cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frontal Lobes, Basal Ganglia, Temporal Lobes—Three Sites for Schizophrenia?

This special issue of the Schizophrenia Bulletin focuses on three brain areas hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia--the frontal lobes, the basal ganglia, and the temporal lobes. Contributors to the issue review evidence from brain-imaging, post-mortem, and psychopharmacological studies that support the involvement of each of these important brain areas in schizophrenia. It is concluded that theories emphasizing cortical/subcortical interconnections rather than a single brain area provide the greatest challenge, and also the greatest promise, to schizophrenia researchers.
Using the Morphology of the Photoplethysmogram Envelope to Automatically Detect Hypovolemia

There currently is no clinically accepted noninvasive technique for detecting moderate blood loss. Clinicians instead normally rely on lagging indicators such as blood pressure and tachycardia. We propose to use changes in the morphology of the respiratory induced variation in the photoplethysmogram (PPG) to detect moderate hypovolemia in non-ventilated subjects. These changes were characterized by two statistically robust metrics that were developed to characterize the top and bottom envelope of the PPG. The first metric detects when the height of the top envelope becomes greater than the difference between the minimum of the top envelope and the maximum of the bottom envelope. The second metric robustly detects when the upper and lower envelopes synchronously rise or fall. The use of these metrics was then validated in nonintubated healthy volunteers with a Lower-Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) chamber which induces central hypovolemia by sequestering blood in the hips and lower extremities. Hypovolemia corresponding to sequestration of more than 1 liter of blood (LBNP > 60 mmHg) was consistently detected using these metrics before significant change in blood pressure, or tachycardia are observed.
Phase inversion of second-harmonic generation from Si(001) surfaces

The azimuthal phase of second-harmonic generation from Si(001) surfaces exhibits inversion as a function of photon energy or interface chemical bond for the correct polarization configurations, providing information on resonances or bond polarity.
X.25 interface to MARKLINK® terminal

MARKLINK Terminal (MLT) is a Distributed Data Processing system on the General Electric Information Services Company (GEISCO) network. The GEISCO network is a hierarchical network with the file systems at one end and the terminals at the other. The terminals are connected to the network via remote devices.The MLT X.25 interface connects the MLT to the remote device, Network Gateway, via the Public Data Network. To be cost effective, all the users of an MLT are multiplexed over a single virtual circuit. The interrupt and the clear processes are flow controlled using Network Control Data Packets. MLT initiates, communicates and terminates the communication sessions with the GEISCO network by exchanging the Network Control Data Packets and the User Data Packets. The Network Control Data Packets extend some of the network control functions to the MLT.
Stable electrodes and ultrathin passivation coatings for high temperature sensors in harsh environments

Sensor operation in harsh environments up to 1000degC requires robust packages including stable electrodes and protective coatings. We have developed nanostructured ultra-thin (< 100 nm) Pt-10%Rh / ZrO2 electrode structures grown by e-beam co-evaporation that operate at temperatures approaching 1000degC. X-ray diffraction (XRD), resistivity, and electron microscopy (EM) studies indicate incorporation of ZrO2 within the film delays recrystallization, maintaining a stable morphology. We have also developed ultra-thin (< 50 nm) SiAlON passivation coatings that mechanically protect the sensor surfaces, yet allow interaction with the environment. Different SiAlON stoichiometeries were produced by rf magnetron sputtering of Al and Si targets in O2/N2/Ar mixtures. The SiAlON films are amorphous and extremely smooth (< 1 nm rms) and remain so even after extended annealing at 1000degC. Our results are applicable to a wide range of high temperature sensor configurations.
EpiRADseq: scalable analysis of genomewide patterns of methylation using next-generation sequencing

Summary Research addressing the role of epigenetics in a diversity of experimental and natural systems is rapidly accumulating. Diverse methods have been developed to study epigenetic states, including bisulphite sequencing and AFLP-based approaches. However, existing methods are sometimes difficult to apply to non-traditional model organisms that lack genomic resources (bisulphite sequencing), and can fail to be economical and readily scalable to diverse research questions because of reliance on traditional Sanger sequencing (AFLP approaches). Here we develop a reduced-representation library-based approach that is scalable and economical to quantitatively compare patterns of genomewide methylation. This approach shares substantial similarity to the now widely used double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing-based method (ddRADseq), except that it utilizes a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme. This method therefore identifies changes in the genomic methylation state of cytosine (to 5-methylcytosine; 5mC) by sampling loci (via next-generation sequencing) that are not methylated within a sample. We test this method to identify shifts in the epigenome of clonal water fleas (Daphnia ambigua) in response to exposure to fish predator cues, which are known to induce transgenerational changes in life-history traits. We found evidence for differential transgenerational responses (inferred via significant shifts in the methylation state of sampled loci) to predator cues among our treatment groups and remarkably consistent responses within treatment groups. Our results demonstrate that this method is capable of producing highly repeatable results even without the use of a reference genome. Applications of this general method are broad and diverse and include the analysis of epigenetic shifts in both experimental and natural study systems.
Developing composed simulation and optimization models using actual supply-demand network datasets

Large, fine-grain data collected from an actual semiconductor supply-demand system can help automated generation of its integrated simulation and optimization models. We describe how instances of Parallel DEVS and Linear Programming (LP) models can be semi-automatically generated from industry-scale relational databases. Despite requiring the atomic simulation models and the objective functions/constraints in the LP model to be available, it is advantageous to generate system-wide supply-demand models from actual data. Since the network changes over time, it is important for the data contained in the LP model to be automatically updated at execution intervals. Furthermore, as changes occur in the models, the interactions in the Knowledge Interchange Broker (KIB) model, which composes simulation and optimization models, are adjusted at run-time.
Lot Sizing with Inventory Bounds and Fixed Costs: Polyhedral Study and Computation

We investigate the polyhedral structure of the lot-sizing problem with inventory bounds. We consider two models, one with linear cost on inventory, the other with linear and fixed costs on inventory. For both models, we identify facet-defining inequalities that make use of the inventory bounds explicitly and give exact separation algorithms. We also describe a linear programming formulation of the problem when the order and inventory costs satisfy the Wagner-Whitin nonspeculative property. We present computational experiments that show the effectiveness of the results in tightening the linear programming relaxations of the lot-sizing problem with inventory bounds and fixed costs.
Doppler echocardiographic assessment of the effect of balloon aortic valvuloplasty on left ventricular systolic function.

Abstract In order to evaluate the effects of balloon aortic valvuloplasty on left ventricular systolic function and ejection dynamics, Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed on 29 patients before and following valvuloplasty. Continuous wave aortic velocity signais were digitized and (with catheterization laboratory before and after valvuloplasty valve areas) were used to calculate: stroke volume; ejection time; ejection rate; time to 25%, 50%, and 75% ejection; accelerative (onset systole to peak velocity) ejection volume, time, and rate; and decelerative (peak velocity to end systole) ejection volume, time, and rate. Following valvuloplasty, there were no significant changes in heart rate; time to 25%, 50%, and 75% ejection; accelerative ejection time; and decelerative ejection time. There were significant increases in stroke volume, total ejection rate, accelerative ejection volume, decelerative ejection volume, accelerative ejection rate, and decelerative ejection rate, and a significant decrease in total ejection time. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty has a significant effect on the dynamics of left ventricular ejection. There is an increase in stroke volume and a decrease in ejection time, with relatively little effect on early systole, and a more pronounced effect in late systole. There are significant increases in accelerative and decelerative ejection volumes and rates, and a decrease in the time required for the last 25% of ejection. By improving the mobility of calcified leaflets, balloon aortic valvuloplasty may reduce the forces opposing forward blood movement during the decelerative phase of aortic ejection.
Transitioning youth with rheumatic conditions: perspectives of pediatric rheumatology providers in the United States and Canada

Objective. To assess North American pediatric rheumatology providers’ perspectives on practices, barriers, and opportunities concerning the transition from pediatric-centered to adult-centered care. Methods. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) members completed a 25-item survey assessing current transition practices, transition policy awareness, and transitional care barriers and needs. Results were compared to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2008 survey on transitional care. Results. Over half (158/288, 55%) of CARRA members completed the survey. Fewer than 10% are very familiar with AAP guidelines about transition care for youth with special healthcare needs. Eight percent have a formal written transition policy, but 42% use an informal approach. Patient request (75%) most frequently initiates transfer to adult care. Two major barriers to transition are fragmented adult medical care and lack of sufficient time to provide services. Compared with AAP survey participants, pediatric rheumatology providers are significantly more likely to help youth find an adult specialist (63% vs 45%) and discuss confidentiality and consent before age 18 (45% vs 33%), but are less likely to help with medical summary creation (16% vs 27%) or find a primary care provider (25% vs 47%). Outcomes ranked as “very important” in defining a successful transition are survival (76%), seeing an adult rheumatologist within 6 months of final pediatric rheumatology visit (66%), and maintaining insurance coverage (57%). Conclusion. This comprehensive survey of North American pediatric rheumatology providers regarding transitional care practices demonstrates deficiencies in education, resources, and a formalized process. Respondents support development of standardized rheumatology-specific transition practices.
Prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 40% of patients eventually die of cancer progression, making RCC the most lethal of the common urologic malignancies. Even in the contemporary era, approximately 20% of patients present with metastatic disease, and 30% to 40% of patients with surgically resectable disease have a recurrence during surveillance [1]. Prognosticators for these adverse events are vitally important for a rational approach to the management of RCC. In addition, reliable predictive factors are essential for stratification of patients into clinical trials for RCC and can provide an important reference point for comparison of data from different institutions and various treatment protocols. This article reviews the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings that are now established prognostic factors for RCC (Box 1) and highlights the more recent innovative efforts to integrate these parameters and thereby improve the predictive power for patients with this disease. Clinical signs and symptoms Presenting signs and symptoms have been established as strong prognostic factors for RCC, as reviewed by a consensus workshop in 1997 between the Union International Contre le Cancer (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) [2–7]. Most prominent among these factors are symptomatic presentation, weight loss greater than 10%, and a suboptimal performance status. In addition, virtually
Clinicopathologic features, management and outcomes of blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma: a Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group Experience

The objective of this retrospective study (N = 169) was to compare the overall survival (OS) of different subtypes of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) treated by the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group between 1984 and 2012. The overall response rate to various therapies including stem cell transplant (SCT) was similar (p = 0.44) between blastoid, diffuse and nodular subtypes. At 5 years, blastoid and diffuse subtypes had worse OS (overall p = 0.005) compared to nodular subtype. In multivariate analysis, the blastoid and diffuse subtypes had similar risk of death (p = 0.14) whereas the nodular subtype had a lower risk compared to blastoid (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.87, p = 0.01). The use of SCT was associated with lower risk of death. In univariate analysis, blastoid subtype had better OS with intensive upfront therapy. In conclusion, the OS of blastoid subtype is worse than nodular MCL but may improve with the use of SCT and probably intensive induction therapy.
Redundancy implications for early-life reliability: experimental verification of an integrated yield-reliability model

This paper validates an integrated yield-reliability model for redundant memory using yield and stress test data from a 36 Mbit SRAM memory chip and an 8 Mbit embedded DRAM chip. In both cases, those chips determined functional following wafer test and repair were subjected to voltage stress and burn-in. It is shown that the yield-reliability model can accurately model not only the fraction of die with 0, 1, 2, ... repairs, but also predict the number of stress test failures for a die with a given number of repairs. Because defects in integrated circuits tend to cluster, it has been suspected that repaired die have a greater chance of containing early-life reliability defects than die with no repairs. Repaired die should therefore be more likely to fail stress tests than die with no repairs. This work presents the first experimental validation of these statements. In particular, experimental results indicate that, as predicted by the yield-reliability model, the stress test failure probability is linearly related to the number of repairs; the slope of this line is intimately related to the degree to which defects cluster over the wafer. Model predictions are in excellent agreement with observed data.
Assessing social-psychological classroom environments in program evaluation

Reliable, valid, and efficient paper-and-pencil measures of the social learning environment in classrooms are increasingly prominent in evaluations as both predictors and program outcomes.
TEST OF VON BAER'S LAW OF THE CONSERVATION OF EARLY DEVELOPMENT

One of the oldest and most pervasive ideas in comparative embryology is the perceived evolutionary conservation of early ontogeny relative to late ontogeny. Karl Von Baer first noted the similarity of early ontogeny across taxa, and Ernst Haeckel and Charles Darwin gave evolutionary interpretation to this phenomenon. In spite of a resurgence of interest in comparative embryology and the development of mechanistic explanations for Von Baer's law, the pattern itself has been largely untested. Here, I use statistical phylogenetic approaches to show that Von Baer's law is an unnecessarily complex explanation of the patterns of ontogenetic timing in several clades of vertebrates. Von Baer's law suggests a positive correlation between ontogenetic time and amount of evolutionary change. I compare ranked position in ontogeny to frequency of evolutionary change in rank for developmental events and find that these measures are not correlated, thus failing to support Von Baer's model. An alternative model that postulates that small changes in ontogenetic rank are evolutionarily easier than large changes is tentatively supported.
Children's exposure to paternal imprisonment: Incidence, evolution, and correlates among young nonmarital children

Abstract Although the well-being of nonmarital children has been the focus of recent public policy developments and academic research, relatively little is known about the risk of paternal imprisonment among these children. Particularly in a context of declining public assistance, the unprecedented imprisonment rate may place additional stress on nonmarital children if a substantial portion of their fathers are incarcerated and therefore unable to provide support. Research on this topic has been impeded by methodological difficulties, such as the lack of representative data on nonmarital children's fathers, and inaccurate or insufficient information on fathers' incarceration. Using unique combined administrative data sets from Wisconsin that largely overcome these methodological obstacles, I provide improved estimates of paternal imprisonment risk among young nonmarital children. I distinguish between point-in-time and cumulative risks and assess the length of paternal imprisonment, first considering only biological fathers and then also including the mothers' other partners. I also estimate the risks separately by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Results suggest that nonmarital children face a high risk of paternal imprisonment, a substantial proportion also face an elevated risk of lengthy paternal imprisonment, and the racial disparity in risk is significant.
Synthetic jets at large Reynolds number and comparison to continuous jets

Experimental measurements and flow visualization of synthetic jets and similar continuous jets are described. The dimensionless stroke length necessary to form a 2-D synthetic jet is between 5 and 10, with wider-nozzle jets consistently requiring a smaller value. Synthetic jets are wider, slower and have more momentum than similar continuous jets. Synthetic jets are generated using four nozzle widths that vary by a factor of four, and the driving frequency is varied over an order of magnitude. The resultant jets are in the range 13.5 < L{sub o}/h < 80.8 and 695 < Re{sub Uo} < 14700. In spite of the large range of stroke lengths, the near-field behavior of the synthetic jets scales with L{sub o}/h.
The Role Consumerism Plays in Student Learning.

In nations facing austerity measures, students risk diminished quality in their higher education experiences. Universities function increasingly like corporations as they struggle to compensate for budget shortfalls caused by declining public support. As a result, students become positioned as consumers of a private commodity that exists to facilitate their personal economic advantage. The purpose of this piece is to analyze the largely hidden role consumerism plays as an underlying contributor to the issue of diminished student learning in colleges and universities. This article will argue that educational quality is compromised when students are understood as customers to be placated rather than learners to be challenged. Drawing on research about how students learn, this work posits teaching and selling as inherently contradictory processes. Implications for higher education’s future and support as a public good are discussed.
Maintenance of Bone Density Outcomes Over Five Years of Attendance at an Osteoporosis Center

Background. This is a longitudinal analysis of the data from women who visited the Osteoporosis Prevention Center for at least five years. The study is part of an ongoing evaluation of the results of the Center visits. Methods. A random sample of 100 women who had attended the clinic for more than five years and were not referred for a definite medical diagnosis was pulled from the records. Descriptive statistics were compiled on this sample. Seventy-five women were postmenopausal and over 49 years of age. This subgroup was studied for change in bone mineral density (BMD) over the five years. Results. The BMD change was 0.03 gm/cm 2 in the spine, 2 0.01 gm/cm 2 in the femoral-neck, and 2 0.008 gm/cm 2 at the radius over the five years. Conclusion. Attendance at the Osteoporosis Prevention Center was associated with maintenance of bone density in the spine over a five-year period.
Material Internal Control Weaknesses And Earnings Management In The Post-SOX Environment

Prior studies found that companies with internal control deficiencies incorporate abnormal accounting accruals into their financial statements. However, these studies did not consider the materiality of abnormal accruals. Abnormal accruals should be within materiality when financial statements receive clean audit opinions. When material internal control weaknesses (MICW) exist, to compensate for additional risk, auditors should apply more audit effort to gain the quantity and quality of evidence necessary to obtain a reasonable degree of assurance to support their audit reports. We find evidence of this because audit fees are significantly higher for MICW companies than those for effective internal controls (EIC) companies in our sample. Accordingly, financial statements receiving clean audit opinions should not contain material abnormal accruals irrespective of whether controls are effective EIC or ineffective MICW. To examine this issue, we use post-SOX data to estimate abnormal accruals using a revenue-based accrual model for a matched sample of companies with clean audit opinions on their financial statements: one-half EIC and the other half with MICW. Then, we establish material abnormal revenue accruals (MARA), which is the difference between estimated abnormal revenue accruals and a quantitative materiality based on assets. Finally, we compare MARA between EIC and MICW companies. We find no significant difference in MARA between EIC and MICW companies. We provide a summary of important findings in Table 3, and conclude with suggestions to further improve audit and financial reporting quality.
Corporate Practice: From the Model Code to the Model Rules to the States

At one time, attorneys practicing corporate law throughout the United States had relatively uniform ethical obligations. The American Bar Association created the rules of conduct. However, some states have since revised their ethical standards for attorneys practicing corporate law. This article examines the Model Rules that relate specifically to corporate practice, reviewing provisions of the Model Code and Model Rules as well as critiquing the rules adopted by several states.
Simulation of Flow Control in a Serpentine Duct

Three dimensional numerical computations of ∞ow control within an aggressive serpentine inlet duct (L=D = 1:5) at a Mach number of M = 0:45 are presented. Two ∞ow conflgurations including baseline ∞ow (no ∞ow control) and active ∞ow control via steady, tangential control jet are considered. A stabilized flnite element method is employed to perform turbulence simulations 16 using two variants of the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) model; the original S-A one-equation model 29 in an unsteady Reynold-averaged Navier-Stokes simulation (URANSS) and a hybrid S-A model 30 in a Detached eddy simulation (DES). Furthermore, computations are performed using adaptive meshing techniques developed for unstructured grids including boundary layer elements 24 to make such ∞ow simulations practically feasible and e‐cient. Numerical results using two turbulence models are compared with experimental measurements 33 of static and total pressure for the baseline ∞ow whereas numerical results based on URANSS and DES are compared in the case of ∞ow control. Results obtained from URANSS using the original S-A model fail to predict key aspects of this complex ∞ow with adverse pressure gradient and ∞ow separation, whereas DES substantially improves the prediction.
Susceptibility of Ornithodoros parkeri (Cooley) (Acari: Argasidae) and Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer) (Acari: Dermanyssidae) to Ivermectin

Ivermectin was injected into hosts and evaluated for effectiveness against the argasid tick Ornithodoros parkeri (Cooley) and the chicken mite Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer). O. parkeri second stage nymphs (N2s) showed a marked increase in mortality when fed on mice injected intraperitoneally with ivermectin at a dose between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg host body weight. For adult O. parkeri and D. gallinae, 0.4 and 0.5 mg, respectively, per kilogram of host body weight were necessary for an increase in mortality over controls. These latter findings are comparable to those reported for other tick species but differ from those reported for the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago). Further testing narrowed the effective dose range for O. parkeri adults to between 0.425 and 0.450 mg/kg host body weight. The time interval (4, 8, and 24 h) between ivermectin injection of the host and tick feeding had only a slight influence on the overall effectiveness of the drug. In O. parkeri, doses of 0.0125 to 0.1000 mg/kg body weight did not affect fecundity, hatchability, gross morphology of the reproductive system and synganglion, or histology of the reproductive system. Contrary to reports of irreversibility of effects of ivermectin on gamma aminobutyric acid-mediated neurotransmission, many ivermectin-paralyzed ticks recovered partial mobility over time.
Graduation Design Project: Designing and Building a Pin-on-Disk Tribometer

The purpose of this paper is to describe an independent study project required before graduation with a master of engineering degree in the department of mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. The goal of this graduation project was to design and build a Pin-on-Disk Tribometer. The tribometer will be used by the department for future student research projects. This paper includes the details of the design process, such as adaptations from existing tribometers, all required calculations, and descriptions of the machining and assembly. New design concepts presented demonstrate simplicity of construction and use. The required calculations include shear and bending moments in the arm, bearing calculations, lead screw load analysis, counterweight balancing, torque calculations for selecting the correct motor, and strain calculations for determining the correct strain gage set-up. The paper details part selection, pricing, machining, and assembly. Mistakes and alternate design considerations are also discussed.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Deformable Model-Based Methods for Shape Control of a Haptic Jamming Surface

Haptic Jamming, the approach of simultaneously controlling mechanical properties and surface deformation of a tactile display via particle jamming and pneumatics, shows promise as a tangible, shape-changing human-computer interface. Previous research introduced device design and described the force-displacement interactions for individual jamming cells. The work in this article analyzes the shape output capabilities of a multi-cell array. A spring-mass deformable body simulation combines models of the three actuation inputs of a Haptic Jamming surface: node pinning, chamber pressurization, and cell jamming. Surface measurements of a 12-cell prototype from a depth camera fit the mass and stiffness parameters to the device during pressurization tests and validate the accuracy of the model for various actuation sequences. The simulator is used to develop an algorithm that generates a sequence of actuation inputs for a Haptic Jamming array of any size in order to match a desired surface output shape. Data extracted from topographical maps and three-dimensional solid object models are used to evaluate the shape-matching algorithm and assess the utility of increasing array size and resolution. Results show that a discrete Laplace operator applied to the input is a suitable predictor of the correlation coefficient between the desired shape and the device output.
Improvement of the FAAS Sensitivity of HITACHI Z-2300

[Objective] To improve the FAAS sensitivity of HITACHI Z-2300 in order to enhance the detection capacity on the low-concentration substances. [Methods]In order to enhance the detection capacity on the low-concentration substances, the original flame atomizer was replaced by high performance atomizer to improve the sensitivity.[Results]Under the same instrument condition, 11 elements were analyzed before and after the replacement; the sensitivity was found to improve significantly; the absorbency (A) was 2.00~2.85 times of the past (average 234 times); the sensitivity (S) was 1.85~2.48 times of the past (average 2.23 times); the detection limit (Cu) decreased from 0.0022 mg/L to 0.0009 mg/L. [Conclusion]High performance atomizer can significantly improve the FAAS sensitivity of HITACHI Z-2300 and can be operated simply and effectively.
Reaction Behavior of Anatase Titanium Oxide in High Calcium System

Thermodynamic and kinetics analysis of anatase Ti O2 reaction in high calcium system were conducted and the possible reactions were determined. Activation energy,reaction order and reaction control types of important reactions were determined by calculation in this system. The reaction behaviors of anatase Ti O2 in Ti O2-Ca O-Na Al O2 system were investigated through experiments. The results showed that when the molar ratio of Ti O2 and Ca O is 1,the reaction time is1 h,the mass concentration of Na2 O is 220 g / L,the molar ratio of Na2 O and Al2O3 is 3. 1,Ti O2 reacts with Na OH to produce Na2 Ti O3first,then Ca( OH)2and Na Al( OH)4react to produce 3Ca O·Al2O3·6H2O with increasing temperature. The resultant 3Ca O·Al2O3·6H2O reacts with Na2 Ti O3to get stable Ca Ti O3. Anatase Ti O2 converts to Ca Ti O3 completely at 220 ℃. In this process,elevating temperature can promote the conversion of anatase to the final phase of Ca Ti O3.
A clinicopathologic study of C_(1q) nephropathy in children

Objective: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and the efficacy of glucocorticoids in children with C 1q nephropathy. Methods: Clinical manifestation, pathologic features and response to prednisone therapy were compared between 8 cases of C 1q nephropathy and 77 cases of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome(INS) in children. Results: 6 of 8 cases with C 1q nephropathy presented primarily with INS. Another 2 cases presented respectively with glomerulonephritis and simple hematuria. The pathologic types included MC(3 cases), MsPGN(2 cases), FSGS(2 cases) and ECPGN(1 case) under light microscopic examination. The prominent imunofluorescent features was the presence of bright mesangial deposition of C 1q , with and without other immune reactants. Only one case had mesangial and subepithelial electron-dense deposits under electron microscope. In 6 cases of C 1q nephropathy who showed INS, the relative risk of not responding to the initial course of steroid therapy was 21(P0.001)compared with 88 cases of INS, but they were all sensitive to immunosuppressions. Conclusion: C 1q nephropathy is a distinct clinicopathologic condition with immunofluoresence as the main clue of diagnosis. It is generally presented as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome but has a good response to immunosuppression in children.
A comparative research between the gold immuno-chromatography assay and isolation of virus in diagnosis of influenza

[Objective] To compare the advantages and short comings of gold Immuno-chromatography assay and virus isolation in clinical diagnosis of influenza. [Methods] The nasal swabs taken from patients of influenza-like illness(ILI) were detected by gold Immuno-chromatography assay as well as virus isolation.for rapid diagnosis. [Results] From Jan 2006 to Mar 2007,851 specimens were detected.In the rapid diagnosis,the positive rate was 22.21%(189/851),most of which were influenza A(164).In virus isolation,the positive rate was 15.63%(133/851),125 of which were alse positive by rapid test.The sensitivity of gold Immuno-chromatography assay was 93.98%,while its specificity was 91.09%. [Conclusion] The gold Immuno-chromatography assay for rapid diagnosis can define the infection of influenza from other upper respiratory tract infection within 15 min and distinguish the subtype of A and B,which can help the doctors in clinical diagnosis and treatment.It can play an influential role in the control of influenza outbreaks.
Study on Grounding Grid Connective Resistance of Large-Scale Substation

The variation law of connective resistance of grounding grid in substations are researched by numerical calculation. The numerical calculation of grounding grid in large-scale substation under different conditions are carried out, including the breaking of grounding grid occurred in its edge part, in its mid-position as well as in different places simultaneously, thus the variation law of connective resistance of grounding grid under different conditions is obtained. Combining with the test of connective resistance and comparing measured data with calculated data, the position of grounding grid where failure exists can be determined. Based on above-mentioned research, a simple and efficient method that can reflect the corrosion situation of grounding grid and criteria are proposed, which can be regarded as the suggestion and supplement to the testing method and criterion of connective resistance in the preventive test code for electric power equipments.
Assessment skills of dental students as peer evaluators.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of assessment skills of dental students as evaluators in an introductory dental anatomy preclinical course. Three groups of evaluators independently and separately evaluated each student’s wax-ups: seven third-year student evaluators, five fourth-year student evaluators, and four faculty evaluators. There were 13 criteria on which the students’ wax-ups for teeth #3, 6, 8, and 12 were evaluated on a scale ranging from 1=honors/highest score to 4=fail/lowest score. Of the three groups of evaluators, scores given by the third-year students were the highest with an average of 2.47 (SD=0.69), while faculty evaluators gave the lowest scores with an average of 2.61 (SD=0.68). The percentages of marginal passes and failing scores given by the third-year students were the lowest (marginal pass=15.8% and fail=17.2%) of the three evaluator groups. The results of the study indicated that assessments were influenced by the type of evaluator. In order to utilize students more effectively as evaluators in preclinical assessments, a calibration method for student and faculty evaluators should be established along with close mentorship by faculty. Involving dental students as peer teachers could reinforce the learning experience for them and encourage them to consider a future academic career.
Insecure Attachment Styles and Complicated Grief Severity: Applying What We Know to Inform Future Directions

A growing body of evidence supports links between attachment style, complicated grief (CG), and coping mechanisms in bereavement. In general, adults with insecure attachment styles are at an increa...
Foundations and Coherence

The issue between foundations and coherence theories is whether empirical knowledge rests on beliefs that do not have to be further justified. The foundationalist thinks it does (and must); these beliefs are the “foundation” of all others. The coherentist holds that beliefs have epistemic authority only if they can be supported by reasons, making justification “ultimately inferential,” as Firth (1964, p. 550) has put it. Traditionally, the coherence theory has seemed less plausible. First, it is committed to a circle of reasons or, perhaps even worse, to an infinite regress, since every belief has to be justified by some other. Second, critics also argue that the theory “cuts off” beliefs from the world and fails to “tie down” knowledge. Third, the notion of coherence has been problematic. Sometimes it seems to mean consistency which is obviously too lenient; at other times it has been clarified using the concept of entailment, making it too restrictive. These problems have made it easy to ridicule the theory, leaving foundations alone in the field. I will argue that coherence can be made more plausible than this; in particular that it can allow for beliefs from experience and that the notion of coherence can be made reasonably clear. Circularity, however, poses a more difficult problem and ultimately, I think, is fatal to the theory. Let us first try to clarify the issue between the theories.1
Moderating Effects of Mathematics Anxiety on the Effectiveness of Explicit Timing

Explicit timing is an empirically validated intervention to increase problem completion rates by exposing individuals to a stopwatch and explicitly telling them of the time limit for the assignment. Though explicit timing has proven to be effective for groups of students, some students may not respond well to explicit timing based on factors such as mathematics anxiety. The present study examined the effects of explicit timing on mathematics performance for 81 fourth and fifth graders with differing levels of mathematics anxiety. Students completed more digits correct during explicit timing as compared to baseline and control. Additionally, results indicated there was a significant linear relationship between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance. Students with low and medium mathematics anxiety completed more digits correct with higher accuracy than students with high mathematics anxiety. Lastly, digits correct and accuracy remained consistent during baseline, control, and explicit timing when condition and anxiety level were both considered. Educational professionals must be cognizant not only of academic variables impacting students learning, but also mental health variables, such as mathematics anxiety, in order to provide a comprehensive treatment package capable of ameliorating academic difficulties.
Mass protests and the resource curse: The politics of demobilization in rentier autocracies

Why are some dictators more successful at demobilizing protest movements than others? Repression sometimes stamps out protest movements (Bahrain in 2011) but can also cause a backlash (Egypt and Tunisia in 2011), leading to regime change. This article argues that the effectiveness of repression in quelling protests varies depending upon the income sources of authoritarian regimes. Oil-rich autocracies are well equipped to contend with domestic and international criticism, and this gives them a greater capacity to quell protests through force. Because oil-poor dictators lack such ability to deal with criticism, repression is more likely to trigger a backlash of increased protests. The argument is supported by analysis of newly available data on mass protests from the Nonviolent and Violent Campaigns and Outcomes (NAVCO 2.0) dataset, which covers all countries (1945–2006). This article implies that publics respond strategically to repression, and tend to demobilize when the government is capable of continua...
Pre-Cloak Comic Superheroes: Tools for the Empowerment of Children

This note explores the notion of comic superheroes as tools for the empowerment of children. The author details interventions in Rwanda and Brazil, and their different usages of superheroes. With a focus on the superhero’s pre-cloak stage—the stage prior to their employing superpowers—the author offers glimpses of current work in progress to help therapists empower orphaned children. While this area of research is at an early stage, its potential among health professionals is growing. Thus the comic superhero may be more than celluloid, as health professionals learn to use his superpowers.
Bacillus Infection Among Children with Hematologic Malignancy, a Single Institution Experience

Abstract BACKGROUND Bacillus species, including B. cereus and other non-anthracis species, are spore-forming, gram-positive rods, found ubiquitously in the environment and cause bacteremia and CNS infection in children with cancer. Case reports have demonstrated that Bacillus spp. infections carry a high morbidity, with rates of CNS involvement of 30%, and mortality as high as 40%. These studies indicate the preponderance of cases occur in children receiving induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). There have been no large, recent studies describing Bacillus spp. infection in children with an underlying oncologic condition. METHODS We performed a retrospective medical record review of pediatric cancer patients who received care at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and developed Bacillus spp. infection between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st 2014. Given that the majority of these infections were found to occur in children with underlying hematologic malignancy, we provide a more detailed description of cases with these underlying conditions. RESULTS Twenty-six children developed Bacillus bacteremia during the study period. Of the 26 patients, 21 (81%) had acute leukemia (18 ALL; 3 AML), 3 had neuroblastoma, one had Ewing's sarcoma and one had an optic pathway glioma. The mean age of patients with hematologic malignancies at time of Bacillus spp. infection was 7.3 years [range: 1-17]. Sixteen (76%) children were neutropenic at the time of infection. Of the children with ALL, 11 (61%) developed infection during the remission induction phase of treatment, 3 during post-induction/pre-maintenance treatment phases and 3 after relapse (1 during stem cell transplant, 1 at a year post-transplant and 1 during re-induction). Of the 26 patients, 5 (19%) developed CNS complications, all during remission induction for ALL, and the overall mortality two-weeks following Bacillus infection was 19%. DISCUSSION Bacillus spp. continues to cause serious infections in children with cancer, especially in those with underlying hematologic malignancies. While the mortality at our center is lower than that reported in the literature, the rate of death is still higher than what is typically seen with other organisms and CNS involvement remains common. Further study in this area will include identification of risk factors for development of this infection and recommendations regarding use of prophylactic antibiotics. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Martian meteorites reveal torrid past

Ever since 1971, when numerous dry river-beds and flood channels were discovered on Mars, planetologists have debated how much water was initially acquired by the planet, where it is now, and what the planet's climatic history has been. With mean temperatures of around 215 K at the equator and a surface pressure that is about one hundredth of that on Earth, the CO2-dominated atmosphere can contain only minute amounts of water. If all the water precipitated out it would form a layer only 10 μm deep. Temperatures are below freezing, probably down to depths of kilometres below the surface. Clearly, for liquid water to flow across the surface and cut the valleys that are observed, conditions had to be very different in the past. Two pieces of research now suggest that losses of gases from the upper atmosphere may have played a significant role in changing the climate.
Final NIH Policy on the Use of a Single Institutional Review Board for Multisite Research.

For nearly 50 years, the Common Rule has required Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight of federally-funded research to protect the rights and welfare of human research participants. Over time, research has changed and research studies often involve multiple sites. Recognizing that research policies must evolve with science and ensure both efficiency and protections for research participants, NIH released a Policy on the Use of a Single Institutional Review Board for Multi-Site Research in June 2016. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Endoscopic Localization of Colon Cancer Is Frequently Inaccurate.

Colonoscopic location of a tumor can influence both the surgical procedure choice and overall treatment strategy. To determine the accuracy of colonoscopy in determining the location of colon cancer compared to surgical localization and to elucidate factors that predict discordant colon cancer localization. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of colon cancers diagnosed on colonoscopy at two academic tertiary-care hospitals and two affiliated community hospitals from 2012 to 2014. Colon cancer location was obtained from the endoscopic and surgical pathology reports and characterized by colon segment. We collected data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, endoscopic procedure characteristics, surgery planned, and surgery performed. Univariate analyses using Chi-squared test and multivariate analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression were performed to determine factors that predict discordant colon cancer localization. There were 110 colon cancer cases identified during the study period. Inaccurate endoscopic colon cancer localization was found in 29% (32/110) of cases. These included 14 cases (12.7%) that were discordant by more than one colonic segment and three cases where the presurgical planned procedure was significantly changed at the time of surgery. On univariate analyses, right-sided colon lesions were associated with increased inaccuracy (43.8 vs 24.4%, p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, right-sided colon lesions remained independently associated with inaccuracy (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.03–2.93, p = 0.04). Colon cancer location as determined by colonoscopy is often inaccurate, which can result in intraoperative changes to surgical management, particularly in the right colon.
Delinquent youths and family.

This study investigates the relationship of several demographic variables, family structure (number of siblings in house, family intactness, sibling rank, number of persons in household) and family environment (family relationship, personal growth, and family system maintenance). The family environment variables are dimensions of the Family Environment Scale (Moos, 1974). The subjects reported a fairly good reliability on the scale (Cronbach's alpha = .753). The data collection for the present study represents 198 youths: 68 official chronic delinquents and 130 official nondelinquents. A discriminant analysis was used to determine which of the demographic and family environment variables had the most predictive power in discriminating between the groups. The general analysis indicated that ten of the variables explained 49% of the variance between the chronic delinquent and nondelinquent groups. Personal growth was found to have the most discriminating power, followed by number of siblings, race, sex, and system maintenance.
Effect of Sequential Sectioning of Ligaments on Syndesmotic Instability in the Coronal Plane Evaluated Arthroscopically.

Background:Arthroscopic evaluation of the syndesmosis allows direct visualization of syndesmotic instability. The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum degree of ligamentous injury nec...