cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2364: 1α, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) inhibits the T cell suppressive function of myeloid derived suppressor sells (MDSC)

MDSC within the tumor microenvironment are antagonists to immune surveillance and T-cell based immunotherapies because they can suppresses the ability of cytotoxic T cells to attack and clear tumor cells from the body. The active, hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, regulates many components of the immune system and previous research shows that in mouse models 1,25(OH)2D reduces the number of CD34+ cells, an MDSC precursor, in tumors and can reduce metastasis when coupled to adoptive immunity. We tested whether MDSC are vitamin D target cells by examining granulocytic- (G-MDSC) and monocytic (M-MDSC) MDSC from tumors, spleen, and bone marrow. Messenger RNA levels of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the mediator of 1,25(OH)2D molecular action, are low in MDSC from marrow and spleen but are 20-fold higher in tumor MDSC. In addition, at all sites the M- subtype cells have 4-fold higher VDR mRNA expression than G- subtype cells. Next, we tested whether MDSC are responsive to changes in 1,25(OH)2D signaling. Bone marrow MDSC were isolated by flow cytometry and induced to differentiate into tumor MDSC-like cells using treatment with a cytokine cocktail of IFN-γ, IL-13, and GM-CSF for up to 72 h. This treatment significantly elevated Arg1 and Nos2 levels (48 h) and activated the ability of the bone marrow MDSC to suppress T cell proliferation in a 16 h assay. 48 h of cytokine treatment also increased VDR expression 100-fold and made the bone marrow MDSC responsive to 1,25(OH)2D treatment i.e. 10 nM for 24 h increased CYP24A1 and VDR mRNA in wild-type (WT) cells. Importantly, 1,25(OH)2D treatment reduced the T cell suppressive capacity of cytokine-induced total MDSC and M-MDSC by ≥70% in a 16 h assay. We next examined the impact of VDR deletion on the development of tumor M- and G-MDSC function. WT and VDR KO mice were injected ip with 106 RM-1 cells and tumor MDSC were isolated by FACS 7 days later. As expected, the T cell suppressive function of WT M-MDSC was 4X greater than G-MDSC. However, T cell suppression was significantly greater in both VDR KO M-MDSC (2X vs WT at 1:4 MDSC:T-cell ratio) and G-MDSC (4X vs WT, 1:4 ratio). The major finding of this study is that MDSC are novel targets of 1,25(OH)2D. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D is to decrease the immunosuppressive capability of MDSC. In addition, expression of VDR is necessary to attenuate the immunosuppressive capabilities of MDSC that are recruited to the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, this data suggests that activation of vitamin D signaling could be used to suppress MDSC function and release a constraint on T-cell mediated clearance of tumor cells. Citation Format: James C. Fleet, Grant N. Burcham, Ryan Calvert, Timothy L. Ratliff. 1α, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) inhibits the T cell suppressive function of myeloid derived suppressor sells (MDSC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2364.
Uncertainty estimates in point-velocity measurements due to exposure time by functions that assimilate ISO-1088 data & statistically based on the time scale of the very-large-scale flow motions

Abstract The International Standard Organization Standard ISO 1088 provides a methodology to estimate total uncertainty in measurements of discharge by velocity-area methods. Table G.3 in ISO 1088 lists two sets of uncertainty estimates of point-mean velocity measurements due to time of exposure T e and space resolution based on prior knowledge (Type B uncertainty estimates). The two sets include uncertainty estimates for point-mean velocities measured over times of exposure of 30, 60, 120 and 180 s, one for measurements made at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6D (D = flow depth) from the free surface, the other for measurements made at 0.8 and 0.9D. Here, we apply an incomplete similarity technique to assimilate the data in Table G.3 to formulae of the form u V m / V m = a ( T e ) + b ( T e ) e − c ( T e ) V m , where V m = measured point-man velocity, u V m = standard uncertainty, and a ( T e ) , b ( T e ) and c ( T e ) are parameters that vary with T e . These formulae allow us to estimate u V m / V m due to T e for values of V m and T e within the range of values in Table G.3 without the need of interpolation. Hence it simplifies an important step in the computation of the total uncertainty in discharge measurements by the velocity-area methods following the ISO 1088 Standard. In addition to the proposed formulae to assimilate Type B uncertainty estimates in ISO 1088, we present an approach useful to get estimates of u V m / V m due to T e by statistical methods, based on the period of the very-large-scale flow motions (VLSMs). The period of the VLSMs, Tz, which scales with the flow depth D and the mean-channel velocity U as Tz ≈ (10–20) D/U, provides a plausible time scale to determine the number n of independent samples in point-mean velocity measurements made over a time of exposure T e . We show that determining the number of independent events that contribute to the total variance of point-mean velocity measurements as n ~ T e / T z can be used to estimate u V m / V m due to T e by statistical methods (Type A uncertainty estimates). We illustrate the application of this approach to obtain Type A estimates of u V m / V m for records of point-velocity measurements made in an open-channel with high-frequency, acoustic point-velocity meters and contrast them with Type B estimates.
Expanding the donor pool for congenital heart disease transplant candidates by implementing 3D imaging-derived total cardiac volumes.

Background Heart transplant waitlist mortality remains high in infants Methods A single-center, retrospective study was performed using CT data for 13 patients with CHD and 94 control patients. 3D visualization software was used to create digital 3D heart models that provide an estimate of TCV. In addition, echocardiograms obtained prior to cross-sectional imaging were reviewed for presence of ventricular chamber dilation. Results Sixty-two percent (8/13) of patients with CHD had 3D-derived TCV resulting in a weight that was >130% larger than their actual weight. This was seen in single-ventricle patients following Blalock-Taussig shunt and Fontan palliation, and patients with biventricular repair. Of those, 75% (6/8) had reported moderate-to-severe ventricular chamber dilation by echocardiogram or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions In a large portion of patients with CHD, 3D-derived TCV place the recipient at a higher listing weight than their actual weight. We propose obtaining cross-sectional imaging to better assess TCV in a recipient, which may increase the donor range for CHD recipients and improve organ utilization in pediatrics.
Comparison of health-related quality of life across treatment groups in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Outcome measures typically used to evaluate disease modifying therapies (DMTs) provide important information regarding their effects on disease activity, but they do not capture the full impact of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patient reported outcome measures (PROs) are increasingly being used to capture an individual's subjective experience of disease. We compared DMTs across a wide range of PRO outcomes in individuals with MS. Methods Subjects enrolled in SysteMS completed the computer adaptive testing version of the Neuro-QoL within four weeks of a clinical neurological exam. Neuro-QoL measures included the following 11 health-related quality of life (HRQOL) domains: Ability to participate in Social Roles and Activities, Anxiety, Cognitive Function, Depression, Emotional and Behavioral Dyscontrol, Fatigue, Lower Extremity Function (mobility), Positive Affect and Wellbeing, Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities, Stigma, and Upper Extremity Function (fine motor). Treatments were grouped based on the three main modes of delivery: injectable, oral and infusion. The three treatment groups were compared using linear regression adjusting for two sets of covariates (set 1: age, sex, disease duration and EDSS; set 2: age, sex, disease duration, EDSS and treatment duration). We also compared the individual treatments using linear regression. Results After adjusting for the first set of clinical and demographic features of MS, there was a difference between treatment groups for Upper Extremity Function and Stigma. Subjects using injectable treatments reported better functioning in terms of Upper Extremity Function and Stigma than subjects using infusion treatments. In addition, subjects using injectable treatments reported better Upper Extremity Function than subjects treated with oral DMTs. When all individual treatments were compared, interferon-treated subjects reported significantly better functioning in terms of Stigma than natalizumab treated subjects. When further adjusting for time on treatment, the group differences were attenuated and no longer statistically significant. Conclusion We examined differences between MS treatment groups across a wide range of HRQOL outcomes. The results suggest that overall there are few differences between treatments on the physical, cognitive and emotional dimensions of well-being.
A Comparison of Autofocus Algorithms for Backprojection Synthetic Aperture Radar

In this work, the performance and efficiency of variations of two autofocus algorithms for backprojection algorithm (BPA) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are evaluated and compared through a Monte Carlo simulation. The two considered autofocus algorithms are maximum sharpness autofocus (MSA) and generalized phase gradient autofocus (GPGA). With the Monte Carlo simulation, the root mean squared error (RMSE) and run-time of each autofocus algorithm is evaluated over different transmitter/receiver position errors (i.e., different phase errors), different signal-to-noise ratios, and different SAR scene types. The results demonstrate the trade-off between performance and efficiency among each of the autofocus algorithms and provide useful information to system designers for choosing a BPA SAR autofocus algorithm.
Does High Cybersecurity Capability Lead to Openness in Digital Trade? The Mediation Effect of E-Government Maturity within Cross-border Digital Innovation

Cyber-security risks are bringing new threats to digital trade, the cross-border transactions enabled by digital technologies. Governments are implementing fragmented, in-flux cyber-security policies to regulate digital innovations. Organizations need to understand such a trend to align their global digital strategy. The lack of common understandings of cyber-security within cross-border digital innovations, however, raises an increasing debate about whether and how cyber-security capability building policies can impact digital trade restrictions. To answer this question, this study develops a National Cyber Trade Behavior model to examine the relation between national cyber-security capability and digital trade restrictions. Utilizing the PLS-SEM based path analysis, we draw empirical evidences from 46 countries, which represent more than 80% of international trade in services, to verify the developed model. The results reveal that building cyber-security capability can help to create an open digital trade system, not directly but mediated by E-government maturity. Beyond the theoretical contributions for information systems, digital trade, and e-government discipline, this study develops a governance framework for a secure and open digital trade system, and also supports business to effectively evaluate policy risks to align their global strategy with cross-border digital innovations.
In-School and Out-of-School Suspension: Behavioral and Psychological Outcomes in a Predominately Black Sample of Middle School Students

The use of suspension practices is extremely widespread but few studies have examined the behavioral and psychological outcomes associated with their application. Using a predominantly Black sample...
Clinical and patient-reported outcomes after robot-assisted short-segment lumbar fusion with a minimum 1-year follow-up

Abstract Objective To examine the complications and patient-reported outcomes after robot-assisted short-segment lumbar fusion surgery. Methods We reviewed a consecutive group of adult patients (≥18 years old) with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent a robot-assisted short lumbar fusion (1-, 2-level) between 2017 and 2019. The minimum follow-up was 1-year. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for the outcomes. Results A total of 51 patients underwent a robot-assisted short-segment (1-level: N = 33, 64.7%; 2-level: N = 18, 35.3%) lumbar fusion. The mean age ± standard deviation was 55.4 ± 12.9, and 52.9% of patients were female (N = 27). Intraoperative complications included dural tear (N = 3, 5.9%) and exchange of screws for breach (N = 3, 5.9%). No intraoperative motor/sensory loss was observed in this study sample. The mean length of stay was 2.8 ± 1.6 days. The 1-year readmission and reoperation rates were 11.8% (N = 6) and 7.8% (N = 4), respectively. The reasons for revision surgeries included wound complications requiring irrigation and debridement (N = 3) and disc herniation (N = 1, 2%). Overall, our patients experienced substantial improvements in ODI (MCID%: 6-weeks: 60.1%, 6-month: 78.8%, 1-year: 85.4%, and 2-year: 85.7%). For primary 1-level lumbar fusion, there was a significant reduction of 40 min after the first 20 cases (193 ± 30 min vs. 153 ± 55, p = 0.019). Conclusions The findings of our study on robot-assisted short-segment lumbar fusions demonstrate that comparable outcomes can be achieved with robotic assistance compared to those reported for both free-hand technique and other robotic systems in current literature. Most patients can expect to achieve substantial improvements in their PROs despite complications. Even after the first 20 cases, surgeons might experience a significant reduction in operative time using this robotic system.
Non-Destructive Detection of Asphalt Concrete Stripping Damage using Ground Penetrating Radar:

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive evaluation technique, which has been applied to assess as-built pavement conditions and to evaluate damage and deterioration that develop over ti...
Three New Species of Lauraceae

Three new species of Lauraceae are described and illustrated and their relationships are discussed. One new species, Beilschmiedia vohemarensis van der Werff, is endemic to Madagascar and differs from the similar B. microphylla (Kosterm.) Kosterm. in its type of pubescence and habitat. Licaria monsalveae van der Werff is restricted to the Choco region of Colombia and differs from the similar L. brasiliensis (Nees) Kosterm. in its tomentulose, not appressed pubescence. Ocotea sacculifera van der Werff is only known from Bolivia and differs from all other species of Ocotea Aubl. in its pouchlike domatia.
Wasted seafood in the United States: Quantifying loss from production to consumption and moving toward solutions

Abstract Based on the average level of seafood consumption in the United States (U.S.), the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages citizens to double their intake to improve the health of their diets. The future availability of seafood, however, is threatened by overfishing, unsustainable seafood farming practices, ocean pollution and acidification, and other factors. The growing global population and advancing ecological threats such as climate change are placing increasing demands and constraints on U.S. and global seafood supplies. Waste reduction has the potential to support increased seafood consumption without further stressing aquatic resources. It is essential to quantify waste levels in order to effectively target and design waste reduction interventions. Accordingly, we used previous multi-country regional research and updated datasets to calculate a country-specific (U.S.) estimate of seafood loss for the years 2009–2013. We estimate that 40–47% of the edible U.S. seafood supply went uneaten in this period. The greatest portions of this loss occurred at the levels of consumers (in and out of home) (51–63% of loss attributed to consumption), bycatch discarded by commercial fishers (16–32%), and in distribution and retail operations (13–16%). Based on conservative estimates, this waste represents 208 billion grams of protein, 1.8 trillion mg of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (i.e., omega-3 fatty acids), and 1.1 trillion kilocalories. The seafood that is lost could fill 36% of the gap between current consumption and U.S. Department of Agriculture-recommended levels. As another way of understanding the magnitude of loss, this lost seafood could provide the total yearly target quantity of protein for 10.1 million men or 12.4 million women, EPA + DHA for 20.1 million adults, and calories for 1.5 million adults. The lost nutrition estimates we provide are meant to be illustrative of the issue’s significance and magnitude. While a significant portion of the loss could be prevented or recovered for human consumption, we do not intend to suggest that all of it could or should become food for humans. Bycatch is generally best left in the water; some seafood loss is not culturally acceptable, marketable, nutritious or safe; and a portion of loss is also unavoidable. Instead, we discuss waste prevention strategies involving governments, businesses, and consumers that can be employed to reduce seafood loss and create a more efficient and sustainable seafood system..
The Cost of Regulating Hog Manure Storage Facilities and Land Application Techniques

Much of the recent public concern over Iowa livestock production is focused on hogs, especially on the manner in which hog manure is stored and land applied. This report estimates the financial costs of implementing two regulations regarding the storage and disposition of manure: the first would require that all outside earthen storage basins and anaerobic lagoons be covered; the second would require that manure applied to crop acreage be immediately incorporated into the soil. The report also estimates the possible aggregate impact of the two regulations on the competitiveness of the Iowa hog industry.
General linear systems

This chapter is devoted to the development of linear RFDEs, including the variation-of-constants formula, the formal adjoint of a linear system, and the relationship between the formal adjoint and the true adjoint. For an arbitrary two-point boundary-value problem, it is then shown there is a two-point boundary-value problem for the formal adjoint equation which fulfills the conditions for the usual Fredholm alternative. Also, relationships between various types of stability for linear systems are given.
Compact 160-Gb/s add-drop multiplexing with a 40-Gb/s base-rate

We report on the first 40 Gb/s-based OTDM add-drop multiplexing at 160 Gb/s using electrically driven electroabsorption modulators. Error-free operation for all channels is obtained with an average power penalty of 1 dB.
Adaptive robot design with hand and face tracking for use in autism therapy

This research explores interactive games using hand and face tracking with a robot as a tool for autism therapy. The robot is equipped with a head and two arms, each with two degrees of freedom, and a camera. We trained a classifier to detect human hands and subsequently, used this classifier along with a standard face tracker to create two interactive games. In the first game the robot waits for the child to initiate an interaction by raising one or both hands. In the second game, the robot initiates interactions. These games are designed to increase attention, promote turn-taking skills and encourage child-led verbal and non-verbal communication through simple imitative play. This research makes two specific contributions: (1) We present a low-cost robot design which measures and adapts to a child's actions during interactive games and, (2) we train and test a hand detector, based on Haar-like features, which is usable in various kinds of human-robot interactions.
Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels

One of the characteristics of the central nervous system is the lack of a classical lymphatic drainage system. Although it is now accepted that the central nervous system undergoes constant immune surveillance that takes place within the meningeal compartment, the mechanisms governing the entrance and exit of immune cells from the central nervous system remain poorly understood. In searching for T-cell gateways into and out of the meninges, we discovered functional lymphatic vessels lining the dural sinuses. These structures express all of the molecular hallmarks of lymphatic endothelial cells, are able to carry both fluid and immune cells from the cerebrospinal fluid, and are connected to the deep cervical lymph nodes. The unique location of these vessels may have impeded their discovery to date, thereby contributing to the long-held concept of the absence of lymphatic vasculature in the central nervous system. The discovery of the central nervous system lymphatic system may call for a reassessment of basic assumptions in neuroimmunology and sheds new light on the aetiology of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases associated with immune system dysfunction.
Evolution of turbulence and waves in the solar wind in radius and latitude

Fluctuations of hydromagnetic scale (≥ the ion gyroradius) have long been studied in interplanetary plasma and magnetic field data near the orbit of Earth. These fluctuations have been interpreted variously as hydromagnetic waves and turbulence, and potentially are a key to advancing our understanding of nonlinear phenomena in cosmic and laboratory plasmas. Moreover, it is likely that hydromagnetic waves and/or turbulence are a major factor in the acceleration of the solar wind. Observations near 1 AU have provided considerable insight, but there are a number of unresolved fundamental issues. We review what is known about the evolution of the hydromaqnetic fluctuations with heliocentric distance, and discuss how these observations bear on the questions of the nature and origin of the fluctuations. With the exception of limited and tentative indirect information related to the outer corona, observations to date have been limited to near the ecliptic plane. One of many important advances to be expected from the Ulysses mission is determination of the variation, if any, of intensity and nature of the interplanetary fluctuations with heliographic latitude, which may further elucidate the character of the fluctuations and their role in accelerating the solar wind.
Design rules for the reduction of the influence of material quality on the performance of crystalline silicon solar cells

Design rules are established to maximize efficiency while minimizing the influence of material quality on device efficiency. These design rules are verified using numerical modeling. It is shown that by reducing the back surface recombination velocity, adjusting doping concentration, introducing light-trapping features, and selecting the L/W ratio according to the lowest bulk lifetime in the material, absolute efficiency and efficiency variance may be simultaneously optimized in substrates of varying quality.
Constitutive modeling of the mechanics associated with triple shape memory polymers

Abstract Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that alter their shape in response to external stimuli. Dual-shape SMPs are widely recognized and are characterized by two shapes involved in a typical shape memory cycle. Recently, triple-shape memory polymers (TSMPs) have been introduced that have the ability to remember three shapes. Thermo-sensitive TSMPs can perform two sequential shape changes in response to heat, which were programed previously in a triple-shape creation process (TSCP). TSMPs are technologically significant as their development of has led to emergence of many complex potential applications that cannot be achieved by dual-shape polymers (Zhao et al., 2013). Crystallizable TSMPs are a class of thermo-sensitive TSMPs, where the shape creation is due to formation of crystalline phases. Different TSCPs have been reported which enable to control the triple shape capability of these materials. In this work the mechanical behavior of TSMPs has been modeled using a framework that has been developed recently for studying crystallization in polymers (Rao, 2003; Rao and Rajagopal, 2001, 2002, 2004). The framework has been used successfully to model SMPs (Barot and Rao, 2006; Barot et al., 2008), light activated SMPs (Sodhi and Rao, 2010) and is based upon the theory of multiple natural configurations. The model has been used to simulate a uni-axial deformation cycle for different types of TSCPs and the results have been compared with experimental data.
Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease in a Community Population of Older Persons: Higher Than Previously Reported

Clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease and other dementing illnesses were assessed in a geographically defined US community. Of 3623 persons (80.8% of all community residents over 65 years of age) who had brief memory testing in their homes, a stratified sample of 467 persons underwent neurological, neuropsychological, and laboratory examination. Prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease were calculated for the community population from the sample undergoing clinical evaluation. Of those over the age of 65 years, an estimated 10.3% (95% confidence limits, 8.1% and 12.5%) had probable Alzheimer's disease. This prevalence rate was strongly associated with age. Of those 65 to 74 years old, 3.0% (95% confidence limits, 0.8 and 5.2) had probable Alzheimer's disease, compared with 18.7% (95% confidence limits, 13.2 and 24.2) of those 75 to 84 years old and 47.2% (95% confidence limits, 37.0 and 63.2) of those over 85 years. Other dementing conditions were uncommon. Of community residents with moderate or severe cognitive impairment, 84.1% had clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease as the only probable diagnosis. These data suggest that clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease is a common condition and that its public health impact will continue to increase with increasing longevity of the population. (JAMA. 1989;262:2551-2556)
O(n) matrix multiplication algorithm for hypercube machines

An efficient algorithm for the multiplication of two n × n matrices on a hypercube machine is presented and proved to have computational complexity of O(n).
Subretinal Choroidal Neovascularization in Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy

We studied four eyes of two patients with bilateral birdshot retinochoroidopathy which developed subretinal choroidal neovascular membranes involving the macula. The subretinal choroidal neovascular membranes in our patients developed six months to five years after the onset of the disease. Both patients described decreasing visual acuities at the time when the choroidal neovascular membranes were identified. Adjacent to the classic depigmented areas of birdshot retinochoroidopathy were increased pigmentation, hemorrhage, or fluid indicative of subretinal neovascularization. Fluorescein angiography confirmed the presence and demonstrated the location of these membranes.
VEGF and ALS: the luckiest growth factor?

Converging evidence points to a role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in neuronal protection from hypoxic, ischemic and related forms of injury. Recent findings also suggest a previously unsuspected connection between VEGF and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a major neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. Further investigation of the relationship between VEGF and ALS could provide insight into the pathogenesis of ALS, and facilitate the development of therapeutic approaches for this currently untreatable and fatal crippling disease of motor neurons.
Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Aortic aneurysms are rare in children and are often associated with connective tissue disorders. Because prosthetic valves are problematic in the young, operations that preserve the native aortic valve are attractive. This article describes an operative technique for valve sparing aortic root replacement that is simple and reproducible, and has probvided durable results at mid-term follow-up.
Post-implantation erythema in 3 patients and a review of reticular telangiectatic erythema.

Background. The appearance of erythematous, blanchable patches or plaques overlying an implant suggests possible reticular telangiectatic erythema (RTE). RTE is a benign reactive cutaneous manifestation that can present following the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or intrathecal infusion pump in an otherwise asymptomatic, non-infectious patient. Objective. To demonstrate the variety in clinical presentation of patients presenting with RTE or similar patch test-negative post-implantation erythema. Patients/Materials/Methods. After institutional board approval had been obtained, patient information was obtained from electronic medical record files, which included surgical reports, pathology reports, and notes from outpatient encounters. Results. We report post-implantation erythema following insertion of an elbow prosthesis, a knee prosthesis, and a spinal cord stimulator, which have not previously been cited as aetiologies of RTE. Conclusion. Owing to the delayed onset and variable recovery, RTE remains a diagnostic challenge. RTE should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with erythema over the site of a previously implanted device.
Theoretical studies on cerium nickel aluminides: polar intermetallics with heavy fermion behavior

Abstract The electronic structures of Ce 4 Ni 6 Al 23 , CeNiAl 4 , CeNi 2 Al 5 , CeNiAl and CeNi 4 Al have been calculated using the TB-LMTO-ASA (tight-binding, linear muffin-tin orbital, atomic-spheres approximation) approach to probe relationships between chemical bonding and physical properties in this series of intermetallic compounds. Analysis from crystal orbital Hamilton populations (COHP) reveal that the Al-rich compounds may be considered as “polar intermetallic” because the Fermi level coincides to the separation of bonding and antibonding states of the Ni–Al framework. On the other hand, although the densities of states (DOS) of CeNiAl suggest “polar intermetallic” behavior, the bonding is more complex. Finally, the Ni-rich example, CeNi 4 Al, has significant Ni-3 d character at the Fermi level. The results of these calculations are also discussed in connection with heavy fermion or possible valence fluctuation behavior observed for some of these intermetallic compounds: those showing exceptional properties also exhibit significant “lattice covalency” between Ce and the Ni–Al nets.
Bounding Parameter Estimates with Nonclassical Measurement Error

Abstract The bias introduced by errors in the measurement of independent variables has increasingly been a topic of interest among researchers estimating economic parameters. However, studies typically use the assumption of classical measurement error; that is, the variable of interest and its measurement error are uncorrelated, and the expected value of the mismeasured variable is equal to the expected value of the true measure. These assumptions often arise from convenience rather than conviction. When a variable is bounded, it is likely that the measurement error and the true value of the variable are negatively correlated. We consider the case of a noisily measured variable with a negative covariance between the measurement error and the true value of the variable. We show that, asymptotically, the parameter in a univariate regression is bounded between the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator and an instrumental variables (IV) estimator. Further, we demonstrate that the OLS bound can be improved in...
Influence of Gas Sampling on Analyte Transport within the ICP and Ion Sampling for ICP-MS Studied Using Individual, Isolated Sample Droplets

The effect of gas flow entrainment on the gas sampling, ion sampling, and ion detection processes in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been investigated. Isolated, single droplets of sample from a monodisperse dried microparticulate injector (MDMI) were used in conjunction with time-resolved ICP-MS, photographs of ion cloud movement, and time-gated imaging using a gateable, intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector mounted on an imaging spectrometer. The results indicate that gas flow entrainment into the sampling orifice can have a significant effect on the plasma gas velocities as far as 7 mm from the sampling orifice. The effects are most pronounced within 3 mm of the sampling orifice. The trends in these results are consistent with theoretical calculations. Photographic images show that plasma gas initially as far as 3 mm off axis adopts a curved path into the sampling orifice. Time-resolved emission images of Sr+ ion clouds approaching the sampling orifice demonstrate the entrainment process and significant distortion of the ion cloud as it flows into the sampling orifice. Spatial maps of La+ ICP-MS signals were acquired as a function of distance from the vaporization point and distance from the plasma axis. The results suggest that gas entrainment has a significant effect on the spatial path of ions in the plasma and that accurate radially resolved spatial mapping of plasmas using mass spectrometry may not be possible. The widths of radially resolved La+ ICP-MS signal peaks do not change significantly when ions are sampled 2 mm from the vaporization point compared to 5 mm away. In contrast, ICP-MS signals measured on axis as a function of time clearly show broadening due to diffusion. These observations suggest that some detected ions may have originated from offaxis locations in the plasma.
Critical divergence of the transient response of the charge-density wave near the depinning threshold in K0.3MoO3.

When a charge-density-wave system is prepared in an unpolarized state the transient response to a step current shows a sharp divergence near the threshold for depinning. We interpret this singularity as a phase transition from the ordered pinned phase to the moving state.
Stationary high-field domains as tools to measure field-dependent carrier densities and mobilities in CdS and work functions of blocking contacts

It is shown that stationary high-field domains that occur in the range of negative differential conductivity, can be used to clearly identify field-quenched states in CdS. These are distinguished as cathode- and anode-adjacent domains and permit an unambiguous determination of electron density and mobility as function of the electric field. The anode-adjacent domain permits additional insight into the high-field properties of CdS in a field range that is now stabilized in the pre-breakdown range. Here one finds direct evidence, by using the spectral distribution of the photoconductivity within the domain, of inverting the CdS to p-type either by more complete quenching or by hole injection from the anode. Both types of stationary domains are determined by the work function of blocking contacts and thereby permit a closer analysis of the contact/CdS interface by shifting the space charge region away from the cathode to the bulk-side end of the domain. This allows a more precise determination of the dependence of the work function on the photoconductivity of the adjacent CdS. The field-of-direction (phase portrait) analysis of the time-independent transport and Poisson equations allows a simple classification of the two types of stationary high-field domains relating to the two singular points in the decreasing branch of the current–voltage characteristic. This permits a transparent discussion of the field distribution of these domains that can be directly observed by the Franz–Keldysh effect. Herewith the transition between cathode- to anode-adjacent domains as a function of the applied voltage can be directly followed.
School as a site of student social capital: An exploratory study from Brazil

Abstract The overarching research problem guiding this study is how low-income students develop and experience access to social networks and relational resources within the context of urban education in Brazil's deeply stratified society. The study uses the concepts of social capital as a theorizing lens to examine this research problem. The findings demonstrate that school-facilitated student social capital remains an intrinsically differentiated phenomenon. In particular, access to relational contexts, capacities, and resources for students varies with their individual attributes and familial characteristics. Such a framing provides new analytical markers for integrating a social capital dimension in the discourse of educational quality.
On Corporate Accountability Lead, Asbestos, and Fossil Fuel Lawsuits

This paper examines the use of lawsuits against three industries that were eventually found to be selling products damaging to human heath and the environment: lead paint, asbestos, and fossil fuel...
Peasants and Political Mobilization: Introduction

In the present issue, and the one to follow, Comparative Studies has brought together a set of papers which address themselves, in various ways, to the understanding of how peasants come to take part in political mobilization, and how they are affected by such participation. It is thus the intention of the editors to contribute further to the ongoing discussion, in history and the social sciences, about the nature and characteristics of peasantry. This discussion has a secure and venerable genealogy in continental Europe: relevant names which come to mind are those of the Frenchman Le Play, the German Riehl, and the Russian Vasil'chakov. Something of this rich legacy reached North American sociology through the influence of the Polish sociologist Florian Znaniecki. But in the United States the interest in peasantry remained marginal, until it took root in anthropology, primarily through the efforts of Robert Redfield. Drawing on the legacy of Maine, Durkheim, T6nnies, and of the German-influenced urban sociologists at the University of Chicago, Redfield elaborated the concept of 'the folk society', possessed of a distinctive 'folk culture'. The concept was intended as a first approximation to the understanding of communities in Latin America: initially in Central Mexico, where it was employed to explicate the relations between city-wise correctos and rurally oriented tontos ('dumbheads') in the municipality of Tepoztlan, and later in Yucatan. The years after the conclusion of World War II initiated a major debate over the utility of Redfield's conceptions. As anthropologists and others began to explore peasant life in areas outside Middle America, the many different rural populations encountered could not be brought easily within the range of one overarching concept such as 'folk culture': there were simply too many kinds of rural folk to permit such generalization. At the same time, there was a shift away from the study of communities, away from concern with the social and cultural concomitants of life lived in closely-knit, face-to-face networks of relations, towards an interest in the larger involvements of rural folk with the market, with the state, with wide-ranging systems of ideological communication. The entry of rural
Age‐ and sex‐specific differences in the factor of risk for vertebral fracture: a population‐based study using QCT

We used QCT scans obtained in 687 men and women, 21–97 years of age, to estimate the factor of risk for vertebral fracture, Φvert, defined as the ratio of spinal loading to vertebral strength. With age, vertebral strength declined and Φvert increased significantly more in women than men. Age- and sex-specific differences in Φvert closely resembled previously reported vertebral fracture incidence. Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of vertebral fractures, little is known about the interaction between spinal loading and vertebral fragility. Materials and Methods: We assessed the ratio of spinal loading to vertebral strength (i.e., the factor of risk, Φvert) in an age- and sex-stratified population-based sample of 700 women and men 21–97 years of age. We measured volumetric BMD (vBMD, mg/cm3) and cross-sectional area (CSA, cm2) of the midvertebral bodies of L1–L3 using QCT and computed vertebral compressive strength from these data using engineering beam theory. A biomechanical model of the trunk was used to estimate compressive forces applied to the L3 vertebral body during standing, bending forward, and bending forward while lifting 10 kg. The factor of risk for fracture, Φvert, was computed as the ratio of spinal compressive force to vertebral strength for each activity. Results: Men had a higher vertebral strength at all ages, largely because of their greater CSA. Whereas both sexes exhibited a marked decline in vertebral compressive strength with age (p < 0.001), the decline was greater in women than men (−43% versus −31%, p = 0.008). Compressive forces on L3 were greater in men than women, because of their greater body weight and height. For both sexes, forces during bending and lifting were 8-fold higher than those experienced during upright standing. For all activities, Φvert increased with age, but significantly more so in women than men (p < 0.001). For bending and lifting, Φvert-bending exceeded 1.0 in 30% of women and 12% of men ≥50 years of age, values that are similar to the reported frequency of vertebral fracture. Conclusion: These findings illustrate potential mechanisms underlying vertebral fractures and provide strong rationale for further evaluation of this QCT-based biomechanical approach for assessment of fracture risk.
Remembering Alexander Brunschwig, MD (1901–1969)

To capsulize Alexander Brunschwig is impossible. But it is my honor to try. This is the photo he gave me when I was at Memorial 44 years ago (Fig. 1). Fasten your seatbelts for a 30 minute sprint through the science, the legend, and some stories of this giant. And also a little about the medical era that nurtured him. It is a remarkable coincidence that my father was also born in 1901...and almost surreal that his birth date is today, March 8th. So today I publicly and privately honor two giants; two great mentors in my life, Dr. Brunschwig and my father. Happy Birthday, Dad! Alexander Brunschwig was born in El Paso, of immigrant parents from the Alsace Lorraine area. They gave him little in the way of material things but gifted him with a superb intellect (Table 1). He graduated from medical school with honors, and as a student, received a National Institutes of Health grant and made several significant contributions. As a resident in pathology, his interest in oncology became focused. This was subsequently intensified by the early death of his greatly admired father from pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, his work at the University of Chicago focused primarily on the surgical management of cancer. This is reflected in most of his contributions in scientific publications. He authored 4 books, 40 book chapters, and 420 papers. However, his research interests and publications reflected diverse areas of inquiry and scientific scholarship (Table 2). He was honored by many foreign governments and medical societies (Table 3). He was also a Founding Member of the American Board of Surgery and he fought his entire career for formal training and certification of surgical oncology in all disciplines. His first book, The Roentgen-Ray Diagnosis of Diseases of the Bones and Joints, was a co-authorship [1]. His contributions focused on bone and soft tissue injuries secondary to radiation
Specific detection of Stachybotrys chartarum in pure culture using quantitative polymerase chain reaction

Research was conducted with laboratory cultures to establish a protocol for the rapid detection and quantitation of the toxigenic fungus Stachybotrys chartarum by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequences for the 18 S rRNA gene of S. chartarum were obtained from GenBank and compared against all other available sequences on-line with the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). Two sets of TaqMan primers and one fluorescently labelled probe were designed and tested for selectivity, specificity and sensitivity of detection. A fluorogenic nuclease assay in conjunction with a sequence detector were used for the amplification and quantitation of S. chartarum. The primers designed amplified all S. chartarum isolates tested and did not amplify DNA extracted from other Stachybotrys species or 15 other fungal genera. The primer set selected had a sensitivity of <23 template copies. Many S. chartarum samples were initially negative after PCR amplification. Incorporation of an internal positive control in the PCR reaction demonstrated the presence of inhibitors in these samples. PCR inhibitors were removed by dilution or further purification of the DNA samples. The results of this research report on a quantitative PCR (QPCR) method for detection and quantitation of S. chartarum and demonstrate the presence of PCR inhibitors in some S. chartarum isolates.
Forest Fire Management Supporting by UAV Based Air Reconnaissance Results of Szendro Fire Department, Hungary

Szendro Fire Department is located in the northeastern part of Hungary. The main task is to fight against wildfire and mitigate the impact of fire at the Aggtelck National Park - which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage list. In 2004 the Fire Department started a project named Integrated Vegetation Fire Management (IVFM). The IVFM consist of two main parts: Peripheries and Modules. The Dynamic Decision Support System belongs to the Modules, which is based on a special unmanned aerial vehicle named robot reconnaissance aircraft (UAV-RRA). The Decision Support System is based on remote sensing. Szendro Fire Department made last years some real fire experiment supporting the reconnaissance by UAVs. The results strong it this tool can be very useful and effective in the future.
A Global Survey of International Business Education in the 1990s

This article presents the major findings of the fifth global curriculum survey of the Academy of International Business (AIB)—an examination of the status and trends in international business education around the world as of the early 1990s. The survey's findings, based on responses from more than 500 business schools, encompass different goals and methods of internationalization, international linkages and experiential activities, organizational issues, amounts of internationalization progress achieved, and degrees of administrative satisfaction with progress achieved. The overall conclusion is that considerable progress has been made, but much more remains to be accomplished.