cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and patient characteristics of the randomized controlled trial TExT-MED + FANS A test of mHealth augmented social support added to a patient-focused text-messaging intervention for emergency department patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Although diabetes is a nationwide epidemic, US Latinos are a particularly vulnerable population. Culturally appropriate interventions can combat this disparity, especially those that increase social support. However, these interventions face significant cost and time barriers, which mHealth (mobile health) may overcome. This trial examines the benefit of adding social support to an existing text-message based, patient-focused mHealth intervention for emergency department patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Family members and friends of patients were randomized to mHealth augmented social support training (daily text-messages that synchronize with the patient messages) or a pamphlet based training (the same content mailed to their house.) We hypothesize that patients who received mHealth augmented social support will have a larger improvement in diabetes management (glycosylated hemoglobin or A1C) than those receiving standard support at six-months, and that improvement will be sustained at twelve-months. Secondary patient outcomes are clinical (weight, blood pressure), behavioral (medication adherence, self-care activities) and psychosocial (general and diabetes-specific social support, self-efficacy, diabetes-related distress, depression, fatalism and quality of life). We screened 2004 patients and enrolled 166 patient/supporter dyads. 70% of patients are Spanish-speaking, 51% female, with a mean A1C of 10.8. We employed innovative measures to remotely enroll family members and support a bilingual population, which will assist other investigators in design of similar trials. The findings of our trial will have real-world applicability for clinicians, health system administrators, health educators and mHealth developers who aim to improve the health of this vulnerable population.
An application of repeat sales regression to distressed lodging prices

Abstract This study investigates the price discounts in financially distressed hotels. Using a sample of 2564 pairs of hotel transactions from 2003 to early 2016, the study employs a repeat sales regression approach to estimate the magnitude of the sales discount in financially distressed hotels. The findings of this study reveal a distressed sale discount of 28%, foreclosure discount of 27%, and a real estate owned (REO) sale discount of 30%, all relative to non-distressed transaction prices. More importantly, these distressed sale discounts are greater than the discounts observed in the existing residential and commercial real estate literature. The distressed prices are consistent with the observation that hotels are risky investments and investors will demand greater discounts to compensate them for acquiring financially distressed hotels.
The Improbable Case of the Seventeenth-Century Super Editor

The article explores the relationship between Andrei Lyzlov’s History of the Scythians and the History of the Grand Prince of Moscow attributed to Prince Andrei Kurbskii. It dismisses the notion that Lyzlov was a super editor and argues that a common source provides the most probable explanation for the pattern of similarities between the texts. The evidence analyzed here makes it improbable that the sections of the History of the Grand Prince of Moscow devoted to sixteenth-century military engagements between Russia and the Tatars present the eyewitness testimony of Prince Kurbskii.
The Lean mathematical library

This paper describes mathlib, a community-driven effort to build a unified library of mathematics formalized in the Lean proof assistant. Among proof assistant libraries, it is distinguished by its dependently typed foundations, focus on classical mathematics, extensive hierarchy of structures, use of large- and small-scale automation, and distributed organization. We explain the architecture and design decisions of the library and the social organization that has led us here.
Post-traumatic stress symptoms in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients.

7505Background: Patients admitted for HCT, an intensive and potentially curative therapy for hematologic malignancies, experience a prolonged, isolating hospitalization and endure substantial physi...
Dispelling myths about sunscreen

Sunscreens are an important tool used to protect the skin against harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Many different formulations of sunscreen exist today, which can be confusing to the ...
Magnetic fluctuations driven insulator-to-metal transition in Ca(Ir 1−x Ru x )O 3

Magnetic fluctuations in transition metal oxides are a subject of intensive research because of the key role they are expected to play in the transition from the Mott insulator to the unconventional metallic phase of these materials, and also as drivers of superconductivity. Despite much effort, a clear link between magnetic fluctuations and the insulator-to-metal transition has not yet been established. Here we report the discovery of a compelling link between magnetic fluctuations and the insulator-to-metal transition in Ca(Ir1-xRux)O3 perovskites as a function of the substitution coefficient x. We show that when the material turns from insulator to metal, at a critical value of x ~ 0.3, magnetic fluctuations tend to change their character from antiferromagnetic, a Mott insulator phase, to ferromagnetic, an itinerant electron state with Hund's orbital coupling. These results are expected to have wide-ranging implications for our understanding of the unconventional properties of strongly correlated electrons systems.
H-alpha Imaging of Early-type(Sa-Sab) Spiral Galaxies I

H-alpha and continuum images are presented for 27 nearby early-type(Sa-Sab) spiral galaxies. Contrary to popular perception, the images reveal copious massive star formation in some of these galaxies. A determination of the H-alpha morphology and a measure of the H-alpha luminosity suggests that early-type spirals can be classified into two broad categories based on the luminosity of largest HII region in the disk. The first category includes galaxies for which the individual HII regions have L(H-alpha) 10^(39) erg/s. All category 2 galaxies show either prominent dust lanes or other morphological peculiarities such as tidal tails which suggests that the anomalously luminous HII regions in category 2 galaxies may have formed as a result of a recent interaction. The observations, which are part of an on-going H-alpha survey, reveal early-type spirals to be a heterogeneous class of galaxies that are evolving in the current epoch. We have also identified some systematic differences between the classifications of spiral galaxies in the Second General Catalog (RC2) and the Revised Shapley-Ames Catalog (RSA) which may be traced to subtle variations in the application of the criteria used for classifying spiral galaxies. An examination of earlier studies suggests that perceptions concerning the Hubble type dependence of star formation rates among spiral galaxies depends on the choice of catalog.
Canadian Medical Tourism: Expanding Opportunities and Reducing Legal Risks for American Healthcare Providers

After identifying the economic benefits that increased medical tourism from Canada to the United States may confer on the U.S. healthcare market and local economies, this essay analyzes applicable U.S. legal impediments that certain medical tourism arrangements — to wit, those involving a third-party medical tourist "broker" — may implicate. While the authors demonstrate that such arrangements will not run afoul of the U.S. federal Stark Law and federal Anti-kickback Statute, certain state-level anti-kickback and fee-splitting prohibitions impose the most substantial of the potential legal impediments on such arrangements. Given these state restrictions, the article suggests ways to structure these transactions in a manner designed to minimize this risk, and ultimately show that making a Canadian medical practice the medical tourism broker — serving as both the clearinghouse for identifying patients and as the broker for negotiating the arrangements — is critical for legal compliance purposes. Replacing the for-profit lay-owned entity with a medical practice that does not seek to profit from the arrangement serves critically to minimize inappropriate referrals and lowers the risk to the American providers under applicable legal barriers. Finally, the authors propose changes to the applicable laws to further eliminate risk from Inbound Medical Tourism ventures, without compromising the patient protection goals of existing laws.
Image Reproduction Rights in a Nutshell for Art Historians

This essay describes the "permissions culture" of reproducing photographs of artworks in art history scholarship. It observes that photographs of public domain works usually aren't protected by copyright, and that art historians don't actually need permission to use photographs, when it's protected by fair use. It argues that art historians should stop asking for permission to use images when permission isn't required. Perhaps more importantly, it argues that museums should stop imposing artificial limits on the use of their collections, and publishers should stop requiring art historians to obtain image permissions, when no permission is required by law.
Ethnicity, Islam, and Pakistani Public Opinion toward the Pakistani Taliban

We contend that existing studies of public opinion toward militant Islamist violence have ignored a potentially important aspect of public attitudes: ethnic identification. We argue that the prevailing ethnicity of the group committing the violence and the ethnicity of the respondent are an important linkage in explaining whether an individual is likely to support violence committed by a group, even if that violence is committed in the name of an Islamist ideology that makes no reference to and even downplays the importance of ethnicity. We base this logic on the reasoning of studies in social psychology that show that individuals are more likely to trust and support those who they perceive to be like them in attributes that they consider important and typically ethnicity is one of the most important of such attributes. We apply this framework to a study of Pakistani public opinion toward the Pakistani Taliban. Using survey data from an original survey carried out in Pakistan in 2013, with 7,656 respondents, we tested our hypothesis in a multiple regression analysis. The results demonstrate that co-ethnicity between the respondent and the Islamist militant group is the most important predictor of support for the militant groups.
The Inter-Industry Structure of Technological Specialization

Three aspects of national technological specialization were shown in the previous Chapter: i) the existence of substantial differences among countries in the degreee of specialization, ii) the general increase over the 1980s, and iii) the national specificities, with the degrees of specialization that have grown faster in some countries, and decreased in a few others. We have not yet, however, taken into account the influence of individual technological sectors on the general degree of specialization. Obviously, significant differences exist across sectors and over time on the distribution of inventions by country. In some technological fields, the majority of countries have an innovative activity broadly proportional to their aggregate S&T size, while other fields can be deeply affected by the strengths (or weaknesses) of particular countries. Within each sector, the distribution across countries of technological activities may change over time, leading to a more even distribution of innovations, or to greater concentration in a few countries. These questions, which are strictly related to the analysis of the degree of specialization carried out in the previous Chapter, are addressed in this Chapter.1
The Effectiveness of Entrepreneurial Start-Up Assistance Programs: Evidence from the U.S. Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics - Executive Summary

This dissertation uses data from the U.S. Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics to examine start-up assistance programs broadly defined as those programs offered by government agencies, educational institutions, business associations, non-profit organizations, for-profit firms and others. It is structured as three essays that investigate different facets of the interaction between nascent entrepreneurs and start-up assistance programs. The first essay focuses on why some entrepreneurs obtain assistance while others do not. The second essay investigates the effectiveness, value and efficiency of assistance programs in meeting entrepreneurial support needs. The third essay examines the impact of assistance programs on start-up outcomes.
A 20 GHz CMOS RF down-converter with an on-chip antenna

Using a 20 GHz down-converter fabricated in a 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS process, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of a pair of ICs with on-chip antennas communicating over free space. The circuit achieves 9 dB conversion gain and 6.6 dB SSB NF while consuming 12.8 mW from a 1.5 V supply.
Electronic and Computer Image Enhancement in Light Microscopy

Image processing techniques allow low contrast microscopic specimens to be observed and quantified. These routines can be applied to all types of light microscopes and are used to reduce noise and extract features of interest. Keywords: image processing; contrast enhancement; digital filtering; edge detection; feature extraction
Interlaminar fracture toughness of thermoplastic composites

Edge delamination tension and double cantilever beam tests were used to characterize the interlaminar fracture toughness of continuous graphite-fiber composites made from experimental thermoplastic polyimides and a model thermoplastic. Residual thermal stresses, known to be significant in materials processed at high temperatures, were included in the edge delamination calculations. In the model thermoplastic system (polycarbonate matrix), surface properties of the graphite fiber were shown to be significant. Critical strain energy release rates for two different fibers having similar nominal tensile properties differed by 30 to 60 percent. The reason for the difference is not clear. Interlaminar toughness values for the thermoplastic polyimide composites (LARC-TPI and polyimidesulfone) were 3 to 4 in-lb/sq in. Scanning electron micrographs of the EDT fracture surfaces suggest poor fiber/matrix bonding. Residual thermal stresses account for up to 32 percent of the strain energy release in composites made from these high-temperature resins.
The ethics of informed consent: A critical variable in the self-determination of health and mental health clients.

SUMMARY Informed consent is a critical variable in the self-determination of consumers receiving health and mental health services. Consent has become a more stringent requirement in recent years. However, providers emphasize legal requirements rather than the true participation of consumers-the “spirit” of informed consent. This article discusses the elements of informed consent, the issues that reflect the “spirit” of consent, and recommendations for actions that foster self-determination in practice.
Selective expression and cellular localization of pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand/receptor pairs in the sciatic nerves of a severe murine experimental autoimmune neuritis model of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

R. H. Xia, N. Yosef and E. E. Ubogu (2010) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology36, 388–398 Selective expression and cellular localization of pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand/receptor pairs in the sciatic nerves of a severe murine experimental autoimmune neuritis model of Guillain–Barre syndrome Aims: To determine if specific pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand/receptor pairs expressed in the peripheral nerves of Guillain–Barre syndrome patients are expressed in a severe murine experimental autoimmune neuritis (sm-EAN) model and to determine their cellular localization as a prerequisite to designing potentially therapeutic interventions in vivo. Methods: Sm-EAN was induced in 8–12-week-old female SJL/J mice using bovine peripheral nerve myelin emulsified in complete Freund adjuvant with pertussis toxin and recombinant mouse interleukin-12 acting as co-adjuvants, with appropriate controls. Mice were evaluated for neuromuscular weakness and weighed daily. Dorsal caudal tail and sciatic nerve motor electrophysiological studies were performed at expected maximal severity. Sciatic nerves were harvested and specific chemokine ligand/receptor expression was determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and indirect fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Results: CCL2/CCR2, CXCL10/CXCR3 and CCL5/CCR1, CCR5 expression was significantly increased in the sciatic nerves of sm-EAN mice compared with controls. CCL2 was expressed on Schwann cells with CCR2 expressed on F4/80+ macrophages and CD3+ T cells. CXCL10 was expressed on endoneurial endothelial cells and within the endoneurial interstitium, with CXCR3 expressed on CD3+ T-lymphocytes. CCL5 co-localized to axons, with CCR1 and CCR5 expression on F4/80+ macrophages and rare CD3+ T cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that CCL2 expressed by Schwann cells and CXCL10 expressed by endoneurial endothelial cells may induce F4/80+ macrophage and CD3+ T cell-mediated inflammation and demyelination in sm-EAN. CCL2-CCR2 and CXCL10-CXCR3 signalling pathways are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in peripheral nerve inflammation.
Abstract T MP83: Comparison of Pharmacologic versus Mechanical Venous Thromboemoblism Prophylaxis in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage

Introduction: The use of pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage has been controversial due to concerns of hemorrhage expansion. We hypothesize that pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is associated with better functional outcomes, without excess bleeding risk, compared to mechanical prophylaxis alone. METHODS: In a prospective study of intracranial hemorrhage patients (SAH N=116; intracerebral hemorrhage N=125 and subdural hemorrhage N=130) conducted between 7/2008-11/2011, we compared bleeding complications, VTE rates and 3-month functional outcomes between patients who received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis (either heparin or enoxaparin) plus compression boots versus mechanical prophylaxis (compression boots) alone. RESULTS: Of 371 patients, 265 (70%) received pharmacologic prophylaxis in addition to compression boots, while 106 (29%) received compression boots alone. The median time to initiation of pharmacological prophylaxis was 4 days post hem...
The occurrence of adenocarcinoma in endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum during progestational therapy.

Abstract A patient is presented who developed adenocarcinoma in endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum during a second course of hormonal therapy. Malignant transformation in an area of endometriosis during sex steroid therapy has not been previously reported. The rectovaginal septum is recognized as probably the most common site of malignant transformation in extraovarian foci of endometriosis.
A 77GHz Phased-Array Transmitter with Local LO-Path Phase-Shifting in Silicon

A fully integrated 77GHz 4-element phased-array transmitter in 0.12mum SiGe BiCMOS based on a continuous local phase shifting approach is presented. Each element generates +12.5dBm output power at 77GHz and has 34dB gain from baseband to RF with a bandwidth of 2.5GHz. The chip demonstrates successful beam-steering at 77GHz
What about the environment? Assessing the perceived seriousness of environmental crime

Environmental sociologists argue that the public has grown increasingly concerned about environmental issues. Yet, little is known about public perceptions of environmental offenses and if these of...
Pulse rate, blood pressure and body composition in black adolescents: The Philadelphia blood pressure project☆

Patterns of pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), and body size and composition are investigated in a black urban sample of over 600 adolescents (aged 12–17) in Philadelphia as part of the Philadelphia Blood Pressure Project. Supine and seated pulse rates decline after the age of 13 in both males and females, and females have significantly higher pulse rates than males, ranging from 1.6 to 4.7 beats/30 sec higher depending upon chronological age and position. Seated pulse rates are consistently higher than supine in both sexes ranging from 1.3 to 2.9 beats/30 sec depending upon chronological age. Pulse rate and both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic phase IV blood pressure (DBP) show a positive association throughout adolescence for females (r = 0.16 SBP, r = 0.24 DBP) but not for males (r = −0.06 SBP, r = 0.06 DBP). Females in the highest diastolic IV blood pressure stratum (> 85%) maintain higher pulse rates throughout adolescence, while males with the highest DBP have higher pulse rates in early adolescence (ages 12–14) but lower pulse rates in later adolescence (ages 16 and 17). Females with the highest DBP also show consistently higher measures of relative fatness (triceps skinfolds) throughout adolescence. Males with the highest DBP have greater triceps skinfolds in early adolescence and lower triceps in later adolescence, a pattern similar to that shown for pulse rate. For DBP, triceps is significantly and positively associated with pulse rate in the upper DBP percentile group (p < 0.05). Thus, females with the highest blood pressure during adolescence are characterized by higher pulse rate and greater fatness. Males show this same pattern in early adolescence; whereas, in contrast, the older adolescent males in our sample with the highest DBP are characterized by lower pulse rates, relatively decreased fatness, and increased muscularity. Our findings suggest that, at least in some older black male adolescents, a higher DBP may reflect a decrease in cardiac output as indicated by a lower pulse rate, or an increase in peripheral vascular resistance, possibly associated with relatively decreased fatness and increased muscle mass for size.
Chloridation-oxidation of Fe-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys at 800°C

The chloridation-oxidation behavior of Fe-Cr (0–25 wt. %Cr) and Ni-Cr (0–20 wt.%Cr) alloys was studied at 800°C in three different H2-HCl-H2O(ν) environments. In a low-HCI and low-H2O(ν) environment, where Cr2O3 is thermodynamically stable, the corrosion resistance of the Fe-Cr alloys increased with increasing Cr content in the alloys. In a high-HCl and high-H2O(ν) environment, where FeCr2O4 is stable and CrCl2 is metastable, the corrosion resistance of the Fe-Cr alloys depended similarly on the Cr content. Low-Cr-Fe-Cr alloys exhibited large weight losses, while Fe-Cr alloys with higher than 19 wt. %Cr showed good corrosion resistance. In an environment of high-HCl in the absence of H2O(ν), the evaporative corrosion rate was fast and limited by gas phase diffusion, and independent of the Cr content in the Fe-Cr alloys. Ni and Ni-Cr alloys generally showed good corrosion resistance in the environments of high H2O(ν) because of the low NiCl2 vapor pressure and formation of a protective Cr2O3 scale. However, in the environment of high HCl in the absence of H2O(ν), selective formation and evaporation of CrCl2 occur, which results in Cr depletion and networks of voids for even a high-Cr Ni-Cr alloy.
Knee Function Assessment in Patients With Meniscus Injury A Preliminary Study of Reproducibility, Response to Treatment, and Correlation With Patient-Reported Questionnaire Outcomes

Background:Outcomes of meniscus surgery are typically assessed with patient questionnaires that help capture symptoms and functional limitations but may not provide an accurate representation of underlying joint health. There are currently no performance-based measures of knee function in patients with symptomatic meniscus injury.Purpose:To assess the reproducibility, response to partial meniscectomy, and correlation with patient-reported questionnaire outcomes of novel performance-based knee function tests.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A battery of 9 tests for activities that require knee movements essential for everyday living was developed. Intra- and interrater reproducibility was assessed in 50 meniscus tear patients completing the battery at 2 preoperative assessments with either the same or different examiners. Response to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was evaluated in 35 of these patients 6 weeks after surgery. Subjects also completed the Knee Injury and O...
A Theoretically Based Contingency Model of Feedback: Implications for Managing Service Employees

Through the years, positive feedback has been accepted as an effective method of improving employee performance. However, recent research reviews question across individual consistency of this effect. This inconsistency may arise from the interaction of feedback type (positive and negative) with individual differences. A Contingency Model of Feedback is proposed. This model integrates previous theory and research. It has implications which would allow service sector managers to select the most appropriate feedback type for each employee.
Comparison of ipsilateral and contralateral auditory pathways in callosum-sectioned patients by use of a response-time technique.

Abstract Patients with complete forebrain commissurotomy were used in a vocal response time test to contrast ipsilateral and contralateral auditory pathways. Callosal bisection and use of verbal stimuli and responses ensured exclusive use of the left hemisphere. Consequently, scores for the right and left ears reflect performance by contralateral and ipsilateral pathways, respectively. Simple words were repeated faster, but no more accurately, when presented to the right ear than to the left. Control groups including two partial commissurotomy patients showed no ear differences. Nor were there differences on other control tests given to complete commissurotomy patients. Possible sources for the difference between the ipsilateral and contralateral pathways were discussed.
On-demand release of corrosion-inhibiting ions from amorphous Al–Co–Ce alloys

Controlled release technologies are often used to supply chemicals or drugs at given rates1,2. Release often occurs on contact with solution. However, some applications, such as corrosion protection, require containment of the active species in a reservoir and their slow release when needed. Conductive polymers have been used as reservoirs for corrosion inhibitors whose triggered release occurs by galvanic reduction or ion exchange3,4,5,6,7. This work shows one of the first examples of pH-controlled release of corrosion-inhibiting ions from an amorphous metallic coating where the pH change that triggers release is a consequence of the onset of corrosion. This corrosion-inhibition strategy provides further corrosion protection beyond the traditional roles of barrier and sacrificial cathodic protection using a metal coating8. For instance, zinc galvanizing provides sacrificial cathodic protection and acts as a barrier9, but does not supply inhibitor ions. In the coating described here, protection of an underlying structural alloy exposed at coating defects is demonstrated by inhibitor ion release in addition to barrier function and sacrificial cathodic protection.
Axial loading with hyperflexion injury to the atlas resulting in crushed lateral masses

A 40-year-old man was involved in an ATV accident, in which he landed on the top of his head. There was no neurological deficit. A plain radiograph showed prevertebral soft tissue swelling at the atlas and axis level. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated vertical fractures of the anterior aspects of both lateral masses of the atlas, extending to the junction of the lateral mass with the anterior arch bilaterally. There was no lateral offset of the lateral masses. The mechanism of injury is believed to be axial loading along with hyperflexion.
Sexual dysfunction following vulvectomy

Abstract Objective. This is a pilot study to evaluate sexual dysfunction in women after vulvectomy. Methods. An 88-question survey was used to assess body image and the DSM IV criteria for sexual dysfunction on women who had undergone vulvectomy. Results. Forty-seven women agreed to participate in the study and 41 women (87%) returned the survey. There was a significant alteration of body image in these women after vulvectomy ( P = 0.004). Sexual frequency significantly decreased after surgery ( P = 0.001) and there was significant sexual dysfunction in the categories of sexual aversion disorder ( P = 0.01), arousal disorder ( P = 0.02), and hypoactive sexual disorder ( P = 0.001). The extent of surgery did not correlate with degree of sexual dysfunction in any category. Women who were depressed at the time of survey (as determined by the PRIME-MD scale) were more likely to suffer sexual aversion disorder ( P = 0.05) and trended to have more body image disturbance ( P = 0.1) and global sexual dysfunction ( P = 0.06). Conclusions. Women experience significant sexual dysfunction after vulvectomy and the extent of surgery or type of vulvectomy did not correlate with degree of sexual dysfunction. There is a significant need to address sexual problems with all women after any vulvectomy. Age, depression, worsening GOG performance status, and preoperative hypoactive sexual dysfunction were risk factors for sexual dysfunction after vulvar surgery. Appropriate counseling and treatment of depression may be of benefit to this patient population.
A review of seismic acoustic imaging by reverse-time migration

Seismic migration is the process by which an acoustic seismic wavefield, containing scattered/diffracted waves recorded as a function of time, is converted into a focussed image of the corresponding spatial distribution of scatters/diffractors. One method of implementing this is by reverse-time extrapolation of the recorded wavefield using the data as boundary values in a finite-difference solution of the scalar wave equation, plus application of an excitation-time imaging condition. Conceptually, and numerically, this approach is precisely the inverse of the corresponding forward problem of simulation of the response of a given model to an acoustic source.
Biochemical and Genetic Definition of the Cellular Protease Required for HIV-1 gp160 Processing

The surface glycoproteins of enveloped viruses bind to target cell receptors and trigger membrane fusion for infection. The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins gp120 (CD4 binding protein) and gp41 (transmembrane fusion protein) are initially synthesized as a gp160 precursor. The intracellular cleavage of gp160 by a host cell protease during transit through the secretory pathway is essential for viral activities such as infectivity, membrane fusion, and T-cell syncytium formation. We report that gp160 biogenesis, protein processing, and cell-surface expression have been successfully reproduced in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetic and biochemical approaches are used for defining that the unique cellular protease, Kex2p, is directly responsible for HIV-gp160 processing in yeast, in vivo and in vitro. The yeast system described in this report represents a powerful strategy for identifying, characterizing and inhibiting the host T-cell protease essential for HIV infectivity and AIDS.
Cellulase activity of soils

Abstract Cellulases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of cellulose, a polysaccharide built of β-1,4 linked glucose units. This group consists of endo-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), exo-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.91), and β- d -glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). The products of cellulose degradation are glucose, cellobiose, and higher molecular weight oligosaccharides. An accurate and precise method for the assay of cellulase activity in soil was developed. It involves determination of the reducing sugars produced when a soil sample is incubated with acetate buffer (50 mM, pH 5.5), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and toluene at 30°C for 24 h. Results showed that the optimal pH of cellulase activity was 5.5. Reducing sugars produced from cellulase activity increased linearly up to 7 days, and they increased with increasing amounts of soil up to 7 g. The substrate concentration-activity curves of cellulase activity in soils obeyed the Michaelis-Menten equation. In two soils tested, the Michaelis constant ( K m ) ranged from 9.7 to 21.4 g CMC 1 −1 . Cellulase activity in soils was maximal at temperatures ranging from 50 to 60°C. The activation energy values of the reaction catalyzed by cellulase in four soils ranged from 21.7 to 28.0 kJ mol −1 . Soil cellulase was denatured at temperatures ranging from 60 to 70°C; from 60 to 80%of total cellulase activity remained after heating air-dried soil samples at 100°C for 2 h. The corresponding values for field-moist soils were 18–23%. Toluene treatment markedly increased the cellulase activity values over the nontreated samples. Reducing sugar values increased significantly when air-dried or field-moist soil samples were incubated as described but without CMC, suggesting a role for cellulase in degradation of the native substrates.
ON CONSTRUCTING A HIERARCHICAL MODEL IN THE FLEX PARADIGM ILLUSTRATED BY STRUCTURAL ASPECTS OF A HYDROLOGY MODEL

A general strategy for constructing hierarchical models of complex systems is introduced and compared with a pure analytic and pure synthetic approach. The strategy is a formalization of standard scientific procedures for gaining understanding of systems. The strategy is stated and demonstrated in terms of the FLEX modelling approach and paradigm. Some details of the FLEX hierarchical structure especially coupling specifics are elaborated. The actual demonstration of the strategy spans two papers. The first covers the evolutionary development and elaboration of a single level hydrology model including the elaboration of considerable mechanistic detail.8 The present paper completes the example by exhibiting how the structure implicit in the elaborated single level model is explicitly identified within the REFLEX hierarchical structure.
The enhanced oxidation of SO2 by NO2 on carbon particulates

The oxidation of SO2 on carbon particles in dry air and in air at 65% relative humidity (RH) was found to be greatly enhanced by the presence of gaseous NO2. Exposures of 20-80ppm SO2 + 10ppm NO2 on 1-mg samples of commercial carbon black were found to produce both sorption and desorption coverages (weight retained after desorption into N2) of over one order of magnitude greater than for corresponding SO2 exposures. Significant agglomeration and wetting were observed to occur progressively during exposures at 65% RH, and samples, even after 150-h exposure, rarely reached steady-state weight gain. The wetting may have regenerated fresh reactive carbon surface. Sorptions conducted in nitrogen atmospheres, rather than in air, appeared to produce slightly higher sorptions and weight retentions for equivalent exposure concentrations and times, indicating that NO2 served as the oxidizer and that molecular oxygen, or some trace constitutents in air, may have weakly inhibited the oxidation by NO2. Wet chemical analysis of the desorbed phase indicated that sulfate, presumably H2SO4 accounted for over half of the retained weight. Measurements of pH from water-quenched samples indicated a highly acidic surface phase, and suggested the oxidation process could proceed in an acidic environment.
Marriage and family therapy with people from China

On the basis of personal experience and understanding of the Chinese culture as a native of the People's Republic of China, the author gives some of the reasons why Chinese-Americans under-utilize mental health facilities and addresses issues that might arise in marriage and family therapy with people from China. Subcultural differences and variables such as the place of origin, intraracial or inter-racial marriage, that need to be considered in the assessment phase are stressed, along with treatment interventions that are or are not culturally compatible. Behavioral, structural, and brief therapy models are recommended. The experiential model should be used with caution with Chinese clients.
Effect of exogenous growth hormone on glucose utilization in burn patients.

The treatment of burn patients with recombinantly derived human growth hormone (rHGH) appears effective in counteracting protein catabolism. However, exogenous growth hormone is frequently associated with hyperglycemia, an aspect which may limit its usefulness. Therefore, to assess the affect of rHGH on glucose utilization, 13 severely burned patients (65% +/- 4 TBSA burn; mean +/- SEM) began receiving on admission either placebo or rHGH (0.2 mg/kg.d) in a double-blind randomized fashion. While hypermetabolic (percentage REE/predicted REE 1.41 +/- 0.11) fasting oxygen consumption and CO2 production were measured using indirect calorimetry prior to and then during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. This experiment demonstrated that rHGH significantly reduced glucose uptake and inhibited glucose oxidation compared to the placebo patients. Since the decreases in glucose oxidation and uptake were proportional, glucose utilization (percentage glucose uptake oxidized) remained similar in both patient groups. Furthermore, the hyperinsulinemic clamp lowered the plasma amino acid concentrations in the control patients while rHGH-treated patients had no significant alterations. In conclusion, exogenous growth hormone therapy induces an insulin resistance in burn patients. Furthermore, since the glucose utilization did not change, it is likely that the mechanism of insulin resistance is due to a deficiency in glucose transport.
Diagnosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis Aided by MRI

We describe herein a case of dilated cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis of myocardial sarcoid was suggested by abnormal findings on an MRI of the chest. This was subsequently confirmed by a histology of a subcutaneous nodule. MRI is well suited in imaging myocardial scarring associated with sarcoidosis. Its use should be considered where sarcoidosis is suspected. Early detection and intervention with steroids may improve function.
Diagnosis in a Heart Beat, or Focused Echocardiography: How Should it be Used in the Emergency Room?

Over the last few decades, ultrasound underwent rapid technological development and equipment miniaturization that lead to its wide spread use in virtually all spheres of patient care, including emergency medicine. In the specific scenarios, use of focused echocardiography by emergency department physicians may assist with triage, expedite the diagnostic assessment of the patient, facilitate emergent treatment, and overall improve patient care. Due to steep learning curve, well structured didactics and sufficient hands-on practice, either incorporated into the residency training or offered as a fellowship, is generally required to produce well trained physicians in this specialty. In this review article we intended to recap the latest evidence supporting use of cardiac ultrasound in the emergency department, overview common and some less known clinical applications of focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), training recommendations, as well as future directions and possibilities of further development.
Short time reactions of a na2o-cao-sio2 glass with water and salt solutions

The pH of Corning 015 soda-lime silicate glass was measured in water and salt solutions at different temperatures as a function of treatment time. The pH increased to a maximum and then decreased. This pH change was modeled as resulting from a sequence of chemical reactions, and the resulting rate constants discussed. The infrared absorption of the hydrated layers showed contributions from SiOH groups, molecularly adsorbed water and hydrogen bonding. Reaction rates were higher in salt solutions than in water.
Appropriate secondary prevention of acute atherothrombotic events and strategies to improve guideline adherence.

AbstractThe use of guideline-recommended secondary prevention measures is essential for reducing the risk of subsequent events and mortality in patients who have survived an acute atherothrombotic event or have peripheral arterial disease. Although initial hospitalization provides an ideal environment to initiate such therapies, implementation of effective long-term prevention strategies is hindered by the absence of a systematic approach. In general, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend antiplatelet therapy as a cornerstone of post-discharge secondary prevention, in addition to preventive measures targeting risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity. Observational data indicate that, although there has been improvement over time, current utilization of guideline-recommended post-discharge treatment remains suboptimal. Recognizing the importance of a systematic approach to discharge planning, numerous hospital-based initiatives have been es...
Physical, motor, sensory and developmental features associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Background The study objective was to develop a profile of characteristics and diagnostic indicators of agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) using a large sample of individuals with ACC and their siblings. Very few previous studies have been able to access large populations in order to develop a comprehensive profile. Methods Caregivers of 720 individuals with ACC and 219 siblings, the largest sample studied to date, provided surveys with data on diagnoses, physical characteristics, developmental patterns and physical functioning. Results Compared with siblings, individuals with ACC exhibited a pattern of delayed motor development, difficulty with balance and bimanual movements, large head size, poor muscle tone, poor depth perception, reduced pain perception, sleeping difficulties and an increased proportion of left and mixed handedness. Conclusions These results extend previous descriptions but are also consistent with published reports that used small samples and single case studies. The data provide a profile that has implications for early detection and intervention of individuals with ACC as well as for highlighting future research directions to extend knowledge about ACC.
Specific heat of 2-d electrons in strong magnetic field

Abstract It is shown that the specific heat of an ideal two-dimensional electron gas in strong magnetic field decreases exponentially at low temperatures.
On the Realization of Filament Wound Composite Impeller for Water Refrigerant

In the present work, the concept of composite impeller through automatic filament winding manufacturing approach was realized. The advantage of using filament winding method to manufacture high performance and light-weight composite impellers is that the production can be rapid, inexpensive and utilize commercially available winding machines. This work focuses both on how to achieve the automation of the production process, as well as evaluate the composite impeller’s mechanical properties. For the automatic production process, a new filament winding facility for manufacturing fiber-reinforced composite impellers was developed. A kevlar/epoxy matrix was selected to manufacture the high strength-to-weight ratio composite material. In order to maintain the epoxy’s freshness, a two component syringe dispensing device was designed to control the dispensation of resin. The composite material’s properties were measured in order to ensure the impeller was able to withstand the large stresses incurred during the high speed rotation required to achieve large volume flows and a high compression ratio. With these properties, a 3D structural analysis using ANSYS was performed, which resulted in a maximum tip speed of 830m/s before the composite impeller’s failure. In terms of momentum change, this is a high tip speed needed to compress water vapor.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Page cuts for integer interval linear programming

Abstract This paper establishes a new class of finitely convergent cutting plane methods to solve integer linear problems of the form: Maximize cTx, subject to a⩽Ax⩽b and x integer. Unlike standard cutting planes, the cuts given here are not derived in terms of the x variables directly but rather from a transformation of these variables onto an n-dimensional page. It will be shown that this approach has computationally attractive features not found in other methods.
Evaluating Video Models of Evidence-Based Instructional Practices to Enhance Teacher Learning

A process was developed to create Web-based video models of effective instructional practices for use in teacher education settings. Three video models, created at three university sites, demonstra...
Size and feed dependent cannibalism with juvenile snakehead Channa striatus.

Abstract A linear regression model was developed to predict cannibalism in juvenile snakehead Channa striatus . Based on morphological measurements of mouth width, head width and body length, the model relates maximum prey length (TL; mm) to predator TL (TL prey = 26.168 + 0.278 TL predator ). This model was verified with a set of independent data, indicating an underestimate of maximum prey size for a certain predator size. The revised model should be: TL prey = 25.809 + 0.405 TL predator (mm). Size differences substantially increased the rate of cannibalism, but prey: predator TL ratios decreased with increased predator TL. Cannibalism rate was 100% during a 5 day trial when the TL ratio of smaller fish to larger fish was 0.35; but the cannibalism rate decreased to 43% when the TL ratio of smaller fish to larger ones increased to 0.64. Increased availability of formulated feed also reduced cannibalism. With no feed offered, cannibalism was 83%; but decreased to 43% when daily feeding rate was 15% of the larger fish's body weight. Our results indicate that cannibalism is unavoidable with this species, but can be greatly reduced among juvenile fish by size grading and ad libitum feeding.
Efficient fiber-coupled detection for multiphoton microscopy: characterization and comparison with air-coupled detection

The femtoliter excitation volume of multiphoton microscopy renders all emitted photons useful in detecting fluorescence signals. We have previously demonstrated the viability of transmitting the emitted fluorescence via multimode optical fibers onto a photomultiplier tube (PMT) in a full-field arrangement. A custom MPLSM, based on a commercially available confocal microscope was developed to readily switch between the regular descanned path for confocal microscopy and our non-descanned pathways (direct detection) supporting fiber-coupled detection. We now wish to demonstrate the efficacy of fiber-based detection using a side-by-side comparison of our fiber-coupled paradigm to the traditional method of directly focusing the fluorescence, through air, onto a PMT. To effectively compare the two methods, we have incorporated a second direct detection epi-fluorescence pathway for air-coupling onto a PMT that does not affect the performance of the fiber-based MPLSM. We found that fiber-based detection compares favorably against traditional direct detection. We demonstrate the viability of fiber-based detection for high-resolution neuronal brain slice imaging.