cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Flight Testing Evaluation of Formation Control Laws

This brief presents the results relative to the design and flight testing of formation control laws using a set of YF-22 research unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed, built, and instrumented at West Virginia University, Morgantown. In the formation flight configuration, a radio control pilot maintains ground control of the "leader" aircraft while the autonomous "follower" aircraft maintains a predefined position and orientation with respect to the "leader" aircraft. The formation controller was designed to have an inner and outerloop structure, where the outerloop guidance control laws minimized the forward, lateral, and vertical distance error by controlling the engine propulsion and generating the desired pitch and roll angles to be tracked by the innerloop controller. The horizontal components of the outerloop controller were designed using a nonlinear dynamic inversion (NLDI) approach, while the vertical channel of the outerloop controller and the innerloop control laws were instead linear. Flight testing results from two-aircraft formation flights confirmed the performance of the designed formation controller
Reverence and Recovery: Experiential Personal Construct Psychotherapy and Transpersonal Reverence

The role of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process has been written about extensively in the field of clinical psychology. Experiential Personal Construct Psychotherapy (EPCP) is one approach that regards the therapeutic relationship itself as the conduit of the healing process. According to EPCP, one of the highest levels of psychological functioning is the ability to revere another person in a relationship as well as the capacity for transpersonal reverence, which is reverence for humanity or the world at large. In this article, we will explore how the healing process can continue outside the confines of the therapeutic relationship, specifically in terms of transpersonal reverence.
Aggregation of polyphagous predators in response to multiple prey: ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) foraging in alfalfa

The spatial distribution of polyphagous predators may often reflect the integration of aggregative responses to local densities of multiple species of prey, and as such may have consequences for the indirect linkages among the prey sharing these predators. In a factorial field experiment in which we manipulated local prey densities within a field of alfalfa in Utah (USA), we tested whether aphidophagous ladybirds would aggregate not only in response to their primary aphid prey, but also in response to an abundant alternative prey, the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica [Gyllenhal]). Native North American ladybirds (primarily Hippodamia convergens Guerin and H. quinquesignata quinquesignata [Kirby]) responded only to spatial variation in aphid density. In contrast, the introduced ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata L., aggregated also at local concentrations of the weevil late in the experiment when weevil density was high and aphid density was relatively low throughout all experimental plots. The results support the hypothesis that C. septempunctata is more responsive than are native ladybirds to the availability of alternative prey in alfalfa, which may account in part for the displacement of native ladybirds from alfalfa by the introduced species as aphid numbers have declined. The differing responses of the native and introduced ladybirds to spatial patterns of the alternative prey underscore the importance of extending the study of predator aggregation to understand better how polyphagous predators distribute themselves in response to spatial patterns of multiple species of potential prey.
Early detection of radiation-induced glomerular injury by albumin permeability assay.

Abstract Sharma, M., Sharma, R., McCarthy, E. T., Ge, X. L., Fish, B. L., Savin, V. J., Cohen, E. P. and Moulder, J. E. Early Detection of Radiation-Induced Glomerular Injury by Albumin Permeability Assay. Renal irradiation leads predictably to glomerular vascular injury, cell lysis, matrix accumulation, sclerosis and loss of renal function. The immediate effects of renal irradiation that may be associated with glomerular pathology and proteinuria are not clear in the human disease or its rat model. We hypothesized that radiation-induced injury causes immediate and subtle alterations in glomerular physiology independent of the neurohumoral and hemodynamic regulatory mechanisms. We employed a sensitive in vitro functional assay of glomerular albumin permeability (Palb) to demonstrate radiation-induced damage to the glomerular filtration barrier immediately after total-body irradiation of rats. In blinded experiments, control rats were sham-treated, and experimental rats received 9.5 Gy X rays. Rats were ki...
Adenosine-sensitive phosphoinositide turnover in a newly established renal cell line

To aid in characterizing adenosine receptors in renal cells, primary cultures of rabbit cortical collecting tubule (RCCT) cells were infected with an adenovirus 12-simian virus 40 hybrid, resulting...
Ignition Quality Rating Methods for Diesel Fuels-A Critical Appraisal

Analyse critique des methodes d'evaluation de la qualite de l'allumage des carburants diesel
RNA-seq of human reference RNA samples using a thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase

Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has revolutionized our ability to analyze transcriptomes. Current RNA-seq methods are highly reproducible, but each has biases resulting from different modes of RNA sample preparation, reverse transcription, and adapter addition, leading to variability between methods. Moreover, the transcriptome cannot be profiled comprehensively because highly structured RNAs, such as tRNAs and snoRNAs, are refractory to conventional RNA-seq methods. Recently, we developed a new method for strand-specific RNA-seq using thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptases (TGIRTs). TGIRT enzymes have higher processivity and fidelity than conventional retroviral reverse transcriptases plus a novel template-switching activity that enables RNA-seq adapter addition during cDNA synthesis without using RNA ligase. Here, we obtained TGIRT-seq data sets for well-characterized human RNA reference samples and compared them to previous data sets obtained for these RNAs by the Illumina TruSeq v2 and v3 methods. We find that TGIRT-seq recapitulates the relative abundance of human transcripts and RNA spike-ins in ribo-depleted, fragmented RNA samples comparably to non-strand-specific TruSeq v2 and better than strand-specific TruSeq v3. Moreover, TGIRT-seq is more strand specific than TruSeq v3 and eliminates sampling biases from random hexamer priming, which are inherent to TruSeq. The TGIRT-seq data sets also show more uniform 5' to 3' gene coverage and identify more splice junctions, particularly near the 5' ends of mRNAs, than do the TruSeq data sets. Finally, TGIRT-seq enables the simultaneous profiling of mRNAs and lncRNAs in the same RNA-seq experiment as structured small ncRNAs, including tRNAs, which are essentially absent with TruSeq.
In Vivo residual activities of the phenylalanine hydroxylating system in phenylketonuria and variants

The results ofin vivo determinations of phenylalanine-hydroxylating capacity using deuterated phenylalanine loads are compared with phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in liver biopsy samples and the results of oral protein challenge.
The Geometry of the Triangle in the Kasner Plane

(1941). The Geometry of the Triangle in the Kasner Plane. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 48, No. 8P1, pp. 535-539.
Analysis and evaluation on the surveillance data of suspected adverse events following immunization in Hefei,2009

Objective To analyze and evaluate the surveillance data of the suspected adverse events following immunization(AEFI) in Hefei in 2009.Methods The descriptive epidemiological methods were used in this study.Results A total of 152 AEFI cases reported in 2009 were collected,including 96.7% general reactions,1.3% coincidence and 2.0% paradoxical reactions.Most of the reactions were the general reactions,followed by allergia erythra.Conclusion The safety of NIP vaccines and the quality of immunization services was satisfactory.
Peirce, Pragmatics and Pyramids

Charles Sanders Peirce categorised himself as a ‘pioneer, or rather a backwoodsman, in the work of clearing and opening up’ the semiotic (5.488), and his particular benchmark can be found anywhere one looks in semiotic territories. Always looming before and marking the trail is that trichotomous relationship of Sign, Object and Interpretant — a logician’s benchmark if there ever was one. Be it from Peirce, Frege, Ogden and Richards or Eco, the triangle of significance is there as tool or clutter. Being a relative latecomer to the semiotic wilderness, I have been fascinated by the number of triangular benchmarks carved on the semantic trees of this forest, and like most, I have had to struggle with that triadic relationship in trying to understand signs and their functions. So if it is not a clear benchmark, it has at least become a familiar one, for it does mark a trail of sorts.
Microstructural aspects of the fracture process in human cortical bone

Fracture toughness tests were conducted in the transverse and longitudinal directions to the osteonal orientation of human femoral cortical bone tissue to investigate the resulting damage patterns and their interaction with the microstructure. The time history of damage accumulation was monitored with acoustic emission (AE) during testing and was spatially observed histologically following testing. The fracture toughness of the transverse specimens was almost two times greater than the fracture toughness of the longitudinal specimens (3.47 MNm−3/2 vs. 1.71 MNm−3/2, respectively). The energy content of the AE waveforms of transverse specimens were greater than those of the longitudinal specimens implying higher fracture resistance in the transverse crack growth direction. The results showed that the propagation of the main crack involved weakening of the tissue by ultrastructural (diffuse) damage at the fracture plane and formation of linear microcracks away from the fracture plane for the transverse specimens. For the longitudinal specimens, the growth of the main crack occurred in the form of separations at lamellar interfaces. The lamellar separations generally arrested at the cement lines. Linear microcracks occurred primarily in the interstitial tissue for both crack growth directions.
A 40–170 MHz PLL-Based PWM Driver Using 2-/3-/5-Level Class-D PA in 130 nm CMOS

A high-speed driver that provides a pulsewidth modulated output while using a class-D Power Amplifier (PA) is described. A PLL-based architecture is employed, which eliminates the requirement for a precise ramp or triangular signal generator, and a high-speed comparator, which are typically used in pulsewidth modulation (PWM) generation. Multilevel signaling is proposed to enhance back-off as well as peak efficiency, which is critical for signals with high peak-to-average power ratios (PAPRs). A differential folded PWM scheme is introduced to achieve highly linear operation. 3-level operation is achieved without the requirement for additional supply source or sink paths, while 5-level operation is achieved with an additional supply source/sink path compared with the 2-level operation. The PWM driver has been implemented in a 130 nm CMOS process and can operate with a switching frequency of 40–170 MHz. For the 2-/3-/5-level PA operation, with a 500 kHz sinusoidal input and 60 MHz switching frequency, the measured THD is −61/−62/−53 dB and the corresponding efficiency is 71%/83%/86% with 175/200/220 mW output power level, respectively. Performance has also been verified for 2-/3-level PA with a high PAPR signal with 500 kHz bandwidth. While intended as a general-purpose amplifier, the approach is well-suited for applications such as power-line communications.
A non-mechanical zoom lens fabricated from liquid crystal reactive mesogens

A low f /# lens and zoom lens system based on Pancharatnam phase are presented. The design, fabrication, and characterization of these devices are shown. The unique characteristics of these devices is made possible by the use of azo-dye photoalignment to align reactive mesogens. The wavelength dependence on the image quality is evaluated and shown to be satisfactory from red light to near infrared machine vision systems. A demonstration device is shown with a 4x zoom ratio.
The Effect of Inter-School District Competition on Student Achievement: The Role of Long-Standing State Policies Prohibiting the Formation of New School Districts

Efforts to estimate the effect of having more school districts (i.e., having more competition among school districts) have been hampered by the difficulty of finding a good instrument for the number of school districts. We identify 9 states in which the state requires that the school districts be county-wide or state-wide; these laws have been in place for almost 7 decades. In states with no restrictions on the formation of school districts, larger metropolitan areas have more school districts, and thus more inter-district competition. As expected, student test scores are higher in larger metro areas that do not require county-wide or state-wide districts. On the other hand, test scores are no higher in large metro areas than in small metro areas in states that prohibit any rise in the number of districts as the metro area grows.
Evidence on the Impact of a CEO's Financial Experience on the Quality of the Firm's Financial Reports and Disclosures

We investigate whether there are systematic differences in a firm's financial reporting and disclosure policies associated with having a Chief Executive Officer who has previously served as a Chief Financial Officer (i.e., an ex-CFO). We find that firms run by ex-CFOs tend to have more income-decreasing (conservative) accruals and that analysts' forecasts for firms managed by ex-CFOs are more accurate, less dispersed, and less volatile. In addition, firms run by ex-CFOs issue fewer good news earnings forecasts, but the good news forecasts they issue tend to be more precise. We also find similar results when we examine changes in reporting and disclosure policies for firms that appoint CEOs with CFO experience relative to firms that appoint CEOs without such experience. Overall, our evidence is consistent with ex-CFOs utilizing more conservative accounting policies and providing more precise earnings guidance to analysts and suggests that the quality of a firm's financial disclosures is a function of the CEO's financial experience.
Fertility and pregnancy in patients with cystic fibrosis

Issues related to fertility and pregnancy, once moot, are now extremely relevant to the care of a growing number of CF patients entering adulthood. With rare exception, men are infertile, due to the almost universal presence of malformations of the reproductive tract causing obstructive azoospermia. Emphasis in the care of these patients should be directed toward confirmation of infertility and counseling to allay anxieties. In contrast, a significant albeit unknown proportion of women are fertile and a steadily increasing number of these women are conceiving. The accumulated clinical experience has demonstrated that pregnancy is well-tolerated by patients with mild disease while associated with increased maternal and fetal complications in those with severe disease. In light of current uncertainties in accurately predicting outcome in all but the most clear-cut cases, the physician must exercise clinical judgment in providing a realistic assessment of the medical risks involved and of the advisability of pregnancy. This assessment should be based on a thorough and objective evaluation of the pulmonary, cardiac, and nutritional status of the patient. Future efforts, assisted by data collected for the national CF patient registry, should be directed toward better defining the long-term impact of pregnancy on the natural history of CF and more precisely defining the pregravid parameters useful in predicting outcome for both mother and child.
The Relationships between Adolescents' Perceptions of Others and Their Social Interactions on Social Media

Given that social media can impact adolescents' development of social-emotional competence, this study aims to examine how adolescents' perceptions of others affects their social interactions on social media. This study is a secondary analysis of the Pew Research Center's 2014 Teens Relationships Survey. Participants included 1060 adolescents between 13-17 year olds with a racial/ethnic distribution of 57.9% Caucasian, 9.6% African-American, 22.2% Hispanic, 5.7% Mixed race, and 4.6% Others. A Pearson chi-square test was conducted to examine whether adolescents' perceptions of others related to their social interactions on social media. The results revealed that adolescents who strongly agreed that people were less authentic on social media were more likely to report that they blocked individuals (X2 = 403.66, df = 12, p
Self-Help for the Pharmacy Educator.

Good news! Research supports the idea that effective teaching improves learning in post-secondary students. One study analyzed the effectiveness of more than 2,000 instructors of college algebra over a 10-year period by measuring how well students who passed their classes performed in subsequent
Attachment security buffers the HPA axis of toddlers growing up in poverty or near poverty: Assessment during pediatric well-child exams with inoculations.

Abstract Poverty is associated with poor physical and emotional development. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is argued to be one of the pathways through which poverty acts on these outcomes. While studies of school-aged children have found some evidence for this, there is little evidence for this hypothesis early in development. This may be, in part, because for very young children, the security of their attachment relationships with parents moderates the impact of poverty on HPA axis functioning. The current study investigated the relations between family income as a percentage of the federal poverty limit (FPL), salivary cortisol and attachment (Attachment Q-sort) during well-child checkups with inoculations in 177 toddlers between 12- and 22-months of age. Approximately half of the toddlers were in families living below 150% FPL, with 47% of these classified as securely attached, compared to 72% of toddlers in families living above 150% FPL. Cortisol levels increased in response to the inoculation and this did not differ by poverty or attachment security. Overall, however, beginning at clinic arrival toddlers in families living below 150% FPL who had an insecure attachment had significantly higher cortisol compared to toddlers living in poverty or near poverty with secure attachments. This finding held when we removed toddlers with high levels of negative life events in their families and primary caregivers who exceeded the screening cutoff for depressive symptoms. Thus, attachment was a significant moderator of the association between poverty and HPA axis activity, with significant implications for screening and referral of caregiving dyads at risk.
Using Tiny Viral Messages on Social Networks to Spread Information About Science and Technology: Elements of a Theory of Nanovirals

Viral messages reach a large number of people at almost no cost. However, the majority of viral messages are based on shocking or entertaining content. Is it possible to make other kinds of content go viral, such as science and technology news? I use conceptual blending analysis to analyze five representative, very small messages about solar technology that went viral (nanovirals). I identify four distinct viral strategies, that vary according to number of belief systems used, and whether the viral message confirmed or contradicted central beliefs. Finally, I use information systems modeling to depict a common viral mechanism underlying the strategies. I conclude with a practical heuristic to guide the design of nanoviral messages.
Not so little differences: variation in hot weather risk to young children in New York City.

Abstract Objectives High ambient temperatures are associated with significant health risk in the United States. The risk to children has been minimally explored, and often young children are considered as a single age group despite marked physiologic and social variation among this population from infancy through preschool. This study explored the heterogeneity of risk of heat among young children. Study design Using a time-stratified, case-crossover design, we evaluated associations between maximum daily temperature (Tmax) and ED visits (n = 1,002,951) to New York City (NYC) metropolitan area hospitals for children aged 0–4 years in May–September, 2005–2011. Methods Conditional logistic regression analysis estimated risks for an interquartile range of Tmax for 0–6 lag days. Stratified analyses explored age strata by year, race/ethnic groups, and diagnostic codes. Sensitivity analyses controlled for same day ambient ozone, particulate matter Results Children ages 0–4 years had increased risk of emergency department visits with increased Tmax on lag days 0, 1, and 3. The association was strongest on lag day 0, when an increase in Tmax of 13 °F conferred an excess risk of 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2–3.0). Stratifying by age, we observed significant positive associations for same-day exposures, for 1–4 year olds. Children less than 1 year of age showed a significant positive association with Tmax only on lag day 3. The race/ethnicity stratified analysis revealed a similar lag pattern for all subgroups. The diagnostic group analysis showed percent excess risk for heat-specific diagnoses (16.6% [95% CI: 3.0–31.9]); general symptoms (10.1% [95% CI: 8.2–11.9]); infectious (4.9% [95% CI: 3.9–5.9]); and injury (5.1% [95% CI: 3.8–6.4]) diagnoses. Conclusion We found a significant risk of ED visits in young children with elevated Tmax. Risk patterns vary based on age with infants showing delayed risk and toddlers and preschoolers with same day risk. In addition, the finding of increased risk of injury associated with higher temperatures is novel. Altogether, these findings suggest a need for a tailored public health response, such as different messages to caregivers of different age children, to protect children from the effects of heat. Next steps include examining specific subcategories of diagnoses to develop protective strategies and better anticipate the needs of population health in future scenarios of climate change.
Gastrointestinal emergencies in the oncology patient

BDOMINAL complications in the oncology A patient encompass a vast array of both commonplace problems and not-so-common problems unique to the cancer patient. In this article, we have attempted to focus on those complications that are unique to the oncology patient and those commonplace problems that are no longer straightforward because of the oncologic setting (ie, appendicitis in the leukemic patient) rather than attempting the Herculean effort of discussing all of the complications an oncology patient might face. In restricting our scope in this manner, we are assuming that the abdominal problems encountered in daily medical practice will be managed in a conventional manner in those patients with cancer who are in remission or have stable or occult disease. It is imperative that the label “cancer patient” in this subset of all oncology patients does not prejudice the practitioner in assuming that any and all complications are attributable to the patient’s malignancy. With this premise, we will begin with a brief overview of some general principles of the acute abdomen and then proceed with specific abdominal complications as noted throughout the article.
Structure and Bonding in Zintl Ions and Related Main Group Element Clusters

This chapter reviews the methods that are useful for understanding the structure and bonding in Zintl ions and related bare post-transition element clusters in ♠ ♠ ♠♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
Indigenisation - the Nigerian experIence

Dr Nicholas W Balabkins, Professor of Economics at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, looks at the process of indigenisation which swept through African states after independence. He gives particular attention to Nigeria's case and analyses the motives behind indigenisation.
Surgical Specimen Handling for Conjunctival and Eyelid Tumors

Ophthalmologists need to be familiar with surgical specimen handling in order to provide optimal patient care. The cornerstone of proper specimen handling is communication between the ophthalmologist and the pathologist before, during, and after surgery. Conjunctival tissue presents unique surgical specimen handling challenges as the tissue has a propensity to curl up on itself, making it difficult to maintain proper tissue orientation and alignment. For pathologic evaluation of eyelid specimens, specimen orientation is the key. Proper specimen handling and discussion with the pathologist can help alleviate these difficulties.
Accountability in the Private Sector: African Ambition for Right to Information in India

The right to information (RTI) has come to recognition as a human right in international law. Conventionally, RTI is a means for a person to demand information from a public body. RTI has proven especially potent in the hands of journalists, who seek information on behalf of the electorate to hold public institutions accountable. But in the recent decades in which RTI has attained human rights stature, power in society has shifted in substantial measure from public to private sector. Journalistic inquiry is frustrated by the inapplicability of access laws to private bodies. In India, direct access to the private sector through RTI law was considered and rejected in the 1990s; however, the 2005 RTI Act allows a generous measure of access to non-governmental actors with public ties. A legal movement has been gaining steam in Africa to push past the public-private divide and recognize the importance of RTI to protect human rights regardless of the public or private character of the respondent. Different approaches are emerging with respect to journalist access in the African model. Amid trending privatization and burgeoning private power, the time might be coming for India to reconsider the road not taken.
Lagrangian and Model Based Studies of the Arabian Sea

Abstract : The long-range aim of this research is to improve the understanding of marine population dynamics and the interactions between organisms and their physical environment. This goal is pursued through a combination of data analysis and model development. The specific objective of this research is to produce a synthesis of the current knowledge of the dynamics of the Arabian Sea. In particular, the dynamics of populations of phytoplankton and zooplankton associated with western boundary, Oman coastal, and open ocean upwelling in this region are being studied. The goal is to produce a model framework that can be used to test hypotheses arising from the analysis of the 1995 field work and earlier data sets. The results of the model and data analysis are then compared with other upwelling regimes.
Application of the Kull epilayer formulation to a compact model for junction diodes

This paper presents an application of the Kull-Nagel epilayer formulation for conductivity modulation to a compact model for junction diodes. This enhancement allows for improved accuracy in modeling the bias-dependence of the series resistance, a critical figure of merit for diodes used in RF and switching applications. The model is implemented in Verilog-A as an extension to the 3-terminal electrothermal diode model presented in an earlier work [1]. Hardware-verified results are demonstrated for a 90nm SiGe BiCMOS technology featuring an integrated PIN diode.
Beyond Predictive Validity: A Mixed Method Study of Self-directed Developmental Education Placement at a Small Community College

Colleges across the country struggle with determining the most appropriate means of placing students into math and English coursework. Most colleges utilize a single high-stakes standardized placem...
Study of the bioprocess conditions to produce bioethanol from barley straw pretreated by combined soda and enzyme-catalyzed extrusion

Abstract Combined soda and enzyme-catalyzed extrusion pretreatment (bioextrusion) of barley straw was evaluated for bioethanol production. The effect of the enzyme dose on the bioextrudate was for the first time analyzed. The enzyme load (5–10 FPU/g DM) had a significant impact on the solubilization of sugars during bioextrusion and also affected the saccharification yield at long incubation times. The solids concentration (17–25% w/w) in the extended incubation of bioextrudates was also studied and its effect on the carbohydrate conversion and sugar release was evaluated. An enzyme dose of 10 FPU/g dry matter and a solids content of 20% (w/w) were selected as the best conditions to submit the bioextrudate to a liquefaction plus simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (LSSCF) process using a modified S. cerevisiae strain. At the end of the process, an ethanol concentration close to 38 g/l was obtained, corresponding to a production of 15.8 g ethanol/100 g raw barley straw.
Insights into the Genetic Underpinnings of Endocrine Traits from Large-Scale Genome-Wide Association Studies

Great strides have been made in genetic association studies of endocrine traits and diseases, with hundreds or thousands of variants associated with height, body mass index, bone density, pubertal timing, and diabetes in recent years. The common variants associated with these traits explain up to half of the trait variation owing to genetic factors, and when aggregated into polygenic risk scores, can also impact clinically relevant phenotypes at the tail ends of the trait distributions. However, pediatric studies tend to lag behind, and it is often unclear how adult-associated variants behave across life.
Physical and Physiological Properties of Iron

Abstract Iron is a trace element critical to normal human biochemistry and physiology. At high levels, iron overwhelms the storage capacity of the body, and can act as a powerful toxin leading to organ damage, prolonged morbidity and even death. This chapter provides a background on the physical and physiological principles of iron to better understand iron absorption, excretion, and deposition patterns in the body.
SARS-CoV-2 Viability on 16 Common Indoor Surface Finish Materials.

Aim:This study investigated the stability of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on 16 common environmental surface materials.Background:SARS-CoV-2 is the causative age...
Mixed Methods Research to Advance Nephrology

There are problems in medicine that are incompletely understood because they are difficult to define, observe, and—consequently—rigorously study. Quantitative methodologies collect and analyze numeric data to forecast probabilities, test hypotheses, and create generalizable knowledge about a phenomenon. However, some phenomena do not fit neatly into numeric measures, information gained on the basis of verifying or rejecting prespecified hypotheses can be limited, and generalizations applicable to a broad population may be relatively superficial. Qualitative methodologies collect and analyze artifacts from individuals who experience a phenomenon to construct rich descriptions, hypotheses, and theoretic explanatory frameworks about the phenomenon. At the same time, qualitative data is not objective; can vary in content and breadth across patients, limiting comparability and categorization; and may lead to conclusions that are not representative of the experiences of the broader population. Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in an effort to leverage their unique strengths and counterbalance their respective limitations. This article provides a concise overview of mixed methods research, highlighting the general forms and functions of mixing quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and concludes with an example from the nephrology literature to illustrate its application. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are generally recognized by their distinctive properties with respect to underlying paradigms, scope of scientific inquiry, sampling strategy, data collection, and analytic approach (Table 1). Nonetheless, quantitative and qualitative methodologies are inherently complementary. Each methodology can be used to triangulate and optimize the meaningfulness of information derived from the other approach, and facilitate a more nuanced understanding of phenomena in ways that a single, standalone approach may be limited. View this table: Table 1. Properties of quantitative and qualitative research methods Mixed methods research innovatively combines features of quantitative and qualitative methodologies into the same study. It emerged as a pragmatic solution to answering scientific questions that cannot be sufficiently …
Accuracy and Efficiency of 3-dimensional Dynamic Navigation System for Removal of Fiber Post from Root Canal-Treated Teeth.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of the 3-dimensional dynamic navigation system (DNS) compared with the freehand technique (FH) when removing fiber posts from root canal–treated teeth. Methods Twenty-six maxillary teeth were included. Teeth were root canal treated and restored with Parapost Taper Lux (Coltene/Whaledent, Altstatten, Switzerland) luted with RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN). A core buildup was then performed using Paracore (Coltene/Whaledent). Teeth were mounted in tissue-denuded cadaver maxillae. Teeth were divided into 2 groups: the DNS group (n = 13) and the FH group (n = 13). Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken pre- and postoperatively. The drilling path and depth were planned virtually using X-guide software (X-Nav Technologies, Lansdale, PA) in both groups. For the DNS group, drilling was guided with X-Nav software and the FH group under a dental operating microscope. Global coronal and apical deviations, angular deflection, operation time, and the number of mishaps were compared between the groups to determine the accuracy and efficiency. The 3-dimensional volume (mm3) of all teeth was calculated before and after post removal using the Mimics Innovation Suite (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The Shapiro-Wilk, 1-way analysis of variance, and Fisher exact tests were used (P Results The DNS group showed significantly less global coronal and apical deviations and angular deflection than the FH group (P Conclusions The DNS was more accurate and efficient in removing fiber posts from root canal–treated teeth than the FH technique.
Maintenance of Mouse Nephron Progenitor Cells in Aggregates with Gamma-Secretase Inhibitor.

Knowledge on how to maintain and expand nephron progenitor cells (NPC) in vitro is important to provide a potentially valuable source for kidney replacement therapies. In our present study, we examined the possibility of optimizing NPC maintenance in the "re-aggregate" system. We found that Six2-expressing (Six2+)-NPC could be maintained in aggregates reconstituted with dispersed cells from E12.5 mouse embryonic kidneys for at least up to 21 days in culture. The maintenance of Six2+-NPC required the presence of ureteric bud cells. The number of Six2+-NPC increased by more than 20-fold at day 21, but plateaued after day 14. In an attempt to further sustain NPC proliferation by passage subculture, we found that the new (P1) aggregates reconstituted from the original (P0) aggregates failed to maintain NPC. However, based on the similarity between P1 aggregates and aggregates derived from E15.5 embryonic kidneys, we suspected that the differentiated NPC in P1 aggregates may interfere with NPC maintenance. In support of this notion, we found that preventing NPC differentiation by DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor that inhibits Notch signaling pathway, was effective to maintain and expand Six2+-NPC in P1 aggregates by up to 65-fold. The Six2+-NPC in P1 aggregates retained their potential to epithelialize upon exposure to Wnt signal. In conclusion, we demonstrated in our present study that the "re-aggregation" system can be useful for in vitro maintenance of NPC when combined with γ-secretase inhibitor.
Similarity and local co-existence of species in regional biotas

The notion of ‘community-wide character displacement’ hypothesizes that locally co-existing sets of competing species should be less similar than expected when compared to random expectations from a broader regional species pool. Here I use a mechanistic approach to the niche concept to show how this expectation is dependent on the types of traits involved. I investigate how two different niche components, those that relate to species' requirements (or responses to environmental factors) versus those that relate to species' impacts (or effects on environmental factors), affect predictions about the similarity of locally co-existing species. In contrast with more conventional approaches that focus on species impacts, I focus on species responses to conclude that locally co-existing species should be more similar in such traits than expected on the basis of random assortment from a larger equilibrium regional biota. In addition, I explore the evolutionary implications of exceptions that might favour the co-existence of species with dissimilar traits (especially those that determine species' impacts on the environment) and conclude that these implications differ when species compete for shared resources, interact via shared predators, or interact via both mechanisms. The analysis developed in this paper shows that the co-existence of species that are more similar than expected by chance is not incompatible with the notion of strongly interacting species in saturated local communities near equilibrium.
The PowerPC 603 microprocessor: an array built-in self test mechanism

The PowerPC 603 microprocessor is designed for low power, low cost computing applications. A RAM built-in-self-test (BIST) implementation tests the split 8k instruction and data caches and the tag arrays. The design is constrained by the need to minimize area overhead while providing high test coverage and rapid at-speed testing. The solution encompasses a novel state machine design built using logic synthesis tools. This paper presents the RAM BIST design implemented on the PowerPC 603 microprocessor.
Is diabetes-specific health literacy associated with diabetes-related outcomes in older adults?

Background: The present study examined the association between a measure of diabetes-specific health literacy and three different Type 2 diabetes outcome indicators in a national sample of older adults. Methods: Data were taken from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2003 Diabetes module and the HRS 2002 core wave. Analysis was performed on data from 1318 respondents aged 42–96 years [mean (±SD) 67.96 ± 8.65 years] who submitted responses on all relevant independent variable measures along with an HbA1c test kit. The index of diabetes-specific health literacy was constructed from responses to 10 diabetes self-care regimen items (α = 0.927). Results: Using a multivariate regression strategy to analyze weighted data, the diabetes-specific health literacy index was significantly and positively associated with self-graded assessment of diabetes self-care (R2 = 0.231). However, diabetes-specific health literacy was not independently associated with the HbA1c level or the average number of days five recommended self-management behaviors were practiced each week. Conclusions: No previous single study has focused on the relationship between diabetes-specific health literacy and multiple diabetes-related outcomes. The direct association of diabetes-specific health literacy with patients’ assessment of their self-care practice acumen is useful information for the design of effective patient intervention and/or communication strategies. Health literacy is a broad, multidimensional construct that bridges basic literacy skills and various health and illness contexts. Because it is so important to adults engaged in the self-management of chronic illness, indicators of disease-specific knowledge and/or understanding should be included in efforts to measure health literacy.
Teaching Mathematics as Agape: Responding to Oppression with Unconditional Love

In this essay, encouraged by the critical examination of mathematics education and mathematics teacher education at the Privilege and Oppression in the Mathematics Preparation of Teacher Educators Conference, the author asks the question: What do I do from a position of power and privilege to interrupt oppression and enable everyone the opportunity and expectation of success in mathematics and life? The author proposes a response with agape (pronounced agap?), or unconditional love. Starting with the question What would it mean to teach mathematics as an act of unconditional love? the author theorizes an ideal relationship between students and mathematics that is functional, communal, critical, and inspirational, generated from wanting to teach mathematics as agape.
Inhibition of the cytochrome reductase activity associated with meningopneumonitis virus by fatty acids derived from infected allantoic fluids

Abstract A soluble lipoprotein occurs in the allantoic fluids of eggs infected with meningopneumonitis virus, the lipid portion of which consists largely of triglyceride. A similar substance is sometimes found, usually in much lower concentration, in the allantoic fluids of uninfected eggs. On treatment of crude infected allantoic fluids or of the isolated lipoprotein with pancreation, fatty acids are liberated and these inhibit the DPNH cytochrome c reductase activity associated with the purified virus. The inhibition is in part due to an effect of the fatty acid on the virus and in part to an effect on the cytochrome c. A virus-fatty acid mixture that appears to have lost most of its enzymatic activity can recover a part of the lost activity if serum albumin is added.
Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion

Most of the publications regarding laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) have reported the institutions’ initial experience focusing on technique and perioperative results. Increasing experience from major medical centers worldwide indicates increasing interest and expertise with LRC. In this manuscript, initial laboratory experience, contemporary series, current controversies, and future directions of the procedure are discussed. Careful prospective evaluations of oncologic and functional outcomes are awaited to define the role of LRC as a viable alternative to open radical cystectomy.
Screening for genitourinary abnormalities in adolescent males.

1. Robert M. Cavanaugh Jr, MD* 1. *Professor of Pediatrics, Director of Adolescent Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the importance of screening for genitourinary problems in adolescent boys. 2. Delineate the essential components of screening urology in adolescent boys. 3. Explain when and how to perform sexually transmitted infection testing in adolescent boys. 4. Counsel adolescent boys on sexuality-related issues. Pediatricians and other pediatric clinicians are in an ideal position to screen for genitourinary problems in adolescent boys. Much information can be gathered by screening for sexuality-related issues and by investigating specific genitourinary symptoms as they occur. Routine inspection of the genitalia should be considered an essential component of the regular examination for adolescent boys. This article reviews important asymptomatic genitourinary conditions in young men that can be detected in the pediatric office. The routine history for adolescent boys should address reproductive health-care issues, including questions about the dramatic physical changes, intense emotional feelings, and sexual experiences that occur during puberty as well as any specific genitourinary complaints. These and other sensitive issues should be discussed privately with the clinician, unless the patient specifically requests otherwise. Most parents understand the importance of their adolescent having time alone with the examiner and respect his need for privacy. In certain circumstances and in accordance with state laws (see Guttmacher Institute, www.guttmacher.org), confidentiality and treatment of minors younger than 18 years of age may be permitted without parental or legal guardian consent, although open communication always should be encouraged. For an in-depth discussion on confidential health care for adolescents, the reader is referred to the position paper published by The Society for Adolescent Medicine cited in the Suggested Reading list. Clinicians can screen quickly for reproductive health care issues in adolescent boys by asking “trigger” questions (Table 1). General questions regarding pubertal changes are a useful lead into a more detailed sexual history. To …
Liver Damage, Alcohol Use, and Diagnosis

This study examined the degree of liver damage, reflected by standard laboratory tests, in a group of male veterans in regard to their self-reported histories and diagnosis of alcoholism. Fifty-two percent of the patients were diagnosed as alcoholic. The correlation between liver damage, judged by a physician reviewing the tests, and diagnosis of alcoholism was r =.33. Although liver damage does not develop in some alcoholics, this minimal correlation suggests the need to look for other nutritional and genetic factors that may interact with alcoholism in development of liver damage.
Accelerator-driven neutron sources for materials research

Abstract Particle accelerators are important tools for materials research and production. Advances in high-intensity linear accelerator technology make it possible to consider enhanced neutron sources for fusion material studies (e.g. using the D-Li reaction) or as a source of spallation neutrons. Energy variability, uniformity of target dose distribution, target bombardment from multiple directions, time-scheduled dose patterns, and other features can be provided, opening new experimental opportunities. New designs have also been used to ensure hands-on maintenance on the accelerator in these factory-type facilities. Designs suitable for proposals such as the Japanese Energy-Selective Intense Neutron Source (ESNIT) (20–40 mA cw deuteron beam), and the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) (250 mA cw deuteron beam modules) are discussed.