cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Occurrence of Target Spot of Soybean Caused by Corynespora cassiicola in the Southeastern United States.

Target spot of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) caused by Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.), although found in most soybean-growing countries, is considered to be a disease of limited importance (1) and has never been reported to cause soybean yield loss in the southeastern United States (2,3). Soybean plants submitted to the North Carolina Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (NCPDIC) in August 2004 from Beaufort, Robeson, Wilson, and Johnston counties, NC had symptoms consistent with target spot. Symptoms consisted of roughly circular, necrotic leaf lesions from minute to 11 mm in diameter, though typically approximately 4 to 5 mm in diameter, and with a yellow margin. Large lesions occasionally exhibited a zonate pattern often associated with this disease. Microscopic examination of the lesions revealed the presence of spores (conidia) typical of C. cassiicola (1). Conidia were mostly three to five septate with a central hilum at the base and ranged in size from 7 to 22 wide × 39 to 520 μm long. Three ...
Public Behavior and Political Change in Post-Soviet States

Do the former Soviet societies possess a stratum of citizens sufficiently active--and active in the proper way--to support the consolidation of democracy? What impact did the Soviet regime have on its citizens' predilection for taking political action? Using data from surveys of mass public opinion in Russia, Ukraine, and Lithuania conducted in 1990, 1991, and 1992, we analyze patterns of political participation before and immediately after the break-up of the Soviet Union. This period provides a rare opportunity to examine political participation at several points during a process of regime transition. To assess what these patterns of participation mean for democratic consolidation, we compare them with findings from surveys of political participation in Western and developing countries. The several activities we examine are not unidimensional but rather fall into modes of political action matching those found by studies of participation outside the Soviet bloc. Former Soviet citizens are more participat...
Relations Between Sire Summaries of First and Second Lactations

Abstract Sire summaries of one or more progeny in first lactations in each of 20 or more herds were compared to progeny in second lactations of the same 133 Holstein bulls. Progeny in second lactations were also in 20 or more herds, but these herds were completely different from those having first lactation progeny. Since it is unlikely that any of the progeny were common to both the first and second lactation summaries, associations between summaries should estimate genetic associations. Progeny were compared to either contemporaries in first or second lactation or herdmates of all ages. Correlations between summaries for first and second lactations for deviations of milk yield ranged from .56 to .62 compared to an expected correlation for deviations from herdmates of .66. Correlations were highest when progeny were deviated from herdmates of all ages. A progeny test on first lactation milk is about 85% as accurate in predicting second lactation performance as a progeny test on second lactations. Progeny tests for milk yield from only progeny in first lactation are sufficient for most objectives of selection.
‘Soybean sauce’ peritoneal dialysate

A 68-year-old woman with end-stage diabetic nephropathy undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 2 years was admitted for septic shock with coma, who was found hours earlier. Physical examination revealed an unconscious febrile woman with blood pressure of 84/49 mm Hg. Blood tests showed a haemoglobin of 11.5 (normal 12–15) g/dL, white blood cell (WBC) count of 11.3 (normal 3.8–9.8) × 109/L with 82% of segmented neutrophils, high creatine kinase level of 3050 (normal 20–170) U/L, as well as elevated aspartate aminotransferase (198, normal 11–45 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase level (117, normal 7–50 U/L). The peritoneal dialysate was initially clear, but became reddish-brown (Figure 1A) with a red blood cell (RBC) count of 1/μL and WBC 12/μL at the next exchange several hours later, and progressed to ‘soybean sauce’-like (Figure 1B) on the second hospital day when the analysis demonstrated an occult blood reaction of 3 + by dipstick, RBC 14/μL, WBC 200/μL with neutrophils 83%, bilirubin 0.1 mg/dL, along with a serum haemoglobin of 10.5 g/dL. Despite intensive management with potent intravenous antibiotics and high-dose inotropic agents, the patient died on the third hospital day. The dialysate kept the same appearance without precipitation even after being stored for 7 days. Fig. 1 The peritoneal dialysate of a 68-year-old uraemic woman undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with septic shock and rhabdomyolysis became reddish-brown a few hours after admission (A) and progressed to ‘soybean sauce’-like ... The abundant peritoneal dialysable [1] myoglobins from progressive rhabdomyolysis precipitated by long-term immobilization and profound septic shock [2] in our patient are favoured to have caused the ‘soybean sauce’ dialysate because of the strongly positive occult blood reaction with only 14 RBC/μL in the dialysate. The nearly constant serum haemoglobin level and extremely low dialysate bilirubin level further convincingly excluded the possibility of intra-abdominal bleeding and bile leakage, respectively. The discoloured peritoneal dialysate by myoglobin is rarely described. Another interesting report is the ‘cola-coloured’ effusion in a peritoneal dialysis patient suffering from rhabdomyolysis with a dialysate myoglobin level of 20 406 μg/L [3]. Conflict of interest statement. None declared.
Macro design morphology of endoseous dental implants

Abstract Statement of Problem. The identification of dental implant bodies in patients without available records is a considerable problem due to increased patient mobility and to the large number of implant systems with different designs. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to document the designs of selected implants to help clinicians identify these implants from their radiographic images. Material and Methods. More than 50 implant manufacturers were contacted and asked to provide implants with dimensions as close as possible to 3.75 mm (diameter) × 10 mm (length). Forty-four implants were donated, separated into threaded and nonthreaded categories, and further sorted into tapered and nontapered categories. The implants were examined visually, and features on the entire circumference and length of each implant were recorded and categorized as coronal, midbody, or apical. Results. A series of tables describe the 44 implants according to coronal, midbody, and apical features. Conclusion. The results of this project offer dentists basic knowledge of the design of selected dental implants. Such knowledge can aid the radiographic identification of these implants. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:543-51.)
Teaching Critical Thinking Skills In Higher Education: A Review Of The Literature

The authors reviewed 42 empirical studies of teaching of critical thinking skills in postsecondary education published between 1994 and 2009. The instructional intervention, test measure, and research design of the studies were analyzed. Study results suggest that: (1) the same instructional interventions can lead to different results, depending on the intervention’s implementation; (2) qualitative data can inform researchers about intervention effects that are not easily captured by quantitative instruments; and (3) most studies reviewed are subject to limitations in research design, sample size, or sample representativeness. The following recommendations are made: (1) statistical significance should not be the only criterion for instructors to consider when choosing new teaching methods; (2) multiple test measures, including quantitative and qualitative, should be used to assess changes in students’ critical thinking skills; (3) future research should properly address internal validity threats, e.g. by adopting at least a quasi-experimental design, in order to establish causal relationship between intervention and changes in students’ critical thinking skills.
Clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis

This executive summary will alert clinicians to key evidence-based statements in a multidisciplinary, clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Included in the guideline are 17 boldfaced action statements: 3 on viral rhinosinusitis, 7 on acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, and 7 on chronic rhinosinusitis and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. Evidence profiles that accompany each statement are summarized to show why it was made and how it can be implemented. Guideline statements regarding acute rhinosinusitis focus on diagnosing presumed bacterial illness and using antibiotics appropriately. Guideline statements regarding chronic rhinosinusitis or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis focus on appropriate use of diagnostic tests. Surgical therapy is not discussed.
What Is Trying to Happen Here? Using Mindfulness to Enhance the Quality of Patient Encounters

Mind can be considered as a process that regulates the flow of sensory inputs and information, much of it largely unobserved. Mindful self-awareness is a disciplined means of directing attention to the thoughts, affect, intentions, and physiologic shifts that occur moment to moment. These, along with the perception of signals observed from another person, shape behavior in an ongoing interaction. The flow of inputs and information has implications for the formation of an empathetic relationship. Empathy is known to be an essential aspect of successful clinician-patient communication. This article describes the characteristics and practices of mindful self-awareness as a way of promoting optimal outcomes in patient encounters.
Timing of supplementation of selenium and isoflavones determines prostate cancer risk factor reduction in rats

Background High dietary intake of selenium or isoflavones reduces risk factors for prostate cancer. We tested whether combined supplementation of these two dietary components would reduce prostate cancer risk factors in rats more than supplementation of each component individually.
Allophycocyanin and energy transfer

Allophycocyanin is a biliprotein located in the core of the phycobilisome. The biliprotein is isolated and purified as a trimer (alpha3beta3), where a monomer is an alphabeta structure. Each alpha and beta subunit has a single noncyclic tetrapyrrole chromophore, called phycocyanobilin. The trimer of allophycocyanin has an unusual absorption maximum at 650 nm with a shoulder at 620 nm, while the monomer has an absorption maximum at 615 nm. Two explanations have been proposed for the 650-nm maximum. In one, this maximum is produced by the interaction of a particular local protein environment for three of the chromophores, causing them to red shift, while the other three chromophores are at a higher energy. Energy is transferred from the high- to the low-energy chromophores by Forster resonance energy transfer, the donor-acceptor model. In the second proposal, there is strong exciton coupling between two chromophores of the trimer that closely approach across the monomer-monomer interface. The strong interaction causes exciton splitting and a red shift in the absorption. There are three of these strongly coupled chromophore pairs, and energy is transferred between the two-exciton states of a pair by internal conversion. A variety of biophysical methods have been used to examine this question. Although evidence supporting both models has been produced, sophisticated ultra fast fluorescence results from a plethora of approaches now firmly point to the latter strong coupling hypothesis as being more likely. Between the different strongly coupled pairs, Forster resonance energy transfer should occur. For monomers of allophycocyanin, Forster resonance energy transfer occurs between the two chromophores.
Do gender differences exist in the academic identification of African American elementary school-aged children?

The disidentification hypothesis predicts that African American boys achieve less in school than African American girls do because boys have less personal investment in doing well academically (i.e...
Mis)use of (133)Ba as a calibration surrogate for (131)I in clinical activity calibrators.

Using NIST-calibrated solutions of (131)Ba and (131)I in the 5mL NIST ampoule geometry, measurements were made in three NIST-maintained Capintec activity calibrators and the NIST Vinten 671 ionization chamber to evaluate the suitability of using (133)Ba as a calibration surrogate for (131)I. For the Capintec calibrators, the (133)Ba response was a factor of about 300% higher than that of the same amount of (131)I. For the Vinten 671, the Ba-133 response was about 7% higher than that of (131)I. These results demonstrate that (133)Ba is a poor surrogate for (131)I. New calibration factors for these radionuclides in the ampoule geometry for the Vinten 671 and Capintec activity calibrators were also determined.
Targeted Transthoracic Acoustic Activation of Systemically Administered Nanodroplets to Detect Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities

Background— Liquid core nanodroplets containing condensed gaseous fluorocarbons can be vaporized at clinically relevant acoustic energies and have been hypothesized as an alternative ultrasound contrast agent instead of gas-core agents. The potential for targeted activation and imaging of these agents was tested with droplets formulated from liquid octafluoropropane (C3) and 1:1 mixtures of C3 with liquid decafluorobutane (C3C4). Methods and Results— In 8 pigs with recent myocardial infarction and variable degrees of reperfusion, transthoracic acoustic activation was attempted using 1.3 to 1.7 MHz low (0.2 mechanical index [MI]) or high MI (1.2 MI) imaging in real time (32–64 Hertz) or triggered 1:1 at end systole during a 20% C3 or C3C4 droplet infusion. Any perfusion defects observed were measured and correlated with delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem staining. No myocardial contrast was produced with any imaging setting when using C3C4 droplets or C3 droplets during low MI real-time imaging. However, myocardial contrast was observed in all 8 pigs with C3 droplets when using triggered high MI imaging and in 5 of 6 pigs that had 1.7 MHz real time-high MI imaging. Although quantitative myocardial contrast was lower with real-time high MI imaging than 1:1 triggering, the correlation between real-time resting defect size and infarct size was good ( r =0.97; P <0.001), as was the correlation with number of transmural infarcted segments by delayed enhancement imaging. Conclusions— Targeted transthoracic acoustic activation of infused intravenous C3 nanodroplets is effective, resulting in echogenic and persistent microbubbles which provide real-time high MI visualization of perfusion defects.
Saving Satir: Contemporary Perspectives on the Change Process Model

Virginia Satir continues to be a highly influential figure in family therapy. The summation of her decades of work with families, the Satir growth model (SGM), remains a relevant therapeutic approach that is still practiced by many. This narrative review sought to examine (a) the core therapeutic methods developed by Satir for working with families, and (b) the empirical evidence to support the use of such methods. The author reviewed both firsthand and secondhand accounts of Satir's model of therapy, as well as extant research. Results from four included studies lend equivocal support for the continued use of Satir's approaches in contemporary family therapy. Implications for clinicians include the need for further refinement and systematization of the SGM. Also, researchers must empirically test Satir's methods using stronger methodology with larger and more diverse samples. In an age where evidence-based practice has become standard, all stakeholders must actively work to bolster the support for Virginia Satir's work, lest her important contributions to family therapy be forgotten due to insufficient evidence.
Si Nanocrystals by Metal Induced Growth using Different Catalyzing Metals

A comparative study of nanocrystalline silicon thin films grown on 25 nm thick catalyzing metals by dc magnetron sputtering from a highly doped Si target has been performed. In our previous study, the growth of Si was catalyzed by the silicide reactant from sputtered Si and Ni. These new experiments compared the effect of two types of catalyzing metals, Ni and Co. The structural and electrical characteristics of nano-Si were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cross-section SEM (XSEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), four-point-probe measurement and Schottky contact I-V measurement. The SEM and XSEM revealed that, for both catalyzing metals, the nano-Si thin films have columnar nano-grains with length of 500 nm in the vertical direction. However, the diameter of grains strongly depends on the catalyzing metals. For Co, the nano-Si grains had a typical diameter of 30 nm, while for Ni, the grains were much larger. TEM analysis showed that this difference in grain size begins at the initial growth stage. In the later-on growth, the Si grains mainly grow in a vertical direction instead of a lateral direction. This implies that the dimensions of Si nanostructures are strongly determined by the initially formed metal silicide nanoparticles. The current-voltage curve of a fabricated Al Schottky diode on P-type Co catalyzed nano-Si exhibited good rectifying characteristics. The dopant has been naturally synthesized in the Si nanocrystals during the growth of nano-Si by using a doped sputtering target. The above measured electrical properties show that metal induced grown nanocrystalline Si is applicable to various electronic and photonic devices.
Detection of Botulinum Toxins A, B, E, and F in Foods by Endopep-MS.

Botulism is caused by exposure to botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). BoNTs are proteins secreted by some species of clostridia; these neurotoxins are known to interfere with nerve impulse transmission, thus causing paralysis. Botulism may be contracted through consumption of food either naturally or intentionally contaminated with BoNT. The human lethal dose of BoNT is not known but is estimated to be between 0.1 and 70 μg; thus, it is important to be able to detect small amounts of this toxin in foods to ensure food safety and to identify the source of an outbreak. Our laboratory previously reported on the development of Endopep-MS, a mass-spectrometric-based endopeptidase method for the detection and differentiation of BoNT. This method can detect BoNT at levels below the historic standard mouse bioassay in clinical samples such as serum, stool, and culture supernatants. We have now expanded this assay to detect BoNT in over 50 foods including representative products that were involved in actual botulism in...
Capability Based Support Performance of Weapon System

The old development ideas of weapon systems are started from respective design characteristics of systems,and not from capability requirements of armed forces and the evaluation of final achievements also not from capabilities of systems.It results in stagnation and lag of operational capability and support capability when systems are deployed.The definition and meanings of support capability are presented in this paper.A process of forming support capability is proposed as follows:(a)combined operations concept;(b)missions;(c)support capability;(d)support performance;(e)key technique maturation;(f)capability design;(g)capability evaluation;(h)capability generation and sustainment;(i)evaluation of development results by established capabilities.The measures and suggestions of rapidly forming support capability are also presented.
Secret level valuation method of BLP model based on some application properties

According to the access attribute properties between subjects and objects in the information system,a viable method of the BLP model secret level valuation was given,and two merging conditions were put forward.The mathematical model of subject-object secret level valuation under BLP model was established on the two merging conditions.When the condition solution was not the constant one,its expansion solution being not sure the global one was proved,but the approximate condition modification valuation solution could be obtained from it.Using the above results,one difficult problem from one national information system about the BLP model secret level valuation was solved.
The Hidden in Clinical Supervision: A Method to Know and Affect What’s Going on in There

The utilization of a one-way mirror, a wireless microphone for the supervisor, and a “bug-in-the-ear” earpiece for the supervisee constitutes, in the author’s opinion, an excellent alternative method of supervision. It allows the supervisor to be able to unobtrusively observe the therapist and patient, gives the supervisor a chance to help a learning therapist “on the spot,” so to speak, and to positively reinforce and shape meaningful, empathic, therapeutic responses. This method of supervision has been used over a period of years with residents, medical students, social workers, nurses, psychology interns, etc. Most commonly, supervisees initially feel threatened by the “bug-in-the-ear,” which can be minimized by following some “do’s” and “don’ts.” The literature about supervision and some of the methods employed by other investigators are briefly reviewed.
A regulated environment for micro-organs defines essential conditions for intercellular Ca2+ waves

The mechanical stress state of an organ is a critical, but still poorly understood, driver of organogenesis and regeneration. Here we report a chip-based regulated environment for micro-organs (REM-Chip) that enables systematic investigations of the crosstalk between an organ9s mechanical stress environment and biochemical signaling under a multitude of genetic and chemical perturbations. This method has enabled us to identify essential conditions for generating organ-scale intercellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) waves (ICWs) in Drosophila wing imaginal discs that are also observed in vivo. Spontaneous ICWs require the presence of components in fly extract-based growth serum (FEX). Using the REM-Chip, we demonstrate that the release and not the initial application of mechanical compression is sufficient but not necessary to initiate ICWs. Further, the extent of the Ca 2+ response is heterogeneous between discs and correlates with the degree of spontaneous ICWs activity in the pre-stress state. This system and method enable detailed examinations of the interplay between mechanical stress state, biochemical regulatory networks, and physiology in complex, hierarchically organized organ cultures.
From General to Specific: Understanding Individual Characteristics and their Relationship with Neural Recordings during Media Consumption

Neurophysiological methods and recording techniques are increasingly being embraced to enhance business intelligence about consumers' behavior. Researchers have found evidence linking individual characteristics with variations in mental processing and user literacy for neurally-controlling computer interfaces. The work presented here seeks to better understand the relationship between individual characteristics and neural activations as recorded by electroencephalography EEG while participants viewed certain types of media online. A study conducted with 21 right-handed individuals demonstrates that the individual characteristics of smoking, hand dexterity, and experience playing certain types of video games correlate with neural activations in the frontal lobe, reflecting arousal and engagement. These correlations indicate the need to control for particular participant characteristics when conducting studies using neurophysiological recording techniques and expand considerations for incorporating such novel, yet insightful tools into the business intelligence practice.
Smith-Petersen and pedicle subtraction osteotomies

Abstract Degenerative scoliosis can results in sagittal imbalance. This in turn can lead severe pain and disability in patients. Restoration of patients back to a more physiologic alignment can help relieve their pain and allow them to live happier and more active lives. The use of Smith-Petersen and pedicle subtraction osteotomies can be very useful tools in restoring sagittal alignment. The following manuscript will describe the proper evaluation of patients who may benefit from these osteotomies and helpful hints on these techniques.
A tale of two states: how U.S. state legislatures consider restorative justice policies

AbstractThis paper explores recent state legislative processes in Colorado and Texas related to bills proposing support for restorative justice as a juvenile diversion tool for criminal courts. It uses two maximum variation case studies to explore issue statements related to theoretically-supported factors likely to influence the adoption of restorative justice legislation, and draws conclusions about the importance of political partisanship, economic strain, and key figures such as policy entrepreneurs, advocacy coalitions, and interest groups in legislative decision-making. Emerging themes suggest that support for restorative justice policies is at least sometimes bipartisan and is unlikely to be motivated by economic interests. Collaborative processes within a traditionally adversarial system distinguished successful restorative justice decision-making in Colorado.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythms by Light During Day and Night

This study aims to discuss possible reasons why research to date has not forged direct links between light at night, acute melatonin suppression or circadian disruption, and risks for disease. Data suggest that irregular light–dark patterns or light exposures at the wrong circadian time can lead to circadian disruption and disease risks. However, there remains an urgent need to (1) specify light stimulus in terms of circadian rather than visual response; (2) when translating research from animals to humans, consider species-specific spectral and absolute sensitivities to light; (3) relate the characteristics of photometric measurement of light at night to the operational characteristics of the circadian system; and (4) examine how humans may be experiencing too little daytime light, not just too much light at night. To understand the health effects light-induced circadian disruption, we need to measure and control light stimulus during the day and at night.
Transcriptional Responses in Recovery from Stroke

1 Multiple lines of evidence support synaptic reorganization of the brain after stroke and a role in functional recovery. Molecular, pharmacological, especially norardrenergic, and behavioral methods have shown promise in enhancing recovery in animal or clinical studies. However, the mechanisms underlying stimulation of new synapses remain largely unknown, information that is critical to optimize interventions, including stem cell transplant, drug therapy or other approaches. We investigated two potential such mechanisms in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in which we have previously shown robust new expression of the pre-synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin in the peri-infarct and contralateral homotopic regions. One candidate signal for stimulation of new synaptic formation is the polysialated form of neuronal cell adhesion molecules (PSCAM) that is expressed during synaptic development. Immunostaining for PSCAM after MCAO and recovery failed to demonstrate expression. The possibility that signal molecules potentially released following ischemia, may be involved in synaptic generation analogous to long term potentiation (LTP), was next investigated. The C/EBP (CCAAT enhancer binding protein) family of transcription factors is an important intermediary for glutamate stimulation of synapses in LTP. After distal MCAO in rats, we found dramatic expression of the C/EBP α subtype in the peri-infarct region at 3 days, and expression by Western blot of a 30 kD C/EBP α isoform in cultured PC12 cells induced to differentiate into neurite and synapses. We suggest the possibility that C/EBP, stimulated by biochemical events in the peri-infarct region, is a potential signal for new synapses following stroke. We are in the process of assessing the effect of overexpression of this isoform on synapse formation in cultured PC12 cells. C/EBP α and other signals may provide targets for intervention to enhance expression. The importance of these results as related to the effects of glutamate also support our previous finding that glutamate-blockade, although limiting infarct size, may also interfere with synapse formation in the long term (Bolanos & Kent, JCBF & Met Suppl, 1999).
Factors associated with early mortality in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in a population based cohort.

1577 Background: Significant improvements in survival time have been achieved for patients (pts) with MBC. Nevertheless, some still die soon after diagnosis. Data regarding features associated with...
On minimax convergence rates under Lp-risk for the anisotropic functional deconvolution model

Abstract We look into minimax results for the anisotropic functional deconvolution model under the L p -risk, 1 ≤ p ∞ . We construct lower bounds and show that the wavelet hard-thresholding estimator is asymptotically near-optimal in the L p -risk.
Submillimeter retinoblastoma monitoring following transpupillary thermotherapy using hand-held optical coherence tomography

Precise, submillimeter visualization of retinal microstructures is useful for treatment monitoring of retinoblastoma. Herein, we report the use of hand-held optical coherence tomography (HH-OCT) to document a nearly-invisible retinoblastoma and monitor tumor response to transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). A 3-week-old boy was diagnosed with unilateral familial retinoblastoma in the left eye, classified as group B, and treated with intravenous chemoreduction. At 13-month follow-up, the tumor in the left eye was regressed, and evaluation of the right eye revealed a microscopic, nearly invisible tumor measuring 372 µm in thickness and 1.51 mm in basal dimension. The tumor was confirmed on HH-OCT and the diagnosis was changed to bilateral familial retinoblastoma. The new tumor was subsequently treated with TTT and after 1 month, the tumor regressed to an optically dense scar 166 µm in thickness by HH-OCT. Five months after TTT, the scar was clinically flat and measured 73 µm. HH-OCT has assumed a significant role in the monitoring of retinoblastoma in children. In this case, imaging with HH-OCT allowed precise localization of the tumor and submillimeter monitoring of treatment response following TTT.
Anti-Müllerian hormone levels and incidence of early natural menopause in a prospective study.

STUDY QUESTION Are anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels assessed in women aged 32-44 associated with risk of incident early natural menopause? SUMMARY ANSWER We observed strong, significant associations between lower AMH levels and higher risk of early menopause. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The ability to predict risk early menopause, defined as menopause before age 45, prior to fertility decline would improve options for family planning and cardiovascular disease prevention. Though AMH is an established marker of menopause timing in older reproductive-aged women, whether AMH is associated with risk of early menopause has not been evaluated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We assessed these relations in a nested case-control study within the prospective Nurses' Health Study II cohort. Premenopausal blood samples were collected in 1996-1999. Participants were followed until 2011 for early natural menopause, with follow-up rates >94%. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Early menopause cases (n = 327) were women reporting natural menopause between blood collection and age 45. Controls (n = 491) experienced menopause after age 45 and included 327 cases matched to controls on the basis of age at blood draw (±4 months) and other factors. AMH levels up to 12 years before early menopause were assayed in 2016. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In multivariable conditional logistic regression models adjusting for matching factors, body mass index, smoking, parity, oral contraceptive use, and other factors, each 0.10 ng/ml decrease in AMH was associated with a 14% higher risk of early menopause (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 1.18; P < 0.001). In polynomial regression models including linear and quadratic terms for AMH, odds ratios for early menopause for women with AMH levels of 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 ng/ml compared to 2.0 ng/ml were 2.6, 7.5 and 23 (all P < 0.001). Significant associations were observed irrespective of smoking status, adiposity, infertility history and menstrual cycle characteristics. Furthermore, models assessing the predictive ability of AMH showed high concordance, and C-statistics were high, ranging from 0.68 (age ≤35) to 0.93 (age 42). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our population was relatively homogenous with respect to race/ethnicity. Further work in more ethnically diverse populations is needed. WIDE IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to evaluate whether AMH levels are associated with early menopause. These findings support the utility of AMH as a clinical marker of early menopause in otherwise healthy women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by UM1CA176726, R01CA67262, and R01HD078517 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. No competing interests declared.
Single phase universal input PFC converter operating at HF

Single-phase ac to dc converters for computers and related applications have requirements that are difficult to meet while achieving both high power density and high efficiency: wide input voltage range, large voltage step down, galvanic isolation, harmonic current limits and hold-up requirements. This work explores a circuit architecture and topology that seeks to address this challenge, and presents a 250 W, 24 V output, universal input PFC converter prototype achieving 34.9 W/in3. The converter operates at variable switching frequencies in the range of 1–4 MHz; the measured efficiency at 230 Vac RMS, 60 Hz input is 95.33% at full load and 84.57% at 8% load.
Enzyme-mediated self-assembly

Abstract Enzymes are the biological catalysts that control chemical reactions with high efficiency and specificity in the complex cellular and extracellular environments Molecular self-assembly is the process by which molecules autonomously form organized structures with well-defined geometry and it is determinant for cell structure and function. Enzyme-mediated self-assembly is a process that integrates enzymatic transformation and molecular self-assembly. In this chapter, we present recent developments on how enzymatically-triggered self-assembly of small molecules can be used to target the formation of hydrogels to biological spaces where specific enzymes exist. The works described show that enzyme-mediated self-assembly can be confined pericellularly and intracellularly, both in vitro and in vivo , and with high cell type specificity. Various enzymes, such as phosphatases, esterases, β-lactamases, and thermolysins, have been used to catalyze the self-assembly process. Here, we describe how this young technology is revolutionizing drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cancer therapy. By making use of different expression levels of different enzymes, depending on the cell type, tissue, or organ, it is possible to provide an excellent spatiotemporal control over the self-assembly process, and thus over the local therapeutic effect.
Time for action: on the relation between time, knowledge and action

We consider the role played by the concept of action in AI. We first briefly summarize the advantages and limitations of past approaches to taking the concept as primitive, as embodied in the situation calculus and dynamic logic. We also briefly summarize the alternative, namely adopting a temporal framework, and point out its complementary advantages and limitations. We then propose a framework that retains the advantages of both viewpoints, and that ties the notion of action closely to that of knowledge. Specifically, we propose starting with the notion of time lines, and defining the notion of action as the ability to make certain choices among sets of time lines. Our definitions shed new light on the connection between time, action, knowledge and ignorance, choice-making, feasibility, and simultaneous reasoning about the same events at different levels of detail.
Maturity of Judgment and Perceptual Deterrence

Recent deterrence literature has found that the degree to which sanction threats are perceived to influence subsequent offending differs within individuals and between individuals over time. This s...
Policy Making of Optimal Power Planning and Emission-Reduction with Microgrid

Ahstract- This paper integrates microgrid expansion planning with generation and transmission planning to study the potential advantage of the grid-connected microgrid in emission reduction. However, incorporation of resource planning is faced several challenges such as competition between power investors, unserved energy, power outage, future load growth uncertainty and environmental issues. One of the most significant challenge of the environmental issues is emission in dirty power systems. According to these challenges, some performance analysis indices are proposed to demonstrate the impact of integrating microgrid and traditional power resources into an electricity grid on emission as well as reliability and total system costs. Therefore, policies are established based on evaluating the performance of microgrid to address the emission challenges. The case studies illustrate to explore the reliability, economic, and emission reduction benefit of microgrid planning by applying proposed model and policy in a coordinated fashion power system planning.
Developing tools to enhance the use of systematic reviews for clinical care in health systems

We aimed to develop tools that can facilitate uptake of evidence summarised in systematic reviews by clinical decision makers in health systems. After conducting a systematic review on the management of anxiety in children, we interviewed health system representatives, clinicians and patients to ask about additional information needed for decision-making. Using stakeholders’ feedback and literature searches for contextual and implementation information, we developed two tools (decision aids (DAs)), one for the health system and the second for the clinical encounter. This information mapped to factors of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) Evidence to Decision Framework. The health system DAs provided information on which patients are candidate for treatment, values and preferences, costs and resources, acceptability, impact on health equity, feasibility, drug dosing, alternative therapies, remission rates and prognosis. Health system stakeholders found the DA useful for clinical decision-making and generalisable to other conditions. The encounter DA was produced as cards containing information on issues that drive treatment decisions (effect on symptoms, effect on function, treatment burden, side effects and cost). Patients and parents prioritised the cards and chose the order in which these issues were discussed with clinician. The encounter DA was found to be helpful by patients, parents and clinicians. We conclude that the uptake of evidence summaries by health systems can be enhanced by developing tools that provide contextual and implementation information about clinical care. A dual approach addressing health system stakeholders as well as clinicians and patients is likely feasible and helpful.
Effects of Vulvovaginal Laser Therapy on Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy: A Prospective Study

Abstract Objective: About 45% of healthy postmenopausal women have symptoms related to vaginal atrophy that can affect quality of life, including self-esteem and relationships. Initial studies on l...
Growth of GaAs on Polycrystalline Germanium Substrates Prepared via Aluminum-Induced Crystallization

Polycrystalline germanium substrates with an average grain size >600 nm have been achieved on silicon substrates with 500 nm thermally grown silicon dioxide, using a process called aluminum-induced crystallization. Double heterostructures were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy on these polycrystalline germanium substrates, as well as commercial large-grain polycrystalline germanium substrates and monocrystalline germanium substrate as baselines. Four temperatures were explored for the gallium arsenide nucleation layer in the double heterostructure, with all other growth conditions remaining constant.
Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium in Poultry Carcass and Litter at Thermophilic Temperatures

SUMMARY The disposal of by-products, such as poultry litter, and carcasses is a serious issue because of risks associated with microbial pathogens, and controlling the pathogen risks requires identifying improved pre-treatment methods capable of inactivating pathogens. As poultry litter and carcasses are known to be major reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli), improvement in existing understanding of the inactivation of these pathogens in poultry litter and carcasses is needed to determine the effective treatment time and temperature. Here we conducted a study to assess the thermal inactivation of 2 common bacteria in poultry productive systems: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella enterica (Salmonella). The inactivation study was conducted at 50°C and 60°C using 3 different feedstocks: (1) poultry carcasses, (2) poultry litter, and (3) mixture of poultry litter and carcasses. Each feedstock was inoculated with known concentrations of E. coli and Salmonella prior to thermophilic digestion experiments at 50°C and 60°C. Regardless of feedstock types, E. coli survival was extended beyond 3 d at 50°C. In contrast, Salmonella was no longer detectable within 3 d at 50°C. At 60°C, both E. coli and Salmonella were undetected within an hour. There was no significant difference (at P
Enabling High-Performance Heterogeneous Integration via Interface Standards, IP Reuse, and Modular Design

Abstract DARPA is leading a new thrust to leverage mainstream semiconductor design approaches to enable the rapid and cost-effective integration of heterogeneous device technologies. This represent...
Exploring the Master Narrative: Racial Knowledge and Understanding of Language and Literacy Pedagogy for Special Education Teacher Candidates.

AbstractResearchers have revisited the influence of African American English many times within extant scholarship over the past 4 decades. However, the resulting pedagogical developments within teacher training programs are inadequate. Through a survey of literature of relevant topics, this article provides a framework regarding training for preservice teachers to ensure that they understand the historical intersectionality of race, gender, and language, especially when educating African American males. We believe the dismal underperformance of African American males and their significant disproportionality in special education should enliven the focus of reform efforts on the instructional and dispositions toward nonstandard English, such as African American English, which influence the fidelity of instruction.
Voltage readout from a piezoelectric intracochlear acoustic transducer implanted in a living guinea pig.

The ability to measure the voltage readout from a sensor implanted inside the living cochlea enables continuous monitoring of intracochlear acoustic pressure locally, which could improve cochlear implants. We developed a piezoelectric intracochlear acoustic transducer (PIAT) designed to sense the acoustic pressure while fully implanted inside a living guinea pig cochlea. The PIAT, fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques, consisted of an array of four piezoelectric cantilevers with varying lengths to enhance sensitivity across a wide frequency bandwidth. Prior to implantation, benchtop tests were conducted to characterize the device performance in air and in water. When implanted in the cochlea of an anesthetized guinea pig, the in vivo voltage response from the PIAT was measured in response to 80–95 dB sound pressure level 1–14 kHz sinusoidal acoustic excitation at the entrance of the guinea pig’s ear canal. All sensed signals were above the noise floor and unaffected by crosstalk from the cochlear microphonic or external electrical interference. These results demonstrate that external acoustic stimulus can be sensed via the piezoelectric voltage response of the implanted MEMS transducer inside the living cochlea, providing key steps towards developing intracochlear acoustic sensors to replace external or subcutaneous microphones for auditory prosthetics.
Anchor Bolt Patterns for Mechanically Fastened FRP Plates

AbstractThis paper examines the results of material testing of hybrid carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates for use in prestressed mechanically fastened applications. The small-sca...
A FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF APPARENT PERIODICITIES AND THE ROTATIONAL STATE OF COMET 103P/HARTLEY 2 FROM COMBINED COMA MORPHOLOGY AND LIGHT CURVE DATA SETS

We present an analysis of Kitt Peak National Observatory and Lowell Observatory observations of comet 103P/Hartley 2 obtained from 2010 August through December. The results are then compared with contemporaneous observations made by the EPOXI spacecraft. Each ground-based data set has previously been investigated individually; the combined data set has complementary coverage that reduces the time between observing runs and allows us to determine additional apparent periods at intermediate times. We compare CN coma morphology between ground-based data sets, making nine new measurements of apparent periods. The first five are consistent with the roughly linearly increasing apparent period during the apparition found by previous authors. The final four suggest that the change in apparent period slowed or stopped by late November. We also measure an inner coma light curve in both CN and R-band ground-based images, finding a single-peaked light curve which repeats in phase with the coma morphology. The apparent period from the light curve had significantly larger uncertainties than from the coma morphology, but varied over the apparition in a similar manner. Our ground-based light curve aligns with the published EPOXI light curve, indicating that the light curve represents changing activity rather than viewing geometry of structures in the coma. The EPOXI light curve can best be phased by a triple-peaked period near 54–55 hr that increases from October to November. This phasing reveals that the spacing between maxima is not constant, and that the overall light curve shape evolves from one triple-peaked cycle to the next. These behaviors suggest that much of the scatter in apparent periods derived from ground-based data sets acquired at similar epochs are likely due to limited sampling of the data.