cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive impairment and mortality in older primary care patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cognitive impairment on mortality in older primary care patients after controlling for confounding effects of demographic and comorbid chronic conditions. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic primary care group practice. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven patients age 60 and older who completed the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) during routine office visits. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive impairment measured at baseline using the SPMSQ, demographics, problem drinking, history of smoking, clinical data (including weight, cholesterol level, and serum albumin), and comorbid chronic conditions collected at baseline; survival time measured during the 5 to 7 years after baseline. RESULTS: Eight hundred and eighty-six patients (22.4%) died during the 5 to 7 years of follow-up. Cognitive impairment was categorized as having no impairment (84.3%), mild impairment (10.5%), and moderate-to-severe impairment (5.2%) based on SPMSQ score. Chi-square tests revealed that patients with moderate-to-severe impairment were significantly more likely to die compared with patients with mild impairment (40.8% vs 21.5%) and those with no impairment (40.8% vs 21.4%). No significant difference in crude mortality was found between patients with no impairment and those with mild impairment. After analyzing time to death using the Kaplan-Meier method, patients with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment were at increased risk of death compared with those with no or mild impairment (Log-rank χ2 = 55.5; P < .0001). Even in multivariable analyses using Cox proportional hazards to control for confounding factors, compared with those with no impairment, moderately-to-severely impaired patients had an increased risk of death, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.70. Increased risk of death was also associated with older age (HR = 1.03 for each year), a history of smoking (HR = 1.48), having a serum albumin level <3.5 g/L (HR = 1.29), and weighing less than 90% of the ideal body weight (HR = 1.98). Outpatient diagnoses associated with increased mortality risk were diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, anemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR range 1.36–1.67). Factors protective of mortality risk included female gender (HR = 0.67) and black race (HR = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment is associated with an increased risk of mortality, even after controlling for confounding effects of demographic and clinical characteristics. Mild cognitive impairment is not associated with mortality risk, but a longer follow-up period may be necessary to identify this risk if it exists.
International experience with the CardioWest total artificial heart as a bridge to heart transplantation

As the number of potential heart donors remains constant and the number of potential recipients continuous to increase, the need for circulatory devices to bridge patients becomes more important. The CardioWest total artificial heart (TAH) is a pneumatic, implantable system that totally replaces the failing ventricles. It has been utilized worldwide as a bridge to heart transplantation in 79 patients. There were 73 males and six females who received the TAH. Currently three patients remain on the device waiting for transplantation. A total of 55 patients (70%) were transplanted of which 50 survived (91% of patients transplanted) and were discharged home. Idiopathic/dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common etiology followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy. The mean duration of implant was 34 days (range 0-186 days) and the mean age of the group was 45 years (range 16-62 years). Twenty-one patients died while on the device. Multiple organ failure was the major cause of death. There were a total of 255 complications in this group that included reoperation, bleeding, hepatic failure, renal failure, respiratory failure, neurologic events, thromboembolic events, infections, device malfunction, and fit complications. This represented a mean complication rate of three events per patient. The survival rate for the CardioWest TAH of 91% of the patients who reached transplantation is an improvement over that of the Symbion registry (55% of those transplanted) probably as a result of a better patient selection and better control of the coagulation system. These results are also comparable to those survival results obtained with other biventricular and left ventricular assist devices currently available.
Recent Thomistic Epistemology and Philosophy of Religion

The purpose of this article is to show the contribution of recent Thomistic epistemology – that is, an epistemology rooted in the philosophical theology of Thomas Aquinas – makes to contemporary philosophy of religion. In particular, I show how recent philosophers and theologians (most of them of a distinctly analytic persuasion) are appropriating insights in Aquinas's philosophical theology in order to address perennial epistemological issues: most broadly, how it is that human persons know the world as well as the divine. One of the main conclusions of the article is that recent Thomistic epistemology (including the various species of recent Thomistic epistemology) offers powerful resources for properly understanding both the mind-world and mind-God relationship.
Health disparities: definitions and measurements.

An article in this issue of the journal, titled “Family Planning Disparities” is the first in a series of four articles addressing disparities in the area of obstetrics and gynecology. The remaining articles will appear in subsequent issues, and will address disparities in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, obstetrics, and gynecology. As the field of health disparities research is rapidly evolving and conceptually complex, in this editorial we provide a background on the definitions and current understanding of health disparities to serve as a foundation for understanding this series.
Rethinking Mentoring: Comparing Policy and Practice in Special and General Education

Although teacher mentoring is now mandated in most states, high quality research in mentoring remains scarce (Rockoff, 2008). There is a great need to understand how such policies are implemented (Smith, 2007), particularly in teaching areas with high shortages. The purpose of this study is to compare state and district mentoring policies with the mentoring experiences of practicing special and general education teachers. Survey data were collected from 232 teachers in one state and compared with policy information from the Teacher Rules, Roles, and Rights (TR 3 ) database. Results indicated uneven implementation of policy, in that some stated policy was not adhered to consistently, and consistency in practices was seen in the absence of other policy. Further, special education teachers reported much less mentoring than general education teachers. A new model is proposed to encourage implementation of research-validated practices in teacher mentoring.
The Quagga and Science: What Does the Future Hold for This Extinct Zebra?

Quaggas, partially striped zebras from South Africa, have had major impacts on science. In the 19th century, the results of mating between a quagga stallion and a horse mare influenced thinking about mechanisms of inheritance for more than 70 years. In the 20th century, tissue from a quagga yielded the first DNA of an extinct organism to be cloned and sequenced. Selective breeding of plains zebras in South Africa has produced animals whose coat coloration resembles that of some quaggas. This raises the intriguing possibility that quaggas may once again be the focus of scientific investigations.
Efficient RkNN retrieval with arbitrary non-metric similarity measures

A RkNN query returns all objects whose nearest k neighbors contain the query object. In this paper, we consider RkNN query processing in the case where the distances between attribute values are not necessarily metric. Dissimilarities between objects could then be a monotonic aggregate of dissimilarities between their values, such aggregation functions being specified at query time. We outline real world cases that motivate RkNN processing in such scenarios. We consider the AL-Tree index and its applicability in RkNN query processing. We develop an approach that exploits the group level reasoning enabled by the AL-Tree in RkNN processing. We evaluate our approach against a Naive approach that performs sequential scans on contiguous data and an improved block-based approach that we provide. We use real-world datasets and synthetic data with varying characteristics for our experiments. This extensive empirical evaluation shows that our approach is better than existing methods in terms of computational and disk access costs, leading to significantly better response times.
The effect of a very strong magnetic cross-field on steady motion through a slightly conducting fluid

The flow engendered by the steady motion of a cylindrical insulator through an inviscid, incompressible fluid of small conductivity σ is not close to potential flow when the applied magnetic cross-field H0 is sufficiently strong. Here we determine the limiting form of this flow as σ → 0 with .The case of an elliptic cylinder and that of a flat plate are worked out in detail.
Salt-dependency of endothelin-induced, chronic hypertension in conscious rats.

The effect of salt intake on the hypertensive response to long-term infusion of endothelin-1 was investigated. Chronically instrumented male Sprague-Dawley rats (325-375 g) were used in a 15-day protocol that included 3 control days followed by 7 days of endothelin-1 infusion at 5.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1 and 5 days of recovery. Rats were maintained on either a normal sodium chloride intake (2.0 meq Na+ per day; normal sodium) or a high sodium chloride intake (6.0 meq Na+ per day; high sodium) throughout the protocol. Control rats received normal or high sodium intakes but not endothelin-1. In high-sodium rats, endothelin-1 produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance; a significant bradycardia was observed only on the first day after the start of the endothelin-1 infusion. Cardiac output, stroke volume, water balance, and urinary sodium and potassium excretion remained unchanged. Termination of endothelin-1 infusion resulted in rapid normalization of both arterial pressure and peripheral resistance. In contrast, normal sodium rats exhibited no alteration in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, total peripheral resistance, stroke volume, water balance, or urinary sodium and potassium excretion throughout the endothelin-1 infusion protocol. The hypertension produced by endothelin-1 infusion cannot be explained by alterations in salt or water balance since endothelin-1 infusion in high sodium animals produced significant increases in mean arterial pressure with no observable changes in water or electrolyte balance. These results indicate that endothelin-induced hypertension in conscious rats is a salt-dependent model of hypertension.
Biomass and residue cover relationships of fresh and decomposing small grain residue.

Maintaining residue cover provides diverse conservation benefits. Exponential relationships have been developed to estimate cover from biomass of randomly distributed, flat residues, but a large portion of crop biomass remains standing after harvest. Our objective was to determine how relationships between biomass and soil cover change in no-tillage small grain fields as residues decompose and shift from standing to flat. Winter and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and spring oat (Avena sativa L.) were grown at Bushland, TX, on Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) in 12 field plots in three randomized complete blocks. For each crop, differential seeding rate, fertilization, and irrigation produced a range of biomass. During decomposition, differential irrigation increased environmental variability (13, 5, and 0 applications to sub-sub-plots). Ash-free residue biomass was measured seven times in 14 mo, after taking photographs to determine soil cover of 1-m 2 sites. For crop-date combinations, coefficients were determined from total (k t , m 2 g -1 ) or flat (k f , m 2 g -1 ) biomass. Regression indicated k t increased with time (P < 0.0001 for all crops, except spring wheat with P < 0.0(141). Across crops, the relationship k t = 0.0037 + 0.000047.DAH (r 2 = 0.54, P < 0.0001) indicated that decomposition affects cover provided by total biomass. Across crops, the weak relationship k f = 0.0136 + 0.000023 DAH (r 2 = 0.17, P < 0.016) indicated that cover could be estimated from flat biomass with k f 0.0175 for extended periods. These findings can improve estimation of residue cover for no-tillage fields and indicate that residue orientation should be considered in biomass-to-cover relationships.
Person-on-person violence detection in video data

We address the problem of detecting human violence in video, such as fist fighting, kicking, hitting with objects, etc. To detect violence we rely on motion trajectory information and on orientation information of a person's limbs. We define an Acceleration Measure Vector (AMV) composed of direction and magnitude of motion and we define jerk to be the temporal derivative of AMV We present results from several data sequences involving multiple types of violent activities.
Empirical Democratic Theory and the Transition from Authoritarianism to Democracy

The articles by Myron Weiner, Robert Scalapino, and John Brademas are drawn from lectures each prepared as one of 40 American scholars selected as Fulbright Distinguished Fellows to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Fulbright Exchange Program. Weiner, Scalapino, and Brademas were among seven political scientists selected as Distinguished Fellows. The others included: Robert A. Dahl, Theodore J. Lowi, Norman J. Ornstein, and Ellis Sandoz.
What the sea brings: cinema at the shoreline in Bahrain's first feature production and film culture

This essay explores cinema in the small island nation, the Kingdom of Bahrain, focusing especially on the first feature film, The Barrier (1990), and the country's developing film culture. The beginning of film-making and film exhibition in Bahrain is inextricably linked to the rise of the oil industry and the concurrent decline of the pearl industry – two institutional discourses that shape (often contradictory) cultural mythologies associated with modernity and tradition. The shoreline and sea imagery, and narrative and representational strategies of The Barrier present a cautionary message regarding insular existence, lack of a larger communal identity and absence of a sense of social and political responsibility. I connect my reading of The Barrier with the larger Bahraini film cultural landscape, constructions of ‘Gulf’ cinema and contemporary transmedia assertions of Bahraini identity.
Victim participation in sentencing and satisfaction with justice

This article reviews the issues surrounding victim participation in the criminal justice system. It then examines the extent of victims' involvement in the process and its impact on their satisfaction with justice in one midwestern county. Multiple regression reveals that satisfaction with the sentence is influenced most strongly by the victims' feelings that the sentence was fair, although offense type, victim-offender relationship, and fulfillment of victims' expectations also have some explanatory power. Analysis also reveals that victims' satisfaction with the criminal justice system as a whole is influenced first and foremost by their satisfaction with the sentence. The implications of these results for the debate concerning victim participation in the process via the victim impact statement are discussed.
11q13 allelic imbalance discriminates pulmonary carcinoids from tumorlets. A microdissection-based genotyping approach useful in clinical practice.

Pulmonary tumorlets are minute neuroendocrine cell proliferations believed to be precursor lesions to pulmonary carcinoids. Little is known of their molecular pathogenesis because of their small size. Using tissue microdissection, we evaluated 11q13 region allelic imbalance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tumorlet/carcinoid lesions. The int-2 gene was selected because of its chromosomal location at 11q13 in close proximity to MEN1, a tumor suppressor gene frequently mutated in familial forms of neuroendocrine cancer. Three cohorts of patients were studied: subjects with typical carcinoid tumors and coexisting tumorlets (n = 5), typical carcinoids without tumorlets (n = 6), and tumorlets alone without carcinoid lesions (n = 5). A total of 11 carcinoids and 11 tumorlets were microdissected from 4-μm-thick histological sections. Genotyping was designed to detect allelic imbalance of the int-2 gene and involved DNA sequencing of two closely spaced deoxynucleotide polymorphisms. Subjects shown to be informative were evaluated for allelic imbalance in tumorlet/carcinoid tissue. Eight of 11 (73%) carcinoids manifested allelic, in contrast to only one of 11 (9%) of tumorlets. Int-2 allelic imbalance was significantly associated with carcinoid tumor formation (P < 0.01). In patients having both carcinoid tumors and tumorlets, the latter showed allelic balance and were thus discordant in genotype with coexisting carcinoid excluding pathogenesis of tumorlets from intramucosal spread from carcinoid tumors. Int-2 allelic imbalance was shown to be an early event in carcinoid tumor formation by virtue of the absence of allelic imbalance for other common cancer-related gene disturbances involving 11p13 (Wilms’ tumor), 3p25 (von-Hippel-Lindau), and 17p13 (p53). Demonstration of 11q13 allelic imbalance by microdissection/genotyping may be a useful discriminatory marker for pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasia.
Educational Placements for Children Who are Ventilator Assisted

As mechanical ventilation becomes more portable and home nursing care more available, children who rely on ventilators for life support are leaving hospitals and returning to their homes and schools. The authors surveyed 77 families during 1990–1991 to obtain information on the educational placements of these children and parental satisfaction with services. Interviews were conducted with a subsample of 22 families with differing levels of satisfaction and advocacy. Results suggest that barriers to the integration of these children into school-based programs are attitudinal more than technological. Parent satisfaction with services increased with the number of years the student was placed in school.
An Agent-Based Approach for Composition of Semantic Web Services

The paradigm of service-oriented computing (SOC) introduces emerging concepts for distributed- and e-business processing enabling the sharing and reuse of service-centric capabilities. The underpinning for an organization's use of SOC techniques is the ability to discover and compose Web services. Leading industry approaches rely heavily on syntactical approaches for managing service-based business processes. As such, these approaches are limited since the true functionality of ambiguous capabilities (i.e. web service operations) cannot be inferred. We introduce approaches that disambiguate services by interleaving process-based control with semantic annotations. In this paper, we introduce a generalized architecture where intelligent software agents control process-oriented composition that leverages the descriptiveness of semantics. An outcome of this work is the specification of a multiple agent system where a query agent interacts with multiple repository agents to perform business-oriented service composition.
Blau's Theory of Occupational Differentiation Problems in Empirical Examination

This essay discusses some important methodological problems involved in the testing of Blau's theory of occupational differentiation with cross-national data. We argued that there are two critical problems which preclude such testing at present; namely, the inadequacy of available occupational classifications and the underdeveloped state of prestige measurement. The precise nature and extent of these problems are illustrated with detailed occupational data for a sample of ten modern industrial nations. The essay concludes with some remarks on the general implications of the methodological issues raised in the analysis.
Evolution of pleiotropic alleles for maturation and size as a consequence of predation

Understanding life-history evolution requires knowledge about genetic interactions, physiological mechanisms and the nature of selection. For platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus, extensive information is available about genetic and physiological mechanisms influencing life-history traits. In particular, alleles at the pituitary locus have large and antagonistic effects on age and size at sexual maturation. To examine how predation affects the evolution of these antagonistic traits, I examined pituitary allele evolution in experimental populations differing in predation risk. A smaller size, earlier maturation allele increased in frequency when predators were absent, while a larger size, later maturation allele increased in frequency when predators were present. Thus, predation favours alleles for larger size, at the cost of later maturation and reproduction. These findings are interesting for several reasons. First, predation is often predicted to favour early reproduction at smaller sizes. Second, few studies have shown how selection acts on alleles that affect age and size at sexual maturation. Finally, many studies assume that trade-offs between these life-history traits result from antagonistic pleiotropy, with alleles that positively affect one trait negatively affecting another, yet this is rarely known. This study unequivocally demonstrates that genetically based trade-offs affect life-history evolution in platyfish.
Sculpting humoral immunity through dengue vaccination to enhance protective immunity

Dengue viruses (DENV) are the most important mosquito transmitted viral pathogens infecting humans. DENV infection produces a spectrum of disease, most commonly causing a self-limiting flu-like illness known as dengue fever; yet with increased frequency, manifesting as life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Waning cross-protective immunity from any of the four dengue serotypes may enhance subsequent infection with another heterologous serotype to increase the probability of DHF. Decades of effort to develop dengue vaccines are reaching the finishing line with multiple candidates in clinical trials. Nevertheless, concerns remain that imbalanced immunity, due to the prolonged prime-boost schedules currently used in clinical trials, could leave some vaccinees temporarily unprotected or with increased susceptibility to enhanced disease. Here we develop a DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) DNA vaccine with the immunodominant cross-reactive B cell epitopes associated with immune enhancement removed. We compare wild-type (WT) with this cross-reactivity reduced (CRR) vaccine and demonstrate that both vaccines are equally protective against lethal homologous DENV-1 challenge. Under conditions mimicking natural exposure prior to acquiring protective immunity, WT vaccinated mice enhanced a normally sub-lethal heterologous DENV-2 infection resulting in DHF-like disease and 95% mortality in AG129 mice. However, CRR vaccinated mice exhibited redirected serotype-specific and protective immunity, and significantly reduced morbidity and mortality not differing from naive mice. Thus, we demonstrate in an in vivo DENV disease model, that non-protective vaccine-induced immunity can prime vaccinees for enhanced DHF-like disease and that CRR DNA immunization significantly reduces this potential vaccine safety concern. The sculpting of immune memory by the modified vaccine and resulting redirection of humoral immunity provide insight into DENV vaccine induced immune responses.
On the use of shape spaces to compare morphometric methods

Several methods have been proposed to use differences in configurations of landmark points to measure the amount of shape difference between two structures. Shape difference coeffi- cients ignore differences in thc configurations that could be due to the effects of translation, rotation, and scale. One way to understand the differences between these methods is to compare the multidi- mensional shape spaces corresponding to each coefficient. This paper compares Kendall's shape space, Kendall tangent space, the shape spaces implied by EDMA-I and EDMA-I1 test statistics, the shape space of log size-scaled inter-landmark distances, and the shape space implied by differences in an- gles of lines connecting pairs of landmarks. The case of three points in the plane (Le., landmarks at the vertices of a triangle) is given special emphasis because the various shape spaces can be illus- trated in just 2 or 3 dimensions. The results of simulalions are shown both for random samples of all possible triangles as well as for normally distributed independent variation at each landmark. Gener- alizations to studies of more than three landmarks are suggested. It is shown that methods other than those based on Procrustes distances strongly constrain the possible results obtained by ordination analyses, can give misleading results when used in studies of growth and evolutionary trajectories. Kup~or-ds: Kendall shape space; tangent space: EDMA; inter-landmark distanccs; multivariate analysis: morphometrics: Procrustes distance; thin-plate spline.
Theory and application of charge pumping for the characterization of Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface and near-interface oxide traps

A generalized charge pumping model has been developed which extends the use of charge pumping from a study of traps at the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface to a study of traps in the oxide. The analytical model, based on tunneling theory, allows the spatial distribution of near-interface oxide traps to be determined from variable frequency charge pumping data. Profiling of near-interface oxide traps in irradiated MOSFET's as well as SONOS nonvolatile memory devices is presented. >
Spectroscopic studies of Mn 3+ and Mn 2+ ions in YAlO 3

The spectroscopic properties of Mn3+ and Mn2+ ions have been studied in Mn:YAlO3 codoped with Ce and singly Mn-doped YAlO3.Mn3+ absorption at the 5E→5T2 transition, the transition between the Jahn–Teller split components of the ground state 5E, and Fano antiresonance mixing between the 3E and 5T2 states have been investigated. The weak absorption at 0.41 µm was attributed to the 6A1→4A1, 4E transition of Mn2+. Green emission peaking at 530 nm excited with x rays was attributed to the 4T1→6A1 transition of Mn2+. The reduction of Mn2+ concentration in photoexposed samples may imply the presence of Mn+ ions in YAlO3.
Robust coverage under uncertainty in wireless sensor networks

Uncertainty in sensor locations is a norm in both planned and unplanned deployments. Even carefully positioned in the deployment phase, sensors may be displaced due to environmental or human factors during the course of operation. In this paper, we present a systematic study of the impact of location uncertainty on the coverage properties of wireless sensor networks. The uncertainty is modeled as disks of possibly different radius around the nominal positions. We introduce the concept of order-k (k ≥ 1) max Voronoi Diagram (VD) and devise an efficient polynomial algorithm to construct order-k VDs. Order-k max VD is critical in determining the minimum sensing radius needed to ensure worst-case k-coverage, call k-exposure. Simulation studies validate the correctness of the proposed algorithms and demonstrate their superiority over a naive approach.
Specifying Interaction Space Components in a FIPA-ACL Interaction Framework

Despite the acceptance of FIPA-ACL as a standard for agent communications, there exist a gap between its specification and infrastructures supporting interactions among agents. The hypothesis we study in this paper is that interaction space components must be specified and described in depth by taking into account an explicit six-layered FIPA-ACL communication model. Based on this model, generic components are developed for a FIPA-ACL interaction framework. An implementation of interaction components is described within the CAPNET agent platform in an integrated way with the agent interaction architecture. The use of interaction space components for engineering agent interactions is illustrated by example.
Caring for children with advanced cancer Integrating palliative care

The care of children with advanced cancer is multifaceted. Treatment should focus on continued efforts to control the underlying illness whenever possible. At the same time, children and their families should have access to interdisciplinary care aimed at promoting optimal physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Open and compassionate communication can best facilitate meeting the goals of these children and families. However, there remain significant barriers to achieving optimal care related to lack of formal education, reimbursement issues and the emotional impact of caring for a dying child. Future research efforts should focus on ways to enhance communication, symptom management and quality of life for children with advanced cancer and their families. As efforts to break down barriers and create the evidence base continue, we conclude as follows: this is a most rewarding part of the practice of medicine. A kind word and caring attitude are remembered for decades.
Neurocognitive function and CNS integrity in adult survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma.

With the combination of multi-modality therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), childhood and adolescent patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) have close to 90% 5-year survival rates. However, survival is not without cost. Children and adolescents survivors of HL are at risk for numerous late complications of chemotherapy and radiation therapy including secondary malignancies, cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction, and psychosocial sequelae. A recent paper by Krull et al. suggests that survivors are also at risk for neurocognitive impairment that is usually associated and seen in survivors of cranial nervous system disease and leukemia survivors (1). Though the data presented in the paper investigates historic radiotherapy doses and modalities, it is important to consider neurocognitive deficits can exist in patients that do not receive traditional cranial nervous system therapy.
Multiphysics modeling of two-phase film boiling within porous corrosion deposits

Abstract Porous corrosion deposits on nuclear fuel cladding, known as CRUD, can cause multiple operational problems in light water reactors (LWRs). CRUD can cause accelerated corrosion of the fuel cladding, increase radiation fields and hence greater exposure risk to plant workers once activated, and induce a downward axial power shift causing an imbalance in core power distribution. In order to facilitate a better understanding of CRUD's effects, such as localized high cladding surface temperatures related to accelerated corrosion rates, we describe an improved, fully-coupled, multiphysics model to simulate heat transfer, chemical reactions and transport, and two-phase fluid flow within these deposits. Our new model features a reformed assumption of 2D, two-phase film boiling within the CRUD, correcting earlier models' assumptions of single-phase coolant flow with wick boiling under high heat fluxes. This model helps to better explain observed experimental values of the effective CRUD thermal conductivity. Finally, we propose a more complete set of boiling regimes, or a more detailed mechanism, to explain recent CRUD deposition experiments by suggesting the new concept of double dryout specifically in thick porous media with boiling chimneys.
Occurrence of feather-degrading bacilli in the plumage of birds

We sampled bacteria from the plumage of 1,588 individuals of 83 species of birds. Feather-degrading bacteria, those able to extract energy and nutrients by breaking up 3-keratin, were isolated from 134 individuals in 32 species. Nine of 11 samples of feather- degrading (keratinolytic) bacteria were identified as Bacillus licheniformis, one as B. pumilus, and one as a Bacillus of undetermined species. A strong correlation between occurrence of keratinolytic bacilli and the number of birds sampled per species suggests that feather-de- grading bacilli are widespread among birds. The bacillus occurred on 6.7 to 10.7% of birds and showed little annual variation. The incidence of birds with feather-degrading bacilli was highest in late fall and winter and lowest in early spring and late summer. The bacilli oc- curred most frequently on the venter and less commonly on the dorsum and tail. They oc- curred most frequently on ground-foraging species and least frequently on aerial-foraging species. Regardless of avian species, time of year, or area of the bird from which the bacilli were isolated, the rate at which bacilli degraded feathers was similar. Because bacilli are active only when conditions are warm and humid, we suggest that they degrade feathers during the summer when the bird becomes wet, for example during thunderstorms. Such feather degradation may contribute to the deterioration of feathers and be a selective force in the evolution and timing of molt. Received 6 October 1997, accepted 29 July 1998.
Design of surfactant-substrate interactions for roll-to-roll assembly of carbon nanotubes for thin-film transistors.

Controlled assembly of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) networks with high density and deposition rate is critical for many practical applications, including large-area electronics. In this regard, surfactant chemistry plays a critical role as it facilitates the substrate–nanotube interactions. Despite its importance, detailed understanding of the subject up until now has been lacking, especially toward tuning the controllability of SWCNT assembly for thin-film transistors. Here, we explore SWCNT assembly with steroid- and alkyl-based surfactants. While steroid-based surfactants yield highly dense nanotube thin films, alkyl surfactants are found to prohibit nanotube assembly. The latter is attributed to the formation of packed alkyl layers of residual surfactants on the substrate surface, which subsequently repel surfactant encapsulated SWCNTs. In addition, temperature is found to enhance the nanotube deposition rate and density. Using this knowledge, we demonstrate highly dense and rapid assembly wi...
Study of heat shock pretreatment on the prevention of damage effects of the neutrophil on venous ischemia-reperfusion flap

Objective To explore the mechanism of the pretreatment of heat shock to decrease the damage of the neutrophil on the island flap.Methods To establish superficial inferior epigastric vessels pedicle island flap ischemia model on the male SD rats,using superficial inferior epigastric venous blood to test apoptosis and necrosis rate of neutrophil at day one,day three and day seven.The necrosis rate of flap was measured after 7 days.Results In the heat shock treatment group at day one,day three and day seven,the proportion of cells apoptosis and necrosis was significantly decreased compared with control groups.There was significant statistics meaning of differences among groups at different period(P0.05).Also the flap necrosis rate comparision had statistical significant after seven days(P 0.05).Conclusion The heat shock pretreatment could prevent the damage effects of the neutrophil on the flaps.
Vitamin D3 Suppresses Class II Invariant Chain Peptide Expression on Activated B-Lymphocytes: A Plausible Mechanism for Downregulation of Acute Inflammatory Conditions.

Class II invariant chain peptide (CLIP) expression has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the regulation of B cell function after nonspecific polyclonal expansion. Several studies have shown vitamin D3 helps regulate the immune response. We hypothesized that activated vitamin D3 suppresses CLIP expression on activated B-cells after nonspecific activation or priming of C57BL/6 mice with CpG. This study showed activated vitamin D3 actively reduced CLIP expression and decreased the number of CLIP
Teaching Psychotherapy by Use of Brief Typescripts

A typescript of a 10-minute segment of a taped therapeutic interview, coded by using a modification of the Gottschalk scales, quite clearly demonstrates the patient’s current focal conflict. Recognition of the current focal conflict is thus taught, and this is used as an organizing principle in supervision of psychotherapy.
Hidden Bond Anomalies: The Peculiar Case of the Fluorinated Amine Chalcogenides.

Bond anomalies have been investigated for a set of 53 molecules with either N–F, Ti–P, Cr–H, Pb–C, or Pb–F bonds for which reverse rather than inverse bond length–bond strength relationships have been previously claimed. The intrinsic strength of each bond investigated was determined utilizing the associated local stretching force constant obtained at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. For the metal containing molecules, LC-ωPBE calculations with the aug-cc-pVTZ (Cr, Pb) and the 6-31++G(d,p) basis set (Ti) were carried out. For bonds containing a metal atom, any bond anomaly could not be confirmed. Previously reported results were due to ill-defined bond strength descriptors or lacking accuracy. In the case of the fluoro amines, methyl fluoro amines, and the fluoro amine oxides, direct or hidden bond anomalies were detected, which result from two or more opposing electronic effects: a dominant bond shortening effect due to electron withdrawal and a bond weakening due to lone pair repulsion or hybrid...
The Second Haurwitz Memorial Lecture: Stationary Planetary Waves

The linear theory for stationary Rossby waves excited by flow over long ridges is reviewed. The traditional “textbook” model, in which there is no disturbance of the potential temperature surfaces ...
Descartes, epistemic principles, epistemic circularity, and scientia

En identifiant clairement l'objectif des « Meditations metaphysiques », l'A. demontre que le progres de Descartes vers l'atteinte de cet objectif ne l'engage pas en un cercle vicieux
Redox Active Colloids as Discrete Energy Storage Carriers

Versatile and readily available battery materials compatible with a range of electrode configurations and cell designs are desirable for renewable energy storage. Here we report a promising class of materials based on redox active colloids (RACs) that are inherently modular in their design and overcome challenges faced by small-molecule organic materials for battery applications, such as crossover and chemical/morphological stability. RACs are cross-linked polymer spheres, synthesized with uniform diameters between 80 and 800 nm, and exhibit reversible redox activity as single particles, as monolayer films, and in the form of flowable dispersions. Viologen-based RACs display reversible cycling, accessing up to 99% of their capacity and 99 ± 1% Coulombic efficiency over 50 cycles by bulk electrolysis owing to efficient, long-distance intraparticle charge transfer. Ferrocene-based RACs paired with viologen-based RACs cycled efficiently in a nonaqueous redox flow battery employing a simple size-selective sep...
Image processing for erosion control of open-pit mines

Soil erosion is one of the most severe land degradation problems afflicting many parts of the world where topography of the land is relatively steep. Owing to inaccessibility to this steep terrain, such as slopes in open-pit mines and forested mountains, advanced data processing techniques are required to identify and predict high risk erosion zones. Unlike existing methods that require human observations, which can be expensive and error-prone, the proposed approach uses a fully automated algorithm to indicate when an area is at risk of erosion; this is accomplished by processing Landsat and aerial images. In this paper, an image processing algorithm is presented to identify the scene of an image by classifying it in one of six categories: open-pit mine, mountain, forest, degraded forest, cropland, and grassland or orchard. This paper focuses on automatic scene detection using global features with local representations to show the gradient structure of an image. The output of this work counts as a contextual cueing and can be used in erosion detection, and for erosion control in a variety of applications; particularly, predicting erosion risks in open-pit mines. We also discuss the environmental implications of deferred erosion control in open-pit mines.
Correlation analysis of error estimators for the EFIE

Adaptive refinement techniques have local error estimators to determine regions where the mesh size needs to be reduced (h-refinement) or the representation order should be increased (p-refinement). Several conventional error estimators are investigated, and implemented with the EFIE. The Pearson correlation coefficient is introduced and applied to the error estimators. The correlation coefficient with distribution plots provide analytical tools to evaluate error estimators' accuracy and efficiency.
Hyperspectral reflectance signature protocol for predicting subsurface bottom reflectance in water: in-situ and analytical methods

In-situ measurement of bottom reflectance signatures and bottom features in water are used to test an analytical based irradiance model protocol. Comparisons between predicted and measured bottom reflectance signatures are obtained using measured hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance signatures, water depth and water column constituent concentrations. Analytical solutions and algorithms are used to generate synthetic signatures of different bottom types. The analytical methodology used to simulated bottom reflectance contains offset and bias that can be corrected using spectral window based corrections. Example results are demonstrated for application to coral species, submerged aquatic vegetation and a sand bottom type. Spectral windows are identified for predicting the above bottom types. Sensitivity analysis of predicted bottom reflectance signatures is conducted by varying water depth, chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter and total suspended mater concentrations. The protocol can be applied to shallow subsurface geospatial mapping using sensor based water surface reflectance based upon an analytical model solution derived from primitive radiative transfer theory.
Impact of resistance exercise on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer.

223Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men with prostate cancer. ADT is effective treatment, but can induce loss of skeletal muscle, plus increase central fat, lipids, and insulin resistance. These changes in MetS components may contribute to excess cardiac risk. We tested whether a resistance exercise program, designed to increase skeletal muscle mass, could offset adverse changes in MetS parameters during ADT. Methods: Men on ADT for at least 12 weeks were randomized to exercise (EX) or no exercise (NOEX). EX was supervised, periodized resistance training followed by stretching 3x/week for 12 weeks, 45 min/session. NOEX did home-based stretching 3x/week. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included weight, waist circumference, lean body mass, lipids, insulin, glucose, hsCRP. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated with FACT-P and BFI, and muscle biopsies were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Mean of changes from baseline were compared between groups using ANCOVA. ...
Cancer Immunotherapy: An Evidence-Based Overview and Implications for Practice

Background Significant research progress has been made in immunotherapies since the mid-1990s, and this rapid evolution necessitates evidence-based education on immunotherapies, their pathophysiology, and their toxicities to provide safe, effective care. . Objectives The aim of this article is to provide an evidence-based overview, with implications for practice, of checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, oncolytic viral therapies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. . Methods Each immunotherapy category is presented according to the pathophysiology of its immune modulation, the classes of agents within each category, evidence-based toxicities associated with each class, and implications for practice. . Findings Immunotherapies vary in their pathophysiology and offer potential to be highly effective for the management of a wide array of cancer types. Understanding the unique pathophysiology and toxicities is necessary to assess, manage, and provide safe, effective patient-focused care.
A rapid and convenient oxidation of secondary alcohols

Abstract A rapid (normally 20 min to 2 h) and selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones can be achieved using 0.4 equivalents trichloroisocyanuric acid and 1.2 equivalents pyridine at room temperature in ethyl acetate. A likely mechanism for the reaction is proposed.
Targeting Microglial Activation States as a Therapeutic Avenue in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized neuropathologically by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, intracellular proteinaceous inclusions, reduction of dopaminergic terminals in the striatum, and increased neuroinflammatory cells. The consequent reduction of dopamine in the basal ganglia results in the classical parkinsonian motor phenotype. A growing body of evidence suggest that neuroinflammation mediated by microglia, the resident macrophage-like immune cells in the brain, play a contributory role in PD pathogenesis. Microglia participate in both physiological and pathological conditions. In the former, microglia restore the integrity of the central nervous system and, in the latter, they promote disease progression. Microglia acquire different activation states to modulate these cellular functions. Upon activation to the M1 phenotype, microglia elaborate pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules promoting inflammation and cytotoxic responses. In contrast, when adopting the M2 phenotype microglia secrete anti-inflammatory gene products and trophic factors that promote repair, regeneration, and restore homeostasis. Relatively little is known about the different microglial activation states in PD and a better understanding is essential for developing putative neuroprotective agents. Targeting microglial activation states by suppressing their deleterious pro-inflammatory neurotoxicity and/or simultaneously enhancing their beneficial anti-inflammatory protective functions appear as a valid therapeutic approach for PD treatment. In this review, we summarize microglial functions and, their dual neurotoxic and neuroprotective role in PD. We also review molecules that modulate microglial activation states as a therapeutic option for PD treatment.
Compact OAM microscope for edge enhancement of biomedical and object samples

The production of orbital angular momentum (OAM) by using a q-plate, which functions as an electrically tunable spatial frequency filter, provides a simple and efficient method of edge contrast in biological and medical sample imaging for histological evaluation of tissue, smears, and PAP smears. An instrument producing OAM, such as a q-plate, situated at the Fourier plane of a 4f lens system, similar to the use of a high-pass spatial filter, allows the passage of high spatial frequencies and enables the production of an image with highly illuminated edges contrasted against a dark background for both opaque and transparent objects. Compared with ordinary spiral phase plates and spatial light modulators, the q-plate has the added advantage of electric control and tunability.