cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trifecta Nerve Complex: Potential Anatomical Basis for Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Orchialgia

Purpose: We identified structural abnormalities in the spermatic cord nerves that may explain how microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord provides pain relief in patients with chronic orchialgia.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database to compare spermatic cord biopsy specimens from 56 men treated with a total of 57 procedures for microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord for chronic orchialgia vs a control group of men without pain treated with cord surgery, including varicocelectomy in 4 and radical orchiectomy in 6. Tissue biopsies were obtained from mapped regions of the spermatic cord in all cases. Biopsies stained with hematoxylin and eosin were examined by an independent pathologist. Three human cadaveric spermatic cords were dissected to confirm localization of the nerve distribution identified on pathological mapping.Results: We identified a median of 25 small diameter (less than 1 mm) nerve fibers in the spermatic cord. Of the 57 procedures for orch...
Carbon nanotubes for power applications

Abstract Carbon nanotubes have been found to possess a wide variety of extremely remarkable properties, most notably high electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and catalytic surface area. These properties imbue carbon nanotubes with tremendous potential for a variety of power generation and storage devices including: lithium-ion (Li + ) batteries, polymeric solar cells, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and thermionic power devices. A review of the key issues surrounding synthesis, characterization, and processing of carbon nanotubes in relation to device fabrication will be highlighted. Results on a variety of prototype devices which are being developed by the NanoPower Research Laboratories (NPRL) at RIT in collaboration with researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center will be presented.
Natural history of arteriovenous grafts in hemodialysis patients

Most hemodialysis patients in the United States have an arteriovenous graft as their vascular access. Grafts have a relatively short life span and are prone to recurrent stenosis and thrombosis, requiring multiple salvage procedures to maintain their patency. There is little information in the literature regarding the clinical factors that determine graft survival and complications. We evaluated prospectively the outcomes of 256 grafts placed at a single institution during a 2-year period. A salvage procedure to maintain graft patency (thrombectomy, angioplasty, or surgical revision) was required in 29% of the grafts at 3 months, 52% at 6 months, 77% at 12 months, and 96% at 24 months. Thus, primary graft survival (time from graft placement to the first intervention) was only 23% at 1 year and 4% at 2 years. Primary graft survival was significantly less among patients with hypoalbuminemia compared with patients with a normal serum albumin level (P = 0.003). Secondary graft survival (time from graft placement to permanent graft failure) was 65% at 1 year and 51% at 2 years. Neither primary nor secondary graft survival was significantly correlated with patient age, sex, diabetic status, body mass index, or graft site. A mean of 1.22 interventions per graft-year were required to maintain access patency, including 0.51 thrombectomies, 0.54 angioplasties, and 0.17 surgical revisions. In conclusion, hypoalbuminemia is a strong predictor of the requirement for an early graft intervention. Patients with hypoalbuminemia may require a heightened index of suspicion in monitoring their grafts for evidence of stenosis.
The Long-Term Impact of Performance Related Pay for Teachers: Evidence from Israel

This research highlight reviewed the study of Lavy (2015) on the impact of performance related pay for teachers on students’ lifelong human capital outcomes.
Toll-like receptor 2 ligands activate human basophils for both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent secretion.

Background Toll-like receptor (TLR) molecules play a critical role in directing the course of acquired immunity, including that associated with allergic disease, by recognizing specific microbial products that activate immune cells for effector functions. Objective We investigated whether human basophils express 2 such molecules (TLR2 and TLR4), and assessed whether putative ligands for these receptors activate nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and modulate mediator release and cytokine secretion either alone or in response to stimulation. Methods Toll-like receptor expression was assessed by using RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Immunoblotting detected nuclear NFκB. Automated fluorometry, RIA, and ELISA detected concurrent changes in histamine, leukotriene C 4 , and cytokine, respectively, after culture with specific ligands. Results mRNA and protein for TLR2 and TLR4 were detected in basophils. However, in assessing nuclear localization of NFκB as a measure of functional receptor responses, basophils selectively reacted only to peptidoglycan, a TLR2 ligand, and not to LPS, a TLR4 ligand. Likewise, basophils secreted both IL-4 and IL-13 in direct response to peptidoglycan but not to LPS. Although neither ligand induced histamine or leukotriene C 4 release, several TLR2-specific ligands augmented the secretion of these mediators (and cytokine) in response to IgE-dependent activation and of IL-13 in response to IgE-independent stimulation. Finally, a selective inhibitor of NFκB did not prevent these enhancing effects mediated by TLR2 ligands. Conclusion These data suggest that innate immune responses mediated through TLR2 play a role in augmenting allergic reactions, in part by modulating basophil cytokine secretion and mediator release independently of NFκB activation.
Fast feedback for linear colliders

A fast feedback system provides beam stabilization for the SLC. As the SLC is in some sense a prototype for future linear colliders, this system may be a prototype for future feedbacks. The SLC provides a good base of experience for feedback requirements and capabilities as well as a testing ground for performance characteristics. The feedback system controls a wide variety of machine parameters throughout the SLC and associated experiments, including regulation of beam position, angle, energy, intensity and timing parameters. The design and applications of the system are described, in addition to results of recent performance studies.
Enhanced expression of limb malformations and axial skeleton alterations in legless mutants by transplacental exposure to retinoic acid

Abstract This manuscript reports on the limb malformations and axial skeleton alterations found in legless fetuses and their heterozygote and wild-type littermates transplacentally exposed to all-trans-retinoic acid via a single intraperitoneal injection on Day 7, 8, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, or 11 of gestation. The most surprising aspect of the results was the temporal sensitivity of the legless mouse limb to exogenous retinoic acid. On Day 11, when both fore- and hindlimbs of nonmutant embryos can be made abnormal by retinoic acid and other teratogens, retinoic acid did not increase the frequency or severity of legless hindlimb defects and forelimb malformations were only slightly enhanced. On the other hand, retinoic acid administration on Day 7 exacerbated forelimb malformations in legless fetuses at a time when visible emergence of the affected structure is still 48 hr away. Heterozygote and wild-type fetuses had no limb malformations at this time point. A similar phenomenon was observed with hindlimb malformations after retinoic acid exposure on Day 8 except for a few mild limb malformations in heterozygotes at a high dose of retinoic acid. This early hypersensitivity of fore- and hindlimbs was followed by a period of reduced sensitivity (Day 8 forelimb; Day 9 hindlimb) when even very high doses (50 mg/kg) induced minimal changes in the typical legless malformation pattern. Subsequent]y, at the time of visible limb bud emergence (Day 9 forelimbs; Day 10 hindlimbs), sensitivity to exogenous retinoic acid was again detected. Surprisingly, the altered malformation patterns induced by retinoic acid in lgl mutants were nearly identical to those from earlier, preemergence exposure. A number of axial skeleton alterations were induced in legless fetuses by retinoic acid, especially after exposure on Days 7, 8, or 9. Posterior truncations were particularly noteworthy, showing a graded response in which frequency and severity of truncation were worst in lgl/lgl fetuses; heterozygotes gave an intermediate response, and wild-type fetuses were least affected. This exacerbation of the legless phenotype by exogenous retinoic acid coupled with the similarity between legless and retinoid malformations suggest that the legless mutation has altered endogenous retinoid homeostasis or a downstream retinoid-responsive gene.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of lower urinary tract symptoms as a presenting symptom for patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer

PurposeThe incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as the sole presenting symptom for bladder cancer has traditionally been reported to be low. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients who presented with LUTS in the absence of gross or microscopic hematuria.Materials and MethodsWe queried our database of bladder cancer patients at the Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center (AVAMC) to identify patients who presented solely with LUTS and were subsequently diagnosed with bladder cancer. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic variables were examined.Results4.1% (14/340) of bladder cancer patients in our series presented solely with LUTS. Mean age and Charlson Co-morbidity Index of these patients was 66.4 years (range = 52-83) and 3 (range = 0-7), respectively. Of the 14 patients in our cohort presenting with LUTS, 9 (64.3%), 4 (28.6%), and 1 (7.1%) patients presented with clinical stage Ta, carcinoma in Situ (CIS), and T2 disease. At a median follow-up of 3.79 years, recurrence occurred in 7 (50.0%) patients with progression occurring in 1 (7.1%) patient. 11 (78.6%) patients were alive and currently disease free, and 3 (21.4%) patients had died, with only one (7.1%) death attributable to bladder cancer.ConclusionsOur database shows a 4.1% incidence of LUTS as the sole presenting symptom in patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer. This study suggests that urologists should have a low threshold for evaluating patients with unexplained LUTS for underlying bladder cancer.
OSHA Cards and Instruction in Construction Safety

In 1995, 17 schools with authorized outreach trainers on their faculties were surveyed to ascertain the number of students being issued OSHA cards, and to determine how safety education was delivered within their curriculums. These same 17 schools were re-contacted for the current study to determine the changes that have occurred in the last 10 years with respect to (1) OSHA card issuance, (2) the effect safety training and the OSHA cards have on job opportunities for graduates, (3) the status of authorized trainers on faculty, and (4) the status of safety instructional methods and content at the university level. It was found that the number of construction students receiving the 30 Hour cards has increased, their effect on job opportunities is positive, programs continue to have authorized outreach trainers on their faculty, and there are more dedicated courses for construction safety instruction now than 10 years ago.
Identity formation, nAchievement, and fear of success in college men and women

This study examined the performance of male and female identity statuses on achievement-related variables to clarify whether the four identity positions have different consequences for men and women. Previous research had suggested that an identity crisis period (achievement and moratorium) was more adaptive for males, while identity commitment, with or without a crisis period (achievement and foreclosure), was more adaptive for females. Identity status was determined for 111 college men and women who were tested for nAchievement, fear of success, fear of failure, and self-esteem. As predicted, identity achievement and moratorium men and women scored higher in achievement motivation and self-esteem than foreclosure and diffusion subjects. However, while diffusions and foreclosures were highest in fear of success of the male statuses, moratoriums and achievements were highest in fear of success of the female statuses. Contrary to previous research, the results indicate that moratorium women resemble identity achievements more than foreclosure women do, at least on achievement-related and self-concept variables, and suggest reasons why moratorium has appeared in past research to be a less adaptive status and foreclosure a more adaptive status for women.
Cellulitis: Initial management

Although Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes cause the majority of cellulitis, recent studies have shown a significant role for Hemophilus influenzae in facial, and less frequently, nonfacial infections. We devised an algorithm for the initial management of cellulitis based on our previous investigations showing a correlation of this organism with fever, leukocytosis, and facial involvement. Children were divided into four groups characterized as follows: Group I — extremity, temperature H influenzae recovered from the blood (3) or a direct aspirate (1). All three were febrile, with a range of 39.5 C to 40.1 C and had an elevated white blood cell count with a range of 19,200/cu mm to 26,000/ cu mm. With one exception, children with cellulitis not due to H influenzae did not have both fever and leukocytosis. This algorithm allows the clinician to identify children with H influenzae cellulitis who are at risk for septic complications while minimizing unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
N 2 fixing alder ( Alnus viridis spp. fruticosa ) effects on soil properties across a secondary successional chronosequence in interior Alaska

Green alder (Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa) is a dominant understory shrub during secondary successional development of upland forests through- out interior Alaska, where it contributes substantially to the nitrogen (N) economy through atmospheric N2 fixation. Across a replicated 200? year old vegeta- tion chronosequence, we tested the hypotheses that green alder has strong effects on soil chemical properties, and that ecosystem-level N inputs via N2 fixation decrease with secondary successional stand development. Across early-, mid-, and late-succes- sional stands, alder created islands of elevated soil N and carbon (C), depleted soil phosphorus (P), and more acidic soils. These effects translated to the stand-level in response to alder stem density. Although neither N2 fixation nor nodule biomass differed among stand types, increases in alder den- sities with successional time translated to increasing N inputs. Estimates of annual N inputs by A. viridis averaged across the upland chronosequence (6.6 ± 1.2 kg N ha -1 year -1 ) are substantially less than
Magnesium Bis(hexamethyldisilazide)

[857367-60-3] C12H36MgN2Si4 (MW 345.07) InChI = 1S/2C6H18NSi2.Mg/c2*1-8(2,3)7-9(4,5)6;/h2*1-6H3;/q2*-1;+2 InChIKey = WYPTZCBYSQFOQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used to deprotonate substrates or intermediates in a variety of reactions) Physical Data: mp 121–124 °C. Solubility: soluble in hexane, benzene, toluene, and ethereal solvents. Form supplied in: white solid. Purification: recrystallization in hexane. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: reacts violently by with water.
APN-based object oriented approach to bounded-buffer problem

The authors examine the use of the abstract-Petri-net- (APN-) based object-oriented approach to solve the bounded-buffer problem, considered as representative of real-time control problems. It is demonstrated how it is possible to represent various requirements in terms of a set of predicates (semantics) to obtain the model of the system. It is shown that the moulded system is compact, verifiable, and consistent. Further, the analysis technique ensures the finite termination of the reachability state tree. The executable code (parameterized procedure and functions) of each of the objects can directly be derived from the model without affecting the overall structure of the modeled system. >
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Are Activated in Incipient Neoplasia to Orchestrate Tumor-Promoting Inflammation in an NF-κB-Dependent Manner

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support tumorigenesis by stimulating angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, and invasion. We demonstrate that CAFs also mediate tumor-enhancing inflammation. Using a mouse model of squamous skin carcinogenesis, we found a proinflammatory gene signature in CAFs isolated from dysplastic skin. This signature was maintained in CAFs from subsequent skin carcinomas and was evident in mammary and pancreatic tumors in mice and in cognate human cancers. The inflammatory signature was already activated in CAFs isolated from the initial hyperplastic stage in multistep skin tumorigenesis. CAFs from this pathway promoted macrophage recruitment, neovascularization, and tumor growth, activities that are abolished when NF-kappaB signaling was inhibited. Additionally, we show that normal dermal fibroblasts can be "educated" by carcinoma cells to express proinflammatory genes.
Offspring sex ratios in tree swallows: females in better condition produce more sons

Organisms are expected to adjust the sex ratio of their offspring in relation to the relative fitness benefits of sons and daughters. We used a molecular sexing technique that amplifies an intron of the CHD1 gene in birds to examine the sex ratio at egg-laying in socially monogamous tree swallows ( Tachycineta bicolor ). We examined all individuals in 40 broods (210 young), including all unhatched eggs and nestlings. Thus, the sex ratio we measured was the same as the sex ratio at laying. Overall, the mean sex ratio per brood ( ∠ SD) was biased significantly towards males (57 ∠ ∠ ∠ 2% male). Within broods, male-biased sex ratios were associated with females in better body condition, and these females were more likely to produce sons in better condition. Tree swallows have one of the highest known levels of extra-pair paternity in birds (38‐76% extra-pair young), and, as a consequence, variance in male reproductive success is greater than that of females. Thus, in tree swallows, investment in sons has the potential for higher fitness returns than investment in daughters, assuming that sons in better condition have greater reproductive success.
Polarization-Dependent Response of Single- and Bi-Metal Antenna-Coupled Thermopiles for Infrared Detection

Antenna-coupled single- and bi-metal nanothermocouples (ACNTCs) and thermopiles for IR detection are fabricated and tested. These devices comprise a dipole antenna and a nanoscale thermocouple with lead lines. Polarization-dependent responses of antenna-coupled thermopiles with various array sizes are investigated. The polarization ratios of the various ACNTC designs are found to be significantly different. We show that the NTC lead lines act as parasitic antennas, and discuss the implications of design parameter choices.
Mass of /sup 67/Ni

The three nucleon pickup reaction /sup 70/Zn(/sup 4/He,/sup 7/Be)/sup 67/Ni has been employed to observe the T/sub z/ = 11/2 /sup 67/Ni nucleus. The /sup 67/Ni mass excess is found to be - 63 741 +- 22 keV. Comparison is made to recent predictions.
Effects of Naloxone on ICP and Systemic Cardiovascular Responses After Experimental Closed Head Injury in the Cat

Naloxone has been reported to reduce hypotension produced by endotoxins (Holaday and Faden 1978, Janssen and Lutherer 1980, Reynolds et al. 1980), hemorrhage (Faden and Holaday 1979, Feuerstein et al. 1980, Vargish et al. 1980), or spinal cord transection (Holaday and Faden, 1980). Naloxone has also been reported to improve the neurological outcome in cats after compression injury to the spinal cord (Faden et al. 1981). Hypotension is also observed in a significant percentage of human head-injured patients and is correlated with poor clinical outcomes (Miller et al. 1981). Similarly, high levels of experimental brain injury in cats result in hypotension. Thus, we investigated the consequences of naloxone administration on changes in intracranial pressure (ICP), cardiovascular responses, electroencephalographic activity (EEG) and arterial blood gas status seen after fluid-percussion brain injury in cats.
Physicians' perceptions and responses to patient emotion: implications for social work practice in health care.

ABSTRACT Physicians serve a pivotal role in today's health systems, as they are often the first professional patients must contact for emotion problems. This study surveyed 225 practicing physicians to understand how they perceive patient emotion and the actio“emotion complaints” from a patient vignette, these physicians perceived the patient as experiencing anxiety, followed by fear, anger and sadness. Physicians had distinct preferences for psychosocial oriented responses (e.g., explore, reassure, and rationalize) and were least likely to avoid, distract, and ignore. Overall, anxiety and fear generated the greatest number of possible responses from physicians, anger and sadness the fewest.
Liberal battle zones and the study of law and the media: A legal academic’s afterword.

One approach to the study of law and the media is to assume that autonomy of law and legal decisions from media influence is desirable. Reviewing the other articles in this special issue, this Afterword examines the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. Its strength is in the battle zones for liberal values; it contributes to fights against bias and prejudice. Its weakness stems from subjectivity's contributions to justice; it does not explore the necessity and desirability of a legal system embedded in culture. The Afterword suggests areas for research on the interdependencies between law and culture that can complement the research reported in this special issue.
Toxicity of Citrus Pesticides to Some Predaceous Phytoseiid Mites

The relative toxicity of pesticides to adult predaceous phytoseiid mites in relation to plant feeding mites was evaluated by the slide dip technique. The toxicity ratios of Typhlodromus occidentalis Nesbitt, Amblyseius hibisci (Chant), A. stipulatus Athias-Henriot, Iphiseius degenerans (Berlese), and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot were compared to Panonychus citri (McGregor) or Tetranychus pacificus McGregor. T. occidentalis was more resistant to many of the pesticides than the plant feeding mites; the other 4 species of predators were generally more susceptible to the pesticides than P. citri or T. pacificus . Azinphosmethyl and Vendex® (hexakis (beta, beta-dimethylphenethyl)-distannoxane) had similar order of toxicity to the 4 predaceous species as the plant feeding mites, and tricyclohexylhydroxytin was less toxic to all 5 predaceous mites than to P. citri or T. pacificus . A. hibisci eggs were exposed to concentrations of citrus pesticides by utilizing the Potter Tower sprayer. A wide range of susceptibility of both eggs and immatures was shown to exist to the various pesticides evaluated. The egg stage was relatively tolerant to a number of the pesticides evaluated. Propargite and Vendex residues were the least toxic to the immature mites.
Pain in the pinnae: a sign of levamisole vasculopathy

A 61-year-old man presented with fatigue, arthralgias and a tender rash on his ears in the setting of recent cocaine use. Physical examination revealed purpuric dark purple patches with haemorrhagic bullae on the bilateral helical rims (figures 1 and 2). Laboratory investigation was significant for a serum sodium of 130 mmol/l (normal range, 135–145) and positive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic …
Environmental Stability of Swine and Human Pandemic Influenza Viruses in Water Under Variable Conditions of Temperature, Salinity, and pH

ABSTRACT The movement of influenza A viruses (IAVs) from wild bird reservoirs to domestic animals and humans is well established, but the transmission mechanisms that facilitate efficient movement across and within these host populations are not fully defined. Although predominant routes of transmission vary between host populations, the extent of environmental stability needed for efficient IAV transmission also may vary. Because of this, we hypothesized that virus stability would differ in response to varied host-related transmission mechanisms; if correct, such phenotypic variation might represent a potential marker for the emergence of novel animal or human influenza viruses. Here, the objective was to evaluate the ability of eight swine and six human IAV isolates to remain infective under various pH, temperature, and salinity conditions using a preestablished distilled water system. Swine and human viruses persisted longest at near-neutral pH, at cold temperatures, or under “freshwater” conditions. Additionally, no significant differences in persistence were observed between pandemic and nonpandemic IAVs. Our results indicate that there have been no apparent changes in the environmental stability of the viruses related to host adaptation. IMPORTANCE This study assessed the environmental stability of eight swine and six human influenza A viruses (IAVs), including viruses associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, in a distilled water system. The important findings of this work are that IAV persistence can be affected by environmental variables and that no marked changes were noted between human and swine IAVs or between pandemic and nonpandemic IAVs.
Experiments on Bearing Behavior Concrete Spread Foundation under a Combination Action of Uplift and Lateral Loads

The full-scale indoor test of two spread foundation with same dimensions was carried out separately under uplift alone and uplift combined with horizontal loads in order to observe their bearing capacity and crack expansion regularity.The load displacement of foundation top plane,strain of reinforcing bars and concrete were measured and analyzed.The results show that the uplift load-displacement performance of foundations almost followed the same two-phase pattern in two kinds of load cases.However,under a combination of uplift and lateral load,the lateral displacement linearly increased with the horizontal load.And the lateral load reduces the uplift bearing capacity.The cross-section of the foundation is partially in tensile and partially in compressive stress state respectively.The crack do not break through the whole section.And the maximum tension stress is in the intersection of the foundation pillar and slab.The crack break through the whole section when the foundation is subjected to uplift load only.
Minimally invasive percutaneous plate in the treatment of 17 cases with proximal tibial fractures

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate(MIPPO) technology in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures,and explore the minimally invasive percutaneous locking plate technique.Method Golf rod locking plate through the indirect reduction,minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation was used to treat proximal tibia fractures in 17 cases,the soft tissue and fracture healing were observed after restoration.Results Using the telephone booking regular follow-up,this group of patients were followed up for 9 to 18 months,an average of 14.5 months.All X-rays showed a healed fracture,the average healing time was 12 weeks,there was no wound infection,nonunion,plate loosening and loss of reduction happening.Postoperative knee function scoring system was used to assess the effects,excellent in 13 cases,good in 3 cases,moderate in 1 case,and the excellent and good rate was 94.1%.Conclusion MIPPO treatment of proximal tibial fractures is in line with the principles of biomechanics,with the advantages of little injury,reliable fixation,lower tissue infection rate,early exercise,early weight bearing,higher fracture healing rate,etc,is an ideal treatment method for proximal tibial fractures.
MR angiography of the extracranial carotid arteries using a two-slab oblique 3-D acquisition.

PURPOSE To describe an oblique, two-slab 3-D acquisition technique for MR angiography of the extracranial carotid arteries, an approach chosen to minimize saturation effects when the body coil is used as transmitter, as is often the situation when a dedicated neck coil is used as receiver. SUBJECTS Five healthy subjects and 17 patients in whom carotid artery disease was suspected underwent MR angiography using the above technique. RESULTS Flow contrast was much better than in direct sagittal acquisition. Comparisons between multislab transverse 3-D acquisition and the oblique approach showed that a greater length of the carotid arteries was depicted and scan time was less for oblique acquisitions. CONCLUSIONS Use of oblique imaging is a simple and effective solution to the problem of coil-related saturation effects.
FURTHER EXPLORING THE RELATION BETWEEN UNCERTAINTY AND ATTRACTION

This research explored competing predictions for the relation between uncertainty and interpersonal attraction. Two studies investigated whether uncertainty regarding another person’s interest is associated with an increase or decrease in attraction. Study 1 revealed that when participants evaluated people whose expressed attraction was either certain or uncertain, participants experienced more liking for those who were associated with certainty. In Study 2, compared to a control condition, uncertainty produced more attraction but the greater attraction was mediated by a desire to reduce uncertainty. We conclude by proposing an explanation for why different research paradigms have produced different conclusions regarding uncertainty and the situations necessary for uncertainty to produce interpersonal attraction.
Photophysical Characterization of Fluorescent Lysozyme Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters and their Applications

Fluorescent metal nanoclusters show great potential to be used as imaging and sensing agents. Among such nanoclusters, noble metal nanoclusters such as gold and silver have gained importance owing to their small size and non-toxicity. These metal nanoclusters can be synthesized easily via reduction using a protein template, which yields nanoclusters with a stable protein backbone incorporating tens of metal atoms. On the basis of previous studies, it has been established that proteins rich in cysteine residues are ideally suited for noble metal nanocluster synthesis. Thus, such nanoclusters can be customized to serve as probes specific to biomarkers or enzymes of interest. For this study, we synthesized gold nanoclusters using lysozymes. The nanoclusters have an emission peak at 670nm, and their lifetime was determined to be greater than 1 µs. This work explores the photophysical characteristics of lysozyme gold nanoclusters (LyAuNc) in different solvents, and their potential use as an imaging and sensing agent in cells.
Pre-Academic Reformism and the Conflict between Advocacy and Objectivity until 1920

American sociology emerged out of a large universe of non-academic reform organizations, primarily in connection with measures to reduce ‘dependency’, but including a vast array of ‘progressive’ causes. These organizations and the movements they represented made knowledge claims and presented themselves as experts, but were oriented to public education, standards, and regulation. Early attempts to use universities as advocates of reform produced hostile responses; skepticism about the possibility of mixing advocacy with scholarly objectivity persisted. Academics themselves attempted to distinguish themselves from reformers, and to claim rights as ‘professionals’. An attempt to create a reform’ school’ in New York did, however, have impact, but at the same time showed that this model could not be applied within universities.
Ophthalmic Issues in Chronic Kidney Disease

Ophthalmic pathology and kidney diseases are intricately linked. Patients with CKD encounter well-known ophthalmic diseases such as retinopathy at a rate that exceeds the general population, particularly those with diabetic kidney disease. Furthermore, ophthalmic disease in patients with CKD tends to manifest with greater severity compared to those with normal kidney function. Beyond diabetes, there are a host of inherited and acquired diseases with both kidney and ophthalmic phenotypes. Often, a thorough ophthalmic evaluation can solidify or unify a diagnosis in a timely fashion and may even prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Given the complexity and severity of these diseases, it appears prudent to involve the care of ophthalmology in the care of many more CKD patients, extending beyond the relationship ophthalmologists already have with diabetic patients. Future studies are clearly needed to better define the relationship and treatment of ophthalmic complications in the setting of CKD.
RN Evaluation of Errorless Methods in Teaching Discharge Medications to Cognitively Challenged Patients

Purpose To identify (1) effectiveness of current registered nurse (RN) strategies in teaching discharge medications to cognitively challenged patients; and (2) whether errorless teaching/learning (ETL) with pictorial medication cards improves such instruction. Design Cross-sectional, qualitative, pretest/posttest. Methods Open-ended interviews and a class on ETL were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 expert staff RNs from rehabilitation and neurological-telemetry units in a 377-bed, not-for-profit hospital. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings Informants reported current practices that were not adapted for the cognitively challenged population (n = 10). They also found the new ETL easy, effective, and useful in promoting safety and satisfaction, but reported that writing on the cards was too time-consuming (n = 7). Conclusions While not generalizable, outcomes suggest value in revising and evaluating ETL with a pictorial card for teaching this population. Clinical Relevance Discharge medication knowledge is critical to safe self-management, and using ETL with cognitively challenged persons may promote learning.
Evidence for folkways and cultural exchange in the 18th-century South Carolina Backcountry

Settlers along the 18th-century South Carolina frontier practiced a diversified economy in which material goods were often manufactured in the home or acquired from local crafters. The knowledge required for homesteading was derived from folk traditions. Archaeological information related to architecture, foodways, and textile manufacture illustrates the importance of folkways at the Howell site, a frontier plantation. Recovered information demonstrates the backcountry was characterized by cultural exchange between European, African, and Native Americans. The following article proposes that multicultural exchange resulted in the syncretism of foodways and textile traditions at the study site.
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AND CROSS-BORDER MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: THE 2000-2012 PERIOD

Using a sample of 1,689 completed cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from 26 countries between 2000 and 2012, I examine the role of foreign and domestic institutional ownerships in cross-border M&As. I apply zero-inflated Poisson regression, which has not been used in the M&A literature. The new method can overcome the problem resulting from excessive zeros in the dependent variable, a problem which may exist in Tobit or ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions. I have several findings. First, both foreign and domestic institutional ownerships have increased significantly during the period 2000-2012. Second, foreign institutional investors facilitate cross-border M&As mainly in countries with weak investor protection. Third, domestic (foreign) institutional investors exert more (less) positive influence on the cross-border M&As during the later period 2006-2012 than the earlier period 2000-2005. Fourth, I find a positive relationship between domestic institutional ownership and domestic M&As, especially during 2000-2006, which contributes to the finding in Ferreira et al. (2010) that domestic institutional ownership is negatively associated with the intensity of cross-border M&A activities. My findings are robust to the inclusion of withdrawn deals in the sample.
Mechanisms of Carbon Dioxide and pH Effects on Metabolism

The physiological effects of acidemia are well established. It depresses the functional activity of all vital organs. The cardiovascular system is primarily affected (CLOWES et al. [1961]). Both cardiac conduction and the contractile force of the myocardium are depressed and there is vasodilatation in the peripheral circulation and cerebral vessels. By contrast, vasoconstriction develops in the lung vasculature. In the liver enzymatic activity is generally depressed. Acidemia has a thromboplastic effect and increases coagulation, contributing to intravascular clotting, as described by Hardaway [1966].
Detection of aging related IGBT bond-wire lift-off using spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR)

Degradation in Insulated Gate Bipolar Junction Transistor (IGBT) modules leads to reliability issues in high power applications. When thermal and electrical stress factors are subjected to large IGBT modules, natural degradation takes place, and cracks are formed on Si surface where bond wires are attached to the die. These cracks and lift-offs eventually degrade the device performance leading to a complete failure. A new technique is introduced in this paper to detect bond-wire lift-off incidents in large (i.e. 1200V, 900 A) IGBT modules using Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR). Most of the existing IGBT bond-wire lift-off detection methods are performed by separately aging the modules while isolating them from the rest of the system. In contrast, the proposed method can determine lift-off incidents while the IGBT is functional in a live power converter. Through experimental results, we were able to establish a pattern between number of detached bond wires and SSTDR correlated output, and the SSTDR results are independent of the IGBT operating points; thus making the SSTDR based method a very robust technique.
Use of Behavior Modification Techniques Toward Reduction of Hallucinatory Behavior: A Case Study

Conditioning techniques were utilized to reduce behavioral cues allegedly responsible for hallucinatory behaviors. The S perceived that smoking and the stress of smoking were responsible for the onset of hallucinations. The indirect approach of modifying perceived cues associated with psychotic episodes was found to be effective.
Emergence of the Nut Curculio, Conotrachelus hicoriae (Schoof), at Two Pecan Orchards in Louisiana

A study was initiated in commercial pecan orchards located near Monroe and Natchitoches, LA, to determine the emergence pattern of the adult nut curculio, Conotrachelus hicoriae Schoof, from hibernation. The duration of emergence was found to be approximately 75 d, with initial emergence beginning as early as 18 May. No statistically significant differences were observed in the number of adults trapped between trees and sites; however, statistically significant differences in the number of adults trapped from year-to-year were observed. The wire cone traps proved to be effective in capturing the adults emerging from the soil.
Reactions of Criegee Intermediates with Non-Water Greenhouse Gases: Implications for Metal Free Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide.

High-level theoretical calculations suggest that a Criegee intermediate preferably interacts with carbon dioxide compared to two other greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide and methane. The results also suggest that the interaction between Criegee intermediates and carbon dioxide involves a cycloaddition reaction, which results in the formation of a cyclic carbonate-type adduct with a barrier of 6.0–14.0 kcal/mol. These results are in contrast to a previous assumption that the reaction occurs barrierlessly. The subsequent decomposition of the cyclic adduct into formic acid and carbon dioxide follows both concerted and stepwise mechanisms. The latter mechanism has been overlooked previously. Under formic acid catalysis, the concerted decomposition of the cyclic carbonate may be favored under tropospheric conditions. Considering that there is a strong nexus between carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and global warming, the high reactivity of Criegee intermediates could be utilized for designing efficient car...
What is the Preferred Resuscitation Fluid for Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Abstract Background Current guidelines for the management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock recommend crystalloids as the initial fluid solution of choice in the resuscitation of these patients. In recent years, there have been numerous studies published on the type of fluid used in the resuscitation of patients with sepsis. The primary goal of this article is to determine the preferred intravenous fluid for the resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods A MEDLINE literature review was completed to identify studies that investigated the type of resuscitation fluid in the management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Articles included were those published in English between 2011 and 2016, enrolled human subjects, and limited to the following types: randomized controlled trial, prospective observational trial, retrospective cohort trial, and meta-analyses. All selected articles then underwent a structured review by the authors. Results Nine thousand sixty-two articles were identified in the search. After use of predetermined criteria, 17 articles were selected for review. Eleven of these were original investigations and six were meta-analyses and systemic reviews. Conclusion Crystalloids are the preferred solution for the resuscitation of emergency department patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Balanced crystalloids may improve patient-centered outcomes and should be considered as an alternative to normal saline, if available. There is strong evidence that suggests semi-synthetic colloids decrease survival and should be avoided. The role of albumin in the resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis and sepsis is uncertain.
From Trials to Trials: Blinding, Medicine, and Honest Adjudication

Those evaluating medical interventions have utilized blinding for centuries as a means of reducing bias. This paper relates the evolution of such blinding, respectively tracing the separate (though ultimately intertwined) histories of attempts to blind patients and researchers. Both efforts stemmed from a shared skepticism, manifesting as attempts to reduce the impact of suggestibility—or what would come to be termed the “placebo effect”—in patients, and of what was considered the “personal equation” of individual researchers. By the 1950s, both forms of blinding were considered necessary for the ideal clinical study, resulting in the elevation of the “double-blind” study to the status it retains today. Medical writers, moreover, have long appreciated the role of bias in other domains, including the courtroom, though none appear to have rendered the explicit analogy from blinding in research to blinding in the courtroom.
THE INFLENCE OF WEATHERING AND LOW-TEMPERATURE OXIDATION ON THE COMBUSTION BEHAVIOR OF BITUMINOUS COALS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the influence of weathering and low-temperature oxidation on the combustion behavior of bituminous coals. The aim of the study was to oxidize fresh coal at 200°C for 2 h to simulate approximately the time and temperature conditions in a utility pulverizer, to reach a level of oxidation equal to that of a companion outcrop coal for 72 h, and to compare and contrast the effect of natural weathering and low-temperature laboratory oxidation on the organic and inorganic structural changes produced, subsequent reactivity to air, and combustion behavior. A fresh and outcrop coal from the same seam was obtained from an active mine in Pennsylvania, US. The fresh sample was oxidized at 200°C for 2 and 72 h in a Fischer Iso-temperature-controlled atmosphere moisture oven. The moisture contents of the crop and oxidized coals were higher than that of the fresh, unoxidized sample.
Using Recurrent Neural Networks to Dream Sequences of Audio

Four approaches for generating novel sequences of audio using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are presented. The RNN models are trained to predict either vectors of audio samples, magnitude spectrum windows, or single audio samples at a time. In a process akin to dreaming, a model generates new audio based on what it has learned. Three criteria are considered for assessing the quality of the predictions made by each of the four different approaches. To demonstrate the use of the technology in creating music, two musical works are composed that use generated sequences of audio as source material. Each approach affords the user different amounts of control over the content of generated audio. A wide range of types of outputs were generated. They range from sustained, slowly evolving textures to sequences of notes that do not occur in the input data.
Flexible Evaluation Caching Using FATE

Many algorithms have been presented to enhance caching in the Internet, and LRU (Least Recently Used) is the defacto standard used to evict data due to its ease of implementation and good performance. A limitation in creating a new caching algorithm is the cost associated with its development, testing, analysis, and efficiency in specific scenarios. The Functional Algebraic aTomic Evaluators (FATE) is introduced to address this problem. FATE is an information processing engine that evaluates information (such as the value of cached content) and acts upon said results. FATE is designed to be highly configurable and flexible, and to enable rapid development, accuracy in duplicate functionality on different platforms, and ease of use. It uses XML configuration files to setup the evaluation of the content. Each algorithm in FATE can be used as-is or optimized.
The genesis of the Moroccan novel in Arabic: a review of the origins of the modern fusion of mature domestic and imported literary forms

The complexity, difference, and potential excitement of the current cultural scene in Morocco and its expression in fictional form highlights the Moroccan novel in Arabic khuṣūṣiyyah. These were re...