cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLASSROOM NOTE: A Roll of the Dice: Illustrating the Central Limit Theorem

Summary The sampling (probability) distribution for the sum of dice is presented graphically as a compelling demonstration of the Central Limit Theorem.
Satanic Ritual Abuse in Day Care: An Analysis of 12 American Cases

Between 1983 and 1991, over 100 day care centres across America were investigated for satanic ritual abuse of children. These bizarre cases were widely reported in Great Britain as well as other countries around the world, where American experts played a significant role in disseminating material about the cases in workshops and seminars. Using news articles, investigative reports, interview transcripts, legal briefs and court transcripts, this paper analyses a sample of 12 of those cases. It examines the nature of the allegations, the victims, the perpetrators, the criminal trials and the outcome of the cases. The major finding of this analysis is that these day care cases actually contribute little to the debate about whether satanic ritual abuse is real or rumour, but they do set an agenda for the international child abuse professional community for research, practice and discussion. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A feasibility study of dechlorination of chloroform in water by ultrasound in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Dechlorination of chloroform in water with ultrasound in combination with hydrogen peroxide has been studied. It is believed that the decomposition of chloroform is accomplished by free radical reaction. The experimental results indicate that the optimal hydrogen peroxide concentration has a molar ratio of H2O2:CHCl3 = 50:1. The addition of ferrous ions (20 mg L−1) into solution will increase the efficiency while the addition of methanol will decrease the efficiency. Under optimal conditions the efficiency in removal of chloroform can reach 94%. A kinetic plot shows that the overall reaction appears to be a first order reaction.
Caveolin‐1 enhances rapid mucosal restitution by activating TRPC1‐mediated Ca2+ signaling

Early rapid mucosal restitution occurs as a consequence of epithelial cell migration to reseal superficial wounds, a process independent of cell proliferation. Our previous studies revealed that the canonical transient receptor potential-1 (TRPC1) functions as a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCs) in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and regulates epithelial restitution after wounding, but the exact mechanism underlying TRPC1 activation remains elusive. Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is a major component protein that is associated with caveolar lipid rafts in the plasma membrane and was recently identified as a regulator of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Here, we showed that Cav1 plays an important role in the regulation of mucosal restitution by activating TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ signaling. Target deletion of Cav1 delayed gastric mucosal repair after exposure to hypertonic NaCl in mice, although it did not affect total levels of TRPC1 protein. In cultured IECs, Cav1 directly interacted with TRPC1 and formed Cav1/TRPC1 complex as measured by immunoprecipitation assays. Cav1 silencing in stable TRPC1-transfected cells by transfection with siCav1 reduced SOCE without effect on the level of resting [Ca2+]cyt. Inhibition of Cav1 expression by siCav1 and subsequent decrease in Ca2+ influx repressed epithelial restitution, as indicated by a decrease in cell migration over the wounded area, whereas stable ectopic overexpression of Cav1 increased Cav1/TRPC1 complex, induced SOCE, and enhanced cell migration after wounding. These results indicate that Cav1 physically interacts with and activates TRPC1, thus stimulating TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ signaling and rapid mucosal restitution after injury.
Long-range corrected hybrid density functionals with damped atom–atom dispersion corrections

We report re-optimization of a recently proposed long-range corrected (LC) hybrid density functional [J.-D. Chai and M. Head-Gordon, J. Chem. Phys., 2008, 128, 084106] to include empirical atom–atom dispersion corrections. The resulting functional, ωB97X-D yields satisfactory accuracy for thermochemistry, kinetics, and non-covalent interactions. Tests show that for non-covalent systems, ωB97X-D shows slight improvement over other empirical dispersion-corrected density functionals, while for covalent systems and kinetics it performs noticeably better. Relative to our previous functionals, such as ωB97X, the new functional is significantly superior for non-bonded interactions, and very similar in performance for bonded interactions.
Trametes versicolor Extract Modifies Human Fecal Microbiota Composition In vitro

Trametes versicolor is a mushroom used as a traditional Chinese medicine (Yun-zhi) for a wide array of seemingly disparate conditions. We hypothesized that many of its multiple purported activities could be mediated through stimulation of beneficial mutualist components of the microbiota. Human fecal microbiota was cultured anaerobically to determine its ability to ferment a common extract of T. versicolor, designated polysaccharide peptide (PSP), and the ability of PSP to alter the composition of the microbial community. The presence of PSP and fructooligosaccharides (FOS, a common prebiotic) in the medium, but not cellulose, significantly increased levels of Bifidobacterium spp. PSP also elevated Lactobacillus spp., while reducing Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. Levels of Streptococcus spp., Bacteroides spp. and Escherichia did not significantly change. Fermentation of PSP increased the concentration of organic acids (lactate and short-chain fatty acids), decreased the pH, and induced β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase activities. The genera of the human microbiota that are promoted by FOS and other prebiotics are also stimulated by the Trametes versicolor extract, PSP. Thus, Trametes versicolor, a common East Asian botanical, contains putative prebiotic agents that alter human gut microbiota and pH. This prebiotic-like activity may help explain some of the plethora of the health benefits attributed to this traditional Chinese medicine.
Effect of crystallinity on the properties of nylons

Increasing the degree of crystallization of unoriented 66 or 610 nylon increases the stiffness, yield point, tensile strength, and hardness, but reduces the impact strength, particularly in the high crystallinity range. The impact strength was increased by increasing the molecular weight, but the other properties were substantially unchanged. The effect of varying water content was independent of the effect of varying crystallinity and generally acts in the opposite direction.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Proteins and Fatty Acids of Soybean

Two hundred grams of soybean seeds (moisture contents of 7.4, 15.3, 22.5, and 30.5%) were irradiated at dose levels of 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 KGy using Cobalt-60 source. Radiation dose of 100 KGy caused a decrease in the percentage of nitrogen solubility from 80.3 to 67.2, 80.3 to 57.8, and 68.1 to 48.8 when deionized H2O, 0.6M NaCl, and 0.2M Cacl2 were used as solvents, respectively. Inhibition of 71% of lipoxygenase activities, 25.4% trypsin inhibitor activities, and 16.7% chymotrypsin inhibitor activities were found when the soybean seeds were irradiated at 100 KGy.
Comparison of a peroxidase-catalyzed sanitizer with other egg sanitizers using a laboratory-scale sprayer

Microbial and foodborne pathogen contamination of eggs continues to represent an important public health concern. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of spraying shell eggs with PCC (peroxidase-catalyzed compound, EnzodineTM, Symbollon Corporation, Sudbury, MA) with that of other sanitizers in the reduction of surface microbial contamination using a laboratory-scale sprayer apparatus. Treatments were distilled-deionized water, PCC, chlorine (200 ppm), and quaternary ammonium (QA). Each egg was sprayed with 150 mL of the treatment over a 1 min period while being rotated at approximately 150 revolutions per min. Enumeration of aerobic plate populations indicated that all treatments (distilled-deionized water, chlorine, PCC, and QA) significantly reduced the viable aerobic bacterial populations and Salmonella typhimurium when compared to the nonsprayed dry egg control. Spraying eggs with PCC resulted in a 6 logarithmic reduction in viable S. typhimurium populations on egg shell surfaces. Unlike results found with aerobic bacterial populations, PCC was not as effective in reducing levels of S. typhimurium to the extent of the chlorine and QA treatments (greater than 6 logarithmic reduction) but greater than 3 logarithmic reduction was observed with PCC as compared to distilled-deionized water. This study suggests that PCC may be a viable alternative to chlorine and QA in the reduction of bacterial populations on shell egg surfaces and can be applied as a spray on egg shell surfaces.
Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Without Detectable Autoantibodies or Alloantibodies: A Possible Role of Phosphatidylserine Exposure on Donor RBCs

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) may occur when there is an antigen mismatch between transfused RBCs and recipient RBC antibodies where sensitized RBCs are cleared by macrophages or complement activation leading to immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediated hemolysis. Some DHTR etiologies remain unknown since there are cases of DHTR when an RBC autoantibody or alloantibody is absent. Mechanisms have been proposed to explain these types of cases of DHTR, including bystander or reactive hemolysis by hyperactive macrophages. Studies in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have shown abnormalities in the structure and function of the RBC membranes including exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) leading to macrophage clearance of sickled erythrocytes. We report on a case demonstrating that DHTR may occur as a result of PS exposure on antigen-matched RBC, resulting in macrophage clearance and hemolysis without detection of autoantibodies or alloantibodies. An in vitro measurement showed an increased exposure of PS on compatible donor RBCs using the patient’s plasma, which may be responsible for increased hemolysis during DHTR. * DHTR : delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction IgG : immunoglobulin G PS : phosphatidylserine SCD : sickle cell disease Hb : hemoglobin DAT : direct antiglobulin test IAT : indirect antiglobulin test HLA : human leukocyte antigen CT : computed tomography DHTR/H : delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction/hyperhemolysis
INHIBITION OF MYOBLAST FUSION AFTER ONE ROUND OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN 5-BROMODEOXYURIDINE

The thymidine analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) has a differential effect on the synthesis of tissue-specific products and molecules required for growth and division. Proliferating myogenic cells cultured in BUdR fail to fuse and fail to initiate the synthesis of contractile protein filaments. Conversely, BUdR has but a minor effect on cell viability and reproductive integrity. Low concentrations of BUdR result in an enhancement of cell number relative to the controls; higher concentrations are cytotoxic. Suppression of myogenesis is reversible after at least 10 cell generations of growth in the analogue. Cells that do not synthesize DNA, such as postmitotic myoblasts and myotubes, are not affected by BUdR. Incorporation of BUdR for one round of DNA synthesis was accomplished by first incubating myogenic cells, prior to fusion, in 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) to block DNA synthesis and collect cells in the presynthetic phase. The cells were then allowed to synthesize either normal DNA or BU-DNA for one S period by circumventing the FUdR block with BUdR or BUdR plus thymidine (TdR). The cultures were continued in FUdR to prevent dilution of the incorporated analogue by further division. After 3 days, the cultures from the FUdR-BUdR series showed the typical BUdR effect; the cells were excessively flattened and few multinucleated myotubes formed. Cells in the control cultures were of normal morphology, and multinucleated myotubes were present. These results were confirmed in another experiment in which BUdR-3H was added to 2-day cultures in which myotubes were forming. Fusion of thymidine-3H-labeled cells begins at 8 hr after the preceding S phase. In contrast, cells which incorporate BUdR-3H for one S period do not fuse with normal myotubes.
Evidence that azide occupies the chloride binding site near the manganese cluster in photosystem II

The effect of adding azide to photosystem II (PS II) membrane samples (BBY preparation), with or without chloride, has been investigated using continuous wave (CW) and pulsed EPR spectroscopy. In the BBY samples with 25 mM chloride, we observed that the inhibition induced by azide is partly recovered by the addition of bicarbonate. Electron spin−echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) was used to search for spin transitions of 15N nuclei magnetically coupled to the S2 state Mn cluster (multiline EPR signal form) in 15N (single terminal label) azide-treated samples with negative results. However, an 15N ESEEM peak was observed in parallel chloride-depleted PS II samples when the 15N-labeled azide is added. However, this peak is absent in chloride-depleted samples incubated in buffer containing both chloride and [15N]azide. Thus these results demonstrate an azide binding site in the immediate vicinity of the Mn cluster, and since this site appears to be competitive with chloride, these results provide further evid...
Shape Mapping of the Hippocampus in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We hypothesized the occurrence of characteristic hippocampal-shape alterations in young children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who also exhibit deficits on neuropsychologic tests of medial temporal lobe (MTL) function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronal 3D MR images were acquired from 3- to 4-year-old children with ASD ( n = 45) and age-matched children with typical development ( n = 13). Children with ASD were further subclassified into those with autism disorder (AD, n = 29) or pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) ( n = 16). Variations in hippocampal shape were evaluated by using large-deformation high-dimensional brain mapping. RESULTS: Hippocampal shape measures distinguished children with ASD from those with typical development; within the ASD sample, children with AD were distinguished from those with PDD-NOS. Hippocampal-shape alterations in children with ASD were correlated with degree of mental retardation and performance deficits on tests of MTL function. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ASD exhibited an alteration of hippocampal shape consistent with inward deformation of the subiculum. This pattern of hippocampal-shape deformations in the children with ASD was accentuated in the more severely affected subgroup of children with AD and was associated with deficits on neuropsychologic tests of MTL but not prefrontal function. Hippocampal-shape deformation in the children with ASD was observed to be similar to a pattern of hippocampal shape deformation previously reported in adults with MTL epilepsy. Although the children with ASD, and those with AD in particular, PDD-NOS are at high risk for epilepsy as they enter adolescence, the specificity and causal relationship of this pattern of hippocampal-shape deformation to the development of seizures is not yet known.
Policy learning and science policy innovation adoption by street-level bureaucrats

This article investigates the conditions under which government officials who implement policy integrate the best available science into regulatory practice. It examines the adoption of rapid wetland assessment tools, a type of science policy innovation, by street-level bureaucrats in six US Mid-Atlantic states. These bureaucrats operate in relatively opaque and discretion-laden institutional settings. The analysis of an original survey of state wetland officials shows that these officials are more likely to adopt tools when they have more opportunities to learn tool-related information and practice norms. Bureaucrats’ adoption of this class of science policy innovations appears facilitated by peer communication via network ties, on-the-job experience and incentives and disincentives associated with bureaucrats’ organisational contexts and operating environments.
Organizational Justice and Police Misconduct

Although police misconduct has interested policing scholars for many years, extant research has been largely atheoretical and has ignored the role of organizational justice in understanding the behavior. This study uses survey data from a random sample of 483 police officers employed in the Philadelphia Police Department to explore the role of organizational justice in police misconduct. Results indicate that officers who view their agency as fair and just in managerial practices are less likely to adhere to the code of silence or believe that police corruption in pursuit of a noble cause is justified. Furthermore, perceptions of organizational justice are associated with lower levels of engagement in several forms of police misconduct. The results suggest that organizational justice is a promising framework to understand police misconduct and may help guide police administrators in the implementation of effective management strategies to reduce the incidence of the behavior.
An FPGA-based Focal Plane Array interface for the Panchromatic Fourier Transform Spectrometer

Panchromatic Fourier Transform Spectrometer (PanFTS) is an Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) funded development to build and demonstrate a single instrument capable of meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) mission. The PanFTS design provides atmospheric measurement capabilities in the IR and UV-Vis by using imaging FTS to provide full spatial coverage. For the atmospheric composition, the instrument includes up to four Focal Plane Arrays (FPA) of 256×256 pixels that are read at a frame rate of 8 kHz. We have developed an interface that records pixel data from commercially available IR FPAs that are capable of the required frame rate at a lower spatial coverage, and of the required spatial coverage at a lower frame rate. This interface uses high speed ADCs from Analog Devices and the Xilinx Virtex-5FXT FPGA (V5FXT). The IR signal chain electronics and the demonstration of the FPA data capture are highlighted in this paper. Achieving the full spatial coverage will require FPAs with in-pixel ADCs using delta-sigma conversion. JPL has developed a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) utilizing this technique and has bump-bonded it to the detector portion of an FPA. The data acquisition and processing system for handling delta-sigma conversion from this new imager is the current work of the PanFTS IIP.
The Adolescent Varicocele: Diagnostic and Treatment Patterns of Pediatricians. A Public Health Concern?

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determine whether practice patterns of pediatricians contribute to delays in diagnosing and treating adolescents with varicoceles.Materials and Methods: A survey consisting of 11 multiple-choice questions was mailed to 5,000 pediatricians selected by zip code in New York State. Zip codes were chosen to reflect urban, suburban and rural counties.Results: A total of 544 of the 5000 (10.9%) surveys were returned, and 92 (16.9%) pediatricians acknowledged that they did not routinely perform physical examinations of the genitalia of adolescent males patients. Of 497 pediatricians who routinely or occasionally examine the genitalia 54 (10.9%) did not examine for the presence of varicoceles. When pediatricians were asked how they assess for the presence of varicoceles, 13 of 521 (2.5%) only used visual inspection, 50 (9.6%) only examined patients in the supine position and 379 (72.7%) of these pediatricians never used Valsalva maneuvers. Of 517 respondents 442 (85.5%) referred patients with v...
Solution NMR as an Investigational Tool for Disordered and Partly Folded Proteins

The chaperone Hsp90 interacts with a relatively large set of proteins, termed client proteins, but their state, whether folded, partly folded or alternatively folded is not clear. NMR experiments on client proteins in the presence and absence of Hsp90 provide unprecedented insights into the conformational states of client proteins. As well, the NMR spectra of the chaperone itself in the presence of the client protein and of co-chaperones give information on interaction sites. NMR experiments on such large proteins and protein complexes are difficult both of execution and interpretation, but allow the formulation of hypotheses that can be tested by other spectroscopic means. We find that several client proteins form molten globule-like states when in the presence of Hsp90. The interactions between one client protein, the p53 DNA-binding domain, and fragments of Hsp90 of various sizes, comprising 1 and 2 domains of the protein, up to the full-length dimeric protein showed loss of signal intensity of the p53 resonances in the complex, from which we infer the prtesence of a state with secondary structure indistinguishable from that of the free protein, but containing a manifold of states that are in intermediate exchange on the NMR time scale. Further evidence for the loose and flexible nature of the bound p53 client is provided by the fluorescence behavior of the dye 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS) and by comparison of H/D exchange rates of the amide protons of the p53 DNA binding domain. Hsp90 itself appears to make highly dynamic interactions with the client protein, which are modified in the presence of co-chaperones such as p23. We conclude that the interaction between Hsp90 and p53 is complex, and involves a structural change in the client protein to a loosened state.
Recycle continuous-flow electrophoresis: Zero-diffusion theory

Recycle continuous-flow electrophoresis (RCFE) is a modification of Hannig's thin-film CFE device in which eluant is continuously recycled to the chamber inlet. Shifting the recycled eluent laterally a specific distance prior to reinjection enables the RCFE to separate any two solutes to arbitrary purity. This paper studies solute transport in an idealized RCFE in the absence of diffusion. The model is solved analytically by means of a two-sided Laplace transform. Three distinct types of solute distribution are found, and guidelines for construction and operation of an RCFE are derived.
Mosquito Larval Habitat Mapping Using Remote Sensing and GIS: Implications of Coalbed Methane Development and West Nile Virus

Potential larval habitats of the mosquito Culex tarsalis (Coquillett), implicated as a primary vector of West Nile virus in Wyoming, were identified using integrated remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) analyses. The study area is in the Powder River Basin of north central Wyoming, an area that has been undergoing a significant increase in coalbed methane gas extractions since the late 1990s. Large volumes of water are discharged, impounded, and released during the extraction of methane gas, creating aquatic habitats that have the potential to support immature mosquito development. Landsat TM and ETM+ data were initially classified into spectrally distinct water and vegetation classes, which were in turn used to identify suitable larval habitat sites. This initial habitat classification was refined using knowledge-based GIS techniques requiring spatial data layers for topography, streams, and soils to reduce the potential for overestimation of habitat. Accuracy assessment was carried out using field data and high-resolution aerial photography commensurate with one of the Landsat images. The classifier can identify likely habitat for ponds larger than 0.8 ha (2 acres) with generally satisfactory results (72.1%) with a lower detection limit of ≈0.4 ha (1 acre). Results show a 75% increase in potential larval habitats from 1999 to 2004 in the study area, primarily because of the large increase in small coalbed methane water discharge ponds. These results may facilitate mosquito abatement programs in the Powder River Basin with the potential for application throughout the state and region.
Institute of Medicine The Future of Nursing Report, lifelong learning, and certification.

The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) encourages certification for all registered nurses who provide care in a medical-surgical setting. Initial certification is achieved through successful testing by written examination. The certification examination is based on Benner's Nursing
Amia and the Triple Frontier in Argentine and American Discourse on Terrorism

The bombing of La Asociacion Mutual Israeli-Argentina (AMIA) in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994 was the deadliest attack targeting Jews since WWII. Argentine journalists commonly refer to the event as the “greatest crime in Argentine history” and it remains unsolved. “La pista siria” or “the Syrian lead” is unique to Argentine media. This theory has concentrated on the role of corrupt local officials acting in conjunction with a notorious international crime syndicate from President Carlos Menem’s ancestral home in Syria. “La historia oficial” or “the official story” posits that an Iranian backed Hezbollah cell operating out of the Tri-Border Area carried out the attack. Introduced by US intelligence, this theory has remained the sole focus of American media. From interviews and archival research at AMIA and the municipal government offices and library of La Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, this article explores the discursive modes of inquiry behind the two leading theories about the case and attempts to provide important background for this increasingly urgent topic of global interest.
Abstract 651: Genetic Mapping Of Traits And Transcriptome In The Lyon Hypertensive Rat

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Using the Lyon Hypertensive and Lyon Normotensive rats as models of the metabolic syndrome, we aim to determine both physiological and transcriptional regulation underlying the syndrome. To identify genetic loci influencing phenotypes underlying MetS, an F2 intercross between LH and LN with 150 offspring was studied to identify physiological quantitative trait loci (pQTL) contributing to plasma lipid levels, blood pressure, and body weight/adiposity. We performed RNA-seq in livers from 36 selected rats from the intercross to identify the mapping of gene expression, or expression (e)QTL. Linkage analyses identified pQTL and eQTL with significant logarithm of odds (lod) scores, whose genome-wide significance was determined by permutation testing. We identified 17 pQTL on 5 rat chromosomes and 75 on 16 chromosomes. It has been determined that LH chromosome 17 contributes to multiple features of MetS; furthermore, an eQTL on rat chromosome 17 was identified that regulates the expression of multiple genes in trans, meaning the regulated gene falls outside the QTL interval or on another chromosome. We hypothesize these genes share a common transcriptional regulator which is affected by genetic variation on chromosome 17. eQTLs are likely to influence precursor pathways and cofactors of the metabolic syndrome. Identifying these in the LH rat could lead to translational studies to determine their role in the human MetS.
Application of the Hilbert Transform to Measure the Nonlinearity in the Driven Dust Acoustic Wave

This paper presents an analysis of the application of the time-resolved Hilbert transform to simulated measurements of the wave structure in the dust acoustic wave. It is shown that the observation of structures in the dominant frequency modes that have been made in experimental measurements of the driven dust acoustic wave is due to the nonlinearity in the wave mode and that the time-resolved Hilbert transform can be used to measure the nonlinearity in the driven wave mode. This was tested on experimental data and excellent agreement was observed.
Similarities and differences in bare concrete deck deterioration curves from multi NDE technology surveys

Reinforced concrete decks are in most cases the fastest deteriorating components of a bridge due to the multitude of influencing factors: direct traffic loading and environmental effects, maintenance activities (salting), etc. Among many deterioration types, corrosion-induced deterioration is the most common problem in reinforced concrete decks. The study concentrates on the condition assessment of bridge decks using complementary NDE techniques. The assessment has three main components: assessment of corrosive environment and corrosion processes, and assessment with respect to the deck delamination. The study concentrates on a complementary use of five NDE techniques: impact echo (IE) to detect and characterize delamination, ground penetrating radar (GPR) to describe the corrosive environment and detect delamination, and electrical resistivity (ER) to estimate the corrosion rate by measuring concrete resistivity. The ability of the NDE methods to objectively characterize deterioration progression is illustrated by the results from NDE surveys of 10 bridges of different ages in New Jersey during a period of one year. The deterioration progression is illustrated by condition maps and condition indices. As demonstrated in the paper, multiple deterioration models are developed utilizing the proposed methodology, which shows high potential for development of more realistic deterioration and life cycle cost models for bridge decks.
Control of high and low blood pressure in the dog by aortic and sinus nerves.

1. Changes in afferent activity in the aortic and sinus nerves with alterations of blood pressure were studied in anaesthetized dogs. Mean aortic blood pressure was changed from 220 to 50 mmHg by using a pressurized reservoir connected to the abdominal aorta. 2. The stimulus-response curve (defined by measuring the mean impulse frequency at various pressures) from both nerves was S-shaped; the curve for the aortic nerve was shifted to the right of the sinus nerve curve. 3. In the dog, the aortic arch baroreceptors act predominantly as an anti-hypertensive mechanism; at lower pressures, the major control occurs through the sinus baroreflex.
Point Mutation in Autosomal Dominant Forms of Amyloidosis

We have studied three inherited types of amyloidosis: familial amyloidosis, Finnish type (FAF), and the two familial types of cerebral amyloid angiopathy known as hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis: Icelandic (HCHWA-1) and Dutch (HCHWA-D). FAF is an autosomal dominant form of systemic amyloidosis, clinically characterized by lattice corneal dystrophy and progressive cranial neuropathy. The amyloid protein subunit is a degradation fragment of a variant of gelsolin, an actin modulating 90 or 93 kDa cytoplasmic and plasma protein. The variant protein is the result of a point mutation in the gelsolin gene.
Managing an Information Literacy Needs Assessment Over Multiple Campuses

The South University Libraries last performed a major assessment for information literacy instruction when creating an information literacy strategic plan in 2011. Since that time, changes in staffing, practices, and academic goals; coupled with low student performance in the annual Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS) tests, prompted the university librarians to initiate a needs assessment project to re-evaluate the libraries’ information literacy instruction plan. The steps and results of that project are discussed in relation to how they helped the libraries create an adaptable information literacy plan for multiple campuses spread across the United States.
Optimal Pain Management After Cesarean Delivery

Cesarean delivery rates are increasing worldwide, and effective postoperative pain management is a key priority of women undergoing cesarean delivery. Inadequate pain management in the acute postoperative period is associated with persistent pain, greater opioid use, delayed functional recovery, and increased postpartum depression. In addition to pain relief, optimal management of patients after cesarean delivery should address the goals of unrestricted maternal mobility, minimal maternal and neonatal side effects, rapid recovery to baseline functionality, and early discharge home. Multimodal analgesia should include neuraxial morphine in conjunction with nonopioid adjuncts, with additional oral or intravenous opioids reserved for severe breakthrough pain.
Decreased Odds of Injection Risk Behavior Associated With Direct Versus Indirect Use of Syringe Exchange: Evidence From Two California Cities.

ABSTRACTBackground: While there is substantial evidence that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are effective in preventing HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID), nearly all the evidence comes from PWID who obtain syringes from an SEP directly. Much less is known about the benefits of secondary exchange to PWID who get syringes indirectly from friends or acquaintances who visit an SEP for them. Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of direct versus indirect syringe exchange in reducing HIV-related high-risk injecting behavior among PWID in two separate studies conducted in Sacramento and San Jose, California, cities with quite different syringe exchange models. Methods: In both studies associations between direct and indirect syringe exchange and self-reported risk behavior were examined with multivariable logistic regression models. Study 1 assessed effects of a “satellite” home-delivery syringe exchange in Sacramento, while Study 2 evaluated a conventional fixed-site exchange in San Jose. Results:...
Graphene Oxide Reduces the Hydrolytic Degradation in Polyamide-11

Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into polyamide-11 (PA11) via in-situ polymerization. The GO-PA11 nano-composite had elevated resistance to hydrolytic degradation. At a loading of 1 mg/g, GO to PA11, the accelerated aging equilibrium molecular weight of GO-PA11 was higher (33 and 34 kDa at 100 and 120 °C, respectively) compared to neat PA11 (23 and 24 kDa at 100 and 120 °C, respectively). Neat PA11 had hydrolysis rate constants (kH) of 2.8 and 12 (×10-2 day-1) when aged at 100 and 120 °C, respectively, and re-polymerization rate constants (kP) of 5.0 and 23 (×10-5 day-1), respectively. The higher equilibrium molecular weight for GO-PA11 loaded at 1 mg/g was the result of a decreased kH, 1.8 and 4.5 (×10-2 day-1), and an increased kP, 10 and 17 (×10-5 day-1) compared with neat PA11 at 100 and 120 °C, respectively. The decreased rate of degradation and resulting 40 % increased equilibrium molecular weight of GO-PA11 was attributed to the highly asymmetric planar GO nano-sheets that inhibited the molecular mobility of water and the polymer chain. The crystallinity of the polymer matrix was similarly affected by a reduction in chain mobility during annealing due to the GO nanoparticles' chemistry and highly asymmetric nano-planar sheet structure.
Chromosomal linkage associated with disease severity in the hydrocephalic H-Tx rat.

Infantile hydrocephalus results in neurological deficits despite surgical treatment. Fetal-onset hydrocephalus in humans can be caused by developmental abnormalities that are genetic in origin. The H-Tx rat has hydrocephalus with 40% penetrance and a polygenic inheritance. A backcross with Fisher F344 inbred strain produced a total of 1500 progeny with 17.5% hydrocephalus. Of these, only 12.3% had overt disease and the remaining 5.2% had mild disease seen only after fixation of the brain. Disease severity was measured for all affected rats using the ratio of ventricle to brain width. The severity measure confirmed that there are two populations, mild hydrocephalus (M; ratio, 0.4), with a small overlap. For genotyping, the two populations were each subdivided based on the ratio measure to give a total of four groups of increasing severity. After an initial genome scan with microsatellite markers, all hydrocephalic rats and a subset of 128 normal progeny were genotyped on chromosomes 4, 9, 10, 11, 17 and 19. Rats in the mildest group had association with a locus on chromosome 4 (LOD 2.4), whereas those in the severest group were associated with a locus on chromosome 17 (LOD 3.2). All except the least affected group were associated with a heterozygous genotype on chromosomes 10 and 11 (LOD 4.5 and 3.5, respectively). Chromosomes 9 and 19 had weak linkage to hydrocephalus. The number of hydrocephalus-associated loci carried by each rat correlated with the severity of disease. It is concluded that the severity of hydrocephalus in H-Tx is influenced by different genetic loci.
Fracture Energy of Heterogeneous Materials and Similitude

The paper reviews the size effect accompanying blunt fracture in brittle heterogeneous materials such as concrete and its applications to structural analysis and design. Various refinements of Bažant’s size effect law are summarized, and recent results of fracture tests of Bazant and Pfeiffer which establish measurements of concrete fracture energy on the basis of size effect are given. These test results confirm that fracture energy may be uniquely defined by size extrapolation to infinity. Furthermore, changes in the size effect caused by temperature and humidity are considered, a new formula for the effect of temperature on fracture energy is derived on the basis of the activation energy concept, and some of the test results of Prat and Bazant which determine the temperature and humidity effect on fracture energy are given. Finally, similitude of brittle failures due to blunt fracture is analyzed in three dimensions and it is shown that the same form of the size effect law as for two dimensions is applicable.
Iterated Approximate Moving Least Squares Approximation

The radial basis function interpolant is known to be the best approximation to a set of scattered data when the error is measured in the native space norm. The approximate moving least squares method, on the other hand, was recently proposed as an efficient approximation method that avoids the solution of the system of linear equations associated with the radial basis function interpolant. In this paper we propose and analyze an algorithm that iterates on the residuals of an approximate moving least squares approximation. We show that this algorithm yields the radial basis interpolant in the limit. Supporting numerical experiments are also included.
Financial Misreporting: Hiding in the Shadows or in Plain Sight?

This paper examines how the ex ante level of public scrutiny influences a manager’s subsequent decision to misreport. The conventional wisdom is that high levels of public scrutiny facilitate monitoring, suggesting a negative relation between scrutiny and misreporting. However, public scrutiny also increases the weight that investors place on earnings in valuing the firm. This in turn increases the benefit of misreporting, suggesting a positive relation. We formalize these two countervailing forces––"monitoring" and "valuation"––in the context of a parsimonious model of misreporting. We show that the combination of these two forces leads to a unimodal relation. Specifically, as the level of public scrutiny increases, misreporting first increases, reaches a peak, and then decreases. We find evidence of such a relation across multiple empirical measures of misreporting, multiple measures of public scrutiny, and multiple research designs.
Twitter’s influence on news judgment: An experiment among journalists:

The literature suggests that journalists give a substantial amount of attention to Twitter and use the platform widely, but the impact of that use on news judgment has not been assessed. We hypothesize that Twitter affects journalists’ news judgment, impacting coverage decisions. To test this, we conducted an online survey experiment on working US journalists (N = 212). We find that journalists who use Twitter less in their work discount news they see on the platform, potentially causing them to dismiss information that many of their colleagues identify as newsworthy. Our results also indicate that the routinization of Twitter into news production affects news judgment – for journalists who incorporate Twitter into their reporting routines, and those with fewer years of experience, Twitter has become so normalized that tweets were deemed equally newsworthy as headlines appearing to be from the AP wire. This may have negative implications, such as pack journalism, but we also see positives, as Twitter may ...
Ecosystems: broadening the locus of value creation

The objective of this article is to introduce readers to the emerging research stream on business ecosystems, explicating the novelty and the usefulness of ecosystem-based theorizing, and hoping to pave the way for an influential but cumulative body of knowledge. The key tenets within an ecosystem-based perspective are outlined and used to contrast this emerging perspective from other established perspectives of value chains, supply chains, alliances, and networks. The article concludes by discussing the research approaches that can be employed to study ecosystems and the implications for organization design.
Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery in an Adult Male Soccer Player: A Case Report.

IntroductionCystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare vascular condition which most commonly causes localized stenosis or occlusions of the popliteal artery. It is characterized by the presence of unilocular or multilocular mucin-containing cysts localized in the adventitial layer of the affected v
Twenty years of trials, tribulations, and research progress in bioethanol technology: selected key events along the way.

The projected cost of ethanol production from cellulosic biomass has been reduced by almost a factor of four over the last 20 yr. Thus, it is now competitive for blending with gasoline, and several companies are working to build the first plants. However, technology development faced challenges at all levels. Because the benefits of bioethanol were not well understood, it was imperative to clarify and differentiate its attributes. Process engineering was invaluable in focusing on promising opportunities for improvements, particularly in light of budget reductions, and in tracking progress toward a competitive goal. Now it is vital for one or more commercial projects to be successful, and improving our understanding of process fundamentals will reduce the time and costs for commercialization. Additionally, the cost of bioethanol must be cut further to be competitive as a pure fuel in the open market, and aggressive technology advances are required to meet this target. Index Entries: Biomass; biotechnology; ethanol; fuel; hydrolysis.
Systolic Building Block for Logic-on-Logic 3D-IC Implementations of Convolutional Neural Networks

We present a building block architecture for systolic array 3D-IC implementations of convolutional neural network (CNN) inference. The building block can be part of a library offered by a chip design service provider to support efficient CNN implementations. We describe how the building block can form systolic arrays for implementing low-latency, energy-efficient CNN inference for models of any size, while incorporating advanced packaging features such as “logic-on-logic” 3D-IC (micro-bump/TSV, monolithic 3D or other 3D technology). We present delay and power analysis for 2D and 3D implementations, and argue that as systolic arrays scale in size, 3D implementations based on, e.g., micro-bump/TSV, lead to significant performance improvements over 2D implementations.
Effects of hypotonicity on amino acid release in adult Echinostoma caproni as determined by thin layer chromatography.

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to analyze the amino acids in worm incubates isotonic and hypotonic to the intestinal habitat of adult Echinostoma caproni and to analyze the free pool amino acids of these trematodes after incubation. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of histidine, lysine, alanine, and proline in all samples of incubate and worm tissue. Quantification of histidine and lysine by TLC with densitometry gave mean concentrations of 24.1 µg histidine/g worm per ml incubate in Locke's solution and 195.0 µg lysine/g worm per ml incubate in deioinized (DI) water. Quantification of histidine and lysine in the worm tissue gave mean weight percents of 0.0587 and 0.0263, respectively, in worms incubated in Locke's solution and 0.0229 and 0.0163, respectively, for worms incubated in DI water. Our findings suggest that E. caproni adults may leak amino acids for osmoregulation in hypotonic environments.
The Use of the Nasometer and Interpretation of Nasalance Scores

Purpose The acoustic characteristics of oral–nasal coupling (nasalization) have clinical implications for speech-language pathologists because excessive oral–nasal coupling results in a resonance d...
Safeguarding Natura 2000 habitats from nitrogen deposition by tackling ammonia emissions from livestock facilities

Abstract Nitrogen deposition is one of the main environmental threats to the conservation goals in areas protected by the European Habitats Directive, a problem that is quite pronounced in the livestock-rich region of Flanders, Belgium. Livestock farms are often located close to Natura 2000 areas. Therefore, ammonia emissions from livestock housing and manure storage have a high contribution to the deposition in these nearby protected habitats. In order to control this problem, the Flemish government imposes restrictions on livestock farms that pose a substantial threat to protected habitats nearby. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of this spatially differentiated policy. Using an integrated spatially explicit modeling approach, we were able to show that the effectiveness of this policy is rather limited in terms of reducing the proportion of habitats in exceedance of the critical load for nitrogen. In order to obtain a good status for all sensitive habitats, emission abatement efforts should extend beyond the livestock sector. The effectiveness of the policy is dependent on habitat type and the livestock subsectors contributing to emissions nearby. Furthermore, by means of four different habitat classes, the effectiveness of alternative policy options can be easily assessed on the level of individual habitats.
Circulating MicroRNAs and Extracellular Vesicle–Containing MicroRNAs as Response Biomarkers of Anti–programmed Cell Death Protein 1 or Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Therapy in NSCLC

Abstract Introduction Anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody therapy is a standard treatment for advanced NSCLC, and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry is used as a predictive biomarker for therapeutic response. However, because not all patients with NSCLC with high PD-L1 respond, and some patients with low PD-L1 expression exhibit durable benefit, more accurate predictive biomarkers are needed. Circulating microRNA (miRNA) and miRNA packaged in extracellular vesicles (EVs) are believed to play a role in intercellular communication among immune cells and between immune cells and tumor cells and may represent a good source of mechanism-related biomarkers. Methods Pretreatment plasma of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with single-agent anti–PD-1 or anti–PD-L1 antibody was used in this study. Plasma EVs were isolated using size-exclusion chromatography. Whole plasma and EV-containing RNAs were extracted. The miRNA profile was analyzed with a next-generation sequencing platform. Results Samples from 14 responders (patients who exhibited partial response or stable disease ≥6 mo) and 15 nonresponders (patients who exhibited progressive disease as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) were analyzed. In total, 32 miRNAs (p = 0.0030–0.0495) from whole plasma and seven EV-associated miRNAs (p = 0.041–0.0457) exhibited significant concentration differences between responders and nonresponders. The results of some of these circulating miRNAs were validated in a separate cohort with eight responders and 13 nonresponders. The tumor PD-L1 level was also assessed using immunohistochemistry for patients involved in both cohorts. Conclusions Specific circulating miRNAs in whole plasma and plasma EVs are differentially expressed between responders and nonresponders and have potential as predictive biomarkers for anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment response.