cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reconfigurable multiband patch antenna for wireless applications using MEMS switches

A compact multiband antenna has been redesigned to be reconfigurable with embedded switches to allow selective addressing of these bands. The concept, simulation, and implementation of developing these reconfigurable antennas using MEMS switches and their relevant experimental demonstrations will be discussed in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1892–1896, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24474
Reflection from the strong gravity regime in a lensed quasar at redshift z = 0.658

The co-evolution of a supermassive black hole with its host galaxy through cosmic time is encoded in its spin. At z > 2, supermassive black holes are thought to grow mostly by merger-driven accretion leading to high spin. It is not known, however, whether below z ≈ 1 these black holes continue to grow by coherent accretion or in a chaotic manner, though clear differences are predicted in their spin evolution. An established method of measuring the spin of black holes is through the study of relativistic reflection features from the inner accretion disk. Owing to their greater distances from Earth, there has hitherto been no significant detection of relativistic reflection features in a moderate-redshift quasar. Here we report an analysis of archival X-ray data together with a deep observation of a gravitationally lensed quasar at z = 0.658. The emission originates within three or fewer gravitational radii from the black hole, implying a spin parameter (a measure of how fast the black hole is rotating) of a = 0.87^(+0.08)_(-0.15) at the 3σ confidence level and a > 0.66 at the 5σ level. The high spin found here is indicative of growth by coherent accretion for this black hole, and suggests that black-hole growth at 0.5 ≤ z ≤ 1 occurs principally by coherent rather than chaotic accretion episodes.
Multi-center validation of the Response Biomedical Corporation RAMP NT-proBNP assay with comparison to the Roche Diagnostics GmbH Elecsys proBNP assay

Abstract Background NT-proBNP measurements aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected heart failure (HF) and may facilitate risk stratification in patients with HF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Point-of-care (POC) assays may provide more timely results and potentially improve patient outcomes. Methods We evaluated the analytical performance of the Response Biomedical Corporation whole blood RAMP amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) POC assay compared to the Roche Elecsys proBNP (NT-proBNP) assay. Results Intra-day and total imprecision (% CV) ranged from 5.5% to 10.3% at 140, 449 and 1675 ng/L. The lowest concentration that yields a 20% CV was 57 ng/L. The lower limit of detection was 18 ng/L. The upper limit of linearity was validated to 23,428 ng/L with an average recovery of 95%. Correlation by Passing and Bablok regression yielded RAMP = 1.01 Elecsys + 14.6, r = 0.98 (n = 540; range of Elecsys values 35,000). Concordance of RAMP versus Elecsys using cut-offs of 125 ng/L for subjects Conclusions The POC Response Biomedical RAMP NT-proBNP assay provides comparable results that measured on the FDA cleared Roche Elecsys central laboratory platform.
Dynorphin is located throughout the CNS and is often co-localized with alpha-neo-endorphin

Abstract The opioid peptide dynorphin has been described as widely distributed in CNS when measured by RIA. Our previous immunohistochemical studies have only demonstrated dynorphin cells as those containing AVP. We now report the specific localization of dynorphin throughout the neuraxis. Further, dynorphin and alpha-neo-endorphin have been co-localized to the same magnocellular neurosecretory cells in hypothalamus. We report agreement with the findings of others and extend them to include a cell group in dorsomedial hypothalmus, further strengthening the association between dynorphin and alpha-neo-endorphin.
Intrapancreatic ciliated enteric duplication cyst presenting with biliary obstruction

A 46-yr-old man presenting with biliary obstruction from an intrapancreatic tumor underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The pathology report showed the tumor to be an enteric duplication cyst. Diagnostic imaging features and operative management are discussed.
Dynamic inflation of elastomeric spherical membranes undergoing time dependent chemorheological changes in microstructure

Abstract When an elastomeric object is subjected to loads while at a sufficiently high temperature, it deforms and undergoes changes in its macromolecular microstructure consisting of time dependent scission of macromolecular network junctions, recoiling of the affected molecules and crosslinking to form new networks with new reference configurations. A constitutive theory has been developed in previous work that accounts for the interaction of deformation and chemorheological changes. This constitutive theory is used to study the dynamical response of a spherical elastomeric membrane under internal pressure at a temperature high enough for the scission/cross-linking process to occur. Quasi-static response at a constant pressure and temperature, studied in previous work, showed that, the membrane radius increases with time due to creep that results from the scission. There can be a finite time when the membrane diameter undergoes a very rapid, or even infinite, rate of increase. This event depends on the properties of the molecular networks, the rate of formation of new networks, and the history of the increase in the membrane diameter. This present work investigates this effect when membrane inertia is included. It is found that the inclusion of inertia eliminates the sudden rapid increases in radius. The motion is also shown to depend on a characteristic time for scission relative to a characteristic time that represents the effects of inertia. Numerical results are presented for the case when the networks act as Mooney–Rivlin materials.
Improved Wind Measurements on Research Aircraft

Improved techniques for measuring horizontal and vertical wind components and state variables on research aircraft are presented. They include a filtering method for correcting ground speed and position Inertial Navigation System data with Global Positioning System data, use of moist-air thermodynamic properties in the true airspeed calculation, postflight calculation of the aircraft vertical velocity, and calibration of airflow attack and sideslip angles from the two air-data systems on each aircraft—a radome gust probe and a pair of fuselage-mounted Rosemount 858Y probes. Winds from the two air-data systems are compared for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3D aircraft. As an evaluation of these techniques, data from the two aircraft during side-by-side low-level constant-heading runs are compared for mean and turbulent measurements of wind, ambient temperature, and absolute humidity. Small empirical offsets were determined and applied to the two latter scalars as well as to static and dynamic pressures. Median differences between mean horizontal wind components from nine comparisons were within 0.1 6 0.4 ms 21. Median differences in latent heat and sensible heat fluxes and momentum flux components were 3.5 6 15 Wm 22 ,0 6 2.5 Wm 22, and 0 6 0.015 Pa, respectively.
Cognitive style in the organization and articulation of ambiguous stimuli

This investigation assessed the relation between the abilities to organize and articulate ambiguous stimuli and the global-analytic continuum of cognitive style postulated by Witkin in his theory of psychological differentiation (Witkin et al, 1962). Thirty-five Ss served in the study. Cognitive style was measured by the rod and frame test; the Obscure Figures Test (OFT) was used to measure organizing or structuring ability. Articulation was operationally defined in terms of memory for the OFT figures as indexed by recognition and identification measures. Consistent with predictions from Witkin’s theory, significant correlations were obtained between cognitive style and the abilities of organization and articulation.
A stochastic model of sea-surface roughness. II

A two-scale model of a wind-ruffled surface is developed which includes (1) modulation of the short waves by orbital straining in the long waves, (2) dissipation of short-wave energy by breaking, and (3) regeneration of the short-wave energy by the wind. For simplicity the long waves are at first assumed to be uniform. It is shown that the character of the surface is governed by the parameter $\Omega =\beta $/($\sigma \gamma $KA), where $\beta $ is the proportional rate of short-wave growth due to the wind, $\sigma $, K and A are the long-wave frequency wavenumber and amplitude, and $\gamma $ = 2.08. When $\Omega $ < 1 the short waves break over only part of the long-wave surface. When $\Omega \geq $ 1 they break everywhere. The mean-square steepness $\overline{s^{2}}$ of the short waves is an increasing function of $\beta /\sigma $, but a decreasing function of the long-wave steepness AK. The phase angle between $\overline{s^{2}}$ and the long-wave elevation $\eta $ is an increasing function of $\Omega $. The correlation between $\overline{s^{2}}$ and $\eta $ is largest when $\Omega \ll $ 1,, but tends to 0 as $\Omega \rightarrow $ 1. The simple model is extended to the case when the long-wave amplitude A has a Rayleigh probability density. To take account of the `sheltering' effect of high waves we compute the case when any two successive waves have a bivariate Rayleigh density. The application of the model to laboratory and field data is discussed.
HNF4 and COUP-TFII interact to modulate transcription of the cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase gene (CYP7A1)

The gene for cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) contains a sequence at nt -149 to -118 that was found to play a large role in determining the overall transcriptional activity and regulation of the promoter. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) synergistically activate transcription of the CYP7A1 promoter. Transactivation of CYP7A1 by HNF4 in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, was enhanced by cotransfection with COUP-TFII or the basal transcription element binding protein (BTEB). HNF4 prepared from rat liver nuclear extracts bound to oligomers homologous to the nt -146 to -134 sequences in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), which corresponded to a conserved region containing a direct repeat of hormone response elements spaced by one nucleotide (DR1). The sequences surrounding this DR1 were found to be essential for the HNF4 transactivation. In vitro-translated COUP-TFII was found to bind the adjacent sequences from nt -139 to -128 (DR0), but COUP-TFII interacted with this region at a much lower affinity than to the COUP-TFII-site at nt -72 to -57 (DR4). Mutations at nt -139 to -128 or nt -72 to -57 reduced the COUP-TFII and HNF4 synergy; however, these COUP-TFII-binding sequences were not absolutely required for the cooperative effect of HNF4 and COUP-TFII on transactivation. These results indicated that the observed transactivation was the result of protein/protein interactions facilitated by the juxtaposition of the binding elements.
Acquisition, interfacing and analysis of sensor measurements in a VR environment for integrated systems health management in rocket engine tests

This paper presents our ongoing work in the area of using virtual reality (VR) environments for the integrated systems health management of complex test environments, such as those found in a rocket engine test stand. Specifically, the paper focuses on the design, development and implementation of a hardware-software framework for acquiring, interfacing, integrating and analyzing multiple sensor measurements for display inside of a VR environment. IEEE and OSA-CBM standards are used to design the acquisition and interface methods. Commercial off-the-shelf software is used for analysis and integration. Results demonstrating the application of our method to a rocket engine test stand are presented.
In reply to Bauman.

The editorial board of the Red Journal is very grateful to Dr Bauman for his wise suggestions to Dr Lee’s comments (1, 2). At present, we are not resourced to gather data and generate curves, dose-volume histograms, and other illustrations in a standardized fashion as some other journals can, but we agree that this should be prioritized as a goal. Although we may not be able to achieve this in a single step, we will begin to discuss creative ways to make this happen.
The role of color in high-level vision

Traditional theories of object recognition have emphasized the role of shape information in high-level vision. However, the accumulating behavioral, neuroimaging and neuropsychological evidence indicates that the surface color of an object affects its recognition. In this article, we discuss the research that examines the conditions under which color influences the operations of high-level vision and the neural substrates that might mediate these operations. The relationship between object color and object recognition is summarized in the 'Shape+Surface' model of high-level vision.
A GENDERED APPROACH TO ADOLESCENT DATING VIOLENCE: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES

This article argues that adolescent dating violence should be considered within a social ecological model that embeds the individual within the context of adolescent friendships and romantic relationships, as well as family and other social institutions that shape a young person's sense of self. Two additions to the model are recommended. First, gender is considered in the model at the individual, interactional and structural levels. Second, identity is treated as a meta-construct, affecting and being affected by all levels of the social ecology. Examples from research are presented and recommendations for future research are offered.
Connections of the ventral granular frontal cortex of macaques with perisylvian premotor and somatosensory areas: anatomical evidence for somatic representation in primate frontal association cortex.

In macaque monkeys with injections of tritiated amino acids or horseradish peroxidase in the ventrolateral granular frontal cortex, we observed extensive anterograde and retrograde labeling of the premotor and somatosensory cortex in and around the lateral sulcus. Comparable labeling was not present with large and small control injections of the dorsal granular cortex. Cytoarchitectonic evaluation of the perisylvian cortex in the three cases examined in detail indicated that labeled areas included the ventral premotor cortex (area 6V); the precentral opercular and orbitofrontal opercular areas (PrCO and OFO); the second somatosensory area (S-II); the opercular cortex immediately anterior to S-II, possibly corresponding to area 2 of the S-I complex; and the central part of the insular cortex, including portions of the granular and dysgranular insular fields (Ig, Idg). Labeling was particularly dense and extensive in areas 6V, S-II, and OFO. Lighter labeling was also present in the rostral inferior parietal lobule (areas 7b and POa). The distribution of label within perisylvian areas was not uniform: certain parts were heavily labeled, while other parts were lightly labeled or unlabeled. Comparison of label distribution with published accounts of the somatotopy of these areas indicates that forelimb and orofacial representations were selectively labeled. Further, our results, taken together with other recent anatomical findings (e.g., Matelli et al.: Journal of Comparative Neurology 251:281-298, 1987; Barbas and Pandya: Journal of Comparative Neurology 256:211-228, 1987) suggest strongly that there is a network of interconnected forelimb and orofacial representations in macaque cortex, involving the ventral granular frontal cortex, area 6V, OFO, opercular area 2, S-II, the central insula, and area 7b. Each injection of frontal cortex which labeled the perisylvian somatic cortex involved the cortex of the ventral rim of the principal sulcus (PSvr). The cortex surrounding the PSvr does not stand out as a distinct area in Nissl-stained material. However, examination of myelin-stained sections prepared from uninjected hemispheres with the Gallyas technique revealed the existence of a distinct zone centered on the PSvr. This myeloarchitectonic area, which we term area 46vr, is more heavily myelinated than the ventral bank and fundus of the principal sulcus (area 46v) but is less heavily myelinated than the ventral (inferior) convexity (area 12). Involvement of area 46vr in our injections was probably responsible for the strong labeling observed in perisylvian somatic areas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Reporting quality of randomized trials in the diet and exercise literature for weight loss

To adequately assess individual studies and synthesize quantitative research on weight loss studies, transparent reporting of data is required. The authors examined the reporting quality of randomized trials in the weight loss literature, focusing exclusively on subject characteristics as they relate to enrollment, allocation, and follow-up. An extensive literature review, which included a computerized search of the MEDLINE database, manual searches of bibliographic references, and cross-referencing of 92 review articles was conducted. A checklist, based on CONSORT recommendations, was used to collect information on whether or not authors reported age, gender, co-morbid disease, medication use, race/ethnicity, and postmenopausal status. Also tracked was whether or not initial and final sample size was reported and stratified by gender. Of 604 possible articles, 231 articles met eligibility criteria. Important subject characteristics were not reported as the following breakdown indicates: age (11%), gender (4%), race/ethnicity (86%), co-morbid disease states (34%), and medication use (92%). Additionally, 21% of articles failed to report initial sample size by gender while 69% neglected to report final sample size by gender. Inadequate reporting can create difficulties with interpretation and can lead to biased results receiving false credibility. The quality of reporting for weight loss studies needs considerable improvement.
Results of the modified Fontan operation in adults

The results of the modified Fontan procedure were examined in 77 patients 18 years of age and older who underwent operation at this institution between October 1973 and December 1986. This series represents 16% of the patients undergoing the modified Fontan operation during that period. Of the 77 patients (46 men and 31 women), 29 had tricuspid atresia, 30 had double-inlet ventricle and 18 had other complex lesions. There were 5 (6%) hospital deaths, compared with 67 (17%) for patients of all ages undergoing the Fontan operation during the same period. Patient age 18 years and older was not a significant risk factor. There were 8 late deaths. Detailed follow-up data were available on 61 (95%) survivors from 5 months to 12 years (mean 4 years) postoperatively. Fifty-seven (93%) of the patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II, 20 (33%) were taking no medication and 11 (18%) were taking digoxin alone. Seventeen (28%) patients complained of persistent ascites or edema. The study indicated that (1) the modified Fontan operation can be performed with low mortality in adults, (2) the long-term outcome is favorable and (3) persistent ascites or edema may be a problem in some patients.
Molecular phylogenetics of Caribbean Micrathena (Araneae: Araneidae) suggests multiple colonisation events and single island endemism

The terrestrial biota of the Caribbean islands includes many lineages, some whose presence on the islands dates back some 35–40 million years ago, when land bridges are thought to have linked islands to continents, and others that have colonised more recently via dispersal. The New World spiny orb-weavers (Micrathena Sundevall, 1833) are a diverse group of mostly Neotropical spiders. Eight species have been described on the Greater Antilles islands: three widespread and five single island endemics. Here, using three molecular markers (16S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI) we provide a preliminary phylogenetic test of the taxonomy and biogeography of Caribbean Micrathena through the first molecular phylogeny of the genus. Our analyses support monophyly of the genus, but not that of Caribbean Micrathena with at least 3–4 colonisations from South America. We sampled six of the eight nominal Caribbean species (M. banksi, M. cubana, M. similis, M. forcipata, M. horrida, M. militaris), but demark eight divergent genetic lineages that all are single island endemics, and morphologically distinct. Thus a revision of the taxonomy of Caribbean Micrathena is needed. Our results function foremost to guide more thorough taxon sampling of Micrathena that enable more rigorous assessments of its diversity and biogeography in the Caribbean.
Instantaneous and average rate maximization in MIMO multiple-access channels (MAC) with linear processing

Linear precoding (beamforming) techniques provide simple processing methods with good performance at reduced signaling complexity compared with nonlinear precoding schemes. The beamforming technique that maximizes the achievable sum-rate in the multi-user, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel (BC) has the distinct form of a regularized channel inversion (RCI). This current work adapts the method used for BC sum-rate maximization to maximize the sum-rate in the MIMO multiple-access channel (MAC) under fixed, per-user power constraints. This beamformer is based on accurate channel state information (CSI) resulting in performance degradation when only erroneous CSI is available at the receiver. Consequently, we develop an additional beamformer based on channel distribution information at the transmitter and/or receiver that attempts to maximize the average sum-rate, allowing for a stability/throughput tradeoff in the MAC.
Black Couples and Birth Control: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Reported Practices

A research project aimed at understanding the process of birth control among black couples is described. This focus has been lacking in the research literature if not in the theoretical literature. Knowledge attitudes and reported practices of matched pairs of black couples in a northern and a southern city were compared. Female partners were found to have more knowledge about birth control methods more positive attitudes toward specific methods and reported more usage of methods. When age education and marital status were controlled these findings remained essentially the same. The findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to family planning programs and community health education programs among black couples. (Authors)
Environmental factors influencing isolation of enteroviruses from polluted surface waters

The influence of water quality upon the concentration of virus on location was assessed in field studies conducted in the Houston ship channel, Galveston Bay, and Houston waste treatment plants. Clarification of polluted surface waters was accomplished with minimal loss of virus. Virus from clarified sewage effluents and saline waters was then adsorbed and concentrated on textile and membrane filter surfaces. Direct measurements of virus from large volumes of polluted surface waters under existing field conditions were then made using the virus concentrator equipment.
(Re)Anchored, Video-Centered Engagement: The Transferability of Preservice Training to Practice

This longitudinal study tracks primary participants over 3 years from their last year of university preservice teaching training through their second year of in-service teaching via surveys, interviews, and teaching observations. The study employs a descriptive case study design to examine the transfer of preservice content, pedagogy, and video technology learning into teaching practice. The study places the model case studies within the larger context of analyzed observational and artifact data from 7 years of preservice teachers’ learning about (re)anchored, video-centered engagement. This study examines the implementation of (re)anchored videos, which serve as short video engagements. We use parentheses around the prefix re to emphasize the iterative nature of knowledge, signifying how the anchoring of knowledge will occur differently with different students, depending on students’ prior learning. Thus, the videos (re)anchor knowledge. Further, the videos are (re)anchored from their preservice creation into the environment of professional practice. The videos in this study are intended to blend with other resources to provide a rich problem-solving environment. Our study focuses on practicing teachers who graduated from a program where they learned to produce short anchor videos as part of a larger course on project-based instruction. The participants—undergraduate and graduate university students who are now in-service high school science teachers—collaboratively designed an anchor video as one component of a 4-week unit. This study also attempts to delineate the cycle of teaching, specifically, the transferability of preservice science teacher training to practice. Our research questions include the following:
Learning Style Preferences of Undergraduate Dietetics, Athletic Training, and Exercise Science Students.

The study assessed the preferred learning style (LS) of college students and compared LS preferences among students majoring in Dietetics, Exercise Science, and Athletic Training. LS questionnaires were distributed to students ( N =693, mean age 20.5±1.7) enrolled in health science courses at three Midwestern universities. Most students preferred a converger LS followed by assimilator, accommodator, and diverger. Some students preferred a combination of two LS. Chi square results indicated a significant relationship between college major and LS. Students in health majors were all observed to have a significant LS preference, namely the converger LS. However, distributions of preferred LS within each major differed. Understanding preferred LS of college students in different academic programs may increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
Estrogen receptor β selective ligands: Discovery and SAR of novel heterocyclic ligands

A series of ligands with varying heterocyclic cores and substituents that display a range of selectivity's (up to >100x) for ER-beta over ER-alpha are reported.
Questioning the Entrance Narrative

(1996). Questioning the Entrance Narrative. Journal of Museum Education: Vol. 21, Determining Museum Effectiveness: Visitor Studies Today, pp. 20-23.
Eye Pigments as Inhibitors of Microsomal Aldrin Epoxidase in the House Fly

The percent inhibition of Musca domestica L. microsomal aldrin epoxidase was used to compare levels of an endogenous, heat-stable inhibitor in several fly strains. Microsome activity was reduced 60-65% by one head of strains with wild-type eye color but only slightly in those with the white and ocra mutants. Neither the degree of resistance nor the microsomal oxidase activity of the strains studied affected the inhibitor content of the head. One half to ⅔ of the inhibitory capacity of the head was lost in preparations from whole flies. It is suggested that the inhibition is due to the ommochrome pigments such as xanthommatin.
Subject Epidemiological position of sexually transmitted disease in Beijing Miyun County from 2005 to 2009

[Objective]To analyze the epidemic characteristics of Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD) in Mingyun County of Beijing City during 2005-2009,and provide scientific evidence for developing effective control measures.[Methods]The data concerning STD records(from 2005 to 2009) provided by all medical organization in Miyun County were collected and analyzed.[Results]A total of 931 STD cases were reported within 5 years,including 522 males(56.07%) and 409 females(43.93%);the ratio of male to female was 1.28∶1.Patients' ages were mainly between 20～40(62.41%),most of whom were peasants(36.84%),domestic workers or unemployed(18.69%),and others(10.31%).The annual average incidence rate was 39.02/ 100 000;the morbidity from high to low in sequence was condyloma(17.77/ 100 000),gonorrhea(8.80 /100 000),syphilis(7.33/100 000),nongonococcal urethritis(NGU)(3.86/100 000),HIV carrier(0.80/100 000),genital herpes(0.46/100 000).[Conclusion]The reported incident rate of STD decreased annually from 2005 to 2009,especially for nongonococcal urethritis and gonorrhea,but that of HIV carrier and the syphilis has increased obviously.According to the incidence tendency of STD,it is suggested to develop preventive measures,to rationally allocate resources and actively promote health education.
PREDICTION MODEL OF DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS FOR TERNARY ALLOY

The prediction models of diffusion coefficients (chemical diffusion coefficients, intrinsic diffusion coefficients and thermodynamic factors) for the ternary alloy were established. The models can predicate the diffusion coefficients of the components. Comparison of the predicted and measured values was made for nickel-rich Ni-Al-Cr alloys at 1473 K.
Differences in smoking and quitting experiences by levels of smoking among African Americans.

Background Despite smoking fewer cigarettes per day than their White counterparts, African Americans have higher tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Since most tobacco control efforts have focused on heavy smokers, little is known about smoking and quitting experiences of African-American occasional and light smokers. Methods We conducted a survey of 484 African-American smokers, which included: 104 occasional (smoked in or = 20 cpd) attending an inner-city clinic. The survey assessed their sociodemographic characteristics, smoking characteristics, and cessation experiences. Results Compared with moderate and heavy smokers, occasional and light smokers were, on average, younger, more likely to be female, and more likely to initiate regular smoking at an older age. Forty percent of occasional smokers used other tobacco products compared to 23.3%, 24.6%, and 27.4% for light, moderate, and heavy smokers, respectively. Motivation and confidence to quit were higher among occasional and light smokers. Interest in participating in a formal cessation program was equally high in all 4 groups (mean ranged from 7.6-8.0 on a scale of 1-10). The use of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation was similar, and generally low, among all 4 groups. Conclusions High levels of motivation for smoking cessation exist among African-American occasional and light smokers. The interest of these lighter smokers in smoking cessation represents a window of opportunity to design programs for a group that has been excluded from most cessation interventions.
Sources of variability: A College of American Pathologists Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Survey Study

○ Objective.-To determine the magnitudes and sources of analytic variation in testing for therapeutic drugs. Specifically, among laboratories using the same analytic method, to compare the within-laboratory variation (including both short- and long-term variation) with the between-laboratory variation. Design.-Four identical challenges were prepared from a lyophilized pool of spiked sera and were sent in pairs 4 months apart to laboratories participating in a nationwide proficiency-testing program. For each of 25 drugs, the variability in reported results from laboratories using the same method was investigated using nested analysis of variance. Setting.-The first 2 mailings of the College of American Pathologists Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Survey, 1996, sets Z and ZM. Main Outcome Measures.-For each drug, total variance was partitioned into within- and between-laboratory components for common methods. The within-laboratory component was further partitioned into short- and long-term components. Participants.-The approximately 5000 laboratories enrolled in the survey. Results.-For the 25 drugs, the average percentages of the total variance due to short-term, within-laboratory variance; long-term, within-laboratory variance; between-laboratory variance; and total laboratory variance were 25.0% (range, 8.8-50.6%), 57.8% (35.3-73.7%), 17.3% (5.0-35.4%), and 82.7% (64.6-95.0%), respectively. Conclusion.-For all drugs tested, the within-laboratory component of variance was greater than the between-laboratory component of variance. Within laboratories, the magnitude of the long-term component was generally greater than the magnitude of the short-term component. This information will be helpful in determining the clinical utility of various drug assays and in evaluating the appropriateness of regulations involving therapeutic drug testing.
Disruption of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Bovine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes During In Vitro Maturation Impacts Subsequent Embryonic Development.

Several fibroblast growth factors (FGF) mediate folliculogenesis and oogenesis in cattle but it is unclear whether FGFs are required during the final stages of oocyte maturation. The objectives of this work were to determine whether blocking FGF receptor (FGFR) activity during in vitro maturation (IVM) affects oocyte fertilization and embryo development; examine changes in FGFR transcript profiles in cumulus cells and oocytes during IVM; and evaluate whether gonadotropins modulate FGFR transcript abundance during IVM. In the first set of studies, bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of one of two FGFR kinase inhibitors (SU5402 or PD173074). After maturation, COCs were washed and cultured without inhibitors. Inhibitors did not affect cleavage rates but the percentage of 8-cell embryos at d 3 and blastocysts at d 7 and d 8 postfertilization were decreased when COCs were matured with either inhibitor. Profiles of FGFR mRNA variants were examined in cumulus cells and oocytes separated either immediately before (0 h) or at 6 or 21 h after beginning IVM. In cumulus cells, increases in R1b, R2b, and R2c abundance were detected when cultured in the absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Supplementing FSH (1 or 25 M) increased the abundance of R1b, R1c, R2b, and R2c. In oocytes, no timeor SH-dependent changes in FGFR transcript abundance were detected. These observations implicate FGFs as crucial components f bovine oocyte competency and indicate that FSH augments FGFR mRNA abundance in cumulus cells during the final stages f oocyte maturation. 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Influences on Father Involvement: Testing for Unique Contributions of Religion

Models that incorporate environmental and contextual influences on parenting offer a promising perspective for understanding fathering. The goal of the present study was to examine the influences of religion on fathers’ roles in the family system, and it addressed two questions: Do specific measures of religion better predict father involvement than global measures? Does religiosity predict levels of father involvement and/or the quality of father–child relationships after accounting for their personality and marital quality? One hundred seventy-four fathers and their 8–14 year old children completed measures of the quantity and quality of fathers’ parenting, religious lives, personality and marital quality. Results indicated that more specific measures of religion were better predictors of father–child relationships than global measures. Fathers who viewed parenting as a sanctified role and identified religion as a source of support were more involved in their children’s lives, even after accounting for their personality and marital quality. These findings call for further research to better understand the interrelations among individual, family, and contextual factors that shape fathers’ involvement in parenting.
Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus- and Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Germinotropic Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presents As a Solitary Retroperitoneal Mass

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)- and Epstein-Barr virus-associated germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder (GLD) is a rare disorder of immunocompetent adults presenting with localized lymphadenopathy. GLD differs from other KSHV-associated diseases in their indolent clinical behavior, good therapeutic response, and polyclonal gene rearrangement. As few cases have been reported, more cases are necessary to better educate pathologists. Here we describe a case …
Inclusión del uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación mediante utilización de un nuevo sistema educacional basado en un Plan de Experiencias Formativas (pef)

Introduction: This article studies the development of a management model including setbacks relat­ed specifically to the strengthening of methodological skills by incorporating the educational usage of TIC in the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry of the Valparaiso University. Methodology: Two diag­nostic phases were implemented: a qualitative phase that included three tools: classroom observation, semi-structured interviews with teachers and focus groups with students; and a quantitative phase where a survey was conducted among 542 teachers. Results: The teacher’s and student’s community demand an increase of curricular articulation, improvement in the training the teachers receive and education on TIC usage, asides from the TIC need of a more relevant significance from the educational model of the Institution and the structuration of their curriculum. In order to provide a solution, a strategic line was developed to structure a distinctive seal in the training teachers receive, using as input the scaling of digital competences declared in the graduation profile. Finally, an integral teaching system and studies plan were devised to provide solutions to said needs. Conclusion: The TIC are an enabling methodology means in the training process of students. Therefore, the creation of teaching and technological conditions must be constituted in an effective teaching tool, which is materialized in the strengthening of the infrastructure of the technological platform; and from a teaching perspective, the strengthening of methodological skills; and from an organizational perspective, facilitating conditions to motivate the incorporation of TIC.
Turning Stories from the Writing Center into Useful Knowledge: Writing Centers, WID Programs, and Partnerships for Change

Harrington and Dinitz argue that sharing student stories from a writing center through a faculty development program—located in a Writing in the Disciplines/Writing Across the Curriculum program or a Center for Teaching and Learning—can help change the culture of writing on campus. This chapter explores how a faculty development program can use stories from peer writing tutors and writing fellows/mentors to create change in four areas: faculty practices around designing, creating scaffolding for, and responding to writing assignments; how writing is included in the curriculum, both at the foundational and departmental levels; institutional policies related to writing, such as policies for responding to plagiarism; and faculty attitudes and practices in responding to multilingual writers.
Fingerprint shell structure on acid-etched Cretaceous oysters (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from Mississippi

Specimens of Gryphaea mutabilis and Exogyra costata etched in dilute hydrochloric acid develop complex patterns on the interior of their valves. These patterns, named "fingerprint shell structure" by Stenzel, were previously known from only one species of oyster, the extant Alectryonella plicatula (Gmelin). This shell structure seems related to flow patterns of water pumped through the oyster9s internal cavity.--Modified journal abstract.
1.3 Pitch Precursor-Based Carbon Fibers

Carbon fibers (CFs) are among the strongest and stiffest fiber reinforcements available commercially for composite materials. Of various precursors used to produce CFs, this chapter focuses on mesophase pitch (MP). Although not the major type of precursor, MP holds the potential of producing cost-competitive CFs, especially when the precursor is produced from petroleum residues. Also, melt spinning of pitch precursors is a cost-effective and scalable process that can satisfy the increased demand for CFs in the cost-sensitive industrial sector such as automotive and industrial applications. The processing of pitch-based CFs consists of three basics steps: melt spinning, thermo-oxidative stabilization, and high temperature carbonization/graphitization. The thermoplastic pitch is melted, extruded through a spinneret and drawn into fibers. In the oxidative stabilization, the as-spun fibers are rendered infusible by reaction with oxygen at temperatures in the range 200–350°C. High temperature heat treatment in the range 1000–3000°C removes noncarbon elements (accompanied by about 30 wt% loss) and develops partial graphitic crystallinity within CFs. Process conditions during melt spinning lead to a preferred orientation of carbon crystallites along the fiber axis and impart outstanding tensile modulus (exceeding 500 GPa), thermal conductivity (approaching 1000 W m −1 K −1 ), but moderate tensile strength (about 3 GPa).
Coping with Contention (Extended Abstract)

Contention in multiprocessor systems is considered. A randomized algorithm for mutual exclusion is presented that achieves a constant average response time under varying degrees of contention. The use of randomization does not affect the safety or progress conditions, only the performance of the algorithm.
Conservation of resources theory in nurse burnout and patient safety

Aims To examine how the Conservation of Resources theory explains burnout in the nursing profession. Background Burnout, which is an accumulation of work-related mental stress in people-oriented occupations, has been an issue of concern for decades for healthcare workers, especially nurses. Yet, few studies have examined a unified theory that explains the etiology, progression and consequences of nurse burnout. Design This discussion article integrates current knowledge on nurse burnout using Conservation of Resources theory, which focuses on four resources (i.e., objects, conditions, personal characteristics and energy). Data sources The databases that were used in this study included CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO. All reviewed articles were published between January 2006 - June 2016. Findings The Conservation of Resources theory explains that burnout will occur as a result of perceived or actual loss of these four resources. Furthermore, nurse burnout could affect work performance, leading to lower alertness and overall quality of care. Implications for nursing Healthcare organizations and nursing administration should develop strategies to protect nurses from the threat of resource loss to decrease nurse burnout, which may improve nurse and patient safety. The Conservation of Resources theory can guide interventions to decrease burnout and future research that examines the relationship between professional nurse burnout and patient safety. Conclusion The Conservation of Resources theory explains the etiology, progression and consequences of nurse burnout. Future studies must explore whether nurse performance is a mediating factor between nurse burnout and patient safety. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Structural Mechanism of Functional Modulation by Gene Splicing in NMDA Receptors

Alternative gene splicing gives rise to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion channels with defined functional properties and unique contributions to calcium signaling in a given chemical environment in the mammalian brain. Splice variants possessing the exon-5-encoded motif at the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of the GluN1 subunit are known to display robustly altered deactivation rates and pH sensitivity, but the underlying mechanism for this functional modification is largely unknown. Here, we show through cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) that the presence of the exon 5 motif in GluN1 alters the local architecture of heterotetrameric GluN1-GluN2 NMDA receptors and creates contacts with the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of the GluN1 and GluN2 subunits, which are absent in NMDA receptors lacking the exon 5 motif. The unique interactions established by the exon 5 motif are essential to the stability of the ATD/LBD and LBD/LBD interfaces that are critically involved in controlling proton sensitivity and deactivation.
α-Helix Mimicry with α/β-Peptides

Abstract We describe a general strategy for creating peptidic oligomers that have unnatural backbones but nevertheless adopt a conformation very similar to the α-helix. These oligomers contain both α- and β-amino acid residues (α/β-peptides). If the β content reaches 25–30% of the residue total, and the β residues are evenly distributed along the backbone, then substantial resistance to proteolytic degradation is often observed. These α/β-peptides can mimic the informational properties of α-helices involved in protein–protein recognition events, as documented in numerous crystal structures. Thus, these unnatural oligomers can be a source of antagonists of undesirable protein–protein interactions that are mediated by natural α-helices, or agonists of receptors for which the natural polypeptide ligands are α-helical. Successes include mimicry of BH3 domains found in proapoptotic proteins, which leads to ligands for antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, and mimicry of the gp41 CHR domain, which leads to inhibition of HIV infection in cell-based assays.
A Review on the Impact of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeVaccination on Average Daily Gain in Swine

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is an enzootic pneumonia affecting swine. Globally it has been estimated that 93% of swine herds have Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae which may result in performance losses (Ross, 1992). Losses may incur from a decrease in performance, lower weight gains, decreased feed efficiency, antibiotic treatments, and an increased risk of other respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review to compare the studies and determine the effectiveness of the vaccine in relation to average daily gain (ADG). A total of 1,074 articles were considered and eight articles were used in the final report. The results of combining these final articles concluded that when vaccinated against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae swine had an ADG of 17.91 grams per day more than non-vaccinated swine. The weighted average for all the studies that reported statistically significant differences was 29.63 grams per day more than nonvaccinated swine. Therefore, it may be beneficial for a producer, depending on their situation, to vaccinate against Mycoplasma hyponeumoniae.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with hyperthyroidism treated with thyroidectomy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an uncommon clinical entity, also called apical ballooning syndrome, characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and/or mid segments of the left ventricle. We report a case that highlights takotsubo syndrome in the setting of thyrotoxicosis that required thyroidectomy. The association of takotsubo syndrome and hyperthyroidism has been reported before. We found 13 previously reported cases of thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiomyopathy, most associated with Grave's disease and none treated with thyroidectomy. Awareness of this possible association is important in establishing the diagnosis and instituting proper management.
Tumor treating fields for glioblastoma: should it or will it ever be adopted?

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to discuss how a new treatment modality, tumor treating fields, may be incorporated into the oncologic care for patients with glioblastoma.Recent findingsTumor treating fields are a new treatment modality available to patients with newly diagnosed and r