cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical properties of canopy elements in the boreal forest

The spectral optical properties (e.g. reflectance and transmittance) of deciduous leaves, coniferous needles, and other canopy elements such as twigs and bark were investigated for several boreal forest species from May through September, 1994, as a part of the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmospheres Study (BOREAS) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Mature (>50 y) and young (<15 y) stands were examined for jack pine (Pinus Banksiana Lamb.) and for quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) with its understory shrub, hazelnut (Corylus americana Walt.). The black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stand was mature. Shoots/leaves from the upper and lower canopies were excised for laboratory measurements. For the conifers, the current and previous two age classes were examined. The Daughtry et al. (1989) integrating sphere method was revised and the measurement protocol restricted, for use with their published equations. Significant differences in optical properties were found in leaves/needles for different species or stands over the growing season, for canopy position (top vs. bottom), and age class (for conifers). These fundamental measurements are important for understanding the dynamics of shoot-level absorptance of solar energy for physiological processes. They are also critical for interpreting remotely acquired (e.g. aircraft, satellite) canopy reflectance observations, and for parameterizing radiative transfer simulations for remote sensing and carbon balance predictions.
Wavelength conversion in a quantum well polarization insensitive amplifier

Polarization insensitivity of the gain saturation properties of a 1.3 /spl mu/m semiconductor amplifier with tensile and compressive strain quantum well active region are used to demonstrate a WDM wavelength conversion configuration in which the outputs at the two wavelengths are separated on the basis of polarization. Use of orthogonal polarizations allows operation of a wavelength converter without an optical frequency filter at the output. Alternatively, inherent polarization insensitivity of the device can be used for wavelength conversion of an arbitrarily polarized signal. >
Multicast snooping: a new coherence method using a multicast address network

This paper proposes a new coherence method called "multicast snooping" that dynamically adapts between broadcast snooping and a directory protocol. Multicast snooping is unique because processors predict which caches should snoop each coherence transaction by specifying a multicast "mask." Transactions are delivered with an ordered multicast network, such as an Isotach network, which eliminates the need for acknowledgment messages. Processors handle transactions as they would with a snooping protocol, while a simplified directory operates in parallel to check masks and gracefully handle incorrect ones (e.g., previous owner missing). Preliminary performance numbers with mostly SPLASH-2 benchmarks running on 32 processors show that we can limit multicasts to an average of 2-6 destinations (> broadcast snooping's 1 per cycle). While these results do not include timing, they do provide encouragement that multicast snooping can obtain data directly (like broadcast snooping) but apply to larger systems (like directories).
Studies on the combining sites of concanavalin A.

The initial event in the biological activity of concanavalin A (Con A) involves binding of the protein to cell surface receptors. The nature and mechanism whereby such binding may occur is described in terms of cell surface carbohydrates and the demonstrated specificity of the protein. Although considerable latitude is tolerated at the C-2 position of the α-D-hexopyranose ring system, the carbohydrate binding site of Con A appears to be complementary to α-Dmannopyranosyl residues. Hapten inhibition studies indicate that each of the hydroxyl groups of this sugar is probably involved in the binding mechanism. Of the common sugars present on cell surfaces (D-glucose, D-mannose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine), it is probably α-D-mannopyranosyl residues which react with Con A. Since the latter units are generally located in the core region of cell surface glycoproteins, it is necessary to postulate that 2-o-glycosyl-α-D mannopyranosyl units are primary receptors for Con A. Evidence supporting this view includes hapten inhibition studies with model oligosaccharides and precipitin studies with macromolecules containing internal 2-o-substituted α-D-mannopyranosyl residues. The binding to Con A of a series of oligosaccharides containing α-(l→2)-linked Dmannosyl units appears to increase up to the tetraose and then decreases; several possible explanations are considered. Acetylated Con A, although retaining its specificity, is about 50% as active as the native protein. Some biological properties of the modified protein are described. Data suggesting that Con A behaves differently in the solution phase than in the crystalline state are presented in terms of UV difference displacement studies. It is suggested that the so-called carbohydrate binding site reportedly identified in Con A crystals may not be correct.
Field Observations of Questing and Dispersal by Colonized Nymphal Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract Almost nothing is known about the questing and dispersal behavior of immature Gulf Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum), a vector of both medical and veterinary concern. This experiment examined host-seeking (questing) and dispersal of marked, previously colonized, nymphal A. maculatum released in field plots in rural Oktibbeha County, Mississippi during 2015. A total of 500 (250 per replication) A. maculatum nymphs were painted and released in 5 plots (50 ticks each time). Observations were then made 5 times, approximately every 3 days, searching the plots for ticks from the release points outwards to 50 cm. Mean overall vertical questing height of ticks in Replication 1 in March (5.13 cm) was significantly higher than that of Replication 2 in April (2.57 cm) for a combined mean questing height of 3.58 cm. Ticks dispersed at a mean rate of 1.71 cm/day (Replication 1) and 0.98 cm/day (Replication 2), for an overall mean dispersal rate of 1.27 cm/day. When observation days where tick movement was imp...
Overcoming obstacles and introducing DaTscan at a facility

1047 Learning Objectives 1. Gain awareness of potential obstacles and considerations when introducing DaTscan at an imaging facility. 2. Identify planning tools for successful implementation of the DaTscan procedure. DaTscan has recently been introduced in the United States. Equipment specifications, schedule II drug concerns, patient dosing, and patient scheduling all need to be considered when becoming certified to perform DaTscan. Extensive collaboration with GE Healthcare, Pharmacy, Regulatory, and Nuclear Medicine may be required to address hospital policy, procedures, DEA, and state licensure requirements. First, a GE site visit took place to certify equipment. Then, DEA licensure requirements were addressed. Our facility chose to operate under the pharmacy’s DEA license. Ordering the DaTscan dose is also complex. GE requires orders 7 days in advance and has a 2 day cancelation requirement. It is important that scheduling is monitored and any additions or cancelations to the schedule are not missed, so development of a standardized system is key. The delivery and receipt of the DaTscan dose also require additional consideration. In addition to normal procedures for radiopharmaceutical shipment receipt, Pharmacy oversees the receipt of the shipment to satisfy DEA requirements for a schedule II drug. Another obstacle to overcome is patient dosing. With radioactive drugs, a certified nuclear medicine technologist would normally inject, however, a technologist is not licensed to inject schedule II drugs. Other practitioners who have license to inject schedule II drugs (such as an RN) are not licensed to inject radioactive material. Our solution to this issue was to have the nuclear medicine physician inject the dose. Due to the complex nature of DaTscan, we feel that an awareness of implementation obstacles and a proactive plan for DaTscan introduction would greatly streamline the process for other facilities and allow for faster provision of this service to the community
The effect of US pharmaceutical drug importation on the Canadian pharmaceutical supply

Background and objectives:For over a decade, many US politicians have advocated that the US allow personal and commercial drug importation. Currently, the only entities that can legally import a ph...
Finite-Time Lyapunov Analysis of Orbits Near L1

The dynamical systems approach to spacecraft trajectory analysis and orbital transfer design has proven beneficial in designing transfers to orbits near L1 and other Lagrange points. Computing the manifold structure of orbits, as required for this approach, remains a challenge for orbits that are not near-periodic. Finitetime Lyapunov exponents and vectors characterize, via average exponential rates in the linearized dynamics, the tangent space along a trajectory. The tangent space structure can be transferred to the manifold structure. Finite-time Lyapunov analysis does not require periodicity or near-periodicity and thus offers potential for the more complicated orbits associated with multi-body gravitational models. The finite-time Lyapunov results are first verified by comparison to results from Floquet theory for periodic horizontal Lyapunov orbits. Next finite-time Lyapunov analysis is used to compute points on orbits on the center manifold of L1. Finally, finitetime Lyapunov analysis is used to compute an orbit on an invariant torus using a numerical ‘stationkeeping’ approach.
Predicting superficial venous incompetence with strain gauge plethysmography

BackgroundWith currently available effective interventional methods to treat superficial venous insufficiency, it becomes particularly important to have a simple and reliable method to evaluate the...
Polynomials with Preassigned Values at Their Branching Points

(1970). Polynomials with Preassigned Values at Their Branching Points. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 77, No. 8, pp. 853-855.
Effect of Tocopherols and Soybean Phosphatides on Utilization of Carotene

SummaryThe vitamin A-enhancing property of crude soybean phosphatides is due principally to the tocopherols present in these phosphatides.
Transfusion of cryopreserved packed red blood cells is safe and effective after trauma a prospective randomized trial

Objectives:To determine the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved packed red blood cell (CPRBC) transfusion in trauma patients.Background:Liquid packed red blood cells (LPRBCs) have an abbreviated shelf-life and worsening storage lesion with age. CPRBCs are frozen 2 to 6 days after donation, stored u
Factors affecting conjugated linoleic acid and trans-C18:1 fatty acid production by mixed ruminal bacteria.

The objective of this study was to identify environmental factors that influence conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-C 18:1 fatty acid production by mixed ruminal bacteria. Ruminal contents were collected from a 600-kg ruminally fistulated Hereford steer maintained on pasture. Mixed ruminal bacteria were obtained by differential centrifugation under anaerobic conditions and added to a basal medium that contained a commercial emulsified preparation of soybean oil and a mixture of soluble carbohydrates (cellobiose, glucose, maltose, and xylose). Culture samples were collected from batch culture incubations at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 48 h. Continuous culture incubations were conducted at dilution rates of 0.05 and 0.10 h -1 with extracellular pH values of 5.5 and 6.5, and 0.5 and 1.0 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates. Culture samples were obtained from the culture vessel once steady-state conditions had been achieved. In batch culture, trans-C 18:1 concentrations increased over time and reached a maximum at 48 h. Little CLA was produced during the first 8 h, but cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentrations remained high between 24 and 30 h. When mixed ruminal bacteria were maintained in continuous culture on 0.5 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates, concentrations of trans-C 18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were reduced (P < 0.05) at a dilution rate of 0.05 h -1 and an extracellular pH of 5.5. Similar effects were also observed when 1.0 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates was used. When extracellular pH was lowered to 5.0, neither trans-C 18:1 or CLA isomers were detected. In conclusion, our results suggest that culture pH appears to have the most influence on the production of trans-C 18:1 and CLA isomers by mixed ruminal bacteria.
Comprehensive Sexual Education in Latin America

Since the end of the Cold War, international organizations and global movements have pressured governments to internalize human rights norms as parts of their national laws and policies. More recently, the international community took steps to encouraged governments to include human rights content on states’ national curricula. This effort is known as the Human Rights Education (HRE) initiative, which was launched at the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993.
Chromosomal Replication Complexity: A Novel DNA Metrics and Genome Instability Factor

As the ratio of the copy number of the most replicated to the unreplicated regions in the same chromosome, the definition of chromosomal replication complexity (CRC) appears to leave little room for variation, being either two during S-phase or one otherwise. However, bacteria dividing faster than they replicate their chromosome spike CRC to four and even eight. A recent experimental inquiry about the limits of CRC in Escherichia coli revealed two major reasons to avoid elevating it further: (i) increased chromosomal fragmentation and (ii) complications with subsequent double-strand break repair. Remarkably, examples of stable elevated CRC in eukaryotic chromosomes are well known under various terms like "differential replication," "underreplication," "DNA puffs," "onion-skin replication," or "re-replication" and highlight the phenomenon of static replication fork (sRF). To accurately describe the resulting "amplification by overinitiation," I propose a new term: "replification" (subchromosomal overreplication). In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, replification, via sRF processing, causes double-strand DNA breaks and, with their repair elevating chromosomal rearrangements, represents a novel genome instability factor. I suggest how static replication bubbles could be stabilized and speculate that some tandem duplications represent such persistent static bubbles. Moreover, I propose how static replication bubbles could be transformed into tandem duplications, double minutes, or inverted triplications. Possible experimental tests of these models are discussed.
Barankin Bound for Multiple Change-Point Estimation

We derive the Barankin bound on the mean-squared error for multiple change-point estimation of an independent measurement sequence. We first derive a general form of this bound and give the structure of the so-called Barankin information matrix (BIM). We show that the BIM for the change-point parameters has a tri-diagonal structure which means that one change-point estimation depends on its neighboring change points. Using this result, we propose a computationally efficient inversion algorithm of the BIM. As an illustration, we analyze the case of changes in the mean vector of a Gaussian distribution.
Impact of right ventricular function on outcome of severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cardiac patients and is considered a risk factor for adverse outcome according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. Objective Our goal was to assess the impact of RV function at baseline on 1-year mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods All patients with severe AS treated with TAVR from May 2007 to March 2015 at our center were included in the present study, and baseline and procedural characteristics were recorded for each patient. The patients were categorized according to RV function at baseline as assessed by current guidelines, and a comparison of mortality rates up to 1 year was performed. Results Among 650 patients, 606 had adequate echocardiogram quality and 146 (24%) had RV dysfunction. There were significant differences between the 2 groups, as patients with RV dysfunction were younger (81±9 vs 84±7 years, P =.01) and were more likely to be male (65% vs 42%, P P =.02) and atrial fibrillation (51% vs 39%, P =.02). Echocardiographic parameters demonstrated higher rates of left ventricular ejection fraction P P =.04), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (50±17 vs 44±16 mm Hg, P P =.22) and mortality rates at 1year (27% vs 23%, log-rank P =.45). Conclusions Patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction have similar 1-year mortality and functional class after TAVR to patients with normal RV function. The presence of RV dysfunction does not correlate with outcome in patients with severe AS.
Data before the Fact

We live in the era of Big Data, with storage and transmission capacity measured not just in terabytes but in petabytes (where peta - denotes a quadrillion, or a thousand trillion). Data collection is constant and even insidious, with every click and every "like" stored somewhere for something. This book reminds us that data is anything but "raw," that we shouldn't think of data as a natural resource but as a cultural one that needs to be generated, protected, and interpreted. The book's essays describe eight episodes in the history of data from the predigital to the digital. Together they address such issues as the ways that different kinds of data and different domains of inquiry are mutually defining; how data are variously "cooked" in the processes of their collection and use; and conflicts over what can -- or can't -- be "reduced" to data. Contributors discuss the intellectual history of data as a concept; describe early financial modeling and some unusual sources for stronomical data; discover the prehistory of the database in newspaper clippings and index cards; and consider contemporary "dataveillance" of our online habits as well as the complexity of scientific data curation. Essay authors: Geoffrey C. Bowker, Kevin R. Brine, Ellen Gruber Garvey, Lisa Gitelman, Steven J. Jackson, Virginia Jackson, Markus Krajewski, Mary Poovey, Rita Raley, David Ribes, Daniel Rosenberg, Matthew Stanley, Travis D. Williams
Genetic control of the antibody response to sperm whale myoglobin in mice.

The antibody response to the main chromatographic component IV of sperm whale myoglobin in mice has been shown to be under the control of both H-2-1inked and non-H-2-1inked genes, using an assay which measures antibody concentration independent of affinity. The effect of non-H-2 background genes was such that for a given H-2 haplotype, mice of the A background were higher responders than those of the BIO background. Among coneenic mice of all the same background, mice of haplotypes H-2d,s were high responders, while those of haplotypes H-2k,b,q were low responders. Use of intra-H-2 recombinant strains BIO.A, B10.A(5R), A.TL, and D2.GD allowed mapping of at least two H-2-linked Ir genes, both within the I. region, one tentatively mapping in I-A, designated Ir-Mb-1, and one mapping to the right of I-E and left of H-2D, designated Ir-Mb-2. Strains bearing both genes or only Ir-Mb-1 were high responders, while those bearing Ir-Mb-2 were intermediate responders.
A novel microfluidic device to model the human proximal tubule and glomerulus

We have developed a re-usable multi-layer microfluidic device to model the human kidney that incorporates a porous growth substrate, physiological fluid flow, and the passive filtration of the glomerulus. The target cell line in this project is HK-2, immortalized human kidney proximal tubule cells. Cells were exposed to a shear stress of 0.8 dyne cm−2 within the device and monitored for protein expression, cytoskeletal reorganization, and increased molecular transport. Additionally, an endothelial cell-seeded glomerular filter was added to allow for more realistic “primary urine” within these devices. The results of this research suggest that cells grown within this microfluidic device exhibit more in vivo-like behaviour than those grown using traditional culturing methods, and that the filtration of serum proteins by the glomerulus is necessary for healthy cell function. The addition of this glomerulus-mimic to the device provides the first in vitro model of passive glomerular filtration coupled with the proximal tubule.
Graded analogues of one-parameter subgroups and applications to the cohomology of GLm|n(r)

Abstract We introduce a family M r ; f , η of infinitesimal supergroup schemes, which we call multiparameter supergroups, that generalize the infinitesimal Frobenius kernels G a ( r ) of the additive group scheme G a . Then, following the approach of Suslin, Friedlander, and Bendel, we use functor cohomology to define characteristic extension classes for the general linear supergroup G L m | n , and we calculate how these classes restrict along homomorphisms ρ : M r ; f , η → G L m | n . Finally, we apply our calculations to describe (up to a finite surjective morphism) the spectrum of the cohomology ring of the r -th Frobenius kernel G L m | n ( r ) of the general linear supergroup G L m | n .
Effects of ibudilast on oxycodone-induced analgesia and subjective effects in opioid-dependent volunteers.

Abstract Opioid-induced glial activation is hypothesized to contribute to the development of tolerance to opioid-induced analgesia. This inpatient, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject and between-groups pilot study investigated the dose-dependent effects of ibudilast, a glial cell modulator, on oxycodone-induced analgesia. Opioid-dependent volunteers were maintained on morphine (30 mg, PO, QID) for two weeks and received placebo ibudilast (0 mg, PO, BID) during the 1st week (days 1–7). On day 8, participants (N = 10/group) were randomized to receive ibudilast (20 or 40 mg, PO, BID) or placebo for the remainder of the study. On days 4 (week 1) and 11 (week 2), the analgesic, subjective, and physiological effects of oxycodone (0, 25, 50 mg/70 kg, PO) were determined. Analgesia was measured using the cold pressor test; participants immersed their hand in cold water (4 °C) and pain threshold and pain tolerability were recorded. Oxycodone decreased pain threshold and tolerability in all groups during week 1. During week 2, the placebo group exhibited a blunted analgesic response to oxycodone for pain threshold and subjective pain ratings, whereas the 40 mg BID ibudilast group exhibited greater analgesia as measured by subjective pain ratings (p ≤ 0.05). Oxycodone also increased subjective drug effect ratings associated with abuse liability in all groups during week 1 (p ≤ 0.05); ibudilast did not consistently affect these ratings. These findings suggest that ibudilast may enhance opioid-induced analgesia. Investigating higher ibudilast doses may establish the utility of pharmacological modulation of glial activity to maximize the clinical use of opioids.
Statistical Concepts in Modern Pathology Practice

As pathologists, we have long used data to cluster diseases into different classes. For example, we use the morphologic characteristics of a tissue to classify it into benign or malignant and even further sub-classify it into meaningful disease categories. We are facing an exponential growth in diagnostic and prognostic information available to us, the size of the data available to us makes it next to impossible for humans to be able to use most of this information in a meaningful way. Thus, computer algorithms and statistical models have been developed that can deal with this so called ‘big data’. Some of these algorithms are clustering algorithms which either summarize the data or classify and categorize the data.
Generation and Measurement of Electromagnetic Fields in Geophysical Applications

Electromagnetic geophysical methods are based on the study of EM field propagation in the earth and on determining the electromagnetic parameters of the earth, containing unique information about petrophysical properties, lithological characteristics, and mineral content of the rocks in the earth's interior. There are many different EM methods which can be used for different applications. The number of different modifications of EM methods is extremely large, because it is possible to transmit and to receive the different components of the EM fields. The effective use of electromagnetic methods in probing the earth requires not only a thorough understanding of the physics and mathematics describing the behavior of EM fields in the earth, but also, a good understanding of how one acquires the best possible measurements in the field. In Chapter 11, we look at this aspect of the subject in two parts: how does one generate a useful electromagnetic field (when controlled-source methods are to be used), and how does one sense the useful characteristics of the field, whether it be an electrical or magnetic field. We introduce the typical sources of EM fields and consider the principle methods of measurement of electric and magnetic fields. A summary of data preprocessing is provided as well.
Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition

Previous research has shown that praise is an effective reinforcer; however, few researchers have evaluated whether qualitative differences in praise affect responding. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of neutral, enthusiastic, and no praise on the rate of matching-to-sample acquisition during discrete-trial training with adults diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. In addition, we evaluated preference for neutral, enthusiastic, and no praise. All three participants acquired responses slightly faster during the enthusiastic praise condition. Preference assessment results showed that one participant preferred enthusiastic praise, whereas the two other participants showed indiscriminate selections.
The Role of Gender and Social Class in Physical Activity in Later Life

Gender and social class matter when considering physical activity among older people. However, sport and exercise sociologists have devoted scant attention to this topic. That said, there is no lack of attention to this question from those who are interested in health, physical activity, and epidemiologists who recognise that exercise can be an important way to maintain both the psychological and physical health of all, particularly as we age. This chapter will summarise the available research regarding the role of gender and social class, the role that media plays in shaping perceptions of ageing, and provide some recommendations for future research.
Risky business: is pubic hair removal by women associated with body image and sexual health?

Background Body hair removal is a behaviour that has become normative among women in Westernised cultures, and is presented by the media as the feminine ideal, despite being painful and a potential cause of infection. Of concern, removal may be part of a more global pattern of appearance dissatisfaction and risky sexual behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships among pubic hair removal, body image and sexual health indicators. Methods: Women (n = 264; Mage = 33.82, s.d. = 11.13, range = 18–66) completed self-report questionnaires assessing these constructs, including an assessment of body hair removal practices. Results: Greater appearance concerns (as measured by thin-ideal internalisation, appearance investment and self-objectification) and sexual health indicators (i.e. less condom use self-efficacy when a partner disapproves of condom use) all predicted greater importance of reasons for pubic hair removal (R2 = 0.315, F(8184) = 9.97, P < 0.001), controlling for age groups. Additionally, women who removed a greater amount of hair reported more thin-ideal internalisation and appearance investment than those who removed less hair. Conclusions: Women who express stronger reasoning for pubic hair removal, and remove a larger amount of it, may endorse problematic beliefs and behaviours particularly related to appearance concerns. It is important for practitioners to consider this practice as distinct from grooming and to be aware of its association with a broader array of risky beliefs and behaviours that can compromise women’s well-being.
Evoked Potentials in the Prognosis of Traumatic Lesions of the Central Nervous System

One of the more useful techniques in modern clinical neurophysiology is the recording of evoked potentials. Somatosensory, brain stem, and visual evoked potentials have added new dimensions to electrophysiologic studies. Signal averaging has made it possible to record low amplitude electric potentials in the nervous system to external stimuli. Although several points about precise waveform generation remain unsolved, it is possible, with experience, to provide a clinically useful interpretation in most instances. This article discusses origins of evoked potentials, waveform characteristics, and methods of interpretation of abnormalities in various types of evoked potential studies. The clinical use of evoked potentials in the prognosis of brain injury and spinal cord injury is discussed. These tests provide sensitive, quantitative extensions of the clinical neurologic examination.
Rectal and oral absorption of methylprednisolone acetate

Rectal absorption of methylprednisolone acetate and oral absorption of methylprednisolone and methylprednisolone acetate were investigated in a single-dose 3-way crossover study of 12 normal male volunteers. The median value of bioavailability (relative to oral dose) of methylprednisolone acetate based on unchanged methylprednisolone plasma levels was 14.2% after rectal administration, suggesting that the drug exerts its therapeutic effect topically rather than systemically. In contrast, the median of total radioactivity in urine (as a percentage of rectal dose) was 34.3% (range, 4.52% to 58.8%), suggesting partial bacterial metabolism in the rectum prior to absorption. Mean bioavailability (relative to oral administration of methylprednisolone acetate) of methylprednisolone after oral administration was 89.9%, indicating somewhat better systemic availability of the ester than the alcohol. The average apparent elimination rate constant for methylprednisolone after oral administration of both ester and alcohol was 0.290 hr-1, corresponding to a half-life of 2.39 hr.
PROPERTIES OF AN APHID-BORNE VIRUS: PEA ENATION MOSAIC VIRUS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the properties of an aphid-borne virus in reference to pea enation mosaic virus. Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) is the best characterized of the circulative aphid-borne plant viruses. This is primarily because it can be purified in sufficient quantities for biophysical and biochemical studies. PEMV has properties unlike those described for any other plant virus; therefore, it has been assigned to a group on its own. A number of strains of PEMV have been isolated and have been used as PEMV by workers without being compared with other strains. Strains of PEMV differ in component composition. In most strains, there is more of bottom component than middle component, but in a variant strain, there is more of middle than of bottom component. In free electrophoresis, PEMV moved as a single boundary with an isoelectric point between pH 5 and 6 for that strain.
A Quantitative Treatment of the Deprotonation Equilibria of Benzimidazole in Basic Solutions of Cetyltrimethylammonium Ion (CTAX) Surfactants

Surfactant induced shifts of micellar equilibria provided some of the earliest examples of micellar effects on chemical reactions. As with micellar catalyzed bimolecular reactions, much of the observed effect on indicator deprotonation is caused by concentrating the reactants in the small volume of the micellar pseudophase. However, a complete treatment must also account for micellar effects on the distribution of hydrophilic ions participating in the reaction, in this case OH−. We measured the apparent basicity constant, KB, of benzimidazole in solutions of CTAX (X = NO3, Br, Cl) and NaOH, with and without added salt. In surfactant alone, Kg passes through minima (i.e., KA through maxima) with increasing [CTAX], but for constant total [X−], Kg decreases smoothly. At constant [CTAX] added NaX increases Kg, and the salt order in Kg follows the usual series: NO3 − > Br− > Cl−. All these observations can be reasonably accounted for by the pseudophase ion exchange model developed earlier for micellar effects on reaction rates, because added X− displaces OH− from the micellar surface, increasing KB, without significantly altering the distribution of the two forms of the indicator. The concentration and ion exchange effects are combined into a quantitative treatment based on independently verifiable parameters. The results are used to estimate an intrinsic micellar basicity constant for benzimidazole whose value is similar to that in water.
Diagnosis, Evaluation and Management of CSF Rhinorrhea

■ The etiologies of CSF fistulae include accidental trauma, iatrogenic causes, tumors, encephaloceles, and spontaneous leaks.
Multivariate Balanced Vector-Valued Refinable Functions

Vanishing moments of sufficiently high order and compact supports of reasonable size contribute to the great success of wavelets in various areas of applications, particularly in signal and image processing. However, for multi—wavelets, polynomial preservation of the refinable function vectors does not necessarily imply annihilation of discrete polynomials by the high—pass filters of the corresponding orthogonal or bi—orthogonal multi—wavelets. This led to the introduction of the notion of “balanced” multi—wavelets by Lebrun and Vetterli, and later, generalization to higher—order balancing by Selesnick. Selesnick’s work is concerned only with orthonormal refinable function vectors and orthonormal multi—wavelets. In this paper after giving a brief overview of the state—of—the—art of vector—valued refinable functions in the preliminary section, we will discuss our most recent contribution to this research area. Our goal is to derive a set of necessary and sufficient conditions that characterize the balancing property of any order for the general multivariate matrix—dilation setting. We will end the second section by demonstrating our theory with examples of univariate splines and bivariate splines on the four—directional mesh.
Comments on Some Problems in Computational Penetration Mechanics

Three problem areas in the computer simulation of large-scale penetration mechanics problems are discussed briefly in this note: numerical instabilities due to incomplete integration of the momentum or continuity equations, constitutive modelling, and friction affects.
Central Food Retail: Business Expansion and Brand Architecture Strategy

The retail store market in Thailand continued to grow with more intense competition from key players expanding their operations across retail grocery market segments. Central Food Retail Company Li...
Molecular structure and ultrafast dynamics of sodium thiocyanate ion pairs formed in glymes of different lengths.

Glyme-based electrolytes are one of the promising candidates in the development of sodium ion batteries due to their compatibility with conventional graphite electrodes. Recent studies have shown that the chelation effect significantly affects the ion pair formation in these sodium–glyme based electrolytes. However, the solvation structure and dynamics of the sodium–glyme complex have yet to be fully characterized. In this paper, the structure and the motions of the sodium–glyme complex are investigated by using the thiocyanate ion as a reporter of the structure. To this end, steady state and time resolved infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with computational simulations and numerical modeling are used. Overall, the experiments show that the anion is mostly associated with the cation forming contact ion-pairs in all solutions. Time resolved vibrational anisotropy shows a bi-exponential dynamics which is in agreement with the reorientational dynamics of the thiocyanate ion describing its restricted and the overall rotations in the ion-pair-glyme complex. In addition, two dimensional infrared spectroscopy with parallel polarization reveals two dynamical processes for the anion with time scales that increase as a function of glyme length. The molecular motions giving rise to the observed vibrational dynamics are derived by comparing the results with a model describing the restricted rotational diffusion of an axially symmetric particle. The simulated anisotropy shows a good agreement with the experimental measurement. However, to obtain a good agreement of the simulated decorrelation time of the frequency–frequency correlation function (FFCF) with the experiment, a loose tethered oscillator with large stochastic fluctuations is needed. The large stochastic motions are described in terms of the dynamics of the glyme end chains given the observed correlation between the dynamics of the FFCF and the glyme length.
Fuck-Scripting: Becoming-Queer in Interior. Leather Bar

This chapter focuses on James Franco’s and Travis Mathews’ Interior. Leather Bar. (2013), which purportedly adapts a sequence from William Friedkin’s 1980 film, Cruising. This queer adaptation is an experimental docu-fiction that uses “fuck-scripting” to blur boundaries between documentary and fiction and between performance and identity. The film relies on the queer sensibilities of filmmakers and cast to reify “becoming-queer,” a term connoting queerness not as a particular fixed sexuality but as a transformational state where citizens adapt to something strange and unfamiliar through watching and reading queerness. This chapter examines the role of Interior’s scripts in connection with shifting norms of queer visibility, arguing that explicit queer sex is not only a useful storytelling tool, but also a tool for increasing queerness horizontally across cultures.
Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition, 2015 Edition

Based on the fiscal year 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports of the 50 states, this study ranks states' fiscal solvency using 14 metrics that assess whether the states can meet their short-term bills and long-term obligations. State finances are analyzed according to five dimensions of solvency: cash, budget, long-run, service-level, and trust fund. These five dimensions are combined to produce an overall ranking of state fiscal solvency.
Effectiveness of geosynthetic reinforcement for load transfer in column-supported embankments

Many column-supported embankment (CSE) design methods include geosynthetic reinforcement for vertical load transfer and/or settlement reduction regardless of project conditions. However, geosynthet...
The Use of an Electronic Health Record Patient Portal to Access Diagnostic Test Results by Emergency Patients at an Academic Medical Center: Retrospective Study

Background: Electronic health record (EHR) patient portals provide a means by which patients can access their health information, including diagnostic test results. Little is known about portal usage by emergency department (ED) patients. Objective: The study aimed to assess patient portal utilization by ED patients at an academic medical center using account activation rates along with the rates of access of diagnostic test results (laboratory results and radiology reports), analyzing the impact of age, gender, and self-reported patient race. Methods: This institutional review board–approved retrospective study was performed at a 60,000-visits-per-year university-based ED. We utilized EHR data reporting tools to examine EHR portal activation and utilization for all patients who had at least one ED encounter with one or more diagnostic tests performed between October 1, 2016, and October 1, 2017. The total dataset for laboratory testing included 208,635 laboratory tests on 25,361 unique patients, of which 9482 (37.39%) had active portal accounts. The total dataset for radiologic imaging included 23,504 radiology studies on 14,455 unique patients, of which 5439 (37.63%) had an active portal account. Results: Overall, 8.90% (18,573/208,635) of laboratory tests and 8.97% (2019/22,504) of radiology reports ordered in the ED were viewed in the patient portal. The highest rates of viewing of laboratory and radiology results were seen for those who were female, were aged 0 to 11 years (parent or guardian viewing by proxy) and 18 to 60 years, and self-reported their race as Caucasian or Asian. The lowest rates were for those who were teenagers, aged older than 81 years, African American/black, and Hispanic/Latino. Infectious disease, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing constituted the highest number of laboratory tests viewed. Magnetic resonance imaging reports were viewed at higher rates than computed tomography or x-ray studies (P<.001). Approximately half of all the diagnostic test results accessed by patients were reviewed within 72 hours of availability in the patient portal (laboratory results: 9904/18,573, 53.32% and radiology reports: 971/2019, 48.1%). On the other extreme, 19.9% (3701/18,573) of laboratory results and 31.6% (639/2019) of radiology reports were viewed more than 2 weeks after availability in the portal. Conclusions: The data highlight the relatively low use of a patient portal by ED patients and existing disparities between patient groups. There can be wide lag time (months) between result/report availability and access by patients. Opportunities for improvement exist for both activation and more robust utilization of patient portals by ED patients.
The Dangerous Power of Art Education

There are no dangerous thoughts for the simple reason that thinking itself is such a dangerous enterprise… non thinking is even more dangerous.—Hannah Arendt, as cited in Giroux, 2016, p. 14I often...
Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Sinonasal Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

BACKGROUND Sinonasal posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious but uncommon complication of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can overlap in many features with invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS). OBJECTIVE To identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic features that may help to differentiate sinonasal IFS and PTLD in the posttransplant population. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with posttransplant sinonasal PTLD and IFS to evaluate for clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics. RESULTS A total of 4 patients with sinonasal PTLD and 10 posttransplant IFS patients were evaluated. A total of 2 of 4 PTLD patients presented with a symptom duration of greater than 3 months compared to none in the IFS group (p = 0.07). Mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 2,976 per mm3 (range 2,488-3,462) in the PTLD group compared to 773 per mm3 (range 0.0-2,744) in the IFS group (p = 0.01). Both PTLD lesions with available diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrated diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance im-aging (MRI) compared to zero of the IFS lesions (p = 0.10). No PTLD lesions demonstrated mucosal infarcts compared to three of seven IFS lesions (p = 0.23). CONCLUSION IFS was associated with a significantly lower ANC at the time of diagnosis compared to PTLD. Additionally, three other measures trend towards association with their respective pathology. PTLD typically has a more chronic time course than IFS, diffusion restriction on MRI is predominantly associated with PTLD patients, and mucosal infarct on MRI is more suggestive of IFS. Additionally, all cases of sinonasal PTLD arose following solid organ transplantation. These factors may assist clinicians during diagnosis.
Comparative Effectiveness of Vancomycin Versus Linezolid for the Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations of Cystic Fibrosis

Background: Data are limited regarding the preferred antibiotics for treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs) of cystic fibrosis (CF), when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is suspected. Objective: To compare the rate of return to baseline lung function among individuals with APEs of CF treated with either vancomycin or linezolid. Methods: This retrospective study included individuals hospitalized for APEs of CF from May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2017 who were infected with MRSA and treated with vancomycin or linezolid. The primary outcome was the return to baseline lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. All tests were 2-tailed with α set at 0.05. Results: A total of 122 encounters were included (vancomycin: n = 66; linezolid: n = 66). No difference existed in return to baseline FEV1 between vancomycin (53 [80.3%]) and linezolid (50 [75.8%]; P = 0.53); nor was there a difference in median percentage change in FEV1 from admission to follow-up between vancomycin (24.7%) and linezolid (20.7%; P = 0.61). Adverse drug events occurred more frequently in patient encounters treated with vancomycin (10 [15.2%]) compared with linezolid (2 [3%]; P = 0.002). Conclusion and Relevance: Our study observed no difference in the effectiveness of vancomycin compared with linezolid in terms of change in lung function for APEs of CF. The rate of adverse drug events was low. In individuals with CF infected with MRSA who are experiencing an APE, either vancomycin or linezolid appear to be viable treatment options.
Best practices for collecting repeated measures data using text messages

Researchers and clinicians use text messages to collect data with the advantage of real time capture when compared with standard data collection methods. This article reviews project setup and management for successfully collecting patient-reported data through text messages. We review our experience enrolling over 2600 participants in six clinical trials that used text messages to relay information or collect data. We also reviewed the literature on text messages used for repeated data collection. We classify recommendations according to common themes: the text message, the data submitted and the phone used. We present lessons learned and discuss how to create text message content, select a data collection platform with practical features, manage the data thoughtfully and consistently, and work with patients, participants and their phones to protect privacy. Researchers and clinicians should design text messages to include short, simple prompts and answer choices. They should decide whether and when to send reminders if participants do not respond and set parameters regarding when and how often to contact patients for missing data. Data collection platforms send, receive, and store messages. They can validate responses and send error messages. Researchers should develop a protocol to append and correct data in order to improve consistency with data handling. At the time of enrollment, researchers should ensure that participants can receive and respond to messages. Researchers should address privacy concerns and plan for service interruptions by obtaining alternate participant contact information and providing participants with a backup data collection method. Careful planning and execution can reward clinicians and investigators with complete, timely and accurate data sets.