later by the Public Health Service (PHS 2000). While subject matter areas were identified, the NIH did not present a prescriptive plan or establish standards for training; leaving the scope of RCR training open to the discretion of each institution. As a result, RCR educational initiatives have emerged over the past quarter century with diverse goals, content and instructional approaches (Kalichman & Plemmons 2007; DuBois et al. 2010; Mastroianni & Kahn 1999).
A Study on the App Assisted English Vocabulary Learning

The aim of this study is to find out the effect of the app assisted learning on English vocabulary learning and to examine the students' perceptions and students' acceptance toward using the mobile learning program. A quasi experimental research method was adopted in the study. Two classes of the seventh grade were randomly chosen. One class was the experimental group and the other was the normal group. The teacher, teaching methods and the contents were all the same in two groups. The only difference between the experimental group and the normal group was that the students in the experimental group used the app to assisted vocabulary learning. They used the app for 15–20 minutes in the morning on weekdays. The duration of the experiment was twelve weeks. Three instruments were employed in this study, consisting of the App-Memrise, English vocabulary tests, a questionnaire about app assisted English vocabulary learning. A pre-test and a post-test of “English Vocabulary Test” were taken by both the groups ahead of and after the experimental period. In the end of the experiment, the experimental group additionally took questionnaire on app-assisted English vocabulary learning to express their point of views whether they're highly motivated in the app-assisted mode or not. The collected data was analyzed through statistical methods including the independent-samples t-test, the paired-samples t-test, and descriptive statistics. The major findings of the study are as follows: 1. The findings from the questionnaire and the interviews revealed that students had positive attitude toward the app assisted vocabulary learning. Students in the experimental group liked the app and would like to keep using it in the future. 2. The App-Memrise couldn't highly enhance students' interest in learning English. 3. The experimental group had significant improvement in spelling between the pre-test and the post-test. App is helpful for students in learning English.
Damage Detection and Visco-Elastic Property Characterization of Composite Aerospace Panels Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves

Composite materials are widely used in commercial and military aircraft. A major concern is the detection and quantification of damage in these panels caused, for example, by foreign object impacts. A related issue is the characterization of the composite visco-elastic properties, whether the ply-by-ply properties or the laminate’s engineering properties. Both of the aforementioned tasks can be accomplished by careful use of ultrasonic guided waves that are multimode and dispersive waves propagating in the composite waveguide. The test piece for these studies is a carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP) panel with co-cured stiffeners representative of modern commercial aircraft construction (e.g. B787). The wave dispersive properties of this panel were first determined from broadband ultrasonic tests and 2D Fourier Transform techniques. A Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) analysis was then performed to calculate dispersion curves and cross-sectional mode shapes of relevant guided modes propagating in the panel. The SAFE analysis allowed to iteratively change the elastic properties of each layer in the panel so as to identify the layer-by-layer properties from the experimental extraction of the dispersive guided waves propagating in the test panel. A scanning inspection system using air-coupled ultrasonic transducers operating at specific frequencies was also developed to detect and quantify impact-induced damage in the skin or the stringer of the panel.
Misinterpreting interaction effects in analysis of variance

This article explains how to adjust observed cell means to accurately characterize the nature of an interaction for 2-and 3-factor designs when lower-order effects are statistically significant. Id...
Utility of the plasma pancreatic polypeptide response to modified sham feeding in diabetic gastroenteropathy and non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND The relationship between cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (ie, plasma pancreatic polypeptide [PP] response to modified sham feeding [MSF]) indices of vagal function is unclear. Hyperglycemia inhibits PP secretion via vagally mediated mechanisms. Our aims were to (a) compare the PP response, (b) its relationship with glycemia, and (c) the relationship between PP response to MSF, gastric emptying (GE) of solids, and symptoms during GE study in healthy controls, patients with diabetic gastroenteropathy (DM), and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). METHODS In 24 healthy controls, 40 DM, and 40 NUD patients, we measured plasma PP concentrations during MSF, cardiovagal functions, GE, and symptoms during a GE study. KEY RESULTS Baseline PP concentrations were higher in DM than in controls and NUD (P = .01), and in type 2 than in type 1 DM patients (P < .01). The PP increment during MSF was normal (≥20 pg/mL) in 70% of controls, 54% of DM, and 47% of NUD patients. Overall, the PP response and cardiovagal tests were concordant (P = .01). Among patients with a reduced PP increment with MSF, 7/10 of T1DM and 1/7 of T2DM patients had moderate or severe cardiovagal dysfunctions (P < .05). The PP response to MSF was not associated with GE. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Up to 30% of healthy controls have a reduced PP increment during MSF, limiting the utility of this test to detect vagal injury. The PP response is more useful when it is normal than abnormal. A reduced PP response is more likely to be associated with cardiovagal dysfunctions in T1DM than in T2DM.
Lichenoid and Interface Dermatitis

A number of uncommon, clinically varied, and sometimes poorly understood inflammatory cutaneous diseases are linked by the presence of histologic findings classified as lichenoid and interface dermatitis. These inflammatory patterns can be seen in potentially fatal disorders like Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis as well as in limited diseases with minimal morbidity, such is true of fixed drug reaction. This chapter will discuss entities encompassed in these inflammatory patterns and point to clinical and histologic findings that help reaching a definitive diagnosis.
To Return to St. Louis: Reading the Intimacies of the Heartland of U.S. Empire through “The Dogeater”

This article revisits the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair as a primal scene of Philippine subjection to U.S. imperialism with a queer Filipinx Midwestern sensibility. While the Filipinx-as-dogeater tro...
A 43-Year Follow-Up of Unilateral Harrington Rod Instrumentation and Limited Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Limited unilateral instrumentation has been used in the past in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; however, to our knowledge, there are no reported cases with ultra-long follow up regarding this. Our objective is to report on the 43-year follow-up of limited Harrington rod instrumentation for the treatment of a double major adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve. We describe the patient's initial presentation, including history, physical exam, radiographic findings and clinical decision-making. Initial coronal cobb angle measurements before surgery were: 14° T1-T5, 42° T5-T12, 44° T12-L4. At 43 years of follow up, there was progression (14°>24°, 42°>70°, 44°>50°) of the patient's double major scoliosis curve despite unilateral, limited Harrington rod instrumentation from L4-S1. The patient was treated with a T3-pelvis instrumentation and fusion and posterior column osteotomies. To our knowledge, this is the longest follow-up and subsequent revision of a patient undergoing limited, unilateral Harrington rod instrumented fusion for the treatment of a double major adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve.
An Empirical Analysis of Changes in Credit Rating Properties: Timeliness, Stability, and Accuracy

In recent years, credit rating agencies have faced increased investor criticism and regulatory pressure for their ratings' lack of timeliness. This study investigates: (1) whether rating agencies respond to such criticism and pressure by improving the timeliness of credit ratings; (2) whether the improvement in rating timeliness is achieved at the expense of rating stability and/or accuracy. We find that rating agencies improve not only rating timeliness, but also rating stability and accuracy. Our findings support the criticism that, in the past, rating agencies enjoyed too much market power and consequently, they may have not availed themselves of the best rating methodologies/efforts possible. When their market power is threatened by the possibility of increased regulatory intervention and/or reputation concerns, rating agencies respond by improving the quality of their credit analysis.
Detection of Oxytetracycline in Citrus Phloem and Xylem Saps Using Europium-Based Method.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) has been used for the control of several plant diseases and was recently approved for the control of Huanglongbing, the citrus greening disease. Huanglongbing is caused by the phloem limited ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’. Determination of OTC in the xylem and phloem of citrus plants is of great interest as they are the main routes of translocation in citrus. In addition, the determination of the level of OTC in the phloem sap is necessary for the control of the ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ pathogen, which resides in the phloem. Herein, we demonstrated that the level of OTC in the citrus phloem and xylem saps obtained using the centrifugation method can be successfully measured using the europium (Eu) method directly or with cleanup by solid-phase extraction (SPE). Recovery of OTC from spiked sap samples purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) was higher than 90%, while recovery from saps without SPE cleanup were nearly 100%. The ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-infected leaf and phloem sap samples showed higher inhibition of the fluorescence intensity of the OTC standard compared to non-infected control leaf and phloem samples. In agreement with this finding, the levels of phenols and flavonoids in ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-infected leaves were higher than those controls and were shown to interfere with the Eu method. Therefore, the SPE cleanup step only improved OTC recovery from leaf samples containing the interfering compounds. The Eu method was then used to determine OTC levels in the phloem and xylem sap of OTC-treated plants, and the results were similar whether measured directly or after SPE. Visualization under ultraviolet light (400 nm) showed the presence of OTC in citrus xylem and phloem saps with and without the use of SPE.
Licensing Digital Content: A Practical Guide for Librarians by Lesley Ellen Harris

Frequently, patrons ask where our journal collection is located; we explain to them that our journals are now online and accessible through our Web site and online catalog. Our patrons are also inf...
Scour Velocities in Ephemeral Channels

Channel and discharge characteristics from small naturally occuring ephemeral streams in the Southwestern United States were measured and statistically analyzed to determine representative scour velocity values for comparison with accepted maximum noneroding velocity values. Three variables were considered in the analysis: channel velocity, depth of flow, and a general classification of the channel bed material. The latter included sandy-silt, silty-clay, and clay soil conditions. The statistically derived scour velocities associated with flow depths of between 0.5 ft and 5 ft ranged from 1.8 fps to 2.9 fps in sandy-silt and silty-clay soils, and from 2.2 fps to 4.5 fps in clay soils. These values are similar to accepted maximum permissible velocity values for comparable soil conditions, which indicates that published maximum permissible velocity values are appropriate for variable intermittent flow situations as well as long term constant flow conditions.
Comment on R. Z. Aliber, “The Firm Under Pegged And Floating Exchange Rates”

In the introduction of his paper, Robert Aliber argues an a priori case that flexible exchange rate systems inhibit international trade. The body of the paper is then an attempt through theoretical constructions and empirical evidence to make this a priori case more precise in terms of the mechanisms that are at work. My main disappointment with the paper is that it failed to convince me beyond the intuitive notion that fluctuations in exchange rates do inhibit trade. To be clear, Aliber’s analysis does faithfully present much of what we know about the effect of risk on international trade, so that my unhappiness is as much with the general state of our knowledge as with the particulars of the paper.
Characterization of Organics in Bayer Liquor

Routine analytical methods have been developed for characterizing Bayer liquor. The methods consist of instrumental techniques, including gas chromatography for the low and intermediate molecular weight compounds and gel permeation chromatography for the high molecular weight material. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to identify several compounds in addition to those previously reported in the literature. Two spent liquor samples, together with corresponding lake water samples, were characterized to demonstrate applicability of the methods. Results of the analyses provided information for better understanding the nature of Bayer liquor.
Successes and failures of elegant algorithms in computational biology

Problems that originated in biology gave rise to many very nice computational problems, and they motivated a large body of research, and many very elegant results. But are these results useful in biology? The record is mixed, and we will review both successes and failures. Our examples will include applications of set cover and tiling problems and problems related to biological networks. In some cases, new algorithms provided biologists with efficient solutions to their problems, in other, not so much, as the complex nature of the motivating problems was lost in the translation into the language of algorithmic problems.
Disorders of the Back and Neck

Low back pain is a common and costly medical problem. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated to be 70% to 85%, while the point prevalence is approximately 30%.1 Each year, 2% of all American workers have a compensable back injury, and 14% lose at least one workday due to low back pain.2 Among chronic conditions, back problems are the most frequent cause for limitation of activity (work, housekeeping, school) among patients under 45 years of age.3 Acute low back pain is the fifth most common reason for a visit to the physician, accounting for 2.8% of all physician visits .4 And nonsurgical low back pain is the fourth most common admission diagnosis for patients over 65.5 Although difficult to estimate, the direct medical costs due to back pain totaled $33.6 billion in 1994. Indirect costs (i.e., lost productivity and compensation) are estimated to be as high as $43 billion.6 In most cases, low back pain is treated successfully with a conservative regimen, supplemented by selective use of neuroradiologic imaging, and appropriate surgical intervention for a small minority of patients.7
Elements of computational statistics

Preliminaries * Monte Carlo Methods for Inference * Randomization and Data Partitioning * Bootstrap Methods * Tools for Identification of Structure in Data * Estimation of Functions * Graphical Methods in Computational Statistics * Estimation of Probability Density Functions Using Parametric Models * Nonparametric Estimation of Probability Density Functions * Structure in Data * Statistical Models of Dependencies * Appendices
Psychotherapy for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: Specific Techniques

Acknowledgements. Foreword. Preface. Introduction: The Roles of Biology and Psychology in People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. 2. Diagnosis. 3 Structuring the Treatment. 4. The Psychological Therapy of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. 5. Techniques in Specific Clinical Situations. 6. Mental Processes in People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. 7. Outcome. 8. Paranoia: Clinical Presentation and Psychodynamics. 9. Two Clinical Syndromes: The Shattered Self and the Wish to be the Messiah. 10. Comparison with Other Techniques. Appendix.
Representing document lengths with identifiers

The length of each indexed document is needed by most common text retrieval scoring functions to rank it with respect to the current query. For efficiency purposes information retrieval systems maintain this information in the main memory. This paper proposes a novel strategy to encode the length of each document directly in the document identifier, thus reducing main memory demand. The technique is based on a simple document identifier assignment method and a function allowing the approximate length of each indexed document to be computed analytically.
Development of a mechanistic cutting force model for wavy-edge bull-nose helical end-milling of inconel 718 under emulsion cooling strategy

Abstract This paper presents the results of the development of a mechanistic cutting force model to predict cutting forces in high-speed end-milling of Inconel 718 using a wavy-edge, bull-nose, helical endmill (which hereafter will be abbreviated as WEBNHE). The model incorporates the effects of emulsion cooling strategy into the mechanistic cutting force model through the experimental determination of six specific cutting force and edge force coefficients. The cutting force is predicted as three components ( F x , F y , and F z ) and the resultant cutting force F R . The mechanistic cutting force model depends on a mathematical model to represent the geometry of this endmill, which is also developed in this research. The mechanistic model also depends on three cutting force coefficients in the tangential, radial, and axial directions ( k tc , k rc , k ac , respectively), and on three edge force coefficients ( k te , k re , k ae ), also in the tangential, radial, and axial directions. These coefficients are determined experimentally in a separate work in which “emulsion” was applied as the cooling strategy. MATLAB codes were developed and used to simulate the developed mathematical and mechanistic cutting force models. Finally, to validate the mechanistic cutting force model, machining experiments were conducted and real cutting force components were measured and compared with the predicted cutting force components. The predicted values agree fairly well with the experimentally measured values in both magnitude and shape. The percentage of the prediction error for the highest peak force magnitudes at 93 rpm were 11.38%, –0.46%, and 11% for the F x , F y , and F z components respectively, while the percentage prediction error for the lowest cutting force magnitudes are 15.25%, 17.84%, and 10% for F x , F y , and F z components respectively. The developed mechanistic cutting force model can be used to investigate the effect of tool geometry and machining parameters on cutting forces, machining power, machine tool vibration, and to simulate the end-milling process to improve machinability and productivity, and also to understand more fully the end-milling process using WEBNHE.
Rice domestication: histories and mysteries.

Domesticated rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the world’s most important food crops, culturally, nutritionally and economically (Khush 1997). Thus, it is no surprise that there is intense curiosity about its genetic and geographical origins, its response to selection under domestication, and the genetic structure of its wild relative, Oryza rufipogon. Studies of Oryza attempting to answer these questions have accompanied each stage of the development of molecular markers, starting with allozymes and continuing to genome sequencing. While many of these studies have been restricted to small sample sizes, in terms of either the number of markers used or the number and distribution of the accessions, costs are now low enough that researchers are including large numbers of molecular markers and accessions. How will these studies relate to previous findings and long-held assumptions about rice domestication and evolution? If the paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology (Huang et al. 2012) is any indication, there will be some considerable surprises in store. In this study, a geographically and genomically thorough sampling of O. rufipogon and O. sativa revealed two genetically distinct groups of wild rice and also indicated that only one of these groups appears to be related to domesticated rice. While this fits well with previous studies indicating that there are genetic subdivisions within O. rufipogon, it stands in contrast to previous findings that the two major varieties of O. sativa (indica and japonica) were domesticated from two (or more) subpopulations of wild rice.
Aging effects on pedicled fasciocutaneous flap survival in rats

Background Poorer surgical outcomes in older patients undergoing locoregional head and neck reconstruction have raised questions about tolerance of aging tissue to iatrogenic ischemic insults. Methods We examined the effects of aging on viability of pedicled composite flaps in 2-month and 6-month old Sprague–Dawley male rats and correlated flap survival with vascular endogenous growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2-mediated signaling events. Flap segments were assessed for gross/cellular necrosis by optical microscopy and for proangiogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative protein-marker content. Results Flap necrosis significantly increased with age (4.2% in young vs 49.17% in old), correlating with reduced expression of VEGF, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Akt activation, impaired Akt-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of Caspase-3, upregulated nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage and lower proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. Conclusion Pedicled flap survival is higher in younger rats in part because of unhindered expression of VEGF and enhanced activity of cell survival and promigratory signaling pathways. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015
A Catastrophic Conundrum, But Not a Nuisance: Why the Judicial Branch is Ill-Suited to Set Emissions Restrictions on Domestic Energy Producers Through the Common Law Nuisance Doctrine

Touted as a landmark decision reviving a legal theory once essentially left for dead, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals recently reversed a district court order dismissing a lawsuit brought by eight states, New York City and several private land trusts against six major energy producers, alleging that the energy producers’ carbon dioxide emissions constituted an actionable nuisance.1 In its opinion, the court suggested that the judicial branch can set limits on carbon dioxide emissions of such producers without legislative action under the federal common law nuisance doctrine.2