cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polémica de privilegios, un estudio comparativo de los textos Relación (1542) de Cabeza de Vaca e Historia, Capítulo XV, (1742) de Mota Padilla

The Spanish neo-feudal conceptof privilege continued rooted in thecolonizing discourse several centuries after the conquest. Utilizing MikhailBakhtin’s concept of the superaddressee, my discursive study comparesAlvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca’s 1542 La Relacion and Capitulo XV inMatias de la Mota Padilla’s 1742 Historia. Although two centuries separateCabeza de Vaca’s La Relacion and Capitulo XV in Mota Padilla’s Historia,the narratives use the notion of privilege to justify “their” social, political,and economic rights derived from the conquest. The paper consists of threesections: narrative background, economic context, and textual analysis.
Basic Bladder Physiology and Anatomy

The bladder’s main functions are to store and empty urine. It has unique anatomy to achieve these. The detrusor muscle and extracellular matrix are designed to store urine under low pressures and empty with sufficient force to evacuate urine but not damage the organ. Adrenergic and muscarinic receptors primarily receive signals from the nervous system to facilitate this unique interplay of storage and relaxation within the bladder. Neurologic diseases affect signaling to the bladder and thus impact on its ability to carry out coordinated function.
Deconstructing Dignity in Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying.

Though Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s On Death & Dying may be best known for its five stages of dying, the work was also greatly influential in pairing the concept of dignity with the notion of a good dea...
Algorithms and Lower Bounds for Cycles and Walks: Small Space and Sparse Graphs.

We consider space-efficient algorithms and conditional time lower bounds for finding cycles and walks in graphs. We give a reduction that connects the running time of undirected 2k-cycle to finding directed odd cycles, s-t connectivity in directed graphs, and Max-3-SAT. For example, we show that if 2k-cycle on O(n)-edge graphs can be solved in O(n^(1.5-e)) time for some e>0 then, a 2^(n(1-e')) time algorithm exists for Max-3-SAT for some e'>0. Additionally, we give a tight combinatorial lower bound for 2k-cycle detection, specifically when k is odd, of m^{2k/(k+1) +o(1)} given the Combinatorial k-Clique Hypothesis. On the algorithms side, we present a randomized algorithm for directed s-t connectivity using O(lg(n)^2) space and O(n^{lg(n)/2 + o(lg(n))}) expected time, giving a time improvement over Savitch’s famous algorithm, which takes at least n^{lg(n) - o(lg(n))} time. Under the conjecture that every O(lg(n)^2)-space algorithm for directed s-t connectivity requires n^Ω(lg(n)) time, we show that undirected 2k-cycle in O(lg(n)) space requires n^Ω(lg(k)) time.
Similitude of cement-bone micromechanics in cemented rat and human knee replacement.

A preclinical rat knee replacement model was recently developed to explore the biological and mechanobiological changes of trabecular resorption for cement-bone interdigitated regions. The goal here was to evaluate the relevance of this model compared with human knee replacement with regards to functional micromechanics. Eight nonsurvival, cemented knee replacement surgeries were performed, the interdigitated gap morphology was quantified, and interface micromotion between cement and bone was measured for 1 to 5 bodyweight loading. Computational fluid dynamics modeling of unit cell geometries with small gaps between trabeculae and cement was used to estimate fluid flow. Gap width (3.6 μm) was substantially smaller compared with cement-bone gaps reported in human knee replacement (11.8 μm). Micromotion at the cement-bone border was also decreased for the rat knee replacement (0.48 μm), compared with human (1.97 μm), for 1 bodyweight loading. However, the micromotion-to-gap width ratio (0.19 and 0.22 for, rat and human), and estimated fluid shear stress (6.47 and 7.13 Pa, for rat and human) were similar. Replicating the fluid dynamic characteristics of cement-bone interdigitated regions in human knee replacements using preclinical models may be important to recapitulate trabecular resorption mechanisms due to proposed supraphysiologic fluid shear stress. Statement of clinical significance: local cement-bone micromotion due to joint loading may contribute to the process of clinical loosening in total joint replacements. This work shows that while micromotion and gap morphology are diminished for the rat knee model compared to human, the motion-to-gap ratio, and corresponding fluid shear stress are of similar magnitudes.
De la retórica de la competitividad a la economía tutelada

This is not our ﬁrst commentary on the economic policy of a government at the end of its legislature. This last term ending in November of 2011 has continued in the same vein as previous ones, as well as showing a persistent decline in the Government’s expectations to propose an acceptable economic policy in its last term in power. Spain has experienced the supervision of its economy, although it has not had to undergo external intervention. Certainly, the economic policy of a State belonging to the Euro zone is very limited due to the sovereignty it has ceded; on the other hand, an economy like Spain’s, which is very open in its dealings abroad, has more difﬁculties implementing a vigorous, autonomous policy. The agenda of the new Government will undoubtedly include the administration of last summer’s constitutional reform which has made a priority of the policy of budgetary stability, but which cannot become a pretext for unsettling the constitutional economic system. This balance will not only demand a renewed constitutional consensus, but will also demand new economic governance in a global context. Our editorial places its best bet hereupon.
Cortical Thickness of the Salience Network and Change in Apathy Following Antidepressant Treatment for Late-Life Depression

Abstract Objective Apathy is common in late-life depression and is associated with poor response to antidepressant drugs. In depressed older adults, apathy may be characterized by neuroanatomical abnormalities of the salience network. The current study examined whether cortical thickness of select salience network structures predicted change in apathy following a 12-week treatment with escitalopram. Methods A sample of 46 older adults with major depressive disorder received 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment at a daily target dose of 20 mg. All participants underwent a structural brain MRI scan at baseline, and cortical thickness was estimated in key cortical nodes of the salience network: the caudal anterior cingulate cortex and the insula. We measured baseline and post-treatment symptoms using the Apathy Evaluation Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Results A thicker insula at baseline predicted reduction in apathy symptoms following 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram, even when controlling for age, baseline depression severity and change in depressive symptoms. Conclusion Reduced insular thickness predicted residual apathetic symptoms following escitalopram treatment. These results converge with our previous findings of abnormal functional connectivity of the insular cortex in older depressed individuals with apathy. Older depressed adults with apathy may benefit from alternative treatment approaches or augmentative interventions that target abnormalities of the salience network.
Magnetic structure and exchange interactions in the layered semiconductor CrPS 4

Compounds with two-dimensional (2D) layers of magnetic ions weakly connected by van der Waals bonding offer routes to enhance quantum behavior, stimulating both fundamental and applied interest. ${\mathrm{CrPS}}_{4}$ is one such magnetic van der Waals material, however, it has undergone only limited investigation. Here we present a comprehensive series of neutron scattering measurements to determine the magnetic structure and exchange interactions. The observed magnetic excitations allow a high degree of constraint on the model parameters not normally associated with measurements on a powder sample. The results demonstrate the 2D nature of the magnetic interactions, while also revealing the importance of interactions along 1D chains within the layers. The subtle role of competing interactions is observed, which manifest in a nontrivial magnetic transition and a tunable magnetic structure in a small applied magnetic field through a spin-flop transition. Our results on the bulk compound provide insights that can be applied to an understanding of the behavior of reduced layer ${\mathrm{CrPS}}_{4}$.
The Destiny of Postoperative Residual Ventricular Septal Defects After Surgical Repair in Infants and Children.

Purpose:Residual ventricular septal defects (rVSDs) of small size are commonly seen on transesophageal echocardiography after surgical repair. This study aimed to determine the destiny of rVSD foun...
The Racial Landscape of Fintech Mortgage Lending

Little is known about racial patterns in fintech mortgage lending, despite evidence of racial disparities in the broader mortgage market. This study leverages 2015–2017 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act...
Effect of Keratinocyte Growth Factor on Hospital Readmission and Regimen-Related Toxicities after Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma

ABSTRACT Regimen-related toxicities with high-dose therapy followed by hematopoietic cell rescue leads to considerable patient distress, morbidity, and high readmission rates. Palifermin is a recombinant keratinocyte growth factor that is Food and Drug Administration-approved to decrease severe oral mucositis (OM) associated with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (ASCT) for hematologic malignancies. We added palifermin as a supportive care measure for patients with lymphoma undergoing ASCT with BEAM conditioning. We compared patients receiving palifermin (n = 35) with historical controls (n = 38) for toxicity and readmission outcomes. The cumulative incidence of OM of any grade was 23% in the palifermin-treated patients and 42% in the control group. Patients receiving palifermin were less likely to be readmitted (57% versus 82%; P = .04), had fewer hospital readmission days (median, 4 days versus 7 days; P 20 days in the hospital through day +30 (9% in the palifermin group versus 23% of controls). Adverse events associated with palifermin were mild and transient. The addition of palifermin limits severe regimen-related toxicities and decreases readmissions and duration of hospital stay. This and other measures are needed to identify comprehensive and cost-effective approaches, possibly including palifermin, to prevent severe regimen-related toxicities and decrease health care resource utilization.
Adenovirus viremia may predict adenovirus pneumonia severity in immunocompetent children.

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between adenovirus viremia and disease severity in immunocompromised children. However, few studies have focused on this association in immunocompetent children. This study explored the association between adenovirus viremia and adenovirus pneumonia severity in immunocompetent children. We performed a retrospective, observational study of immunocompetent children with adenovirus pneumonia admitted to Shenzhen Children’s Hospital in Shenzhen, China. Pneumonia was classified as severe or mild based on the Chinese guideline for the classification of pneumonia severity. Serum samples from all the children included in the study were tested for adenovirus DNA with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and disease severity were compared between children with severe and mild pneumonia. A total of 111 immunocompetent children with adenovirus pneumonia (60 severe, 51 mild) were included. The median age was 40 months, and 64 patients were male. Five patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and two underwent endotracheal intubation. All patients were discharged after recovery or improvement. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis showed that leukocytosis (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.2; P = 0.033), co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.1 to 12.3; P < 0.001), and high blood viral load (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2 to 2.0; P = 0.001) may be risk factors for severe adenovirus pneumonia. Leukocytosis, co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and high blood viral load may be risk factors for severe adenovirus pneumonia in immunocompetent children. Blood viral load may predict pneumonia severity.
Configurable and Scalable High-Side or Low-Side Driver in BiCMOS with 20dBµV Emission at 88MHz

System Basis Chips (SBC) demand configurable High Side (HS) or Low Side (LS) drivers for driving Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in HS or LS configuration. LS configuration is also used to create DC shift for instrumentation amplifiers for precision offset measurements. Instead of independent drivers for each configuration, a driver configurable for both HS and LS topologies with accurate current sensing is preferred. In this paper, a 40V slew rate controlled, configurable HS or LS driver with accurate current sensing to provide load current information and current limitation for automotive applications is presented. One of the challenges is to have precise current sensing of voltages as low as 2mV. Existing solutions use auto zeroing or chopper techniques. A simple and cost effective solution using NPN transistors in BiCMOS process is proposed. This simplifies the design of the driver for both HS and LS configurations and the freewheeling concept for inductive loads without adding external Schottky diodes. The switch drives 90mA load current with 300mV Drain-Source drop voltage. The slew rate is 220mV/µs with a conducted emission of 20dBµV at FM band of 88MHz. The current limit is 130mA with 100mA over current detection threshold.
Clinically significant depression among parents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining the protective role of family relationships

Responding to families at heightened risk for mental health burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical—evidence suggests parents face elevated burdens compared to their nonparent counterparts. Building on studies that demonstrate a spillover of stress across domains and individuals within families, this study examines longitudinal predictors of elevated risks for clinical depression among parents based on relational family indicators, COVID-specific stressors, and stress and emotion regulation indicators. Baseline data were collected from parents (n = 176;average age 37.04, 50% female) on April 27–28, 2020, 5 weeks after the first U.S. quarantines began. Follow-up data were collected 30 days later. Results indicated concerning levels of parents’ mental health symptoms over this short time span, including elevated stressors and exacerbated mental health symptoms for approximately one-quarter of parents. Given the need for agile service responses for those at the greatest risk, this article examines predictions of clinically significant depression through binary logistic regression. These individuals were more likely to report greater anxiety and stress symptoms, as well as report less closeness in their parent–child relationships;couple satisfaction was not a significant predictor of depression. Implications include recommended agile responses to alleviate distress and expand access to mental health supports, particularly in light of pervasive shelter-in place orders that limit access to previously established coping supports and sources of social connection (e.g., schools or community centers), that are anticipated to recur in the months ahead. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) © 2021 American Psychological Association
Mothers’ Support Preferences With Their Chronically Ill Child’s Health Care Team:

Children living with medical complexities are a growing population in the United States. Supportive pediatric health care team members are arguably the single most important factor in helping mothe...
Adult Beliefs About the Migration Motives of Unaccompanied Honduran Youth

A number of researchers have examined undocumented migration from Central America. This literature lacks information about adult beliefs regarding the motivations of minors who journey from Central...
Biomarkers Predictive of Long-Term Outcome After Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background and Purpose The goal of this study was to systematically review the utility of serum biomarkers in the setting of ischemic stroke (IS) to predict long-term outcome. Methods A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases for studies published between 1986-2018. All studies assessing long-term functional outcome (defined as 30 days or greater) following IS with respect to serum biomarkers were included. Data were extracted and pooled using a meta-analysis of odds ratios. Results Of the total 2928 articles in the original literature search, 183 studies were ultimately selected. A total of 127 serum biomarkers were included. Biomarkers were grouped into several categories: inflammatory (32), peptide/enzymatic (30), oxidative/metabolic (28), hormone/steroid based (23), and hematologic/vascular (14). The most commonly studied biomarkers in each category were found to be CRP, S100β, albumin, copeptin, and D-dimer. With the exception of S100β, all were found to be statistically associated with >30-day outcome after ischemic stroke. Conclusions Serum-based biomarkers have the potential to predict functional outcome in IS patients. This meta-analysis has identified CRP, albumin, copeptin, and D-dimer to be significantly associated with long-term outcome after IS. These biomarkers have the potential to serve as a platform for prognosticating stroke outcomes after 30 days. These serum biomarkers, some of which are routinely ordered, can be combined with imaging biomarkers and used in artificial intelligence algorithms to provide refined predictive outcomes after injury. Ultimately these tools will assist physicians in providing guidance to families with regards to long-term independence of patients.
Tubularized, Incised Plate Urethroplasty for Distal Hypospadias

AbstractA technique is described for correction of distal hypospadias with minimal chordee by tubularizing the urethral plate. The key step is deep longitudinal incision of the plate, which allows for tubularization without the need for additional flaps. The resultant neourethra is functionally adequate and an excellent cosmetic result with a vertically oriented meatus is achieved. A total of 16 boys underwent the procedure with no case of meatal stenosis or fistula occurring during a median followup of 22 months.
Expansion of 2B4+ natural killer (NK) cells and decrease in NKp46+ NK cells in response to influenza.

Summary Several studies have highlighted the importance of murine natural killer (NK) cells in the control of influenza virus infection, notably through the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp46. However, little is known about the involvement of NK cells in human influenza infection. Here, we show that upon in vitro exposure to influenza, NKp46 expression on NK cells decreases, whereas expression of 2B4, an activating receptor that can enhance natural cytotoxicity in synergy with NKp46, is up-regulated. Consistent with these observations, NKp46dull and 2B4bright NK cells had a higher functional activity in response to influenza than NK cells expressing high levels of NKp46 or low levels of 2B4, respectively. Importantly, we assessed whether the expression of these receptors was also modified in vivo in response to influenza antigens and showed that an increase in 2B4-expressing NK cells and a decrease in NKp46+ NK cells occurred following intramuscular influenza vaccination. Altogether, our results further suggest that NKp46 may play an important role in the innate immune response to human influenza and reveal that exposure to influenza antigens is associated with a previously unrecognized increase in 2B4 expression that can impact NK cell activity against the virus.
Neurophysiological characterization of transpinal evoked potentials in human leg muscles

The objectives of this study were to characterize the neurophysiological properties of the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) evoked by transcutaneous electric stimulation of the spine (tsESS), and the effects of tsESS on the soleus H-reflex in seated and standing healthy human subjects. In seated semi-prone subjects with the trunk semi-flexed, two re-usable self-adhering electrodes (cathode), connected to act as one electrode, were placed bilaterally on the iliac crests. A re-usable pregelled electrode (anode) was placed on the thoracolumbar region at thoracic 10-lumbar 1 and held under constant pressure throughout the experiment. CMAPs were recorded bilaterally from ankle muscles with subjects seated semi-prone at 1.0, 0.3, 0.2, 0.125, and 0.1 Hz following tsESS. The soleus H-reflex, evoked by posterior tibial nerve stimulation via conventional methods, was measured following tsESS at inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs) that ranged from -100 to 100 ms with the subjects seated semi-prone and during standing. The tsESS-induced CMAPs were not decreased at low stimulation frequencies, and the soleus H-reflex excitability was profoundly decreased by tsESS at ISIs that ranged from -5 to 20 ms with the subjects seated semi-prone and during standing. CMAPs induced by tsESS may be utilized to assess spinal-to-muscle conduction time while bypassing spinal motoneuron excitability and tsESS can be used as a modality to decrease spinal reflex hyper-excitability in neurological disorders.
Clinician-delivered contingency management increases engagement and attendance in drug and alcohol treatment

Abstract Objective This study examined the impact of a low-cost contingency management (CM) delivered by program clinicians on treatment attendance and utilization for patients enrolled in outpatient psychosocial substance abuse treatment. Methods The study used a pre–posttest design to compare substance abuse patients who received Reinforcement-Based Treatment (RBT) plus low cost CM (n = 130; RBT + CM) to patients who received RBT only (n = 132, RBT). RBT + CM participants received a $10 incentive for returning to treatment the day following intake assessment (day one), and a $15 incentive for attending treatment on day five following admission. RBT clients received standard care intervention without the addition of the CM procedures. Groups were compared on proportion of participants who returned to treatment on day one, mean days of treatment attendance, individual sessions attended, and treatment utilization during the first week and the first month following treatment admission. Results Both the RBT + CM and RBT group participants returned to the clinic on day one at high rates (95% versus 89%, respectively). However, the RBT group participants were more likely to attend the intake assessment only (i.e., never return to treatment) compared to the RBT + CM participants. Additionally, the RBT + CM participants attended significantly more treatment days, attended more individual counseling sessions, and had higher rates of overall treatment utilization compared to the RBT participants during the one week and one month following treatment admission. Conclusions Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of a CM intervention delivered by clinicians for increasing treatment attendance and utilization in a community substance abuse program.
Cognitive deficits in spinal cord injury : epidemiology and outcome

Cognitive deficits are common among patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI), but reported prevalence figures vary because of different methods of study. Factors associated with cognitive deficits in patients with SCI include age, educational background, history of learning disability, chronic alcohol and substance abuse, and concomitant or recurrent traumatic brain injury. Psychologic testing of patients with and without cognitive deficits indicates that impaired psychosocial adjustment and adaptation are more frequent in SCI patients who have evidence of cognitive deficits. Various associations have been found between neuropsychologic test performance and major depression. Cognitive functioning and premorbid educational level appear to be associated with medical stability, the patient's ability to assimilate the necessary skills for survival and adaptation after SCI, and readmission patterns after discharge for initial inpatient rehabilitation.
Enzymatic N-acetylation of indolealkylamines by brain homogenates of the honeybee, Apis mellifera

Abstract Brain homogenates of the honey-bee, Apis mellifera, have been found to possess enzymes capable of catalysing the N-acetylation of tryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine with acetyl coenzyme A as the acetyl donor. The Km of the N-acetylation of tryptamine was 5·0 × 10−7 M at pH 7·0 and 33°C. Evidence was obtained that the indolealkylamines, tryptamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine, are not oxidized by monoamine oxidase (MAO) as is commonly considered to be a major catabolic route in vertebrate animals. The assay of Wurtman and Axelrod , reportedly specific for monoamine oxidase activity, will not distinguish between oxidation by MAO and N-acetylation of tryptamine and so should not be used to assay for MAO activity in insect tissues without careful identification of the products of the reaction. Implications of N-acetylation of indoleaklamines are discussed in relation to the neurotransmitter problem.
Reactivity of organic-rich sediment in seawater at 350°c, 500 bars: experimental and theoretical constraints and implications for the guaymas basin hydrothermal system

Abstract Hydrothermal alteration of organic-rich diatomaceous sediment by seawater was modelled experimentally at 350°C, 500 bars and seawater/sediment mass ratio of 3. The experiment was performed to assess the effect of organic matter reactivity on solution speciation and sediment alteration processes at an elevated temperature and pressure and provide requisite data to better understand the chemistry of hydrothermal fluids issuing from vents in the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. Seawater chemistry changed greatly during the experiment. In particular, Na, Mg and SO 4 decreased, while ∑ CO 2 , ∑ NH 3 , ∑ H 2 S, SiO 2 , Ca, K, H 2 , CH 4 and heavy and base metals increased. Moreover, owing to the thermal alteration of sediment organic matter, organic acids, phenolic derivatives and phthlate were released to solution. Examination of solid alteration products revealed the effects of extensive dissolution and precipitation processes characterized by total elimination of diatoms and formation of cristobalite, quartz (?), pyrite, pyrrhotite, mixed layer chlorite/smectite and calcite. Plagioclase feldspar (An 40 ) recrystallized to a more albitic form owing to Na fixation and Ca cycling to calcite. A graphitic residue was also present in the products of the experiment. Mg and Na fixation reactions during the experiment generated significant H + , although the pH measured at 25°C was approximately 6.2. SO 4 reduction and thermal alteration and dissolution of organics, however, consume H + and are chiefly responsible for the near neutral pH for the overall reaction. Speciation calculations including ammine and acetate protonation reactions give a pH at experimental conditions of approximately 5.1, while mineral solubility relations involving virtually all alteration phases require a pH of 5.57 to 5.94. A near neutral pH at experimental conditions constrains the mobility of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni, which existed in solution as chloro-complexes. Dissolved concentrations of Pb and Al, in contrast, covaried with dissolved organics, especially acetate, suggesting organo-metallic complex formation.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in schizophrenia

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has become an important tool to study in vivo certain biochemical aspects of brain disorders. In the last decade this technique has been applied to the in vivo investigation of pathophysiological aspects of psychiatric disorders, extending knowledge of the related brain alterations. This review will focus on providing some background to clarify technical and biochemical issues and it will describe the studies that have been performed in schizophrenia. The results will be framed in a more general context to highlight what we have learned and what remains to be understood from the application of this technique to schizophrenia.
The social dimension of the Southern Vowel Shift: Gender, age and class

The three most broadly recognized dialect areas of American Regional English are currently being re-defined by, in some cases, sweeping changes that alter the way vowels are being pronounced in the South, North and West. While research into the changes in urban Northern dialects has contributed a fairly broad picture of both the phonetic and social character of the Northern Cities Shift (NCS), the changes affecting the Southern region of the U.S. have received less attention, particularly in terms of social distribution and dissemination. This paper seeks to address the question of how successfully changes in the high and mid front and back vowels in the South are being disseminated throughout a local urban community and how these changes fit in with changes occurring in other American dialects. In addition, the paper weighs the attraction to local or national norms in determining the success and diffusion of each of the shifts relative to the social environment in which they are developing and attempts to relate the local social embedding of the shifts to their meaning in the larger national context.
Indirect Costs and Other Uses of Facilities Data at Institutions

This chapter discusses how facilities data relate to research activities and funding for those types of activities in relation to indirect cost recovery efforts.
VOTERS: design of a mobile multi-modal multi-sensor system

The US roadways and bridge decks require an estimated $2.2T in investments to improve from its current D score in the most recent ASCE report card [29] to a good level. A network-wide health assessment of the roadway infrastructure is necessary to direct investments to the areas of most need and benefit. However, current survey methods are too expensive in terms of man power and impact to traffic.This paper introduces the Versatile Onboard Traffic-Embedded Roaming Sensors (VOTERS) project which provides a framework to complement periodical localized inspections of roadways and bridge decks with continuous network-wide health monitoring. VOTERS has created a prototype mobile multi-modal (acoustic, electromagnetic, optical) multi-sensor system compatible with this framework and the goal to help prioritize direct investments to the areas of most need and benefit [9].VOTERS utilizes traffic-embedded Vehicles Of Opportunity (VOOs) which roam through daily traffic for data collection. This non-intrusive collection eliminates hazardous, congestion-prone work zones, that are typically set up to gather these critical inspection data sets. VOTERS provides maintenance decision makers and researchers with a temporal and spatial data set not available in roadway and bridge deck inspection today. This paper overviews system-level aspects of the VOTERS design, highlights the variety of data types that the final prototype will collect, and outlines data processing approaches.
Molecular phylogenetic evidence for multiple gains or losses of ant mutualism within the aphid genus Chaitophorus

Mutualism with ants is suspected to be a highly labile trait within homopteran evolution. We used molecular phylogenetic evidence to test whether the mutualism has multiple origins within a single aphid genus. We constructed a molecular phylogeny of 15 Chaitophorus Koch (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) species, using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II sequences. Ant tending evolved, or was lost, at least five times during Chaitophorus evolution. Parametric bootstrapping rejected the hypothesis of a single origin of ant tending in this genus. Further, the Chaitophorus made at least two host genus switches from poplars (Populus) to willow (Salix), and four switches in feeding position, from leaf feeding to stem feeding or vice versa. This is the first phylogenetic confirmation that ant tending is an evolutionarily labile trait in aphids.
A variational procedure utilizing the assumption of maximum dissipation rate for gradient-dependent elastic–plastic materials

Abstract In this brief note we consider an elastic–plastic material whose strain energy depends not only on the plastic strain but also on spatial gradient. The governing equations of motion are obtained by maximizing the rate of global energy dissipation. The resulting differential equations are specialized for the case where the strain energy depends only upon the density of geometrically necessary dislocations.
Screening mammography: a successful public health initiative

This paper reviews the ability of screening mammography to reduce breast cancer death rates, and it discusses methods that maximize benefits and reduce false-positive interpretations in a screening program. The review covers published results from screening mammography programs conducted in Europe and North America, along with quality assurance measures designed to ensure that similar or even better outcomes will be shared by other populations of screened women. Randomized trials in Europe and the United States of America have shown the benefit from screening women ages 40-70 years. Encouraged by the success of these trials, many Scandinavian countries now offer screening mammography to their populations as a public health service. These service screening programs have reduced breast cancer deaths as much as 63% among women who were screened. In the United States, where 61.5% of women age 40 and older report having had a mammogram in the preceding year, death rates from breast cancer have been falling despite an increasing incidence of the disease. The technical quality of mammography in the United States has improved as a result of advances in mammography equipment, including the film-screen systems. Also contributing to the improvement has been the implementation of federally mandated quality control testing at each mammography facility, as required by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), which the Congress of the United States approved in 1992. Factors that result in increased detection of early-stage cancers include better technique, use of two mammographic views per breast, annual screening intervals, and improved interpretation. Mammography is one of the 10 major subject categories on the American Board of Radiology examinations. Furthermore, MQSA requires radiologists who practice mammography to obtain continuing medical education credits and to use standard interpretation assessments on every report. Manuals for technical quality control and breast imaging reporting, as well as education and self-assessment materials on interpretation, have been developed by the American College of Radiology. Even though mammography will not detect all breast cancers, it is still the best available screening test. The American Cancer Society recommends that annual screening mammography begin no later than age 40 years.
Nerve injury after lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a review of 919 treated levels with identification of risk factors

Abstract Background context Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) has become an increasingly common minimally invasive procedure for selective degenerative deformity correction, reduction of low-grade spondylolisthesis, and indirect foraminal decompression. Concerns remain about the safety of the transpsoas approach to the spine due to proximity of the lumbosacral plexus. Purpose To address risk factors for iatrogenic nerve injury in a large cohort of patients undergoing LLIF. Study design Retrospective analysis of 919 LLIF procedures to identify risk factors for lumbosacral plexus injuries. Methods The medical charts of patients who underwent transpsoas interbody fusion with or without supplemental posterior fusion for degenerative spinal conditions over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with prior lumbar spine surgery or follow-up of less than 6 months were excluded. Factors that may affect the neurologic outcome were investigated in a subset of patients who underwent stand-alone LLIF. Results Four hundred fifty-one patients (males/females: 179/272) met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 15 months (range, 6–53 months). Average age at the time of surgery was 63 years (range, 24–90 years). Average body mass index was 29 kg/m2 (range, 17–65 kg/m2). A total of 919 levels were treated (mean, 2 levels per patient). Immediately after surgery, 38.5% of the patients reported anterior thigh/groin pain, whereas sensory and motor deficits were recorded in 38% and 23.9% of the patients, respectively. At the last follow-up, 4.8% of the patients reported anterior thigh/groin pain, whereas sensory and motor deficits were recorded in 24.1% and 17.3% of the patients, respectively. When patients with neural deficits present before surgery were excluded, persistent surgery-related sensory and motor deficits were identified in 9.3% and 3.2% of the patients, respectively. Among 87 patients with minimum follow-up of 18 months, persistent surgery-related sensory and motor deficits were recorded in 9.6% and 2.3% of the patients, respectively. Among patients with stand-alone LLIF, the level treated was identified as a risk factor for postoperative lumbosacral plexus injury. The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 was associated with persistent motor deficits. Conclusions Although LLIF is associated with an increased prevalence of anterior thigh/groin pain as well as motor and sensory deficits immediately after surgery, our results support that pain and neurologic deficits decrease over time. The level treated appears to be a risk factor for lumbosacral plexus injury.
Evaluation of N,N′-bis-dimethyldiatrizoic acid analogs as liver imaging agents

The detection of focal hepatic lesions by computed tomography using water-soluble ionic (ICM) or nonionic (NICM) contrast agents (CA) is a widely used radiological procedure (1). Limitations stemming from nonspecific tissue distribution and short residence time, which render small lesions undetectable, make this procedure less than optimal for hepatic imaging. Liver specificity and increased residence time provide agents of higher sensitivity (2), in addition to enabling the requisite longer imaging window. Examples of such agents that target the nonparenchymal (Kupffer) system are ethiodized-oil emulsions (3), iodinated starch particles (4), liposomat CA formulations (5), water-insoluble esters of ICM (6), and triiodinated PEG-based micelles (7). However, this approach is accompanied by unacceptable side effects (1) and hence has been abandoned. An alternative approach targeting the parenchymal (hepatocytes) system using polyiodinated triglycerides is currently under active investigation (8). In this paper we present another approach for the development of liver-specific agents by the hydrophobic modification of diatrizoic acid (la). Hydrophobic modification is known (9,10) to favor liver uptake by promoting plasma protein binding and thereby reducing kidney excretion. Amphophils, mimicking bile acids (11), are also taken up by hepatocytes by specific transport pathways. Our approach for the synthesis of hydrophobic and amphophilic diatrizoate derivatives consisted in N,N' bis-methylation to obtain N,N'-bis-
Gasification of graphite studied by scanning tunneling microscopy

We have used an STM to examine the gasification processes of graphite. The formation of monolayer voids on graphite surface during the noncatalytic oxidation reaction is confirmed, and a linear relationship between the radius of voids and time is found. Fast multilayer edge recession, which is independent of the depth of the edge, has also been observed. By measuring the radius at different temperatures, the activation energies for the oxidation of atoms at the monolayer edge and on the wall of multiple-layer steps have been determined to be 127 KJ/mol and 116 KJ/mol, respectively. Metal particles deposited on graphite produce multilayer channels because particles move as they catalyze channel formation in both H2 and O2.
A biomedical military–industrial complex?

Abstract Since the terrorist attacks and anthrax letters in 2001, the US government has multiplied the number of government programs and agencies concerned with biosecurity and greatly increased its spending on related projects, including a 20-fold increase in spending for biodefense research. This paper considers whether the surge in spending and the responses from industry, universities, and individual scientists have created a network of interlocking interests that constitute a new ‘Biomedical Military–Industrial Complex’ (BMIC), similar to the military–industrial complex that Eisenhower warned against in his Farewell Address. Despite the emergence of many practices associated with the military–industrial complex, the tentative conclusion is that the new institutions and practices in the area of biosecurity do not merit the BMIC label, at least not yet. In particular, the concern that knowledge production in the life sciences might be seriously distorted by the increase in biodefense funding is discounted because, since the rise of molecular biology in the 1970s, the biological sciences have steadily evolved toward a model in which university research is already heavily influenced by outside patrons and commercial interests.
Production of specific site probes of tRNA structure by enrichment with carbon 13 at particular locations

Escherichia coli C6 rel met cys was cultured in a stringently defined minimal medium containing 13C-enriched metabolites in order to (1) achieve maximal 13C isotopic enrichment of tRNA; and (2) produce site specific but natural, non-perturbing NMR probes of tRNA structure and function. Growth conditions were manipulated to achieve optimal culture growth concomitant with maximal in vivo incorporation of various 13C-enriched nucleic acid precursors, including L-[methyl-13C] methionine, [2-(13)C] adenine, and [2-(13)C] uracil. Effective blockage of purine biosynthesis de novo was accomplished with the addition of the antimetabolite 6-mercaptopurine to the growth medium. Transfer RNAs specifically 13C-enriched in all methyl groups (57 atom %), C2 of adenine (60 atom %), and C2 of uracil (82 atom %) and C2 of cytosine (73 atom %) have been produced.
Fuzzy genetic scheduling with single and multiple schedulers

This paper seeks to determine the feasibility of using fuzzy concepts in conjunction with genetic algorithms to solve multi-objective single machine scheduling considering both single scheduler and multiple schedulers. Another focus of this research is to test the feasibility of gene detection strategies to perform block crossover during the evolution cycle of the genetic algorithm. During block crossover, the good gene segments from the parent chromosomes are preserved in the child chromosomes. Several problems with known optimal solutions for non-zero ready times are tested using the proposed method and the results are reported. Different membership function types and fitness function evaluation methods are also compared. The results indicate that the proposed method finds the optimal solution with high frequency. Finally, the paper also discusses how multiple schedulers with different preferences could find the optimal solution as a group even though individual schedulers cannot always find it.
Direct Measurement of Dilute Nitric Oxide in Solution with an Ozone Chemiluminescent Detector

Abstract Nitric oxide can be rapidly extracted from dilute aqueous solutions into the gas phase by diffusion through hydrophobic membranes, permitting direct measurement of nitric oxide and observation of its reactions by a commercial chemiluminescent nitric oxide detector. Nitric oxide is a hydrophobic gas, crossing membranes much as oxygen and carbon dioxide do in blood gas analyzers. A loop of hydrophobic tubing made from microporous polypropylene was passed through a solution containing nitric oxide. One end of the tubing was connected to the inlet of the nitric oxide detector and maintained under vacuum. A continuous stream of carrier gas is passed through the other end of the tubing to sweep the nitric oxide from the inside of the tubing walls into the chemiluminescent detector. The device can measure nitric oxide at final concentrations as low as 10 nM with a time response of under 1 s. When the gas flow through the tubing is transiently diverted for periods up to several minutes, nitric oxide continues to accumulate within the tubing. The accumulated nitric oxide is rapidly washed out upon return of gas flow, resulting in a single peak which increases the sensitivity by one to two orders of magnitude. This method of measuring nitric oxide can be used to follow kinetics of nitric oxide formation or reactions with biological molecules. It is substantially faster and more selective than commercial electrochemical probes for nitric oxide.
Configuration of thiols dictates their ability to promote iron-induced reactive oxygen species generation.

AbstractIron catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction. The modification of this phenomenon in the presence of various thiol compounds that are nominally reducing agents has been studied. Using the synaptosomal/mitochondrial (P2) fraction of rat cerebral cortex as a biological source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, we studied the influence of four compounds, glutathione (GSH), cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and homocysteine on iron-induced ROS production. None of the thiol compounds alone, at the concentrations used, affected the basal rate of ROS production in the P2 fraction. GSH, homocysteine and NAC did not alter Fe-induced ROS generation, while cysteine greatly potentiated ROS formation. Measurement of the rate of ROS production in the presence of varying concentrations of cysteine together with 20 µM ferrous iron revealed a dose-response relationship. The mechanism whereby free cysteine, but not the cysteine-containing peptide GSH, homocys...
Electron spectroscopy study of the heavy fermion compound U2Zn17

Abstract We report X-ray photoemission, resonant photoemission and Bremsstrahlung isochromat spectra of the 4f core levels, the valence band and the conduction band, respectively, of the heavy fermion compound U 2 Zn 17 and the reference compound Th 2 Zn 17 , and we assess current efforts to interpret such spectra.
Insinuated theory from curricula‐in‐use

(1986). Insinuated theory from curricula‐in‐use. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 26, Educational Perspectives, Then and Now, pp. 332-337.
NONLINEAR SATURATION OF TOROIDAL ALFVEN EIGENMODES VIA ION COMPTON SCATTERING

The nonlinear interactions of high mode number toroidal Alfven eigenmodes (TAE), mediated via Compton scattering off the bulk ions, are investigated. It is shown that nonlinear /I[ital J][sub [perpendicular]] [times]/I[ital B][sub [perpendicular]] ponderomotive force produced by TAE's interaction drives sound-wave-like density fluctuation with low phase velocity which can resonantly interact with the bulk ion parallel motion. Consequently, fluctuation energy of TAE's is transferred to lower frequency and eventually absorbed by linearly stable TAE's near the lower shear Alfven continuum, leading to nonlinear saturation. An explicit expression for the saturated magnetic fluctuation amplitude is derived.