cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OC7 Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: referral patterns for metopic, coronal and lambdoid craniosynostosis in ireland; 2009–2018, a 10-year review

Background Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition resulting from premature fusion of the cranial sutures resulting in a phenotypic headshape. Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, involving a single suture only; is the most common presentation involving the fusion of one of the following sutures; sagittal, metopic, coronal or lambdoid. The National Paediatric Craniofacial Centre in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital is the designated craniofacial centre in the Republic of Ireland. The treatment of craniosynostosis involves appearance-changing surgery designed to normalise the headshape. As with most other designated craniofacial centres the aim is to perform surgery as close to 12 months of age as possible for these children. The clinical presentation of craniosynostosis as with most rare diseases can result in an over-reliance on different types of radiology imaging, a subsequent later referral and surgery being performed at a later age. The aim of this review was to report the referral patterns of children with metopic, coronal and lambdoid nonsyndromic craniosynostosis presenting to the NPCC. Methods A retrospective chart review of children who underwent surgery for metopic, coronal or lambdoid craniosynostosis between January 2009 and December 2018 was undertaken. Data collected included: patient demographics, hospital of birth, referrer specialty, date of referral and any radiology investigations performed. Children subsequently diagnosed with a syndrome were excluded. Results 130 patients were included in the review. 80% (n=104) were referred before 10 months of age. There was a high use of radiology imaging with 71% (n= 92) of all children having at least one radiology investigation prior to referral. 15% (n=19) had multiple radiology investigations performed. Paediatricians and Neonatologists referred the largest number of children; 58% (n=75) and 22% (n=28) respectively. Surgery was performed before 15 months of age for 44% (n=57) of children and before 18 months of age for a further 26% (n=34) of all children. Conclusion The incidence of metopic, coronal and lambdoid craniosynostosis is in keeping with reported rates in Europe. Although most children were referred before 10 months of age complex referral patterns and use of radiology imaging were associated with later referrals, leading to subsequent delays in surgery performed. It is hoped that an increased awareness of recognising and referring children with craniosynostosis will lead to subsequent treatment as early as possible. The NPCC encourages that referral letters for children with suspected craniosynostosis are accompanied by photographs of the child’s headshape and not radiology investigations.
Demonstration of Smartphones as Viable Tools for Adolescent Substance Use Surveillance.

Background: Electronic platform surveys are ideal for self-administration in adolescent populations, as nearly all adolescents in the US report using or having access to smartphones. This technolog...
A STEEEP Hill to Climb: A Scoping Review of Assessments of Individual Hospitalist Performance.

Background Although ensuring high-quality care requires assessment of individual hospitalist performance, current assessment approaches lack consistency and coherence. The Institute of Medicine's STEEEP framework for quality healthcare conceptualizes quality through domains of "Safe," "Timely," "Effective," "Efficient," "Equitable," and "Patient Centered." This framework may be applicable to assessing individual hospitalists. Objective This scoping review sought to identify studies that describe variation in individual hospitalist performance and to code this data to the domains of the STEEEP framework. Methods Via a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature that assessed the performance of individual hospitalists in the Medline database, we identified studies that described measurement of individual hospitalist performance. Forty-two studies were included in the final review and coded into one or more domains of the STEEEP framework. Results Studies in the Safe domain focused on transitions of care, both at discharge and within the hospital. Many studies were coded to more than one domain, especially Timely, Effective, and Efficient. Examples include adherence to evidence-based guidelines or Choosing Wisely recommendations. The Patient Centered domain was most frequently coded, but approaches were heterogeneous. No included studies addressed the domain Equitable. Conclusions Applying the STEEEP framework to the published literature on assessment of individual hospitalist performance revealed strengths and weaknesses. Areas of strength were assessments of transitions of care and application of consensus guidelines. Other areas, such as equity and some components of safe practice, need development. All domains would benefit from more practical approaches. These findings should stimulate future work on feasibility of multidimensional assessment approaches.
Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction as Initial Presentation of Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome.

Abstract A young woman presented with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Her clinical course was complicated by cardiogenic shock and acute renal failure. Work-up revealed thrombo...
Family support and psychological distress among commuter college students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how perceptions of family support (instrumental and relational-emotional) are related to psychological distress among commuter students and whethe...
Novel scoring system for determining fetal candidacy for prenatal intervention for severe congenital lower urinary tract obstruction.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate a novel scoring system that combines several prenatal parameters for selecting ideal candidates for fetal intervention, and for predicting postnatal survival in patients with severe fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO). Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of severe LUTO evaluated for fetal intervention in a single large fetal center between January 2013 and December 2017. A scoring system for determining fetal candidacy for intervention was retrospectively developed based on postnatal outcomes. The proposed scoring system included fetal urinary biochemistry, renal ultrasound parameters, initial bladder volume, and degree of bladder refill. Relevant demographic characteristics, ultrasound reports and laboratory results were reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to select the cut-off values for initial bladder volume and degree of bladder refill and to evaluate the performance of the scoring system in predicting postnatal death. Results Of the 79 LUTO patients evaluated, 31 were eligible for the study. The overall 6-month postnatal survival was 64.5 % (20/31). A scoring system (0−8) was suggested with 2 points for unfavorable biochemistry, 4 points for ultrasound evidence of dysplastic kidneys, 1 point for inadequate initial bladder volume and 1 point for inadequate bladder refill. Scores>3 (N = 7) were associated with 0 % 6-month survival. The ROC curve for predicting postnatal mortality showed area under curve (AUC) of 0.82 (95 % CI 0.65−0.99). Subgroup analysis within subjects who underwent fetal intervention (N = 22) also confirmed the significance of the distribution of the scoring system between groups who survived and those who did not after adjustment for GA at delivery (p = 0.01). Conclusion We propose a novel scoring system for antenatal evaluation of patients with severe LUTO which may be useful in selecting those candidates most appropriate for intervention and in counseling parents about predicted postnatal outcome.
RCP: A Reinforcement Learning-Based Retransmission Control Protocol for Delivery and Latency Sensitive Applications

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a new machine learning-based transport protocol called Reinforcement learning-based retransmission Control Protocol (RCP). Unlike prior transport protocols that aim at either providing guaranteed end-to-end delivery, e.g., TCP, or minimizing the end-to-end delay, e.g., UDP, RCP aims to optimize any achievable combination of these objectives, as specified by an application layer utility function. The utility function in this paper can be quite general, and can capture a combination of delay and packet delivery metrics. RCP can be thought of as an intelligent middle-ground between UDP and TCP, that maps application layer objectives subject to what is learned about the network state. It is window-based like TCP, but retransmissions are decided based on a reinforcement learning algorithm to maximize the application layer utility function. RCP employs a reinforcement learning method, double Q-Learning network, to learn the best strategy in real-time from a history of packet transmission/re-transmission experiences. No assumption on the shape of the utility function is needed. RCP is evaluated under a wide range of network settings, and is found to outperform UDP, TCP, and ARQ for almost all settings. The performance is also evaluated with respect to TCP-friendliness and network stability.
In vitro effects-based method and water quality screening model for use in pre- and post-distribution treated waters.

Abstract Recent urban public water supply contamination events emphasize the importance of screening treated drinking water quality after distribution. In vitro bioassays, when run concurrently with analytical chemistry methods, are effective tools to evaluating the efficacy of water treatment processes and water quality. We tested 49 water samples representing the Chicago Department of Water Management service areas for estrogen, (anti)androgen, glucocorticoid receptor-activating contaminants and cytotoxicity. We present a tiered screening approach suitable to samples with anticipated low-level activity and initially tested all extracts for statistically identifiable endocrine activity; performing a secondary dilution-response analysis to determine sample EC50 and biological equivalency values (BioEq). Estrogenic activity was detected in untreated Lake Michigan intake water samples using mammalian (5/49; median: 0.21 ng E2Eq/L) and yeast cell (5/49; 1.78 ng E2Eq/L) bioassays. A highly sensitive (anti)androgenic activity bioassay was applied for the first time to water quality screening and androgenic activity was detected in untreated intake and treated pre-distribution samples (4/49; 0.93 ng DHTEq/L). No activity was identified above method detection limits in the yeast androgenic, mammalian anti-androgenic, and both glucocorticoid bioassays. Known estrogen receptor agonists were detected using HPLC/MS-MS (estrone: 0.72–1.4 ng/L; 17α-estradiol: 1.3–1.5 ng/L; 17β-estradiol: 1.4 ng/L; equol: 8.8 ng/L), however occurrence did not correlate with estrogenic bioassay results. Many studies have applied bioassays to water quality monitoring using only relatively small samples sets often collected from surface and/or wastewater effluent. However, to realistically adapt these tools to treated water quality monitoring, water quality managers must have the capacity to screen potentially hundreds of samples in short timeframes. Therefore, we provided a tiered screening model that increased sample screening speed, without sacrificing statistical stringency, and detected estrogenic and androgenic activity only in pre-distribution Chicago area samples.
Influence of heterogeneous refractivity on optical wave propagation in coastal environments

Spatial variations of refractivity significantly dictate the characteristics of optical wave propagation through the atmosphere. Consequently, the ability to simulate such propagation is highly dependent upon the accurate characterization of refractivity along the propagation path. Unfortunately, the scarcity of high spatiotemporal resolution observational data has forced many past studies of optical wave propagation to assume horizontally homogeneous (HH) atmospheric conditions. However, the (adverse) impact of such an assumption has not been quantified in the literature. In this paper, we attempt to fill this void by utilizing a mesoscale modeling-based approach to explicitly simulate atmospheric refraction. We then compare the differences of the HH refractivity fields to the mesoscale model-derived refractivity fields by means of a realistic atmospheric event and through ray tracing simulations. In this study, we model a coastal low-level jet, a common coastal atmospheric phenomenon which is associated with heterogeneous thermal and refractivity fields. Observational data from a radiosonde and a radar wind profiler near the northeastern region of the United States are used for model validation. The observed characteristics of low-level jet (e.g., evolution, intensity, location) and associated temperature inversion are found to be reasonably well captured by the mesoscale model. The simulated nighttime refractivity gradient field manifests significant spatial heterogeneity; over land, the refractivity gradient is much stronger and amplified near the ground, whereas it becomes much weaker over the ocean. We quantify the effect of this heterogeneity on optical ray trajectories by simulating a suite of rays and documenting the variability of their altitudes at certain propagation ranges. It is found that the altitude of optical rays may vary tens of meters during a diurnal cycle, and at nighttime the rays may bend downward by more than 150 m at a range of 100 km. We run additional ray tracing simulations using refractivity profiles from a single location and assuming HH refractivity along the propagation path. It is observed that the HH approach yields instantaneous ray bending magnitudes up to 30 % less than the ray bending based on the refractivity simulated by the mesoscale model. At the same time, it is found that the mesoscale model-based refractivity fields may have uncertainty introduced by different factors associated with the model configuration. Of these factors, turbulence parameterization is explored in-depth and found to be responsible for more uncertainty than spatial grid resolution. To be more specific, different turbulence parameterizations are found to produce significantly varying temperature inversion parameters (e.g., height, magnitude), which are critical factors influencing ray trajectories. Collectively, these results highlight the potential advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a mesoscale model to simulate refractivity in coastal areas as opposed to assuming HH refractivity.
Lithium Manganese Nickel Oxides Li x ( Mn y Ni1 − y ) 2 − x O 2 II. Electrochemical Studies on Thin‐Film Batteries

In a lithium thin-film battery, the reversible discharge capacity of a Li 1.12 Mn 0.44 Ni 0.44 O 2 cathode deposited by rf magnetron sputtering and postannealed at 750°C under O 2 could be increased by 80% to 136 μAh/mg when cycled between 4.8-2.5 V instead of 4.2-2.5 V. An 82 atom % Li 1.03 Mn 0.42 Ni 0.55 O 2 /18 atom % Li 2 O (14 vol %) cathode prepared from a rf magnetron sputter-deposited film that was annealed at 700°C under N 2 supplied a reversible discharge capacity of 146 μAh/mg between 5.3-1.5 V. For a given lithium concentration in the cathode during cycling, the magnitude of the chemical potential of sites on the lithium layers (3a sites) in both rhombohedral cathode phases decreased whenever the charge cutoff voltage was raised. This thermodynamic change is attributed to the migration of transition metal ions from the 3b layer sites to vacancies on the lithium layers at high potentials. These transition metal ions also explain the kinetic limitations the cathodes exhibited at higher current densities. Only one rhombohedral phase could be detected by ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements over the voltage range 4.6-1.5 V. At 1.5 V, however, possible additional phases might have been present but not detectable due to their low concentration and/or their X-ray amorphousness. The maximum valence state of the transition metal ions of +4 was reached in rhombohedral Li x Mn 0.44 Ni 0.44 O 2 at 4.6 V where about 0.4 Li + per formula units remained on the lithium layers. Such a high lithium concentration between the MO 2 slabs (M = metal ion on 3b layer sites) prevented the phase from developing a unit cell with the extremely small c axis parameter found for NiO 2 and CoO 2 and is believed to be an important prerequisite for the good cycle stability of Li x Mn 0.44 Ni 0.44 O 2 between 4.8-2.5 V
Particle Swarm Based Collective Searching Model for Adaptive Environment

This report presents a pilot study of an integration of particle swarm algorithm, social knowledge adaptation and multi-agent approaches for modeling the collective search behavior of self-organized groups in an adaptive environment. The objective of this research is to apply the particle swarm metaphor as a model of social group adaptation for the dynamic environment and to provide insight and understanding of social group knowledge discovering and strategic searching. A new adaptive environment model, which dynamically reacts to the group collective searching behaviors, is proposed in this research. The simulations in the research indicate that effective communication between groups is not the necessary requirement for whole self-organized groups to achieve the efficient collective searching behavior in the adaptive environment. One possible application of this research is building scientific understanding of the insurgency in the count-Insurgent warfare.
Numerical results on H ∞ control

This article describes coordinate descent methods for H∞ optimization. One of the most appealing naive approaches to MIMO H∞ optimization is to do SISO optimization on each variable separately. We show here that this almost surely gives the wrong answer.
Intrapartum fetal heart rate responses and plethysmographic pulse

Abstract Recordings of heart rate responses of fetuses and neonates were classified according to their reactive state. The reactive fetal response to uterine contractions was usually acceleration of heart rate in early labor and deceleration in late labor, while the nonreactive response was a steady heart rate throughout, unless it was depressed by severe fetal stress. The immediate neonate continued its recent in utero reactive pattern. Uterine and fetal scalp perfusion were evaluated with photoelectric plethysmographic blood volume pulse monitoring of lower uterus (or upper vagina), maternal hallux (big toe), and fetal scalp. Combined monitoring suggested that varying degrees of uterine hypoperfusion were apparently responsible for many fetal heart rate deceleration patterns. While standard interpretations of fetal heart patterns, particularly in the second stage of labor, correlated poorly with newborn Apgar scores, fetal reactive patterns and uterine hypoperfusion were relatively accurate parameters for estimating fetal health.
Conflict and Cultural Identity: Meskhetian Turks

This paper is the representation of an on-going project on a refugee group, called Meskhetian Turks. The larger project is an exploration of Meskhetian Turks‟ ethnic identity through in-depth interviews aiming to understand how Meskhetians perceive their own cultural identity, their connection to Turks and Turkey, and their place in the American society. By exploring these three areas, I aim to understand how these three aspects connect together to form the Meskhetian cultural identity. The preliminary results of the research demonstrate that the Meskhetian cultural identity is strongly tied to the conflicts they encountered.In this paper, I offer insight to the historical context of conflicts which led to their current situation, and an understanding of the connection between conflict and ethnic identity. Finally, I discuss language, religion and connection to Turkey as three major aspects of their identity, which is derived as a result of their displacement.
Easily ionizable element interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy—I: Effect on radial analyte emission patterns

Abstract The spatial emission patterns of Ca I and Ca II in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are altered when an easily ionizable element (EIE) is added to a sample solution. As a result, unanticipated interferences can arise in ICP-AES when EIEs of unknown identity or concentration are present. The EIE effect was investigated here by two-dimensional lateral mapping of Ca atomic and ionic emission by means of a monochromatic imaging spectrometer. Lithium served as the EIE at added concentrations from 0 to 1000 μg ml . The resulting Ca radial emission images, calculated by Abel inversion, displayed in most regions a linear change in intensity with Li concentration. In regions of highest calcium emission, however, the EIE influence on Ca emission signal becomes markedly non-linear and is better fit with a logarithmic function. Principal-component and regression analysis of these EIE-altered images offers some insight into possible mechanisms of the EIE effect.
Analysis of temperature profiles for investigating stream losses beneath ephemeral channels

[1] Continuous estimates of streamflow are challenging in ephemeral channels. The extremely transient nature of ephemeral streamflows results in shifting channel geometry and degradation in the calibration of streamflow stations. Earlier work suggests that analysis of streambed temperature profiles is a promising technique for estimating streamflow patterns in ephemeral channels. The present work provides a detailed examination of the basis for using heat as a tracer of stream/groundwater exchanges, followed by a description of an appropriate heat and water transport simulation code for ephemeral channels, as well as discussion of several types of temperature analysis techniques to determine streambed percolation rates. Temperature-based percolation rates for three ephemeral stream sites are compared with available surface water estimates of channel loss for these sites. These results are combined with published results to develop conclusions regarding the accuracy of using vertical temperature profiles in estimating channel losses. Comparisons of temperature-based streambed percolation rates with surface water-based channel losses indicate that percolation rates represented 30% to 50% of the total channel loss. The difference is reasonable since channel losses include both vertical and nonvertical component of channel loss as well as potential evapotranspiration losses. The most significant advantage of the use of sediment-temperature profiles is their robust and continuous nature, leading to a long-term record of the timing and duration of channel losses and continuous estimates of streambed percolation. The primary disadvantage is that temperature profiles represent the continuous percolation rate at a single point in an ephemeral channel rather than an average seepage loss from the entire channel.
Virtual education: a view from the trenches

We describe our experience in teaching a "partially virtual" course in which the course is delivered partly in a traditional classroom setting and partly online. We discuss both the successful aspects of our experience and the obstacles that we faced. The greatest challenge has been to mesh emerging pedagogies of active learning with newly available technologies.
Atomic Structure of the SnO2 (110) Surface

Using a tight-binding, total-energy model, we examine atomic relaxations of the ideal stoichiometric and reduced tin oxide (11) surfaces. In both cases we find a nearly bond-length conserving rumple of the top layer, and a smaller counter-relaxation of the second layer. These calculations show no evidence of surface states in the band gap for either surface.
The role of hydrostatic pressure in ischemic brain edema

The mechanisms responsible for early prenecrotic ischemic brain edema were investigated in rats by comparing brain metabolism, tissue water (HOH) content, and sodium and potassium ion concentration in brain during ischemia induced by decapitation, by the Pulsinelli-Brierley technique, and by carotid embolization. Although brain metabolic functions were similarly disturbed in all three groups, an increase in brain HOH occurred only in the embolism model, which allowed collateral perfusion. Early ischemic brain edema is therefore dependent upon (1) impaired energy-dependent ion pumps and (2) a hydrostatic pressure gradient from patient vascular lumens. Elevated perfusion pressure increases the extent of this early edema. Induced hypertension causes impairment of blood-brain barrier function, as evidenced by extravasation of Evans blue dye 5 minutes after embolic ischemia, and strikingly increases the extent of macromolecular extravasation 4 hours after ictus. This increased protein leakage is accompanied by elevated HOH content and sodium concentration, as compared to findings in normotensive animals. It is concluded that the use of induced hypertension as a therapeutic modality in patients with acute stroke may be harmful.
Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies of the thermomechanical response of an epoxy thermoset polymer

Abstract We report a detailed comparison between molecular dynamics predictions and experimental results for a wide range of thermo-mechanical properties of an epoxy resin system: diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with 3,3′ diamino-diphenyl sulfone (33DDS). A set of carefully designed and characterized experiments provides validation data for the simulations that predict the molecular structure and properties of the thermoset. Our results show that current state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations provide quantitative predictions for this epoxy system in its glassy state, including elastic moduli, coefficient of thermal expansion and specific heat. The glass transition temperature is also accurately predicted once a correction is included to account for the difference in cooling rates between the simulations and experiments. Our results also indicate that viscoelastic and thermal properties of the thermoset polymer in its rubbery state are more challenging to predict since the effect of timescales is not well understood.
Global potential bioethanol production from wasted crops and crop residues

Abstract The global annual potential bioethanol production from the major crops, corn, barley, oat, rice, wheat, sorghum, and sugar cane, is estimated. To avoid conflicts between human food use and industrial use of crops, only the wasted crop, which is defined as crop lost in distribution, is considered as feedstock. Lignocellulosic biomass such as crop residues and sugar cane bagasse are included in feedstock for producing bioethanol as well. There are about 73.9 Tg of dry wasted crops in the world that could potentially produce 49.1 GL year −1 of bioethanol. About 1.5 Pg year −1 of dry lignocellulosic biomass from these seven crops is also available for conversion to bioethanol. Lignocellulosic biomass could produce up to 442 GL year −1 of bioethanol. Thus, the total potential bioethanol production from crop residues and wasted crops is 491 GL year −1 , about 16 times higher than the current world ethanol production. The potential bioethanol production could replace 353 GL of gasoline (32% of the global gasoline consumption) when bioethanol is used in E85 fuel for a midsize passenger vehicle. Furthermore, lignin-rich fermentation residue, which is the coproduct of bioethanol made from crop residues and sugar cane bagasse, can potentially generate both 458 TWh of electricity (about 3.6% of world electricity production) and 2.6 EJ of steam. Asia is the largest potential producer of bioethanol from crop residues and wasted crops, and could produce up to 291 GL year −1 of bioethanol. Rice straw, wheat straw, and corn stover are the most favorable bioethanol feedstocks in Asia. The next highest potential region is Europe ( 69.2 GL of bioethanol), in which most bioethanol comes from wheat straw. Corn stover is the main feedstock in North America, from which about 38.4 GL year −1 of bioethanol can potentially be produced. Globally rice straw can produce 205 GL of bioethanol, which is the largest amount from single biomass feedstock. The next highest potential feedstock is wheat straw, which can produce 104 GL of bioethanol. This paper is intended to give some perspective on the size of the bioethanol feedstock resource, globally and by region, and to summarize relevant data that we believe others will find useful, for example, those who are interested in producing biobased products such as lactic acid, rather than ethanol, from crops and wastes. The paper does not attempt to indicate how much, if any, of this waste material could actually be converted to bioethanol.
Model test of CCN-cloud albedo climate forcing

Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) influence cloud albedo through their effect on the cloud droplet size distribution. A number of studies have evaluated the climatic impact of the CCN-cloud albedo feedback, but all have assumed that cloud distributions, cloud thicknesses, and cloud liquid water contents would remain constant as the climate adjusted. This assumption has been tested using the Livermore version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model. The results indicate that there are no significant compensating changes in cloud properties that would counteract the 1.7 percent global albedo increase resulting from a fourfold increase in marine CCN concentration. Furthermore, when ocean surface temperatures are decreased 4 C in a manner broadly consistent with the enhanced cloud albedos, an increase in cloud fraction of 3.5 percent and a reduction in cloud altitude are predicted, leading to a positive feedback from clouds that would imply a climate impact roughly double that calculated from cloud droplet size distribution change alone.
Dynamic modeling of wind power generation

This paper presents a dynamic model appropriate for power system analysis. This article shows modeling assumptions, derivation of a third order model for a doubly-fed induction generator and its controller models. Due to the detail level, it can be used as a tutorial for students and engineers that are new in this area. A four-bus system with one synchronous machine and one wind turbine is used to perform a small signal stability analysis. No considerable difference is observed between the modal behavior of our test system and a small system with just one synchronous generator.
Kidney abnormalities in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome

We report a 14-year-old boy from Saudi Arabia with the Hajdu-Cheney syndrome who also had bilateral hypoplastic kidneys and chronic renal failure. This report, along with others in the literature, suggest that renal abnormalities, including cystic disease, vesico-ureteral reflux, glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure, and hypertension, may be an integral part of this syndrome. Recognizing this fact, may help in the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of renal failure in these patients.
Cancer mortality correlation studies--IV: associations with dietary intakes and blood levels of certain trace elements, notably Se-antagonists.

The per-capita intakes of zinc, cadmium, copper and of chromium were estimated from food consumption data in 28 countries and were found to correlate directly with the age-corrected mortalities from cancers of intestine, prostate, breast, leukemia, skin and of other organs, suggesting that the anticarcinogenic effect of selenium is counteracted by other trace elements. Similarly calculated dietary intakes of manganese are inversely correlated, particularly with the mortalities from cancer of pancreas, an organ normally known to contain high concentrations of this element. Arsenic intakes correlate inversely with the male lung cancer mortalities. A number of other direct and inverse associations were observed which suggest that trace elements in the human diet may hav both benign and adverse effects on tumor development. The zinc concentrations in whole blood collected from healthy donors in the U.S. correlate directly with regional mortalities from cancers of intestine, breast and of other sites. The origin of these associations is discussed primarily in terms of the seleium-antagonistic effect of zinc and of some of the other elements considered. Results of animal experiments and of other studies are cited which support hypotheses that link human cancer development to possible deficiencies or excesses in the dietary trace element intakes.
TH‐A‐141‐11: Standardization of DQE(f) Measurements at MV Energies

Purpose: The detective quantum efficiency (DQE(f)) is a critical metric to evaluate detector performance. For diagnostic imagers operating at keV energies, there are clear standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) using patient equivalent filters to appropriately harden the beam. Such standards do not exist for MeV imaging. Through a systematic investigation comparing simulated and measured DQE(f) we have demonstrated both the need and plausibility for such a standard at MV energies. Methods: The DQE(f) of a Varian AS1000 EPID imaged at 6 MeV by a Varian TrueBeam linac was both measured and simulated. The spectra necessary were extracted from the TrueBeam phase space files available from MyVarian.com website, then hardened through 20 cm of water. From this an equivalent thickness of aluminum was calculated, and the DQE(f) simulated and measured. The Geant4 simulation replicated the Varian AS1000 portal imager geometry, with optical blur in the Gd2O2S scintillator modeled using isotropic scattering. For the measurement of DQE, a narrow, angled slit was formed using two parallel tungsten blocks placed immediately before the imager from which the Fujita over‐sampled MTF was calculated. The NPS was generated from an ensemble of gain and offset corrected flood fields per the IEC guidelines. Results: Simulation indicates a 40% attenuation of the un‐flattened 6 MeV spectrum by 20 cm of water, the equivalent aluminum thickness of which is 85 mm. Simulation and measurement show, with 10% agreement, as much as a 70% decrease in DQE(f) for the hardened beamConclusion: We have demonstrated, through simulation and experiment, as much as a 70% reduction in DQE for a 6 MeV un‐flattened beam through 20 cm of water. We believe it plausible, therefore, to establish a measurement standard similar to that used for keV imaging to fairly evaluate imagers under realistic imaging conditions. This research was funded in part by Varian Medical Systems, Inc. and by NIH grant R01 CA138426
Radiosity: A method for computing global illumination

The radiosity method for computing the interreflection of light within diffuse environments is described. The development of the method for realistic image synthesis over the past three years is outlined. A short discussion of the underlying theory and implementation is followed by a real life example which illustrates the power and accuracy of the radiosity method and points out the different results from ray tracing procedures. Current and future developments of the radiosity method are outlined.
Microbial Diversity of Indian Ocean Hydrothermal Vent Plumes: Microbes Tolerant of Desiccation, Peroxide Exposure, and Ultraviolet and γ-Irradiation

The microbial diversity of Kali chimney plumes, part of a hydrothermal vent field in the Rodriguez Triple Junction, Indian Ocean (depth approximately 2,240 m), was examined in an attempt to discover “extremotolerant” microorganisms that have evolved unique resistance capabilities to this harsh environment. Water and sediment samples were collected from the vent and from sediments located at various distances (2–20 m) away from and surrounding the chimney. Samples were screened for hypertolerant microbes that are able to withstand multiple stresses. A total of 46 isolates were selected for exposure to a number of perturbations, such as heat shock, desiccation, H2O2, and ultraviolet (UV) and γ-irradiation. The survival of Psychrobacter sp. L0S3S-03b following exposure to >1,000 J/m2 UV254 radiation was particularly intriguing amid a background of varying levels of resistance. Vegetative cells of this non–spore-forming microbe not only survived all of the treatments, but also exhibited a 90% lethal dose of 3...
Privacy for Location-based Services

Sharing of location data enables numerous exciting applications, such as location-based queries, location-based social recommendations, monitoring of traffic and air pollution levels, etc. Disclosing exact user locations raises serious privacy concerns, as locations may give away sensitive information about individuals' health status, alternative lifestyles, political and religious affiliations, etc. Preserving location privacy is an essential requirement towards the successful deployment of location-based applications. These lecture notes provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in location privacy protection. A diverse body of solutions is reviewed, including methods that use location generalization, cryptographic techniques or differential privacy. The most prominent results are discussed, and promising directions for future work are identified. Table of Contents: Introduction / Privacy-Preserving Spatial Transformations / Cryptographic Approaches / Hybrid Approaches / Private Matching of Spatial Datasets / Trajectory Anonymization / Differentially Private Publication of Spatial Datasets / Conclusions
Microstructural and Macrostructural Modeling of the Fracture Behavior of Pearlitic Gray Irons

An attempt is made to rationalize the fracture behavior of pearlitic gray irons on both the microstructural and macrostructural levels. Along with the effects of inoculation, those of as-cast section size and carbon equivalent may be rationalized on the basis of coarseness and volume fraction of the weak graphite flakes present in the structure based upon Hornbogen and Motz microstructural model. On the macrostructural level, however, the eutectic cell size is the single most important parameter controlling fracture behavior of gray irons. An analytical model is developed to predict the fracture toughness as a function of notched tensile strength and eutectic cell size. Analytical predictions on both the microstructural and macrostructural levels compare well with experimental results.
DNA Segregation by Bacterial Actin Homologs

The bacterial actin homolog ParM catalyzes segregation of plasmid DNA in E. coli. Recent studies now suggest a model in which ParM forms actin-like filaments between two plasmid molecules, thereby providing the driving force for plasmid DNA separation.
63 Cu NQR Evidence for Spatial Variation of Hole Concentration in La 2 − x Sr x CuO 4

We report experimental evidence for the spatial variation of hole concentration ${x}_{\mathrm{hole}}$ in the high ${T}_{c}$ superconductor ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ ( $0.04\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.16$) via ${}^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ NQR using ${}^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ isotope enriched samples. We demonstrate that the extent of the spatial variation of the local hole concentration $\ensuremath{\Delta}{x}_{\mathrm{hole}}$ is reflected on $^{63}1{/T}_{1}$ and deduce the temperature dependence. $\ensuremath{\Delta}{x}_{\mathrm{hole}}$ increases below 500--600 K, and reaches values as large as $\ensuremath{\Delta}{x}_{\mathrm{hole}}/x\ensuremath{\sim}0.5$ below $\ensuremath{\sim}150\mathrm{K}$. We estimate the length scale of the spatial variation in ${x}_{\mathrm{hole}}$ to be ${R}_{\mathrm{hole}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}3\mathrm{nm}$ from an analysis of the NQR spectrum.
High-risk localised prostate cancer: multimodal treatment strategies combining neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy with radical prostatectomy.

For patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, clinical tumour stage, Gleason score of the diagnostic biopsy specimen and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level can be combined to identify a group of men at increased risk of treatment failure after radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. For these high-risk, but still clinically localised prostate cancers, multimodal treatment strategies may result in improved cancer control outcomes. Indeed, in the setting of clinical stage T3 – T4 tumours, the combination of radiotherapy followed by hormonal therapy has improved patient survival. The benefits of adjuvant or neoadjuvant hormonal and/or chemotherapy followed by radical prostatectomy in this setting are unclear, but are the subject of ongoing or planned Phase III clinical trials. These studies will help define the role of multimodal treatment strategies in this high-risk patient population.
POLLEN AND SPORE STRATIGRAPHY OF A MOLLIC HAPLUDALF (DEGRADED CHERNOZEM) IN NORTHEASTERN KANSAS

Palynological analyses were completed for the A and B horizons of a forested Mollic Hapludalf to determine type, amount, and distribution of pollen and spores within the soil solum. Hypotheses regarding the origin of pollen and the mechanisms of its movement within soil bodies are also advanced. Pollen downwash within the mineral soil seems to be very slow and confined to the uppermost porous and most homogenized part of the solum. The predominance of non-arboreal pollen at depth was believed to be a result of deposition with the loess parent material. High arboreal pollen frequencies in the upper horizons coupled with increases in non-arboreal types at depth indicate gradual ongoing mixing from the present vegetation into the soil.
Adult sympathetic and vascular dysfunction in experimental juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus

This study was designed to determine if vascular dysfunction and enhanced norepinephrine sensitivity occurring in early experimental juvenile diabetes (S. M. Mueller, T. M. Mueller, and P. J. Ertel, 1982, Amer. J. Physiol. 243, H139–H144) persist, improve, or worsen in adulthood. Alloxan was administered to rats at 4 weeks of age and they were studied 14 weeks later. After Seconal anesthesia, the hindquarters of diabetic and control rats were perfused at a constant flow rate per 100 g through the abdominal aorta with oxygenated Tyrode solution containing dextran. Efflux was from the ligated and severed inferior vena cava. In order to test the effect of a strong sympathetic stimulus producing reflex peripheral vasoconstriction, the cephalad portions of the rats were rapidly hemorrhaged. The time to the maximal increase was significantly longer in the diabetics (122 ± 6 sec, P < 0.05) than in the controls (102 ± 5 sec) and the increase in perfusion pressure was markedly less in the diabetics (D) (48 ± 9 mm Hg, P < 0.01) than in the age-matched controls (C) (88 ± 10 mm Hg). The threshold to norepinephrine in the perfusate was determined. The threshold was significantly lower in D than in age-matched C [0.112 ± 0.026 (P < 0.05) vs 0.265 ± 0.057 μg/ml, respectively]. The maximum vasoconstrictor capacity of the vasculature was tested with supramaximal doses of vasopressin and was significantly lower in D than in C [190 ± 10 (P < 0.001) vs 284 ± 15 mm Hg, respectively]. These data suggest that both vasculopathy and enhanced norepinephrine sensitivity persist in chronic uncontrolled experimental diabetes mellitus. However, when the severity of the abnormalities was compared to early experimental diabetes mellitus, mild improvement had occurred—an apparent adaptation to the diabetic state as the animal grew.
The PMI, the T‐Bill and Inventories: A Comparative Analysis of Neural Network and Regression Forecasts

SUMMARY The PMI is widely used as an indicator of economic trends, and as a short-term forecaster of several important lagging output variables. The PMI's importance has led to several attempts at forecasting its direction. This research builds on this foundation by attempting to forecast the PMI through the use of regression and neural network methodology. Findings indicate that short-term interest rates lead and forecast changes in the PMI by 10 months. Additionally, the paper focuses on the PMI as a predictor. Of the many variables the PMI can fit or predict, results reveal inventories as the most relevant example for supply chain managers, showing the PMI is a predictor of real inventory changes 8 months out.
Is religiosity a protective factor against substance use in young adulthood? Only if you're straight!

Purpose: Previous research has documented that substance use peaks during young adulthood and that religiosity provides a protective effect against binge drinking, marijuana use, and cigarette smoking. The majority of these studies do not examine sexual identity as it relates to these factors. Drawing on social influence and developmental theories, we tested the hypothesis that religiosity would provide a protective effect for heterosexual but not sexual minority young adults. Method: Waves 1 and 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health provided data for the study. Three young adult sexual identity groups were formed: sexual minorities who did not report same-sex attraction at Wave 1 (NA), sexual minorities who did report same-sex attraction at Wave 1 (SSA), and heterosexuals (HET) (sample n 764). Results: Religiosity measured at baseline had no significant effect on past-year substance use, measured six years later in sexual minority young adults. For heterosexual young adults, each unit increase in religiosity reduced the odds of binge drinking by 9%, marijuana use by 20%, and cigarette smoking by 13%. Conclusions: Religiosity was not protective against substance use in sexual minority young adults, cautioning against over-generalizing previous findings about the protective effects of religiosity. Future studies that 1) consider the social context for sexual identity development, 2) model both risk and protective factors, and 3) use multidimensional measures of religiosity (and spirituality) and sexual identity are needed to build the necessary knowledge base for effective health promotion efforts among sexual minority youth and young adults. © 2007 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Effects of Isolated Post-challenge Hyperglycemia on Mortality in American Indians

Abstract PURPOSE: To assess the effects of isolated post-challenge hyperglycemia (IPH) on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and all-cause mortality in American Indians using longitudinal data from the Strong Heart Study. METHODS: Of 4549 American Indian women and men aged 45 to 74 years participating in the Strong Heart Study, 4304 had fasting blood measurements or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data to ascertain diabetes status. At baseline and follow-up, a personal interview was conducted, and physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed. Fasting blood samples were drawn for measurement of glucose, fibrinogen, insulin, lipids, lipoproteins, creatinine, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). A 75-g OGTT was performed. Five diabetes categories were defined: (i) known diabetes, (ii) newly diagnosed diabetes (fasting glucose ⩾126 mg/dL and no history of diabetes or diabetes medication; ADA-new diabetes), (iii) IPH, (iv) impaired fasting glucose (⩾110 − RESULTS: IPH had a worse CVD risk factor profile than NFG, but IPH was associated with a better CVD risk factor profile than known diabetes or ADA-new diabetes. At follow-up, individuals with IFG had no increased risk for CVD or all-cause mortality, whereas those with ADA-new or known diabetes had significantly increased risk (RR = 1.70 and 1.40 for ADA-new diabetes, and RR = 2.87 and 2.19 for known diabetes, respectively). Those with IPH had nonsignificant elevations in risk for CVD (RR = 1.54) and all-cause (RR = 1.27) mortality. Cancer mortality was not increased in those with IFG, IPH, ADA-new diabetes, or known diabetes compared to those with NFG. CONCLUSIONS: Among American Indians 45 to 74 years of age, IPH is associated with nonsignificant elevations in total and CVD mortality. The magnitude of mortality risk associated with IPH is intermediate between diabetes and IFG. Because those with IPH are at high risk for diabetes, American Indians with IPH should be targeted for diabetes prevention.