cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features of Emergency Department Patients Presenting with Symptoms Suggestive of Acute Cardiac Ischemia: A Multicenter Study.

Identification of patients with acute cardiac ischemia (ACI) remains challenging. The object of this study was to examine the role of clinical findings in the diagnosis/triage of emergency department (ED) patients with symptoms suggestive of ACI. The study was designed as a secondary data analysis of a multicenter prospective controlled clinical trial. It was set in 10 midwest, southeast, and northeast U.S. hospitals, and 10,689 patients with chest pain or other symptoms suggesting ACI presenting from May 1993 to December 1993, participated. The results indicated that ACI patients were more likely to have chest pain as a chief complaint or presenting symptom (P = 0.001). The presenting symptom of nausea was more commonly associated with a final diagnosis of ACI (P = 0.003). Shortness of breath as the chief complaint and presenting symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and fainting were less frequent among patients with a final diagnosis of ACI (P = 0.001). A past history of diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, or angina pectoris was more frequently associated with a final diagnosis of ACI (P = 0.001). A lower pulse rate in patients with a final diagnosis of ACI (P = 0.001) was not considered clinically significant. Median first and highest systolic blood pressures (SBPs) were higher, median lowest SBPs were lower, median diastolic blood pressure of the lowest SBPs were lower, and initial and highest pulse pressures were wider in patients with a final diagnosis of ACl (P = 0.001). On arrival, these blood pressure variables in AMI patients, subsequently classified as Killip class 4, were above the threshold for this classification. Rales were more commonly present in patients with a final diagnosis of ACI (P= 0.001). All primary ST-segment abnormalities, Q waves, and T-wave abnormalities, except T-wave flattening, were seen more frequently in patients with a final diagnosis ACI (P= 0.001). Normal ECGs were more frequently associated with a non-ACI final diagnosis, yet 20% of AMI patients and 37% of Unstable Angina Pectoris (UAP) patients had normal ECGs. It can be concluded that certain clinical features can help to identify ED patients with ACI. Initially normal ECGs can be seen in 20% of patients with AMI and 37% of patients with UAP. Patients with ACI can present with “normal” blood pressures and develop cardiogenic shock. Clinical outcome data for ACI patients are presented.
Pick's Disease

Pick's disease is a neurodegenerative dementing illness first described by Arnold Pick in 1892. Pick's original description, as reviewed by Kertsez (2007), was based on clinical cases of aphasia and behavioral abnormalities that corresponded to focal atrophy of the temporal and frontal lobes. The description of focal neurodegeneration was a new concept, as atrophy was felt to be a diffuse process at the time (Kertsez, 2007). Pick's original studies were limited to gross examination. Alois Alzheimer was the first to describe histological features of these patients in 1911 (Rossor, 2001). He found argyrophilic intraneuronal inclusion bodies, composed of the microfilament protein tau, in affected brain regions in these patients and “ballooned” achromatic cells, with relative sparing of the hippocampus and lack of neurofibrillary tangles or plaques (Rossor, 2001). These inclusion bodies, thought to be characteristic of all patients fitting Pick's original description, were named Pick bodies, and the degenerating neurons were named Pick cells (see Figure 1). Onari and Spatz outlined criteria for diagnosis in 1926 with a strong emphasis on macroscopic features, including frontal atrophy and neuronal depletion in superficial cortical layers, with occasional presence of Pick bodies or Pick cells (Uchihara, Ikeda, & Tsuchiya, 2003). As it became apparent that not all clinical cases of Pick's disease contained the Pick bodies or Pick cells, characterization and nomenclature became problematic. Keywords: dementia; neurodegenerative disease; frontotemporal dementia; non-Alzheimer dementia
Outcomes following single-treatment Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia with a minimum 3-year follow-up.

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has been shown to be effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Existing studies have demonstrated success rates of 69.1–85% with median follow-up intervals of 19–60 months. However, series with uniform long-term follow-up data for all patients have been lacking. In the present study the authors examined outcomes in a series of patients with TN who underwent a single GKS treatment followed by a minimum follow-up of 36 months. They used a clinical scale that simplifies the reporting of outcome data for patients with TN. Methods Fifty-three consecutive patients with typical, intractable TN received a median maximum radiation dose of 80 Gy applied with a single 4-mm isocenter to the affected trigeminal nerve. Follow-up data were obtained by clinical examination and questionnaire. Outcome results were categorized into the following classes (in order of decreasing success): Class 1A, complete pain relief without medications; 1B, complete pain relief with either a decrease...
When Not to Treat – Chemotherapy for Small (≤ 1 cm) Breast Cancers

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in treatment of breast cancers < or = 1.0 cm is controversial. Careful consideration must be given to the patient's overall risk of recurrence and death given her tumor size and lymph node status. Studies indicate that overall survival for women with lymph node-negative breast cancers < or = 1.0 cm is 90-99%. Given the known relative benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, the absolute benefit of chemotherapy in this setting is usually < or = 1%. The toxicities of adjuvant chemotherapy, including cognitive dysfunction, early menopause, cardiac dysfunction, and leukemia, are significant to patients. The decision to treat women who are already at a very low risk of recurrence with adjuvant chemotherapy must involve an honest and detailed discussion between the patient and her oncologist.
Support for the evolution of C++ generic functions

The choice of requirements for an argument of a generic type or algorithm is a central design issue in generic programming. In the context of C++, a specification of requirements for a template argument or a set of template arguments is called a concept. In this paper, we present a novel tool, TACE (template analysis and concept extraction), designed to help programmers understand the requirements that their code de facto imposes on arguments and help simplify and generalize those through comparisons with libraries of well-defined and precisely-specified concepts. TACE automatically extracts requirements from the body of function templates. These requirements are expressed using the notation and semantics developed by the ISO C++ standards committee. TACE converts implied requirements into concept definitions and compares them against concepts from a repository. Components of a well-defined library exhibit commonalities that allow us to detect problems by comparing requirements from many components: Design and implementation problems manifest themselves as minor variations in requirements. TACE points to source code that cannot be constrained by concepts and to code where small modifications would allow the use of less constraining concepts. For people who use a version of C++ with concept support, TACE can serve as a core engine for automated source code rejuvenation.
Protein-based volumetric memories

The promise of new architectures and more cost-effective miniaturization has prompted interest in hybrid molecular and semiconductor computers. Nature has already optimized through serendipitous natural selection some molecules for such applications. We examine here the use of the protein bacteriorhodopsin in three-dimensional optical memories. By using a sequential one-photon process, parallel read and write processes can be carried out without disturbing data outside of the irradiated volume. We examine the architecture and the methods currently under study to enhance the relevant photophysical properties of the protein.
How to Write Fast Numerical Code: A Small Introduction

The complexity of modern computing platforms has made it extremely difficult to write numerical code that achieves the best possible performance. Straightforward implementations based on algorithms that minimize the operations count often fall short in performance by at least one order of magnitude. This tutorial introduces the reader to a set of general techniques to improve the performance of numerical code, focusing on optimizations for the computer's memory hierarchy. Further, program generators are discussed as a way to reduce the implementation and optimization effort. Two running examples are used to demonstrate these techniques: matrix-matrix multiplication and the discrete Fourier transform.
Chiral perturbation theory for hadrons containing a heavy quark.

An effective Lagrangian that describes the low-momentum interactions of mesons containing a heavy quark with the pseudo Goldstone bosons $\ensuremath{\pi}$, $K$, and $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is constructed. It is invariant under both heavy-quark spin symmetry and chiral ${\mathrm{SU}(3)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(3)}_{R}$ symmetry. Implications for semileptonic $B$ and $D$ decays are discussed.
Assessment of swimmer behaviors on pool water ingestion.

Enteric pathogens in pool water can be unintentionally ingested during swimming, increasing the likelihood of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI). AGI cases in outbreaks are more likely to submerge heads than non-cases, but an association is unknown since outbreak data are self-reported and prone to bias. In the present study, head submersion frequency and duration were observed and analyzed for associations with pool water ingestion measured using ultra high pressure liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Frequency of splashes to the face was also quantified. Reliable tools that assess activities associated with pool water ingestion are needed to identify ingestion risk factors and at-risk populations. Objectives were to determine if the observed activities were associated with ingestion, and to test environmental sensor and videography assessment tools. Greater frequency and duration of head submersion were not associated with ingestion, but frequency of splashes to the face, leisurely swimming, and being ≤18 were. Videography was validated for assessing swimmer head submersion frequency. Results demonstrate ingestion risk factors can be identified using videography and urine analysis techniques. Expanding surveys to include questions on leisure swimming participation and frequency of splashes to the face is recommended to improve exposure assessment during outbreak investigations.
Federal policy and adolescent AIDS

Adolescent AIDS policy in the United States is piecemeal at best. While funding for preventive education programs is extensive and growing, the effort remains largely uncoordinated and chaotic despite the best efforts of CDC. The public health system, like the educational system, is highly decentralized; state and county health officials have considerable authority over state and local public health programs. Adolescent AIDS health policy is essentially nonexistent. Aside from the usual sources of funding and services, such as Medicaid and the Maternal and Child Health block grant, there has been little recognition of the special problems confronting this population. Nor has the nation's AIDS research portfolio adequately reflected the threat of adolescent AIDS or the unique research questions needing investigation. As is so often the case, it seems particularly difficult to mobilize resources on behalf of adolescents, particularly those who are gay, live on the streets, or are intravenous drug users. Sadly, the nation seems incapable of recognizing the gravity of the threat posed by adolescent AIDS and HIV infection until the number of victims becomes overwhelming, as is the case now with adult AIDS.
360° feedback system effectiveness: Test of a model in a field setting

Abstract Multi-source feedback systems have been implemented in many organizations as a tool to enhance management development efforts. Interestingly, compared to the number of systems in place, the amount of empirical work conducted to support the use of these systems is scarce. The current field study proposed and tested a model with managers which examined the relationships between multi-source feedback rating consistency, individual attitudes (e.g., system reactions, self-efficacy, and perceived situational constraints), and developmental behavior. The findings suggested that perceived system knowledge and experience with the system are particularly important variables in the model. In addition, it appears that the consistency between self and subordinate feedback is particularly important in influencing managers' attitudes and reactions. Results of this study suggest that this model may be a useful way to organize research which examines the outcomes and efficacy of multi-source feedback systems.
Using Depth-Normalized Coordinates to Examine Mass Transport Residual Circulation in Estuaries with Large Tidal Amplitude Relative to the Mean Depth

AbstractResidual (subtidal) circulation profiles in estuaries with a large tidal amplitude-to-depth ratio often are quite complex and do not resemble the traditional estuarine gravitational circulation profile. This paper describes how a depth-normalized σ-coordinate system allows for a more physical interpretation of residual circulation profiles than does a fixed vertical coordinate system in an estuary with a tidal amplitude comparable to the mean depth. Depth-normalized coordinates permit the approximation of Lagrangian residuals, performance of empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, estimation of terms in the along-stream momentum equations throughout depth, and computation of a tidally averaged momentum balance. The residual mass transport velocity has an enhanced two-layer exchange flow relative to an Eulerian mean because of the Stokes wave transport velocity directed upstream at all depths. While the observed σ-coordinate profiles resemble gravitational circulation, and pressure and fricti...
Evaluation of statistical convection patterns for real‐time ionospheric specifications and forecasts

[1] Statistical models of high-latitude plasma convection have been used in a wide range of studies pertaining to the ionosphere and thermosphere, and they are beginning to be used in various space weather applications. However, the statistical convection models only provide average, not instantaneous, convection patterns, and it is not clear if they are real convection patterns or blurred images of convection. It is also unclear how reliable these convection models are for applications involving ionosphere-thermosphere specifications and forecasts. To address these issues, a quantitative analysis was conducted of the Weimer [2001] empirical convection model, which is the most comprehensive model of high-latitude convection that has been constructed to date. First, criteria were established to determine whether or not a modeled convection pattern was correct for a given set of geophysical conditions. The criteria adopted were reasonable but stringent. Then the cross-track ion drift velocities obtained from Weimer [2001] were compared with the corresponding velocities measured by the DMSP F13 satellite. The comparisons were done for nearly a year (1998) of satellite crossings of the northern polar region (4430 successive crossings). The results indicate that the Weimer [2001] model is able to produce the gross structure in the convection pattern, i.e., it is good in a statistical sense. However, it does not adequately capture the mesoscale spatial structure and convection magnitudes observed by the DMSP satellite. Typically, it was able to capture real (instantaneous) convection features in only about 6% of the satellite crossings. Although empirical convection patterns are invaluable for scientific applications, these results have important implications for using empirical convection models in space weather applications.
Expression of chemokine genes in rat glial cells: The effect of myelin basic protein‐reactive encephalitogenic T cells

Chemokine gene expression and chemokine activity appear to be major components of the immunopathological processes of inflammation and autoimmunity. To initiate an investigation of the role of chemokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory demyelination, we examined the expression of mRNA transcripts encoding four prominent chemokines, IP-10, MIP-1 alpha, MCP-1, and RANTES, in encephalitogenic rat MBP-reactive T cells, astrocytes, and microglia. Astrocytes and microglia, whether as lines or as freshly isolated cells, did not constitutively express IP-10 and MCP-1 mRNA but could be induced with LPS to also produce MIP-1 alpha and RANTES. MBP-reactive T cells were induced with MBP to produce abundant levels of MIP-1 alpha, MCP-1, and RANTES mRNA in different temporal profiles but did not express IP-10 mRNA. In an MHC-II restricted fashion, the antigen-activated MBP-reactive T cells also induced glial cells to express all four chemokines, with the chemokine gene expression greatest following T-cell interactions with MHC-compatible glia. Treatment of glial cells with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma induced only IP-10, indicating that the expression of chemokine genes other than IP-10 requires a combination of different cytokines or direct cell-cell contact between T cells and glia. Quantitative assays revealed that activated astrocytes, the dominant glia of the CNS, express higher levels of chemokine transcripts than transcripts of the major proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. These results underscore the prominent but complex expression of chemokines by cellular component of inflammatory demyelinating lesions.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Mixed Conducting Ce1-xTbxO2-δ Solid Solutions

The structure, thermal expansion coefficients, and ionic and electronic conductivities of Ce1-xTbxO2-δ (x = 0−0.30) solid solutions, prepared hydrothermally for the first time, were investigated. T...
Internet voting: structural governance principles for election cyber security in democratic nations

In Europe, the U.S., and Asia, political and market forces seek expanded use of the Internet for voting and election administrative functions. Governmental responses have differed, but commonly governments omit qualified computer security experts from exercising decisive weight in policy decisions. Given its current architecture and engineering, however, the Internet generally provides neither high assurance data security and integrity, nor reliable information transmission protected from denial of service and other attacks. Nevertheless, pressures to expand Internet-based election functions have intensified. This paper explores the foundational questions and features of a governance system that has the capacity to safeguard democratic elections where Internet-facing technologies will be deployed. The paper recommends that each nation include a policy board with appropriate computer and network security expertise, election administrative knowledge, and public accountability and transparency structures that mandate end-to-end auditability. It further recommends that the national regulatory apparatus not rely predominantly on issuance of rules and technical standards to be met, or particular product design. Owing to dynamic cyber threat environments, the board---whose majority should consist of computer and network security professionals---should issue particularized decisions. They should assess whether an election office proposal for using Internet transmissions for a specified election task is prudent in light of all factors relevant to security based on layered defense. Democratic nations should collaborate in alerting one other to election information system threats and attacks, for mutual aid and maximally robust mitigations.
293 ORGAN SPECIFICITY OF COMPENSATORY GROWTH FOLLOWING PNEUMONECTOMY AND NEPHRECTOMY

Pneumonectomy produces compensatory growth in the contralateral lung. Nephrectomy stimulates compensatory growth of the unoperated kidney. The mediator of this compensatory growth is thought to be a somatomedin (Am. Rev. Resp. Dis. 121:701, 1980). To determine whether this compensatory growth is specific to the organ system undergoing surgical intervention, we performed the following surgeries on three groups of rats: left pneumonectomy (11 rats), left nephrectomy (11 rats), and sham chest surgery (10 rats). Seven days following surgery rats were sacrificed and organ weights were measured: Left pneumonectomy produces significant compensatory growth of right lung without changing kidney or liver size. Left nephrectomy similarly results in compensatory growth of right kidney without effect on lung or liver weights. These observations suggest that the somatomedins mediating compensatory growth of lungs and kidney may be produced and act locally at the target organ site or may represent two distinct biological activities. SUPPORTED BY: N.I.H. 1RO1HL 25907-01
A general method for phasing novel complex RNA crystal structures without heavy-atom derivatives.

The crystallographic phase problem [Muirhead & Perutz (1963), Nature (London), 199, 633–638] remains the single major impediment to obtaining a three-dimensional structure of a macromolecule once suitable crystals have been obtained. Recently, it was found that it was possible to solve the structure of a 142-nucleotide L1 ligase ribozyme heterodimer that possesses no noncrystallographic symmetry without heavy-atom derivatives, anomalous scattering atoms or other modifications and without a model of the tertiary structure of the ribozyme [Robertson & Scott (2007), Science, 315, 1549–1553]. Using idealized known RNA secondary-structural fragments such as A-form helices and GNRA tetraloops in an iterative molecular-replacement procedure, it was possible to obtain an estimated phase set that, when subjected to solvent flattening, yielded an interpretable electron-density map with minimized model bias, allowing the tertiary structure of the ribozyme to be solved. This approach has also proven successful with other ribozymes, structured RNAs and RNA–protein complexes.
Crystallization kinetics of poly(p-phenylene sulphide): effect of molecular weight

Abstract The crystallization behaviour of poly( p -phenylene sulphide) (PPS) has been studied in terms of linear crystal growth rates and overall rates of bulk crystallization as functions of molecular weight and temperature. In addition, nucleation densities were estimated for PPS crystallized from the melt. The overall rate of bulk crystallization was described by the Avrami equation. In the range of molecular weights studied (24 000–63 000), crystal growth rates and overall rates of bulk crystallization decreased as the molecular weight increased. However, the effect was not particularly large. The estimated nucleation densities indicated a decrease by a factor of 32 as the molecular weight decreased. The linear crystal growth rate data were analysed in terms of several proposed models. The data seemed to conform very well to an ‘inverse’ logarithmic function of the number-average molecular weight recently proposed by Cheng and Wunderlich.
Rethinking Marxian Investment Theory: Keynes-Minsky Instability, Competitive Regime Shifts and Coerced Investment

This paper reformulates Marxian investment theory so that it can provide an explanation of key "stylized" facts describing capital accumulation in U.S. goods producing industries in the past fifteen years. This requires two theoretical innovations: a demonstration that Keynesian-Minskian ideas about uncertainty and financial fragility flow logically from Marx's core assumptions; and a reconceptualization of the contradictory relation between competition and investment in the accumulation process.
In vitro 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of postmortem brains with schizophrenia

Some evidence suggests that thalamic dysfunction could explain some of the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. We measured the absolute concentrations of amino acid metabolites in thalamus, frontal pole, and cerebellar vermis in extracts of postmortem brains from 8 schizophrenics and 10 controls using high-resolution 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate, glutamate, and valine tended to be reduced in the thalamus of the schizophrenic group. Although it is difficult to ascribe significance to the “tendencies,” these data may tend to support other data suggesting decreased thalamic volume or neuronal number in schizophrenia.
An enzymatic bionanotransduction system for multianalyte biological detection

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a system for the detection of multiple biological targets in a single sample based on enzymatic bionanotransduction. Method and Results: We used biological recognition elements (antibodies, DNA sequences) linked to DNA templates with T7 promoter regions for detection of specific target molecules. In vitro transcription of DNA templates bound to target molecules produced RNA nanosignals specific for every target in the sample. An enzyme-linked oligonucleotide fluorescence assay (ELOFA) provided a correlation between nanosignal profiles and target concentrations. The system was capable of detecting and distinguishing three species of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules at a level of 0·2 ng, mixed protein and DNA targets and single sample detection of Escherichia coli O157 micro-organisms and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Conclusions: This report provided proof of concept for the use of enzymatic bionanotransduction with multianalyte biological detection based on differential nanosignal hybridization along with the application of this system to pathogen/toxin detection. Significance and Impact of the Study: This system has the potential to be used as a tool for detection of multiple foodborne and environmental pathogens, toxins and targets of interest in a single sample.
Enterotoxins of Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae: Tools for the Molecular Biologist

With the independent discovery in several different laboratories that Vibrio cholerae and heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxins activated an enzyme (adenylate cyclase) in small intestinal epithealial cells to cause an enhanced intestinal secretion mediated by cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP), a molecular mechanism was provided for these disease states. As agents that also elevate intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP in virtually every mammalian tissue tested, the enterotoxins are potentially invaluable tools in investigation of the molecular sequence of events of all cyclic AMP-related cellular phenomena. Cyclic AMP has been known for some time to be the central regulator in the cellular expression of the effects of hormones and has become known more recently as an agent that controls cellular growth by corrdinately influencing several biochemical processes related to rate of cell division. Successful application of the enterotoxins as cellular probes in the areas of regulation of cell division, determination of the reaction mechanism of adenylate cyclase, and elucidation of the relationship between prostaglandin and adenylate cyclase, both in this laboratory and in those of others, is reviewed.
The use of electrochemical techniques for the investigation and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion and its inhibition – a review

The background of several electrochemical techniques - recording of the corrosion potential E corr' electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) and recording of potentiodynamic polarization curves - has been discussed and examples of the use of these techniques in studies of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and MIC inhibition have been presented. These examples range from the use of the polarization resistance R p and the noise resistance R n in corrosion monitoring in a sewer environment and a gas production field, respectively, to the application of EIS and ENA in the evaluation of the interaction of bacteria with protective coatings on steel exposed to natural seawater (NS). A more detailed analysis based on EIS and ENA of Corrosion protection of Al 2024, mild steel and brass in artificial seawater (AS) by bacteria such as B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, E. coli and Shewanella has been presented. Determination of the changes of R p and R n as well as E corr allows to propose appropriate mechanisms of MIC inhibition. These mechanisms have been confirmed in the case of S. algae by recording of anodic and cathodic potentiodynamic polarization curves after exposure to AS containing the bacteria for extended time periods.
The Restructuring of Family Schemas: A Cognitive-Behavior Perspective.

Cognitive-behavior therapists define schemas as cognitive structures that organize thought and perception. Schemas are also viewed as having an integral influence on emotion and behavior In this article, I examine the role of schema in family conflict and the specific interventions used in restructuring them during the course of family therapy. Further discussion highlights the concepts of attributions, assumptions, and family standards, and the role they play in schemas, as well as the overall family dynamics. Finally, a series of steps are suggested for facilitating the process of schema analysis and thought restructuring during the process of family therapy.
EVALUATION and COMPARISON of SIMPLE METHODS FOR pH MEASUREMENT of REDUCED‐MOISTURE SOLID SYSTEMS

It is desirable to quickly and accurately determine the pH of reduced-moisture solid food systems. Several techniques of pH determination were evaluated on such systems. Methods involving the addition of water yielded pH values higher than actually existed based on pH-dependent chemical reactions. the Ultra M® micro electrode had problems with reproducibility and stability in the reduced-moisture systems as well as the buffer solutions used for calibration. the Horiba Cardy pH meter and the surface pH electrode used directly on the surface of the reduced-moisture solid system yielded pH values similar to those determined using pH-dependent chemical reaction markers. the ability to measure the actual pH of reduced-moisture solid systems would enable better understanding of potential modifications in product formulation needed to retard microbial growth and limit chemical reactions responsible for loss of shelf-life.
Young Women’s Dynamic Family Size Preferences in the Context of Transitioning Fertility

Dynamic theories of family size preferences posit that they are not a fixed and stable goal but rather are akin to a moving target that changes within individuals over time. Nonetheless, in high-fertility contexts, changes in family size preferences tend to be attributed to low construct validity and measurement error instead of genuine revisions in preferences. To address the appropriateness of this incongruity, the present study examines evidence for the sequential model of fertility among a sample of young Malawian women living in a context of transitioning fertility. Using eight waves of closely spaced data and fixed-effects models, we find that these women frequently change their reported family size preferences and that these changes are often associated with changes in their relationship and reproductive circumstances. The predictability of change gives credence to the argument that ideal family size is a meaningful construct, even in this higher-fertility setting. Changes are not equally predictable across all women, however, and gamma regression results demonstrate that women for whom reproduction is a more distant goal change their fertility preferences in less-predictable ways.
Intrinsic Motivation and School Misbehavior Some Intervention Implications

The intrinsic motivational concepts of self-determination, competence, and relatedness to others are highlighted to underscore their value in identifying motivational underpinnings for deviant and devious behavior. These constructs are woven into a working schema to differentiate intentional misbehavior in terms of whether it is reactive or proactive. Finally, from the perspective of such motivational thinking, implications for formal intervention research and experimental practice are illustrated.
Global environmental issues related to energy supply: The environmental case for increased efficiency of energy use

Abstract The environmental costs of energy supply have been rising, reinforcing the effect of increased monetary costs in creating incentives for increasing the efficiency with which energy is used. Quantifying these environmental costs is difficult, but it is instructive to try. The estimates presented here for the direct public-health damages of electricity generation with coal and nuclear power show overlapping uncertainties, with no clear basis for preferring either of these energy sources over the other on these grounds. Impacts of energy supply on climate and ecosystems—such as through carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere and acid precipitation—may ultimately do even greater damage to human well-being than the more publicized and more readily quantified air-pollution and accident hazards. Systematic comparison of energy supply with other industrial activities and with agriculture as a cause of regional and global environmental disruptions confirms the widespread impression of energy's key role in large-scale environmental problems.
Regulation of cancer metastasis by cell-free miRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are integral molecules in the regulation of numerous physiological cellular processes that have emerged as critical players in cancer initiation and metastatic progression, both by promoting and suppressing metastasis. Recently, cell-free miRNAs shed from cancer cells into circulation have been reported in cancer patients, raising hope for development of novel biomarkers that can be routinely measured in easily accessible samples. In fact, establishing miRNA expression in the circulation likely has advantages over determination in primary tumor tissue, further augmenting the potential applications of miRNA detection in oncological practice. In addition, secretion of miRNAs impacting distant cell signaling or promoting the formation of a niche that sustains a distant tumor microenvironment allows for new treatment approaches to thwart cancer progression.
Perceived barriers to treatment in a community-based sample of illicit-drug-using African American men and women.

AbstractThis study examines perceived substance use treatment barriers in a community-based sample of 267 African Americans from Baltimore, MD. Both men and women endorsed “they can handle it alone” as a primary reason they were not currently in treatment. However, men were two times more likely (AOR = 2.29 CI = 1.05, 5.02) to endorse “concerns about losing family” as the reason they are not currently in treatment. The present study yields interesting findings among African Americans, which should be considered when creating interventions for particular groups of African Americans.
The freeze risk to Florida citrus. Part II. Temperature variability and circulation patterns

Abstract Severe freezes are a serious problem for the citrus growers of central Florida. To investigate possible climatic causes of intermittent freezes, this paper examines the influence of several atmospheric circulation patterns on winter temperatures in Florida. The Pacific/North American pattern is shown to be particularly influential and the North Atlantic Oscillation also to be significant, while the Southern Oscillation does not show a direct effect. A decreasing trend in Florida winter temperatures since 1947 can be explained by fluctuations in the former two circulation patterns. Climate model studies to investigate possible changes in the frequency or location of these circulation patterns could suggest potential changes in the freeze risk associated with climatic change.
The Copper-Responsive RicR Regulon Contributes to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Virulence

ABSTRACT As with most life on Earth, the transition metal copper (Cu) is essential for the viability of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, infected hosts can also use Cu to control microbial growth. Several Cu-responsive pathways are present in M. tuberculosis, including the regulated in copper repressor (RicR) regulon, which is unique to pathogenic mycobacteria. In this work, we describe the contribution of each RicR-regulated gene to Cu resistance in vitro and to virulence in animals. We found that the deletion or disruption of individual RicR-regulated genes had no impact on virulence in mice, although several mutants had Cu hypersensitivity. In contrast, a mutant unable to activate the RicR regulon was not only highly susceptible to Cu but also attenuated in mice. Thus, these data suggest that several genes of the RicR regulon are required simultaneously to combat Cu toxicity in vivo or that this regulon is also important for resistance against Cu-independent mechanisms of host defense. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, killing millions of people every year. Therefore, understanding the biology of M. tuberculosis is crucial for the development of new therapies to treat this devastating disease. Our studies reveal that although host-supplied Cu can suppress bacterial growth, M. tuberculosis has a unique pathway, the RicR regulon, to defend against Cu toxicity. These findings suggest that Cu homeostasis pathways in both the host and the pathogen could be exploited for the treatment of tuberculosis.
Su1681 Timing of Prophylactic Pancreatic Duct Stent Placement Can Affect the Risk of Post ERCP Pancreatitis in High-Risk Patient Population

Random effect model of Odds ratio for incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitisSphincterotomy versus No sphincterotomy Risk difference analysis for post-ERCP pancreatitis with bile stenting with and without sphincterotomy
Plasticizing Aqueous Suspensions of Concentrated Alumina with Maltodextrin Sugar

Aqueous suspensions of submicrometer, 20 vol% Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} powder exhibited a transition from strongly flocculated, thixotropic behavior to a low-viscosity, Newtonian-like state upon adding small amounts of maltodextrin (0.03 g of maltodextrin/(g of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3})). These suspensions could be filter pressed to highly dense (57%) and extrudable pastes only when prepared with maltodextrin. The authors analyzed the interaction of maltodextrin with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} powder surfaces and quantitatively measured the resulting claylike consolidation, rheological, and extrusion behaviors. Benbow extrusion parameters were comparable to, but higher than, those of kaolin at approximately the same packing density of 57 vol%. In contrast, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} filter cakes without maltodextrin at 57 vol% density were too stiff to be extruded. Measurements of rheological properties, acoustophoresis, electrophoresis, sorption isotherms, and diffuse reflectance Fourier infrared spectroscopy supported the hypothesis that sorbate-mediated steric hindrance, rather than electrostatic, interparticle repulsion, is important to enhancing the consolidation and fluidity of maltodextrin-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} suspensions. Viscosity measurements on aqueous maltodextrin solutions indicated that free maltodextrin in solution does not improve suspension fluidity by decreasing the viscosity of the interparticle solution.
The Experience of New Planning Faculty

The new faculty experience in planning is a transition and training period in which the new scholar begins to master the many tasks that are required in academic life. The authors investigated the quality and characteristics of the first two years of the new planning faculty experience through review of existing literature and analysis of original research. The findings indicate that many new professors in planning do not know what to expect and are generally not well prepared to assume their new roles. In particular, many new faculty were not trained in pedagogy or experienced in teaching, and so almost all of their first years are taken up with becoming reasonably proficient in their teaching.
Plasmon resonance broadening in small metal particles

A quantum mechanical method based on the Kramers–Heisenberg dispersion relation is used to evaluate the dielectric response of small metal particles, and thereby to determine the influence of particle size on the widths of the plasmon resonance line shapes. Several different particle shapes are considered (sphere, cylinder, rectangular prism, spherical shell, and cylindrical shell) and for each shape a free electron Schrodinger equation is used to determine conduction band energies and dipole matrix elements. The main emphasis in this work is on particle sizes large enough that only the first order deviations from the infinite size limit are important, and for such sizes we find that the size dependent contribution to the width can be expressed in terms of an effective length Leff. This effective length is found to depend on the direction of the external field relative to the particle symmetry axes, and on the shape of the particle. For compact shapes, Leff is accurately approximated by 0.65 Lav along eac...
Laser Ceilometer Investigation of Persistent Wintertime Cold-Air Pools in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley

AbstractAs part of the winter 2010/11 Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley, a laser ceilometer was used to continuously measure aerosol-layer characteristics in support of an investigation of the meteorological processes producing the cold-air pools. A surface-based aerosol layer was present during much of the winter. Comparisons were made between ceilometer-measured and visual characteristics of the aerosol layers. A 3–4 January 2011 case study illustrated the meteorological value of time–height backscatter cross sections when used as a base map for meteorological analyses. A variety of meteorological mixing processes were illustrated using ceilometer backscatter data. The mean altitude of the top of the aerosol layer during undisturbed subperiods of the 1 December–7 February experimental period was 1811 m MSL, with a standard deviation of 185 m. The mean aerosol depth was ~500 m AGL in the 1200-m-deep valley. There was surprisingly little variation in the wintertime aerosol layer de...
Parents' Reactions to Life After Unfounded Abuse Investigations Within a Satir Change Context

The process of change outlined by Virginia Satir helps make sense of parents' inner worlds. The change process includes the prior status quo, exposure to a foreign element, chaos, integration and practice, and the new status quo. The case presented here describes the perceptual reflections within the Satir model of change for a parent set that experienced custody loss during an unfounded abuse investigation. Implications for practice are discussed.
Troxacitabine activity in extramedullary myeloid leukemia.

AbstractTroxacitabine is a novel l-enantiomer nucleoside analog with unique properties in terms of its structure, pharmacokinetics, intracellular transport, and susceptibility to mechanisms of resistance. Troxacitabine has significant activity in patients with refractory myeloid leukemias, both as a single agent and when combined with standard anti-leukemia agents. In a cohort of 170 patients with refractory myeloid leukemia treated with troxacitabine-based regimens on Phase 1 or 2 studies, 10 (6%) had biopsy-proven extramedullary disease, either with or without bone marrow involvement. Six of these patients who received single-agent troxacitabine, 4 received a combination of troxacitabine and cytarabine. Complete response and disappearance of all extramedullary lesions were observed in 6 (60%) of these 10 patients. Two of the 6 responding patients relapsed within 3 months, 2 patients had remissions of 8 and 9 months duration, respectively, 1 patient is in on-going remission at 3, and 1 patient is lost to...
Catheter-Based Sensing In The Airways

Studies attempting to define the role of the respiratory tract in heating and humidifying inspired air point to the need for sensing many variables including airway wall and airstream temperatures, humidity, and surface fluid pH and osmolarity. In order to make such measurements in vivo in human volunteers, catheter based technologies must be exploited both to assure subject safety and subject comfort. Miniturization of the electrodes or sensors becomes a top priority. This paper describes the use of thin-film microelectronic technology to fabricate a miniature, flexible sensor which can be placed directly onto the surface of the airway to measure the electrical conductance of the fluids present. From this information the osmolarity of the surface fluid was calculated. Physiologic evaluation of the device and corroboration of the calculations was performed in mongrel dogs. We also describe the successful application of current thermistor technology for the thermal mapping of the airways in humans in order to characterize the dynamic intrathoracic events that occur during breathing. The thermal probe consisted of a flexible polyvinyl tube that contained fourteen small thermistors fixed into the catheter. Data have been obtained in dozens of people, both normal subjects and asthmatic patients, under a variety of interventions. These data have substantively advanced the study of asthma, a particularly troublesome chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Paul Valéry on Photography: A Poetic Writing of Light and Time

This article studies Paul Valery's personal reflection on photography, as it appears in his essay “Le Discours du Centenaire de la Photographie,” based on a speech given at the Sorbonne in 1939 to members of the French Academy. It stresses the relationship between this essay and the French poet's writings on painting and aesthetics, in particular his work on Corot. Moreover, it analyzes the synthetic character of Valery's critical approach, which attempts to bring together the language of poetry, philosophy and science when dealing with this utterly modern visual language. Photography is celebrated here as a unique art form that can at the same time imitate and reproduce nature perfectly, while allowing mankind to create a cosmological vision of life and the universe. In other words, the poet underlines in this text the utmost modernity of photography, at a time when many in France were still reluctant to acknowledge its artistic identity.
Myocardial Blood Flow in Man as Measured by a Coincidence Counting System and a Single Bolus of 84RbCl

Utilizing a coincidence counting system for the measurement of myocardial uptake of an 84-rubidium indicator, resting coronary blood flow (CBF) was measured in 33 normal subjects. The average CBF was 269 ± 61 ml/min/total heart. This represented 5.2 ± 1.6% of the simultaneous cardiac output. Fourteen normal subjects had resting and exercising CBF measurements. The change in CBF with exercise was statistically significant (0.005 > P > 0.001). The characteristics of the method are discussed in relationship to possible clinical applications for the measurement of CBF.