cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Incidence of Hepatic Encephalopathy After Viatorr Controlled Expansion Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

The Viatorr Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent-graft was designed to mitigate hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. To determine the incidence and degree of HE after VCX TIPS. Thirty-three patients (M:F 17:16, mean age 58 years, mean MELD score 12) who underwent VCX TIPS between 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. 11/33 (33%) patients had medically controlled pre-TIPS HE. TIPS indications included variceal hemorrhage (n = 12, 30%) and ascites (n = 21, 70%). Measured outcomes were post-TIPS HE (overall, recurrent, de novo) graded using the West Haven system, time-to-HE occurrence, HE-related hospitalization rate, and TIPS reduction rate. VCX TIPS were 8 mm in 28/33 (85%) and 10 mm in 5/33 (15%). Mean final portosystemic pressure gradient was 6 mmHg. Cumulative HE incidence post-TIPS was 61% (20/33). 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month HE rates were 24%, 30%, 53%, and 61% over 247-day median follow-up. Median time-to-HE was 180 days. HE grades spanned grade 1 (n = 6), grade 2 (n = 8), and grade 3 (n = 6); 9 and 11 cases were recurrent and de novo HE, respectively. Medication non-compliance/infection was implicated in HE in 9/20 (45%) cases. Medical therapy addressed HE in 18/20 (90%) cases; however, HE still resulted in 39 hospitalizations among 13 patients, and median time to first hospitalization was 75 days. Shunt reduction was necessary in 2 (10%) cases of medically refractory HE. The incidence of HE after VCX TIPS is high. Though HE symptoms may be medically controlled, hospitalization rates are high, and shunt reduction may be necessary.
Human Trafficking and Film: How Popular Portrayals Influence Law and Public Perception

Popular portrayals of human trafficking matter. They shape the prevailing understanding of the issue, which in turn influences the law and policy developed to address human trafficking. This essay examines the interplay between law and culture, specifically cinematic expressions. It reviews three well-known films on human trafficking and explores some of the key misconceptions in each movie. The essay then shows how these misconceptions are prevalent in many law and policy responses to human trafficking. Finally, the author suggests how scholars and advocates might respond more effectively to cinematic (and other media) portrayals of human trafficking.
Validation of health outcomes of interest in healthcare databases

Abstract Researchers should be aware of the potential for misclassification of health outcomes of interest in epidemiologic studies utilizing healthcare databases, including pragmatic randomized clinical trials (pRCTs). Validation studies can determine the degree of error associated with case-identifying algorithms for outcomes of interest within a database and aid in the interpretation of study findings. This chapter reviews the key steps in validating case-identifying algorithms within healthcare databases, including: (1) constructing an algorithm for the health outcome of interest by using diagnosis codes, diagnostic tests or their results, procedures, drug therapies, patient-reported symptoms or diagnoses, or some combinations of these parameters; (2) determining the reference standard against which to validate the case-identifying algorithm (e.g., medical records, disease registries, diagnostic tests, or reports of the disease by patients or healthcare providers); (3) collection of data to confirm the health outcome; (4) confirmation of the health outcome; and (5) measurement of the algorithm's performance, i.e., accuracy in identifying presence and absence of outcomes. The chapter concludes by discussing the factors affecting an algorithm's transportability, including differences in study populations, healthcare settings, coding systems, or calendar time periods, and the need to re-assess its validity when applied within different databases.
Novel systemic therapies in the treatment of fibrolamellar carcinoma.

e16161Background: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is an exceedingly rare liver cancer affecting children and young adults without underlying liver disease. Complete surgical resection is the primary ...
Fairness Measures for Machine Learning in Finance

The authors present a machine learning pipeline for fairness-aware machine learning (FAML) in finance that encompasses metrics for fairness (and accuracy). Whereas accuracy metrics are well understood and the principal ones are used frequently, there is no consensus as to which of several available measures for fairness should be used in a generic manner in the financial services industry. The authors explore these measures and discuss which ones to focus on at various stages in the ML pipeline, pre-training and post-training, and they examine simple bias mitigation approaches. Using a standard dataset, they show that the sequencing in their FAML pipeline offers a cogent approach to arriving at a fair and accurate ML model. The authors discuss the intersection of bias metrics with legal considerations in the United States, and the entanglement of explainability and fairness is exemplified in the case study. They discuss possible approaches for training ML models while satisfying constraints imposed from various fairness metrics and the role of causality in assessing fairness. TOPICS:Big data/machine learning, legal/regulatory/public policy, performance measurement Key Findings ▪ Sources of bias are presented and a range of metrics is considered for machine learning applications in finance, both pre-training and post-training of models. ▪ A process of using the metrics to arrive at fair models is discussed. ▪ Various considerations for the choice of specific metrics are also analyzed.
Complex Care Program Enrollment and Change in ED and Hospital Visits from Medical Device Complications.

Introduction Medical device-related complications often lead to emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for children with medical complexity (CMC), and pediatric complex care programs may be one way to decrease unnecessary encounters. Methods A retrospective cohort study comparing ED and inpatient encounters due to device complications of 2 cohorts of CMC at a single children's hospital during 2014-2016; 99 enrolled in a complex care program and 244 in a propensity-matched comparison group. Structured chart reviews identified ED and inpatient encounters due to device complications. The outcome was a change in the frequency of these encounters from the year before to the year after enrollment in the hospital's complex care program. Program effects were estimated with weighted difference-in-differences (DiDs), comparing the change in mean encounter frequency for CMC enrolled in the program with change for propensity-matched children not enrolled in the program. Results Mean encounters related to device complications decreased for both groups. Complication-related ED encounters per year decreased from a weighted mean (SD) of 0.74 (0.85) to 0.30 (0.44) in enrolled children and 0.26 (0.89) to 0.12 (0.56) in comparison children, a DiD of 0.30 fewer [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.01 to 0.60]. The largest reductions in device complication ED visits were among those with enteral tubes [0.36 fewer (95% CI 0.04-0.68)]. Hospitalizations decreased over time, but DiDs were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions Acute care use from device complications decreased with time. Complex care program enrollment may be associated with more substantial reductions in device complication ED visits, and effects may be most pronounced for CMC with enteral tubes.
Baxter's Asia Pacific 'Talent Edge' Initiative

Can multinationals wield competitive advantage by aggressively hiring talented members of the excluded social group in each market? This is the subject of Siegel's global strategy research as well as the focus of this case study.
How the World Trade Organization shapes regulatory governance

The World Trade Organization (WTO) arguably shapes regulatory governance in more countries to a greater extent than any other international organization. This article provides a new framework for assessing the broader transnational regulatory implications of the WTO as part of a transnational legal order (TLO) in terms of four dimensions of regulatory change that permeate the state: (i) changes in the boundary between the market and the state (involving concomitantly market liberalization and growth of the administrative state); (ii) changes in the relative authority of institutions within the state (promoting bureaucratized and judicialized governance); (iii) changes in professional expertise engaging with state regulation (such as the role of lawyers); and (iv) changes in normative frames and accountability mechanisms for national regulation (which are trade liberal and transnational in scope). In practice, these four dimensions of change interact and build on each other. The article presents what we know to date and a framework for conducting further study of such transnational legal ordering.
Predictors of Graduate Social Work Students' Interest in Aging-Related Work

Abstract The increasing population of older adults in this country has created a growing demand for gerontological social workers. Despite this demand, few graduate level social work students indicate a preference for working with older clients. Using symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework, this study sought to identify factors predictive of MSW students' interest in securing post-graduate geriatric employment. The contributions of closeness to elders, contact with elders, education, attitudes toward aging, and rewarding interactions with elders were examined. In the final model rewarding interactions with older clients, contact frequency, and geriatric skill level emerged as significant predictors of students' desire to pursue aging-related employment (F(8,128) = 17.8, p <.0001, R2 = .54). Implications for social work education are discussed.
American Public Health Association/American Academy of Pediatrics National Health and Safety Guidelines for Child-Care Programs: an overview

Caring for Our Children represents a model collaboration of government, voluntary health associations, and individuals in a national aspiration to create in every child-care setting a safe, healthful, and nurturing environment for our children, our most valuable resource and our future.
4‐(4′‐Methyl‐1′‐piperazinyl)‐3‐butyn‐2‐one

[67543-08-2] C9H14N2O (MW 166.25) InChI = 1S/C9H14N2O/c1-9(12)3-4-11-7-5-10(2)6-8-11/h5-8H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = HZDCGECADNUSGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N (peptide coupling) Physical Data: colorless crystals; mp 18–19 °C. Preparative Method: can be made in multigram quantities in three steps from commercially available 4-Methoxy-3-buten-2-one in 54% overall yield (eq 1).1 The intermediates 2 and 3 are purified by recrystallization or distillation. No chromatography is involved. The final product can be purified by distillation under reduced pressure. (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: stable for a period of hours at rt. It should be stored at refrigerator/freezer temperatures to prolong its shelf life.
Fast single-frequency time-of-flight range imaging

This paper proposes a solution to the 2-D phase unwrapping problem, inherent to time-of-flight range sensing technology due to the cyclic nature of phase. Our method uses a single frequency capture period to improve frame rate and decrease the presence of motion artifacts encountered in multiple frequency solutions. We present an illumination model that considers intensity image and estimates of the surface normal in addition to the phase image. Considering the number of phase wrap as the ‘label’, the likelihood of each label is estimated at each pixel, and support for the labeling is shared between pixels throughout the image by Non-Local Cost Aggregation. Comparative experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Evidence for a relationship between DNA methylation and DNA replication from studies of the 5-azacytidine-reactivated allocyclic X chromosome☆

We examined the sequence of DNA synthesis of the human active, inactive and reactivated X chromosomes in mouse-human hybrid cells. The two independent reactivants, induced by 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), expressed human hypoxanthinephosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT), and one also expressed human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). Restriction enzyme analysis of DNA methylation at the re-expressed loci revealed hypomethylation of CpG clusters, that characterizes the relevant genes on the active X. The transfer of active and inactive X chromosomes from the native environment of the human fibroblast to the foreign environment of the hybrid cell did not affect the specific replication sequence of either human X chromosome. The silent X chromosome when reactivated, remained allocyclic, and the first bands to replicate were the same as prior to reactivation. In one reactivant, however, further progression of replication was significantly altered with respect to the order in which bands were synthesized. This alteration in the replication of the silent X following 5-azaC-induced reactivation suggests that DNA methylation may modulate the replication kinetics of chromosomal DNA.
Yields and composition of sirups resulting from the flash pyrolysis of cellulosic materials using radiant energy

Cellulosic materials have been flash pyrolyzed using concentrated solar energy. The syrups obtained were composed mainly of levoglucosan. Radiant flash pyrolysis has thus been identified as a potentially attractive means of selectively degrading biomass material into good yields of relatively few products. The techniques and equipment employed to determine the composition of the pyrolyzates are described.
Prolapsing congenital polyp of posterior urethra and urethral duplication associated with imperforate anus.

Abstract We report the first case of a boy with a prolapsing congenital polyp of the posterior urethra associated with urethral duplication and imperforate anus.
Devolution and Transport Policy for the Working Poor: The Case of the US Job Access and Reverse Commute Program

For more than a decade US transport policy has shifted or ‘devolved’ responsibility for transportation decision making away from the federal government toward lower jurisdictions. Decentralization is intended to foster social experimentation and, ultimately, improve transit planning and service provision. This study examines the merits of devolution through an analysis of the federal Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) grant program, created as part of the 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. The JARC program funds state and regional transportation agencies to provide transit services to low-wage workers. The evidence suggests that the devolution of federal transportation authority has helped to create new and innovative transportation services targeted to low-wage workers. However, the program's weaknesses offer potential strategies for strengthening the benefits of devolution such as ensuring the reliability of federal funds, flexibility in the use of these funds, and greater program a...
Cloud services for e-learning

Cloud computing is growing rapidly in almost every sector including education. Many educational institutions do not have the ability to maintain the resources and/or infrastructures required to run e-learning systems and are looking for cloud based solutions. This paper introduces the benefits and limitations of cloud based e-learning.
Acetylcholine induces burst firing in thalamic reticular neurones by activating a potassium conductance

Recent studies have emphasized the role of acetylcholine (ACh) as an excitatory modulator of neuronal activity in mammalian cortex and hippocampus. Much less is known about the mechanism of direct cholinergic inhibition in the central nervous system or its role in regulating neuronal activities. Here we report that application of ACh to thalamic nucleus reticularis (nRt) neurones, which are known to receive a cholinergic input from the ascending reticular system of the brain stem, causes a hyperpolarization due to a relatively small (1-4 nS) increase in membrane conductance to K+. This cholinergic action appears to be mediated by the M2 subclass of muscarinic receptors and acts in conjunction with the intrinsic membrane properties of nucleus reticularis neurones to inhibit single spike activity while promoting the occurrence of burst discharges. Thus, cholinergic inhibitory mechanisms may be important in controlling the firing pattern of this important group of thalamic neurones.
Antibody response to outer membraneprotein of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in otitis-prone children

One of the major outer membrane proteins of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae , P6, is highly conserved among strains, serves as a target for bactericidal antibody, and has been proposed as a possible vaccine candidate. The serum antibody response to P6 was studied in otitis-sprone and normal children by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of 20 otitis-prone children, 12 (60%) had a serum IgG antibody response to P6 atter otitis media; however, the mean acute antibody level for the group, 4.6 μg/ml, was not significantly different from the convalescent level, 5.4 μg/ml. Anti-P6 antibody levels were also measured longitudinally for 10 to 25 months in 30 otitis-prone and 13 healthy children. Antibody levels increased sevenfold in the normal group compared with less than three-fold for the otitis-prone group and were significantly higher in the normal children after the age of 18 months ( p H. influenzae did not have an anamnestic antibody response to P6. The failure to recognize P6 as a specific immunogen may account for recurrent infections. Moreover, the data suggest that otitis-prone children may not respond adequately to a vaccine containing P6.
Anticipating instrumentally obtained and passively-received rewards: A factorial fMRI investigation

During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), subjects saw cues signaling probabilities of 1.0, 0.5, and 0 of winning $1 for hitting a subsequent target, and cues signaling similar probabilities of reward delivery requiring no instrumental response. Non-instrumental reward anticipation did not elicit activation. Instrumental reward anticipation activated multiple nodes of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor circuit. Ventromesial striatum was activated by joint requirement for an instrumental response together with uncertain (but not certain) reward.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections: are we making any progress?

Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are a group of diseases with significant associated mortality. A wide spectrum of bacteria can be involved, and diagnosis can be difficult. Methods: R...
Organizational response to the Mexico City earthquake of 1985: Characteristics and implications

A study involving a collaborative effort between American and Mexican social scientists was made of the individual and organizational response to the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. Our general findings only about the activities of organizations are summarized under five general themes: (1) the massive and complex organizational response was decentralized, (2) resources for organizational actions were not problematical but there were difficulties in their quick and effective use, (3) the dominant organizational behavior was emergent rather than traditional, (4) organizational personnel carried out their work and occupational roles, and (5) there was changes in disaster planning of organizations as a result of the disaster. Both practical and theoretical implications of our research findings are noted.
Space-Dependent Resonance Self-Shielding.

A new method is developed to determine space-dependent, self-shielded cross sections for resonance nuclides with no overlapping resonances, contained in an arbitrarily shaped absorber body within some general lattice configuration. The theoretical basis for the method is discussed, and analytical expressions are presented for the space-dependent flux spectrum in the vicinity of an isolated resonance and for the space-dependent variation in the shielded resonance integral and multigroup cross section. The shielded cross-section expressions contain space-dependent, weighted escape probabilities that correspond to the weighted average of the energy-dependent escape probability over each energy group. The method is implemented in an assembly lattice physics code, and results are compared to those obtained with a highly accurate transport theory calculation that uses pointwise cross-section data. The method gives good agreement for the radial variation in the self-shielded cross section through a boiling water reactor fuel pellet.
Characterizing the Agonal Phase of the Non-Heart Beating Donor in Canines – Implications for Utilization of DCD Hearts for Transplantation

Purpose Donation after cardiac death (DCD) has increased the donor pool for abdominal organ and lung transplantation but is not generally considered for cardiac transplantation. In the United States, the definition of cardiac death varies widely among hospitals but most commonly is defined as loss of pulse/heart sounds, loss of arterial wave form, or loss of electrical activity. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the agonal phase of DCD donation in a large animal model to evaluate the time to cardiac death using these definitions and assess potential implications for heart transplantation. Methods and Materials Adult mongrel dogs (n=5) were anesthetized and instrumented with a left ventricular catheter. Baseline hemodynamic data were obtained. Animals were then disconnected from the ventilator. Hemodynamic data were then collected at two minute intervals until flat line of the LV catheter. Time to loss of pulse, loss of pressure wave form and cessation of electrical activity/ventricular fibrillation were measured. Data are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean. Results Hearts experienced an initial period of tachycardia and hypertension after cessation of ventilation. This was followed by a rapid decline in left ventricular pressure. Loss of pulse and the pressure wave form were relatively consistent between animals occurring at 7.4±.7 min (range 5-9 min) and 9.8±.5 min (range 9-11 min), respectively. Electrical silence was variable and occurred at 30.1±7.3 min (range 11-43 min). Conclusions The definition of cardiac death may have important implications for recovery of DCD hearts for transplantation. Loss of pulse is an early event associated with ongoing cardiac contractile function and has the greatest potential for organ recovery. Flat line of the pressure wave is a later but relatively predictable event. Electrical activity can persists for a long periods of warm ischemia and likely will not yield acceptable hearts for transplantation using conventional preservation techniques.
The Cell of Breast Cancer Origin Affects Tumor Estrogen Receptor Status.

It has been known for some time that breast cancer phenotype is dependent upon the initiating oncogene. However, it has only recently been demonstrated that breast cancer phenotype, including tumor histopathology, gene expression profile, and metastatic potential, may also depend upon the cellular subtype from which a tumor arises. Breast tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status is a common prognostic factor, and approximately 70% of all breast tumors are ER+; that is, they expresse ER in ≥5% of tumor cells. However, it remains unknown which factors determine breast cancer ER status. It is possible that the cell of tumor origin plays a role in determining the ER status of the resulting tumor. Our lab has developed a method to somatically introduce oncogenes into a developmentally normal mouse mammary gland with temporal control using the modified avian retrovirus RCAS. We have generated transgenic mice that express the RCAS receptor TVA under mammary cell selective markers and demonstrated our ability to infect individual cells and induce mammary tumors. In this study we used an RCAS vector encoding polyoma virus middle T antigen (PyMT) to infect transgenic adult MMTV-tva or WAP-tva mice. The MMTV LTR is though to be active in several different mammary cell types including luminal epithelial, progenitor, and stem cells. WAP is primarily active in more highly differentiated mammary epithelial cells. Tumors induced by RCAS-PyMT differ in histopathology between the two lines. Those arising in MMTV-tva mice have a predominately solid morphology, while those arising in WAP-tva mice display a predominately papillary morphology. Interestingly, we found that the majority of tumors arising in MMTV-tva mice are ER+ (61%), while tumors arising in WAP-tva mice are predominately ER- (95%). Our data suggest that tumors induced by the same oncogene from distinct cellular subtypes in the mouse mammary epithelium can significantly vary in histopathology, and that tumor ER status can be dependent upon the cell of tumor origin. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2163.
The impact of subcontinuum gas conduction on topography measurement sensitivity using heated atomic force microscope cantilevers

Nanometer-scale topographical imaging using heated atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers, referred to here as thermal sensing AFM (TSAFM), is a promising technology for high resolution topographical imaging of nanostructured surfaces. Heated AFM cantilevers were developed for high-density data storage, where the heated cantilever tip can form and detect 20 nm indents made in a thermoplastic polymer. The scan height of the cantilever heater platform is typically near 500 nm, but could be made much smaller to improve reading sensitivity. Under atmospheric conditions the continuum models used in previous studies to model the gas phase heat transfer are invalid for the smallest operating heights. The present study uses a molecular model of subcontinuum heat transfer coupled with a finite difference simulation to predict the behavior of a TSAFM system. A direct simulation Monte Carlo model and a kinetic theory based macromodel are separately developed and used to model subcontinuum gas conduction. For the working gas (argon) the simple macromodel is found to be accurate and is used to predict cantilever operation. This systems-level modeling approach for TSAFM operation can aid data interpretation and seeks to improve microcantilever design.
The Sada says "We women have our rights": A gender analysis of an ICT initiative in Afghanistan.

/ This study analyses Voice for Humanity's (VFH) Sada initiative to promote women's rights, citizen participation and civic education during the Afghan parliamentary elections in 2005. A qualitative assessment was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of how Afghan women, in particular, utilized the Sada device. This research, positioned within current literature on information communication technology (ICT) and gender, views the Sada device — a solar-powered digital audio player (similar to an MP3 player) — as an ICT. Universally, women have unequal access to ICTs, yet the findings of this study suggest that projects such as this one in Afghanistan can play a powerful role in promoting women's rights. The findings reiterate that information dissemination, spurred by a suitable technology, can lead to family and community dialog. Such dialog, coupled with a more enabling environment for women's concerns, can contribute to women's empowerment and realization of women's human rights.
Synthesis of 4,4‐disubstituted piperidine analogs of (±)‐cis‐N‐[1‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐piperidyl]‐N‐phenylpropanamide

Condensation of (±)-1-benzyl-3-methyl-4-piperidone (1) with aniline followed by trapping of the intermediate imine with cyanide generated a mixture of isomeric nitriles 2A and 2B, the structures of which were established unambiguously by obtaining an X-ray crystal structure on nitrile 2B. Subsequent elaboration of the nitrile intermediates provided analogs of (±)-cis-N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-3-methyl-4-piperidyl]-N-phenylpropanamide having a second substituent (carbomethoxyl, carboethoxyl, methoxymethyl) at the piper-idine 4-position. The conversion of the carboxamide intermediates 3A and 3B to the carboalkoxyl intermediates 5A, 5B and 6A was accomplished utilizing a modified esterification procedure. Proton nmr data are presented for both the final products and the key synthetic intermediates.
Navigating two-dimensional mazes: chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and capuchins (Cebus apella sp.) profit from experience differently.

We examined whether navigation is impacted by experience in two species of nonhuman primates. Five chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and seven capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) navigated a cursor, using a joystick, through two-dimensional mazes presented on a computer monitor. Subjects completed 192 mazes, each one time. Each maze contained one to five choices, and in up to three of these choices, the correct path required moving the cursor away from the Euclidean direction toward the goal. Some subjects completed these mazes in a random order (Random group); others in a fixed order by ascending number of choices and ascending number of turns away from goal (Ordered group). Chimpanzees in both groups performed equivalently, demonstrated fewer errors and a higher rate of self-correcting errors with increasing experience at solving the mazes, and made significantly fewer errors than capuchin monkeys. Capuchins were more sensitive to the mode of presentation than chimpanzees; monkeys in the Ordered group made fewer errors than monkeys in the Random group. However, capuchins’ performance across testing changed little, and they remained particularly susceptible to making errors when the correct path required moving away from the goal. Thus, these two species responded differently to the same spatial challenges and same learning contexts. The findings indicate that chimpanzees have a strong advantage in this task compared to capuchins, no matter how the task is presented. We suggest that differences between the species in the dynamic organization of attention and motor processes contribute to their differences in performance on this task, and predict similar differences in other tasks requiring, as this one does, sustained attention to a dynamic visual display and self-produced movements variably towards and away from a goal.
Prior on logic, language, and the world

Presentation de l'ouvrage «Logic and reality», edite par J. Copeland a l'occasion du vingtieme anniversaire de la disparition d'A. Prior. Autour d'un essai inedit de Prior sur le temps, le livre rassemble des textes de conferences, ainsi que de nombreuses contributions en semantique, logique modale, theorie de la demonstration.
Soluble amoebicidal factors mediate cytolysis of Naegleria fowleri by activated macrophages.

Murine peritoneal macrophages activated in vivo with Corynebacterium parvum or bacille Calmette-Guerin, in contrast to resident macrophages, demonstrated significant cytolysis of the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. Catalase and superoxide dismutase, both alone and in combination, failed to inhibit cytolysis of amoebae. N. fowleri amoebae demonstrated significant resistance to exogenously added hydrogen peroxide. The hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol, thiourea, and dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as anaerobic conditions, failed to inhibit the amoebicidal activity of activated macrophages. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and puromycin blocked macrophage amoebicidal activity. Conditioned medium (CM) from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated, but not unstimulated, cultures of activated macrophages was capable of mediating cytolysis of N. fowleri amoebae. Cytolytic activity was recovered by ammonium sulfate precipitation of CM. Heat treatment of the CM inactivated cytolytic activity. Results indicate soluble proteins of activated macrophage origin to be responsible for the amoebicidal activity.
Shell and hinge ontogeny of the Antarctic bivalve Lissarca notorcadensis

Lissarca notorcadensis, a small pallial-brooding mollusc with a circum-Antarctic distribution, is frequently found attached by stout byssal threads to the spines of sea urchins. Here, complete ontogenetic series can be found. Using standard, structural definitions, the prodissoconch I of L. notorcadensis is small compared to the large prodissoconch II, a feature atypical of brooded young and possibly reflective of a planktotrophic past. Fine commarginal striae are found on prodissoconch II of this subtidal clam, which also possesses more pronounced commarginal striae on the dissoconch prior to brood release. The provinculum is retained and remains functional well into adulthood. A small central ligament pit is present through the postlarval stages. This develops into a large, triangular pit in adulthood that shows obvious growth lines. Calcareous, presumably aragonitic fibres develop in the ligament of specimens still retained in the adult brood. Five to six adult hinge teeth are formed on either side of the ligament. Alignment of shell valves by these well-developed teeth is augmented by retention of larval denticles. The functional and structural demise of the provinculum occurs between 4 and 7 mm shell height and results from denticle erosion and subumbonal shell overgrowth. Many canals permeate larval and adult valves, but external pores in the adult shell differ from those of the larval shell and could indicate mode of formation. Prodissoconch form, provinculum retention, and shell canals are considered primitive traits.
Validity of the body mass index as an indicator of adiposity in an ethnically diverse population of youths.

The primary objective was to investigate the influences of ethnicity and pubertal stage on the ability of body mass index (BMI) to rank adiposity in a cohort of 402 Asian, African, Hispanic, and White Americans, aged 9-25 years. BMI was calculated from measured weight and height. Body composition and pubertal stage were determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and self-rating, respectively. Multiple linear regression models with BMI, ethnicity, puberty, and age as explanatory variables were used to determine if ethnicity and pubertal stage modify the ability of BMI to predict percent of body weight that is fat (%BF). Spearman's correlation coefficients of BMI with %BF were also estimated. Both ethnicity and pubertal stage interacted with BMI. The correlation between BMI and %BF (r) was much higher in females (r = 0.72, P 0 (P < .05) only in the highest quartile. Thus, in an ethnically diverse cohort of 9-25 year olds, the correlation between BMI and %BF is poor in the lower quartiles of BMI. In comparison, LBM correlates better with BMI than %BF in the lower quartiles of BMI. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Search for a structural response to the intermediate phase in GexSe1-x glasses

Bulk glass samples of GexSe1�x, where x = 0.15, 0.16, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, 0.30, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.38, and 0.40, were prepared by a conventional melt quenching process. The starting ingredients 99.9999% Ge and Se were vacuum sealed 5 10 �7 Torr in quartz tubes and heated to 950 ° C for 4 days or more.
The 3P Model: A General Theory of Subjective Well-Being

Empirical research focusing on the field of subjective well-being has resulted in a range of theories, components, and measures, yet only a modicum of work leans towards the establishment of a general theory of subjective well-being. I propose that a temporal model of subjective well-being, called the 3P Model, is a parsimonious, unifying theory, which accounts for, as well as unites, disparate theories and measurements. The 3P Model categorizes the components of subjective well-being under the temporal states of the Present, the Past, and the Prospect (Future). The model indicates how each state is important to a global evaluation of subjective well-being and how each state is distinct yet connected to the other states. Additionally, the model explains how measures of subjective well-being are affected by cognitive biases (e.g., peak-end rule, impact bias, retrospective bias), which factor into evaluations of the temporal states, and meta-biases (e.g., temporal perspectives), which factor into global evaluations of life satisfaction. Finally, future research is recommended to further support the model as well as create interventions that can be chosen based on an individual’s temporal preference or that can be designed to counteract certain biases.
Photodegradation of wood smoke mutagens under low NOx conditions

Abstract Residential wood heating contributes large quantities of particulate matter and mutagens such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to ambient air. In order to investigate the effect of sunlight on the atmospheric fate of particle-bound wood smoke mutagens, dilute wood smoke from a residential wood stove was added to 25 m3 outdoor Teflon chambers. The wood smoke was then allowed to age under ambient sunlight conditions and in the presence of low NOx (
Practical Intelligence, g, and Work Psychology

Intelligence has been the most widely studied and controversial factor used to explain individual differences in job performance. The controversy stems not so much from the validity of some kind of g-the evidence in support of some kind of g is impressive-but from the perspective that g is the best or even the only indicator of human abilities. Although g is a fairly consistent predictor of performance, it is far from the sole determinant of performance. There are many other factors that influence performance, such as personality and motivational constructs, that should be considered in addition to g. But perhaps more important, g represents a limited conceptualization of intelligence. This article focuses on the concept of practical intelligence, which reflects a broader conceptualization of the abilities needed for real-world success. We review research on tacit knowledge as an aspect of practical intelligence and consider the implications that practical intelligence has for work psychology.
On hull classes of ℓ -groups and covering classes of spaces

W denotes the category of archimedean l-groups with designated weak unit and l-homomorphisms that preserve the weak unit. Comp denotes the category of compact Hausdorff spaces with continuous maps. The Yosida functor is used to investigate the relationship between hull classes in W and covering classes in Comp. The central idea is that of a hull class whose hull operator preserves boundedness. We demonstrate how the Yosida functor may be used to identify hull classes in W and covering classes in Comp. In addition, we exhibit an array of order preserving bijections between certain families of hull classes and all covering classes, one of which was recently produced by Martinez. Lastly, we apply our results to answer a question of Knox and McGovern about the class of all feebly projectable l-groups.
Inherent flaws in a method of estimating meal intake commonly used in long-term-care facilities

Abstract Objective To evaluate the accuracy of a method used to estimate nursing home residents' meal consumption, where the meal tray is assessed as a whole and assigned a value of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% consumed, under both routine and controlled conditions. Subjects/setting This study was conducted with certified nursing assistants at a 180-bed long-term-care facility in Miami, Fla. Methods Study 1 evaluated the method under routine conditions by comparing nursing assistants' estimates to actual meal consumption of 42 residents over 109 meals. A second study evaluated the method in a controlled setting where nursing assistants were free of disincentives and distractions that might contribute to inaccurate reporting. In a crossover design, nursing assistants estimated consumption on 4 manipulated trays under conditions of both immediate and delayed reporting. Statistical analysis An intraclass correlation coefficient and percent agreement were used to compare nursing assistants' estimates to weighed meal intakes. Results Under routine conditions, the intraclass correlation coefficient between nursing assistants' estimates and the actual resident meal consumption was weak at 0.464 (95% confidence interval=0.146 to 0.664). The correct estimate was recorded 44% of the time. In the controlled setting, the nursing assistants' estimates for percent consumed agreed with weighed intakes 44% and 38% of the time with immediate and delayed recording, respectively. Applications/conclusions This 1-step method of estimating meal consumption with an overall percentage is not sufficiently accurate to identify residents who are eating less than 75% of most meals. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:826–830.
Psychometric Evaluation of the PSSUQ Using Data from Five Years of Usability Studies

Factor analysis of Post Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) data from 5 years of usability studies (with a heavy emphasis on speech dictation systems) indicated a 3-factor structure consistent with that initially described 10 years ago: factors for System Usefulness, Information Quality, and Interface Quality. Estimated reliabilities (ranging from .83-.96) were also consistent with earlier estimates. Analyses of variance indicated that variables such as the study, developer, stage of development, type of product, and type of evaluation significantly affected PSSUQ scores. Other variables, such as gender and completeness of responses to the questionnaire, did not. Norms derived from this data correlated strongly with norms derived from the original PSSUQ data. The similarity of psychometric properties between the original and this PSSUQ data, despite the passage of time and differences in the types of systems studied, provide evidence of significant generalizability for the questionnaire, supporti...
Robust flight design for an advanced launch system vehicle

Current launch vehicle trajectory design philosophies are generally based on maximizing payload capability. This approach results in an expensive trajectory design process for each mission. Two concepts of robust flight design have been developed to significantly reduce this cost: Standardized Trajectories and Command Multiplier Steering (CMS). These concepts were analyzed for an Advanced Launch System (ALS) vehicle, although their applicability is not restricted to any particular vehicle. Preliminary analysis has demonstrated the feasibility of these concepts at minimal loss in payload capability.
Toll-like receptor 2 on inflammatory monocytes induces type I interferon in response to viral but not bacterial ligands

Despite the paradigm that the innate immune system uses nucleic acid-specific receptors to detect viruses because of a lack of other conserved features, many viruses are recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4. The relevance of this recognition for antiviral immunity remains largely unexplained. Here we report that TLR2 activation by viruses led to the production of type I interferon. TLR2-dependent induction of type I interferon occurred only in response to viral ligands, which indicates that TLR2 is able to discriminate between pathogen classes. We demonstrate that this specialized response was mediated by Ly6C(hi) inflammatory monocytes. Thus, the innate immune system can detect certain non-nucleic acid features of viruses and links this recognition to the induction of specific antiviral genes.
Alcohol Consumption, Heavy Drinking, and Mortality: Rethinking the J-Shaped Curve

BACKGROUND: High average daily consumption of alcohol has been associated with elevated mortality risk, but more moderate consumption, relative to abstinence, has been associated with reduced mortality risk. However, average daily consumption can be complicated to assess, limiting its usefulness in both research and clinical practice. There are also concerns that average consumption fails to capture the risk associated with certain drinking patterns, such as heavy episodic drinking. This study assessed mortality associated with drinking pattern, operationalized as the frequency of both heavy and nonheavy drinking occasions. METHODS: Data from the 1997 to 2001 administrations of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; n = 111,511) were paired with the current release of the NHIS Linked Mortality Files, which provided mortality follow-up data through the end of 2006. We estimated the impact of drinking pattern on all-cause mortality, operationalized as the frequency of heavy (5+ drinks) and nonheavy ( Language: en
Effects of light, thermoclines and predator presence on vertical distribution and behavioral interactions of juvenile walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma Pallas

The vertical distribution of pelagic juvenile stages of fish can be altered by a variety of environmental stimuli. In laboratory experiments, we tested the influence of light intensity, thermal stratification, and predator presence on vertical distribution in juvenile walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma Pallas). In addition, we measured activity levels and group cohesion (schooling tendency). Experiments were conducted over a broad size range (37–126 mm), allowing us to test for ontogenetic variability in behavioral responses. Juvenile pollock displayed distinct responses to predator presence and thermal stratification, shifting downward and upward, respectively, relative to their average vertical position under baseline experimental conditions. When pollock were exposed to the two conflicting stimuli of a stratified water column plus a predator, their average depth was midway between the mean positions observed with each stimulus alone. The fishes response to bright light was less clear. Increased light levels did not significantly alter the average vertical position of pollock in the water column, but did result in increased use of the cold water layer under stratified conditions. There was an ontogenetic shift in pollock behavior. Smaller fish were less active, had a smaller range of movement through the experimental tank, and were less likely to dive through the thermocline in a stratified water column. Smaller fish also demonstrated less group cohesion, having a lower tendency to aggregate or school compared with larger fish. These behavior patterns are potentially useful in explaining distribution patterns of juvenile Walleye pollock in the field.
Novel T-Coil Structure and Implementation in a 6.4-Gb/s CMOS Receiver to Meet Return Loss Specifications

A wide range of serializer deserializer (SerDes) Compliance Specifications exist for the Return Loss seen at the Package interface to the printed circuit board (PCB) for High Speed Links. For the goal of achieving interoperability it is expected that the most stringent Return Loss specification is met. The Return Loss performance is also an indication of available Chip and package bandwidth (BW). This paper demonstrates the use of a T-Coil (two series connected inductors with a center tap) in a 90 nm process CMOS SerDes Receiver to enable the Chip and Package to meet the Return Loss specification and in addition extend the usable BW.