cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incentives to Innovate in Public and Private Organizations

This article uses the different perspectives of economic theory, organization theory, public administration, and political science to explore the question of whether public organizations are inherently less innovative than private organizations, and synthesizes existing empirical evidence to test the predictions and explanations of theory. Theory generally leads one to expect that public organizations are less innovative than private ones, though the logic used frequently is tortuous. Empirical evidence, though limited, gives reason to doubt the hypotheses that public organiza tions are inherently immune to efforts to increase innovative behavior there. Some of the public policy implications of each discipline's perspective on the central ques tion are discussed and examples of efforts to apply these implications to public agencies are presented.
Global distribution and sources of volatile and nonvolatile aerosol in the remote troposphere

densities of highly volatile CN (10 4 10 5 cm 3 ) are present in the upper troposphere and particularly over the tropical/subtropical region. CN number densities in all regions are largest when the atmosphere is devoid of nonvolatile particles. Through marine convection and long-distance horizontal transport, volatile CN originating from the tropical/ subtropical regions can frequently impact the abundance of aerosol in the middle and upper troposphere at mid to high latitudes. Nonvolatile aerosols behave in a manner similar to tracers of combustion (CO) and photochemical pollution (peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN)), implying a continental pollution source from industrial emissions or biomass burning. In the upper troposphere we find that volatile and nonvolatile aerosol number densities are inversely correlated. Results from an aerosol microphysical model suggest that the coagulation of fine volatile particles with fewer but larger nonvolatile particles, of principally anthropogenic origin, is one possible explanation for this relationship. In some instances the larger nonvolatile particles may also directly remove precursors (e.g., H2SO4) and effectively stop nucleation. INDEX TERMS: 0305 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801); 0345 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Pollution— urban and regional (0305); 0365 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Troposphere—composition and chemistry; 0368 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Troposphere—constituent transport and chemistry; 4801 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Aerosols (0305); KEYWORDS: aerosol, particles, upper troposphere, pollution, condensation nuclei, PAN
Culture and Emotion: The Integration of Biological and Cultural Contributions*

In this article, the authors integrate the seemingly disparate literature on culture and emotion by offering a biocultural model of emotion that offers three premises heretofore not introduced in the literature: (1) emotions need to be distinguished from other affective phenomena, (2) different types of emotions exist, and (3) within any emotion different domains can be studied. Previous controversies have occurred because writers have called all affective states “emotion” without regard to the type or domain of emotion sampled. The authors argue that not all affective states should be called emotion, that emotions that may be biologically innate are different than those that are not, and that different domains of emotion are more relatively influenced by biology or culture. The authors offer researchers a terminology—biological versus cultural emotions, Priming Reactions, Subjective Experience, and Emotional Meanings—provide hypotheses concerning the relative contributions of biology and culture, review ...
Implementation of Cloud based Next Generation Sequencing data analysis in a clinical laboratory

The introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized molecular diagnostics, though several challenges remain limiting the widespread adoption of NGS testing into clinical practice. One such difficulty includes the development of a robust bioinformatics pipeline that can handle the volume of data generated by high-throughput sequencing in a cost-effective manner. Analysis of sequencing data typically requires a substantial level of computing power that is often cost-prohibitive to most clinical diagnostics laboratories. To address this challenge, our institution has developed a Galaxy-based data analysis pipeline which relies on a web-based, cloud-computing infrastructure to process NGS data and identify genetic variants. It provides additional flexibility, needed to control storage costs, resulting in a pipeline that is cost-effective on a per-sample basis. It does not require the usage of EBS disk to run a sample. We demonstrate the validation and feasibility of implementing this bioinformatics pipeline in a molecular diagnostics laboratory. Four samples were analyzed in duplicate pairs and showed 100% concordance in mutations identified. This pipeline is currently being used in the clinic and all identified pathogenic variants confirmed using Sanger sequencing further validating the software.
Measured Results of a Dual-Band Dual-Mode Millimeter Wave Analog EMXT Waveguide Phase Shifter Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA)

A proof-of-concept dual-band dual-mode 25/44-GHz electronically scanned array (ESA) is realized using electromagnetic crystal (EMXT) waveguide sidewalls developed at the Rockwell Scientific Company (RSC) and Rockwell Collins, Inc. (RCI). A 15-element one-dimensional (1-D) linear array was tested at the RCI near field antenna range to show frequency independence and beam steering capability. The results of these tests are presented herein.
Lumbar Bone Mineral Density Phantomless Computed Tomography Measurements and Correlation with Age and Fracture Incidence

Objective: Low bone quality is a contributing factor to motor vehicle crash (MVC) injury. Quantification of occupant bone mineral density (BMD) is important from an injury causation standpoint. The first aim of this study was to validate a technique for measuring lumbar volumetric BMD (vBMD) from phantomless computed tomography (CT) scans. The second aim was to apply the validated phantomless technique to quantify lumbar vBMD in Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) occupants for correlation with age, fracture incidence, and osteopenia/osteoporosis diagnoses.Methods: Quantitative CT (qCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were collected prospectively for 50 subjects and used to validate a technique to measure vBMD from 281 phantomless CT scans of CIREN occupants. Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements were collected from the L1–L5 vertebrae, right psoas major muscle, and anterior subcutaneous fat for all subjects and from 3 phantom ports with known mg/cc calcium hydroxyapatite values f...
No Renters in My Suburban Backyard: Land Use Regulation and Rental Housing.

Academics and policymakers have argued that the ability of low- and moderate-income families to move into desirable suburban areas is constrained by the high cost of housing. Local zoning and other forms of land use regulation are believed to contribute to increased housing prices by reducing supply and increasing the size of new housing. Suburban restrictions on rental housing are particularly likely to reduce mobility for low-income families. In this paper, I employ an instrumental variables approach to examine the effects of zoning on the quantity and price of rental housing in Massachusetts, using historical municipal characteristics to instrument for current regulations. Results suggest that communities with more restrictive zoning issue significantly fewer building permits for multifamily housing but provide only weak evidence of the effects of regulations on rents. The lack of effects on rents may reflect the low level of multifamily development, while analysis is complicated by development of subsidized housing under the state's affordable housing law. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
FSH Binding in Rat Testes During Maturation and Following Hypophysectomy. Cellular Localization of FSH Receptors

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) has been recognized to play a paramount role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. However, its precise function and cellular site of action in the testis have not been clarified (1). Several morphologic and biochemical parameters are known to be affected by FSH. These effects have been more readily demonstrable in testes of immature or hypophysectomized animals compared to intact adults.
Toxicity of an oil dispersant to the early life stages of four California marine species

Continuous-flow toxicity tests using the oil dispersant Corexit 9527s were performed on the early life stages of four California marine species. Newly released zoospores of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, embryos of the red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, 4-d-old juveniles of the mysid, Holmesimysis costata and 10-d-old larvae of the topsmelt, Atherinops affinis, were all used in triplicate 48- and 96-h tests. Quantitative verification of dispersant concentrations using UV spectrophotometry was performed twice daily during testing. Results indicated growth of kelp gametophytes was significantly reduced at <2.4 ppm after a 48-h exposure. Of the three animals tested, developing red abalone were the most sensitive (NOEC = 0.63 to 1.50 ppm; LC50 = 1.60 to 2.20 ppm). Mysid juveniles were intermediate in sensitivity (NOEC = 1.66 to 4.20 ppm; LC50 = 4.26 to 7.26 ppm), whereas topsmelt larvae were the least sensitive (NOEC = 12.27 to 14.18 ppm; LC50 =25.51 to 40.63 ppm). Reproducibility of test data was very high (coefficient of variation = 15.7 to 27.1%).
Brief Treatment for Borderline and Narcissistic Couples: Working the Reenactment Spiral

This article develops a brief psychoanalytically informed treatment modelfor borderline and narcissistic couples. Advantages and dis-advantages of brief treatment for this population are explored, followed by treatment principles. The phases of treatment are reviewed with an emphasis on process and interventions. There is an exploration of managing the spiraling escalation of affect and harnessing it tofoster growth. Case material is presentedfor illustration.
Reliability of Clinical Measurements of Forward Bending Using the Modified Fingertip-to-Floor Method

The purpose of this study was to examine the intratherapist and intertherapist reliability of measurements obtained with a modified version of the fingertip-to-floor method of assessing forward bending. With the modified fingertip-to-floor (MFTF) method, patients stand on a stool and forward bend so that measurements can be taken on patients who are able to touch the floor or reach beyond the level of the floor. Randomly paired physical therapists took repeated MFTF measurements on 73 patients with low back pain. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for intratherapist and intertherapist reliability. The ICC value for intratherapist reliability was .98, and the ICC value for intertherapist reliability was .95. The results of this study suggest that measurements of forward bending obtained on patients with low back pain using the MFTF method are highly reliable.
Studies of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes with fac-N2O, cis-N2O2 and N2O3 donor ligands: models for the 2-His 1-carboxylate motif of non-heme iron monooxygenases.

Enzymes in the oxygen-activating class of mononuclear non-heme iron oxygenases (MNOs) contain a highly conserved iron center facially ligated by two histidine nitrogen atoms and one carboxylate oxygen atom that leave one face of the metal center (three binding sites) open for coordination to cofactor, substrate, and/or dioxygen. A comparative family of [FeII/III(N2On)(L)4−n)]±x, n = 1–3, L = solvent or Cl−, model complexes, based on a ligand series that supports a facially ligated N,N,O core that is then modified to contain either one or two additional carboxylate chelate arms, has been structurally and spectroscopically characterized. EPR studies demonstrate that the high-spin d5 FeIIIg = 4.3 signal becomes more symmetrical as the number of carboxylate ligands decreases across the series Fe(N2O3), Fe(N2O2), and Fe(N2O1), reflecting an increase in the E/D strain of these complexes as the number of exchangeable/solvent coordination sites increases, paralleling the enhanced distribution of electronic structures that contribute to the spectral line shape. The observed systematic variations in the FeII–FeIII oxidation–reduction potentials illustrate the fundamental influence of differential carboxylate ligation. The trend towards lower reduction potential for the iron center across the [FeIII(N2O1)Cl3]−, [FeIII(N2O2)Cl2]− and [FeIII(N2O3)Cl]− series is consistent with replacement of the chloride anions with the more strongly donating anionic O-donor carboxylate ligands that are expected to stabilize the oxidized ferric state. This electrochemical trend parallels the observed dioxygen sensitivity of the three ferrous complexes (FeII(N2O1) < FeII(N2O2) < FeII(N2O3)), which form μ-oxo bridged ferric species upon exposure to air or oxygen atom donor (OAD) molecules. The observed oxygen sensitivity is particularly interesting and discussed in the context of α-ketoglutarate-dependent MNO enzyme mechanisms.
Beyond face: Improving person clustering in consumer photos by exploring contextual information

Automatic person clustering, which groups photos based on the individuals appearing in a photo collection, is a key component to facilitate photo management and sharing. Traditionally, person clusters are basically built by detecting faces and matching facial features. But these facial clusters can perform poorly when there are large pose variations and occlusions, which are not uncommon in consumer photos. In this paper, we propose an approach that employs contextual information to complement facial information in order to significantly improve the performance of person clustering. The proposed system is able to detect human skin, hair and clothing regions and extract features robustly. By matching the features, high-precision contextual clusters are obtained which can automatically link together multiple face clusters of the same person for efficient annotation. Promising results on family photo collections demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach.
Motion path editing

In this paper we provide methods that allow for path-based editing of existing motion data. We begin by exploring the concept of path as an abstraction of motion, and show how many of the common motion editing tools fail to provide proper control over this useful property. We provide a simple extension to displacement mapping methods that provide better control over the path in a manner that is easy to implement in current systems. We then extend this simple method to avoid violation of geometric constraints such as foot- skate. demonstrate how path transformations work with constraint-based approaches to provide an interactive method for altering the path of a motion. This leads to several useful applications. A path is an abstraction of the positional movement of a character. The path encodes the direction of motion, which is different from, but related to, the orientation of the character as it moves along the path. This abstraction leads to the idea of representing a motion relative to the path, allowing the path to be altered and the motion to be adjusted accordingly. The methods we present maintain the relationship between the motion and the path. This paper is organized as follows. We begin by describing an ex- ample of what our techniques are capable of and useful for (Section 2). This discussion both motivates our methods as well as discusses their relationship to existing techniques. We then introduce the ab- straction of a path for a motion (Section 3) including methods for automatically creating it. The most basic form of path transformation, presented in Section 4, can create a new motion that follows an arbitrary path and ori- ents the character appropriately. However, this transformation may damage some of the fine details in the motion such as the crispness of footplants. Better results can be obtained by using constraint processing to explicitly maintain details, as described in Section 5. The motion is continuously updated as the user drags portions of the path. Even the most sophisticated of the methods presented works interactively in all of our examples. We conclude by discussing experiments with our prototype implementation.
Colorectal Cancer Survival Gains and Novel Treatment Regimens: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Importance The past 2 decades have witnessed progress in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with more effective agents and better surgical, medical, and supportive care. While substantial progress has been made, much more must be achieved to prolong the lives of patients. Objective To conduct a systematic review to ascertain what percentage of the life expectancy gain in locally advanced and mCRC over the past 2 decades is due to novel therapies vs improvements in supportive care or secular trends and to thus inform treatment development strategies. Evidence Review We searched Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, CancerLit, and Healthstar electronic databases for trials covering the period 1993 to 2015, scanned reference lists of articles, and searched recent conference abstracts. Ninety-six phase 3 trials and large (>50 patients) phase 2 trials in mCRC were examined. Outcomes evaluated in the experimental arms (EAs) and control arms (CAs) included overall response rate, stable disease, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Findings Over the period covered by the studies, the OS in EAs increased at a mean (95% CI) rate of 0.80 (0.67-0.93) mo/y. Importantly, OS in the CAs improved 0.63 (0.51-0.75) mo/y, reflecting in part the use of experimental regimens in subsequent studies. Chemotherapy contributed only partly to the gains in OS, given that (1) mean (95% CI) improvements in PFS were only 0.31 (0.22-0.39) mo/y in the EAs and 0.23 (0.15-0.31) mo/y in CAs; (2) gains in survival not directly attributable to the protocol were greater than gains in PFS (0.46 [0.36-0.57] mo/y in EAs and 0.39 [0.29-0.49] mo/y in CAs; and (3) effects on OS were much lower in second-line trials (median [interquartile range] response rates, 8.6% [0%-11.0%] in EAs and 7.5% [3.8%-12.8%] in CAs) compared with first-line trials (39.5% [24.0%-50.2%] for EAs and 29.4% [16.4%-39.4%] for CAs). Conclusions and Relevance The OS of patients with mCRC has improved gradually over the past 2 decades, with gains from chemotherapy occurring alongside gains from lead-time bias and improved locoregional approaches and supportive care. Gains from first-line therapies have been modest but consistent; however, gains from second-line therapies have been disappointing. We believe that future progress will be greater if emphasis is placed on enrolling patients in experimental trials to explore and develop alternative first-line regimens and better second-line therapies.
Initial pediatric cardiac experience with decellularized allograft patches.

Purpose This study examines use patterns, early outcomes, and technical surgical adaptability of a newly approved decellularized allograft pulmonary artery patch for right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions in neonates and infants, including primary operations and reoperations. Description The study includes the 44 consecutive initial patients in which 46 patches were used for cardiovascular reconstruction between September 2009 and September 2010. Recorded variables include sex, age at operation, adverse outcome end points (eg, death, stenosis, aneurysm), congenital diagnoses, postoperative complications, and number, type, and location of patches. Evaluation Patients were a mean age of 290 ± 343 days at operation, and 54.5% were boys. Three types of patch were used: 58.7% thin, 21.7% thick, and 19.6% hemipulmonary. No device-related deaths or adverse events occurred. A biopsy specimen of one patch at elective reoperation demonstrated active recellularization, with no inflammation. Conclusions These patches have a wide range of applicability. Handling and technical flexibility is excellent and superior to standard options. There appears to be potential for autologous revitalization of the tissue.
Nutrition of algal-invertebrate symbiosis. I. Utilization of soluble organic nutrients by symbiont-free hosts

The uptake and utilization of organic compounds, known to be present in the photosynthetic products excreted by algal symbionts, has been examined in an aposymbiotic anemone, Aiptasia pallida, and newly hatched, symbiont-free larvae of the turbellarian, Convoluta roscoffensis. Results indicate that these compounds are rapidly assimilated by the hosts, and subsequently metabolized to provide both energy, and a source of stable cell constituents. The role of these metabolic patterns in intact associations is discussed, and the data is further related to the general phenomenon of dissolved nutrients in seawater, and their significance to the nutrition of marine invertebrates.
Interactive effects of human activities, herbivory and fire on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) age structures in western Wyoming

Aim Fire suppression, elk (Cervus elaphus Erxleben) browsing and drought have been suggested as possible explanations for low aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) ramet regeneration in elk winter range of the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) during the twentieth century. This study analyses the relationship between the rates of aspen regeneration, biophysical factors and human land use since 1830. This approach reveals the importance of indirect human impacts, especially through fire and elk management strategies, on forest structure. Location This study was conducted in and around the winter range of the Jackson Hole elk herd in western Wyoming, USA. Aspen stands in this region represent the ecotone between coniferous forest and sagebrush-grassland vegetation. Methods Age structures of aspen stands were reconstructed from tree-rings in order to determine how variation in drought, elk populations and fire occurrence may have affected aspen ramet regeneration since 1830. The effects of recent prescribed fires and elk browse on aspen regeneration were also evaluated by measuring stem height, browse intensity and age of ramets < 2 m tall in prescribed burns and in unburned areas. Results Aspen ramet regeneration has occurred consistently but at low frequencies since 1830, with three peaks of regeneration: 1860-85, 1915-40 and 1955-90. Periods of frequent ramet regeneration coincided with low to moderate elk populations and aspen regenerated only sporadically when elk populations were high. Based on a comparison of the age structures with a tree-ring reconstruction of Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), observed PDSI and annual precipitation, drought variability appears unrelated to episodes of aspen regeneration. Recent regeneration patterns suggest that fire does not enhance the recruitment of tree-sized aspen stems in the presence of elk browse, although sample sizes were small. Since 1900, elk hunting and spatially clustered elk feeding in the study area has facilitated low but consistent regeneration of aspen ramets in the twentieth century. In contrast, extremely low ramet regeneration has been observed in national parks of the Rocky Mountains, where elk have been managed according to the 'natural regulation' policy (no hunting or feeding) since 1969. Main conclusions Over time, different management strategies have altered the interactions between fire, herbivory and aspen regeneration suggesting that management history and the causes of change in management, should be explicitly included in ecological studies and future management strategies. These results also point to the value of using the spatial and temporal variation in human interactions with ecological systems as a method for understanding ecological relationships.
Deformation substructure and slip systems in directionally solidified Ni3Al(γ’)-Ni3Nb(δ)

At strains ≳5 x 10-3, the 2 μmγ’ lamellae deformed by dislocation multiplication on those few slip systems with unobstructed paths for screw dislocations together with slip on those other systems which could subsequently become active through cross slip.b was mainly «110» (on {111} and {100}) at 25°C and «100» (on {100} and {110}) at 300 to 600°C. The influence of the composite environment on γ’ was viewed as the restriction of multiplication leading to severe exhaustion hardening and limited load transfer to δ. Larger deformations at 300 to 600°C were achieved through formation of 211 twins in 5 which generated γ’ deformation bands with dominant slip systems (b = «110» on {100} and {111}) determined by both compatibility and dislocation mobility requirements for accommodation of the large (0.4) twin shear. The bands then provided the dislocation sources for the remainder of the γ’.
Redefining the Role of Media: The Impact of Media Freedom on Ethnic Diversity

This paper explores the role of media in mitigating the adverse effects of ethnic diversity on economic policies using a pooled OLS approach. A freer media helps build a strong public consensus, generates public awareness, creates a transparent government and, thus, fosters development. Consequently, it helps lessen frictions created among ethnic groups by society and also aids better formation of social capital. The results reveal that while a free press can efficiently deal with the retarded impacts of ethnic diversity on public policies, sufficiently higher press freedom levels can completely eliminate them. Further, free media helps to dampen ethnic tensions, corruption and genocides.
Contemporary Trends in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the United States: 1998-2011

Objective To examine trends in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using a serial, cross-sectional study design. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest, publicly available, all-payer, inpatient database, was searched to identify patients of any age who underwent PCNL from 1998 to 2011. Annual procedure incidence rates were estimated using the total US Census Bureau populations. Results Data indicated that 105,180 patients underwent PCNL during the study period. The overall annual rate increased from 17 to 31 per million US adults ( P P P = .03) patients. Both sexes had significant increases in procedure rates: males increased from 17 to 30 per million adults ( P P P = .59), whereas among patients aged 18 to 64 years, the procedure rate increased from 39 to 70 per million adults ( P P Conclusion The incidence of PCNL in the United States nearly doubled from 1998 to 2011.
Effects of exogenous recombinant interleukin-12 on immune responses and protection against Brucella abortus in a murine model.

Abstract This study determined if murine interleukin-12 (IL-12) would influence immunity in mice vaccinated with live or killed Brucella abortus strain RB51 (SRB51). Mice received live or gamma-irradiated SRB51 bacteria alone, or with IL-12 (0.5 or 1.0 microg, 2x or 3x), whereas other mice received saline or IL-12 alone. Post-vaccination antibody responses to live or killed SRB51 and clearance of live SRB51 from splenic tissue were not influenced by IL-12 treatments. Mice were challenged at 12 weeks with 4 x 10(4) cfu of B. abortus strain 2308 (S2308) and were euthanized 2 weeks later. The highest IL-12 treatment increased (P < 0.05) post-challenge antibody responses when co-administered with killed SRB51. Co-administration of 1.0 microg of IL-12 with live SRB51, but not killed SRB51, reduced (P < 0.05) S2308 colonization of splenic tissues. Our data suggest that although IL-12 may augment protective immunity induced by live SRB51, it does not influence protection induced by vaccination with killed SRB51.
Tuning the Magic Size of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters via Isomeric Methylbenzenethiols.

Toward controlling the magic sizes of atomically precise gold nanoclusters, herein we have devised a new strategy by exploring the para-, meta-, ortho-methylbenzenethiol (MBT) for successful preparation of pure Au130(p-MBT)50, Au104(m-MBT)41 and Au40(o-MBT)24 nanoclusters. The decreasing size sequence is in line with the increasing hindrance of the methyl group to the interfacial Au–S bond. That the subtle change of ligand structure can result in drastically different magic sizes under otherwise similar reaction conditions is indeed for the first time observed in the synthesis of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters. These nanoclusters are highly stable as they are synthesized under harsh size-focusing conditions at 80–90 °C in the presence of excess thiol and air (i.e., without exclusion of oxygen).
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Guanosine-Based Supramolecular Hydrogels with Guanosine-Containing Polymers

We demonstrate that multivalent, polymeric 8-methoxyguanosine derivatives based on poly(dimethylacrylamide) can enhance the mechanical properties of the low molecular weight hydrogelator 8-methoxy-2′,3′,5′-tri-O-acetylguanosine at biologically relevant salt concentrations. It is proposed that these nongelling polymeric derivatives, under the conditions studied, can result in a significant enhancement of these supramolecular gels (e.g., for gels containing 1 wt % gelator G′ can be increased from ca. 2000 Pa with no additive to 80 000 Pa) by acting as supramolecular cross-linking units. Two competing mechanisms appear to play a role in these cogels. At low polymer concentrations the guanosine-containing polymers tend to act more as solubilizing agents for the gelator, thus weakening the gels, while at high guanosine-containing polymer concentrations the gels show a marked enhancement in mechanical properties consistent with them acting as supramolecular cross-linking agents. As such, the thermomechanical pr...
Towards a global HF radar network

Therefore, under GEO we have set forth a bold task to develop a global HF radar network. We will kick off this task at a meeting during Oceanology International in March 2012. The goals of this effort are to increase the numbers of coastal radars, ensure that HF radar data is available in a single standardised format in near-real-time, worldwide quality standards, a set of easy to use standard products, assimilate the data into ocean and ecosystem modelling and develop the emerging uses of HF radar. This is an exciting initiative and if you would like to be part of this global effort, please contact the co-chairs: Jack Harlan, US IOOS HF Radar, Project Manager, Jack.Harlan@noaa.gov or Enrique Fanjul, Spain Puertos del Estado, enrique@puertos.es.
Development of research on damping characteristics of polymer composites materials at home and abroad

Recent development of damping characteristics of polymer composites materials were discussed in this paper.It's reviewed in detail to the relativity of components,cross-linking degree,filler and the using conditions of polymer to the performance of damping material.The mechanism of damping and the methods of improving the damping performance were also reviewed,the prospects of polymer damping on the adhesive was introduced.
Simple Rank-Based Filtering for Microblog Retrieval: Implications for Evaluation and Test Collections.

However the two systems also used different language filtering approaches and as such cannot be compared directly. Post-submission experiments suggest that the major factor influencing results is the use of a rank-based threshold. In particular, thresholding a simple query-similarity score ranking (which has also been filtered for English language results) at rank 30 gives the best overall results by the track evaluation, even though it results in only retrieving tweets that occurred days (or even weeks) before the original query. Since this seems to be “gaming” the evaluation and is clearly not in the spirit of the track, we did some analysis of the test collection to try to determine why this was the case. The majority of this paper is dedicated to that analysis. We summarize the outcomes as follows:
THE CARBOHYDRATE INTERMEDIATES OF ERYTHROCYTES DEFICIENT IN GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE.

The carbohydrate intermediates of erythrocytes were studied before and after incubation for 6 hours at 37 C. A comparison was made between a case of NSHA with G-6-PD deficiency, his mother, a Caucasian and a Negro with G-6-PD deficiency (so-called primaquine sensitivity), and a normal case. An abnormality of ATP metabolism manifested by a distinct fall in concentration of ATP after incubation was found in the case of NSHA but not in the other cases. This is another demonstration of the heterogeneity of the cases of deficiency of G-6-PD.
P09.29 High prevalence of neisseria gonorrhoeae among emergency department “super-users” in a large urban medical centre

Introduction Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain prevalent in urban populations and are often diagnosed in emergency departments (ED). However, the burden of STI-care on urban EDs is not well characterised. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients seeking acute care for STI-related complaints at a large urban academic ED in the Midwestern US from July, 2012 to June, 2014. All ED patients evaluated for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection by nucleic acid amplification testing were examined for demographic characteristics, testing rates, and STI prevalence. Results Approximately 183,000 ED patient visits occurred during the study period. Of these, 6,518 visits (3.6%) resulted in STI testing for 5,431 patients. For tested patients, 77% were female, 83% African-American, and median age was 26.3(IQR 22.1–34.5). Overall prevalence was 6.8% for GC and 11.8% for Ct among patients tested. Among patients positive for GC, Ct, or both, 55.04–74.5% were female and 60.5–72.2% were ≤24 years. A total of 758 patients (14%) were tested more than once in the ED during the study period and defined as “super-users”. These super-users made up 28% of the total visits during the study period. Super-users were more likely to be female, African American and older adolescents (age 20–24) (p < 0.001). Super-users were more likely than non-super-users to have a positive test for GC (p < 0.001) and Ct (p < 0.001)], and had GC prevalence more than twice that of non-super-users (13.1% vs 5.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our study revealed a significant burden of STI-related diagnoses, especially GC, in the urban ED setting. ED super-users were more likely to have a positive test than those tested patients only once, and may represent a higher risk population. Additional research is needed to understand the unique patient population presenting to urban EDs for STI care and inform tailored intervention strategies. Disclosure of interest All authors report no disclosures.
Influence of blood-brain barrier opening to proteins on development of post-ischaemic brain injury.

AbstractThe effect of the BBB opening to proteins on development of post-ischaemic brain injury was assessed in 32 cats subjected to one hour MCA occlusion. The CBF was measured by hydrogen clearance from electrodes inserted in the caudate and the cerebral cortex within the MCA territory. In 16 animals, a prevention of subsequent reactive hyperaemia was attempted by hypovolaemia, produced by withdrawal of blood just before the release of MCA occlusion. The hypovolaemia was successful in prevention of post-ischaemic hyperaemia in five out of eight cats sacrificedat 3 h and in six out of eight animals killed after 3 and 14 days. In cats sacrificed 3 h after release of MCA occlusion, ischaemic sites, associated with reactive hyperaemia, showed evidence of BBB breakdown to proteins and significantly more severe oedema than at the ischaemic sites without reactive hyperaemia, which otherwise failed to reveal leakage of EB tracer. In the cats sacrificed at 3 and 14 days, the ischaemic sites which showed reactive...
A Hard Nut to Crack: Reducing Chemical Migration in Food-Contact Materials.

When we buy food, we’re often buying packaging, too. From cherries to Cheez-It® crackers, modern foods are processed, transported, stored, and sold in specialized materials that account, on average, for half the cost of the item, according to Joseph Hotchkiss, a professor in Michigan State University’s School of Packaging. Consumer-level food packaging serves a wide range of functions, such as providing product information, preventing spoilage, and protecting food during the journey from production to retail to pantry, fridge, or freezer. That’s why food producers lavish so much time and money on it. But what happens when these valuable and painstakingly engineered containers leach chemicals and other compounds into the food and drink they’re designed to protect? Such contamination is nearly ubiquitous; it happens every day, everywhere packaged food is found, with all common types of packaging, including glass, metal, paper, and plastic.1,2,3,4 Many manufacturers are eager to alleviate the problem of chemical migration from food packaging, but progress in identifying viable alternative materials has been incremental at best. Even as awareness of the issue grows, large-scale solutions that are scientifically and financially viable remain out of reach. The challenges in reaching them are many. Yet some of the world’s leading health authorities and largest food producers are working toward fixes (and in cases already deploying them), despite the absence of scientific consensus or regulatory requirements around most food-packaging chemicals of concern.
The Value of Exclusion: Chasing Scarcity through Social Exclusion in Early Twentieth Century Atlanta:

In recent decades, a powerful narrative has taken shape which explores the impact of federal housing policies in shaping the highly racialized geography of poverty and privilege which forms the lan...
Basic Electromagnetic Theory

In this chapter, an introduction to the basic electromagnetic concepts that are needed to understand this dissertation are discussed. A full overview of electromagnetics is beyond the scope of this work, and so only the most relevant concepts are reviewed.
Modeling epidemics on a regular tree graph

We will first provide a brief introduction to models of disease transmission on so-called contact networks, which can be represented by various structures from the mathematical field of graph theory. These models allow for exploration of stochastic effects and incorporation of more biological detail than the classical compartment-based ordinary differential equation models, which usually assume both homogeneity in the population and uniform mixing. In particular, we use an agent-based modelling platform to compare theoretical predictions from mathematical epidemiology to results obtained from simulations of disease transmission on a regular tree graph. We also demonstrate how this graph reveals connections between network structure and the spread of infectious diseases. Specifically, we discuss results for how certain properties of the tree graph, such as network diameter and density, alter the duration of an outbreak.
US Adults' Perceptions of the Harmful Effects During Pregnancy of Using Electronic Vapor Products Versus Smoking Cigarettes, Styles Survey, 2015

INTRODUCTION Research suggests aerosol from electronic vapor products (EVPs) has fewer harmful constituents than conventional cigarette smoke. Even so, EVPs and other nicotine-containing products are not safe to use during pregnancy. We examined perceptions among US adults regarding harm in using EVPs rather than smoking cigarettes during pregnancy. METHODS Data came from the 2015 Styles Survey, an Internet panel survey of a sample of US adults aged 18 years or older (N = 4,127). Perceived harm was assessed by asking respondents whether using EVPs was less, equally, or more harmful for pregnant women than smoking cigarettes. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate perceived harm overall and by sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco-use status. Perceived harm was assessed among all adults, women of reproductive age (18-44 years, n = 820), and women of nonreproductive age (≥45 years, n = 1,398). RESULTS Among all adults, 11.1% believed using EVPs during pregnancy was less harmful than smoking conventional cigarettes, 51.0% believed it was equally harmful, 11.6% believed it was more harmful, and 26.2% did not know. Prevalence of perception of less harm, by demographic category, was greatest among adults aged 18 to 24 years, men, non-Hispanic whites, adults with less than a high school diploma, current EVP users, and current cigarette smokers (P < .05). Prevalence of perception of less harm was greater among women of reproductive age (9.6%) than among those of nonreproductive age (7.9%) (P < .05). CONCLUSION US adults have varying levels of perceptions about the harms of EVP use versus cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Efforts are warranted to prevent nicotine exposure during pregnancy and to educate adults on the dangers of using any form of tobacco during pregnancy, including EVPs.
Safety and Surgical Outcomes of Same-day Anterior Urethroplasty

Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of same-day anterior urethroplasty at our institution and define predictors of postoperative admission and surgical failure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 118 consecutive anterior urethroplasties performed at a tertiary care center. Data were analyzed to detect predictors of postoperative admission and urethroplasty failure. The 30-day complications and long-term outcomes were compared between same-day and admitted patients. Results Ninety-two patients (78%) were discharged on the day of surgery. A penile stricture location compared with a bulbar stricture location (odds ratio: 13.4, P = .009) and having undergone more than 3 prior endoscopic stricture interventions (odds ratio: 10.2, P = .001) were significantly associated with postoperative admission. Patients with a ventral onlay approach were more likely to be discharged home ( P = .03), whereas patients with combined repairs were more likely to be admitted ( P = .04). Same-day urethroplasty did not increase 30-day postoperative complications, patient emergency room visits, unplanned clinic visits, or phone calls. Success rates did not differ between same-day (89%) and admitted (79%) cohorts, and no individual stricture characteristic was predictive of urethroplasty failure. Conclusion Same-day anterior urethroplasty is safe and feasible and could help increase utilization of urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease.
Contact Lens Care Tips for Patients: An Optometrist's Perspective

Contact lens (CL) wear has been a viable alternative to spectacle wear for several decades. The interest and desire to wear CLs have been stable in recent years, evidenced by the consistency of new wearers into this category of refractive correction. CLs have become one of the most commonly used medical devices in the market, with more than 40 million wearers in the US. There are many activities in which patients report a preference of CL wear over spectacles (athletics for example). Nearly all patients (even presbyopic patients) have the option of contact lenses today given the expansion of powers and parameters in recent years. Patients eyes are getting dryer as factors of age and the environment. CL materials have improved in recent years in an attempt to meet the challenges of dryer eyes. Despite the improvements in CLs and their care, challenges persist. Patient education, handwashing, compliance with care, and wearing schedule are some of the challenges that providers face in the care of CL patients even today.
Echándole ganas: The academic identities of undocumented Latino youth

ABSTRACTThis ethnographic study explores what happens in the lives of two 1.5-generation undocumented Latino youth that results in academic engagement or disengagement. It examines how turning points, policy, language proficiency, school structure, economic needs, and family and personal circumstances affect academic identities. Findings reveal how students’ agency can make a big difference in explaining the high school graduation of youth who are proficient in English. Consequently, labeling students as low or high achievers disregards the fluidity of their academic identities as well as their capacity to change their academic trajectories within society’s structural limitations.
Increasing alkali supplementation decreases urinary nitrogen excretion when adjusted for same day nitrogen intake.

We examined whether escalating doses of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) supplements alter urinary nitrogen excretion expressed as a ratio to same day nitrogen intake (measure of muscle-protein breakdown). The ratio declined significantly from placebo to low to high dose of KHCO3 supplementation in older adults over 3 months, suggesting muscle-sparing. Neutralization of dietary acid load with alkali supplementation (i.e., KHCO3) has been hypothesized to have muscle protein-sparing effects. In controlled feeding studies with fixed nitrogen (N) intake/day, 24-h urinary N excretion is a good marker of muscle breakdown. However, in studies with self-selected diets, changes in 24-h urinary N excretion can be influenced by shifts in N intake. We evaluated changes in 24-h total urinary N excretion as a ratio of N excretion to concurrent N intake in 233 older men and women who participated in an 84-day KHCO3 supplementation randomized placebo-controlled trial. After adjustment for relevant cofactors, escalating doses of KHCO3 (1 mmol/kg/day [low] or 1.5 mmol/kg/day [high]) resulted in a progressive decline in urinary N excretion/N intake compared to placebo (overall P for trend = 0.042). The 84-day change in urinary N excretion/N intake in the high-dose KHCO3 group was statistically significantly lower compared to placebo (P = 0.012) but not compared to the low-dose KHCO3 group (P = 0.276). The 84-day change in urinary N excretion/N intake in the low-dose KHCO3 group did not differ significantly from placebo (P = 0.145). Urinary N excretion expressed as ratio to same day N intake declined steadily with increasing doses of KHCO3 supplementation from low 1 mmol/kg/day to high 1.5 mmol/kg/day, suggesting a nitrogen-sparing effect. Compared to urinary N excretion alone, this ratio could be a more reasonable measure of muscle protein metabolism in large-scale long-term human studies. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT1475214
VARIABLES AFFECTING THE INTERFACE MECHANICS OF POROUS Co-Cr-Mo SYSTEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study that was directed at investigating the bone implant interface mechanics of porous coated and totally porous Co-Cr-Mo alloy implants. A total of 12 variables were evaluated where three mean pore sizes were investigated at three particle layer depths, and in totally porous implant model. Pore interconnectivity were evaluated quantitatively and correlated with mechanical and histologic findings. Their particle size and layer depth, were implanted in each femur. All porous implants were tested fresh on an MTS closed-loop hydraulic test system. Histologic and microradiographic sections of the porous coated implants exhibited extensive mineralized bone ingrowth extending to the core of the implants. Decreased mechanical results for totally porous Implants and corresponding histologic findings of incomplete infiltration suggests that bone was unable to infiltrate and maintain mineralized throughout the entire porous system.