cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of wood-dust aerosol size-distributions collected by air samplers

A method has been described previously for determining particle size distributions in the inhalable size range collected by personal samplers for wood dust. In this method, the particles collected by a sampler are removed, suspended, and re-deposited on a mixed cellulose-ester filter, and examined by optical microscopy to determine particle aerodynamic diameters. This method is particularly appropriate to wood-dust particles which are generally large and close to rectangular prisms in shape. The method was used to investigate the differences in total mass found previously in studies of side-by-side sample collection with different sampler types. Over 200 wood-dust samples were collected in three different wood-products industries, using the traditional 37 mm closed-face polystyrene/acrylonitrile cassette (CFC), the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable sampler, and the Button sampler developed by the University of Cincinnati. Total mass concentration results from the samplers were found to be in approximately the same ratio as those from traditional long-term gravimetric samples, but about an order of magnitude higher. Investigation of the size distributions revealed several differences between the samplers. The wood dust particulate mass appears to be concentrated in the range 10–70 aerodynamic equivalent diameter (AED), but with a substantial mass contribution from particles larger than 100 µm AED in a significant number of samples. These ultra-large particles were found in 65% of the IOM samples, 42% of the CFC samples and 32% of the Button samples. Where present, particles of this size range dominated the total mass collected, contributing an average 53% (range 10–95%). However, significant differences were still found after removal of the ultra-large particles. In general, the IOM and CFC samplers appeared to operate in accordance with previous laboratory studies, such that they both collected similar quantities of particles at the smaller diameters, up to about 30–40 µm AED, after which the CFC collection efficiency was reduced dramatically compared to the IOM. The Button sampler collected significantly less than the IOM at particle sizes between 10.1 and 50 µm AED. The collection efficiency of the Button sampler was significantly different from that of the CFC for particle sizes between 10.1 and 40 µm AED, and the total mass concentration given by the Button sampler was significantly less than that given by the CFC, even in the absence of ultra-large particles. The results are consistent with some relevant laboratory studies.
Lethality of opioid and antihistaminic combinations in mice.

Abstract The lethality of morphine (37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg) and tripelennamine (10, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg), given alone and in combination, was evaluated in mice housed in groups of 16. When given alone, neither drug produced death at any dose. Combining the drugs produced supra-additive effects: some deaths occurred at all combination doses. The lethality of pentazocine (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) and diphenhydramine (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg), given alone and in combination, also was evaluated. Neither drug alone produced death at any dose. Supra-additive effects were observed when the drugs were combined. These results are similar to earlier findings concerning the lethality of combinations of pentazocine and triplennamine.
Using distribution automation for a self-healing grid

One of the principal characteristics of the modern grid identified by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in its 2007 report to the US Department of Energy is “self healing”. That is, “The modern grid will perform continuous self-assessments to detect, analyze, respond to, and as needed, restore grid components or network sections”. (Reference: “The NETL Modern Grid Initiative - Powering our 21st-Century Economy - Modern Grid Benefits”; National Energy Technology Laboratory; August 2007.). Distribution Automation (DA) is able to assist in achieving this objective through the use of computer and communication technology, advanced software, and remotely operable high voltage switchgear. The Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) application can improve reliability dramatically without compromising safety and asset protection. This article briefly describes the FLISR function, provides information on the major trends of the day and issues that need to be resolved, and suggests where the industry should go from here‥
The variability of practice in interviews used by professionals to investigate child sexual abuse.

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to examine: (1) the variability of interview practice among professionals who interview children to investigate suspected sexual abuse; (2) the relationship between interview practice and respondent characteristics; (3) the characteristics of interviewers who used the anatomically correct dolls in the course of their interviews. Method: Sixty investigatory interviewers completed questionnaires focusing on professional background, training, and interview practice. Results: Interview practice varied considerably and some practices were at odds with the recommendations of the literature. Most of this variability was not accounted for by the respondent variables examined. Where there was evidence for an association, the interviewers’ professional background, number of interviews conducted in the previous year, and whether or not they used the anatomically correct dolls appeared to influence practice, whereas general training and specific training in child sexual abuse had no significant effect. Only a minority (36%) used the anatomically correct dolls and none of the interviewer characteristics evaluated differentiated them from non doll-users. Conclusions: In this sample interview practices varied considerably and did not appear to be influenced by the interviewer’s specific or general training. Further research is needed to focus on the comparative effectiveness of different interview techniques and the comparative effectiveness of different training programs in influencing interviewing practice.
Transient effectiveness characteristics of cross flow heat exchangers in data center cooling systems

Heat exchangers are important facilities used in data center cooling systems. The effectiveness of the heat exchangers strongly influences the thermal performance of the cooling systems. Rear door heat exchangers, in-row, overhead coolers and fully contained cabinets are some examples of executing liquid and hybrid cooling systems used in data centers. A liquid to liquid heat exchanger is an important component of the Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), which supplies chilled water to the heat exchangers mentioned above. Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units are also typically liquid to air cross flow heat exchangers. It is important to characterize the dynamic behavior of these heat exchangers for the thermal management of data centers, in order to improve the design of control strategies and energy efficiency. In this paper, the transient response of a two dimensional unmixed-unmixed cross flow heat exchanger is investigated. The transient effectiveness concept is used to build the mathematical models which will be used to solve and analyze the transient problems of cross flow heat exchangers. Numerical solutions for solving the mathematical model and capturing the transient effectiveness characteristics are developed. The solution accuracy is tested by comparison with several published analytical and analog solutions. An experimental study of the effectiveness of an IBM rear door heat exchanger is used to develop the heat exchanger models and to verify the effectiveness of the numerical solution at the same time. Several transient cases are investigated numerically for step, ramp and exponential variations in the inlet temperature of the minimum capacity rate fluid. The transient effectiveness characteristics are tested in parametric studies. The results obtained show that transient effectiveness is a useful method in analyzing and predicting the dynamic performance of heat exchangers.
On biases in assessing replicability, statistical consistency and publication bias

Abstract Methodology described by Francis in “Replication, Statistical Consistency and Publication Bias” is examined in the context of its application to the Topolinski and Sparenberg (2012) article. Several biases are discovered in this analysis, including selection biases in the reporting of p -values from the Topolinski and Sparenberg article, as well as in the criteria that were used in the selection of this article. General concerns regarding the replicability of scientific studies based on significance tests conducted at the 5% level of significance are also described.
A molecule with small rotational constants containing an atom with a large nuclear quadrupole moment: The microwave spectrum of trans-1-iodoperfluoropropane

Abstract Using pulsed jet chirped-pulse, and cavity-based Fourier transform microwave spectroscopies over 900 transitions have been recorded for the title molecule in the 1–4 GHz and 8–18 GHz regions. The C 1 , C 2 and C 3 carbon-13 species have been observed in natural abundance allowing a substitution structure for the CCC backbone to be determined. Nearly all the transitions observed were either a -type R branches or b -type Q branches. No c -type transitions were observed consistent with only the trans conformer being present under our experimental conditions. The χ aa , χ bb , χ cc and χ ab components of the iodine nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor have been determined. Of note, several forbidden, Δ J ± 2 transitions, and one Δ J ± 3 transition were observed with quite reasonable intensity. These observations have been rationalized through considerations of near degeneracies between energy levels connected via a large χ ab value (≈1 GHz).
Designing inhibitors of anthrax toxin

Introduction: Present-day rational drug design approaches are based on exploiting unique features of the target biomolecules, small- or macromolecule drug candidates and physical forces that govern their interactions. The 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded ‘for the development of multiscale models for complex chemical systems’ once again demonstrated the importance of the tailored drug discovery that reduces the role of the trial-and-error approach to a minimum. The intentional dissemination of Bacillus anthracis spores in 2001 via the so-called anthrax letters has led to increased efforts, politically and scientifically, to develop medical countermeasures that will protect people from the threat of anthrax bioterrorism. Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the recent rational drug design approaches for discovering inhibitors of anthrax toxin. The review also directs the readers to the vast literature on the recognized advances and future possibilities in the field. Expert opinion: Exist...
Initial-state, mean-free-path, and skin-depth dependence of attosecond time-resolved IR-streaked XUV photoemission from single-crystalline magnesium

We analyze the dependence of attosecond streaked photoelectron spectra and photoemission time delays from valence band (VB) and 2$p$ core-level (CL) states of a single-crystalline Mg(0001) thin film on the (i) modeling of the substrate electronic structure, (ii) electron mean free path (MFP), (iii) screening of the near-infrared (NIR) streaking laser field, and (iv) chirp of the attosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulse. Our quantum-mechanical numerical simulations predict streaked photoemission spectra that depend sensitively on the XUV chirp and weakly on the screening of the streaking laser field by the substrate. They furthermore show that streaking time delays for VB emission are relatively insensitive to the modeling of the initial quantum states, electron MFP, and NIR skin depth of the Mg substrate, in contrast to the stronger dependence of streaking time delays for 2$p$ CL emission on these factors.
Transcriptional Regulation of Interleukin-1β Gene by Interleukin-1β Itself Is Mediated in Part by Oct-1 in Thymic Stromal Cells

Interleukin (IL)-1 is involved in many processes, including thymic development. However, control of IL-1 expression in thymic-derived stromal cells (TSC) has not been reported. We found that IL-1beta increased steady-state mRNA levels for IL-1alpha and IL-1beta in TSC-936 and TSC-2C4 cells; stability was not a major determinant of this effect. To study transcriptional regulation of IL-1beta, we functionally characterized 4 kilobase pairs of the 5'-flanking region and first intron of the bovine IL-1beta gene. The -470/+14 fragment was sufficient to confer maximal responsiveness to IL-1beta upon transfection into these cell lines. Progressive 5' deletions identified several IL-1beta-responsive regions, including -308 to -226, which we further characterized. Electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift analyses showed that IL-1beta induced the ability to form multiple protein complexes with -261/-226 and that one of these contained nuclear factor Oct-1. A competitor containing a mutated Oct consensus site failed to compete not only for this complex but others as well, suggesting that this sequence regulates binding of other proteins to this region. Functional analysis confirmed that this element was essential for maximal induction of transcription. These findings document a heretofore undescribed mechanism utilized by TSC for regulation of IL-1beta transcription by IL-1beta itself.
Adducts of trimethylaluminium with phosphine ligands: X-ray crystal structures of Me3AlPPh3 and Me3AlP(o-tolyl)3

Abstract The crystal and molecular structures of two phosphine adducts of trimethylaluminium are reported. Compound 1, Me3AlPPh3, crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R3(obv), a = b = 14.344(4), c = 16.503(7) A, V = 2944(2) A3, Z = 6, R = 0.0436, Rw = 0.0532. Compound 2, Me3AlP(o-tolyl)3, crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R3C, a = b = 14.978(1), c = 34.195(5) A, V = 6643(1) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.0574, Rw = 0.0601. Structural features are discussed with reference to the 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopic data.
Visual Detection of Labeled Oligonucleotides Using Visible-Light-Polymerization-Based Amplification

DNA biochip technology holds potential for highly parallel, rapid, and sensitive genetic diagnostic screening of target pathogens and disease biomarkers. A primary limitation involves a simultaneous, sequence-specific identification of low copy number target polynucleotides using a clinically appropriate detection methodology that implements only inexpensive detection instrumentation. Here, a rapid (20 min), nonenzymatic method of signal amplification utilizing surface-initiated photopolymerization is presented in glass microarray format. Visible light photoinitiators covalently coupled to streptavidin were used to bind biotin-labeled capture sequences. Amplification was achieved through subsequent contact with a monomer solution and the appropriate light exposure to generate 20-240-nm-thick hydrogel layers exclusively from spots containing the biotin-labeled DNA. An amplification factor of 10(6) to 10(7) was observed as well as a detectable response generated from as low as approximately 10(4) labeled oligonucleotides using minimal instrumentation, such as an optical microscope or CCD camera.
Current overshoot during set and reset operations of resistive switching memories

Low switching current is required for low-power operation of resistive switching memories. Current overshoot during set switching is caused by parasitic capacitance, which may be minimized by effective switching control and reduction of parasitic effects. A different form of current overshoot is also observed during reset switching, where devices go through a transient resistance-reduction process before the reset switching occurs. Reset current overshoot increases actual reset power. Current overshoot has significant impact on the reliability and switching power of resistive switching memories.
Food allergy: Insights into etiology, prevention, and treatment provided by murine models

Food allergy is a rapidly growing public health concern because of its increasing prevalence and life-threatening potential. Animal models of food allergy have emerged as a tool for identifying mechanisms involved in the development of sensitization to normally harmless food allergens, as well as delineating the critical immune components of the effector phase of allergic reactions to food. However, the role animal models might play in understanding human diseases remains contentious. This review summarizes how animal models have provided insights into the etiology of human food allergy, experimental corroboration for epidemiologic findings that might facilitate prevention strategies, and validation for the utility of new therapies for food allergy. Improved understanding of food allergy from the study of animal models together with human studies is likely to contribute to the development of novel strategies to prevent and treat food allergy.
Toward a model of issue-selling by subsidiary managers in multinational organizations

In multinational organizations, local market responsiveness is critical to the development of effective strategies. This responsiveness is expected to occur in part as the result of upward influence from local subsidiary managers, who represent the local culture and shift relevant priorities accordingly. Issue-selling – defined as directing top management's attention to particular issues and helping them understand such issues – is one important way in which subsidiary managers pursue upward influence. The purpose of this paper is to help multinational organizations better facilitate and exploit potentially valuable input from local subsidiary managers. To do so, we propose an acculturated view of issue-selling. More specifically, we argue that subsidiary managers socialized by different national cultures vary: (1) in the extent to which their intention to sell issues is influenced by various contextual cues; and (2) in their choice of selling strategies. These theoretical differences suggest that local subsidiary managers from different cultures will differ in the way they approach issue-selling and, in turn, in the way they influence the strategy-making process. The discussion traces the implications of this line of reasoning for future research on the influence of local subsidiary managers and, more generally, for research on the cultural embeddedness of the strategy process.
Infantile Hemangiomas of the Head and Neck

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are benign vascular tumors. Clinical history and physical examination are the most important factors for diagnosis, with most IHs having a typical presentation. Treatment is required for some IHs that cause significant cosmetic deformity or functional compromise. Propranolol is the first-line treatment of most IHs. Ongoing research is increasing our understanding of the pathophysiology of these tumors and should help to identify future potential therapeutic targets.
Perforated Diode Fabrication for Neutron Detection

Excessive leakage current in perforated pin diodes was identified and addressed through simple changes in processing techniques. The first pulse height spectra from a perforated diode operated as a radiation detector is reported. Also, methods to load 6LiF neutron absorbing material into deep perforations are reported.
Amyloglucosidase enzymatic reactivity inside lipid vesicles

Efficient functioning of enzymes inside liposomes would open new avenues for applications in biocatalysis and bioanalytical tools. In this study, the entrapment of amyloglucosidase (AMG) (EC 3.2.1.3) from Aspergillus niger into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) was investigated. Negative-stain, freeze-fracture, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy images verified vesicle formation in the presence of AMG. Vesicles with entrapped AMG were isolated from the solution by centrifugation, and vesicle lamellarity was identified using fluorescence laser confocal microscopy. The kinetics of starch hydrolysis by AMG was modeled for two different systems, free enzyme in aqueous solution and entrapped enzyme within vesicles in aqueous suspension. For the free enzyme system, intrinsic kinetics were described by a Michaelis-Menten kinetic model with product inhibition. The kinetic constants, Vmax and Km, were determined by initial velocity measurements, and Ki was obtained by fitting the model to experimental data of glucose concentration-time curves. Predicted concentration-time curves using these kinetic constants were in good agreement with experimental measurements. In the case of the vesicles, the time-dependence of product (glucose) formation was experimentally determined and simulated by considering the kinetic behavior of the enzyme and the permeation of substrate into the vesicle. Experimental results demonstrated that entrapped enzymes were much more stable than free enyzme. The entrapped enzyme could be recycled with retention of 60% activity after 3 cycles. These methodologies can be useful in evaluating other liposomal catalysis operations.
Porous Alumina Coating with Tailored Fracture Resistance for Alumina Composites

A porous Al2O3 coating for Al2O3 composites was prepared by aerosol-spray deposition of submicrometer-sized Al2O3 powder. A model composite specimen was hot-pressed to change the coating's porosity and, thereby, change the interphase fracture resistance. The mixed-mode fracture resistance of the interphase ranged from 0.5 to 14.8 J/m2. The interphase fracture was characterized using electron and acoustic microscopy. Finite-element analysis (FEA) showed that the testing method possessed a short transient behavior and was immune to asymmetrical cracks. This approach provided a fundamental investigation of the relationships among interphase microstructure, processing, and fracture resistance. The results also provided a detailed test of the He-Hutchinson criterion for crack deflection.
Comparative Genomics and Diversifying Selection of the Clustered Vertebrate Protocadherin Genes

To explain the mechanism for specifying diverse neuronal connections in the brain, Sperry proposed that individual cells carry chemoaffinity tags on their surfaces. The enormous complexity of these connections requires a tremendous diversity of cell-surface proteins. A large number of neural transmembrane protocadherin (Pcdh) proteins is encoded by three closely linked human and mouse gene clusters (α, β, and γ). To gain insight into Pcdh evolution, I performed comprehensive comparative cDNA and genomic DNA analyses for the three clusters in the chimpanzee, rat, and zebrafish genomes. I found that there are species-specific duplications in vertebrate Pcdh genes and that additional diversity is generated through alternative splicing within the zebrafish “variable” and “constant” regions. Moreover, different codons (sites) in the mammalian Pcdh ectodomains (ECs) are under diversifying selection, with some under diversity-enhancing positive Darwinian selection and others, including calcium-binding sites, under strong purifying selection. Interestingly, almost all positively selected codon positions are located on the surface of ECs 2 and 3. These diversified residues likely play an important role in combinatorial interactions of Pcdh proteins, which could provide the staggering diversity required for neuronal connections in the brain. These results also suggest that adaptive selection is an additional evolutionary factor for increasing Pcdh diversity.
A computational model of learned avoidance behavior in a one-way avoidance experiment

We present a computational model of learned avoidance behavior in a one-way avoidance experiment. Our model employs the reinforcement learning paradigm and a temporal-difference algorithm to implement both classically conditioned and instrumentally conditioned components. The role of the classically conditioned component is to develop an expectation of future benefit that is a function of the learning system's state and action. Competition among the instrumentally conditioned components determines the overt behavior generated by the learning system. Our model displays, in simulation, the reduced latency of the avoidance behavior during learning with continuing trials and the resistance to extinction of the avoidance response. These results are consistent with experimentally observed animal behavior. Our model extends the traditional two-process learning mechanism of Mowrer by explicitly defining the mechanisms of proprioceptive feedback, an internal clock, and generalization over the action space.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Serovar O3:K6 as Cause of Unusually High Incidence of Food-Borne Disease Outbreaks in Taiwan from 1996 to 1999

The occurrence of food-borne disease outbreaks in Taiwan increased dramatically in 1996, and the incidence has since remained elevated. This increase in outbreaks is correlated with a high rate of isolation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which caused between 61 and 71% of the total outbreaks for the period 1996 to 1999. By serotyping, 40 serovars were identified from 3743 V. parahaemolyticus isolates, of which O3:K6 was the most frequently detected. The O3:K6 serovar could have emerged in Taiwan as early as October 1995 and at that time accounted for only 0.6% of the V. parahaemolyticus infections. This level increased suddenly to 50.1% in 1996 and reached a peak (83.8%) in 1997. Comparison of the outbreak profiles for the etiology groups indicates that the high incidence of food-borne disease outbreaks during 1996 to 1999 can be attributed to the extraordinarily high O3:K6 infections. In 1999, the O3:K6 serovar was still prevalent, and accounted for 61.3% of all V. parahaemolyticus infections. Due to its extraordinarily high infection frequency and its capability to spread globally, this organism needs to be intensively monitored internationally.
Fibromuscular dysplasia: multiple "spontaneous" dissecting aneurysms of the major cervical arteries.

A patient presented clinically with acute bilateral carotid artery thrombosis and at autopsy had fresh dissecting aneurysms of all four major cervical arteries. The underlying vascular disorder was fibromuscular dysplasia. It is suggested that relatively minor injury to vessels already pathologically involved contributed to the multiple dissecting aneurysms in this patient.
Management and recurrence patterns of desmoids tumors: A multi-institutional analysis of 211 patients

Background Desmoid tumors are rare soft-tissue neoplasms with limited data on their management. We sought to determine the rates of recurrence following surgery for desmoid tumors and identify factors predictive of disease-free survival.
Law and the physician: A practical guide

Law and the physician: A practical guide, Richards, III, E.P. & Rathbun, K.C. (Little, Brown, and Co., Boston, Massachusetts, 1993), 571 pages, $35.00.
Adsorption in Sparse Networks: I. Cylinder Model☆

Abstract Materials with very low density, such as aerogels, are networks with polymers or chains of particles joined at nodes, where the spacing of the nodes is large compared to the thickness of the chains. In such a material, most of the solid surface has positive curvature, so condensation of an adsorbate is more difficult than condensation in a body containing cavities whose surfaces have negative curvature. A model is presented in which the network is represented by straight cylinders joined at nodes with coordination numbers 4, 6, or 12. The shape of the adsorbate/adsorptive interface is obtained for each network by minimizing its surface area. The adsorption behavior is found to depend on the ratio of the node separation, l , to the radius of the cylinders, a : if l / a exceeds a critical value (which depends on the coordination of the node), then the curvature of the adsorbate/adsorptive interface approaches zero while the adsorbate occupies a small fraction of the pore volume; if l / a is less than the critical value, then condensation occurs. Even in the latter case, interpretation of the adsorption isotherm in terms of cylindrical pores (as in the BJH model) yields apparent pore sizes much greater than the actual spacing of the nodes. In a companion paper ( J. Colloid Interface Sci. 202, 412 (1998).) this model is applied to silica aerogels and found to give a good fit to both the adsorption and desorption curves with a single distribution of node spacings.
Energy Content and Alternative Jet Fuel Viability

This paper examines the chemical composition and energy content of several fuel options that could hypothetically be used with the existing fleet of aircraft. Fuel specific energy (energy per unit mass) is an important consideration in determining alternative-fuel viability, because aircraft must travel fixed distances before refueling. Since most aircraft fly with excess tank capacity, fuel energy density (energy per unit volume) is of secondary concern relative to specific energy. A first-order approach using the Breguet-range equation shows that the fleet-wide use of pure synthetic paraffinic kerosene fuels, such as those created from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or hydroprocessing of renewable oil sources, could reduce aircraft energy consumption by 0.3%. Conversely, fuels with reduced specific energy, such as fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel and biokerosene) and alcohols, will result in increased fuel volume usage and also a decrease in fleet-wide energy efficiency. No penalty in energy efficiency would occur were these fuels used in ground transportation; thus, fatty acid methyl esters and alcohols are better suited to use in ground-based applications.
Sex Differences in the Brain: Plasticity and Constraints. Focus on “Androgen-Induced Vocal Transformation in Adult Female African Clawed Frogs”

One of the fundamental questions in neuroscience is How does variation in the nervous system give rise to variation in behavior? The study of sex differences can be a powerful way to address this question because it enables comparison of divergent neural specializations within a species. The origin
Fast retreat of Zachariæ Isstrøm, northeast Greenland

After 8 years of decay of its ice shelf, Zachariae Isstrom, a major glacier of northeast Greenland that holds a 0.5-meter sea-level rise equivalent, entered a phase of accelerated retreat in fall 2012. The acceleration rate of its ice velocity tripled, melting of its residual ice shelf and thinning of its grounded portion doubled, and calving is now occurring at its grounding line. Warmer air and ocean temperatures have caused the glacier to detach from a stabilizing sill and retreat rapidly along a downward-sloping, marine-based bed. Its equal-ice-volume neighbor, Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden, is also melting rapidly but retreating slowly along an upward-sloping bed. The destabilization of this marine-based sector will increase sea-level rise from the Greenland Ice Sheet for decades to come.
Health and Risk Behaviors of Urban Adolescent Males Involved in Pregnancy

A growing number of researchers have focused attention on the social characteristics and health-jeopardizing behaviors of teenage fathers over the past decade. The authors expand the scope of such ...
Reduced Right Ventricular Function Predicts Long-Term Cardiac Re-Hospitalization after Cardiac Surgery.

Background The significance of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), independent of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve procedures remains unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the significance of abnormal RVEF by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), independent of LVEF in predicting outcomes of patients undergoing isolated CABG and valve surgery.
Pilot study of modafinil for treatment of neurobehavioral dysfunction and fatigue in adult patients with brain tumors

1503 Background: Patients with brain cancer develop neurobehavioral dysfunction and fatigue that compromise their performance of daily activities. We report results from evaluating the efficacy and...
Representing Confidence in Assurance Case Evidence

When evaluating assurance cases, being able to capture the confidence one has in the individual evidence nodes is crucial, as these values form the foundation for determining the confidence one has in the assurance case as a whole. Human opinions are subjective, oftentimes with uncertainty—it is difficult to capture an opinion with a single probability value. Thus, we believe that a distribution best captures a human opinion such as confidence. Previous work used a doubly-truncated normal distribution or a Dempster-Shafer theory-based belief mass to represent confidence in the evidence nodes, but we argue that a beta distribution is more appropriate. The beta distribution models a variety of shapes and we believe it provides an intuitive way to represent confidence. Furthermore, there exists a duality between the beta distribution and subjective logic, which can be exploited to simplify mathematical calculations. This paper is the first to apply this duality to assurance cases.
Design Tradeoffs and Predistortion of Digital Cartesian RF-Power-DAC Transmitters

Digital RF transmitter architectures offer several advantages over conventional analog transmitters, including reduced area, reconfigurability, compatibility with scaling, and the ability to use highly efficient switching-class power amplifiers (PAs). However, the nonlinear transfer functions from the switch conductance to the output RF amplitude and phase of these switching-class PAs and the inherent interaction between I and Q paths in digital Cartesian architectures necessitate the use of 2-D digital predistortion (2D-DPD) for linearization. In this brief, we discuss the 2D-DPD of a class $E/F_{\mathrm{odd}}$ PA-based Cartesian RF-power-digital to analog converter (DAC) transmitter. The effects of parameters associated with the 2D-DPD such as the rotation of the static nonlinearity constellation, size of predistortion look-up tables (LUTs), and interpolation technique on system performance metrics such as error vector magnitude (EVM) and output power are discussed. We also investigate design tradeoffs related to output power, efficiency, and the effective number of bits in such transmitters. This brief is supported by measurement results from a watt-level 2.4-GHz 9-b Cartesian RF-power-DAC transmitter implemented in 65-nm CMOS.
Geographical Distribution of Acrasieae

The frequency of occurrence of Acrasieae was determined in 28 temperate and tropical countries on five continents. Twenty-nine different cellular slime molds, including five new to science, were is...
Randomized and open control study for amisulpride and ziprasidone in treatment of schizophrenia

Objective: To compare efficacy and adverse reactions of amisulpride and ziprasidone in treatment of schizophrenia.Methods: 78 adult cases of schizophrenia meeting the diagnostic criteria were randomly assigned to amisulpride group(n = 38)(orally taking amisulpride for 8 weeks) and ziprasidone group(n = 40)(orally taking ziprasidone for 8 weeks).The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated with PANSS and TESS before and 2,4,and 8 weeks after the treatment.Results: After the treatment,the scores of PANSS in both groups decreased significantly compared with the baseline(P 0.05).Both group had fewer adverse reactions.Conclusions: Amisulpride and ziprasidone are safe and effective in the treatment of schizophrenia,however,amisulpride is better than ziprasidone for treating depress symptoms.
Finite element method comparison of murine mandibular form differences.

The differences of adult female murine mandibular form between two inbred strains of mice (BALB/cBy and C57BL/6By) were analyzed by use of the finite element method (FEM). In the present instance, this method overcomes the conceptual and methodologic constraints of both craniometry and roentgenographic cephalometry by providing two-dimensional, reference-frame-invariant, independent comparisons of the size, shape, and location of the point continua enclosed within the boundaries for each local, finite element into which the mandible was discretized. At the present scale of observation, it is suggested that the FEM kinematic descriptions of form comparisons can be correlated with dynamic interpretations offered by the functional matrix hypothesis, i.e., that certain discrete, causal relationships exist between the continuum form of single elements and the form, or function, of anatomic structures associated with these elements. It is concluded that, in addition to its previously demonstrated use in the analysis of growth, the finite element method seems well suited for comparisons of form.
Heparin Inhibition of Increased Bacterial Adherence Following Overdistension, Ischemia and Partial Outlet Obstruction of the Rabbit Urinary Bladder

AbstractWhile it is well established clinically that urinary tract infection in the presence of outflow obstruction may be associated with difficulty in eradicating bacteria, it is not clear whether this is secondary to the presence of residual urine volume or other local effects of the obstruction such as attenuation of the intrinsic antibacterial defense mechanisms of the mucosal surface. Experiments in our laboratory and others over the past several years have demonstrated that the primary antibacterial defense mechanism of the bladder is the antiadherence effect of the bladder surface mucin layer. Additional studies have shown that heparin can duplicate this antiadherence activity of bladder mucin. The present report demonstrates that one hour of overdistension or ischemia and one week of partial outlet obstruction cause a functional defect in the intrinsic antiadherence effect of the bladder mucosa as evidenced by increased bacterial adherence. This defect can be reversed by heparin exposure prior to...
A mini-review of chemoprevention of cancer - past, present, and future

We present a brief review of the history of chemoprevention of cancer, the present status of this field, and its prospects for the future. Topics covered are the scientific basis for chemoprevention of cancer, drugs in current use for chemoprevention of cancer, the need for new synthetic drugs, and the challenges ahead. The importance of the use of combinations of drugs for effective prevention is stressed.
Forty years after Lau : The continuing assault on educational human rights in the United States and its implications for linguistic minorities

This article addresses the right to an education (including the right of access), and the right to an education in one’s native language, within the broader context of educational human rights, and language minority educational policy in the United States. Included in this discussion is an overview of educational and linguistic human rights as recognized in the US, followed by a review of the legal and historical background prior to the passage of the Lau v Nichols decision in 1974. The implications of demographic changes coupled with federal policy for language minority students forty years after Lau are discussed.
Endothelial cell function on a poly(acrylamide-co-polyethylene acid) interpenetrating polymer network: cardiovascular applications

Hydrogel coatings have been widely researched as a nonfouling surface modification of materials for cardiovascular applications. In this study, we examined cell-surface interactions between a poly(acrylamide-copolyethylene glycol/acrylic acid) interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel and aortic endothelial cells (ECs). The IPN was covalently attached to polystyrene to form a nanometer scale thick hydrogel, and the IPN layer was activated by conjugation of the cell adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). On IPN surfaces lacking the RGD peptide, EC did not adhere and spread even after long-term incubation. The IPN was able to support greater EC adhesion and spreading with increasing RGD surface concentrations. Upon adequate adhesion and spreading, ECs migrated and proliferated at high rates regardless of the RGD surface concentration. These results suggest that this IPN can be used to promote endothelialization of vascular implants made of polymeric and metal materials for cardiovascular applications.
Phase II non-randomized trial using pegfilgrastim for hematopoietic recovery after autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation

7101 Background: Filgrastim (FIL), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF) reduces time to neutrophil engraftment, hospital stay and antibiotic therapy but requires uncomfortable and inconveni...
Vitamin D for depression with a seasonal pattern: an effective treatment strategy

Background: Low level of vitamin D is often associated with major depression with a seasonal pattern, formerly known as seasonal affective disorder under the DSM IV classification. Major depressive disorder is commonly observed during the fall and winter seasons in countries away from the tropical zone and is referred to as depression with a seasonal pattern under the DSM V classification. Here, we conduct a review of literature to address the factors highlighting the association between vitamin D level and depression with a seasonal pattern. Objective: 1) Review the epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis associating vitamin D level and depression. 2) Provide treatment recommendations and practice guidelines for addressing vitamin D deficiency associated with depression with a seasonal pattern. Methods: Literature review on human studies published in English language from 2000-2017 using PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar was performed. Results: Majority of published studies have associated low level of vitamin D to depression with a seasonal pattern. A high prevalence of major depressive disorder is observed in Northern latitude countries with severe, prolonged winter that experience little or no sunshine available within the wavelength that is necessary for cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. A review of literature indicated that reduced exposure to sunlight is associated with low levels of vitamin D, decreased serotonin activity, an increased production of melatonin, and changes in circadian rhythm. Associated factors include socio-demographic (older age, female, higher BMI>25Kg/m2 , geographical location), and clinical correlates including chronic pain, comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions, chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorder), and musculoskeletal disorders. Treatment recommendations include light therapy, antidepressant treatment, psychotherapy, melatonin and vitamin D supplementation. Among all the modalities, vitamin D supplementation is an effective preventative and treatment strategy for the management of depression with a seasonal pattern. Conclusion: Sunlight exposure within the recommended wavelength promotes vitamin D synthesis from cholesterol in the skin. Vitamin D deficiency is observed among adults especially those residing in sunlight deficient geographical locations. Among vitamin D deficient individuals suffering from major depression with a seasonal pattern, early detection and vitamin D supplementation can be a simple, convenient, and cost-effective treatment strategy for improving symptoms and mental health outcomes associated with major depression.
Characterization of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Pseudohyphal Growth

Diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains undergo a dimorphic transition that involves changes in cell shape and the pattern of cell division and results in invasive filamentous growth in response to nitrogen starvation. Cells become long and thin and form pseudohyphae that grow away from the colony and invade the agar medium. Our data strongly suggest that pseudohyphae are initiated when yeast cells bud pseudohyphal cells in an asymmetric cell division. As pseudohyphae elongate, they become covered with yeast cells. Pseudohyphal cells may be vectors to deliver assimilative yeast cells to new substrates thereby allowing S. cerevisiae to forage for nutrients. Pseudohyphal growth requires the polar budding pattern of a/α diploid cells; haploid axially budding cells of identical genotype cannot undergo this dimorphic transition. Mutation of SHR3, a gene required for amino acid uptake, enhances the pseudohyphal phenotype.
Development of a Hop with European Aroma Characteristics1

In recent years, the well-known German aroma hop Hallertauer mittelfruher has become increasingly scarce in world hop markets. In 1985 it occupied only about 10% of West Germany's hop acreage, comp...
Multi-agency Working and Pastoral Care in Behavioural Management: Discourse, Policy, and Practice

In this chapter the authors discuss the ways in which pastoral care in schools in the United Kingdom can be meaningfully reframed in a contemporary context of multi-agency working. Drawing on research and scholarship from the field, the authors show how pervasive discourses have been used to problematize the lives of specific groups of children and young people that have, in turn, been used to justify particular approaches to pastoral care and multi-agency working. Contesting the instrumental configurations of multi-agency working in British state schools, the authors argue for a more sophisticated conception of inter-professional practice that is educationally grounded, emphatically pastorally focused, and professionally dynamic. In this undertaking, dynamic forms of collaborative action and inter-professional practice in pastoral care transcend partisan occupational allegiances, biases, and political interests that offer instead new but still largely developmental approaches for the effective pastoral support of the well-being of children and young people in schools.
Reducing age bias in decision analyses of anticoagulation for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation – A microsimulation study

BACKGROUND Anticoagulation decreases a patient's risk of ischemic stroke and increases the risk of hemorrhage. Decision analyses regarding anticoagulation therefore require that different outcomes be weighted in comparison to one another. Most decision analyses to date have weighted intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as 1.5 times worse than ischemic stroke, but because death and disability have lifelong impact, the expected impact should vary by life expectancy. Therefore, a fixed weighting ratio leads to age-related bias decision analyses of anticoagulation. We aimed to quantify the relative impact of ICH and ischemic stroke and derive a ratio that allows decision analysis without microsimulation. METHODS We created a microsimulation model to predict QALYs lost due to ICH and ischemic stroke. We then applied a meta-model to predict the ratio of QALYs lost from ICH relative to ischemic stroke. RESULTS Previously-used weighting ratios (1.5) are close to our derived mean weighting ratio (1.60). However, the weighting ratio of QALYs lost from ICH relative to ischemic stroke is sensitive to age and discount rate. Patients at younger ages have higher mean weighting ratios, as do patients with higher discount rates. CONCLUSIONS The ratio of QALYs lost to ICH relative to ischemic stroke varies with age and discount rate. We present a set of such ratios here for use in decision analyses that do not incorporate full microsimulation models. Use of weighting ratios that vary with age, rather than the current fixed ratios, has the potential to reduce age-based bias in decision-making regarding events with lifelong implications. In this case, use of dynamic ratios may change anticoagulation recommendations for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at relatively low stroke risk.