cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An observer study of reconstruction strategies for the detection of solitary pulmonary nodules using hybrid NeoTect SPECT images

The optimization of reconstruction parameters, and determination of whether iterative reconstruction should replace FBP clinically should be based on tasks which closely approximate the clinical application of the images. The use of hybrid images or studies in which simulated lesions are added to known normal clinical acquisitions represents a practical alternative to the use of purely clinical acquisitions for observer studies. The goal of this investigation was to use hybrid images of the lung tumor imaging agent Tc-99m NeoTect in localization receiver operating characteristic (LROC) studies to determine reconstruction parameters and whether iterative reconstruction with attenuation, scatter, and distance-dependent resolution compensation should replace FBP clinically. Nine patient's clinically normal NeoTect SPECT images were used in this study. The lung lesions were created by adding Monte Carlo simulated tumor projections to the patient's acquisition projections. All tumors were spheres 1 cm diameter in size which is the smallest tumor could be identified by CT. Attenuation, scatter and distance dependent resolution compensations were all included in the RBI-EM reconstruction. The iteration number tested were 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10, and the Gaussian postfilter's FWHM tested were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 image pixels. The Butterworth filter's cutoff frequencies 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 (1/pixel) were tested for the FBP reconstruction. A total of 324 images were produced for each of the reconstruction strategies, with half of them are normal images. Channelized nonprewhitening (CNPW) numerical and human observers were employed to investigate tumor detection accuracy. The RBI-EM with attenuation, scatter and distance dependent resolution compensations performed better than the FBP in lung tumor detection and localization. The best performance (highest score of the area under the LROC curves) was for 5 iterations and 1 pixel's FWHM of Gaussian postfiltering in the RBI-EM reconstruction.
The Trachoma “Menace” in the United States, 1897–1960☆

Abstract Although largely considered a problem of developing countries today, trachoma was once extremely common in parts of the United States and accounted for a large proportion of blindness. Under an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson in June 1913, a substantial part of the U.S. Public Health Service budget was earmarked to fight trachoma. Numerous trachoma surveys revealed the presence of a “trachoma belt” across the mid United States, and the prevalence of trachoma reached as high as 50–90% among school children on some Indian reservations. Crowding, poverty, and lack of clean water and hygiene were identified as risk factors for trachoma. Measures taken to combat trachoma included isolation schools for infected children, special government trachoma hospitals and field clinics, screening of immigrants to the U.S., improvements in hygiene and sanitation, and antibiotic therapy. The Indian Health Service utilized radical eyelid surgery with reportedly disastrous consequences. Prevalence surveys show a clear decline in trachoma in the U.S. during the twentieth century.
Applying the Codependency Model to a Group for Families of Obsessive-Compulsive People

Obsessive-compulsive disorder places formidable burdens on family members who are drawn into bizarre enabling behaviors to pacify their ill relatives. Some families exhibit a high tolerance for inappropriate behavior and evidence characteristics similar to those seen in families of alcoholics. This article applies the codependency group model to families of obsessive-compulsive people based on a definition of codependency that views these families as normal, feeling people who are trying to cope with unremitting stress. Clinical vignettes illustrate how these families are similar to families of alcoholics in their management of emotions and in their dysfunctional behaviors. Recommendations are offered for practitioners who work with families of mentally ill people.
Highly selective separation of n-hexane from branched, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons using B-ZSM-5 membranes

Boron-modified ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were effective for separating n-alkanes from 2,2-dimethylbutane, benzene and cyclohexane in binary mixtures, and enhanced selectivity was seen when both benzene and cyclohexane were mixed with n-hexane.
Experimental Limitations to the Validity of Semiclassical Radiation Theories

Recently there has been speculation that quantization of the electromagnetic field is unnecessary. In support of this viewpoint, a large number of effects — long thought to require such a quantization — have successfully been rederived semiclassically. It has been hoped that in a suitably treated semiclassical theory one could account for all of the present data of atomic physics as well as eliminate the problem of divergences in quantum electrodynamics.
Electron Fringes on a Quantum Wedge

Using molecular beam epitaxy we have fabricated a quantum wedge: a nanoscale flat-top lead island on a stepped Si(111) surface. Imaging the top surface of the wedge with a scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the phenomenon of electron interference fringes: a discrete periodic spatial variation of the tunnel current originating from the quantization of electron states in the wedge.
Diversity, Donations, and Disadvantage: The Implications of Personal Fundraising for Racial Diversity in Evangelical Outreach Ministries

Employing insights from critical whiteness theory, I analyze the fundraising experiences of racial minorities within predominantly white evangelical outreach ministries (EOMs) in order to assess the ways in which the funding structure of EOMs contributes to the reproduction of white structural and cultural dominance and, ultimately, racial homogeneity within these organizations. Quantitative and qualitative data from a mixed-race sample of EOM workers (N = 716) reveal that white dominance is reproduced within the funding structure of EOMs through two primary means: (1) the individualistic fundraising model of EOMs naturally advantages whites over economically disadvantaged minorities, thereby reproducing whites’ structural dominance. And (2) the fundraising strategies of EOMs embody white cultural preferences that become normalized, requiring minorities to sacrifice their own preferences and relationships to adapt. The EOM funding structure thus becomes a mechanism for reproducing white dominance and ultimately fortifying racial divisions and perpetuating racial homogeneity within EOMs.
The Effect of Dietary Protein and Glucagon on the Urinary Excretion of Oxalate in the Guinea Pig

Urinary oxalate is supposedly derived from three sources: the diet (10–20%), ascorbate breakdown (40–50%) and endogenous metabolism (40–50%)1. Factors influencing oxalate excretion remain poorly defined. Endogenous metabolism, which appears to occur predominantly in the liver, is thought to involve amino acid catabolism1. Therefore, dietary protein as a source of amino acid may influence urinary oxalate excretion. However, studies with humans have not been conclusive. We have used a guinea pig model to further study the effects of dietary protein on urinary oxalate excretion. This animal model was chosen since the guinea pig, like humans, has a key biosynthetic enzyme, alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase type I (AGT), located only in peroxisomes2. Guinea pigs were fed semi-purified diets containing 10, 20% or 40% of casein based protein. Urinary oxalate was monitored and hepatic AGT, glycolate oxidase (GO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured. Since glucagon is a known mediator of dietary protein metabolism, the effects of pharmacologic doses of this hormone on urinary oxalate excretion and hepatic enzyme levels were also examined.
Long-term outcomes of patients undergoing endovascular infrainguinal interventions with single-vessel peroneal artery runoff.

Objectives Recent reports have shown promising early results after endovascular revascularization (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA]/stent) of patients with peroneal artery-only runoff (PAOR), although the long-term durability is unclear. This study evaluated long-term primary patency and limb salvage of PTA/stent in patients with single-vessel runoff and critical limb ischemia to determine if the peroneal artery yields inferior results. Methods From January 2002 to December 2007, 1075 infrainguinal PTA/stent procedures were performed in 920 patients. The study cohort comprised 201 limbs in 187 patients with single-vessel runoff and critical limb ischemia. End points included primary patency, assisted patency, limb salvage, and survival. Long-term outcomes were determined by Kaplan-Meier life-table and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results There were 104 PAOR and 97 limbs with single-vessel posterior or anterior tibial artery runoff (non-PAOR). Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 0-75 months). PAOR patients tended to be older (77.36 ± 0.92 vs 72.65 ± 1.18 years, P = .002) and were more likely to be taking clopidogrel at presentation (88% vs 76%; P = .04). There were no statistically significant differences in 5-year primary patency (26% ± 6.8% vs 30% ± 7.6%; P = .79), assisted patency (75% ± 8.8% vs 81% ± 7.0%; P = .77), limb salvage (74% ± 8.0% vs 75% ± 7.1%; P = .47), and survival (38% ± 7.7% vs 47% ± 6.6%; P = .99) between the PAOR and the non-PAOR groups, respectively. On Cox regression multivariate analysis, total occlusions predicted decreased assisted patency (hazard ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-7.41; P = .02), whereas younger age predicted poor limb salvage (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.99; P = .04). PAOR was not an independent predictor of any outcome on multivariate analysis. Conclusions Patients with PAOR have similar long-term outcomes to patients with non-PAOR. Thus, infrainguinal endovascular revascularization can be considered a first-line therapy for patients with PAOR and critical limb ischemia.
Factors Relating to Dental Stain Formation in the Rat

A series of studies was conducted to investigate the use of the rat as an in vivo model for studies of dental stain and to identify dietary factors which influence stain formation in this model. It was determined that appreciable amounts of stain formed on the molar teeth of rats provided a synthetic diet containing lactalbumin, and the amount of stain increased throughout a four-week test period. Stain formation was also observed when rats were provided their diet by gastric intubation. Topical applications of chlorhexidine generally resulted in an increase in stain formation, as did the presence of tea in the drinking water. These studies support the use of the rat for investigations of dental stain.
There Are No Visual Media

‘Visual media’ is a colloquial expression used to designate things such as television, film, photography and painting, etc. But it is highly inexact and misleading. On closer inspection, all the so...
The effect of sepsis and reduced colloid osmotic pressure on pulmonary edema

The interrelationship of hydrostatic pressure and osmotic forces across the capillary membrane are described by the Starling equation [lo]. Increasing pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure is a cause of pulmonary edema 131. Pulmonary edema develops at a lower hydrostatic pressure when plasma colloid oncotic pressure is lowered suggesting that the gradient between colloid oncotic pressure (COP) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAW) is an important factor in the development of pulmonary edema [3]. Decrease in plasma oncotic pressure (COP) can also result in a reduction in the COP-PAW gradient. Pulmonary edema has been attributed to the reduction of the COP alone [7,8]. We have previously shown that reduction of the COP without elevation of the pulmonary artery wedge pressure does not result in pulmonary edema [14, 163. Sepsis is a common denominator in patients with respiratory failure [2] and it has been suggested that altered pulmonary capillary permeability is a possible cause for the development of pulmonary edema [ 11. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effect of both reduced COP and sepsis on the development of pulmonary edema and pulmonary dysfunction in baboons.
MULTISCALE THERMAL REFUGIA AND STREAM HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF CHINOOK SALMON IN NORTHEASTERN OREGON

We quantified distribution and behavior of adult spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) related to patterns of stream temperature and physical habitat at channel-unit, reach-, and section-level spatial scales in a wilderness stream and a disturbed stream in the John Day River basin in northeastern Oregon. We investigated the effectiveness of thermal remote sensing for analyzing spatial patterns of stream temperature and assessed habitat selection by spring chinook salmon, evaluating whether thermal refugia might be responsible for the persistence of these stocks in rivers where water temperatures frequently exceed their upper tolerance levels (258C) during spawning migration. By presenting stream temperature and the ecology of chinook salmon in a historical context, we could evaluate how changes in riverine habitat and thermal spatial structure, which can be caused by land- use practices, may influence distributional patterns of chinook salmon. Thermal remote sensing provided spatially continuous maps of stream temperature for reaches used by chinook salmon in the upper subbasins of the Middle Fork and North Fork John Day River. Electivity analysis and logistic regression were used to test for associations between the longitudinal distribution of salmon and cool-water areas and stream habitat characteristics. Chinook salmon were distributed nonuniformly in reaches throughout each stream. Salmon distribution and cool water temperature patterns were most strongly related at reach-level spatial scales in the warm stream, the Middle Fork (maximum likelihood ratio: P , 0.01), and most weakly related in the cold stream, the North Fork (P. 0.30). Pools were preferred by adult chinook salmon in both subbasins (Bonferroni confidence interval: P # 0.05); however, riffles were used proportionately more frequently in the North Fork than in the Middle Fork. Our observations of thermal refugia and their use by chinook salmon at multiple spatial scales reveal that, although heterogeneity in the longitudinal stream tem- perature profile may be viewed as an ecological warning sign, thermal patchiness in streams also should be recognized for its biological potential to provide habitat for species existing at the margin of their environmental tolerances.
Basic mechanisms of magnetic coil excitation of nervous system in humans and monkeys and their applications

Conclusions from studies utilizing the human peripheral nerve as a model system in developing the optimal magnetic coil (MC) orientation for focal stimulation were applied to the human cerebral cortex. The theoretical predictions were validated by direct recording from corticospinal neurons in the monkey. Appropriate MC orientation over the cerebral cortex elicits: (1) minimal central motor delays; (2) movements of individual digits; (3) a sense of movement in a paralyzed arm; (4) laryngeal muscle excitation from frontal areas related to speech; (5) suppression of visual perception when the MC is over the visual cortex; and (6) transcallosal responses in the opposite hemisphere. >
A case study on bypass testing of web applications

Society's increasing reliance on services provided by web applications places a high demand on their reliability. The flow of control through web applications heavily depends on user inputs and interactions, so user inputs should be thoroughly validated before being passed to the back-end software. Although several techniques are used to validate inputs on the client, users can easily bypass this validation and submit arbitrary data to the server. This can cause unexpected behavior, and even allow unauthorized access. A test technique called bypass testing intentionally sends invalid data to the server by bypassing client-side validation. This paper reports results from a comprehensive case study on 16 deployed, widely used, commercial web applications. As part of this project, the theory behind bypass testing was extended and an automated tool, AutoBypass, was built. The case study found failures in 14 of the 16 web applications tested, some significant. This study gives evidence that bypass testing is effective, has positive return on investment, and scales to real applications.
5‐(1,2,3‐Triazol‐1‐yl)tetrazole Derivatives of an Azidotetrazole via Click Chemistry

N-C bonded (non-bridged) 5-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrazoles were synthesized by the Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition click reaction using 5-azido-N-(propan-2-ylidene)-1H-tetrazole (1). For example, the click reaction of 1 in the presence of CuSO(4)5 H(2)O and Na ascorbate at 65-70 degrees C for 48 h in CH(3)CN/H(2)O co-solvent was found to be limited to only terminal alkynes that have electron-withdrawing groups, CF(3)C[triple chemical bond]CH (2 a) and SF(5)C[triple chemical bond]CH (2 b), giving rise to isopropylidene-[5-(4-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrazol-1-yl]amine (3 a) and isopropylidene-[5-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrazol-1-yl]amine (3 b) in 47 % and 66 % yields, respectively. When carried out under conditions using CuI and 2,6-lutidine as catalysts at 0 degrees C for 13 h in CHCl(3), the click reaction was versatile toward alkynes even those having electron-donating groups. Properties of new products were determined and compared with those of 1. Heats of formation, detonation pressures, detonation velocities and impact sensitivities are reported for these new 5-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrazoles.
Confinement of Quarks

A mechanism for total confinement of quarks, similar to that of Schwinger, is defined which requires the existence of Abelian or non-Abelian gauge fields. It is shown how to quantize a gauge field theory on a discrete lattice in Euclidean space-time, preserving exact gauge invariance and treating the gauge fields as angular variables (which makes a gauge-fixing term unnecessary). The lattice gauge theory has a computable strong-coupling limit; in this limit the binding mechanism applies and there are no free quarks. There is unfortunately no Lorentz (or Euclidean) invariance in the strong-coupling limit. The strong-coupling expansion involves sums over all quark paths and sums over all surfaces (on the lattice) joining quark paths. This structure is reminiscent of relativistic string models of hadrons.
Jet formation in cerium metal to examine material strength

Examining the evolution of material properties at extreme conditions advances our understanding of numerous high-pressure phenomena from natural events like meteorite impacts to general solid mechanics and fluid flow behavior. Recent advances in synchrotron diagnostics coupled with dynamic compression platforms have introduced new possibilities for examining in-situ, spatially resolved material response with nanosecond time resolution. In this work, we examined jet formation from a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in cerium initially shocked into a transient, high-pressure phase, and then released to a low-pressure, higher-temperature state. Cerium's rich phase diagram allows us to study the yield stress following a shock induced solid-solid phase transition. X-ray imaging was used to obtain images of jet formation and evolution with 2–3 μm spatial resolution. From these images, an analytic method was used to estimate the post-shock yield stress, and these results were compared to continuum calculations that incorporated an experimentally validated equation-of-state (EOS) for cerium coupled with a deviatoric strength model. Reasonable agreement was observed between the calculations and the data illustrating the sensitivity of jet formation on the yield stress values. The data and analysis shown here provide insight into material strength during dynamic loading which is expected to aid in the development of strength aware multi-phase EOS required to predict the response of matter at extreme conditions.
Towards ubiquitous blood pressure monitoring in an armband using pulse transit time

Unobtrusive, continuous, and convenient blood pressure (BP) measurement technologies are of high importance to control hypertension and allow titration of care. In this paper, we present novel technologies to facilitate development of an armband system to estimate BP using pulse transit time (PTT) obtained from Ballistocardiogram (BCG) and Photo-plethysmogram (PPG) signals. Specifically, a wearable, acceleration based BCG measurement positioned on the upper arm at the tricep (for proximal timing detection) is paired with a reflectance mode PPG measurement on the inner side of the same arm (for distal timing detection) to extract an estimate of PTT. This unconventional PTT estimate, derived from a relatively short segment of the arterial tree (from the aortic arch to the microvascular bed at the upper arm), was compared to a more established PTT measurement (from the aortic arch to the toe) in four subjects in a pilot study to evaluate feasibility. The PTT measurements were reasonably well correlated for all subjects (r2 = 0.83) for the perturbations employed in this work (hand grip challenge and slow breathing). The results suggest that future investigation of an armband-deployed BCG-PPG based system for PTT measurement is warranted.
Heterozygous congenital Factor VII deficiency with the 9729del4 mutation, associated with severe spontaneous intracranial bleeding in an adolescent male.

Abstract Background In congenital Factor (F) VII deficiency bleeding phenotype and intrinsic FVII activity levels don't always correlate. Patients with FVII activity levels Case A 19 year old male with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and FVII activity levels of 44%, requiring emergent surgical intervention and a strategy for FVII replacement. Genotyping showed the rare heterozygous FVII 9729del4 mutation. Bleed evacuation was complicated by epidural abscess requiring craniectomy, bone graft procedures, and prolonged administration of recombinant human (rh) activated FVII (FVIIa). The patient recovered without neurological deficits, and remains on prophylactic low dose treatment with rhFVIIa in relation to risky athletic activities. Conclusion For clinicians, it is important to recognize that effects of rhFVIIa within these pathways are independent of its contribution to blood clot formation and cannot be assessed by clotting assays. Reduced FVII levels should therefore not be dismissed, as even a mild reduction may result in spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of mild FVII deficiency requires a careful case-by-case approach, based on the clinical scenario.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN AMBYSTOMA SALAMANDER LARVAE: EVIDENCE FOR COMPETITIVE ASYMMETRY

This study examines the mutual competitive effects among larvae of two syntopic salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum and Ambystoma gracile. Evidence for competitive equivalence and constant per capita effects among these syntopic species could justify the use of simple models for describing competition. The species were raised alone and together at two densities in replicated artificial ponds. Hatchlings of Ambystoma macrodactylum were smaller than A. gracile, yet larger at the end of the experiment when A. macrodactylum began to metamorphose. Competition was detected as a decrease in growth rate with increasing density, but competition was not so strong as to influence the survival of either species. Ambystoma macrodactylum grew slowly relative to heterospecifics, and growth declined more with increasing conspecific density than with heterospecific density. In contrast, growth of A. gracile was depressed more by increasing density of the slower growing heterospecifics. These differences in effects of com...
Survey of Northeastern Hop Arthropod Pests and Their Natural Enemies

The commercial production of hops ( Humulus lupulus L.) in the northeastern United States is on the rise due to demand from local breweries. Several arthropod pests are economically damaging to hop yield and quality. Due to climate and landscape differences between traditional and resurging hop-growing regions, there is a need for region-specific integrated pest management (IPM). We first review hop pest and natural enemy biology and management strategies. Then the phenology, abundance, and peak date of arthropod pests scouted in seven Vermont hop yards is reported. Documentation of natural enemy abundance is also reported. Our 3-yr survey indicated that hop aphid ( Phorodon humuli (Schrank)) populations were highest in the continually cool, wet season. Potato leafhopper ( Empoasca fabae (Harris)) was a pest with an unpredictable arrival date and of special concern for first-year hop plants. Twospotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae Koch) was a pest of concern in hot, dry conditions and after some broad-spectrum pesticide applications aimed at leafhoppers. This survey was the first step toward developing appropriate IPM tactics for modern day northeastern hop production. Further research should be focused on adjusting arthropod pest thresholds, disease management, and developing alternative control options for both arthropod and disease management.
Measurements of the Products of Periodate Oxydation

The products of the periodate oxidation reaction are important in the structural analysis of natural products. There are quantitative analytic procedures by which the amount of acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, or formic acid formed can be quantitatively measured.
Biology of the Bahaman Hutia, Geocapromys ingrahami

The sole surviving population of the Bahaman hutia, Geocapromys ingrahami , was studied on East Plana Cay, a small semiarid island in the Bahamas. Population density was estimated to be 30 per hectares or 21.3 kilograms per hectare. Reproduction takes place throughout the year. Food habits, behavior, and social interactions are described. The population has a comparatively high and apparently stable density and a high utilization of primary productivity. These features may be related to absence of predators and competitors and to the development of favorable physiological and behavioral responses including social tolerance to high density.
Trends of postmenopausal estrogen plus progestin prevalence in the United States between 1970 and 2010.

OBJECTIVE:To estimate long term trends in estrogen–progestin prevalence for the U.S. female population by year and age.METHODS:We integrated data on oral estrogen–progestin use from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2010 with data from the National Prescription Audit 1970–200
Tuning the Hydrophobicity of Zinc Dipyridyl Paddlewheel Metal–Organic Frameworks for Selective Sorption

A series of isostructural noncatenated, water-stable zinc-based dipyridyl pillared-paddlewheel metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was synthesized with tunable pore hydrophobicity. Pore hydrophobicity was engendered through dipyridyl ligands decorated with alkyl chains of varying length (methyl to hexyl). The most hydrophobic MOFs exhibited selective sorption of ethanol over water.
Tris(phosphinoamide)-Supported Uranium–Cobalt Heterobimetallic Complexes Featuring Co → U Dative Interactions

A series of tris- and tetrakis(phosphinoamide) U/Co complexes has been synthesized. The uranium precursors, (η2-Ph2PNiPr)4U (1), (η2-iPr2PNMes)4U (2), (η2-Ph2PNiPr)3UCl (3), and (η2-iPr2PNMes)3UI (4), were easily accessed via addition of the appropriate stoichiometric equivalents of [Ph2PNiPr]K or [iPr2PNMes]K to UCl4 or UI4(dioxane)2. Although the phosphinoamide ligands in 1 and 4 have been shown to coordinate to U in an η2-fashion in the solid state, the phosphines are sufficiently labile in solution to coordinate cobalt upon addition of CoI2, generating the heterobimetallic Co/U complexes ICo(Ph2PNiPr)3U[η2-Ph2PNiPr] (5), ICo(iPr2PNMes)3U[η2-(iPr2PNMes)] (6), ICo(Ph2PNiPr)3UI (7), and ICo(iPr2PNMes)3UI (8). Structural characterization of complexes 5 and 7 reveals reasonably short Co–U interatomic distances, with 7 exhibiting the shortest transition metal–uranium distance ever reported (2.874(3) A). Complexes 7 and 8 were studied by cyclic voltammetry to examine the influence of the metal–metal interact...
Proteomics Based Study of Soybean and Phakopsora pachyrhizi Interaction

Abstract Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Asian soybean rust (ASR), has the potential to cause severe yield losses as all currently grown U.S. commercial soybean varieties are susceptible...
Pairs of Squares with Consecutive Digits

(1986). Pairs of Squares with Consecutive Digits. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 59, No. 5, pp. 270-275.
Republicans, Bonapartists and rural voters in nineteenth-century France Review of Chloé Gaboriaux, La République en quête de citoyens: Les républicains français face au bonapartisme rural (1848–1880). Paris: Presses de la Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques, 2010

The significant rural vote for anti-republican and Bonapartist candidates in the period between 1848 and the 1870s has been seen as evidence of the need for French peasants to be converted to the French Republic. Chloe Gaboriaux's book begins with the aftermath of the elections to the Constituent Assembly and the Presidency of the Republic in 1848, and tracks the different directions of republican approaches to rural votes over the next two decades. She shows how French Republicans themselves changed their version of the Republic to make it more attractive to peasants, so that by the 1870s they were seen as the model for the Republican citizenry. This essay describes Gaboriaux's argument, and places it in the context of current discussions about democratization.
Heterosexism, racism, and mental illness discrimination: Experiences of people with mental health conditions and their families

ABSTRACTExperiencing discrimination related to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or having a mental health condition is associated with negative outcomes. Research comparing types of discrimination or considering intersectionalities is lacking. This study reports findings from interviews with people with mental illnesses (PWMI) or family members of PWMI; all study participants also are of color and/or lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Findings include the following: participants experienced multiple forms of discrimination, mental illness discrimination shares characteristics with racism and heterosexism, and heterosexuals and people of color reported more mental illness discrimination than their counterparts. Implications for change advocates, mental health providers, and researchers are offered.
How, when, and from whom neck dissection operative technique is learned: An international survey on neck dissection education among head and neck oncologic surgeons ☆

Abstract Background There is a paucity of evidence on how neck dissection (ND) technique is best learned. Methods Online survey of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). Results 283 of the 1010 (28%) AHNS surgeon members completed the survey. Most respondents had 3–4 mentors [n = 157 (55.5%)] that they felt were most influential their ND technique. 134 (47.3% of surgeons who completed a fellowship) felt that fellowship training had the most impact on their ND technique. Most respondents ranked the most effective methods of learning ND operative technique in the following order: 1) physically performing the operation yourself (70.1%), 2) observing the attending perform maneuvers independent of verbal teaching (37.7%) and 3) verbal teaching by an attending in the operating room independent of actual maneuvers (36.3%). Conclusion When learning an ND, the most benefit comes from empirical learning in the context a small group of surgeon mentors.
From Leader to Servant: A Case Approach to Applied Philanthropic Servant Leadership

Servant leadership focuses on the betterment and support of others by seeking to meet the interests, needs, and ambitions of others’ above one’s own. The following paper looks at philanthropy as a catalyst to drive servant leadership behaviors based on situational proximity. The findings of the case study suggest as an individual’s proximity or associativity to current or previous philanthropic event so will their willingness to help support others within similar situations and thus exhibit servant leadership principles.
Mutagenesis of Paramyxovirus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Membrane Proximal Stalk Region Influences Stability, Receptor Binding and Neuraminidase Activity

Paramyxoviridae consist of a large family of enveloped, negative-sense, nonsegmented single-stranded RNA viruses that account for a significant number of human and animal diseases. The fusion process for nearly all paramyxoviruses involves the mixing of the host cell plasma membrane and the virus envelope in a pH-independent fashion. Fusion is orchestrated via the concerted action of two surface glycoproteins: an attachment protein called hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN [also called H or G depending on virus type and substrate]), which acts as a receptor binding protein, and a fusion (F) protein, which undergoes a major irreversible refolding process to merge the two membranes. Recent biochemical evidence suggests that receptor binding by HN is dispensable for cell-cell fusion. However, factors that influence the stability and/or conformation of the HN 4-helix bundle (4HB) stalk have not been studied. Here, we used oxidative cross-linking as well as functional assays to investigate the role of the structurally unresolved membrane-proximal stalk region (MPSR) (residues 37 to 58) of HN in the context of headless and full-length HN membrane fusion promotion. Our data suggest that the receptor binding head serves to stabilize the stalk to regulate fusion. Moreover, we found that the MPSR of HN modulates receptor binding and neuraminidase activity without a corresponding regulation of F triggering. Importance Paramyxoviruses require two viral membrane glycoproteins, the attachment protein variously called HN, H, or G and the fusion protein (F), to couple host receptor recognition to virus-cell fusion. The HN protein has a globular head that is attached to a membrane-anchored flexible stalk of ∼80 residues and has three activities: receptor binding, neuraminidase, and fusion activation. In this report, we have identified the functional significance of the membrane-proximal stalk region (MPSR) (HN, residues 37 to 56) of the paramyxovirus parainfluenza virus (PIV5), a region of the HN stalk that has not had its structure determined by X-ray crystallography. Our data suggest that the MPSR influences receptor binding and neuraminidase activity via an indirect mechanism. Moreover, the receptor binding head group stabilizes the 4HB stalk as part of the general mechanism to fine-tune F-activation.
Computational study of metallic dopant segregation and embrittlement at molybdenum grain boundaries

Abstract Mo and its alloys have been widely used as refractory materials owing to their excellent high temperature properties, but a critical limitation is their low ductility. Doping the grain boundaries (GBs) of Mo with metals such as Zr or Al have previously been demonstrated as a promising approach to address this shortcoming, whereas other alloy elements are known to embrittle the GBs. In this work, we investigated the segregation and strengthening/embrittling effects of 29 metallic dopants at the Σ5(310) tilt and Σ5(100) twist Mo GBs using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and empirical continuum models. In agreement with previous works for other metals, we find that the strain, as measured by the relative metallic radius versus Mo, is a good predictor of the segregation tendency, while the difference in cohesive energies between the dopant and Mo is a good predictor of the strengthening/embrittling effect. However, we find that dopant chemistry also plays a significant role in affecting segregation behavior at GBs, particularly in driving the formation of intermetallic precipitates or 2-D interfacial phases (complexions). We also show that the site preference of a dopant in the GB can lead to strengthening effects that deviate from those predicted using simple bond-breaking arguments. Assuming a fast cleavage model of fracture, Ta, Re, Os and W are predicted to have a weak strengthening effect on Mo for the Σ5(310) tilt GB, and Mn, Fe, Co and Nb are predicted to have reasonable strengthening effects for the Σ5(100) twist GB.
Legislation for the Protection and Preservation of Archaeological Remains in Arizona

ABSTRACTThe need to initiate positive measures for the preservation of archaeological remains has been a concern of both the national government and many of the individual states. The demand for specific legal codes of preservation has resulted in the enactment of a series of public laws, commonly called Antiquities Acts. The authors of these laws have sought to make official preservation policy firm, yet flexible enough to accommodate changes in the outlook and purposes of archaeology and archaeological preservation. Arizona's 1927 and 1960 Antiquities Acts are viewed in this context. Historically, the chronology of the development of the two laws is an interesting chapter of an 80 year effort to conserve archaeological and historical remains in Arizona.
Musical and Linguistic Speech Acts

Proposant une analyse linguistique du quatuor a cordes en mi-bemol de Haydn (opus 33, n°2) fondee sur la notion d'acte de parole, l'A. etudie la structure linguistique de tout comportement communicatif intentionnel en general, et de la musique en particulier. Se referant aux oeuvres de G. Lakoff, M. Johnson et M. Turner, l'A. utilise la metaphore selon laquelle la musique est un langage pour mettre en evidence notre comprehension de la musique
The Individual and Collective Self-Liberation model of Ustadh Mahmoud Mohames Taha

Being a Muslim is foundational for me, it informs and guides everything I do or say in every aspect of my life. It is therefore inconceivable to me that I can hold any philosophical or ideological position that is inconsistent with my being a Muslim by my understanding of Islam. I have said that frequently regarding human rights, for instance, and affirm it here regarding secularism. It is from this perspective that I support the secular state for the possibility of being a better Muslim, and not secularism as a life philosophy that diminishes the public role of religion. "In order to be a Muslim by conviction and free choice, which is the only way one can be a Muslim, I need a secular state. By a secular state I mean one that is neutral regarding religious doctrine, one that does not claim or pretend to enforce Sharia." As I will explain later, the neutrality of the state regarding religion does not mean the exclusion of religion from politics-the formulation and implementation of social and public policy outside the realm of the state. The challenge is how to maintain religious neutrality of the state without attempting to exclude religion from politics. I say "attempting to exclude," because in my view it is not possible to do so in practice; the political behavior of believers will always be influenced by their religious beliefs, whether that is acknowledged or not.
Mechanism of Immune System Activation by (1,4)-α-D-glucan Isolated from Tinospora cordifolia in Macrophages.

We have characterized and reported the immunostimulating properties of a novel polysaccharide - (1,4)-α-D-glucan (RR1)- isolated from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia [23]. This novel glucan is water soluble and having (1, 4)-α-D-glycosidic linkages in the main chain and (1, 6)-α-D-glycosidic linked side chains at an interval of 6, 7 glucose units. The signaling mechanism of the novel (1,4)-a-D-glucan (RR1) was investigated in macrophages to evaluate its immunostimulating properties. When RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with RR1 at 4°C, the novel glucan inhibited the phagocytosis of unopsonized zymosan A bioparticles in a dose-dependent manner. RR1 also inhibited the binding and internalization of opsonized zymosan A bioparticles, although at a lower level than laminarin. Incubation of macrophages with anti-CD11b mAb followed by RR1 failed to show any inhibitory effect on RR1-induced TNF-α synthesis confirming that complement receptor 3 (CR3) is not involved in the opsonic binding and internalization of RR1 in macrophages unlike zymosan A. The anti-CD11b mAb has significant inhibitory effect on the zymosan A-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α synthesis. RR1 induced TNF-α synthesis in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner which can be completely inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitor caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) or curcumin. RR1 activated NF-κB in a time- and dose-dependent manner and this modulation of nuclear NF-κB activity is associated with the degradation of I-κB a thus facilitating the translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus. RR1-induced NF-κB activity peaks at 8 h of RR1 stimulation while I-κB a degradation occurred within 1 h of stimulation. RR1-induced NF-κB activation occurred through TLR6 signaling as evidenced by the synthesis of IL-8 in TLR6-transfected HEK293 cells. These results show that the novel (1,4)-α-D glucan from Tinospora cordifolia activates the immune system through the activation of macrophages that occurs through TLR6 signaling, NF-κB translocation and cytokine production. (Supported by Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation research funds).
MARCKS phosphorylation is modulated by a peptide mimetic of MARCKS effector domain leading to increased radiation sensitivity in lung cancer cell lines

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in the United States. Kinase hyperactivation is a known mechanism of tumorigenesis. The phosphorylation status of the plasma membrane-associated protein myristoylated alanine rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) effector domain (ED) was previously established as being important in the sensitivity of lung cancer to radiation. Specifically, when MARCKS ED was in a non-phosphorylated state, lung cancer cells were more susceptible to ionizing radiation and experienced prolonged double-strand DNA breaks. Additional studies demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of MARCKS ED is important for gene expression and in vivo tumor growth. The present study used a peptide mimetic of MARCKS ED as a therapeutic intervention to modulate MARCKS phosphorylation. Culturing A549, H1792 and H1975 lung cancer cell lines with the MARCKS ED peptide led to reduced levels of phosphorylated MARCKS and phosphorylated Akt serine/threonine kinase 1. Further investigation demonstrated that the peptide therapy was able to reduce lung cancer cell proliferation and increase radiation sensitivity. In addition, the MARCKS peptide therapy was able to prolong double-strand DNA breaks following ionizing radiation exposure. The results of the present study demonstrate that a peptide mimetic of MARCKS ED is able to modulate MARCKS phosphorylation, leading to an increase in sensitivity to radiation.
Identifying principles for effective messages about chemicals in cigarette smoke.

Abstract US law requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to disclose information on harmful and potentially harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke (i.e., constituents) to the public. To inform this effort, we sought to identify principles for creating constituent messages that effectively discourage smoking. Participants were an online convenience sample of 1148 US smokers ages 18 +. We developed a library of 76 messages about constituents only and constituents plus contextualizing information (i.e., toxic products that also contain the chemical, health effects, or both). We randomized smokers to receive 1 message from each of 7 message panels in a mixed between-/within-subjects experiment. Participants rated each message on perceived message effectiveness. Results indicated that smokers perceived messages about arsenic, formaldehyde, lead, uranium, and ammonia as more effective than messages about nitrosamines. Messages that contained information on toxic products, health effects, or both received higher effectiveness ratings than constituent-only messages. Among constituent-only messages, those that referenced multiple constituents received higher effectiveness ratings than those with fewer constituents. We conclude that chemical messages may have more impact if they pair known constituents with toxic product or health effect information. These message principles can be used to inform studies examining the impact of constituent messages on smoking beliefs and behavior.
Distal Humeral Supracondylar Fractures

Supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus are amenable to closed treatment when patients are able to participate in a splint and bracing program. Operative treatment is facilitated with a fracture-specific supracondylar plate applied posterolaterally. Distal plate positioning is performed either after visualization of the posterior radiocapitellar capsule reflection or directly at the capitellum cartilage.
Adolescent Attachment, Christian Youth Workers, and Frequency of Bible Study

This research considered whether or not the frequency of Bible teaching relates to attachment relationships between teens and their youth-workers. Bible study and attachment were also considered re...
Aufbau starker B-to-B-Marken – Ein Leitfaden

B‐to‐B‐Markenfuhrung weist sowohl Gemeinsamkeiten als auch Unterschiede zur klassischen B‐to‐C‐Markenfuhrung auf. Obwohl die Grundprinzipien der Markenfuhrung auch fur den Aufbau und die Pflege von B‐to‐B‐Marken gelten, erfordern die abweichenden Kundensegmente, Beschaffungsprozesse und Einflussfaktoren der Kaufentscheidung eine deutlich unterschiedliche Behandlung im Rahmen der Markenstrategie und Markenumsetzung. Zum Aufbau einer starken B‐to‐B‐Marke formuliert der Beitrag sechs Leitlinien, die den Einsatz der Internen Markenfuhrung, die Verwendung einer Dachmarke in Verbindung mit einer Markenhierarchie, die klare kundenorientierte Werteargumentation, den Einsatz nicht‐produktbezogener und emotionaler Markenwerte sowie die Berucksichtigung von Segmenten empfehlen.
A stylized 3D Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) benchmark problem

Abstract A set of Stylized 3D Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) benchmark problems in full core and single fuel assembly configurations is developed in this paper. The configurations include the lower support plate, the bottom reflector, the fuel zone (AHTR assemblies), the top reflector, and the upper support plate. The benchmark problems retain the multiple heterogeneities and other important neutronics features such as the detailed geometric and material distributions of the Tristructural-Isotropic (TRISO) fuel and burnable poison particles, the fluoride salt coolant, the graphite moderator, and the reflectors. Monte Carlo results are presented for the benchmark problem in both the uncontrolled and controlled single assembly configurations. These benchmark problems can be used for evaluating the performance of neutronics codes.
Three-mirror freeform imagers

Driven by the development of freeform imaging systems, we have combined several concepts and techniques from the literature to analytically generate unobscured freeform starting point designs that are corrected through the third-order image degrading aberrations. The surfaces used in these starting point designs are described as a base off-axis conic that images stigmatically for the central field point, also known as a Cartesian reflector, with an aspheric departure “cap” (quartic with the aperture) added to the base off-axis conic to correct for the third-order image degrading aberrations. Once the aspheric caps are added to the surfaces, the system is then optimized using higher order freeform terms while leaving second-order terms frozen to preserve the focal length of the system during optimization. This technique is used to survey the three-mirror freeform imager solution space. Several systems that are the result of this technique are shown, with different numbers of internal images, internal pupil conjugates and folding geometries.