cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Animal models of exposure therapy: A selective review

Publisher Summary In animal models of exposure therapy, there remains a high degree of correspondence between observations and research findings on the use of various forms of exposure therapy in humans with the results of animal analog experiments. The effects of all major parameters of exposure therapy procedures including duration of treatment, the use of distraction and contingent reinforcement, and the action of a range of drugs are highly similar in animals and humans. Close correspondences have been found for the effects of drugs in combination with exposure therapy. Anxiety in animal models responds to exposure-like treatments in a way that is similar in humans. One important implication of the close correspondence between animal and human behavior in anxiety and exposure treatment situation has to do with conceptual and pragmatic status of some newer modes of theorizing. Great success has been obtained with animal models that remain closely tied to descriptive principles of behavior.
A SELF-CONSISTENT ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO NON-LOCAL POTENTIAL AND SHELL STRUCTURE OF SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI

The essential features of solving a single particle nonlocal potential are outlined briefly. The nuclear systematics thus obtained for known nuclei in the periodic table are extended for the superheavy nuclei. Their stability properties with special reference to shell closure and estimated alpha-decay energies and half life times are discussed.
Fiber-facet-integrated guided-mode resonance filters and sensors: experimental realization

Guided-mode resonant (GMR) thin films integrated on fiber tips are known to realize compact filters and sensors. However, limited progress in experimental realization has been reported to date. Here we provide a considerable advance in this technology, as we experimentally demonstrate efficient fiber-facet mounted device prototypes. To retain a large aperture for convenient coupling, we design and fabricate silicon nitride-based resonators on the tip of a multimode fiber. We account for light propagation along the multimode fiber with exact numerical methods. This establishes the correct amplitude and phase distribution of the beam incident on the tip-mounted GMR element, thus enabling us to properly predict the resonance response. To fabricate the integrated GMR structures on the tips of fibers, we employ standard microfabrication processes, including holographic interference lithography and reactive-ion etching. The experimental results agree with simulation with an example device achieving high efficiency of ∼77% in transmission. To investigate fiber sensor operation, an etched silicon nitride fiber tip filter is surrounded with solutions of various refractive indices, yielding an approximate sensitivity of 200 nm/RIU.
The Status of Public Sector Pay Equity for Women of Color in the United States

Research by Reese and Warner and Llorens, Wenger, and Kellough assesses the relative pay of women in the United States. However, research on the relative pay of women of color remains scant. What k...
A local $\psi$-epistemic retrocausal hidden-variable model of Bell correlations with wavefunctions in physical space

We construct a local $\psi$-epistemic hidden-variable model of Bell correlations by a retrocausal adaptation of the originally superdeterministic model given by Brans. In our model, for a pair of particles the joint quantum state $|\psi_e(t)\rangle$ as determined by preparation is epistemic. The model also assigns to the pair of particles a factorisable joint quantum state $|\psi_o(t)\rangle$ which is different from the prepared quantum state $|\psi_e(t)\rangle$ and has an ontic status. The ontic state of a single particle consists of two parts. First, a single particle ontic quantum state $\chi(\vec{x},t)|i\rangle$, where $\chi(\vec{x},t)$ is a 3-space wavepacket and $|i\rangle$ is a spin eigenstate of the future measurement setting. Second, a particle position in 3-space $\vec{x}(t)$, which evolves via a de Broglie-Bohm type guidance equation with the 3-space wavepacket $\chi(\vec{x},t)$ acting as a local pilot wave. The joint ontic quantum state $|\psi_o(t)\rangle$ fixes the measurement outcomes deterministically whereas the prepared quantum state $|\psi_e(t)\rangle$ determines the distribution of the $|\psi_o(t)\rangle$'s over an ensemble. Both $|\psi_o(t)\rangle$ and $|\psi_e(t)\rangle$ evolve via the Schrodinger equation. Our model exactly reproduces the Bell correlations for any pair of measurement settings. We also consider `non-equilibrium' extensions of the model with an arbitrary distribution of hidden variables. We show that, in non-equilibrium, the model generally violates no-signalling constraints while remaining local with respect to both ontology and interaction between particles. We argue that our model shares some structural similarities with the modal class of interpretations of quantum mechanics.
HUMAN T-LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS TYPES I AND II

Human T-lymphotropic virus types I (HTLV-I) and II (HTLV-II) are members of a family of four known retroviruses that are oncogenic as opposed to cytopathic. This family includes HTLV-I and -II, bovine leukemia virus, and simian T-cell leukemia virus. The two types of HTLV are closely related, and for more than a decade we have been aware of the presence of these viruses in humans. In the first part of this article I summarize recent epidemiologic and clinical findings related to the presence of HTLV-I and -II in the Americas. In the second part, I discuss how these viruses may regulate themselves and how in turn they might cause leukemia and neurologic disease in humans.
Context-dependent DEA

In this chapter, the context-dependent DEA is discussed. Since a product can appear attractive in comparison with a contextual of less attractive or unattractive alternatives, the performance of firms can be influenced by the context. For an example, twenty-three Tokyo public libraries are considered and a context-dependent DEA proposed by Chen et al. (2005) is discussed. The attractiveness of each library on a particular performance level in comparison with other libraries are measured. Libraries are classified on several empirical efficient frontiers, where each frontier is used to evaluate the attractiveness. The performance of the technically efficient libraries changes as the technically inefficient libraries change their performance. The context-dependent DEA also represents another view to differentiate the performance of efficient DMUs. When DMUs in a particular level are observed as having the same performance, the attractiveness measure lets us discriminate the “equal performance” based upon the third option or the same particular evaluation context. We also develop the VBA procedure to measure the attractiveness with just one click.
Asymptotic Ultrasonic Inversion Based on Using more than One Frequency

Let the spacial sound pressure u in a body B be governed by the equation \( {{\nabla }^{2}}u + {{\left\{ \omega /c\left( {\bar{r}} \right) \right\}}^{2}}u = 0 \) where \(c\left( {\bar{r}} \right) \) denotes the speed of sound at the point \( \bar{r} \) in IR3. Given either plane wave excitation exp\( \left\{ i\bar{k}\centerdot \bar{r} - i\omega t \right\} \) or spherical wave excitation exp \( \left\{ i\bar{k}\left| \bar{r}-{{{\bar{r}}}_{s}} \right| \right\}/\left\{ 4\pi \left| \bar{r}-{{{\bar{r}}}_{s}} \right| \right\} \), if k = w/c0 is large, where c0 denotes the speed of sound in the medium surrounding B, Rytov’s approximation yields a simple expression for u in terms of f where \( f\left( {\bar{r}} \right)=c_{0}^{2}/{{\mathrm{c}}^{\mathrm{2}}}\left( {\bar{r}} \right)-1 \) . While the reconstruction of f based on varying the direction of \( \bar{k} \) (or varying the source point \( {{\bar{r}}_{s}} \) for the case of a spherical wave source) and reading u or surfaces that enclose B is a three dimensional problem, this three dimensional problem is reduced to a one-dimensional problem (i.e., “x-ray inversion”) using more than one frequency. That is, the diffraction effects may be eliminated using more than one frequency.
Design of a Medium Voltage Mobile Utilities Support Equipment based Solid State Transformer (MUSE-SST) with 10 kV SiC MOSFETs for Grid Interconnection

A conventional transformer can withstand multiple electrical, mechanical and thermal faults which enables it to have a long lifetime. However, its inability to control the power flow through it has led researchers to look for alternate options such as the solid-state transformers. With the Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices, it is now possible to go to high switching frequencies in medium voltage applications, which helps in reducing the overall size and weight of the transformer. The advent of medium voltage (MV) SiC devices has enabled the use of simple two-level and three-level topologies for medium voltage power transfer. This paper discusses a basic power topology for a medium voltage mobile utilities support equipment based solid state transformer (MUSE-SST) with the new 10 kV SiC MOS-FETs. A design of the MUSE-SST is presented followed by some of the practical considerations that needs to be taken, including gate driver design and heat sink configurations. Simulation results for a 100 kW, MV MUSE SST system is presented. Experimental results are provided validating the operation of these 10 kV devices in double pulse tests, buck and boost operation. This research helps in providing an overview regarding the usage of the 10 kV SiC devices in grid-interconnection and also discusses various challenges that comes along with it.
Do Poor Citizens Benefit from Mega-Events? São Paulo’s Street Vendors and the 2014 FIFA World Cup

International mega-events inject millions of dollars into host countries’ economies, yet few studies assess which citizens benefit from events and which do not. Governments justify their bids for mega-events by arguing that infrastructure projects, event-related jobs, and tourist spending benefit many citizens. However, researchers find mixed impacts on host economies and the average citizen. Scholars and activists argue that a few businesses benefit while high prices and event-specific laws exclude poor citizens. Under what conditions do poor citizens benefit from mega-events? This article analyzes original interview, survey, and participant observation data on street vendors in Sao Paulo, Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The project finds that most street vendors lost money, while a minority made record profits. Those who benefited from the event used brokers, bribes, and pockets of forbearance to circumvent FIFA’s exclusionary rules.
Pearls & Oy-sters: Isolated prosopagnosia as the presenting complaint in glioblastoma: The face of deception.

Prosopagnosia localizes to the fusiform gyrus in the medial temporal lobe and occurs from bilateral lesions or less frequently from unilateral lesions involving the right side alone.
Mandela: The Untold Heritage

This article argues that existing biographies of Nelson Mandela are constructed on archaic colonial stereotypes of African societies as ‘tribes’, ‘premodern’ and ‘pagan’. In none of the biographies...
Sign-stability of Positive Markov Jump Linear Systems

Abstract This paper investigates stability of Positive Markov Jump Linear Systems (PMJLSs) in the absence of a numerical realization. It considers the situation when only signs (and not magnitudes) of the entries of the subsystem matrices and the Markov transition matrices are known. The result is an analysis of a qualitative notion of stability known as sign-stability. Although the notions of sign-stability of PMJLSs are natural extensions of standard stochastic stability concepts such as exponential almost sure, mean and mean-square stability, the sign-stability notions are proven equivalent, which is not the case for their corresponding standard concepts. Moreover, for irreducible Markov chains, the particular structure of the Markov chain is shown to have no bearing on sign-stability.
LIFE SPACE MOBILITY AND NEIGHBORHOODS: HOW HOME MODIFICATIONS IMPACT AGING IN PLACE

This presentation details a mixed methods study funded by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities that was conducted with 50 older adults aged 65 and older who lived in Portland, Oregon (n=25) and Salt Lake County, Utah (n=25). The purpose of the study was to improve understanding of how home modifications affect older adults’ mobility in different life-spaces (e.g., one’s bedroom, neighborhood), their understanding of aging in place and neighborhood, and their ability to age in place. During each home visit, a series of research protocols (i.e., surveys, interviews, mapping exercises) were carried out with each participant. The study found that home modifications (e.g., grab bars, replacing showers with bathtubs, and adding raised toilets) were reported to increase in-home mobility and, for some, their independence; however, for certain participants, those same modifications were less useful, especially to those with the need for caregiver supports. Life-space mobility outside the home was impacted by home modification such as ramps and railings on stairs; for some, those modifications bolstered social connections and access to services. Overall, home modification were seen as enabling both mobility and aging in place. Furthermore, respondents’ understanding and description of their neighborhoods varied greatly and were influenced by mobility barriers (e.g., presence of sidewalks and crosswalks) and available amenities.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Performance In Children After Fontan

Background: Monitoring for Fontan associated morbidity is becoming increasingly important due to increased survival rates. Cardiopulmonary exercise performance (CPX) is an objective measurement of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic health. CPX has long been used to evaluate for coronary health in the adult population and its use as a screening tool in patients with congenital heart disease is becoming more common. Interpretation of cardiopulmonary testing in the Fontan population is limited and somewhat controversial. Objective: The objectives of this study include describing the …
Adaptive trunk sway velocities following repeated perturbations in subjects with and without low back pain.

Abstract Faster trunk motions could be a strategy to prevent loss of balance and fall injuries due to unexpected perturbations. However, it is unclear how trunk sway velocities can be compensated during stepping in subjects with low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to investigate lower limb reaction, swing, and step times, as well as trunk sway velocities at heel strike and toe-off, following repeated step perturbations between subjects with and without LBP. There were 30 subjects with LBP and 42 control subjects who were exposed to treadmill-induced perturbations at a velocity of 0.12 m/sec for 0.62 m. The treadmill-induced steps caused subjects to walk forward for 4.90 sec after the perturbation. The groups demonstrated significant interactions on the lower limb reaction times and on the number of repeated perturbations (F = 4.83, p = 0.03) due to a decreased step time at the first perturbation (t = 2.52, p = 0.01) in the LBP group. For the trunk sway velocities, the repeated perturbations demonstrated a significant interaction between groups (F = 4.65, p = 0.03). This adaptive trunk strategy for gait stability increased step times with repeated perturbations in the LBP group. The group interactions on the trunk sway velocities also indicated a possible somatosensory integration for step time adjustments to avoid potential fall hazards. This adaptive response with repeated step perturbations could result in compensatory trunk sway for gait stability.
Acute Mouse Brain Slicing to Investigate Spontaneous Hippocampal Network Activity

Acute rodent brain slicing offers a tractable experimental approach to gain insight into the organization and function of neural circuits with single-cell resolution using electrophysiology, microscopy, and pharmacology. However, a major consideration in the design of in vitro experiments is the extent to which different slice preparations recapitulate naturalistic patterns of neural activity as observed in vivo. In the intact brain, the hippocampal network generates highly synchronized population activity reflective of the behavioral state of the animal, as exemplified by the sharp-wave ripple complexes (SWRs) that occur during waking consummatory states or non-REM sleep. SWRs and other forms of network activity can emerge spontaneously in isolated hippocampal slices under appropriate conditions. In order to apply the powerful brain slice toolkit to the investigation of hippocampal network activity, it is necessary to utilize an approach that optimizes tissue health and the preservation of functional connectivity within the hippocampal network. Mice are transcardially perfused with cold sucrose-based artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Horizontal slices containing the hippocampus are cut at a thickness of 450 μm to preserve synaptic connectivity. Slices recover in an interface-style chamber and are transferred to a submerged chamber for recordings. The recording chamber is designed for dual surface superfusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid at a high flow rate to improve oxygenation of the slice. This protocol yields healthy tissue suitable for the investigation of complex and spontaneous network activity in vitro.
Integration of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC)-Derived Neurons into Rat Brain

Human neuron transplantation offers novel opportunities for modeling human neurologic diseases and potentially replacement therapies. However, the complex structure of the human cerebral cortex, which is organized in six layers with tightly interconnected excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks, presents significant challenges for in vivo transplantation techniques to obtain a balanced, functional and homeostatically stable neuronal network. Here, we present a protocol to introduce human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural progenitors to rat brains. Using this approach, hiPSC-derived neurons structurally integrate into the rat forebrain, exhibit electrophysiological characteristics, including firing, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity, and establish neuronal connectivity with the host circuitry.
Computation in the Arthaśāstra

The Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya (ca. first century BCE-third century CE) is the most important source on state administration from classical India. Its far-ranging instructions on state activities depict an ideal-typical kingdom heavily reliant on computation, particularly with respect to state finances. Nevertheless, computational practices themselves are little discussed, and no general study of them in the Arthaśāstra yet exists. This chapter is a primarily philological effort to frame an initial inquiry into such practices in the text through a study of the terms through which computation is expressed or implied. After introducing the Arthaśāstra, I examine: 1. various means of assigning value as laid out in the text (including an overview of mensuration in the Arthaśāstra); 2. some of the most prevalent numerical operations and procedures; 3. the use of these in a few examples of state activities; and 4. how computation was conceived among other evaluative activities.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Botulinum toxin is used extensively for the management of gastrointestinal smooth muscle disorders. This chapter is a summary of the current status of this therapy. Botulinum toxin appears to be beneficial for achalasia, hypertensive esophageal disorders, and anal fissure and unclear utility in gastroparesis, upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Very few placebo-controlled trials have been performed despite widespread use of toxin for the past 25 years. Botulinum toxin appears to be safe and side effects are uncommon. Despite uncontrolled data, botulinum toxin is now used for a variety of spastic disorders of GI smooth muscle. In some instances, this therapy may preclude the need for more invasive treatments. Controlled trials are needed.
A comparative study of machine learning models for predicting the state of reactive mixing

Abstract Mixing phenomena are important mechanisms controlling flow, species transport, and reaction processes in fluids and porous media. Accurate predictions of reactive mixing are critical for many Earth and environmental science problems such as contaminant fate and remediation, macroalgae growth, and plankton biomass growth. To investigate the evolution of mixing dynamics under different scenarios (e.g., anisotropy, fluctuating velocity fields), a finite-element-based numerical model was built to solve the fast, irreversible bimolecular reaction-diffusion equations to simulate a range of reactive-mixing scenarios. A total of 2,315 simulations were performed using different sets of model input parameters comprising various spatial scales of vortex structures in the velocity field, time-scales associated with velocity oscillations, the perturbation parameter for the vortex-based velocity, anisotropic dispersion contrast (i.e., ratio of longitudinal-to-transverse dispersion), and molecular diffusion. The outputs comprised concentration profiles of reactants and products. The inputs and outputs from these simulations were concatenated into feature and label matrices, respectively, to train 20 different machine learning (ML) models intended to emulate system behavior. These 20 ML emulators, based on linear methods, Bayesian methods, ensemble learning methods, and multilayer perceptrons (MLPs), were trained to classify the state of mixing and predict three quantities of interest (QoIs) characterizing species production, decay (i.e., average concentration, square of average concentration), and degree of mixing (i.e., variances of species concentration). Unsurprisingly, linear classifiers and regressors failed to reproduce the QoIs; however, ensemble methods (classifiers and regressors) and the MLP model accurately classified the state of reactive mixing and the QoIs. Among ensemble methods, random forest and decision-tree-based AdaBoost faithfully predicted the QoIs. At run time, trained ML emulators produced results ≈ 10 5 times faster than the finite-element simulations. Due to their low computational expense and high accuracy, ensemble and MLP models are excellent emulators for these numerical simulations and great utilities in uncertainty quantification exercises, which can require 1,000s of forward model runs.
Limits on intrinsic charm production from the SeaQuest experiment

Background: A nonperturbative charm production contribution, known as intrinsic charm, has long been speculated but has never been satisfactorily proven. The SeaQuest experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) is in an ideal kinematic region to provide evidence of $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ production by intrinsic charm.Purpose: $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ production in the SeaQuest kinematics is calculated with a combination of perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and intrinsic charm to see whether the SeaQuest data can put limits on an intrinsic charm contribution.Methods: $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ production in perturbative QCD is calculated to next-to-leading order in the cross section. Cold nuclear matter effects include nuclear modification of the parton densities, absorption by nucleons, and ${p}_{T}$ broadening by multiple scattering. The $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ contribution from intrinsic charm is calculated assuming production from a $|uudc\overline{c}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ Fock state.Results: The nuclear modification factor ${R}_{pA}$ is calculated as a function of ${x}_{F}$ and ${p}_{T}$ for $p+\mathrm{C}, p+\mathrm{Fe}$, and $p+\mathrm{W}$ interactions relative to $p+\mathrm{d}$. Previous data from the E866 experiment at FNAL is also shown and compared with the calculations.Conclusions: The SeaQuest kinematic acceptance is ideal for testing the limits on intrinsic charm in the proton.
Radiation Effects and Protection for Technologists and Other Health Care Professionals.

Purpose To review and discuss how interventional technologists and other health care professionals can better reduce the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed. Studies that investigated the biologic effects of ionizing radiation and methods of protection were included. Findings pertaining to radiation effects and protection were reported. Selected studies were assigned a level of evidence based on existing guidelines. Results Radiation exposure can result in many health issues, including skin necrosis, radiation burns, cataracts, hair loss, birth defects, and cancers. Although understanding of radiation safety and radiobiology has greatly increased during the past century, radiation exposure in a medical setting still remains a risk to patients and health care providers. A thorough understanding of radiation safety, including the principles of time, distance, shielding, and technique, is essential. Patient factors also are important to consider. Discussion All health care personnel should wear lead or lead-equivalent aprons and thyroid shields. Protective eyewear also is recommended in addition to the use of protective screens. Detachable drapes suspended from the sides of the table can reduce the dose greatly to the lower extremities of health care personnel and should be used when possible. Hoods might be beneficial, but proper use of a protective screen likely offers more benefit. Protective drapes placed on the surface of the patient can reduce dose to the operator but can be expensive and can increase dose to patients. Use of radiodense gloves and caps is not recommended. Patient shielding should not be a part of routine practice, as it offers no or negligible benefit and can increase dose and compromise image quality. Conclusion Technologists and health care professionals need to be aware of dose reduction strategies and should be seen as the gatekeeps to keep themselves, their coworkers, and patients safe. By adhering to evidence-based recommendations, technologists can keep the harmful effects of occupational radiation exposure to a minimum.
Recent insights into mechanisms preventing ectopic centromere formation.

The centromere is a specialized chromosomal structure essential for chromosome segregation. Centromere dysfunction leads to chromosome segregation errors and genome instability. In most eukaryotes,...
Comparing F-18 Axumin results with PSA values in patients with prostate cancer

2061 Objectives: For over 30 years Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been the gold standard for finding prostate cancer in early stages and following effectiveness of treatment for patients with prostate cancer. But is it good enough on its own to effectively evaluate disease progression without a F-18 Axumin scan? This research is to determine if there is a correlation between PSA values and Axumin scan results in patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected and analyzed from 117 consecutive F-18 Axumin scans completed between March and December 2017 at the NorthShore University HealthSystem (NS). A GE Discovery 710 PET/CT scanner, with Time of Flight software was used. Per the manufactures protocol, the patients were injected with 9-12 mCi of F-18 Axumin on the imaging table and immediately had the CT portion of the exam. This was directly followed by the PET acquisition. Patients were scanned mid-thigh to base of skull, acquiring 7-8 bed positions, depending patient’s height. The first 2 bed positions are 5 minutes a position, with the remaining set to 3 minutes per position. For each of the 117 PET scans analyzed a recent PSA value was recorded. 21 of the 117 patients did not have a PSA value available, so they were omitted from the study. PSA values used were obtained using the Roche PSA method, and patients with a value greater than 4.5 ng/mL were considered abnormal. For a negative Axumin scan, patients were reported having normal biodistribution in bone marrow, liver, pancreas, muscles and urinary tract. A positive Axumin scans would be abnormal biodistribution in the bladder, rectum, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, bone, or other body tissues. Results: Total of 77/96 (80.2%) had a positive Axumin scan and 19/96 (19.8%) had a negative scan. The mean PSA values for the patients with a positive scan were 26.21 ng/mL, with a max of 270ng/mL and minimum of 0.03 ng/mL. The mean for patients with a negative scan was 1.18 ng/mL, with a max of 3.72 ng/mL and minimum of 0.02 ng/mL. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed and gave a value of p<0.0001. This result showed that there was statistical difference between PSA values in a positive and negative PET Axumin scans. Conclusions: There is a visual difference between the two mean PSA values, and also a statistically significant difference between the PSA values and a positive or negative Axumin scan. Based on these results, a higher PSA value could be used independently to predict the extent of the disease without an Axumin scan. This research would have been helped with a larger sample size, and categorizing patients based on treatments.
Diagnostic challenges and risk stratification of hepatocellular adenoma

Abstract Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are rare hepatocellular neoplasms which usually arise in non-cirrhotic liver, although rarely can arise in the background of chronic liver disease. While the majority of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) are benign and may be managed conservatively, complications like hemorrhage and transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can occur. Risk stratification based on a combination of clinical, radiologic, histologic, and molecular features is necessary for appropriate management. This review focuses on diagnostic challenges in the diagnosis of HCA and its distinction from other hepatocellular proliferations such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatocellular nodules in other clinical setting.
The antecedents and consequences of plant closing announcements

Abstract Plant closure marks an important episode in the life of a firm. We investigate 222 plant closing announcements spanning a period of seven years, to identify antecedents and consequences of plant closures, as reflected by financial measures of operating performance available on COMPUSTAT. We find that a firm׳s decision to close a plant hinges on dynamics in industry performance and on firm׳s size and age of capital. We provide new evidence that large firms start closing plants first, while small firms resist longer and experience median control-adjusted decreases in sales and return on assets of 8.24% and 12.96%, respectively, over the last two years prior to closure. We find that, relative to a benchmark of industry peers, recovery after closure is generally slow, suggesting that sample firms may be faced with deeper problems that have not been fully addressed by the decision to close a plant.
Integration of continuous improvement with business practice

Although Total Quality Management has been practised for more than ten years in the Western World, and perhaps significantly longer in Japan, the toughest hurdle has consistently been true integration of continuous improvement as enshrined in TQM with business performance. Common experience of organisations has been that TQM continues to be the province of a limited subset of the people or, at best, is the focus of attention only when time permits for the majority. Striving for business performance comes first while TQM follows as a poor runner up.
La Celestina comentada y el código jurídico de Fernando de Rojas

(1989). La Celestina comentada y el codigo juridico de Fernando de Rojas. Bulletin of Hispanic Studies: Vol. 66, The Age of the Catholic Monarchs, 1474-1516: Literary Studies in memory of Keith Whinnom, pp. 19-24.
Aldol condensation of acetaldehyde to form high molecular weight compounds on TiO2

Temperature-programmed desorption, hydrogenation, and oxidation are used to show that acetaldehyde undergoes continued aldol condensation beyond crotonaldehyde formation on Degussa P-25 titania to form hexan-2,4-diene-al and higher molecular weight compounds containing conjugated C=C bonds. Aromatic compounds also form, and at higher temperatures coke forms. Degussa P-25 TiO2 has more sites that catalyze chain propagation reactions beyond formation of C4 species than do pure anatase or rutile surfaces. These reactions may be responsible for deactivation observed during photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde at elevated temperatures.
How Does the Brain Do Plausible Reasoning

We start from the observation that the human brain does plausible reasoning in a fairly definite way. It is shown that there is only a single set of rules for doing this which is consistent and in qualitative correspondence with common sense. These rules are simply the equations of probability theory, and they can be deduced without any reference to frequencies.
Statistical Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Methods of analysis of results from case-control studies have evolved considerably since the 1950s. These methods have helped to improve the validity of the conclusions drawn from case-control research and have helped to ensure that the available data are utilized to their fullest extent. Logistic regression modeling, in its various forms, has become by far the most frequently applied method for multivariable analysis of case-control studies. As with any type of statistical modeling, the appropriateness of its formulation can be verified only partially through examination of the data themselves, and cautious interpretation has been urged (80-83). In this article, I have concentrated on methods that are extremely well suited to the evaluation of fairly specific etiologic issues, where one or two particular exposures are designated as being of a priori interest. In situations where a large number of associations are examined for possible case-control differences, additional complexities arise. Several authors have argued strongly against statistical adjustment for "multiple comparisons" in such situations (6, 7, 84). However, recent work suggests that, when background information is limited, certain forms of multiple-comparison procedures can be useful, specifically within a decision-analysis framework (85-87). Further methodological work relevant to the analysis of case-control studies is needed in at least two important areas. First, as discussed above, we need additional methods for conducting analyses that take appropriate account of the considerable error to which measurements in case-control studies are subject. Only with such methods available can estimates from case-control studies be confidently employed for elucidating pathogenesis, for developing policy, and for individual decision-making. Second, there has been a renewed effort in recent years to clarify the nature of causal effects and to relate these to the typically calculated epidemiologic parameters (88-92). As this work develops further, it is likely that the analysis of case-control studies will be enriched.
Isolation and Characterization of a Methylotrophic Marine Methanogen, Methanococcoides methylutens gen. nov., sp. nov.

A new genus of marine methanogenic bacteria is described that utilizes trimethylamine, diethylamine, monomethylamine, and methanol as substrates for growth and methanogenesis. Methane was not produced from H2-CO2, sodium formate, or sodium acetate. Growth on trimethylamine was stimulated by yeast extract, Trypticase (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.), rumen fluid, or B vitamins. The optimal growth temperature was 30 to 35°C. The maximum growth rate was between pH 7.0 and 7.5. Na+ (0.4 M) and MgSO4 (0.05 M) were required for maximum growth. Colonies of the type strain, TMA-10, were yellow, circular, and convex with entire edges. Cells were nonmotile, nonsporeforming, irregular cocci 1 μm in diameter which stained gram negative and occurred singly or in pairs. Micrographs of thin sections revealed a monolayered cell wall approximately 10-nm thick which consisted of protein. Cells were lysed in 0.01% sodium dodecyl sulfate or 0.001% Triton X-100. The DNA base composition was 42 mol% guanine plus cytosine. Methanococcoides is the proposed genus and Methanococcoides methylutens is the type species. TMA-10 is the type strain (ATCC 33938). Images
Targeting Gallium to Cancer Cells through the Folate Receptor

The development of gallium(III) compounds as anti-cancer agents for both treatment and diagnosis is a rapidly developing fi eld of research. Problems remain in exploring the full potential of gallium(III) as a safe and successful therapeutic agent or as an imaging agent. One of the major issues is that gallium(III) compounds have little tropism for cancer cells. We have combined the targeting properties of folic acid (FA) with long chain liquid polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 'spacers'. This FA-PEG unit has been coupled to the gallium coordination complex of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclo-dodecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) through amide linkages for delivery into target cells overexpressing the folate receptor (FR). In vitro cytotoxicity assays were conducted against a multi-drug resistant ovarian cell line (A2780/AD) that overexpresses the FR and contrasted against a FR free Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. Results are rationalized taking into account stability studies conducted in RPMI 1640 media and HEPES buffer at pH 7.4.
Mothers’ physical interventions in toddler play in a low-income, African American sample

This mixed method study examined 28 low-income African American mothers' physical interventions in their 14-month-old toddlers' play. Inductive methods were used to identify six physical intervention behaviors, the affect accompanying physical interventions, and apparent reasons for intervening. Nonparametric statistical analyses determined that toddlers experienced physical intervention largely in the context of positive maternal affect. Mothers of boys expressed highly positive affect while physically intervening more than mothers of girls. Most physically intervening acts seemed to be motivated by maternal intent to show or tell children how to play or to correct play deemed incorrect. Neutral affect was the most common toddler affect type following physical intervention, but boys were more likely than girls to be upset immediately after physical interventions. Physical interventions intended to protect health and safety seemed the least likely to elicit toddler upset.
Development and Potential Use of an Automated Aggregate Gradation Device

The determination of aggregate gradation is one important test that is performed during the design, production, and process control in the hot-mix asphalt and the aggregate industries. There is a need for an improved method of gradation analysis in which the gradation determination is accomplished in a more rapid, efficient, and accurate manner. After a review of current automatic gradation technologies, an automated gradation particle size analyzer was selected for further evaluation as a potential automatic gradation device. The automated gradation device performs gradation analysis through an automation of the standard gradation test procedures that are performed in laboratories throughout the country. Extensive evaluation of the device consisted, first, of determination of the optimum sieving time and sample size. Second, because the device is capable only of dry gradation analysis, an evaluation of the ability to use a correction factor to adjust the amount of dust or the percentage of material in the aggregate sample that passes the 0.075-mm sieve was also conducted. The results show that the automated gradation device, with the use of a correction factor, can accurately and precisely determine the gradation of an aggregate sample of approximately 1500 g in 10 min. The use of this device should result in an increased savings in technician and testing time as well as an economic benefit to the user.
mRNA Splicing: Regulated and Differential

Alternative splicing is the process by which single genes express multiple messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and therefore multiple proteins, by differential processing of the primary transcript (pre-mRNA). The temporal and spatial regulation of protein expression by alternative splicing is determinative for such diverse biological processes as gender specification in Drosophila, commitment to apoptosis, and sound frequency recognition of individual hair cells in the avian cochlea. Keywords: alternative splicing; pre-mRNA; cell-specific regulation
Combination beta-lactam and beta-lactamase-inhibitor products: antimicrobial activity and efficiency of enzyme inhibition

Classification schemes for gram-negative beta-lactamases are presented, mechanisms by which beta-lactamases inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics are reviewed, and methods for assessing the efficiency of beta-lactamase inhibitors are evaluated. Beta-lactamases are commonly produced by Staphylococcus species, the Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, and some anaerobes. Currently available beta-lactamase inhibitors are thought to be "suicide inhibitors" that form stable complexes between the bacterial beta-lactamase and the beta-lactamase inhibitor in a multistep chemical reaction. Each step can be quantitated; however, the overall process is difficult to measure. Thus, a comparative evaluation of commercially available beta-lactamase inhibitors is extremely difficult and must be done under standardized test conditions. In general, sulbactam, clavulanate, and tazobactam are all potent inhibitors of staphylococcal penicillinase; chromosomal beta-lactamases produced by Bacteroides species, Proteus vulgaris, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae; and type IV enzymes of Klebsiella species. Although sulbactam possesses activity against TEM-1 and TEM-2 beta-lactamases, it does not have reliable activity against SHV-1 beta-lactamases. Clavulanate and tazobactam are potent inhibitors of both TEM and SHV-1 beta-lactamases. P. aeruginosa and some Enterobacteriaceae produce an inducible, extremely potent, broad-spectrum enzyme (type I beta-lactamase). Tazobactam is the only currently available. beta-lactamase inhibitor with activity against type I beta-lactamases; however, some enzymes are not inhibited by tazobactam.
THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST'S NORMATIVE SPIRIT: A CONSTRUCTIVE READING OF SCHLEIERMACHER'S PNEUMATOLOGY

Contemporary theologians have enriched our understanding of the Holy Spirit's identity and broadened our grasp of the pneumatological tradition, but a crucial question has not been sufficiently addressed: while we have renewed understandings of who the Spirit is and what the Spirit does, very little has been said about how the Spirit works. On the basis of some clues from Schleiermacher, this essay elaborates and defends an answer to this question. According to this proposal, Christ's normative Spirit is mediated through a process of mutual recognition which carries on the Spirit of Christ's beliefs and actions.
Evaluation of novel precast SDS-PAGE gels for separation of sorghum proteins

ABSTRACT Precast polyacrylamide gels using novel buffer chemistry for enhanced resolution and shelf life stability of the gels were evaluated for separating sorghum proteins. Two gels with different acrylamide concentrations, 12 and 4–12%, were tested with two different buffer systems. Gels were evaluated for separation resolution, as well as protein solubility problems such as streaking. High-resolution separations were obtained for all the major classes of kernel proteins using these gels. Run times were typically 45–60 min, producing relatively rapid separations. Resolution was significantly affected by the buffer system used. The use of precast gradient gels eliminates the need for casting gradient gels for routine analysis of sorghum proteins and avoids handling the toxic acrylamide monomer. This system will be useful for routine separations of sorghum proteins as well as for research programs using SDS-PAGE to screen sorghum lines for digestibility or for other protein-related quality factors.
A systematic investigation of depression

Summary A series of related studies were designed to test the general hypothesis that depressed patients have a persistent need to suffer. In order to identify the depressed group, a Depression Inventory was developed and found to have a high degree of reliability and a reasonably high degree of correlation with clinicians' ratings of the depth of depression. The concept of the need to suffer, or masochism, was operationally defined by a variety of measures designed to reflect the manifestations of masochistic tendencies in the ideational productions of patients. It was found that the depressed group reported significantly more masochistic dreams and early memories than the non-depressed group, and that the masochism scores on the Focused Fantasy Test and the Masochism Inventory were also significantly higher in the depressed group. The results of these studies support the hypothesis
Techniques in the treatment of the infected total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Infection of the total knee arthroplasty can be a devastating complication. Appropriate management can significantlydecrease morbidity and cost. This article outlines the management of the infected total knee arthroplasty. To optimize patient outcome adherence to strict guidelines and meticulous technique will greatly improve the results.
A short-pulse electromagnetic transponder for hole-to-hole use

We have made hole-to-hole observations through nearly 20 m of granite using an electromagnetic transponder (an active reflector) in one borehole and a single-hole short-pulse radar in another. We found that the transponder is inexpensive, operationally simple, and effective in extending the capability of a short-pulse borehole radar system to allow hole-to-hole operation without requiring timing cables. A detector in the transponder senses the arrival of each pulse from the radar (which may be millivolts in amplitude); each pulse detection triggers a kilovolt-amplitude pulse for retransmission. The transponder “echo” may be stronger than that of a passive reflector by a factor of as much as 120 dB. The result is an increase in range capability by a factor which depends on attenuation in the medium and hole-to-hole wavepath geometry. Single-hole reflection-mode echoes are still available at times prior to the transponder pulse arrival. The transponder is helpful in yielding velocity information, because the radar-transponder distance is known and the echo time is observed. Field tests have demonstrated that the transponder is a useful alternative to employing timing cables in some short-pulse hole-to-hole measurement situations.
Canopy development for the Cranfield A1

Despite the large number of specialist companies producing plastic mouldings of various types, as well as those specialising in aircraft glazing, most homebuilders of aircraft find that obtaining satisfactory canopies for their creations is a difficult problem. The small production numbers involved are not sufficient to interest companies, or if they are, the price is usually beyond the reach of the amateur aircraft builder. An aircraft canopy requires to be a high quality product, with good optical characteristics, and for a production run requires a capital investment which inevitably makes the price unacceptable for homebuilders.
A Massera type theorem for almost automorphic solutions of differential equations

Abstract In this note, we present a Massera type theorem for the existence of almost automorphic solutions of periodic linear evolution equations of the form x ′ ( t ) = A ( t ) x ( t ) + f ( t ) , where A ( t ) is unbounded linear operator depending on t periodically and generates a τ-periodic evolutionary process, f is almost automorphic. The main results are stated in terms of the almost automorphy of solutions and their Carleman spectra.