cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gold-Mediated Exfoliation of Ultralarge Optoelectronically-Perfect Monolayers

Gold-mediated exfoliation of ultralarge optoelectronically perfect monolayers with lateral dimensions up to ≈500 μm is reported. Electrical, optical, and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy characterization show that the quality of the gold-exfoliated flakes is similar to that of tape-exfoliated flakes. Large-area flakes allow manufacturing of large-area mono-layer transition metal dichalcogenide electronics.
Measurement of radiation patterns of electric dipoles close to a plane dielectric interface

We have measured the radiation patterns of electric dipoles located in the vicinity of a homogenous or stratified planar dielectric media. The results are compared with simulations based on the Sommerfeld integral formalism.
Environmental and maternal effects on embryonic and larval developmental time until dispersal of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

For migratory fish like lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), the period from egg deposition through embryonic and larval development until dispersal (ELDTUD) contributes substantially to variation...
Losing Tools in the Intelligence Toolbox: Predicting Future Changes to FISA to Protect Future National Security Prosecutions

National Security Professionals charged with protecting the country from harm must feel like an auto mechanic who can’t find his favorite wrench. Foreign intelligence surveillance tools that were once considered lawful and reliable ways to gather information are being lost to executive, judicial and legislative action. Any information gathered using these lost tools may not be admissible in a criminal case, even though the methods were considered lawful when the information was acquired. How can those in the intelligence community determine which tools are at risk of being removed from the toolbox and which will be an enduring lawful means to build solid intelligence for the future?This article will discuss an approach to scrutinize our current intelligence gathering tools and determine which ones may be lost. Intelligence professionals who are trying to build criminal prosecutions using national security tools can use this framework to assess which intelligence tools may disappear and which may endure.
Cohen surgery treatment for vesico-ureteral reflux in children

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of Cohen surgery for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children. Methods From June 2003 to December 2008, 32 Cohen surgery were performed in our hospital for children with vesicoureteral reflux. All these patients had ever been treated with non-surgical. The age of patients ranged from 3 months to 9 years, of those 20 were males and 12 were female. Nine cases had surgery when they were younger than one year old and 13 cases had operation when they were at 1～3 years old. Three of them were operated when they were older than 3 years old. Results Thirty-two cases underwent Cohen-type operation had VCUG examination six months after operation. Of which two patients had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the VCUG examination of the remaining children revealed no vesicoureteral reflux. The successful rate was 93.75%. Urinary tract infection, fever and other symptoms disappeared, and urinary incontinence was improved. Six cases had cystoscopic examination and "volcano-type" ureteral orifice of the operative side could be seen. Conclusions The Cohen surgery does not interfer with the function of the urinary bladder or pelvic plexus that controlurinary bladder movement. It is the standard treatment for vesicoureteral reflux in children. It has the advantage of minimal trauma and less complications.
Get Rid of Poverty from Ecology--The Efficient Way of Development for the Agricultral County in Mountainous Areas--Analysis of Getting Rid of Poverty from Ecological Ways in Cangxi County,Sichuan Province

For more than ten years, Cangxi County linked theory with practice based on the resources advantages to keep on practicing, exploring and conclusion. As a result, it developed the way of getting rid of the poverty and becoming rich in the mountainous area and established the model of getting rid of poverty from ecology in Cangxi County. This paper aimed to analyze the structure and functions of ecological economy in the county based on the theory of ecological economy and analyzing the approach of ecological engineering, and discussed the efficient ways for the shake-off-poverty problem in the mountainous area.
Free Flap Phalloplasty

AbstractBecause of dissatisfaction with the length of time and number of operative procedures necessary for our previously reported phalloplasty procedure we have attempted a free flap approach in 3 patients. This procedure was successful in 2 patients, while in 1 a staged construction was necessary after failure of the free flap. The operative technique is described and the procedure is recommended cautiously to medical centers with microsurgical capabilities that are engaged in phalloplasty.
Soil fungi of some low-altitude desert cotton fields and ability of their extracts to inhibit Aspergillus flavus

Soil is presumed to be a major source of inoculum for Aspergillus flavus which contaminates cottonseed and produces the potent carcinogen, aflatoxin. Little is known about the mycoflora of the low desert soils of cotton fields where aflatoxin is a chronic problem. In this study, soils from cotton fields in southwestern Arizona and south-eastern California were assayed for filamentous fungi. Forty-two taxa, predominantly in the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium, were isolated. To determine whether or not compounds produced by these fungi could be potential inhibitors of A. flavus, extracts of strains of each taxon were tested for their ability to inhibit growth of A. flavus. Twelve taxa produced compounds inhibitory to A. flavus, including several strains of Fusarium solani, Penicillium vinaceum and Aspergillus auricomus.
Studies with specific enzyme inhibitors. 13. Kinetics of nonenzymatic decarboxylation of fluorooxalacetic acid.

The kinetics of spontaneous and metal ion-catalyzed decarboxylation of oxalacetic and fluorooxalacetic acids was determined by enzymatic analyses of keto acids. Decarboxylation of fluorooxalacetate to enol-fluoropyruvate and subsequent tautomerization to keto-fluoropyruvate were followed by spectrophotometric analysis of enol-fluoropyruvate and some of its metal ion complexes. Rate equations for the specific case of two consecutive irreversible reactions, where k1 > k2, were derived and tested experimentally. Nonenzymatic catalytic decarboxylation of fluorooxalacetate accounts for fluoropyruvate formation in the presence of liver parenchymal cell suspensions.
Computational and biochemical characterization of two partially overlapping interfaces and multiple weak-affinity K-Ras dimers

Recent studies found that membrane-bound K-Ras dimers are important for biological function. However, the structure and thermodynamic stability of these complexes remained unknown because they are hard to probe by conventional approaches. Combining data from a wide range of computational and experimental approaches, here we describe the structure, dynamics, energetics and mechanism of assembly of multiple K-Ras dimers. Utilizing a range of techniques for the detection of reactive surfaces, protein-protein docking and molecular simulations, we found that two largely polar and partially overlapping surfaces underlie the formation of multiple K-Ras dimers. For validation we used mutagenesis, electron microscopy and biochemical assays under non-denaturing conditions. We show that partial disruption of a predicted interface through charge reversal mutation of apposed residues reduces oligomerization while introduction of cysteines at these positions enhanced dimerization likely through the formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond. Free energy calculations indicated that K-Ras dimerization involves direct but weak protein-protein interactions in solution, consistent with the notion that dimerization is facilitated by membrane binding. Taken together, our atomically detailed analyses provide unique mechanistic insights into K-Ras dimer formation and membrane organization as well as the conformational fluctuations and equilibrium thermodynamics underlying these processes.
Ridle for sparse regression with mandatory covariates with application to the genetic assessment of histologic grades of breast cancer

Many questions in statistical genomics can be formulated in terms of variable selection of candidate biological factors for modeling a trait or quantity of interest. Often, in these applications, additional covariates describing clinical, demographical or experimental effects must be included a priori as mandatory covariates while allowing the selection of a large number of candidate or optional variables. As genomic studies routinely require mandatory covariates, it is of interest to propose principled methods of variable selection that can incorporate mandatory covariates. In this article, we propose the ridge-lasso hybrid estimator (ridle), a new penalized regression method that simultaneously estimates coefficients of mandatory covariates while allowing selection for others. The ridle provides a principled approach to mitigate effects of multicollinearity among the mandatory covariates and possible dependency between mandatory and optional variables. We provide detailed empirical and theoretical studies to evaluate our method. In addition, we develop an efficient algorithm for the ridle. Software, based on efficient Fortran code with R-language wrappers, is publicly and freely available at https://sites.google.com/site/zhongyindaye/software . The ridle is useful when mandatory predictors are known to be significant due to prior knowledge or must be kept for additional analysis. Both theoretical and comprehensive simulation studies have shown that the ridle to be advantageous when mandatory covariates are correlated with the irrelevant optional predictors or are highly correlated among themselves. A microarray gene expression analysis of the histologic grades of breast cancer has identified 24 genes, in which 2 genes are selected only by the ridle among current methods and found to be associated with tumor grade. In this article, we proposed the ridle as a principled sparse regression method for the selection of optional variables while incorporating mandatory ones. Results suggest that the ridle is advantageous when mandatory covariates are correlated with the irrelevant optional predictors or are highly correlated among themselves.
Splenectomy in far-advanced Hodgkin's disease; report of five cases.

Five patients with far-advanced Hodgkin’s disease and with evidence of hematopoietic failure were treated by splenectomy in order to determine whether: (1) the course of the disease could be modified, (2) the hematologic picture improved, and (3) responsiveness to nitrogen mustard or x-ray therapy restored. These patients showed a transient slight improvement in their hematologic status, but the course of the disease possibly was accelerated, and the patients all died within thirteen weeks, without showing renewed suitability or increased responsiveness to therapy. On the basis of our data and a review of thirty cases from the literature, it is concluded that splenectomy is not a useful procedure its Hodgkin’s disease, except for certain specific indications. These may be: (1) an apparently solitary splenic tumor; (2) acquired hemolytic anemia, although this process may be better controlled in some cases by treating the underlying Hodgkin’s disease with x-rays, nitrogen mustard, or triethylene melamine ; (3) thrombocytopenic purpura, which appears to be more profound than is to be expected from the severity and extent of Hodgkin’s disease; and (4) hypersplenism. Hematopoietic depression in the vast majority of patients with Hodgkin’s disease, however, cannot be attributed to splenic overactivity or malfunction.
Long-term changes in abundances of Sonoran Desert lizards reveal complex responses to climatic variation

Understanding how climatic variation affects animal populations and communities is essential for addressing threats posed by climate change, especially in systems where impacts are projected to be high. We evaluated abundance dynamics of five common species of diurnal lizards over 25 years in a Sonoran Desert transition zone where precipitation decreased and temperature increased across time, and assessed hypotheses for the influence of climatic flux on spatiotemporal variation in abundances. We repeatedly surveyed lizards in spring and summer of each year at up to 32 sites, and used hierarchical mixture models to estimate detection probabilities, abundances, and population growth rates. Among terrestrial species, abundances of a short-lived, winter-spring breeder increased markedly by an estimated 237-285% across time, while two larger spring-summer breeders with higher thermal preferences declined by up to 64%. Abundances of two arboreal species that occupy shaded and thus sheltered microhabitats fluctuated but did not decline systematically. Abundances of all species increased with precipitation at short lag times (1-1.5 yrs) likely due to enhanced food availability, but often declined after periods of high precipitation at longer lag times (2-4 yrs) likely due to predation and other biotic pressures. Although rising maximum daily temperatures (Tmax) are expected to drive global declines of lizards, associations with Tmax were variable and weak for most species. Instead, abundances of all species declined with rising daily minimum temperatures, suggesting degradation of cool refugia imposed widespread metabolic or other costs. Our results suggest climate warming and drying are having major impacts on lizard communities by driving declines of species with traits that augment exposure to abiotic extremes and by modifying species interactions. The complexity of patterns we report indicate that evaluating and responding to the influence of climate change on biodiversity must consider a broad array of ecological processes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
God, Schools, and Government Funding: First Amendment Conundrums

This well-documented and closely argued book is shadowed by the recent appointment of Betsy DeVos, a devout conservative Christian and school choice advocate, as Secretary of Education in the Trump...
Exploring Snapchat as a dynamic capture tool for social networking in persons with aphasia

ABSTRACTBackground: Physical, communication, geographic, and attitudinal factors place individuals with aphasia at risk for social isolation. Social networking applications may reduce the impact of such factors, providing an accessible context that reduces isolation. While individuals with aphasia desire to use social networking technologies, high linguistic demands and complex interface design constrain participation. Modified social networking applications may scaffold successful participation, capitalizing on multimodality communication tools, including photograph-based exchange to support participation.Aims: This study examined the ability of individuals with aphasia to share daily experiences using Snapchat. The utility of the Snapchat platform in facilitating social exchange opportunities among individuals with aphasia was also explored.Methods & Procedures: Six participants with aphasia participated in a 1-month trial of peer-to-peer social networking via Snapchat, using iPods equipped with Snapcha...
Individual mobility prediction using transit smart card data

Abstract For intelligent urban transportation systems, the ability to predict individual mobility is crucial for personalized traveler information, targeted demand management, and dynamic system operations. Whereas existing methods focus on predicting the next location of users, little is known regarding the prediction of the next trip. The paper develops a methodology for predicting daily individual mobility represented as a chain of trips (including the null set, no travel), each defined as a combination of the trip start time t, origin o, and destination d. To predict individual mobility, we first predict whether the user will travel (trip making prediction), and then, if so, predict the attributes of the next trip ( t , o , d ) (trip attribute prediction). Each of the two problems can be further decomposed into two subproblems based on the triggering event. For trip attribute prediction, we propose a new model, based on the Bayesian n-gram model used in language modeling, to estimate the probability distribution of the next trip conditional on the previous one. The proposed methodology is tested using the pseudonymized transit smart card records from more than 10,000 users in London, U.K. over two years. Based on regularized logistic regression, our trip making prediction models achieve median accuracy levels of over 80%. The prediction accuracy for trip attributes varies by the attribute considered—around 40% for t, 70–80% for o and 60–70% for d. Relatively, the first trip of the day is more difficult to predict. Significant variations are found across individuals in terms of the model performance, implying diverse travel behavior patterns.
Emergency department increased use of observation care for elderly medicare patients

Background: Over the past decade, a growing number of older Medicare beneficiaries visit the emergency department (ED) and have been placed in observation care. We investigated and compared the prevalence and factors associated with patients age ≥ 65 years with Medicare insurance who are placed in the hospital, observation care, or discharged following an ED visit. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from a nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare patients age ≥ 65 years during the year 2013. We performed multiple generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analyses to assess the relationship between placement in a hospital vs. discharge, observation care vs. discharge, and observation care vs. admission. Results: Of 537,455 Medicare beneficiaries age ≥ 65 years who visited an ED in 2013, 48.0% (N = 258,083) were discharged, 10.5% (N = 56,184) placed in observation care, and 41.5% (N = 223,188) were admitted to the inpatient service following the ED visit. The top 2 diagnoses associated with placement in the hospital vs. discharge were ischemic heart disease and renal disease. Patients with symptomatic diagnoses such as chest pain and dizziness were more likely to be placed in observation care following an ED visit as compared to admission to the hospital. Conclusions: Compared to prior studies, we found a greater number of older Medicare ED patients placed in observation care and a lower number admitted to the hospital. Most common diagnoses of placement in observation care were symptom-based as compared to being admitted to the hospital which were disease-based.
Measure Theory: Existence and Uniqueness

In some of the examples of previous chapters, most notably the coin-flip space, we defined a sample space Ω and a σ-field ℱ, but we did not completely specify probabilities P(A) for all A ∈ ℱ. Instead, we only gave the values of P(A) for events A in a smaller collection e such that ℱ = σ(e), and then we assumed without proof that P could be extended in a unique way to all of ℱ. In this chapter, we close this gap by showing that under certain natural assumptions, a function P defined on a collection e of subsets of a sample space Ω can be extended in a unique way to a probability measure on ℱ = σ(e). Once probability measures are constructed, we can piece them together to form σ-finite measures. Interesting examples include Lebesgue measure in ℝ d and a certain measure on the space of all lines in ℝ2, both of which are invariant under rigid motions. In preparation for this chapter, the reader may want to review (Counter) example 6 in Chapter 1 and to reread the paragraphs leading up to that example and to Definition 5 of the same chapter.
Morphine treatment at different infant ages: influence on later morphine effects in rats

INTRODUCTION EXPERIMENT 1 Method Results Discussion EXPERIMENT 2 Method Results Discussion GENERAL DISCUSSION REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Equilibrium in Asset Leasing Markets

Using a framework analogous to models of the term structure of interest rates, an intertemporal rational expectations equilibrium for the term structure of lease rates is developed. While active firms lease existing units of an underlying real asset, idle firms choose optimal entry strategies upon which they undertake construction of new supply. The industry is characterized by shocks to both demand and construction costs. Using an option-pricing framework, entry strategies, rent, and asset values are determined endogenously in equilibrium. The term structure of lease rates is seen to have many features in common with standard models of interest rate term structures. The model is then applied to a wide variety of real-world leasing contracts. First, equilibrium rents on forward leases ("re-leasing") are determined. Second, options to renew or cancel a lease are valued. Third, leases with adjustable rents are analyzed. Finally, leases where the rent level is contingent upon the intensity of the asset's use are modeled.
Gestational Gigantomastia Complicated by PTHrP-mediated Hypercalcemia.

Context Gestational gigantomastia is an uncommon condition characterized by abnormal and excessive growth of breast tissue during an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy. Gestational gigantomastia may be accompanied by hypercalcemia, which in some cases has been associated with elevated serum levels of PTHrP. The source of the PTHrP in these cases has been suggested to be the enlarged breasts. Objective To describe the rapid resolution of hypercalcemia and normalization of serum PTHrP after elective termination of pregnancy, indicating that the placenta was the source of the PTHrP. Design A retrospective analysis of clinical and biochemical data over a 2-year interval and review of literature. Setting An academic medical center. Patient A 33-year-old G8P4 female who presented at week 8 of pregnancy with gestational gigantomastia and subsequently developed marked hypercalcemia at week 13. Serum levels of PTH were suppressed but circulating PTHrP was elevated. There was no history of hypercalcemia or significant breast growth during previous pregnancies. Intervention Hypercalcemia was poorly responsive to IV saline, prednisone, calcitonin, and cinacalcet. She requested termination of pregnancy at week 20. Results Serum levels of calcium, PTH, and PTHrP normalized within 48 hours of termination of pregnancy. Conclusion The rapid resolution of hypercalcemia after termination of pregnancy, despite persistent gigantomastia, provides evidence for a pathologic role of the placenta in the excess production of PTHrP, possibly through an as yet uncharacterized placenta-breast hormonal axis.
Effect of Pancreatico-Biliary Secretions and GI Transit Time on the Absorption and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Ranitidine in Humans

Purpose. Ranitidine plasma concentration vs. time profiles and the extent of ranitidine absorption were examined in the presence and absence of pancreatico-biliary secretions in order to elucidate factors which may contribute to secondary peaks after oral ranitidine administration.
Emergent Identities: New Sexualities, Genders and Relationships in the Digital Era

Recent research and popular press articles alike suggest that gender and sexual identity categories – and the meanings of gender and sexuality more broadly – are rapidly changing, especially for yo...
O8 Evaluation of Marshall University Smarter Food Pantry

Objective To improve the nutritional quality of foods selected by clients at a university food pantry. Use of Theory or Research Collaborative research through Cornell University and Feeding America has identified that small changes to food pantry environments can lead to healthier choices. Researchers found nudges increase the likelihood and average amount of healthier items selected by clients at pantries. Hunger + Health (2016), a partner of Feeding America, noted nudge interventions increased the likelihood of a client selecting one healthy food item by 46%, on average. Target Audience College students and other clients at a university food pantry. Program Description The Marshall University Smarter Food Pantry is committed to providing and promoting healthy food choices at home. The pantry is operated through the Department of Dietetics and utilizes Marshall's Nutrition Education Program (NEP) to incorporate policy, systems, and environmental changes. Evaluation Methods Registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic interns performed a process evaluation and determined changes necessary to influence healthier client options/choices at the pantry and implemented these changes. Results Alongside Feeding America, Marshall University's food pantry, open to both students and community members, has made changes to promote healthier eating. Currently, the pantry has: moved location of healthier items to promote exposure and provide educational opportunities by food pantry staff and volunteers, provided labeling for food items, provided positive nutritional messages and promotion utilizing bulletin boards and posters, provided MyPlate promotion and how to fill a healthy plate with foods available in the pantry, developed healthy recipes for items available in the pantry, held targeted food drives on campus for healthy food items and donations for crockpots, and implemented plan to provide food samples in future to promote preparation of healthy items at home. Conclusions Because of pantry reorganization, healthier items are available and promoted regularly to clients. Preliminary results indicated that clients select healthier options. Plans to evaluate measurable outcomes are being developed. Funding SNAP-Ed.
Redefining American Security Interests in Europe

Abstract Despite sometimes promiscuous claims by President Trump's critics, controversy about America's commitment under Article 5 dates back seven decades. If largely quiescent through the Soviet Union's collapse, it was because the core Article 5 commitment thankfully went untested. Controversy reemerged with NATO enlargement eastward. In a strange inversion, what c.1949 was a prime objection to its commitment to use force—what Senator Forrest Donnell called the illusory discretion of the “such action as it deems necessary” condition added by George Kennan and other proponents to rescue the Washington Treaty in the Senate—is now embraced, ahistorically, by Article 5 hawks: that the commitment is mechanical, not discretionary. It is substantially a unilateral American one, too. Chronic European underspending and anemic public support across the continent challenge whether most NATO countries could—or would—rally to an ally's defense.
Why do consumers think it is fair to pay more when buying from producers versus retailers

Consumers in today’s multi-channel marketplace have an abundance of choice, in terms of both the number of products available to buy and the number of channels from which to make purchases. However, minimal research to date explores consumers’ cross-channel price perceptions. Two studies (each from the consumer’s perspective) compare fair prices across channels, providing initial evidence that producers (i.e., brands’ direct channels) can charge a higher price than retailers (e.g., department stores) for the exact same product. The authors build on this intriguing finding by discussing directions for future research on consumer price perceptions in the multi-channel marketplace.
Environmental, Social, and Governance Issues: An Altered Shareholder Activist Paradigm

Within capital markets, institutional investors’ nascent focus on environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) issues is transforming the market for corporate control. Using their ever-increasing ownership of public companies as leverage, these voting blocs color their interactions with two other key players: management and shareholder activists. Institutions are now integrating non-financial ESG risks into traditional quantitative metrics to form optimal strategies for long-term value. The result is that other stakeholders are forced to respond, adapt, and alter their thinking and approaches. Activist hedge funds have responded by incorporating ESG into their campaigns as a means to garner voting support. The corollary is that former short-term investment plays are giving way to longer-term horizons and a wider spectrum of considerations. In response, management must increase its shareholder engagement and appease ESG concerns, or risk facing activist intervention. But, engagement cannot always prove a panacea. As a consequence, ESG is changing the power dynamic between management, institutional investors, and hedge funds activists. These groups are being forced to adjust long-established behaviors, thus collectively altering the shareholder activist paradigm.
Age of Information: A New Metric for Information Freshness

Abstract Information usually has the highest value when it is fresh. For example, real-time knowledge about the location, orientation, and speed of motor vehicles is imperative in autonomous drivin...
Driving Outside the Wire: Examining Factors Impacting Veterans’ Postdeployment Driving:

Combat Veterans (CVs) deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan experience driving difficulty, based on medical conditions and/or deployment exposures, elevating their risk of motor vehicle crash-related injury or death. To address grounded theory rigor and incorporate constructs such as the Person Environment Occupation Performance model, we revised the Hannold et al. (2013) conceptual framework. We conducted two focus groups with seven CVs. Conceptual framework revisions were based on an iterative process and thematic analysis. We elicited CVs' perspectives on deployment training, driving pre- and postdeployment, strategies, and intervention preferences. Personal, environmental, and task factors underpinned CVs' driving. Participants described triggers (e.g., stressful stimuli), use of environmental (e.g., car controls) or personal (e.g., avoiding traffic) strategies, and outcomes of appropriate or risky driving. Findings illustrated CVs' driving difficulty and informed development of a Veteran-centric driving intervention. Improving driving fitness has implications for Veterans' participation and community integration.
Kidney Biopsy Is Required for Nephrotic Syndrome with PLA2R+ and Normal Kidney Function: Commentary

Almost seven decades have elapsed since the paradigm-shifting description of percutaneous aspiration kidney biopsy was first published by Iversen and Brun (1,2). There is no doubt that this procedure has profoundly affected our understanding of kidney disease in general, and it has contributed greatly to improving medical care specifically in the field of glomerular diseases. But like all such advances, over time, new findings can alter the way in which the procedure is used and viewed. The concept of a potential “liquid biopsy” has emerged as an alternative to “tissue biopsy” with the development of sophisticated urinary proteomics and serum biomarkers of specific disease entities (3,4). Nevertheless, kidney biopsy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis of underlying conditions when the clinical features are insufficiently distinct to provide a diagnosis and when additional information is needed to better guide prognosis and management. Although percutaneous kidney biopsy is generally regarded as safe when performed under ideal conditions by an experienced operator, major but usually nonlife-threatening complications can ensue in a small percentage of cases (5). Thus, the decision to pursue a strategy of kidney biopsy is governed by the risk of the procedure compared to the likelihood that the tissue will provide information that cannot otherwise be obtained noninvasively and that will make a difference in the management of the patient going forward. When the tissue is examined thoroughly by light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, including special staining methods, kidney biopsies can often deliver a specific diagnosis and useful therapeutic guidance. These considerations form the crux of the proposition advanced in this debate, highlighted by the pro (6) and con (7) responses. Essentially, the debate asks whether positive results of testing for serum autoantibodies to PLA2R antigen in a well defined subset of adult patients presenting …
Autoregulatory mechanisms controlling the Microprocessor.

The Microprocessor, comprising the ribonuclease Drosha and its essential cofactor, the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, DGCR8, is essential for the first step of the miRNA biogenesis pathway. It specifically cleaves double-stranded RNA within stem-loop structures of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to generate precursor (pre-miRNA) intermediates. Pre-miRNAs are subsequently processed by Dicer to their mature ∼22 nt form. Thus, Microprocessor is essential for miRNA maturation, and pri-miRNA cleavage by this complex defines one end of the mature miRNA. Moreover, it is emerging that dysregulation of the Microprocessor is associated with various human diseases. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms by which the expression of the subunits of the Microprocessor is regulated. Recent findings have uncovered a post-transcriptional mechanism that maintains the integrity of the Microprocessor. These studies revealed that the Microprocessor is involved in the processing of the messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes DGCR8. This regulatory feedback loop, along with the reported role played by DGCR8 in the stabilization of Drosha protein, is part of a newly identified regulatory mechanism controlling Microprocessor activity.
Efficient, Narrow Profile Waveguide Crossings Based on Rapid Adiabatic Coupling

We demonstrate an efficient s ilicon w aveguide c rossing b ased o n t he rapid adiabatic coupling (RAC) concept. Insertion loss and crosstalk are under 0.05 dB and −50 dB in simulation and under 0.3 dB and −17 dB in experiment across a 100 nm bandwidth.
The Safety of Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation.

Myth Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is not associated with known clinically significant complications. Fact Although genicular nerve RFA is generally considered a safe procedure, cases of septic arthritis, pes anserine tendon injury, third-degree skin burn, and clinically significant hematoma and/or hemarthrosis have been reported. As with any emerging procedure, other yet-to-be-reported complications are possible.
Sigmoid volvulus in a teenager

Abstract Sigmoid volvulus in the pediatric population is a rare condition. In the adult population, it is considered in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction for patients with a history of debilitation or chronic constipation, in association with diseases like Hirschsprung or Chagas, and seems to have regionally higher incidence in Asia, Africa and South America, and high-altitude locations. The index of suspicion for sigmoid volvulus in a healthy child is low. We present the rare case of a 16-year-old otherwise healthy male who presented with abdominal pain and was found to have sigmoid volvulus. The patient underwent emergent endoscopic detorsion followed by rectal biopsy during the same hospitalization and, one month later, laparoscopic single-site sigmoid colectomy on elective basis.
Inside or out? Perceptions of how Differing Types of Comment Moderation Impact Practice

This study examines how the moderation of reader comments influences journalism practice. Through in-depth interviews with journalists working at both organizations that perform in-house comment mo...
Geomorphic history of Lake Manix, Mojave Desert, California: Evolution of a complex terminal lake basin

Abstract Pluvial lake deposits in the Basin and Range province have long been exploited for records of hydrologic and climatic change. To obtain the most accurate reconstructions, a thorough understanding of the geomorphic evolution of such lake basins must be grounded in field stratigraphy and mapping, which are often lacking or are not well integrated with core studies. We conducted extensive stratigraphic investigation, mapping, and dating of exposed strata in the Lake Manix basin, former terminus of the Mojave River, California, during the Pleistocene to provide such a background and to supplement interpretations from a 45-m-long core. In this paper, we emphasize the geomorphic and tectonic processes that shaped the evolution of the Manix basin after the arrival of the Mojave River in the early-middle Pleistocene. The main processes include (1) sedimentary infilling of the lake basin, (2) interaction among the subbasins as controlled by internal sills and sill failures, (3) tectonics, and (4) climate change. From about 500 to 190 ka, Lake Manix was confined to its western subbasins, and fluctuated in response to climate change and perhaps to brief diversions of the river into the upstream Harper Lake basin. During this time, about 24 m of sediment accumulated near the confluence of the Mojave River and Manix Wash, and a 15-km-long clastic wedge built into the western basins, gradually filling the accommodation space. Two basin-integration events subsequently occurred, both caused by failure of sills that lay on sheared deposits along the Manix fault zone. When Lake Manix rose at the onset of glacial marine isotope stage 6, the sill on the south flank of Buwalda Ridge failed and triggered a catastrophic flood that entered the new, lower elevation, previously endorheic Afton subbasin. Subsequent lake-level changes affected both subbasins, but the thickest deposits after the flood are preserved in the Afton subbasin. The area upstream of Buwalda Ridge was only submerged during relatively high lake levels. Thus, sediment records interpreted from the core site and nearby outcrops in part reflect a geomorphic event (basin integration) rather than climatic conditions. The sill of Lake Manix after the integration event lay at the northeast end of the Afton subbasin, athwart strands of the Manix fault zone. At about 25 ka, this eastern sill was rapidly incised, and the river advanced to terminate in Lake Mojave in the Soda and Silver Lake basins. Recognition and dating of integration events, common for lake-river interactions in active tectonic settings, provide important context for interpreting paleoclimate records from sediments and provide temporal and spatial constraints on the biogeography of aquatic species.
Initial experience of prostate specific membrane antigen binding agent 123I-MIP-1072 nuclear scan in patients with metastatic prostatic cancer: Comparison with bone and CT scans

271 Objectives 123I-MIP-1072 prostate cancer specific imaging is naturally more specific than bone scan. Is it more sensitive than bone scan? What is the 123I-MIP-1072’s value when correlates with CT scan? Methods 123I-MIP-1072 was provided by Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for this clinical trial. Five metastatic prostate cancer patients were enrolled at this study site. Following IV injection of 10 mCi 123I-MIP-1072, whole body planar scans were performed at 0.5, 4 and 24 hours and SPECT/CT imaging at 4 and 24 hours. Lesion numbers were counted by 2 nuclear radiologists at this site based on whole body images. Study images were compared to contrast CT scans and Tc-99m MDP bone scans performed within 2 months. Results 123I-MIP-1072 whole body scans demonstrated greater target to background ratio because there was no physiological bone uptake. We detected a total of 164 ± 3 bony lesions in 5 patients on 123I-MIP-1072 scans in comparison to 86 ± 5 lesions on bone scans. Many degenerative lesions shown on bone scan were negative on MIP-1072 imaging. We found 123I-MIP-1072 imaging detected more bony lesions than bone scan in every patient. The smallest 123I-MIP-1072 positive node we detected on SPECT images was 6 mm. An initially thought nonspecific 6 mm lung nodule on CT in one patient demonstrated mild 123I-MIP-1072 uptake. We also found focal 123I-MIP-1072 uptake in peritoneal cavity, which is evidently not the physiological intestinal uptake and is likely tumor seeding. Conclusions In comparison with bone scan, 123I-MIP-1072 appears to be more specific, and is likely also more sensitive in detecting prostate cancer bone metastasis. In comparison with CT scan,123I-MIP-1072 has great potential to differentiate subcentimeter lymph nodes, lung nodules and peritoneal tumor seeding. Further study is warranted in a larger sample size. Research Support Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc
Balloon expulsion testing for the diagnosis of dyssynergic defecation in women with chronic constipation

Dyssynergic defecation can be difficult to diagnose. Anorectal manometry and defecography are often used to make this diagnosis. However, these tests are expensive and require expertise. Balloon expulsion testing may be a simple alternative. We compared balloon expulsion to anorectal manometry and defecography for diagnosing dyssynergia in women with chronic constipation. We conducted a retrospective review. All women presenting for evaluation of chronic constipation who underwent concurrent balloon testing, manometry, and defecography were included. A diagnosis of dyssynergic defecation was established by either defecography revealing prolonged/incomplete rectal evacuation and/or by manometry revealing paradoxical contraction/inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor. Inability to expel a 50-ml balloon defined dyssynergic defecation by balloon testing. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. A total of 61 women met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 50 years. There were 36 women (59 %) who met Rome III criteria for dyssynergic defecation on defecography and/or manometry. Only 12 of these 36 (33 %) were similarly diagnosed by balloon testing. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of balloon testing for dyssynergia were 33 and 71 %, respectively. Of the 25 (41 %) women who did not meet Rome III criteria for dyssynergia on defecography and/or manometry, 20 (80 %) also had negative balloon testing. Thus, the specificity and negative predictive value of balloon testing for diagnosing dyssynergia were 80 and 50 %, respectively. In our population, balloon expulsion was not an ideal screening test for dyssynergic defecation in women with constipation. Multimodal testing is necessary for more accurate diagnosis.
Social Approach and Social Avoidance

Activation of the left brain appears to correspond with social approach behaviors, whereas activation of the right brain has primarily been associated with socially avoidant behavior or withdrawal. The social approach behaviors resulting with left frontal activation seem consistent with the desire to speak and the act of speech expression derived from this brain region. This would also appear consistent with the positive affect resulting with activation at this region, where it may promote some verbal discourse and continuity of the contact sufficient for socialization within the setting. Activation of the left frontal lobe occurs with an infant’s approach toward the mother and continues to correspond with approach behavior through adulthood. Moreover, approach motivation is linked to relative left-hemispheric brain activation, which in turn leads to more right-oriented behavior by approach-motivated individuals. Roskes and colleagues manipulated the subject’s motivation with some motivated toward avoidance and some motivated toward approach behavior. Performance on a line-bisection task under low or high time pressure revealed right-oriented judgments only in those motivated for approach and under high time pressure or rapid pacing demands.
Sources of Stress in the Drive for Power

both the acute and restorative changes are initiated and coordinated by the brain through its control of the autonomic and endocrine systems. For example, during the acute response the changes in blood pressure, blood flow, and heart rate are mediated by activation of many parts of the sympathetic nervous system and corresponding suppression of activity in many parts of the parasympathetic system. During this period there is also heightened release of such hormones as cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, growth hormone, thyroxine, etc., from endocrine organs. At the same time release of other hormones, for example, insulin and sex hormones, is suppressed. The net effect of these hormonal changes is an accelerated breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to provide energy (catabolism) and a slowing of the body’s synthetic processes (anabolism).” Repeated stress and mobilization of the body in this way eventually predisposes the individual to all sorts of pathology, particularly cardiovascular diseases (cf. Levi, 1971). People suffering from essential hypertension and heart disease in turn are described frequently as having a particular behavioral style which suggests chronic sympathetic activation. They display “extremes of competitiveness, striving for achievement, aggressiveness (sometimes stringently repressed), haste, impatience, restlessness, hyperalertness, explosiveness of speech, tenseness of facial musculature, and feelings of being under the pressure of time and under the challenge of responsibility” (Jenkins, 1971). Psychiatrists studying essential hypertensives (individuals with chronic high blood pressure) conclude “that they live under a permanent life stress from which they are unable to free themselves, that they are sinking under the burden of responsibility
Analysis of thermal hysteresis on micromachined accelerometers

One of the most critical parameters on any transducer device is the offset in a static g-field. The offset must be repeatable as one cycles the temperature of the device. A variance in offset after a temperature cycle is defined as thermal hysteresis. This phenomenon is non-linear and is extremely difficult to compensate for with an ASIC. This paper discusses the methodology used to analyze, model, and correct a prototype accelerometer design that had significant thermal hysteresis. It steps through the experiments which demonstrate that the major cause of the hysteresis was an aluminum thin film on the transducer die, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling used to simulate this phenomenon and the final experimental data. The final solution for this transducer was to decrease the metal thickness by 50%, which reduced the magnitude of the hysteresis to a level that would allow the product to operate within the specifications of 2.25 V to 2.75 V (with a 5.0 V power supply) with an acceptable process capability.