cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Existence, stability and smoothness of a bounded solution for nonlinear time-varying thermoelastic plate equations

In this paper we study the existence, stability and the smoothness of a bounded solution of the following nonlinear time-varying thermoelastic plate equation with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions utt+Δ2u+αΔθ=f1(t,u,θ),t⩾0,x∈Ω,θt−βΔθ−αΔut=f2(t,u,θ),t⩾0,x∈Ω,θ=u=Δu=0,t⩾0,x∈∂Ω, where α≠0, β>0, Ω is a sufficiently regular bounded domain in RN (N⩾1) and fe1,fe2:R×L2(Ω)2→L2(Ω) define by fe(t,u,θ)(x)=f(t,u(x),θ(x)), x∈Ω, are continuous and locally Lipschitz functions. First, we prove that the linear system (f1=f2=0) generates an analytic strongly continuous semigroup which decays exponentially to zero. Second, under some additional condition we prove that the nonlinear system has a bounded solution which is exponentially stable, and for a large class of functions f1,f2 this bounded solution is almost periodic. Finally, we use the analyticity of the semigroup generated by the linear system to prove the smoothness of the bounded solution.
A Colonial Mentality Model of Depression for Filipino Americans

Many cultural and ethnic minorities have extensive experiences of being oppressed, which they may eventually internalize. However, psychology has yet to actively incorporate various forms of internalized oppression (e.g., colonial mentality [CM]) into the etiological conceptualizations of psychopathology. Using a sample of 248 Filipino Americans, the author tested a more complete and sociopolitically informed cultural model of depression symptoms. Results with structural equation modeling showed that a conceptual model that includes CM better explained depression symptoms among Filipino Americans than the model without CM and revealed that CM had a significant direct effect on Filipino Americans' experiences of depression symptoms. It is argued, through this illustrative case of depression symptoms among Filipino Americans, that incorporating the psychological effects of oppressive historical and contemporary conditions into our conceptualizations of ethnic minority mental health may lead to a more culturally accurate etiological understanding of psychopathology among historically oppressed groups.
Dermatology in the cinema

The depiction of skin disease in the cinema can be divided into three categories. These include skin findings on actors independent of the roles they portray, cutaneous disease used as a representation of evil, and skin disease represented realistically and sympathetically. Examples from a wide range of films are given, and implications for dermatologists and their patients are discussed.
Covered Interest Arbitrage: Then versus Now

We introduce a new weekly database of spot and forward US-UK exchange rates and interest rates to examine the integration of forward exchange markets during the classical Gold Standard period (1880-1914). Using threshold autoregressions (TARs), we estimate the transaction cost band of covered interest differentials (CIDs) and compare our results with studies of more recent periods. We find that CIDs for the US-UK rate were generally largest during the classical Gold Standard. We argue that slower information and communications technology during the Gold Standard period led to fewer short-term financial flows, higher transaction costs and larger CIDs.
The hydrostatic appliance: a new approach to treatment of the TMJ pain-dysfunction syndrome

A new type of fluid-bearing appliance was used in treatment of patients with treatment-resistant TMJ pain-dysfunction syndrome. A new type of fluid-bearing appliance was worn by 26 patients with temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome who previously had been treated unsuccessfully. The appliance allows mancdibular placement to be self-estabhshed by the muscles; muscle accommodation theoretically is reduced. This approach controlled symptoms effectively in 22 patients, but symptoms usually recurred when the appliance was withdrawn.
Population-Level Analysis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors 2 cm or Less in Size

There is a paucity of evidence regarding incidence and predictors of survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) ≤2 cm in size. Patients having undergone resection for nonfunctioning PNETs were selected from the SEER database (1988–2009) and an institutional pathology database (1996–2012). PNETs ≤2 cm were compared with PNETs >2 cm. Data were analyzed with χ 2 tests, ANOVA, the Kaplan–Meier method, log rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard, and binary logistic regression. The incidence of PNETs ≤2 cm in the United States has increased by 710.4 % over the last 22 years. Rates of extrapancreatic extension, nodal metastasis, and distant metastasis in PNETs ≤2 cm in the SEER database were 17.9, 27.3, and 9.1 %, respectively. The rate of nodal metastasis in our institutional series was 5.7 %. Disease-specific survival at 5, 10, and 15 years for PNETs ≤2 cm was 91.5, 84.0, and 76.8 %. Decreased disease-specific survival was not associated with nodal metastasis, but rather with high grade [moderately differentiated, hazard ratio (HR) 37.2, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.7–518.8; poorly differentiated, HR 94.2, 95 % CI 4.9–1,794.4; reference, well differentiated], and minority race (Asian, HR 30.2, 95 % CI 3.1–291.7; Black, HR 60.1, 95 % CI 2.1–1,027.9; reference, White). Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ≤2 cm are increasingly common, and the most significant predictors of disease-specific survival are grade and race. The SEER database excludes PNETs considered to be benign, and rates of extrapancreatic extension, nodal metastasis, and distant metastasis are overestimated. Small size, however, does not preclude malignant behavior.
The child with acute leg pain

Diagnostic imaging is an essential component in the evaluation of a child with acute lower extremity pain or limp. Most, but not all, of the etiologies are traumatic. Frequently, the history and clinical examination are not specific. Radionuclide bone imaging is extremely rewarding in these circumstances. It represents the most useful examination used in evaluating the pathophysiology and full extent of the disorder. This article discusses the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and characteristic imaging observations in the more common prolems associated with hip and/or leg pain.
High-dose carmustine, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide followed by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been shown to be curative in a group of patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A previous study has demonstrated equivalent outcomes with a conditioning regimen based on total body irradiation and another not based on total body irradiation with preparative therapy using cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and etoposide (CBV) in autologous HCT. We investigated the safety and efficacy of using CBV in an allogeneic setting. Patients were required to have relapsed or be at high risk for subsequent relapse of NHL. All patients had a fully HLA-matched sibling donor. Patients received carmustine (15 mg/kg), etoposide (60 mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) on days −6, −4, and −2, respectively, followed by allogeneic HCT. All patients were treated with cyclosporine and methylprednisolone as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Thirty-one patients (median age, 46 years) who were felt to be inappropriate candidates for autologous transplantation were enrolled. Each subject had a median of 3 previous chemotherapy regimens. All patients engrafted. Fifteen of 31 patients are alive. Median follow-up time was 11.5 months (range, .4-126). There were 8 deaths due to relapse. Nonrelapse mortality (n = 8) included infection (n = 3), GVHD (n = 2), diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (n = 1), veno-occlusive disease in the setting of concurrent acute GVHD of the liver (n = 1), and leukoencephalopathy (n = 1). Probabilities of event-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 44% (95% confidence interval, 26%-62%) and 51% (33%-69%) at 1 year and 44% (26%-62%) and 47% (29%-65%) at 5 years. Probability of relapse was 33% (15%-51%) at 1 year and 5 years. Probability of nonrelapse mortality was 31% (13%-49%) at 1 year and 5 years. Incidences were 29% for acute GVHD and 39% for chronic GVHD. None of the 12 patients who developed chronic GVHD has disease recurrence. Patients who had required >3 previous chemotherapy regimens before HCT had an increased probability of relapse. CBV is an effective preparative regimen for patients with aggressive NHL who undergo allogeneic HCT.
Quantitative 19F NMR study of trifluorothymidine metabolism in rat brain.

Metabolism of trifluorothymidine (TFT) and its transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has been measured quantitatively in rats by fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F NMR). It is demonstrated that TFT crosses the BBB in micromolar quantities and is metabolized in brain tissue primarily to its free base trifluoromethyluracil (TFMU) by the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase (TP). It is further proposed that the rate of TFMU production can be used as a measure of cerebral TP. The glycols of both TFMU, and to a lesser degree TFT, are generated via an oxidative route. In contrast, the major pathway for hepatic metabolism of this compound is through reduction of the nitrogen base moiety and generation of 5-6-dihydro species followed by ring degradation. Thus, in addition to TFMU as well as the dihydroxy (glycol)-, and the dihydro-species of both TFT and TFMU, α-trifluoromethyl-β-ureidopropionic acid (F3MUPA) and α-trifluoromethyl-β-alanine (F3MBA) were detected in liver extracts. The total metabolite levels in liver were 2–5 times higher than in the brain. Low levels of fluoride ion were detected in all the extracts from brain and liver, as well as blood and urine. This study characterizes TFT as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use against brain tumors. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: TFT trifluorothymidine; TFMU, trifluoromethyluracil; TFTG, trifluorothymidine glycol; TFMUG, trifluorothymine glycol; TFTH2, 5,6-dihydro-trifluorothymidine; TFMUH2, 5,6-dihydro-trifluorothymine; F3MUPA, α-trifluoromethyl-β-ureidopropionic acid; F3MBA, α-trifluoromethyl-β-alanine
Transgene containment by maternal inheritance: Effective or elusive?

Transgene containment is a central concern in genetically modified (GM) crops, especially for those with out-crossing wild relatives. However, plant cells contain genomes in the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Whereas nuclear genes are biparentally inherited, organelle genes are in general maternally inherited (1, 2). Therefore, engineering foreign genes in the chloroplast genome may provide containment from pollen transmission. This topic was hotly debated when the first herbicide-resistant (Round-Up-ready) transplastomic plants (transformed with chloroplast genomes) were reported (3). In this issue of PNAS, two articles highlight different aspects of this important question. The article by Svab and Maliga (4) examines whether alien cytoplasm contributes to rare paternal plastid transmission. They report low frequencies (10−4 to 10−5) of paternal plastids in both normal and alien cytoplasm and caution that this observation is biased by tissue culture selection, and therefore transgenes are less likely to get into the germ line under field conditions. Most importantly, these investigators show that the entire plastid genome is transmitted by pollen instead of plastid DNA fragments and that the mitochondria are also cotransmitted. In a parallel study, Ruf et al. (5) set up a stringent selection system for paternal transmission by using male-sterile maternal parents and transplastomic pollen donors, conferring plastid-specific antibiotic resistance and green fluorescence for visual screening. This selection system identified 6 among 2.1 million seedlings screened (frequency of 2.86 × 10−6) that showed paternal transmission of transgenes, and the authors concluded that plastid transformation provides an effective tool to increase biosafety of GM crops. Most flowering plants show uniparental maternal inheritance of plastids (2). This observation was first reported a century ago in Milabilis jalapa and is achieved through a variety of mechanisms (2). During pollen development, at the microspore mitosis, all plastids are distributed into vegetative cells, and, therefore, …
A novel mathematical model of the sagittal spine: application to pedicle subtraction osteotomy for correction of fixed sagittal deformity

Abstract Background context The C7 plumb line method oversimplifies the true complexity of the spine. In a previous study, we mathematically modeled the normal spine using the spline function, enabling quantification of previously undescribed measurements such as area under the curve (AUC) and average sagittal position. The spine in fixed sagittal imbalance and the results of surgical correction have not been studied in a similar manner. Purpose To quantitatively evaluate changes in spinal conformation in patients who underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) using measures derived from the spline model and to correlate these changes with functional outcome. Study design Application of a mathematical model to a cohort of patients who underwent deformity surgery. Patient sample Thirty-four consecutive patients with fixed sagittal imbalance who underwent PSO from 2001 to 2003. Outcome measures Preoperative and postoperative 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) Outcomes Questionnaire scores were used for functional assessment. Methods Radiographs of the 34 patients who underwent thoracic or lumbar PSO with at least 2 years of follow-up were examined at three time points. The posterosuperior aspect of each vertebral body was chosen as a representative point for the spinal sagittal curve. A cubic spline function was derived from these points. From this function, the AUCs and average sagittal positions of the thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar segments were calculated. Results The average sagittal position does not overlap the C7 plumb line in deformity patients, but is a much more stable measure. In the lumbar PSO cohort, the lumbar AUC and average sagittal position were not significantly different among normal, preoperative, and postoperative groups. The thoracic and thoracolumbar AUCs and average sagittal positions were dramatically more positive in the preoperative cohort compared with normals; these values significantly decreased toward neutrality after lumbar PSO, but remained abnormal. In the thoracic PSO cohort, the lumbar, thoracic, and thoracolumbar AUCs and average sagittal positions were not significantly different among normal, preoperative, and postoperative groups. The changes in thoracolumbar AUC and average sagittal position were better predictors of the SRS-22 total score than the change in C7 plumb line. Conclusions The average sagittal position more comprehensively captures the nuances of a nonlinear spinal curve. Subcurve analysis enabled by the spline model is particularly helpful in assessing deformity and surgical correction on a segmental level. Increased sensitivity to the nuances of the spinal curve in this model results in superior correlation with clinical outcomes when compared with the C7 plumb line. We feel that a critical examination of the spinal curve will lead to improved understanding of deformity and planning for an optimal correction.
Shirking and motivations in firms: survey evidence on worker attitudes

Abstract A framework on worker motivations is tested with an extensive US survey; 82.7% of the respondents report that they are very likely to keep an agreement to work hard, even if it was almost impossible for their employer to monitor them. Based on mean responses, the rank order of motivations is moral, intrinsic, peer pressure, and positive incentives. Respondents also report that fairness considerations are important and that they are especially likely to keep agreements with honest employers. Logit analysis indicates that increases in moral and intrinsic motivations increase the likelihood of keeping agreements to provide effort. The evidence suggests that we might need to reexamine a foundational assumption underlying the theory of the firm.
Amino Terminal 38.9% of Apolipoprotein B-100 Is Sufficient to Support Cholesterol-Rich Lipoprotein Production and Atherosclerosis

Objective— Carboxyl terminal truncation of apolipoprotein (apo)B-100 and apoB-48 impairs their capacity for triglyceride transport, but the ability of the resultant truncated apoB to transport cholesterol and to support atherosclerosis has not been adequately studied. The atherogenicity of apoB-38.9 was determined in this study by using our apoB-38.9–only ( Apob 38.9/38.9) mice. Methods and Results— ApoB-38.9-lipoproteins (Lp-B38.9) circulate at very low levels in Apob 38.9/38.9 mice as small LDLs or HDLs. Disruption of apoE gene in these mice caused accumulation of large amounts of βVLDL-like LpB-38.9 in plasma. These βVLDL particles were more enriched with cholesteryl esters but poor in triglycerides compared with the apoB-48-βVLDL of the apoB-wild-type/apoE-null ( Apob +/+/ Apoe −/−) mice. Likewise, apoB-38.9-VLDL secreted by cultured Apob 38.9/38.9 mouse hepatocytes also had higher ratios of total cholesterol to triglycerides than apoB-48-VLDL secreted by the apoB-48–only hepatocytes. Thus, despite its impaired triglyceride-transporting capacity, apoB-38.9 has a relatively intact capacity for cholesterol transport. Spontaneous aortic atherosclerotic lesions were examined in apoB-38.9–only/apoE-null ( Apob 38.9/38.9/ Apoe −/−) mice at ages 9 and 13 months. Extensive lesions were found in the Apob 38.9/38.9/ Apoe −/− mice as well as in their Apob +/38.9/ Apoe −/− and Apob +/+/ Apoe −/− littermates. Conclusion— Deleting the C-terminal 20% from apoB-48 does not impair its ability to transport cholesterol and to support atherosclerosis, thus narrowing the “atherogenic region” of apoB.
Nuclear Resonance and Magnetic Ordering an a Random Spin System: ( La Gd) Al 2

The results of Al27 zero-field nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) and spin-lattice relaxation measurements in the (LaGd)Al2 magnetic alloy system are examined for features dependent on the spatial disorder of the Gd impurity spin system. Persistence of the NQR signal. well below the magnetic ordering temperature TO indicates that the Al27 static hyperfine field is zero at an appreciable fraction of Al sites. This result is attributed to inhomogeneity in the Gd spontaneous magnetization. No clear evidence was obtained for critical-point behavior of the relaxation time near TO. The rapid relaxation observed below TO indicates the presence of a large fluctuating A127 hyperfine field. Thus the observed nuclei must be near regions of large Gd spin correlation, which in turn suggests that the Gd magnetization in-homogeneities are microscopic in size. For T >> TO the relaxation times, appropriately scaled, are comparable to those observed in the intermetallic compound PrA12 in both magnitude and temperature dependence. Hence any major effect of spatial disorder on the spin system dynamics disappears in this temperature range, and the temperature-dependent contribution to relaxation in both random and periodic spin systems is dominated by short-range interspin correlation.
Structural Insights Into the Signal Recognition Particle

The signal recognition particle (SRP) directs integral membrane and secretory proteins to the cellular protein translocation machinery during translation. The SRP is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-protein complex whose activities are regulated by GTP hydrolysis. Recent structural investigations of SRP functional domains and interactions provide new insights into the mechanisms of SRP activity in all cells, leading toward a comprehensive understanding of protein trafficking by this elegant pathway.
Stable long-cavity regenerative amplifier with 10-11 ASE contrast

Design and measurements of a high-contrast millijoule regenerative amplifier are presented. Coupled with a preamplifier and saturable absorber, the amplifier and subsequent compressor produce 3.7 mJ, 33 fs pulses with nanosecond ASE contrast of 10-11.
Experimentally Eliciting Phonetic and Sentential Speech Errors: Methods, Implications, and Work in Progress.

Linguists and psychologists have noted the potential value of studying speech errors since the 1890s (Meringer & Mayer 1895; Freud 1938; Fromkin 1973; MacKay 1972). The reasoning has been that involuntary errors may lay bare certain aspects of the speech production system which are hidden in normal, errorless speech. Today we are closer than ever before to realizing this hope, because (a) we have more complete samples and analyses of spontaneous errors (Fromkin 1973; MacKay 1970; Garrett 1975) and (b) because of considerable success in recent years in attempts to elicit errors of varying complexity in the laboratory (MacKay 1971; Baars & Motley 1974; Motley & Baars 1976). This paper reports some extensions of the experimental approach, extensions which apparently enable us to elicit almost any arbitrary error at any level of complexity.
Lipoprotein(a)-Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease in the Framingham Heart Study

Background: Increased plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations have been reported to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in some prospective studies, but not in others. These inconsistencies may relate to a lack of standardization and the failure of some immunoassays to measure all apolipoprotein(a) isoforms equally. Methods: We measured plasma Lp(a)-cholesterol [Lp(a)-C] in a Caucasian population of offspring and spouses of the Framingham Heart Study participants, using a lectin-based assay (LipoproTM). We compared the prevalence of increased Lp(a)-C to the presence of sinking pre-β-lipoprotein (SPB). We also related Lp(a)-C concentrations to the prevalence of CHD risk in the entire population. Results: The mean (± SD) Lp(a)-C concentration in the Framingham population (n = 3121) was 0.186 ± 0.160 mmol/L, with no significant gender or age differences. The mean Lp(a)-C concentrations in the absence or presence of SPB were 0.158 ± 0.132 mmol/L and 0.453 ± 0.220 mmol/L, respectively ( P <0.0001). The mean Lp(a)-C concentration in men with CHD (n = 156) was 0.241 ± 0.204 mmol/L, which was significantly ( P <0.001) higher, by 34%, than in controls. The odds ratio for CHD risk in men with Lp(a)-C ≥0.259 mmol/L (≥10 mg/dL), after adjusting for age, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, and body mass index, was 2.293 (confidence interval, 1.55–3.94; P <0.0005). Lp(a)-C values correlated highly with a Lp(a)-mass immunoassay [ApotekTM Lp(a); r = 0.832; P <0.0001; n = 1000]. Conclusions: An increased Lp(a)-C value ≥0.259 mmol/L (≥10 mg/dL) is an independent CHD risk factor in men with a relative risk of more than 2, but was inconclusive in women. Lp(a)-C measurements offer an alternative to Lp(a)-mass immunoassays and can be performed on automated analyzers.
Glucokinase Gene Structure: Functional Implications of Molecular Genetic Studies

Glucokinase is expressed in both the liver and the pancreatic beta-cell and plays a key role in the metabolism of glucose by both tissues. Expression of this enzyme is differentially regulated; hepatic glucokinase is stimulated by insulin and repressed by cAMP, whereas beta-cell glucokinase activity is increased by glucose. Recently, the glucokinase gene has been characterized and was found to contain two different transcription control regions. One region regulates transcription of the gene in the liver, whereas the other region, which lies at least 12 kilobases further upstream, controls transcription in the pancreatic beta-cell. The finding of two different transcription control regions in a single glucokinase gene provides a genetic basis for the tissue-specific differential regulation of glucokinase and will serve as the basis for further studies to identify and characterize the different regulatory elements and factors in the liver and beta-cell, which are presumably involved. Comparison of different glucokinase cDNAs isolated from hepatic, insulinoma, and islet cDNA libraries indicates that at least three glucokinase isoforms are generated by differential RNA processing of the glucokinase gene transcripts. Whether any of these glucokinase isoforms are functionally unique remains to be determined.
Master of the Obscure—Automated Geostatistical Classification in Presence of Complex Geophysical Processes

The topic of this paper is the retrieval of hidden or secondary information on complex spatial variables from geophysical data. Typical situations of obscured geological or geophysical information are the following: (1) Noise may disturb the signal for a variable for which measurements have been collected. (2) The variable of interest may be obscured by other geophysical processes. (3) The information of interest may formally be captured in a secondary variable, whereas data may have been collected for a primary variable only, that is related to the geophysical process of interest. Examples discussed here include mapping of marine-geologic provinces from bathymetric data, identification of sea-ice properties from snow-depth data, analysis of snow surface data in an Alpine environment and association of deformation types in fast-moving glaciers from airborne video material or satellite imagery. Data types include geophysical profile or trackline data, image data, grid or matrix-type data, and more generally, any two-dimensional or three-dimensional discrete or discretizable data sets.
Multi-resolution track-before-detect tracking using dyadic trees

We study the problem of tracking low radar cross section (RCS) objects using a range doppler sensor. Previously proposed track-before-detect (TBD) algorithms for this problem do not scale to large scenes, as their computational complexity grows rapidly with increasing grid size. In this paper we present a novel tracking algorithm that controls the complexity of the tracking algorithm using an adaptive multi-resolution grid to represent state of the objects in the scene, with finer cells at regions with higher probability of presence of active targets. We present extensive simulation results to illustrate the superior scaling performance of our technique.
Pulse height analysis for detectors and multiplexers

A computer-controlled system has been developed for collecting output data from a multiplexer, an individual detector, or a multiplexed array of detectors, and generating pulse height distribution statistics in both tabular and graphical form. Array data from each pixel can be kept separate to produce statistics for each pixel or can be combined to produce statistics for the array as a whole. Both time and voltage thresholds can be established such that only those events above threshold are included in the statistics. The effect of time-dependent drift in the mean value of the outputs can also be minimized by computing a "running mean" which is subtracted from each data point as it is collected. Multiplexed or detector outputs are digitized with 15 bits of resolution at a rate up to 500,000 samples per second. There is no limit to the number of samples that can be collected to generate a given distribution.
Structural Analysis of the History of the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan

Although scientific psychology has existed in the United States for almost a century, a comprehensive and detailed treatise on its historical development has not yet been written. In particular, reports on the history of the various departments of psychology are either nonexistent or inaccessible. The following study proposes a methodology that will enable any interested person to generate parts of such information, and applies this methodology for a structural historical analysis of the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan.
Initial stages of oxidation of aluminum powder in oxygen

Oxidation of aluminum powders is known to include several stages, corresponding to growth of different polymorphs of alumina. The initial oxide layer is amorphous, which transfers to γ-Al2O3 at elevated temperatures and greater oxide thicknesses. This work focuses on quantitative characterization of oxidation for thin initial oxide layers occurring at relatively low temperatures. The experiments include different types of thermo-gravimetric (TG) measurements with increased amounts of powder loaded for greater sensitivity. Modulated and isothermal TG measurements were found to be less useful than constant heating rate measurements. Results were processed using both, an explicit oxidation model and a model-free isoconversion method. The latter approach was more productive in identifying the activation energy of oxidation. Using the activation energy as a function of reaction progress, the pre-exponent was also determined as a function of reaction progress assuming a diffusion-limited reaction mechanism. The reaction kinetics was validated by comparison between predicted and measured oxidation rates for nanoaluminum powders reported in the literature. Finally, the oxidation model was combined with a heat transfer model to describe ignition of aluminum particles exposed to a heated oxidizing environment. A sharp increase in the ignition temperature from 850 to 2260 K is predicted as the particle size increases from 0.3 to 1.2 µm. The results are found to be sensitive to the assumed initial oxide thickness (2.5 nm); they are also somewhat affected by the value of thermal accommodation coefficient used in the heat transfer model.
Relationships among cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contains proteins known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), including amyloid-related proteins, tau protein and apolipoprotein E. While the CSF concentrations of these proteins have been compared in subjects with and without dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), they have not been simultaneously assessed in carefully staged DAT subjects and control subjects to examine correlations among them. In this study, CSF concentrations of soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP), two forms of β-amyloid protein (Aβ total and Aβ 1-42 ), tau, and apolipoprotein E were assessed in subjects with (n = 33) and without (n = 11) DAT. Direct correlations were found between CSF concentrations of sAPP and tau and Aβ total , and between apolipoprotein E and Aβ total within the DAT subjects and within the combined group of DAT and control subjects. A weak inverse correlation was also found between CSF concentrations of tau and Aβ 1-42 within the combined group of DAT and control subjects. Moreover, increased severity of dementia was correlated with increased CSF tau concentrations and decreased sAPP and Aβ total concentrations. Increased CSF concentrations of tau significantly discriminated DAT and control subjects, as did the ratios of tau to Aβ total and tau to Aβ 1-42 .
Graphene Oxide–Gold Nanocage Hybrid Platform for Trace Level Identification of Nitro Explosives Using a Raman Fingerprint

Trace level identification of explosive molecules are very important not only for security screening but also for the environment and human health. Driven by the need, the current article reports for the first time gold nanocage–graphene oxide hybrid platform for the spectral fingerprint and the trace level identification of RDX and TNT. Reported experimental data using RDX show that the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enhancement factor for graphene oxide (GO) attached gold nanocage assembly is 4 orders of magnitude higher than only nanocage, and it is due to the enormous field enhancement for the nanocage assembly. The current article demonstrates that label-free nitro-explosive identification limits using hybrid platform can be as low as 10 fM for TNT and 500 fM for RDX, which indicate that gold nanocage–graphene oxide assembly can be very attractive for a variety of practical applications.
The Twilight of Presence: Pictorialized Illumination in Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Abstract This essay explores the relationship between pictures and the lighting conditions in which they were originally viewed. The theoretical interrelationship between brightness, illumination, and depiction is explored in a case study of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper mural at the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Advanced rendering software allows for the reconstruction the refectory as it stood when Leonardo painted the Last Supper, and demonstrates the complex interaction between light and space in the mural. This analysis illustrates how digital humanities might bridge traditional art-historical methods and forensic visualisation.
Depression Screening in Diabetes Care to Improve Outcomes: Are We Meeting the Challenge?

PurposeEvidence-based guidelines recommend regular depression screening among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study is to examine depression screening patterns among a primary care population with T2DM, through use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).MethodsIn total, 1817 patients with T2DM were analyzed through a retrospective observational study at 2 sites, a regional health center and a federally qualified health center (FQHC). The T2DM sample was divided into those with and without a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis. Depression screening rates and depression severity were assessed through the PHQ-9.ResultsBoth sites had higher rates of PHQ-9 screening among individuals with a history of MDD (64.82%) vs those without MDD (11.39%). Individuals from the FQHC without a history of depression had a higher mean PHQ-9 score (10.11) than those with a previous MDD diagnosis at both RHS and FQHC (7.16 and 9.85, respectively).ConclusionsDepression screening...
Porphyrias: Diagnosis and Management

The porphyrias are genetic diseases involving heme biosynthesis. The most prevalent syndromes are the three acute porphyrias – intermittent acute porphyria (AIP), variegate porphyria (VP), and coproporphyria (CP) – and the two non-acute porphyrias, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Another acute syndrome, delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase deficiency (ALAD), is very rare. Most porphyrias are dominantly inherited. PCT, however, is often acquired rather than inherited. Means for determining the diagnosis and management of these porphyrias, reviewed recently (Puy at el. 2010), are detailed herein.
“Technology isn’t Always the Best”: The Intersection of Health Tracking Technologies and Information Practices of Digital Natives

Some believe that today's young and tech-savvy generation will eagerly adopt the latest health tracking technologies. However, we know little about the tracking practices of young adults, and in particular how they use technologies to journal their daily fitness activities and diet. Drawing from practice theory, this study uses Savolainen's concept of information practice to examine the life contexts of users (e.g., personal goals and habits) that influence the use of health tracking technologies. Through interviews with thirteen college students, we identify the information practices that young adults perform to track their health and diet, outlining how different information practices exhibit different levels of reliance on technology. Life contexts may help explain why our young adults preferred "traditional" technologies like paper for some information practices. Further we suggest that the design of future health-tracking technologies need to holistically consider the interwoven nature of information practices, life contexts, and tracking technologies.
Perceived health and alcohol use in individuals with HIV and Hepatitis C who use drugs

Abstract Background Individuals who use illicit drugs are at heightened risk for HIV and/or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Despite the medical consequences of drinking for drug-using individuals with these infections, many do drink. In other studies, how individuals perceive their health relates to their engagement in risk behaviors such as drinking. However, among drug-using individuals with HIV and HCV, whether perceived health relates to drinking is unknown. Objective We examine the association between perceived health and drinking among drug-using individuals with HIV and/or HCV. Methods In a large, cross-sectional study, we utilized samples of individuals with HIV ( n = 476), HCV ( n = 1145), and HIV/HCV co-infection ( n = 180), recruited from drug treatment centers from 2005 to 2013. In each sample, we investigated the relationship between perceived health and drinking, using ordinal logistic regressions. We present uncontrolled models as well as models controlled for demographic characteristics. Results Among samples of drug using individuals with HIV and with HCV, poorer perceived health was associated with risky drinking only when demographic characteristics were taken into account (Adjusted Odds Ratios: 1.32 [1.05, 1.67] and 1.16 [1.00, 1.34], respectively). In the smaller HIV/HCV co-infected sample, the association of similar magnitude was not significant (AOR = 1.32 [0.90, 1.93]). Conclusions Drug using patients with HIV or HCV with poor perceived health are more likely to drink heavily, which can further damage health. However, when demographics are not accounted for, these effects can be masked. Patients' reports of poor health should remind providers to assess for health risk behaviors, particularly heavy drinking.
The Influence of Metal Ions on the Dynamics of Supported Phospholipid Langmuir Films

The translational diffusion dynamics of the zwitterionic lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) at a planar phosphorylated support surface containing metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Zr4+) was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Fluorescence recovery curves yielded diffusion constants on the order of 2–5 μm2/s for the chromophore-tagged 12:0 NBD-Lyso-PC. Ionic interactions between the zwitterionic headgroup and metal ions were found to play a secondary role in mediating lipid fluidity. This work provides quantitative insight into the extent to which the fluidity of a supported lipid film is mediated by the ionic interactions between headgroup and surface versus that of the lipid–lipid tailgroup interactions.
Why Choose Teaching

AbstractWith the teaching profession under attack from political, social, and economic forces, what is attracting individuals to seek out careers in education? Sort out the facts from the biases with evidence to guide your informed, thoughtful decision about teaching as a viable career option.
The effects of sternal intraosseous and intravenous administration of amiodarone in a hypovolemic swine cardiac arrest model.

Objective: This study compared the effects of amiodarone via sternal intraosseous (SIO) and intravenous (IV) routes on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), time to ROSC, concentration maximum (Cmax), time to maximum concentration (Tmax), and mean concentrations over time in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest model. Design: Prospective, between subjects, randomized experimental design. Setting: TriService Research Facility. Subjects: Yorkshire-cross swine (n = 28). Intervention: Swine were anesthetized and placed into cardiac arrest. After 2 minutes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. After an additional 2 minutes, amiodarone 300 mg was administered via the tibial intraosseous TIO or the IV route. Blood samples were collected over 5 minutes. The plasma concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Main Outcome Measurements: ROSC, time to ROSC, Cmax, Tmax, and mean concentrations over time. Results: A multivariate analyses of variance indicated that there were no significant differences in the SIO and IV groups in ROSC (p = 0.191), time to ROSC (p > 0.05), Tmax mean 88.1 ± 24.8 seconds versus 49.5 ± 21.8 seconds (p = 0.317), or Cmax mean 92,700 ± 161,112 ng / mL versus 64,159.8 ± 14,174.8 ng / mL (p = 0.260). A repeated analyses of variance indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups relative to concentrations over time (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The SIO provides rapid and reliable access to administer life-saving medications during cardiac arrest.
A Preliminary Study of Verbal Style among Normal and Speech Defective Children

This study was concerned with oral language style of children. The Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS) was administered to three matched groups of 16 Ss who varied in their ability to articulate phonemes correctly. Utilizing Jakobson’s similarity-contiguity model, each child’s explanations for his nonverbal choices were classified. The 48 children showed a marked preference for nominative-type rationale when presented with the “easier” items (1–50) and for contiguity when the more difficult cards (51–80) were given. Although speech handicapped children used a higher percentage of contiguity utterances, the differences between groups were not significant. The Ss who scored in the lower 50th percentile of the CMMS made significantly greater use of contiguity than those children who were in the upper 50th percentile. An alternate system for classifying children diagnosed as having functional articulation defects was suggested.
Cowpek’s Syringocele: A Classification of Dilatations of Cowper’s Gland Duct Based Upon Clinical Characteristics of 8 Boys

Lesions of Cowper's gland duct assume various appearances. A system to classify each of these appearances is offered to diagnose these lesions more precisely. The urethrographic and endoscopic characteristics of dilated Cowper's gland ducts noted in 8 boys are grouped as a simple classification. The dilated Cowper's duct is referred to as a syringocele (Greek syringo--tube plus cele--swelling). There are 4 groups of Cowper's syringoceles: 1) simple syringocele--a minimally dilated duct, 2) perforate syringocele--a bulbous duct that drains into the urethra via a patulous ostium and appears as a diverticulum, 3) imperforate syringocele--a bulbous duct that resembles a submucosal cyst and appears as a radiolucent mass, and 4) ruptured syringocele--the fragile membrane that remains in the urethra after a dilated duct ruptures. Marsupialization of the syringoceles cured urine infection and hematuria but voiding symptoms may persist.
Decentralization and Community-Based Management in Global Perspective: Trends and Institutions

The value of the case of the Education with Community Participation (EDUCO) program is not only in what it tells about how international organizations and ideas interact with national actors and how they influence education policy at the national level, but also in what the case of EDUCO means historically. That is, in addition to understanding the dynamics among national and international actors, we must place those dynamics into historical context in order to reveal the significance of the EDUCO program in relation to the larger trends of decentralization that we observe in the post-WWII context. In order to accomplish this task, I periodize three overarching trends in the thinking around decentralization and development since the 1950s.
Hamartoma of the bladder in a 4-year-old girl with hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract.

AbstractWe report on a girl with hamartomatous intestinal polyps and a large mass that involved most of the posterior wall of the bladder, which on microscopic examination had the characteristics of a hamartoma. Hamartomas are among the rarest of bladder tumors. Our case is only the third reported under this designation, although 3 other cases may fall into this category. Of the 6 patients 4 have been children. Although most polypoid bladder tumors in children are rhabdomyosarcomas of the botryoid type, our case illustrates that rarely other lesions are similar grossly. Recognition of these lesions has clinical implications with regard to therapy and prognosis.
Excess mortality patterns during 1918-1921 influenza pandemic in the state of Arizona, USA.

Abstract Purpose Our understanding of the temporal dynamics and age-specific mortality patterns of the 1918–1921 influenza pandemic remains scarce due to lack of detailed respiratory mortality datasets in the United States and abroad. Methods We manually retrieved individual death records from Arizona during 1915–1921 and applied time series models to estimate the age specific mortality burden of the 1918–1921 influenza pandemic. We estimated influenza-related excess mortality rates and mortality rate ratio increase over baseline based on pneumonia and influenza (P&I), respiratory, tuberculosis and all-cause death categories. Results Based on our analysis of 35,151 individual mortality records from Arizona, we identified three successive pandemic waves in spring 1918, fall 1918–winter 1919 and winter 1920. The pandemic associated excess mortality rates per 10,000 population in Arizona was estimated at 83 for P&I, 86 for respiratory causes, 84 for all-causes and 9 for tuberculosis. Age-specific P&I and tuberculosis excess death rates were highest among 25- to 44-year-olds and individuals ≥65 years, respectively. The 25- to 44-year-olds and 5- to 14-year-olds had highest P&I and tuberculosis mortality impact respectively when considering the ratio over background mortality. Conclusions The 1918–1921 influenza pandemic killed an estimated 0.8% of the Arizona population in three closely spaced consecutive waves. The mortality impact of the fall 1918 wave in Arizona lies in the upper range of previous estimates reported for other US settings and Europe, with a telltale age distribution of deaths concentrated among young adults. We identified a significant rise in tuberculosis-related mortality during the pandemic, lending support to the hypothesis that tuberculosis was a risk factor for severe pandemic infection. Our findings add to our current understanding of the mortality impact of this pandemic in the US and globally.
Infrastructure epistemologies: water, wastewater and displaced persons in Germany

AbstractRecent years have seen historically unprecedented global disaster migration; in 2016 Germany received 1.3 million displaced individuals. Regardless of past resources and future potential, disaster migrants are a new, vulnerable population. This new population increases demand for water and wastewater infrastructure services, despite being temporarily unable to pay for services. As such, this kind of sudden population increase is a resiliency challenge for the receiving infrastructure systems. Qualitative analysis of 1,884 open-ended survey responses was blended with a statistical analysis to discover how and why the German public perceives water and sanitation services have been provided to the disaster migrants. Unprompted, 36% (112/314) of respondents referenced at least one of three infrastructure epistemologies, including water and wastewater as a service, as a basic need, and as a human right. These epistemologies share statistically significant relationships with how long respondents feel wa...
Metabolism of rabbit bone marrow in vivo in Ringer-bicarbonate medium containing no added glucose.

Many cells continue to respire in vitro in the absence of exogenous glucose (1). On the other hand, in the presence of added glucose, some tissues show high respiratory rates without carbohydrate utilization (2, 3). In both cases the question of what materials the tissues utilize has not been adequately answered. It was hoped that a quantitative study of the in vitro metabolism of bone marrow in a medium containing no glucose might answer the following questions. Is the rate of oxygen consumption dependent on the presence or absence of glucose? In the absence of aerobic glycolysis, is lactic acid involved in the metabolism of bone marrow cells? How much is the respiratory quotient altered when bone marrow cells are denied glucose?