cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Rated Health and Attitudes About U.S. Health Care Policy

ABSTRACTHow does one’s own health influence attitudes about national health care policy? Previous research has documented a reliable (though bounded) role of personal interest in shaping policy preferences, but little is known about the role that personal health plays in shaping these attitudes. Using recent General Social Survey data, we find that those with poorer self-rated health were more likely to endorse a strong role for government in providing health care, and more likely to endorse increased spending on health care. Further analysis suggested that this relationship was moderated by political ideology. Implications for better understanding the source of health policy support are discussed.
Energy Dissipation Pathways in Few-Layer MoS 2 Nanoelectromechanical Systems

Free standing, atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides are a new class of ultralightweight nanoelectromechanical systems with potentially game-changing electro- and opto-mechanical properties, however, the energy dissipation pathways that fundamentally limit the performance of these systems is still poorly understood. Here, we identify the dominant energy dissipation pathways in few-layer MoS2 nanoelectromechanical systems. The low temperature quality factors and resonant frequencies are shown to significantly decrease upon heating to 293 K, and we find the temperature dependence of the energy dissipation can be explained when accounting for both intrinsic and extrinsic damping sources. A transition in the dominant dissipation pathways occurs at T ~ 110 K with relatively larger contributions from phonon-phonon and electrostatic interactions for T > 110 K and larger contributions from clamping losses for T < 110 K. We further demonstrate a room temperature thermomechanical-noise-limited force sensitivity of ~8 fN/Hz1/2 that, despite multiple dissipation pathways, remains effectively constant over the course of more than four years. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms limiting the performance of nanoelectromechanical systems derived from few-layer materials, which is vital to the development of next-generation force and mass sensors.
Early-life disruption of amphibian microbiota decreases later-life resistance to parasites

Changes in the early-life microbiota of hosts might affect infectious disease risk throughout life, if such disruptions during formative times alter immune system development. Here, we test whether an early-life disruption of host-associated microbiota affects later-life resistance to infections by manipulating the microbiota of tadpoles and challenging them with parasitic gut worms as adults. We find that tadpole bacterial diversity is negatively correlated with parasite establishment in adult frogs: adult frogs that had reduced bacterial diversity as tadpoles have three times more worms than adults without their microbiota manipulated as tadpoles. In contrast, adult bacterial diversity during parasite exposure is not correlated with parasite establishment in adult frogs. Thus, in this experimental setup, an early-life disruption of the microbiota has lasting reductions on host resistance to infections, which is possibly mediated by its effects on immune system development. Our results support the idea that preventing early-life disruption of host-associated microbiota might confer protection against diseases later in life. Early-life microbiota alterations can affect infection susceptibility later in life, in animal models. Here, Knutie et al. show that manipulating the microbiota of tadpoles leads to increased susceptibility to parasitic infection in adult frogs, in the absence of substantial changes in the adults’ microbiota.
Mapping drought-impacted vegetation stress in California using remote sensing

Recent droughts and the profound effects they have on ecosystems, agriculture, and forests in California highlighted a critical need to understand drought impacts and develop remote sensing-based m...
The Data Science Opportunity: Crafting a Holistic Strategy

The rise of data-driven research and discovery may be one of the greatest strategic opportunities to confront academic libraries in a generation. The argument advanced in this article is that the d...
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Anti-diabetic Pharmacologic Therapies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of liver disease, affects approximately 75 to 100 million Americans. Patients with concurrent NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis compared to non-diabetics. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, remain the mainstay of treatment for NAFLD, as there are no medications currently indicated for this disease state. Anti-diabetic pharmacologic therapies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing insulin production have been studied to determine their potential role in slowing the progression of NAFLD. In this review, we focus on the evidence surrounding anti-diabetic medications and their ability to improve disease progression in patients with NAFLD.
Care Coordination Using a Shared Plan of Care Approach: From Model to Practice.

Abstract Introduction Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) need, but do not have, adequate care coordination (CC); CC leads to better pediatric care, improved family/professional experience of care, and enhanced population health. Current CC initiatives are promising but lack adherence to emerging definitions/standards. A Lucile Packard Report provides guidelines for using a Shared Plan of Care (SPoC) as a CC approach; studied implementation is needed. Purpose The studied implementation of the Riley Care Coordination Program (RCCP) set out to: 1) illuminate components of family-centered, interdisciplinary, team-based care/coordination and SPoC, use 2) underscore family participation/engagement 3) reveal implementation processes/lessons learned. Methods Children (ages 2–10) with neurodevelopmental disabilities were referred by subspecialists; families agreed to participate in RCCP from a children's hospital ambulatory care setting. RCCP team used a five-phase workflow to implement CC: (1) Family Outreach/Engagement 2) Family and Team Pre-Visit Work, 3) Population-Based Teamwork, 4) Planned-Care Visits/SPOC “Co-Production”, 5) Ongoing Care Coordination and Community Transfer. Family surveys and SPoC goals informed an evaluation. Results Children (268) with neurodevelopmental disabilities enrolled/completed the 6-month RCCP; it was a feasible endeavor. The co-produced SPoC supported families/care neighborhood partners to meet goals/unmet needs. Team plan-do-study-act improvement cycles informed RCCP enhancements. Discussion/Conclusion Eliciting/using family goals to drive CC emphasized family priorities; children/families gained interventions, treatments, confidence and navigation skills. Going beyond episodic, reactive care, RCCP achieved better CC with care neighborhood learning partnerships. Investing in this quality care coordination with fidelity to national standards holds promise.
Marine-Lenhart Syndrome: Case Report, Diagnosis, and Management

The coexistence of thyroid functioning nodules and Graves' disease is called Marine-Lenhart syndrome. This condition is estimated to occur in 0.8-2.7% of patients with Graves' disease with few cases reported in the literature. Criteria for the diagnosis are not well defined. Here, we present a case of hyperthyroidism characterized by the presence of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies and severe bilateral exophthalmos. A thyroid uptake and scan revealed an elevated 24-hour iodine-131 uptake and a discrete hot nodule in the upper pole of the right lobe which was also observed with a thyroid ultrasound. The patient was diagnosed with Marine-Lenhart syndrome complicated by thyroid eye disease and was treated with methimazole followed by thyroidectomy and orbital decompression. We review the existing literature and propose criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Universal Intimate-Partner Violence Assessment in the Pediatric Emergency Department and Urgent Care Setting: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine universal intimate-partner violence (IPV) assessment in the pediatric acute care setting. METHODS We reviewed universal IPV assessment over 1 year in 2 emergency departments and 3 urgent care centers within a children's hospital system. Written IPV assessment used 2 questions (ie, safety concerns at home, information desired); "yes" to either was considered positive. We identified positive assessments via preexisting quality report. We collected demographics, resource utilization, and reason for positive screen by chart review. Positive assessment for IPV was determined by chart documentation. RESULTS Intimate-partner violence assessment was documented in 169,399 visits (96% of all visits); 511 (0.3%) were positive. Four hundred ninety cases were reviewed; 21 cases were excluded (incomplete data). One hundred twenty positive assessments were classified as misunderstood ("yes" marked in error); these were associated with nonwhite race (P < 0.001). We identified IPV in 169 (46%) of the remaining 370 positive assessments. Intimate-partner violence identification was associated with white race (P = 0.004), female caregiver (P < 0.001), and English as primary home language (P = 0.045). Non-IPV concerns triggered 239 positive assessments; concerns included child maltreatment (n = 125), mental/behavioral health (n = 46), other violence (n = 33), and parenting (n = 21). Intimate-partner violence was identified by social work in 82 cases triggered by non-IPV concerns. Resources utilized included social work (99%), non-IPV resources (59%), IPV advocate (21%), law enforcement (0.8%), and child protective services (1.6%). CONCLUSIONS Universal IPV assessment in the pediatric acute care setting is feasible and may enable resource provision for IPV and non-IPV concerns.
A proton imaging system using a volumetric liquid scintillator: A preliminary study

With the expansion of proton radiotherapy for cancer treatments, it has become important to explore proton-based imaging technologies to increase the accuracy of proton treatment planning, alignment, and verification. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a volumetric liquid scintillator to generate proton radiographs at a clinically relevant energy (180 MeV) using an integrating detector approach. The volumetric scintillator detector is capable of capturing a wide distribution of residual proton beam energies from a single beam irradiation. It has the potential to reduce acquisition time and imaging dose compared to other proton radiography methods. The imaging system design is comprised of a volumetric (20 × 20 × 20 cm3) organic liquid scintillator working as a residual-range detector and a charge-coupled device (CCD) placed along the beams'-eye-view for capturing radiographic projections. The scintillation light produced within the scintillator volume in response to a 3-dimensional distribution of residual proton beam energies is captured by the CCD as a 2-dimensional grayscale image. A light intensity-to-water equivalent thickness (WET) curve provided WET values based on measured light intensities. The imaging properties of the system, including its contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution (0.19 line-pairs/mm) were determined. WET values for selected Gammex phantom inserts including solid water, acrylic, and cortical bone were calculated from the radiographs with a relative accuracy of -0.82%, 0.91%, and -2.43%, respectively. Image blurring introduced by system optics was accounted for, resulting in sharper image features. Finally, the system's ability to reconstruct proton CT images from radiographic projections was demonstrated using a filtered back-projection algorithm. The WET retrieved from the reconstructed CT slice was within 0.3% of the WET obtained from MC. In this work, the viability of a cumulative approach to proton imaging using a volumetric liquid scintillator detector and at a clinically-relevant energy was demonstrated.
“The Rain Grows Plants, the Thunder Does Not”: Refugee Mothers’ Narratives on Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are regarded as a public health problem in the United States and around the world. While refugee families experience extreme parenting stress as they resettle, little attent...
Student Perceptions of Their Web Literacy Identities

Abstract This paper works towards measuring students’ web literacy identities by having them self-report whether or not they can complete a list of web literacy competencies listed on a survey. The survey was developed based on Mozilla’s Web Literacy Map that separates web literacies into three primary levels that are broken down into multiple secondary levels, each of which include specific competencies. The data shows that students identify as being most comfortable with skills related to the primary level “Read” compared to the other two categories, “Write” and “Participate.” The results also challenge the idea that students are naturally proficient with technology and offer suggestions on how to rethink students’ technological abilities in the classroom.
Compression of Convolutional Neural Network for Natural Language Processing

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were created for image classification tasks. Quickly, they were applied to other domains, including Natural Language Processing (NLP). Nowadays, the solutions based on artificial intelligence appear on mobile devices and in embedded systems, which places constraints on, among others, the memory and power consumption. Due to CNNs memory and computing requirements, to map them to hardware they need to be compressed. This paper presents the results of compression of the efficient CNNs for sentiment analysis. The main steps involve pruning and quantization. The process of mapping the compressed network to FPGA and the results of this implementation are described. The conducted simulations showed that 5-bit width is enough to ensure no drop in accuracy when compared to the floating point version of the network. Additionally, the memory footprint was significantly reduced (between 85% and 93% comparing to the original model).
Molecular Diagnostics and Testing for Pancreatic Cysts.

In current clinical practice, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are based on guidelines that combine clinical and imaging findings. These guidelines usefully identify a large category of low-risk PCLs that do not require treatment. However, they have limited accuracy for diagnosis of advanced neoplasia in worrisome and high-risk PCLs. Novel molecular markers that can accurately detect advanced neoplasia in PCLs can transform the care of patients with PCLs. We reviewed the recent medical literature on molecular diagnostics of PCLs and summarized molecular biomarkers assayed in cyst fluid, pancreatic juice, and blood. Several studies have been recently published describing promising early results in genetic, epigenetic, and protein biomarkers from cyst fluid to help in both histologic diagnosis and detection of advanced neoplasia. The majority of studies have been completed using opportunistically collected archival cyst fluid and few report validation in independent sample sets. Results of ongoing multicenter prospective validation studies are awaited and will help define the best combination of cyst fluid molecular markers. In multifocal PCLs communicating with the pancreatic ductal system, a pancreatic juice biomarker is likely to be less invasive and more informative. Novel biomarkers in pancreatic juice and blood are in early phases of study. The field of molecular diagnostic biomarkers for PCLs is rapidly evolving with several promising candidate markers being prospectively evaluated. In the near future, these novel molecular markers, combined with advances in imaging technology, will transform clinical decision-making in the management of PCLs and improve patient outcomes.
A predictive model for additions to N-alkyl pyridiniums

Disclosed in this communication is a thorough study on the dearomative addition of organomagnesium nucleophiles to N-alkyl pyridinium electrophiles. The regiochemical outcomes have observable and predictable trends associated with the substituent patterns on the pyridinium electrophile. Often, the substituent effects can be either additive, giving high selectivities, or ablative, giving competing outcomes. Additionally, the nature of the organometallic nucleophilic component was also investigated for its role in the regioselective outcome. The effects of either reactive component are important to both the overall reactivity and site of nucleophilic addition. The utility of these observed trends is demonstrated in a concise, dearomative synthesis of a tricyclic compound shown to have insecticidal activity.
'Bugs on drugs': implications for gut health.

Intense research is ongoing to dissect the reciprocal interactions between microbiota and drugs. New work finds that a drug to dampen host inflammation can also have off-target effects on the microbiota at transcriptional, metabolic and compositional levels, with resultant expanded benefits to the host.
Immune modulation mediated by extracellular vesicles of intestinal organoids is disrupted by opioids

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are effective mediators of intercellular communications between enterocytes and immune cells. The current study showed that EVs isolated from mouse and human intestinal organoids modulated inflammatory responses of various immune cells including mouse bone-marrow derived-macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia cells, and human monocytes. EVs suppressed LPS-elicited cytokine production in these cells while morphine abolished EVs' immune modulatory effects. Microarray analysis showed that various microRNAs, especially Let-7, contributed to EV-mediated immune modulation. Using murine models, we showed that injection of EVs derived from intestinal organoids reduced endotoxin-induced systemic inflammation and alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis. EVs derived from morphine-treated organoids failed to suppress the immune response in both these models. Our study suggests that EVs derived from intestinal crypt cells play crucial roles in maintaining host homeostasis and opioid use is a risk factor for exacerbating inflammation in patients with inflammatory diseases such as sepsis and colitis.
Mass Cytometry Analysis of T-Helper Cells

CD4+ T cells or helper T cells play various roles in the immune response to pathogens, tumors, as well as in asthma, allergy, and autoimmunity. Consequently, there is great interest in the comprehensive investigation of different T helper cell subsets. Here, we use mass cytometry (CyTOF), which is similar to flow cytometry but uses metal ion-tagged antibodies, which are detected using time-of-flight mass spectrometry. CyTOF allows the simultaneous detection of over 40 different antibodies, allowing us to collect high-dimensional single-cell proteomic data on T helper subsets. We use an extensive staining panel with a large number of lineage markers, cytokines, and other functional markers to identify and characterize CD4+ T cell subsets. In this method, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are stimulated ex vivo with PMA and ionomycin, which activates T cells. The activated CD4+ T cells can then be identified as Th1, Th2, or Th17 cells based on their production of IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-17, respectively. Tregs are identified as CD4+CD25+CD127lo. Once Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs have been identified, they can be characterized in more detail using the large number of phenotypic and functional markers included in the CyTOF staining panel. Finally, automated and unbiased high-dimensional data analysis tools can be employed to comprehensively characterize T helper cells and discover novel features.
O’Bannon v. National Collegiate Athletic Association : Why the Ninth Circuit Should Not Block the Floodgates of Change in College Athletics

In O’Bannon v. National Collegiate Athletic Ass’n, then-Chief Judge Claudia Wilken of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a groundbreaking decision, potentially opening the floodgates for challenges to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) amateurism rules. The NCAA was finally put to a full evidentiary demonstration of its amateurism defense, and its proof was found emphatically wanting. We agree with Professor Edelman that O’Bannon could bring about significant changes, but only if the Ninth Circuit affirms. We write mainly to address the NCAA’s vigorous pending appeal and the views of certain amici, and to explain our strong support for the result at trial. Reversal of Judge Wilken’s comprehensive and thoughtful decision would thwart needed changes just as colleges are beginning to embrace them and would be mistaken as a matter of law. O’Bannon is a correct, justifiable, garden-variety rule-of-reason opinion and should be affirmed by the Ninth Circuit.
Effects of habitat complexity on giant water bug (Belostoma) functional response to rams-horn snail prey (Helisoma)

Outcomes of predator–prey interactions depend on biotic and abiotic factors. Habitat complexity, for example, mediates predator functional response type and parameters (attack rate and handling time). However, the relationship between habitat complexity and functional response varies across ecosystems. We assessed interactions between the giant water bug, Belostoma sp., and its prey, rams-horn snails, Helisoma trivolvis, across four prey densities (N = 2, 4, 8, 16 snails) and three habitat complexity levels (No-complexity, Low-complexity, High-complexity) to understand how complexity affected the functional response. We also tested effects of predator and prey body size on number of prey killed. Belostoma exhibited a Type III functional response in all habitat complexity treatments. Attack rate tended to increase with increasing complexity. Handling time was different among treatments, being lowest in the No-complexity treatment and highest in the Low-complexity treatment. Belostoma body size was positively related, while Helisoma body size was inversely related, to the number of Helisoma killed. We show habitat complexity does not affect the shape of predator functional response but impacts response parameters in the Belostoma–Helisoma system. We reaffirm that attack rate, handling time, and mortality outcomes for prey within predator–prey interactions are affected by abiotic factors through habitat complexity.
Selective manipulation of G-protein γ7 subunit in mice provides new insights into striatal control of motor behavior

Stimulatory coupling of dopamine D1 (D1R) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) to adenylyl cyclase within the striatum is mediated through a specific Gαolfβ2γ7 heterotrimer to ultimately modulate motor behaviors. To dissect the individual roles of the Gαolfβ2γ7 heterotrimer in different populations of medium spiny neurons (MSNs), we produced and characterized conditional mouse models, in which the Gng7 gene was deleted in either the D1R- or A2AR/D2R-expressing MSNs. We show that conditional loss of γ7 disrupts the cell type-specific assembly of the Gαolfβ2γ7 heterotrimer, thereby identifying its circumscribed roles acting downstream of either the D1Rs or A2ARs in coordinating motor behaviors including in vivo responses to psychostimulants. We reveal that Gαolfβ2γ7/cAMP signal in D1R-MSNs does not impact spontaneous and amphetamine-induced locomotor behaviors in male and female mice, while its loss in A2AR/D2R-MSNs results in a hyperlocomotor phenotype and enhanced locomotor response to amphetamine. Additionally, Gαolfβ2γ7/cAMP signal in either D1R- or A2AR/D2R-expressing MSNs is not required for the activation of PKA signaling by amphetamine. Finally, we show that Gαolfβ2γ7 signaling acting downstream of D1Rs is selectively implicated in the acute locomotor-enhancing effects of morphine. Collectively, these results support the general notion that receptors utilize specific Gαβγ proteins to direct the fidelity of downstream signaling pathways and to elicit a diverse repertoire of cellular functions. Specifically, these findings highlight the critical role for the γ7 protein in determining the cellular level, and hence, the function of the Gαolfβ2γ7 heterotrimer in several disease states associated with dysfunctional striatal signaling. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT Dysfunction or imbalance of cAMP signaling in the striatum has been linked to several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, schizophrenia and drug addiction. By genetically targeting the γ7 subunit in distinct striatal neuronal subpopulations in mice, we demonstrate that the formation and function of the Gαolfβ2γ7 heterotrimer, which represents the rate-limiting step for cAMP production in the striatum, is selectively disrupted. Furthermore, we reveal cell type-specific roles for Gαolfβ2γ7-mediated cAMP production in the control of spontaneous locomotion as well as behavioral and molecular responses to psychostimulants. Our findings identify the γ7 protein as a novel therapeutic target for disease states associated with dysfunctional striatal cAMP signaling.
International Experiences for Student Affairs Educators: There Is a World of Professional Development Opportunities Out There

The chapter discusses learning that has resulted from selected international professional development experiences.
The nitrous oxide-acetylene flame in emission analysis—III: Aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium, germanium, and tin

Abstract Emission characteristics of these elements in the premixed nitrous oxide-acetylene flame were carefully studied. Detection limits of 0.005, 0.01, 0.002, 0.02, 0.5 and 0.5 μg ml were found for aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium, germanium and tin. These are about one order of magnitude better than those reported in atomic absorption for the first four elements and about the same for the last two. Chemical interference effects are very small in all cases studied and spectral interferences are readily corrected for. The flame was applied to determination of small amounts of aluminum in three rocks and three steels from the National Bureau of Standards.
The oral-facial-digital syndromes.

Publisher Summary Malformations in oral–facial–digital syndrome (OFDS) commonly involve the oral, facial, and digital regions. The association of specific anomalies and inheritance patterns forms the basis for recognizing at least 12 variants. A variety of terms has been used to describe the cluster of syndromes known as “OFDS,” including dysplasia linguofacialis, Mohr syndrome, Mohr–Majewski syndrome, orodigitofacial dysostosis, orofaciodigital syndrome, oro–facio–digital syndrome, Thurston syndrome, and Varadi syndrome. Phenotypic changes in OFDS are widely variable and account for many of the diagnostic and taxonomic uncertainties over this group of disorders. A variety of anomalies are recognized for the oral region. Frenula are broad and short and may involve maxillary, mandibular, or lingual tissues. Among facial changes, cleft lip and palate are common findings in OFDS. Clefts may be “true” clefts, but more often a midline notch or “pseudocleft” involves the vermilion border of the upper lip and gives a feline appearance. Digital anomalies vary in severity and include brachydactyly, polydactyly, and syndactyly, which can involve any of the digits of one or more extremity.
Size Reduction of Cellulosic Biomass in Biofuel Manufacturing: Effects of Milling Orientation on Sugar Yield

Cellulosic biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. In order to convert cellulosic biomass into biofuels, size reduction of biomass is a necessary step. Most related studies in the literature claimed that smaller particles produced higher sugar yields. However, some researchers reported that this claim was not always true. The literature does not have satisfactory explanations for the inconsistence. This paper presents an experimental study on size reduction of poplar wood using a metal cutting process (milling). The results provided one explanation for this inconsistence. It was found for the first time that milling orientation had a strong effect on poplar wood sugar yield. Although smaller poplar particles had a higher sugar yield when they were milled from the same orientation, this trend did not exist for particles milled from different orientations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
EPR spectra in γ-irradiated PPN+HFeW(CO)9− crystals

Single crystals of PPN+HFeW(CO)9− prepared from THF · W(CO)5 and PPN+HFe(CO)4− exhibit weak single-line EPR spectra corresponding to the presence of two paramagnetic impurities. One of the spectra increases in intensity by an order of magnitude on 60Co γ-irradiation. The g2 matrices for both species in an orthogonal crystal-axis system were assembled from measurements of g values made at 77 K on crystallographically oriented samples. The intense spectrum has principal g values of 2.0064, 2.0468 and 2.1320 and principal directions of g which lie close to bonds emanating from the Fe nucleus of the undamaged anion. Consideration of the principal g values and directions for this species leads to an assignment to a FeW(CO)9− radical in which the unpaired electron is principally located in a Fe 3d orbital directed along the FeH bond of the host anion. The other signal has principal g values (2.0229, 2.0425, 2.0950) close to those established for the singly bridged isomer of Fe2(CO)8−, but their directions do not correlate well with bond directions within the host anion. It is concluded that small amounts of the persistent Fe2(CO)8− radical generated in the preparative procedures substitute for the host anion in the crystals of PPN+HFeW(CO)9−.
Improved semiparametric time series models of air pollution and mortality

In 2002, methodological issues around time series analyses of air pollution and health attracted the attention of the scientific community, policy makers, the press, and the diverse stakeholders concerned with air pollution. As the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was finalizing its most recent review of epidemiologic evidence on particulate matter air pollution (PM), statisticians and epidemiologists found that the S–PLUS implementation of generalized additive models (GAMs) can overestimate effects of air pollution and understate statistical uncertainty in time series studies of air pollution and health. This discovery delayed completion of the PM Criteria Document prepared as part of the review of the U. S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard, because the time series findings represented a critical component of the evidence. In addition, it raised concerns about the adequacy of current model formulations and their software implementations. In this article we provide improvements in semipara...
Deactivation kinetics of ferric molybdate catalysts

Abstract The deactivation of ferric molybdate catalysts was investigated in a differential reactor. Commercial catalysts were pretreated in air at 600 to 700 °C for between 1 and 2.5 h and characterized for catalytic activity in formaldehyde synthesis and for physical and chemical properties. A kinetic model for activity decay was developed for analysis. The results indicate that on heat treatment, the active catalytic component, ferric molybdate, decomposes to an inactive phase, ferrous molybdate.
Information seeking behavior of academic scientists

The information seeking behavior of academic scientists is being transformed by the availability of electronic resources for searching, retrieving, and reading scholarly materials. A census survey was conducted of academic science researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to capture their current information seeking behavior. Nine hundred two subjects (26%) completed responses to a 15-minute Web-based survey. The survey questions were designed to quantify the transition to electronic communications and how this affects different aspects of information seeking. Significant changes in information seeking behavior were found, including increased reliance on web based resources, fewer visits to the library, and almost entirely electronic communication of information. The results can guide libraries and other information service organizations as they adapt to meet the needs of today's information searchers. Simple descriptive statistics are reported for the individual questions. Additionally, analysis of results is broken out by basic science and medical science departments. The survey tool and protocol used in this study have been adopted for use in a nationwide survey of the information seeking behavior of academic scientists. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraparticle mass transport in liquid-filled pores

Adsorption rate data were measured at 25° to 75°C for benzaldehyde on polymeric, porous Amberlite particles. When the benzaldehyde is dissolved in methanol, the adsorption capacity is very low. Data for methanol solutions gave reasonable values for intraparticle diffusivities based solely on transport in the pore volume. For adsorption from aqueous solution (where the adsorption capacity was high), the contribution of surface diffusion was important. From the two sets of data it was possible to evaluate average effective surface diffusivities by using a model based upon both pore-volume and surface transport. These values were about 10−8 cm2/s and were sufficiently sensitive to temperature to give activation energies of 7 to 9 k cal/mole. For the more hydrophobic Amberlite, XAD-4, surface transport was many times as large as pore-volume diffusion.
Differential sprouting responses in axonal fiber systems in the dentate gyrus following lesions of the perforant path in WLDs mutant mice.

Axons in both peripheral nerves and central fiber pathways undergo very slow Wallerian degeneration in Wlds mutant mice, It has recently been shown that in Wlds mutant mice there is a delay in the intensification of acetylcholinesterase histochemical staining in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus following lesions of the entorhinal cortex [49]. Thus, it appears that delayed post-lesion reactive sprouting is associated with the delayed degeneration of cut central axons in this mutant. We have studied the time course of changes in the septohippocampal and the hippocampal commissural projections following interruption of perforant path in Wlds mutant mice and in normal (C57BL/6J) mice using the anterograde tracer, wheat germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase. In normal mice, changes in the distribution of labeled septal and commissural axons indicative of sprouting are seen in the dentate molecular layer as early as 3 days post-lesion. The earliest survival time at which similar changes are found in Wlds mutant mice is seven days post-lesion, when an increase in the density of labeled septal axons begins in the outer molecular layer, The delay in the sprouting of commissural axons in the mutant is even longer. Changes in the distribution of labeled commissural axons in the dentate gyrus of Wlds mutant mice are first seen 12 days post-lesion. These results confirm that post-lesion reactive axonal sprouting can be delayed in the central nervous system of Wlds mutant mice. In addition, our results indicate that the extent of this delay may differ among axonal fiber systems, These findings are consistent with the notion that various central axonal systems may respond differentially to sprouting cues and are reminiscent of differences found in the regenerating response exhibited by sensory and motor axons in the Wlds mutant after peripheral nerve cuts [4,7,8,26].
The judgment criteria of halftone pinhole defects

As the design rule of the semiconductor devices approaches to 90nm node technology, the defect controllability of the photomask becomes critical success factor. The halftone defects generated in photomask cannot be easily judged because the results of Aerial Image Measurement System (AIMS) are flexible with the defect size and transmission. Also, the printability of halftone defect on wafer is not clear because of low sensitivity of inspection system for pinholes. In this paper, halftone defects with programmed size were fabricated by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) repair tool. We evaluated the transmission correlation of the halftone defects between printability with 248nm simulation tool and inspection machine with 365nm light source. We could make the judgment criteria of halftone defects captured by inspection machine without AIMS result from this correlation result. Inspection machines such as KLA-Tencor and Lasertec are used to verify the detectability of halftone defects. Wafer printability was simulated using AIMS fab 248. Even though the transmission of halftone defects is same, the energy intensity of large size defects is higher than that of small size.
Reversible neurological symptoms caused by diathermy in a patient with deep brain stimulators: case report.

Objective Diathermy is contraindicated in patients with implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes. As the clinical applications for diathermy and the number of patients with DBS implants continue to grow, the opportunity for diathermy-induced complications in the population with DBS electrodes increases. We report a case of reversible neurological deficit in a patient who underwent diathermy 4 years after implantation of bilateral DBS leads. Clinical presentation A 58-year-old man with well-controlled symptoms of Parkinson's disease after the placement of bilateral DBS systems went to his primary care physician for the treatment of recurrent neck pain. A course of diathermy was prescribed, and after the second treatment, the patient developed double-vision and severe right-sided motor contractions. These symptoms resolved when he turned off the implanted pulse generators. Intervention The implanted pulse generators were turned back on after several days, but the symptoms recurred within 48 hours. The voltages were therefore decreased, resulting in resolution of symptoms but suboptimal control of the Parkinson's disease. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain showed a small amount of edema surrounding the contacts of the left-sided lead. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan 4 weeks later disclosed interval reduction in the edema, and the patient was able to tolerate increased voltage without symptom recurrence. Conclusion This is the first reported case of reversible injury from diathermy in a patient with DBS implants. Neurosurgeons must continue to emphasize to their patients and to other practitioners treating this population that diathermy is contraindicated for those with DBS implants.
Influence of microstructure on fatigue crack growth behavior of Sn-Ag solder interfaces

The relationship between microstructure and fatigue crack growth behavior was examined at Sn-Ag solder interfaces on copper and electroless-nickel metallizations. On copper metallization, the solder interface was lined with a coarse Ag3Sn intermetallic phase in addition to the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic and the adjacent solder alloy contained nodular Ag3Sn phase. This interfacial microstructure was shown to result in inferior fatigue resistance, with the fatigue crack path following the interfacial Ag3Sn intermetallic phase. In contrast, the solder interface on the electroless-nickel metallization was covered with a thin layer of Ni3Sn4 intermetallic phase, and the solder microstructure was composed of fine needles of Ag3Sn phase dispersed in the Sn-rich matrix. This solder interface was found to be significantly more resistant to fatigue than the copper/Sn-Ag solder interface.
New technologies in radiation therapy for pediatric brain tumors: the rationale for proton radiation therapy.

Background Pediatric brain tumors are frequently treated with radiation therapy and often cured. The long-term side effects of treatment with high-energy X-rays (photons) can be substantial. Proton radiation therapy may limit these late effects. Procedure The physical difference between photon and proton irradiation is compared. The clinical benefits of the superior physical properties of proton beam radiation therapy are explained for children with brain tumors. Results At biologically equivalent doses, proton radiation therapy offers tumor control similar to photon radiation therapy. The superior physical properties of proton beams make this mode of radiation therapy less likely to cause late effects. Conclusions For many children with brain tumors, proton beam radiation therapy may limit the late effects of radiation therapy and therefore offer an advantage over techniques using photons. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the Higher-Order Method for the Solution of a Nonlinear Scalar Equation

In this paper, a higher-order method for the solution of a nonlinear scalar equation is presented. It is proved that the new method is locally convergent with an order of (m+2), where m is the highest order derivative used in the iterative formula. Some numerical examples are used to demonstrate the new method.
Reduction of Mouse Egg Surface Integrin Alpha9 Subunit (ITGA9) Reduces the Egg's Ability to Support Sperm-Egg Binding and Fusion

The involvement of egg integrins in mammalian sperm-egg interactions has been controversial, with data from integrin inhibitor studies contrasting with evidence from knockouts showing that specific integrin subunits are not essential for fertility. An alpha(4)/alpha(9) (ITGA4/ITGA9) integrin subfamily member has been implicated in fertilization but not extensively examined, so we tested the following three hypotheses: 1) an ITGA4/ITGA9 integrin participates in sperm-egg interactions, 2) short-term acute knockdown by RNA interference of integrin subunits would result in a fertilization phenotype differing from that of chronic depletion via knockout, and 3) detection of a fertilization phenotype is sensitive to in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay conditions. We show that mouse and human eggs express the alpha(9) integrin subunit (ITGA9). RNA interference-mediated knockdown resulted in reduced levels of Itga9 mRNA and surface protein in mouse eggs. RNA interference attempts to knockdown ITGA9's likely beta partner, beta(1) (ITGB1), resulted in reduced Itgb1 mRNA but no reduction in ITGB1 surface protein. Therefore, studies using a function-blocking anti-ITGB1 antibody tested the hypothesis that ITGB1 participates in gamete interactions. Analyses of sperm-egg interactions with Itga9-knockdown eggs and anti-ITGB1 antibody-treated eggs in IVF assays using specific sperm:egg ratios revealed the following: 1) a reduction, but not complete loss, of sperm-egg binding and fusion was observed and 2) the reduction of sperm-egg binding and fusion was not detected in inseminations with high sperm:egg ratios. These data demonstrate that ITGA9 and ITGB1 participate in sperm-egg interactions but clearly are not the only molecules involved. This also shows that careful design of IVF parameters allows detection of deficiencies in gamete interactions.
Where Do the Unique Hues Come from

Where are we to look for the unique hues? Out in the world? In the eye? In more central processing? 1. There are difficulties looking for the structure of the unique hues in simple combinations of cone-response functions like (L − M) and (S − (L + M)): such functions may fit pretty well the early physiological processing, but they don’t correspond to the structure of unique hues. It may seem more promising to look to, e.g., Hurvich & Jameson’s ‘chromatic response functions’; but these report on psychophysical behaviour, not on underlying physiology. So ‘opponent processing’ isn’t any particular help on the unique hues—and even physiology in general seems not to have come up with any good correlate or explanation. 2. Wright (Review of Philosophy and Psychology 2: 1–17, 2011) looks in a different place: to (a) magnitude of total visual response that a stimulus light provokes, the maxima and minima of which, he thinks, give us the boundaries of the main hue categories (Wright connects these with Thornton’s ‘prime’ and ‘antiprime’ colours in an illuminant: Journal of the Optical Society of America 61 (1971): 1155–1163); and (b) the ratio of chromatic to achromatic response, the maxima and minima of which, he suggests, give us the focal points of the unique hues. The suggestions are extremely interesting; but the desired correspondences have some counterexamples; and where they hold, one could wonder how much they depend upon the particular choice of functions to measure (a) and (b); and one could hope for more of an explanatory linkage between the sets of items in question. 3. Could the unique hues come from, so to speak, the external world? White and black can easily be defined as particular kinds of reflectance. What of the standard four unique hues? Variation in kinds of sunlight and skylight coincides well with variation along a line from unique yellow to unique blue (cf. Shepard 1992, Mollon 2006). If we wanted something to calibrate our standards for unique yellow and blue as the lens of the eye changes with age, and despite interpersonal cone differences, this would be a good basis—and there are several ways this can be extended to surface colours. But is there any essential connection between these things: is there any rationale why the light of the sun and the sky should be counted as unique hued? An answer may be: because in our environment, these illuminants are as close to white (or the natural illuminant colour) as you can get—to see things tinged with sunlight or skylight should be to see them minimally tinged with any alien colour. Whereas other hues in an illuminant would be treated as tinging with a more alien colour the thing seen.
Allergic and latex-specific sensitization: Route, frequency, and amount of exposure that are required to initiate IgE production

Abstract Quantitative data that documents human exposure-response relationships for IgE sensitization to allergens are limited. Although seemingly straightforward, documentation of exposure-response relationships can be difficult. Issues that are related to study design, allergen standardization, exposure assessment, and evaluation for sensitization can impact greatly on study results. Despite these issues, exposure-response relationships for sensitization to protein allergens have been documented in several occupational groups, which include enzyme-detergent workers, bakers, and laboratory animal workers. In general, atopy acts as an effect modifier in these settings, steepening the exposure-response relationship. Several studies suggest that the greatest risk for sensitization is within the first several years of exposure. For 1 allergen, the protease subtilisin, a short-term exposure limit of 60 ng/m 3 has been recommended by the American Council of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. With regard to natural rubber latex, exposure-related factors such as number of operations have been shown to be risk factors for sensitization of children with spina bifida. By contrast, fewer studies show exposure-response relationships for IgE sensitization of health care workers to natural rubber latex, and the area remains controversial. However, a recent cohort study that evaluated incident sensitization in dental hygiene students suggests strongly that, with sufficient exposure, employment in health care can lead to an increased risk of IgE sensitization to natural rubber latex. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:S57-63.)