cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Model of Bayesian-regularization Back-Propagation Neural Network about Meteorological Factors,Vector Factors and Intestinal Communicable disease in Shenzhen

Objective To investigate the relationship among meteorological factors,vector factors and intes- tinal communicable disease.We built the Back-Propagation neural network(BPNN)model and evaluated the effect of simulation and the forecast result about this model.Methods We collected the monthly data of meteorology,vec- tor and intestinal communicable disease cases from several surveillance system.We analyzed the correlation among the incidence of intestinal communicable disease,those meteorological factors and vector factors.We built the Bayesian-regularization BPNN model by Matlab 7.0.Results The valuable vector factors of incidence included the average density of roach and the average density of fly.The valuable meteorological factors was the mean of monthly air temperature and the whole monthly precipitation.The Mean Error Rate(MER)and R2 of the BPNN about monthly incidence was 14.9% and 0.87 respectively.When we forecasted the incidenee of intestinal communicable disease by the BPNN,we found that the MER of monthly incidence(18.4%)was higher than the value of annual incidence(8.4%).Conclusion The Bayesian-regularization BPNN model among meteorological factors,vector fac- tors and intestinal communicable disease offered anticipant effect in data simulation and foreeasting.BPNN have practical value Epidemiological study of communicable disease incidence estimation.
Predicting the performance of online consumer reviews

Although online consumer reviews (OCRs) have helped consumers to know about the strengths and weaknesses of different products and find the ones that best suit their needs, they introduce a challenge for businesses to analyze them because of their volume, variety, velocity and veracity. This research investigates the predictors of readership and helpfulness of OCR using a sentiment mining approach for big data analytics. Our findings show that reviews with higher levels of positive sentiment in the title receive more readerships. Sentimental reviews with neutral polarity in the text are also perceived to be more helpful. The length and longevity of a review positively influence both its readership and helpfulness. Because the current methods used for sorting OCR may bias both their readership and helpfulness, the approach used in this study can be adopted by online vendors to develop scalable automated systems for sorting and classification of big OCR data which will benefit both vendors and consumers. Investigating the effect of review sentiment on readership and helpfulness of OCR.Providing a research model that predicts the performance of OCR.Reviews with higher levels of positive sentiment in the title receive more readerships.Reviews with neutral polarity in the text are perceived to be more helpful.Length and longevity of a review positively influence both its readership and helpfulness.
An application of fuzzy factor analysis for sustainable bridge maintenance and retrofit projects

AbstractSustainability in bridge maintenance and retrofit projects is an essential factor to achieve sustainable infrastructure development. Many studies have discussed issues relating to sustainable design and construction of transportation infrastructure; however, no major study has been conducted to identify the most significant factors involved in sustainable bridge rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to address the lack of Critical Green Factors (CGFs) for bridge rehabilitation projects. An extensive review was carried out to explore and identify the factors that are appropriate for rehabilitation projects. The research data were collected from a questionnaire survey and discussions with bridge engineering experts. Because of the imprecision and vagueness in subjective responses, the fuzziness in data analysis was taken into account by applying fuzzy set theory. The identified factors were then classified applying factor analysis to reduce the green factors into smaller meaningful groups. Three ...
Management of Severe Intractable Sickle Cell Pain with Intrathecal Opioid Analgesia.

Management of severe Sickle Cell Pain (SCP) often entails the utilization of opioids via the intravenous route. In this abstract, we describe the utilization of Intrathecal Morphine Analgesia (IMA) infusion in the management of severe SCP. Two African American women were the subjects of this study: a 50-year-old patient with sickle cell anemia and a 51-year-old patient with sickle-b + -thalassemia. Complications of their disease included frequent acute painful episodes, S/P cholecystectomy, iron overload, and severe avascular necrosis (AVN) of the left hip in the first patient and frequent acute painful episodes, S/P cholecystectomy, retinopathy, and severe AVN of the right hip in the second patient. Both patients were admitted frequently to the hospital due to severe acute painful episodes involving mostly the hips and lower extremities. In both patients, a Medtronic Indura Catheter was inserted intrathecally under fluoroscopy guidance. The entry level was at the L3–L4 lumbar space and the tip of the catheter reached the T8 level. The catheter was attached to an Isomed pump that was filled with a mixture of preservative free morphine and clonidine and placed in a subcutaneous pouch in the abdominal wall. The first patient required 0.5mg of morphine and 25mg of clonidine daily, and the second patient required 1.5mg of morphine and 150mg of clonidine daily. The pumps were refilled every 2–3 months. No side effects were noted and the vital signs of both patients remained stable. Both patients continue to use IMA for 2–3 years to date with no complications. The utilization of IMA resulted in significant decrease in the frequency of acute painful episodes treated in the emergency room or hospital, as well as the number of hospital days and the amount of oral opioid consumption expressed in morphine sulfate (MOSO4) equivalent as shown in the table. Moreover, the quality of life of both patients improved: the first patient resumed social and family activities and the second patient could be gainfully employed. The data show that utilization of IMA in selected patients with severe intractable pain below the diaphragm has a significant salutary effect on the frequency and duration of hospital admissions and the total amount of opioids consumed. Effect of IMA on Annual Utilization of Medical Facilities and Opioid Consumption
A Comparison of the Cardiovascular Risks of Rural, Suburban, and Urban Women

The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular risk factors of women 35 years of age and older with primary residence in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Data were collected on 108 women in upstate New York. Rural women exhibited higher systolic blood pressure (p = .05) and were older (p=.01) than those living in suburban or urban areas. There were no other statistically significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors among the groups. However, all three groups exhibited levels of total cholesterol, weight, and body mass index that indicate strong cardiovascular risk factors among women in this age group regardless of primary residence. Keywords : rural, women’s health, cardiovascular disease (CVD) http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v2i1.475
Large Area Solid Radiochemistry (LASR) collector at the National Ignition Facility

The flux of neutrons and charged particles produced from inertial confinement fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) induces measurable concentrations of nuclear reaction products in various target materials. The collection and radiochemical analysis of the post-shot debris can be utilized as an implosion diagnostic to obtain information regarding fuel areal density and ablator-fuel mixing. Furthermore, assessment of the debris from specially designed targets, material doped in capsules or mounted on the external surface of the target assembly, can support experiments relevant to nuclear forensic research. To collect the shot debris, we have deployed the Large Area Solid Radiochemistry Collector (LASR) at NIF. LASR uses a main collector plate that contains a large collection foil with an exposed 20 cm diameter surface located ∼50 cm from the NIF target. This covers ∼0.12 steradians, or about 1% of the total solid angle. We will describe the design, analysis, and operation of this experimental platform as well as the initial results. To speed up the design process 3-dimensional printing was utilized. Design analysis includes the dynamic loading of the NIF target vaporized mass, which was modeled using LS-DYNA.
Serial MRI of leptomeningeal inflammation in rodent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (P1.389)

Objective: To investigate pattern of leptomeningeal contrast enhancement (LMCE) using serial MRI in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). To explore the association of LMCE with clinical symptoms and disease progression. To characterize the relationship between MRI detected LMCE, and the underlying histologically quantified pathological correlates. Background: Leptomeningeal inflammation, as evaluated by LMCE, has been implied to be a predictive marker of cortical lesion formation in MS patients. However, the temporal pattern of LMCE in EAE myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is unknown. Design/Methods: Four C57BL/6J mice immunized with MOG peptide fragment (35–55 amino acid) and 4 saline injected animals were scanned for LMCE at pre-induction and at 1, 2 and 4 weeks post induction (PI). LMCE scan was obtained using two dimensional-fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence after post-contrast (Gadovist®) administration on 9.4T Bruker scanner. Stage matched brain cryo-sections were assessed for measuring cellular density of Iba1 positive microphage/microglia. Results: All 4 EAE-MOG animals showed presence of LMCE and but not in the control saline mice. The peak signal intensity of LMCE was evidenced at one week PI in the meninges. The LMCE intensity decreased through 2–4-week PI, but it never returned to the baseline or saline injected normality levels. The peak of LMCE was associated with weight loss starting at 1 week PI and with clinical symptoms starting at 2 weeks PI. Histological analysis of the brain tissue showed a higher density of immune response cells in the meninges of the EAE-MOG animals, corresponding to the areas of LMCE. Conclusions: Serial MRI demonstrated that LMCE peak intensity in the meninges corresponds with the acute inflammatory phase of EAE-MOG disease progression. The peak meningeal LMCE intensity observation was followed by development of clinical disease symptoms and associated with higher inflammatory cell density. Study Supported by: N/A Disclosure: Dr. Pol has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schweser has received research support from SynchroPET. Dr. Bertolino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Preda has nothing to disclose. Dr. Svienson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sudyn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Babek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Siebert has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono, Genzyme, Novartis, for speaking and consultant fees. Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for BioMed Research International, BMC Medicine, BMC Neurology, Clinical CNS Drugs, Conf Pap Neurosci, Journal of Alzheimer9s Disease, Vein and Lymphatics, and Word J Surg Proc. Dr. Zivadinov has received research support from Biogen Idec, Claret Medical, Genzyme, Intekrin-Coherus, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
New vis-tas in lactosylceramide research.

Lactosylceramide (LacCer) is a member of a large family of compounds collectively called the glycosphingolipids (GSL). These molecules are present in all mammalian cells, some bacteria and fungus. GSLs are composed of an amino acid serine, fatty acids and sugars and are usually localized on the cell surface wherein they serve as receptors for diverse physiologically relevant molecules, bacteria and viruses. However, LacCer is predominantly stored within cytoplasmic vesicles located in the perinuclear area though some LacCer is present on the cell surface. The dynamics of these two pools of LacCer is not known. Nevertheless, recent efforts by several groups of investigators have opened up new vis-tas in LacCer research. The present article is to bring to forth these findings for further experimental validation and for use in translational research to develop better diagnostics and therapeutics for use humans and certain veterinary purposes. In particular, this article will focus on two areas: 1. Inflammation and the LacCer–phospholipase-A-2 (PLA2) connection and 2. Implications of LacCer modulation on cardiac hypertrophy.
Abstract 1112: AKT2 loss impairs BRAF mutant melanoma metastasis

Despite recent advances in treatment, melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer, due to its highly metastatic nature. Many melanomas with oncogenic BRAFV600E lose the tumor suppressor PTEN, leading to unconstrained PI3K/AKT signaling and a drastic increase in melanoma invasiveness, but the contribution of AKT to melanoma metastasis has not been fully explored. Differential roles for AKT1 and AKT3 have been suggested in many cancers, but a requirement for AKT2 has not been described in melanoma. We report here that shRNA-mediated, conditional knockdown of AKTs in a variety of human melanoma cell lines reveals that selective AKT2 depletion inhibits migratory and invasive phenotypes in vitro, and prevents metastasis in vivo. Our results support a critical role for AKT2 in stimulating melanoma cell migration and invasion and in supporting growth of metastatic lesions. As AKT inhibitors advance in clinical trials for melanoma, our findings could inform therapeutic strategies to improve treatment options and outcome for this devastating disease. Citation Format: Siobhan K. McRee, Jodie R. Pietruska, Philip N. Tsichlis, Phil W. Hinds. AKT2 loss impairs BRAF mutant melanoma metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1112.
Modeling the seasonality of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in hospitals with environmental contamination.

A deterministic mathematical model with periodic antibiotic prescribing rate is constructed to study the seasonality of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections taking antibiot...
Social-cognitive theory variables as correlates of sedentary behavior in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence.

Abstract Background Persons with multiple sclerosis(MS) engage in substantially more sedentary behavior than adults from the general population. Objective Hypothesis: This preliminary, cross-sectional study examined social-cognitive theory(SCT) variables as correlates of sedentary behavior in MS. We hypothesized that scores from SCT variables for sedentary behavior change would correlate with scores from self-reported and device-measured volumes of sedentary behavior in MS. We further hypothesized that the correlations would be stronger for self-reported than device-measured sedentary behavior, and that the primary correlate of sedentary behavior would be self-efficacy. Methods We recruited participants through a random sample of 1,000 persons enrolled in the North American Research Committee on MS registry, and 275 of the 296 persons who underwent screening volunteered for the study. Participants wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on a belt around the waist for measuring minutes per day of sedentary behavior. Participants further completed a newly-created, study-specific measure of SCT variables for reducing sedentary behavior(i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, barriers, goal setting, & planning) and the abbreviated International Physical Activity Questionnaire as a self-report measure of sitting time. Results Self-reported sedentary behavior was associated with self-efficacy(r = −0.47), goal setting(r = −0.31), planning(r = −0.35), and barriers(r = 0.39) for reducing sedentary behavior. Device-measured sedentary behavior was associated with self-efficacy(r = −0.32), goal setting(r = −0.21), planning(r = −0.18), and barriers(r = 0.20). Self-efficacy(β = −0.29), barriers(β = 0.26), and planning(β = −0.24) independently explained variance in self-reported sedentary behavior(R2 = 0.33). Only self-efficacy(β = −0.32) independently explained variance in device-measured sedentary behavior(R2 = 0.10). Conclusion SCT constructs might be reasonable targets of a behavioral intervention for reducing sedentary behavior in MS.
The Japanese B2C Retail Industry in the Digital Age

This chapter shows (a) how digitalisation has impacted the way Japanese consumers behave in the B2C retail industry and (b) how successful players adapted to the new purchasing habits, technology improvements and service challenges. It will be of interest to business practitioners and academics as well in Japan as overseas.
Review and Analysis of Research Trends in Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Sinusitis.

BackgroundChronic sinusitis is a common otolaryngologic complaint with a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. There is current debate and differences in quality of evidence regarding th...
Traumatic Orthopaedic Injuries in the Prison Population.

The United States has the highest population of inmates in the world (per capita and total). Musculoskeletal disorders are included within the 10 most frequent medical reports of prisoners; however, the literature about them is limited. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology and complications of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of musculoskeletal trauma and complications in the prison population. Methods A list of all traumatic orthopaedic injuries and complications, except for spine, was sent to the billing contractor of the Pennsylvania state prison system based on the Current Procedure Terminology, and it was queried over a 3-year period. Results Five hundred seventy-six patients met the criteria. The hand and wrist was the most commonly injured region (65%), followed by foot and ankle (20%). Metacarpal fracture represented 22% of all injuries. A low complication rate was noted among all surgical procedures. Infection was seen in 1.15% of hand surgeries and in 2% of ankle surgeries. In addition, a low incidence of nonunion was recorded (1.5%). Nonsurgical management was the chosen method of treatment in 64% of all injuries. Conclusion In this prison population with musculoskeletal injuries, upper extremity injuries and nonsurgical treatment are more prevalent and low energy injuries are more common. Contrary to popular belief, there is a trend toward low infection and complication rates after orthopaedic treatment. Further studies are necessary to best identify the patterns of injuries and the best way to treat inmates with orthopaedic injuries.
Validation of a ‘Usual Care' Model for Vasopressor Initiation in a Cohort of Emergency Department Patients with Sepsis

Usual care regarding vasopressor (VP) initiation is ill-defined. We aimed to further validate a quantitative model for usual care in the Emergency Department (ED) regarding the timing of VP initiation in sepsis. We retrospectively studied a cohort of adult critically-ill ED patients who also received antibiotics in the ED. We applied a multivariable model previously developed from another patient cohort which distinguishes between time points at which patients were or were not subsequently started on a continuous VP infusion. The model has six independently significant predictors (respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure, SpO 2 , administered intravenous fluids, and elapsed time). The outcome was initiation of VP infusion, either within the ED or within 6 hours after leaving the ED. We applied the model to all time points, beginning when all model input parameters were first available for a given patient, and ending when either VP were first started, or the patient left the ED. Out of 55,963 adult ED patients during the two-year study interval, we identified 1,629 who met our inclusion criteria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 for all patients, and 0.72 for the subset with at least one hypotensive blood pressure measurement. At a model threshold with sensitivity and specificity 0.74 and 0.74, respectively, the median advance detection time was 170.5 minutes (IQR 53 - 363).
New benzene dimers: a benchmark theoretical investigation

A wide variety of methods have been used to study the retro-dimerization reactions of one cis-fused (1) and four new trans-fused benzene dimers (2–5). These methods, which included both single-reference and multi-reference approaches, were benchmarked against multi-reference Moller-Plesset perturbation theory of the second order (MRMP2) based on CASSCF(12,12) wavefunctions. Each of the single-reference approaches was found to be overestimating the activation barrier for retro-dimerization process. Interestingly, N-electron valence perturbation theory (NEVPT2) energies also diverged for these reactions from MRMP2 values. Canonical MP2 barriers were in better agreement with MRMP2 results than the NEVPT2 numbers, with mean unsigned deviations (MUD) of 5.4 kcal/mol and 6.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The behavior of each of the methods is discussed and compared with the application of the same methods to the standard pericyclic reaction set proposed by Houk et al. (J Phys Chem A 107:11445, 2003). The comparison between NEVPT2 and MRMP2 reaction barriers, when applied to the cycloadditions in the Houk set and the synchronous symmetry-allowed retro-dimerization of the benzene dimer 1, showed that these two methods give almost identical results for these reaction types (MUD of 0.5 kcal/mol).
Strain Sensing with THz Metamaterial Composites

Terahertz metamaterials with strain-sensitive junctions are introduced to identify structurally compromised regions of composite materials. Spatially mapping the local polarimetric metamaterial response visualizes and records regions of stress extrema experienced by visibly opaque materials.
Current status, utilization, and geographic distribution of MRI devices in Jordan

Despite increased scrutiny by health-care organizations regarding the utility, accessibility, and costs associated with imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in contemporary clinical medicine and has become critical to many clinical specialties to improve patient care. However, the geographical distribution of these machines, as well as their application in resource-scarce countries such as Jordan, has not been thoroughly researched. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the current situation, geographical distribution, and utilization of MRI services in Jordan. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021, at 167 health facilities in Jordan. Surveys were used to gather information on the current and equity status of MRI numbers, device characteristics, and utilization rate. To measure MRI units per million inhabitants among Jordanian governorates, descriptive analysis was conducted at multiple levels, including in OECD countries, regionally, and nationally. The Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient, both indices of inequalities in the distribution, were used to determine the distribution of MRI units. By 2020, 373,824 MRI scans had been performed in Jordan on 85 existing MRI units. In 2020, Jordan had less MRI scanners per million population than most of the OECD countries, varying from 14.4 in the governorate of Aqaba to zero in the governorate of Madaba. In all Jordanian governorates, the equity of the MRI distribution remained low and was strongly negatively associated with population density. The Gini coefficient for MRI was 0.30. In Jordan, there is a relatively low inequality in MRI allocation in terms of geographic distribution. Across all Jordanian governorates, MRI distributions were significantly inversely related to population density. The rate of MRI unit utilization varied by governorate. The majority of MRI units were concentrated in Amman, Jordan’s capital, where population density is higher and profit opportunity is greater. However, MRI was utilized more frequently in military and university hospitals. In 2020, the number of MRI scanners per million population was lower than in the majority of the OECD countries. Infrastructure and population density are important factors to consider in future planning to ensure equitable distribution of high-tech medical equipment.
MmWave Full-Duplex Wireless Communication: TX-RX Self-Interference Reduction Through Passive Cancellation Techniques

Full-duplex (FD) wireless has recently emerged as a new technology that enables a wireless device to transmit and receive at the same time and on the same frequency band. Recent works have shown that it is possible to significantly reduce the self-interference (SI) and build small-antenna low-frequency (sub-6 GHz) FD radios.
Consciousness and Unconsciousness

Contemporary sociological theory frequently prioritizes that which is consciously known over thoughts, feelings, and motivations that are beyond conscious awareness. Consciousness, being immediately measurable, resonates with the still often positivistic orientation of mainstream sociology. Unconsciousness, by contrast, is messy, resisting apprehension through conventional methodological approaches. Whereas many scholars have responded to this inscrutability by dismissing the importance and even the very existence of unconscious processes, this chapter seeks to highlight the significance of both consciousness and unconsciousness for the study of social life. We begin by illuminating how such pivotal sociological thinkers as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Bourdieu have implicitly grappled with the unconscious mind. From there, we turn to a brief history of more explicit theorizations of unconsciousness, tracing the ideas of core psychoanalytic thinkers like Freud, Jung, and Lacan alongside more socio-psychoanalytic theorists like Fromm and Fanon. Finally, we demonstrate the ongoing relevance of unconsciousness to sociological inquiry by highlighting contemporary theorists who have used the unconscious to account for social problems from racial domination to interpersonal violence. Ultimately, we call upon sociological theorists and empirical researchers to adopt a more multidimensional approach when analyzing the multiple dimensions of social reality.
Papulonodular Lesions with Scale and/or Crust

The differential diagnosis includes pityriasis lichenoides et varioliform acuta (PLEVA), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), secondary syphilis, nodular scabies, prurigo nodularis (PN), nodular pemphigoid (NP), and disseminated infection. Histology is very helpful.
Production of nitrite and N2O by the ammonia-oxidizing nitrifiers.

Nitrosomonas is an obligately autotrophic and aerobic bacterium which produces energy for growth from the following reactions: NH3 + O2 + 2e- → NH2OH (ammonia monoxygenase, “AMO”) (8); NH2OH + H2O → 4e- + 4H+ + HNO2 (hydroxylamine oxidoreductase, “HAO”) (3) and 1/2 O2 + 2e- + 2H+ → H2O (terminal oxidase).
Electronic Characterization of Submonolayer Films

The complete characterization of a surface or a submonolayer film on that surface must specify: (i) the chemical identity of the atoms present; (ii) the geometrical or structural arrangement of these atoms; and (iii) the distribution of electrons around these atoms, both in energy and space.1,2 At present Auger electron spectroscopy is being used very successfully to identify the atoms present on a surface.1,3 Low-energy electron diffraction now seems to be at the stage of development theoretically where it can be used to determine the position of atoms on a surface when they are in an ordered array.4 These techniques furnish very little information about the “chemistry” of the surface. Auger electron spectroscopy looks at the characteristic two electron decay to a core level of the atom and the theory of low-energy electron diffraction has been successful because the incoming electron scatters from the ion core, not the valence electrons.4 If one is going to investigate the interactions of adsorbed atoms or molecules with each other and the substrate, then it would seem to be essential to use experimental techniques which are sensitive to changes in the electronic structure in the outer-most or valence electrons.
Leukocyte rolling on engineered nanodot surfaces

Leukocyte rolling on the blood vessel wall represents the first step in the process of inflammation. In this study, nanofabricated substrates were designed with two different sets of feature size and spacing to mimic the expected distribution of discrete molecular adhesion patches on the surfaces of endothelial cells lining the blood vessel wall. P-selectin was attached to these nanopatterned dots, and the rolling behaviour of HL60 cells was analysed as a function of wall shear stress. When wall shear stress was less than 1 dyne/cm2, rolling velocity was independent of substrate patterning. However, when wall shear stress was higher than 2 dyne/cm2, rolling velocity was increased on the patterned substrates compared with the unpatterned sample, and rolling velocity increased with nanodot spacing distance. The influence of pattern spacing on the waiting time, the duration of zero-velocity pauses during rolling, also increased for wall shear stresses greater than 2 dyne/cm2. Additionally, the variance of instantaneous rolling velocities increased among substrates when the shear stress was greater than 6 dyne/cm2, indicating that the spatial arrangement of the nanodot pattern influenced not only the average velocity with which the cells rolled but also the saltatory nature of rolling. These results suggest that nanodot substrates represent a tool to investigate the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms regulating dynamic adhesion of leukocytes to the blood vessel wall.
The religion of thinness

This paper examines the almost religious-like devotion of especially women in pursuing the goal of a thinner body. The quest for a slender body is analysed as a ‘cultural religion’, which the author calls the ‘Religion of Thinness’. The analysis revolves around four observations. The first is that for many women in the US today, the quest for a slender body serves what has historically been a ‘religious’ function : providing a sense of purpose that orients and gives meaning to their lives, especially in times of suffering and uncertainty. Second, this quest has many features in common with traditional religions, including beliefs, myths, rituals, moral codes, and sacred images—all of which encourage women to find ‘salvation’ (i.e., happiness and well-being) through the pursuit of a ‘better’ (i.e., thinner) body.Third, this secular faith draws so many adherents in large part because it appeals to and addresses what might be referred to as spiritual needs —including the need for a sense of purpose, inspiration, security, virtue, love, and well-being—even though it shortchanges these needs, and, in the long run, fails to deliver the salvation it promises. Fourth, a number of traditional religious ideas, paradigms and motifs tacit­ly inform and support the Religion of Thinness. More specifically, its soteri­ology resurrects and recycles the misogynist, anti-body, other-worldly, and exclusivist aspects of patriarchal religion. Ultimately, the analysis is not only critical of the Religion of Thinness; it also raises suspicions about any clear-cut divisions between ‘religion’, ‘culture’, and ‘the body’. In fact, examining the functions, features, and ideologies embedded in this secular devotion gives us insight into the constitutive role of the body in the production and apprehension of religious and cultural meanings .
Prospective Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Gender Differences in Children's Attitudes toward Mathematics.

Prospective elementary teachers hold preconceived ideas about elementary school students' attitudes toward mathematics. We found that there exists a gender bias with prospective teachers expecting girls to have negative attitudes toward mathematics and boys more likely to have positive attitudes toward mathematics. We found that these expectations exist for both prospective teachers in a traditional undergraduate degree program and prospective teachers in an alternative licensure graduate degree program. We also found that these expectations do change with the completion of a mathematics methods course and classroom experiences.
Light Scatter: Detection and Usage

Light scatter is one of the most basic of measurements made in flow cytometry. This unit presents a short commentary on what light scatter is and how it is measured. First, the author describes the basic principles of the scattering of light from small particles such as cells. This is followed by a discussion of methods for detecting scattered light in a flow cytometer. The unit ends with a brief survey showing how light scattering is used in a broad range of flow cytometry applications.
Herpesvirus-induced cell fusion that is dependent on cell surface heparan sulfate or soluble heparin.

Abstract The entry of enveloped viruses into animal cells and the cell-to-cell spread of infection via cell fusion require the membrane-fusing activity of viral glycoproteins. This activity can be dependent on variable cell factors or triggered by environmental factors. Here we show that cell fusion induced by herpes simplex virus glycoproteins is dependent on the presence of cell surface glycosaminoglycans, principally heparan sulfate, or on the addition of heparin to the medium. The role of the glycosaminoglycan is probably to alter the conformation of a viral heparin-binding glycoprotein required for the fusion.
Fcγ Receptors Regulate Immune Activation and Susceptibility during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

The critical role of cellular immunity during tuberculosis (TB) has been extensively studied, but the impact of Abs upon this infection remains poorly defined. Previously, we demonstrated that B cells are required for optimal protection in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice. FcgammaR modulate immunity by engaging Igs produced by B cells. We report that C57BL/6 mice deficient in inhibitory FcgammaRIIB (RIIB-/-) manifested enhanced mycobacterial containment and diminished immunopathology compared with wild-type controls. These findings corresponded with enhanced pulmonary Th1 responses, evidenced by increased IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ T cells, and elevated expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 in the lungs. Upon M. tuberculosis infection and immune complex engagement, RIIB-/- macrophages produced more of the p40 component of the Th1-promoting cytokine IL-12. These data strongly suggest that FcgammaRIIB engagement can dampen the TB Th1 response by attenuating IL-12p40 production or activation of APCs. Conversely, C57BL/6 mice lacking the gamma-chain shared by activating FcgammaR had enhanced susceptibility and exacerbated immunopathology upon M. tuberculosis challenge, associated with increased production of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. Thus, engagement of distinct FcgammaR can divergently affect cytokine production and susceptibility during M. tuberculosis infection.
One-Way Coupling of the WRF–QUIC Urban Dispersion Modeling System

AbstractSimulations of local weather and air quality in urban areas must account for processes spanning from meso- to microscales, including turbulence and transport within the urban canopy layer. Here, the authors investigate the performance of the building-resolving Quick Urban Industrial Complex (QUIC) Dispersion Modeling System driven with mean wind profiles from the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Dispersion simulations are performed for intensive observation periods 2 and 8 of the Joint Urban 2003 field experiment conducted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, using an ensemble of expert-derived wind profiles from observational data as well as profiles derived from WRF runs. The results suggest that WRF can be used successfully as a source of inflow boundary conditions for urban simulations, without the collection and processing of intensive field observations needed to produce expert-derived wind profiles. Detailed statistical analysis of tracer concentration fields suggests that, fo...
PDE-Based three dimensional path planning for virtual endoscopy

Three dimensional medial paths or curve skeletons ( $\mathcal{CS}$) are an essential component of any virtual endoscopy (VE) system, because they serve as flight paths for a virtual camera to navigate the human organ and to examine its internal structures. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for computing flight paths of tubular structures for VE using partial differential equation (PDE). The method works in two passes. In the first pass, the overall topology of the organ is analyzed and its important topological nodes are identified, while in the second pass, the actual flight paths are computed by tracking them starting from each identified node. The proposed framework is robust, fully automatic, computationally efficient, and computes $\mathcal{CS}$ that are centered, connected, thin, and less sensitive to boundary noise. We have extensively validated the robustness of the proposed method both quantitatively and qualitatively against several synthetic phantoms and clinical datasets.
Postharvest Physiology and Handling of Fresh Culinary Herbs

Culinary herbs and salad greens have always been an important component of the human diet, adding variation and flavor to our staple foods, as well as being used for food preservation. The major commercial form of culinary herbs sold is the dried product, in part because herbs in this form are easy to transport and market, and can be stored for extended periods (42). While fresh herbs are considered more flavorful and superior in quality to dried herbs, they have traditionally been available only from a kitchen garden or from IocaVregional markets. Widespread commercialization of fresh culinary herbs has been restricted due to high perishability and a relatively short shelf-life.
Secret-hardware public-key cryptography

The paper presents the concept of secret-hardware public-key (SHPK) cryptography which allows the design of efficient systems, provided there exists a trusted central authority to generate key pairs. A realisation of a SHPK system based on exponentiation is presented.
Screening the ambulatory care performance of family practice residents using a health information system.

This paper describes uses of data from a health information system for evaluating family practice residents' performance and progress through their residency programs. Because this system captures limited data from patient encounters, emphasis was placed on working closely with clinical faculty to develop information displays that they could interpret and integrate into residency program evaluations. The data displays are designed to help faculty screen residents' performances and to identify patient care problems that can be pursued further through audits of the medical records. The uses of these displays require that faculty incorporate clinical judgments into the screening process.
Low-energy electron diffraction study of incommensurate H 2 , HD, and D 2 monolayers physisorbed on graphite

Incommensurate (IC) monolayer phases of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, HD, and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ physisorbed on graphite single crystals are studied by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). At temperatures near 5 K, a uniaxial IC (UIC) phase and a higher-density rotated IC (RIC) triangular solid phase are observed for monolayers of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, HD, and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$. The commensurate (C) to UIC phase transition of the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ monolayer is examined by measuring two-dimensional intensity contours of LEED spots at densities 1.0--1.09 times the C (\ensuremath{\surd}3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 )R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} phase density. The orientation angles of the RIC phase approximately agree with the prediction of Novaco and McTague's calculation for a weakly modulated two-dimensional Cauchy solid. The \ensuremath{\gamma} phase, which was first observed in heat-capacity measurements for ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ on graphite, has been determined to be an IC triangular rotated phase with rotation angle greater than that of the higher-density RIC phase. LEED data from the oriented fluid phases are also presented. A phase diagram for ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ is proposed based on LEED, heat-capacity, and neutron-diffraction measurements.
Amorphous/crystalline interrelationships in bone mineral

Amorphous calcium phosphate was found to be a major mineral component of skeletal tissue by X-ray diffraction techniques. This non-crystalline bone mineral phase can be converted into crystalline apatitein vitro upon exposure to water for a prolonged period of time. The amorphous calcium phosphate content of whole rat femur, tibia-fibula and calvarium decreases as the crystalline apatite content of these bones increases with advancing age. In addition, hypophysectomized whole rat femora contain more amorphous bone mineral than do normal controls. No significant differences in amorphous/crystalline bone mineral composition exist between control and denervated whole rat femora during disuse osteoporosis. However, rachitic chick bone contains more amorphous calcium phosphate than does normal bone tissue, regardless of the manner in which the disease state is reached. Moreover, alterations in chick bone lipid and mucopolysaccharide content coincide with corresponding alterations in the amorphous/crystalline mineral content of the tissue. It is suggested that amorphous calcium phosphate is the first mineral deposited during the calcification process and that the amorphous bone mineral fraction can act as a metabolically active, metastable precursor of crystalline bone apatite. It is further suggested that the amorphous calcium phosphate fraction of bone mineral may also exist in a stabilized form.
SECTORAL-LEVEL EMPLOYMENT MULTIPLIERS IN SMALL URBAN SETTLEMENTS: A COMPARISON OF FIVE MODELS

The Arizona Community Data Set is used to analyze intersectoral employment relationships in relatively small urban settlements. Estimates of sectoral-level nonbasic employment and economic base (impact) multipliers are given for various functional types of economies. Furthermore, these multiplier effects are disaggregated into sectoral components to establish how locally oriented employment variously responds to a shift in the economic base. All statistical estimates are directly based on survey-generated data and do not suffer from the various misspecifications that invariably plague estimates based on indirect methods.
Detecting multiple sclerosis mimics early

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the CNS. Despite recent refinements in diagnostic criteria and the availability of ancillary studies, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, MRI, electrophysiological studies and optical coherence tomography, MS remains a clinical diagnosis. Repeated studies have convincingly demonstrated that early treatment is critical in decreasing the rate of disease progression and, therefore, establishing the diagnosis in a timely fashion and initiating treatment is imperative. However, the latter is not always easy and recognizing disorders that may mimic MS is essential in avoiding the administration of costly and, on occasion, potentially risky therapy. Furthermore, it is important to recognize MS mimics to initiate appropriate treatment for those conditions. Prominent MS mimickers, many with features of focal neurological disease separated in both time and space, are discussed in this article. Diagnostic pearls to avoid misdiagnosis have been inc...
Adrenocortical function and hepatic naphthalene metabolism in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) consuming petroleum distillates.

Abstract The reductions in plasma corticosterone concentration and the increases in hepatic naphthalene-metabolizing activity that occur when mallard ducks are acutely exposed to petroleum-contaminated food are each caused by distinct molecular-size classes of compounds in the whole crude oil. The decrease in plasma corticosterone concentration only occurred in birds given food contaminated with proportionate volumes of distillation fractions with boiling point ranges of X to 205°C and 205 to 399°C. Significant increases in total hepatic naphthalene-metabolizing activity, however, were only induced when birds were given food containing distillation fractions with boiling point ranges of 205 to 399°C and 399 to 482°C. The residual material containing compounds with boiling points in excess of 482°C had no effect on either plasma corticosterone concentration or hepatic naphthalene metabolism. Although the combined effects of the two distillation fractions that affected plasma corticosterone were approximately equal to that of the whole crude oil, the combined effects of the fractions that induced increases in hepatic naphthalene metabolism were almost twice that of the crude oil. Also, the relative abundances of the four distillation fractions were not the same and differences between their toxic potencies were identified with respect to both physiological parameters.
Cycloaddition chemistry and formation of ordered organic monolayers on silicon (001) surfaces

Abstract It is shown that adsorption of unsaturated organic molecules on the Si(001) surface provides a means for fabricating well-ordered monolayer films at ambient temperatures (approximately 300 K). Two classes of reactions, known as [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions, permit coupling of organic molecules with the Si(001) surface by breaking the weak π bond of a SiSi dimer and the π bond of an organic alkene to produce two Si–C bonds. Experimental results are shown using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy to investigate the adsorption of cyclopentene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, and 1,3-cyclohexadiene on Si(001). It is shown that cyclopentene and 1,5-cyclooctadiene bond to the surface via [2+2] cycloaddition to produce ordered films. The use of 4° miscut wafers permits the formation of monolayer films exhibiting in-plane anisotropy in optical properties. 1,3-cyclohexadiene bonds via both [2+2] and a [4+2] Diels–Alder cycloaddition to produce several distinct fragments.
Pragmatic constraints on the verb in English inversion

Many researchers have argued that the verbs appearing in English inversion can be characterized as belonging to a particular syntactic or semantic class. For example, it has been claimed that such verbs are exclusively unaccusative (Levin, 1983; Coopmans, 1989; Hoekstra and Mulder, 1990; Watanabe, 1994, inter alia), exclusively presentational (e.g., Bresnan, 1994), or exclusively verbs of existence or appearance (e.g., Penhallurick, 1984). A study of a large corpus of natural language data, however, indicates that these restrictions do not account for the full range of verbs found in inversions. Instead, inversion is subject to a pragmatic constraint to the effect that the verb must not represent new information in the discourse. In the case of be, the verb is inherently informationally light; the data in this study indicate that other verbs appearing in felicitous inversions are likewise informationally light in that they represent evoked or inferrable information in context and therefore contribute no new information to the discourse. Thus, all verbs appearing in central position in inversion can be characterized by a single discourse-based principle.