cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct transfer patterning on three dimensionally deformed surfaces at micrometer resolutions and its application to hemispherical focal plane detector arrays

Abstract Formation of high performance organic electronic devices on three dimensionally deformed surfaces is severely constrained by the tensile stresses and shear that are introduced during the deformation process. Here, we overcome these limitations to demonstrate the direct transfer of unstrained metals via cold welding onto preformed, 1.0 cm radius plastic hemispheres with micrometer scale feature resolutions to realize 10 kilopixel organic photodetector focal plane arrays (FPAs) that mimic the size, function, and architecture of the human eye. The passive matrix FPA consists of (40 μm) 2 organic double heterojunction photodetectors with response extending across the visible spectrum. The detector dark current density is 5.3 ± 0.2 μA/cm 2 at −1 V bias, and with a peak external quantum efficiency of 12.6 ± 0.3% at a wavelength of 640 nm. The photodetector impulse response was 20 ± 2 ns, making the FPA suitable for video recording applications. The measured dynamic range allows for 7 bit image resolution, and the FPA is used to create a simple image. This demonstration significantly extends the ability to transfer active electronic devices that has previously only been demonstrated on planar substrates.
Familial predisposition for colorectal cancer in chronic ulcerative colitis: A case-control study

Abstract Background & Aims: Familial predisposition as a risk for colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis has not been rigorously explored. The aim of this study was to compare colorectal cancer frequency among kindreds of patients who had ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer with that of control patients who had ulcerative colitis but no cancer. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to subjects to assess cancer occurrence among relatives. Eligible cases included 174 ulcerative colitis patients with colorectal cancer seen at Mayo Clinic in 1976–1994; 174 contemporaneous ulcerative colitis controls without cancer were matched on birth year, sex, and extent and duration of colitis. Results: The responding 147 case and 150 control subjects reported on 1044 and 1090 first-degree relatives, respectively. Colorectal cancer occurred in 14.3% case kindreds and 6.7% control kindreds ( P = 0.03). By logistic regression, a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer was an independent risk factor for cancer in ulcerative colitis (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–5.14; P = 0.03). Conclusions: A familial association exists between colorectal cancers occurring with ulcerative colitis and those in the general population. Colorectal cancer in persons with ulcerative colitis represents a risk factor for colorectal cancer in their noncolitic relatives. Likewise, a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer increases the risk of colorectal cancer with ulcerative colitis. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:1079-1083
On the evolution of phases in polycrystalline Li-doped 2212 BSCCO and enhanced superconducting behaviour via n(Li, alpha )T reactions

The authors report on the evolution of phases upon cooling of partially melted Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-Li-O powders and tapes and on enhanced magnetic flux-pinning through irradiation. Enhanced resistive transitions have been obtained despite significant amounts of (Sr/sub 1- delta /, Ca/sub delta /)/sub n/CuO/sub x/ phases (n=1 or 2). The evolution of phases is investigated in Li-doped and undoped 2212 via extensive microstructural characterizations. To enhance the flux-pinning, Li-doped and undoped 2212 have been neutron irradiated. In addition to the neutron-collision-induced damage, fission reactions produce a homogeneous distribution of high- and low-energy charged particles. Effects of irradiation on the magnetically measured T/sub c/ and J/sub c.m/(H) are reported. Differences between the effects upon doped and undoped superconducting powders are discussed, highlighting the effects of the charged particle damage. >
Crystal structure of the novel PaiB transcriptional regulator from Geobacillus stearothermophilus

The pai operon is transcriptionally regulated by PaiB and has been found to be essential for cell growth and involved in the negative control of sporulation and degradative enzyme production. The pai operon was initially cloned as a fragment of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome consisting of two genes paiA and paiB.1 The presence of both of these genes on a multicopy vector revealed that both decrease the levels of extracellular degradative enzymes such as subtilisin, neutral protease, levansucrase, α-amylase, and alkaline phosphatases and also greatly reduce the frequency of sporulation.2 Based on the study by Strauch (1993), paiB appears to encode a regulator belonging to the same family as the AbrB, Hpr, and Sin regulators. AbrB, Hpr, Sin, and PaiB control the synthesis of degradative enzymes that occurs during the transition between vegetative growth and the onset of the stationary phase and sporulation in B. subtilis.2 Known sporulation genes have been identified as targets for direct control by AbrB (spo0E, spo0H, and spoVG) and Sin (spoIIA, spoIID, spoIIE, and spoIIG).3 Hpr and PaiB may also regulate spo genes directly as evidenced by the Spo phenotype of strains carrying multicopy plasmids that overexpress these two genes.1 Preliminary bioinformatic data suggested that PaiB might be a split barrel flavin-binding regulator. Herein, we report the first crystal structure of the Pai transcriptional regulator: PaiB from Geobacillus stearothermophilus. The structure of PaiB demonstrates that it is a homodimer and that each monomer consists of three domains: large, intermediate, and C-terminal. The large and intermediate domains fold into a structure similar to pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) and form an analogous flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-binding cavity. The small C-terminal domain of PaiB possesses a helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding fold. The comparisons of sequence and structure show that PaiB is a representative of a new sequence family of transcriptional regulators. Detailed analysis of the protein structure provides insights into the potential biological function.
Severity and outcome of cystic lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis complex

What are the clinical features, severity, and rate of progression of lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and how do they differ from patients with sporadic LAM? Data from 94 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 460 sporadic LAM women were compared. 40 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 40 sporadic LAM patients were age- and lung function-matched, and changes in volume occupied by cysts (cyst score) and pulmonary function occurring over 6.5 years were evaluated. Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients had better lung function than sporadic LAM patients, but no difference was observed from sporadic LAM patients in yearly rates of change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (−1.9±2.7 versus −1.9±1.9% predicted; p=0.302), diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (−2.1±2.8 versus −1.9±2.7% predicted; p=0.282) or cyst scores (+1.0±1.3 versus +1.4±1.7%, p=0.213). However, the proportion of patients with abnormal lung function and higher rates of FEV1 decline was greater in sporadic LAM. Some young tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients (mean age 25.7±3 years) progressed rapidly from minimal to severe lung disease. Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients may experience abrupt declines in lung function. Consequently, women with tuberous sclerosis found to have lung cysts should undergo periodic functional and radiological testing to follow disease progression and determine need for therapy. While the natural history is variable, some women with TSC and LAM may quickly progress to disabling respiratory disease
Implementing MPI: the 1994 MPI Implementors' Workshop

In September of 1994 a workshop was held at Argonne National Laboratory on implementation issues for MPI. MPI is a standard message-passing library interface developed during 1993 and 1994 by the MPI Forum, a broadly based group of parallel computing vendors, parallel library writers, and application, scientists. The purpose of the Workshop was to gather together those vendors and others actively engaged in implementing the Standard in order to discuss issues raised by the implementation process. A secondary aim was to explore the possibility of pooling some efforts in order to speed and ease the adoption of MPI. we briefly describe the implementation efforts that were presented at the Workshop, summarize the discussions that took place on the Standard itself and implementation issues, and offer some general conclusions about the state of the MPI implementation effort worldwide. >
The success of agriculture in meeting world food needs

The green revolution spreading in Asia over the past four years has made significant inroads on the world food problem. Still, it has been a cereal revolution with limited, and perhaps negative, payoffs in terms of high quality protein. In considering nutritional problems of the low‐income nations, it is not sufficient to consider only the production potential of these countries, important as it is. Incomes must also be considered, for nutritional needs do not mean economic demand. The sobering reality is that large numbers of people in the low‐income countries do not have the incomes to command the food which would give them adequate diets. This basic phenomenon overhangs all efforts to bring about nutrition improvement. This is the main reason, barring a miracle, why nutrition improvement must be viewed as a long‐term process. The outlook for income growth is such that great dependence on staple foods will continue and, in turn, protein deficiences will persist for many years. Thus, the challenge is to ...
IL28B Genotype Effects During Early Treatment with Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Difficult-to-Treat Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background. Mathematical models of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during therapy may elucidate mechanisms of action for antiviral therapy. In genome-wide association studies, IL28B gene polymorphisms are highly predictive of therapeutic clearance of HCV. Methods. We collected sera from 20 chronically infected HCV participants at 13 points during the first 28 days of therapy. We assessed the presence of the C allele at single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 using the ABI TaqMan allelic discrimination kit. We estimated dynamic parameters from the entire population using the Neumann model for HCV infection. Statistical methods for repeated nonlinear measures compared model parameters by established predictors of response. Results. The frequencies of IL28B genotypes were 6 (C/C), 11 (C/T), and 3 (T/T). The mean log decline in HCV RNA from 0 to 48 hours was more rapid among C/C genotype participants compared with C/T or T/T genotype participants (1.4 vs 0.7; P = .07), and from 2 days to 14 days (1.6 vs 0.7; P = .04). In the multivariate model, the C/C genotype predicted a steeper second-phase decline when adjusted for race (P = .01). Conclusions. The presence of the C/C genotype at IL28B rs12979860 exerts its antiviral effect by increasing the infected hepatocyte death rate. This suggests that an immune-mediated mechanism is responsible.
Effects of Professional Development on Preschool Teacher's Instructional Behaviours During Storybook Reading

Early literacy skill development at the preschool level is critical for later success in learning to read and other reading-related activities. Professional development (PD), specifically coaching via performance feedback delivered through email, may provide a viable alternative to other types of trainings (e.g. workshops) that are often ineffective. This study investigated the impact of PD on the instructional behaviours of teachers of children between the ages of three and five, as well as the subsequent impact on children's level and complexity of engagement during book reading sessions. A single-case multiple baseline design was applied across three teachers and six children in two preschool classrooms. Results of the study indicate that PD produced change in teacher's behaviours, specifically, their increased implementation of specific evidence-based storybook reading strategies following intervention. Child level behaviours were not significantly changed as a result of the intervention. Implications...
Dysuria in the emergency department: missed diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Introduction: The clinical presentation of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection (chlamydia) in women is often indistinguishable from a urinary tract infection. While merited in the setting of dysuria, emergency department (ED) clinicians do not routinely test for chlamydia in women. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of chlamydia testing among women presenting to the ED with dysuria. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of women 19-25 years of age presenting with dysuria to an urban ED and who had been coded with urinary tract infection (UTI) as their primary diagnosis (ICD-9 599.0) from October 2005 to March 2011. We excluded women who were pregnant, had underlying anatomical or neurological urinary system pathology, had continuation of symptoms from UTI or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosed elsewhere, or were already on antibiotics for a UTI or STI. We identified the rates of sexual history screening, pelvic examination and chlamydia assay testing and evaluated predictors using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of 280 women with dysuria and a UTI diagnosis, 17% were asked about their sexual history, with 94% reporting recent sexual activity. Pelvic examination was performed in 23%. We were unable to determine the overall chlamydia prevalence as only 20% of women in the cohort were tested. Among the 20% of women tested for chlamydia infection, 21% tested positive. Only 42% of chlamydia-positive women were prescribed treatment effective for chlamydia (azithromycin or doxycycline) at their visit; the remaining were prescribed UTI treatment not effective against chlamydia. Predictors of sexual history screening included vaginal bleeding (OR 5.4, 95% CI=1.5 to 19.6) and discharge (OR 2.8, 95% CI=1.1 to 6.9). Predictors of a pelvic examination being performed included having a complaint of vaginal discharge (OR 11.8, 95% CI=4.2 to 32.9), a sexual history performed (OR 2.5, 95% CI=1.1 to 5.8), abdominal pain (OR 2.2, 95% CI=1.1 to 4.4), or pelvic pain (OR 15.3, 95% CI=2.5 to 92.2); a complaint of urinary frequency was associated with a pelvic examination not being performed (OR 0.34, 95% CI=0.13 to 0.86). Conclusion: Sexual histories, pelvic examinations, and chlamydia testing were not performed in the majority of women presenting with dysuria and diagnosed with UTI in the ED. The performance of a sexual history along with the availability of self-administered vaginal swab and first-void urine-based chlamydia tests may increase identification of chlamydia infection in women with dysuria. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(2):227–230.]
Molecular Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the Murine Host

An analysis of expression of 137 lipoprotein genes on the course of murine infection revealed a two-step molecular adaptation by Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete. For the first step, regardless whether the initial inocula of B. burgdorferi expressed either all (cultured spirochetes) or less than 40 (host-adapted spirochetes) of the 137 lipoprotein genes, the spirochetes were modulated to transcribe 116 of the genes within 10 d after being introduced to the murine host. This step of adaptation was induced by the microenvironment of the host tissue. During the second step, which was forced by host immune selection pressure and occurred between 17 and 30 d after infection, B. burgdorferi down-regulated most of the lipoprotein genes and expressed less than 40 of the 137 genes. This novel adaptation mechanism could be a critical step for B. burgdorferi to proceed to chronic infection, as the pathogen would be cleared at the early stage of infection if the spirochetes failed to undergo this process.
BioDome Regenerative Sleeve for Biochemical and Biophysical Stimulation of Tissue Regeneration

Previous research on vertebrate limb regeneration indicates there are several mediating factors involved during the re-growth process. These factors are both biochemical and biophysical. While the phenomenon of adult limb regeneration does not occur naturally in mammalian species, prior research has focused mainly on biochemical modes of stimulating tissue growth and regeneration. The BioDome was aimed at developing a new experimental tool to permit the more systematic study of the impact of biophysical and biochemical factors on mammalian tissue regeneration. The BioDome is a multi-component sleeve assembly that encompasses the wound site of an amputated murine digit and provides an environment conducive to tissue regeneration. The studies showed that the BioDome was effective in supporting early stages of murine digit tip regeneration when combined with a porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) pepsin digest and electrical stimulation. The hydrated inner environment of the BioDome influenced regeneration, with additional effects seen with the application of electrical stimulation and pharmacological treatments.
Changes in Concentrations of Circulating Gonadotropins following Administration of Equine Follicular Fluid to Ovariectomized Mares

The effects of administration of equine follicular fluid (FF) on gonadotropin concentrations in the ovariectomized (OVX) mare were examined. The FF was obtained by aspiration of follicles in ovaries obtained during the summer at a slaughterhouse. Systemic administration of whole equine FF to OVX mares resulted in significant decreases in circulating concentrations of FSH (26.0-74.0% of the pretreatment concentrations depending on dosage). Treatment with FF from which steroids had been removed tended (P 0.10) on FSH. Treatment
Preliminary Validation of the Work-Family Integration-Blurring Scale

Several studies of telecommuting and working at home have alluded to the blurring line between work and family that can result from such highly integrated work-family arrangements. However, little is known about working parents’ perceptions of the integration and blurring of their work and family roles. In this study, the authors created and validated the Work-Family Integration-Blurring Scale using a national sample of business professors raising children in two-parent families. Based on boundary theory and work-family border theory, the authors expected scores on this scale to be associated with the number of hours worked at home and on campus, the number of work-family transitions made when working at home, the presence of distractions when working at home, and the presence of work-family conflict. The scale’s significant and moderately high correlations with these variables supported its construct validity. The research implications and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
A mobile-phone-based breath carbon monoxide meter to detect cigarette smoking.

i ntroduction: Mobile phones hold considerable promise for delivering evidence-based smoking cessation interventions that require frequent and objectiv e assessment of smoking status via breath carbon monoxide (Breath CO) measurement. However, there are currently no commercially available mobile-phone-based Breath CO meters. We developed a mobile-phone-based Breath CO meter prototype that attaches to and communicates with a smartphone through an audio port. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of Breath CO measures collected with the mobile meter prototype and assess the usability and acceptability of the meter. Methods: Participants included 20 regular smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day), 20 light smokers (<10 cigarettes/day), and 20 nonsmokers. Expired air samples were collected 4 times from each participant: twice with the mobile meter and twice with a commercially available Breath CO meter. r esults: Measures calculated by the mobile meter correlated strongly with measures calculated by the commercial meter (r = .96, p < .001). In addition, the mobile meter accurately distinguished between smokers and nonsmokers. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the mobile meter was 94.7%, and the meter had a combined sensitivity and specificity of 1.86 at an abstinence threshold of ≤6 ppm. Responses on an acceptability survey indicated that smokers liked the meter and would be interested in using it during a quit attempt. conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that a mobile-phone-based Breath CO meter is a reliable, valid, and acceptable device for distinguishing between smokers and nonsmokers.
The effect of flux residue and substrate wettability on underfill flow process in flip chip packages

The surface energies of different substrates and wetting angles of fluxes on the substrates were measured and showed differences between different substrates. The viscosity of fluxes at low stress shows a good correlation with their wetting properties. The modulus of flux residue varies significantly between different fluxes and high modulus flux residue is difficult to remove. The correlation between underfill, substrate properties, and underfill flow voids will be discussed. An underfill flow study with quartz die packages was conducted. The effect of flux residue and substrate wetting properties were assessed by this underfill flow study. This study will help us in minimizing the flux residue effect on underfill flow and optimizing underfill flow process.
The effectiveness of mediation: An independent analysis of cases handled by four major service providers

A study of 449 cases administered by four major providers of ADR services showed that mediation was capable of settling 78 percent of cases, regardless of whether the parties had been sent to mediation by a court or had selected the process voluntarily. Mediation also cost far less than arbitration, took less time, and was judged a more satisfactory process than arbitration.
On the Systematic Measurement Matrix for Compressed Sensing in the Presence of Gross Errors

Inspired by syndrome source coding using linear error-correcting codes, we explore a new form of measurement matrix for compressed sensing. The proposed matrix is constructed in the systematic form [A I], where A is a randomly generated submatrix with elements distributed according to i.i.d. Gaussian, and I is the identity matrix. In the noiseless setting, this systematic construction retains similar property as the conventional Gaussian ensemble achieves. However, in the noisy setting with gross errors of arbitrary magnitude, where Gaussian ensemble fails catastrophically, systematic construction displays strong stability. In this paper, we prove its stable reconstruction property. We further show its l1-norm sparsity recovery property by proving its restricted isometry property (RIP). We also demonstrate how the systematic matrix can be used to design a family of lossy-to-lossless compressed sensing schemes where the number of measurements trades off the reconstruction distortions.
Scientism and Economism in the Regulation of Health Care

As health care costs continue their apparently relentless rise, it seems to be universally perceived that the United States and western Europe are gripped by a cost crisis. To resolve the apparent crisis, U.S. and western European governments and third-party payers are turning increasingly to a new positivist discipline, called health services research, for which neoclassical health economics is the dominant discourse. However this discipline may actually reinforce the strength of biomedical positivism and the concomitant technological imperative. Like biomedicine, health services research is technologically driven, dependent on "advances" that generate more comprehensive and therefore more "accurate" data. Accordingly, just as biomedicine causes health care workers and patients to depend on technologies for diagnosis and treatment, health services research instills in the body politic dependence on technocratically conceived solutions for political problems. Moreover, because biomedicine and health services research share positivist epistemic and methodological premises, both objectify the subjects they study, abstract those subjects from context, and thereby ignore the cultural dimensions of the problems at hand. Rather than inculcate an ethic and practice in which medicine focuses on the meaning of illness for a life, a cultural phenomenon, this form of positivism strengthens the tendency to reject meaning in favor of the causes and course of disease and the abstracted probability of its occurrence. Accordingly health services research and the forms of regulation with which it is allied threaten to overwhelm the medical humanities movement. Furthermore this scientism precludes the institutionalization of political forums in which we can deliberate on the meaning of medicine, health, and death in our lives.
Body weight and shape self-cognitions, emotional distress, and disordered eating in middle adolescent girls

In this study, stability of the body weight/shape self-schema and possible self in a sample of middle adolescent girls during their transition from junior high to high school was examined and the relationship between these self-cognitions and emotional distress and disordered eating behaviors was explored. Subjects ( N = 79) completed measures of self-cognitions, competence, and self-esteem in the 8th and 9th grades. Disordered eating and depression were measured in 9th grade. Eighth grade self-schema scores were used to identify the fat/out-of-shape ( n = 21) and thin/athletic ( n = 20) self-schema groups. For both groups, stability in the body weight/shape cognitions was found. Girls in the fat/out-of-shape group had lower self-esteem, appearance, and athletic competence scores in both grades and higher dieting and depression scores in 9th grade than the slim/athletic group. Regression analyses showed that the self-schema score was a stronger predictor of the outcomes than weight. Findings suggest that the body weight/shape self-schema plays an important role in adolescent girls' emotional health.
Towards a programmer's apprentice (again)

Programmers are loathe to interrupt their workflow to document their design rationale, leading to frequent errors when software is modified—often much later and by different programmers. A Programmer's Assistant could interact with the programmer to capture and preserve design rationale, in a natural way that would make rationale capture "cost less than it's worth", and could also detect common flaws in program design. Such a programmer's assistant was not practical when it was first proposed decades ago, but advances over the years make now the time to revisit the concept, as our prototype shows.
The Irish Constitution: Some Reflections from Abroad

This paper offers some reflections on constitutional law generally, to the extent that such general reflection are possible, and then addresses three topics: philosophical and other influences on the Irish Constitution of 1937, the "problem" of judicial review in a liberal democracy, and the challenge of harnessing executive power, while also providing for energetic and effective government, in the circumstances of the contemporary world.
Comparative Constitutional Law and Property: Responses to Alviar and Azuela

I am pleased to have the opportunity to comment on two very rich and provocative articles: Property in the Post-post-revolution: Notes on the Crisis of the Constitutional Idea of Property in Contemporary Mexico by Antonio Azuela and The Unending Quest for Land: The Tale of Broken Constitutional Promises by Helena Alviar Garcia. Both articles offer historical and contemporary accounts of the role of the social function of property in the constitutional framework of the countries they study (Mexico for Azuela and Colombia for Alviar).I begin this Commentary with a few general thoughts on comparative method, and then engage in a comparison of the articles by discussing three issues they raise. In particular, I consider the tension between individual property rights and social function examined in each article, the possibilities the authors imagine for collective rights and conservation within the property rights regimes they examine, and the views about the role of law the articles express.
INTERPREGNANCY INTERVAL AND RISK OF PRETERM LABOR

In 1977-1980, over 12,000 pregnant women being followed at the Boston Hospital for Women were interviewed and had their medical records reviewed. The effect of interpregnancy interval on the risk of preterm labor was estimated in 4,467 of these women whose previous pregnancy had resulted in a full-term live birth. The rate of preterm birth after the spontaneous onset of labor in this cohort was 3.8 percent. While the possibility of an increased risk of preterm labor for interpregnancy intervals of 3 months or less cannot be definitely excluded (adjusted odds ratio = 2.0, 95 percent confidence interval 0.7-5.4), no relation was found between other interpregnancy intervals and the risk of preterm labor. Earlier work from this same cohort showed a strong negative association between interpregnancy interval and small-for-gestational-age birth. Combining this with the results from the present study reinforces the importance of differentiating low birth weight due to preterm birth from that due to intrauterine growth retardation.
United States Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Sandia Field Office NESHAP Annual Report CY2014 for Sandia National Laboratories New Mexico

This report provides a summary of the radionuclide releases from the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration facilities at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL/NM) during Calendar Year (CY) 2014, including the data, calculations, and supporting documentation for demonstrating compliance with 40 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 61, Subpart H--NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR EMISSIONS OF RADIONUCLIDES OTHER THAN RADON FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FACILITIES. A description is given of the sources and their contributions to the overall dose assessment. In addition, the maximally exposed individual (MEI) radiological dose calculation and the population dose to local and regional residents are discussed.
Photo- and Radiation-Chemistry of Halide Anions in Ionic Liquids

One- and two- photon excitation of halide anions (X(-)) in polar molecular solvents results in electron detachment from the dissociative charge-transfer-to-solvent state; this reaction yields a solvated halide atom and a solvated electron. How do such photoreactions proceed in ionic liquid (IL) solvents? Matrix isolation electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has been used to answer this question for photoreactions of bromide in aliphatic (1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium) and aromatic (1-alkyl-3-methyl-imidazolium) ionic liquids. In both classes of ILs, the photoreaction (both 1- and 2-photon) yields bromine atoms that promptly abstract hydrogen from the alkyl chains of the IL cation; only in concentrated bromide solutions (containing >5-10 mol % bromide) does Br2(-•) formation compete with this reaction. In two-photon excitation, the 2-imidazolyl radical generated via the charge transfer promptly eliminates the alkyl arm. These photolytic reactions can be contrasted with radiolysis of the same ILs, in which large yield of BrA(-•) radicals was observed (where A(-) is a matrix anion), suggesting that solvated Br(•) atoms do not occur in the ILs, as such a species would form three-electron σ(2)σ(*1) bonds with anions present in the IL. It is suggested that chlorine and bromine atoms abstract hydrogen faster than they form such radicals, even at cryogenic temperatures, whereas iodine mainly forms such bound radicals. These XA(-•) radicals convert to X2(•-) radicals in a reaction with the parent halide anion. Ramifications of these observations for photodegradation of ionic liquids are discussed.
Measurement of peripheral renin activity in the rat.

SummaryBilateral nephrectomy followed by immediate exsanguination allows the collection of blood from rats for the estimation of PRA in a manner that preserves the expected alterations to varying stimuli. This procedure can be used where relatively large samples of blood are required for treatment to inactivate angiotensinase and for the generation of angiotensin.
A New Anicetus Parasite of the Tuliptree Scale (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Anicetus toumeyellae was one of the parasites found infesting Toumeyella liriodendri during a severe out-break of the latter in Delaware in 1950, and was also found as a parasite of soft scale on magnolia, but was not very abundant during this season.
Synthesis of Cerite.

Some compounds isostructural with cerite have been synthesized hydrothermally at temperatures from 500 to 720 °C. The compositional range for cerite, and its phase relation to the silicate apatites are established in terms of ionic radii of rare-earth and divalent ions. The proposed formula for cerite on the basis of isomorphism with whitlockite, Ca3(PO4)2, is discussed. A solid-solution series between Ca9P6O24 - Ca7Mg2P6O24 (whitlockite - Mg-whitlockite) has been established.
Mass Rearing of Daphnia magna for Insecticide Bioassay

Although the cladoceran Daphnia magna Straus, or water flea, is sensitive to a broad group of insecticides, a satisfactory rearing method for bioassay is necessary for its practical use. A method has been developed using wide-mouth gallon jars for immature animals. They are then transferred to another chamber consisting of a large plastic funnel which has a plastic stopcock fused to the stem. To the lower outlet of the stopcock is fused a plastic bottle cap which holds an 8-oz bottle. A plastic ridge inside and near the bottom of the funnel holds a plastic ring covered with a fine screen, causing the adults to remain in the funnel, while the young pass through the screen and down into the bottle in response to light. Production consistently averaged 600 young daily for 18 months using 5 of these chambers. This method requires about one-third the time of previous methods. Many possible foods were studied. Best results were obtained with a mixture of algae ( Scenedesmus obliquus ) and yeast. Several artificial waters have been investigated, the best of which failed to maintain the culture satisfactorily after 32 generations. Search for a satisfactory defined water continues. Artesian water is used presently for maintenance of the culture as it is less variable than pond, lake, stream, or river waters.
Blood compatibility of heparin-inspired, lactose containing, polyureas depends on the chemistry of the polymer backbone

The influence of polymer chemical structure and degree of sulfation of polyurea glycopolymers on blood compatibility is reported. Polymers were prepared using lactose-containing diamines with either toluene 2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), methylene bis(4-cyclohexyl isocyanate) (HMDI), or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and subsequntly sulfated with a sulfur trioxide reagent. The influence of degree of sulfation was investigated using a polymer. Polyurea glycopolymers with sulfur contents ranging from ∼3% to 15% were prepared from HMDI polymerized with the lactose-containing diamine. The obtained glycopolymers have been characterized using gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The blood compatibility of the polymers was determined by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. Poly(HMDI-sL) exhibited higher prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time than other diisocyanate-containing sulfated glycopolymers, and higher degrees of sulfation result in prolonged clotting times. The polymers ability bind thrombin in the presence and absence of antithrombin III was measured using a coloremtric thrombin inhibition assay and the results followed the trend observed in the activated partial thromboplastin time assay.
Effects of acculturation on a culturally adapted diabetes intervention for Latinas.

Women of Hispanic heritage (“Latinas”) living in the U.S. have a prevalence of type 2 diabetes that is almost twice that found for non-Latina White women (National Center for Health Statistics, 2007) and have more disease complications (Narayan et al., 2008). To address this health disparity, there is a clear need for interventions to help Latinas make lifestyle changes that are effective in managing type 2 diabetes and in preventing complications that result from disease progression. One approach to the development of treatment programs for at-risk subcultural groups is the cultural adaptation of evidence-based interventions (Castro, Barrera, & Holleran Streiker, 2010). Existing guidelines for cultural adaptations specify a deliberate, multi-phase process of literature review, qualitative research, and pilot study leading to a revised version of the original treatment, which then is subjected to a formal trial (Barrera & Castro, 2006). For the present study, an intervention (the Mediterranean Lifestyle Program) that showed efficacy with a sample of predominantly non-Latina White women (Toobert et al., 2007) was culturally adapted for Latinas (Osuna et al., 2011). One of the challenges facing cultural adaptations is the development of a modified intervention that is appropriate for the full spectrum of individuals comprising a subcultural group. The same concerns about cultural fit that motivated the cultural adaptation could be directed at the adaptation itself, particularly if the targeted subcultural group is extremely heterogeneous (Castro et al., 2010). Ideally, a culturally adapted intervention is equally appealing and effective for participants at all levels of acculturation. A determination of how acculturation might influence the effectiveness of culturally adapted interventions should be a standard part of the adaptation process. Analyses are particularly critical for treatments that involve fundamental cultural elements such as foods, methods of food preparation, and physical activity norms. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of acculturation on all facets of the intervention process: (a) participants’ baseline saturated fat consumption and physical activity, (b) intervention engagement (e.g., session attendance, dropout), (c) intervention effects on putative behavior change mechanisms, and (d) the intervention effects on outcomes (Barrera & Castro, 2006). It was hypothesized that the adapted intervention (!Viva Bien!) would be effective at all levels of acculturation.
Symmetry Breaking and Positive Masses

This chapter describes how particle masses can be defined in terms of a given Lagrangian density along with a fixed energy-minimizing vacuum state. We then proceed to discuss the dynamics of the electroweak model, using the Higgs mechanism. The latter consists in a refined version of the definition of mass that leads to the required massive particles e, W+, W-, but prevents the appearance of any unwanted, massless Goldstone bosons.
Forum performance in WBE: causes and effects

This chapter combines research into student performance in finance courses and student performance in Web-based courses. The chapter explores how a priori characteristics of individual students can serve as predictors of success in a 100% Web-based course in finance. The statistical models developed in the chapter explain up to 31% of the variation in students' final grades. The models have significant explanatory power for variation in performance on individual grade-components such as quizzes, tests, and projects. The models have much less predictive power for student performance in the on-line discussion. Yet, there is a strong relationship between the performance in the on-line discussion and the other grade components. This finding suggests that developing on-line discussion skills prior to the start of the course will enhance student performance in other areas of Web-based courses such as introductory corporate finance.
Conclusion: Critical Environmental Justice Struggles

Environmental quality, locally undesirable land uses (LULUs), active and inactive hazardous industrial structures, landfills, and waste-to-energy installations are not evenly distributed in communities across the United States. Environmental inequality mirrors existing patterns of socioeconomic and racial inequality; race and class tend to be associated with living on the right track or on the wrong tract of the city’s landscape.1 Environmental hazards are physical conditions and circumstances in surroundings that may cause harm to the resident population, and the risks are the probability or likelihood of a hazard causing injury to an individual, a group, or a population (Fitzpatrick and LaGory, 2000: 10, 109; Douglas and Wildavski, 1982; Lupton, 1999). There is growing evidence that disadvantaged communities and populations of color are disparately exposed to a wide range of health-impairing and life-shortening hazards in their localities (Edelstein, 1988; Bullard, 1990; Fitzpatrick and LaGory; 2000; Bryant and Mohai, 1992).
Cervical spine imaging for young children with inflicted trauma: Expanding the injury pattern

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to document the incidence and pattern of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries in children below 36months with inflicted trauma. Methods An IRB approved, prospective cohort study was performed between July 2011 and January 2016. Inclusion criteria were: age below 36months, loss of consciousness after inflicted trauma, and one initial head computed tomography finding: a subdural, intraventricular, intraparenchymal, subarachnoid hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, hypoxic injury, or cerebral edema. A protocol of brain and neck magnetic resonance imaging and angiography was obtained within 48h. Variables were compared by t-test and Fisher-exact test. Results There were 53 children (median age: five months; range: 1–35months), 38 males (71.7%), of which seven died (13.2%). C-spine injury was identified in 8 (15.1%): ligamentous injury (2), vertebral artery shear injury (1), atlantooccipital dissociation (AOD) (1), cord injury with cord epidural hematoma (2), and isolated cord epidural hematoma (2). Retinal hemorrhages (p=0.02), shaking (p=0.04), lower Glasgow coma score (GCS) (p=0.01), brain infarcts (p=0.01), and hypoxic/ischemic injury (p=0.01) were associated with c-spine injury. One with AOD died. Six had significant disability. Conclusion For small children with inflicted trauma, the c-spine injury incidence is 15.1%. The injury pattern includes retinal hemorrhages, shaking, lower GCS, and brain injury. Evaluation of shaken infants should include c-spine imaging. Level of evidence Level 2 A- This is a prospective cohort study with complete follow-up to hospital discharge or death. In all cases, inflicted trauma was confirmed. Owing to the nature of child abuse, the precise time of injury is not known. All children underwent a strict imaging protocol on arrival to hospital that was supervised on a prospective basis.
Clinical and genetic predictors of weight gain in patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

1561 Background: Obesity and weight gain in breast cancer patients has been associated with decreased quality of life, decreased response to chemotherapy, increased cancer recurrence, and higher al...
The positive cognitive impact of aerobic fitness is associated with peripheral inflammatory and brain-derived neurotrophic biomarkers in young adults

Abstract There is ample evidence for supporting the positive impact of aerobic fitness on cognitive function, but little is known about the physiological mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the positive cognitive impact of aerobic fitness is associated with inflammatory and neurotrophic peripheral biomarkers in young adults aged 18 to 29 years (n = 87). For the objective assessment of aerobic fitness, we measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) as a parametric measure of cardiorespiratory capacity. We demonstrated that young adults with the higher levels of VO2max performed better on computerized cognitive tasks assessing sustained attention and working memory. This positive VO2max-cognitive performance association existed independently of confounders (e.g., years of education, intelligence scores) but was significantly dependent on resting peripheral blood levels of inflammatory (C-reactive protein, CRP) and neurotrophic (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) biomarkers. Statistical models showed that CRP was a mediator of the effect of VO2max on working memory. Further, BDNF was a moderator of the effect of VO2max on working memory. These mediating and moderating effects occurred in individuals with higher levels of aerobic fitness. The results suggest that higher aerobic fitness, as measured by VO2max, is associated with enhanced cognitive functioning and favorable resting peripheral levels of inflammatory and brain-derived neurotrophic biomarkers in young adults.
Investor inattention around stock market holidays

We observe three results that lead to the conclusion investors are distracted by holidays. First, there is a substantial reduction in the trading volume adjacent to weekday stock market closings. Second, there are considerably fewer stocks with extreme abnormal returns in the trading days adjacent to a holiday. Third, those stocks with extreme abnormal returns in the trading days adjacent to a holiday drift on the subsequent trading day. These findings do not hold for weekend stock market closings. The evidence supports the hypothesis of inattentive investors, whose reactions are suppressed in the quiet trading sessions surrounding stock market holidays.
Occupational noise exposure and risk of hypertension in an industrial workforce

Background Community noise exposure has been shown to increase the risk of hypertension; however, the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension is less clear. Methods Using an inception cohort of workers in a specialty metals manufacturing company, we retrospectively assessed occupational noise exposure, hearing acuity, and incident hypertension diagnoses using administrative datasets. Time-weighted average noise exposure levels were assigned to employees based on their job histories. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to determine the association of noise exposure with risk of incident hypertension. Results The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident hypertension did not significantly differ between groups by cumulative continuous or categorized noise exposure metric. Conclusion We found no increased risk of incident hypertension with exposure to occupational noise among workers. Further assessment examining workers’ use of hearing protection devices is warranted.