cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production Variables and Nutrient Retention in Single Comb White Leghorn Laying Pullets Fed Diets Supplemented with Direct-Fed Microbials

Two experiments were carried out for six and seven 28-d periods, respectively, with DeKalb XL Single Comb White Leghorn laying pullets to ascertain the effect of feeding 1,100 mg Lactobacillus (Lacto)/kg diet (ppm) and 2,200 ppm Lacto diets, and the supplementation of these diets with 1 and 3% fat, on layer performance and nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus retention. The dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal (C-S) control, C-S plus condensed cane molasses solubles (CCMS)-1,100 ppm Lacto (4.4 x 10(7) cfu/mg Lacto), and C-S plus CCMS-2,200 ppm Lacto (8.8 x 10(7) cfu/mg Lacto) without fat (Experiment 1) and without and with 1 and 3% supplemental fat to each Lacto level (Experiment 2). In both experiments, layers fed the 1,100 ppm Lacto diets had better (P < .05) hen-day production, daily feed consumption, egg mass, egg weight, egg size, and feed conversion than layers fed diets without Lacto. Egg mass, interior egg quality, and feed conversion (Experiment 1), mean body weight gains, and nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus retention (Experiment 2) were further improved (P < .05) with feeding 2,200 ppm Lacto diets. Feeding Lacto diets with 1% fat provided (P < .05) larger eggs and better (P < .05) nitrogen and phosphorus retention, whereas 3% fat decreased (P < .05) feed consumption and nutrient retention and improved (P < .05) feed conversion and body weight gain. Positive correlations between Lacto diets and nitrogen and calcium retentions, daily feed consumption, and egg size were observed. Feeding 1,100 ppm Lacto diets to layers stimulated appetite and improved egg production, egg mass, egg weight, egg size, and feed conversion. Addition of fat to Lacto diets reduced daily feed consumption and provided better feed conversion, egg masses, egg sizes, body weight gains, and nutrient retentions.
Exploring Advanced Euclidean Geometry with GeoGebra: Advanced Techniques in GeoGebra

This chapter introduces two features of GeoGebra that enhance its functionality. By far the most useful property of GeoGebra for our purposes is the ability to create user-defined tools, which allow routine constructions to be carried out quickly and efficiently. Check boxes make it possible to produce GeoGebra documents that illustrate a process, not just a static finished sketch. User-defined tools One of the most effective ways to tap the power of GeoGebra is to create your own custommade tools to perform constructions that you will want to repeat several times. Once you learn how to make tools of your own, you should accumulate a collection of tools that you can use when you need them. Creating a tool . Creating a new tool of your own is surprisingly easy. The first step is to start GeoGebra and perform the construction your tool will replicate. Then use the Move tool to select the objects in the sketch that you want your tool to produce as output objects. You can select multiple objects by holding down the Control key (on a PC) or the Command key (on a Macintosh). Next choose Create New Tool in the Tools menu. A dialog box will appear that contains three tabs: Output Objects, Input Objects, and Name & Icon. In the Output Objects window you should see a list of the objects you selected. You can add additional objects either by choosing them from the pulldown menu or by moving the dialog box to the side and clicking on the objects in the Graphics View.
Effects of phase discontinuities in banded data when generating holographic synthetic aperture radar images

When combining different frequency bands together, phase discontinuities at the junctions are unavoidable. This paper examines the effect of these phase discontinuities on holographic synthetic aperture radar (HSAR) images. To study the problem, an actual measured data set consisting of two frequency bands (10-18 and 18-26 GHz) is used. A system model is introduced which relates physical displacement of the target to the resulting phase shift, which varies with frequency as well as transmitter/receiver location. The phase shifts corresponding to various amounts of displacement are added to the upper frequency band, and the resulting data is used to generate difference images. These difference images are either the coherent or incoherent difference between an image generated using the original data and one generated using the phase shifted data. It is concluded that the system model is valid, and that small displacements seen in controlled laboratory environments are insignificant for the target and frequencies studied.
PEV demand flexibility and its impact on the electric power system

Transportation is one of the major consumer of energy in US and around the world. According to the latest Department of Energy (DOE) Transportation Data Book [1], 27.8% of total US energy consumption is attributed to transportation. Of this amount, 58.9% is consumed by cars and light duty trucks to make up 16.4% of total energy consumed by Americans. To put this in perspective, according to DOE energy usage estimates [2] 39.2% of energy consumed in US is spent for electricity generation.
Generalized Floquet formulation of time-dependent current-density-functional theory

We present a generalized Floquet formulation of time-dependent current-density-functional theory for nonperturbative treatment of multiphoton processes of many-electron systems in intense monochromatic electric and magnetic fields. It is shown that the time-dependent Kohn-Sham-like equation can be transformed into an equivalent time-independent Floquet Hamiltonian matrix eigenvalue problem. A procedure is outlined for the determination of the dynamical properties in bound-bound multiphoton transitions. For the case of bound-free transitions, such as the multiphoton ionization processes, we introduce the notion of complex density and complex current and present a non-Hermitian Floquet formalism for the calculation of the complex quasienergies of individual spin orbitals and total many-electron systems. @S1050-2947~98!04912-9# Density-functional theory ~DFT! for stationary properties of many-electron systems, based on the earlier fundamental works of Hohenberg and Kohn @1# and Kohn and Sham @2#, is now a well-established and practical tool in various branches of chemistry and physics @3‐7#. It is a formalism of many-body theory in terms of the electron density r(r). DFT proves to be accurate and computationally much less expensive than the ab initio wave functional methods and this accounts for its great success in the time-independent electron-structure calculations of the ground states of manyelectron systems. For problems where the magnetic properties are of interest, the conventional DFT is not sufficient, and it is necessary to use the current-density-functional theory ~CDFT! @8,9#. In the CDFT of Vignale, Rasolt, and Geldart @8,9#, the electron current density is included as an additioanl variable and the energy is minimized with respect to variations in the paramagnetic current as well as in the density. The CDFT has been recently implemented by Colwell and Handy @10#
IKKβ regulates essential functions of the vascular endothelium through kinase-dependent and -independent pathways

Vascular endothelium provides a selective barrier between the blood and tissues, participates in wound healing and angiogenesis, and regulates tissue recruitment of inflammatory cells. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcription factors are pivotal regulators of survival and inflammation, and have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Here we show that mice lacking IKKβ, the primary kinase mediating NF-κB activation, are smaller than littermates and born at less than the expected Mendelian frequency in association with hypotrophic and hypovascular placentae. IKKβ-deleted endothelium manifests increased vascular permeability and reduced migration. Surprisingly, we find that these defects result from loss of kinase-independent effects of IKKβ on activation of the serine-threonine kinase, Akt. Together, these data demonstrate essential roles for IKKβ in regulating endothelial permeability and migration, as well as an unanticipated connection between IKKβ and Akt signalling.
Elevated 32‐kDa LBP and low laminin mRNA expression in developing mouse cerebrum

Several laminin receptors have been identified, originally a high-affinity 67-kDa laminin binding protein ('LBP-67'), and later galactosyltransferase and the low-affinity but functionally potent integrin receptors. Attempts at obtaining cDNA for LBP-67, although unsuccessful, have given rise to a full-length cDNA coding for an interesting 32-kDa protein, tentatively referred to as '32-kDa LBP', whose relationship to LBP-67 is unclear. Since no information is available on the in vivo expression of 32-kDa LBP mRNA nor of the three laminin chains during CNS development, appropriate 35S-antisense and -sense RNA probes were applied to developing mouse cerebral wall at embryonic day (E)10-16, birth and 1-3 weeks after birth. Expression was examined using Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. The 32-kDa LBP mRNA was found to be elevated during the embryonic and perinatal period, and then rapidly declined. At the cellular level, 32-kDa LBP mRNA was distributed throughout the embryonic cerebral wall and became concentrated during the perinatal period in the proliferative ventricular zone and in the cortical plate. By comparison, laminin B1, B2, and A chain mRNA expression was relatively low at all times examined, in keeping with the punctate distribution of laminin antigenicity previously observed by others in developing brain parenchyma. Whereas the functional characterization of 32-kDa LBP and the nature of its laminin and proposed nonlaminin ligands is incomplete, the elevated and unique distribution of 32-kDa LBP mRNA raises interesting questions of the role of 32-kDa LBP mRNA in CNS development.
The Importance of Strongly Bound Pt–CeO x Species for the Water-gas Shift Reaction: Catalyst Activity and Stability Evaluation

We demonstrate ways to prepare active and stable Pt–CeO x catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction (WGSR). Various synthesis protocols are shown to work; the best being the coprecipitation/gelation method, which suppresses the crystal growth of ceria during calcination by the incorporation of some platinum in the bulk oxide. Metallic platinum nanoparticles are not necessary for an active WGSR catalyst. Reaction light-off occurs at ∼120 °C, where Pt2+ species bound to ceria are still present. No activation period, and no hysteresis phenomena were found. During reaction at reducing conditions, some Pt is reduced, but it is reoxidizable. The stability of these low-content (<2 at.%) Pt/CeO x catalysts is high even in realistic reformate gas streams. To avoid cerium(III) hydroxycarbonate formation at room temperature-shutdown with water condensation, a small amount (∼1%) of gaseous oxygen is added to the reaction gas mixture. Cyclic shutdown/startup operation is thus possible without catalyst degradation.
Role of Q190 of MuLV RT in ddNTP resistance and fidelity of DNA synthesis: a molecular model of interactions with substrates

Gln190 of MuLV reverse transcriptase (RT) plays an important role in the catalytic mechanism of MuLV RT for its conservative and non-conservative mutant derivatives exhibit low catalytic activity. We now report that both Q190N and Q190A MuLV RTs are more efficient in their activity to incorporate ddNTPs and exhibit higher fidelity than the wild-type (WT) enzyme of DNA synthesis in both RNA- and DNA-directed reactions. To obtain some insight into the structural basis for the differential utilization of dNTP and ddNTP by the mutant enzymes, we modeled the binary and the ternary complexes of MuLV RT using corresponding HIV-1 RT structures and available structure of the fragment of MuLV RT. Q190 of MuLV RT appears to be essential for the interaction with 3'OH of dNTP. The lack of a 3'OH moiety in ddNTP does not permit the binding of ddNTPs to WT MuLV RT. However, the shorter side chain of Q190N (or A) mutant MuLV RT and the absence of 3'OH in ddNTP result in the rearrangement of hydrophobic interactions favoring the binding and limited incorporation of ddNTPs. In addition, while modeling the binary and ternary complexes of MuLV RT, we noted that in the formation of the ternary complex, an interaction of Q190 with dNTP substrate requires a shift from its interaction with the template base. This may be achieved by a small conformational change or motion of the loop between beta9 and alphaH containing Q190, which may correspond to the conformational change step requiring participation of Q190 during the catalytic reaction as reported in an earlier biochemical investigation.
Raman scattering in ocean optics: quantitative assessment of internal radiant emission

Raman-scattering activity in clear ocean waters is further documented from Monte Carlo simulations and optical data that are collected in the Sargasso Sea. A method is proposed, based on the anomalous absorption coefficient for a nonconservative irradiance field, to assess the percentile composition of internal radiant emission for the irradiance field at any depth.
Genomic diversity and interspecies host infection of α12 Macaca fascicularis papillomaviruses (MfPVs)

Alpha human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are among the most common sexually transmitted agents of which a subset causes cervical neoplasia and cancer in humans. Alpha-PVs have also been identified in non-human primates although few studies have systematically characterized such types. We cloned and characterized 10 distinct types of PVs from exfoliated cervicovaginal cells from different populations of female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) originating from China and Indonesia. These include 5 novel genotypes and 5 previously identified genotypes found in rhesus (Macaca mulatta) (RhPV-1, RhPV-a, RhPV-b and RhPV-d) and cynomolgus macaques (MfPV-a). Type-specific primers were designed to amplify the complete PV genomes using an overlapping PCR method. Four MfPVs were associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The most prevalent virus type was MfPV-3 (formerly RhPV-d), which was identified in 60% of animals with CIN. In addition, the complete genomes of variants of MfPV-3 and RhPV-1 were characterized. These variants are 97.1% and 97.7% similar across the L1 nucleotide sequences with the prototype genomes, respectively. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses indicate that these novel MfPVs cluster together within the alpha12 PV species closely related to the alpha9 (e.g., HPV16) and alpha11 species (e.g., HPV34), and all share a most recent common ancestor. Our data expand the molecular diversity of non-human primate PVs and suggest a recent expansion of alpha-PV species groups. Moreover, identification of an overlapping set of MfPVs in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques indicates that non-human primate alpha-PVs might not be strictly species-specific and may represent past interspecies infection.
Reliability through frequency diversity: why channel hopping makes sense

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) face the challenge of ensuring end-to-end communication while operating over individually unreliable wireless links. This paper addresses channel hopping, a class of frequency diverse communication protocols in which subsequent packets are sent over different frequency channels. Channel hopping combats external interference and persistent multipath fading, two of the main causes of failure along a communication link.This paper is, to our knowledge, the first to address the impact of channel hopping on routing. We simulate the performance of channel hopping and single channel solutions on connectivity traces gathered from a real-world office WSN deployment.Results indicate that the most basic channel hopping protocol increases connectivity along communication links, improving network efficiency (measured by the expected transmission count ETX) by 56% and network stability (measured by the average churn) by 38%. Further improvement can be achieved through the use of whitelisting - selective channel hopping over a subset of the available frequencies.
Diabetes: Have We Got It All Wrong?: Insulin hypersecretion and food additives: cause of obesity and diabetes?

Diabetes is prevalent and chronic (1). A meta-analysis of studies published between 1990 and 2006 showed that in adults, obesity prevalence increased from 13 to 32% between the 1960s and 2004. Currently, 66% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. The incidence of diabetes is increasing and afflicting new populations including children and developing societies. Changes in obesity prevalence among children and teens tripled, from nearly 5% to approximately 15% since the 1960s (2). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem. In particular, Asia is at the epicenter of the epidemic as these populations develop diabetes at younger ages and at lower BMI levels than people of European origin (3). Diabetes does not usually diminish over time despite standard treatment. It is a lifelong illness that generally worsens with time and often leads to debilitating complications including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy (4). These realities indicate that both our understanding of the disease and our treatment of the disease are inadequate. Current approaches are not working. It is widely believed that overeating calorie-dense food, particularly a high-fat diet, together with an inactive lifestyle causes obesity. A consequence of obesity is increased circulating lipids and cytokines, indicators of inflammation and inducers of insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance are believed to be the precursors of diabetes in about 20% of subjects. The current standard treatment for diabetes includes diet, exercise, and a biguanide together with agents that increase circulating insulin in an effort to overcome insulin resistance (5). The term Insulin Resistance Syndrome is used to describe the combination of insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia (HI). It is assumed, without evidence, that insulin resistance precedes and causes HI. Insulin resistance purportedly stimulates increased insulin secretion, interpreted as the body’s attempt to overcome the resistance, …
The Effects of Transcatheter Valve Crimping on Pericardial Leaflets

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as a promising therapy for treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Although it has been shown that these valves can be safely delivered and implanted, studies of valve longevity are lacking because of the infancy of the technology. Particularly, the effects of stent crimping on the valve's leaflets have not yet been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we have characterized the effects of crimping on pericardial leaflets in time and through the depth of the tissue. Methods To test the structural changes at the surface and deep layers of bovine pericardial leaflets, scanning electron microscopy and second-harmonic generation microscopy were used. An uncrimped tissue sample was imaged, followed by imaging a segment of tissue after crimping in a stented transcatheter valve, immediately after, at 20 minutes, and 60 minutes after crimping. The crimping experiment was performed for multiple crimping sizes (ie, 14F, 16F, and 18F). We defined a damage index that quantifies the level of leaflet structural changes as a result of crimping. Results Based on the calculated damage indices and analyses of the raw images, it was determined that crimping does measurable damage to the leaflet tissue that persists with time. Conclusions Significant tissue damage was observed at the surface layers of the leaflets. In the deeper tissue layers, damage was substantial for 14F crimping; however, it became less significant but still visible for larger collapse profiles. Crimping may induce substantial structural damage to pericardial leaflets that does not improve with time.
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail overcrowding systems analysis

The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, having been built to house less than the forecasted inmate population, is currently operating at 150% of its rated capacity. The ever growing inmate population has put a strain on the already limited jail resources. As the jail becomes more crowded, it is even more difficult to rehabilitate inmates. Consequently, recidivism is a continuous problem, putting added pressure on the criminal justice system and community. The project team developed a logic model to explain possible contributors to jail overcrowding. After performing analysis on the existing law enforcement and jail databases, the team focused on the opportunity for a coherent criminal justice data system that would support analysis and provide an accessible user interface. Such a database will enable jail management to make evidence-based decisions and will provide stakeholders with the necessary statistics to hold each member in the system accountable. These statistics will also serve as indices of performance and will assess the success of programs. In the long-term, such decisions will help alleviate overcrowding at ACRJ by reducing recidivism and delays in the system.
Phenomenology, Typification, and the World as Taken for Granted

Husserl distinguishes between phenomenological psychology and transcendental phenomenology. The former has alliances with and owes allegiance to the natural attitude, the naive horizon through which we as common-sense men live our lives together in our world. Although phenomenological psychology transcends the natural attitude in certain respects, it remains oriented toward naive experience. There are as well different levels of analysis possible to phenomenological psychology, starting from tile empirical domain and moving to a reflexive examination of intentional consciousness. The levels mirror each other in varying degrees of purity and depth. Transcendental phenomenology, on the contrary, is possible only in virtue of a declaration of independence from the presuppositions of the natural attitude. The reflecting ego is no longer one among others in the world of fellow-men but rather a ground of intentional consciousness out of which the alter ego as a transcendental correlate is constituted. In different terms, an eidetic analysis which would justify claims made at the level of phenomenological psychology is both possible and ultimately necessary,whereastranscendental phenomenology already presupposes the eidetic reduction and could not, in principle, be pursued within the mundane sphere.
The Evolution of Unbundling in Litigation Matters: Three Case Studies and a Literature Review

We discuss the concept of "unbundled" representation in litigation matters, in which a client retains a lawyer to provide legal services short of those that would be provided in a traditional attorney client relationship. Specifically, we trace the evolution of the process of mainstreaming unbundled representation in three case study states: Colorado, Massachusetts, and Alabama. We conclude by providing a comprehensive bibliography of academic and some other writings on the subject of unbundled representation.
The utility of standardized tests.

In their Education Forum “Standardized tests predict graduate students' success” (23 Feb., p. [1080][1]), N. R. Kuncel and S. A. Hezlett synthesize the results of studies examining standardized test scores and performances in graduate school. They conclude that standardized tests such as the
Self-Assembly of Heptameric Nanoparticles Derived from Tag-Functionalized Phi29 Connectors

The structure of an induced macromolecular assembly was characterized and found to consist of an ordered heptameric arrangement of recombinant phi29 gp10 connector molecules. Insertion of an N-terminal Strep-II/His6 tag to the connectors led to the spontaneous formation of large nanoparticles that were distinct from free, wild-type phi29 connectors in both size and symmetry elements. The determination of single-molecule tomograms and image-averaged reconstructions allowed for the stoichiometric and topological characterization of the ordered assemblage, revealing that the nanoparticle is composed of five equatorial connectors arranged with pseudo-5-fold rotational symmetry, capped on its ends by two polar connectors. Additionally, all seven connectors are oriented with their narrower N-terminal necks into the nanoparticle core and wider C-terminal ends out toward the nanoparticle surface, a geometric arrangement accommodated by the shape complementarity of the conical connector profiles. A significant amo...
Mice and the Postglacial History of the Traful Valley of Argentina

A 10,000-year accumulation of owl pellets in a cave in northern Patagonia contained 16 species of small mammals. The percent frequency of each species remained relatively constant throughout. Euneomys sp. was the most abundant species in every stratum of the deposit, yet today it is rarely captured by owls or by trappers. The other species caught frequently by the cave owls are abundant today. Analysis of the habitat preferences of the different rodent species shows that all of the present-day habitats probably were present during the 10,000-year period but that the area of relatively bare, windswept scree must have been proportionately greater until recent times because it is the habitat to which Euneomys is now restricted.
Diffusion, Complexing and Precipitation of Transition Metals in Silicon

The diffusion, solubility, complexing, and gettering of transition metals in silicon are reviewed with special emphasis on the observed chemical trends. 3d metals appear dominantly on interstitial sites in thermal equilibrium. Their diffusivity and solubility increases markedly with atomic number. Going from the 3d metals vertically down in the periodic table, a clear trend towards substitutional solution is obvious. Observation of deep level defects, complexing and gettering is strongly dependend on the respective mobility of the metal atoms. Understanding of the thermodynamics of complexing and gettering allows to define heat treatment procedures favourable to minimize detrimental effects from transition metals in silicon.
Method of the Establishment for Efficient Boundary of the Stocks Combination Investment

The paper discusses the concavity of the risk function of the stocks combinatiom and the efficient boundary,and puts foward a method of establishing the efficient boundary in section,which is based on the mathod of converting the quadratic plan into the linear plan according to the optimal base and sensitivity analysis.
Ictal EEG regularity declines during a course of RUL ECT

Twenty depressed patients (4 men, 16 women; mean age 67 years) received right unilateral (RUL) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The ictal electroencephalogram (Fpl -Al) was blindly rated on a 7-point scale for regularity of morphology at treatments two, four, and six. Seizure regularity declined during the course of ECT.
Geriatric oncology: challenges for the new century

The management of cancer in the older aged person represents one of the major immediate challenges of medicine. The response to this challenge involves answers to the following questions: I. Who is old? Currently. 70 years of age may he considered the lower limit of senescence because the majority of age-related changes occur after this age. Individual estimates of life expectancy and functional reserve may be obtained by a comprehensive and time-consuming multidimensional geriatric assessment. The current instrument may be fine-tuned and new instruments, including laboratory tests of ageing. may be developed. 2. Why do older persons develop more cancer? It is clear that ageing tissues are more susceptible to late-stage carcinogen. Older persons may represent a natural monitor system for new environmental carcinogens, and may also represent a fruitful ground to study the late stages of carcinogenesis. 3. Is cancer different in younger and older persons? Clearly. the behaviour of some tumors. including acute myeloid leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer change with the age of the patient. The mechanisms of these changes that may involve both the tumour cell and the tumour host are poorly understood. 4. Can cancer he prevented in older individuals? Chemoprevention offers a new horizon of possibilities for cancer prevention: older persons may benefit most from chemoprevention due to increased susceptibility to environmental carcinogens. Screening tests may become more accurate in older individuals due to increased prevalence of cancer. hut may he less beneficial due to more limited patient life expectancy. 5. Do older persons benefit from cytotoxic treatment? The answer to this question partly stands on proper patient selection. partly on the development of safer forms of cancer treatment and prudent use of antidotes to chemotherapy toxicity. 6. What is the cost of treating older cancer patients? The treatment of older patients is generally more costly. This cost should be assessed against the cost of not treating cancer and promoting functional dependence. which by itself is extremely costly. 7. What are the endpoints of clinical trials in older cancer patients? With more limited life expectancy. the effect of treatment on quality of life is paramount. Reliable assessment of quality of life is essential for interpreting clinical trials in older individuals. 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Finite Volume Least-Squares Method

A finite volume method is derived and applied to the solution of problems of incompressible flow. In particular, external inviscid flows and boundary-layer flows are examined. The method is a vertex-centered least-squares method and is second order accurate. Its quality is investigated for several types of inviscid flow problems and to solve the Prandtl boundary-layer equations over a flat plate.
Adolescents' Changing Future Expectations Predict the Timing of Adult Role Transitions.

Individual differences in the transition to adulthood are well established. This study examines the extent to which heterogeneity in pathways to adulthood that have been observed in the broader U.S. population are mirrored in adolescents’ expectations regarding when they will experience key adult role transitions (e.g., marriage). Patterns of change in adolescents’ expectations and the relations between their expectations and subsequent role transitions are also explored. Data from 626 youth in Grade 11 (Mage = 16), Grade 12, and early adulthood (Mage = 23) are analyzed using mover–stayer latent transition analysis. Results indicate 3 profiles of expected timing, corresponding to youth who anticipate early role entry (i.e., early starters), youth who anticipate earlier entry into employment but no other roles (i.e., employment-focused), and youth who anticipate delays in role transitions favoring increased education (i.e., education-focused). Two thirds of youths changed their expectations from Grade 11 to 12. Grade 11 and 12 profile membership predicted role transitions in early adulthood. These findings highlight the importance of adolescents’ expectations and changes in expectations across time in shaping entry into adulthood.
Effect of Radiofrequency Endometrial Ablation on Dysmenorrhea

Abstract Study Objective To examine rates of dysmenorrhea after radiofrequency endometrial ablation in patients with and without known dysmenorrhea symptoms prior to the procedure in a diverse population. Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Academic gynecology practice. Patients A total of 307 women underwent endometrial ablation between 2007 and 2013 at our institution. Patients who had preoperative and postoperative pain symptom assessments as well as a description of pain timing recorded were included in our analysis. Exclusion criteria were age Interventions The difference in preoperative and postoperative rates of dysmenorrhea was evaluated. Demographic information and other outcome variables were used to evaluate factors associated with resolution of dysmenorrhea. Measurements and Main Results A total of 307 patients who underwent radiofrequency endometrial ablation were identified. After exclusions, 296 charts were examined, and 144 patients met our enrollment criteria. The mean age of the study cohort was 45.4 ± 6.2 years; 57 patients (40%) were African American, 16 (11%) had a body mass index (BMI) > 40, and 41 (29%) were of normal weight. Preoperative dysmenorrhea was reported by 100 patients (69%); 48 of these patients (48%) experienced resolution of symptoms postoperatively. Only 3 of the 44 patients (7%) without preoperative dysmenorrhea reported new-onset dysmenorrhea postoperatively. Significantly fewer patients had dysmenorrhea after compared to before radiofrequency ablation (55 of 144 [38%] vs 100 of 144 [69%]; p Conclusions Approximately one-half of women who undergo radiofrequency endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding who also have preoperative dysmenorrhea exhibit documented pain resolution after the procedure. Resolution of dysmenorrhea is more likely if menstrual flow volume is decreased postprocedure.
Radiative, thermal, and kinetic regimes of opposed-flow flame spread: A comparison between experiment and theory

Abstract The three regimes of opposed-flow flame spread – radiative, thermal, and kinetic regimes – are well known. For thermally thin fuels, the spread rate is independent of opposing flow velocity in the thermal regime. It decreases with an increase in the flow velocity in the kinetic regime, leading to blow off extinction. In the radiative regime which occurs mostly in a buoyancy-free environment of microgravity, the spread rate decreases with a decrease in flow velocity leading to radiative extinction unless the oxygen level is very high. In a recent experiment aboard the International Space Station, thin sheets of PMMA were ignited in a flow tunnel with the opposing flow varying over a wide range. All three regimes of flame spread were captured in a single set of experiments for the first time. Instantaneous spread rates were obtained from digital video processing and compared with a computational model in all three regimes along with the evolution of flame shapes. Spread rates in the radiative and thermal regimes are also compared with existing theories of flame spread in the thermal and the radiative regime producing remarkable qualitative agreement.
Mass Media, General View

In this article, we ask “what are mass media and its effects?” Mass media messages may be divided into those intended to influence viewers and listeners (advertising) or they may be unintentional (aggression). The mass media may influence our behaviors, attitudes, cognitions or our physiological arousal. It would be safe to conclude from our review that the mass media is a contributor to a number of antisocial behaviors and problems. We must keep in mind, however, that the mass media is but one of a multitude of factors that contribute, and in many cases not the most significant. Nevertheless, it is one of those factors in which proper interventions can mitigate its impact, and further one factor which can be controlled with reasonable insight. In this article we have discussed a number of these techniques.
Advanced Construction Materials From Fly Ash

ABSTRACT In this paper, we will report the development of “ductile” high performance fly ash composites. These fly ash composites are made from 100% fly ash or with various amounts of chemical promoter (NaOH). An innovative process involving mixing, mechanical pressing and hydrothermal reaction is being developed. These three major steps follow a sequential order. After mixing, a fly ash mix is filled in the mold, then compressed by a press machine to specified pressures up to 20 MPa. After reaching specified pressure, the mold is heated to moderate temperatures up to 300°C and for a period of specified times, during which hydrothermal reaction develops and solidifies the samples. In addition, a small amount of short fibers is added to the mix to further increase the ductility and crack resistance of the high strength fly ash composites. Both Class C and Class F fly ash have been used in this study. The differences in the types of fly ash and optimal processing conditions (pressure, temperature and time) will be discussed, together with their mechanical performance.
Regulation of Platelet PLC-β2 Expression by NF-κB: Studies in Human Platelet PLC-β2 Deficiency.

We have previously described a patient with platelet phospholipase C (PLC)-β2 deficiency characterized by impaired platelet responses to activation with multiple G-protein coupled receptor agonists. The PLC-β2 coding sequence was normal and platelet PLC-β2 mRNA levels were decreased in the patient (Blood, 2002, 99:905). Very little is currently known regarding the transcriptional regulation of PLC-β2. PCR-amplification of patient leukocyte DNA and sequencing of the PLC-β2 5′-upstream region revealed a heterozygous 13-bp deletion (−1645 to −1633 bp from ATG) that encompasses a consensus binding site (GGGAATTCCC) for nuclear factor-κB, NF-κB. This deletion was present in the propositus and her affected son, but not in control subjects. PCR amplification of region −1791 to −1606 bp of genomic DNA revealed one band in 5 control subjects (size ~186 bp) on agarose gel electrophoresis but 2 bands in the patient and her son, consistent with a heterozygous defect. Luciferase reporter gene studies were performed in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells treated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 30 nM) to induce megakaryocytic transformation. Genomic fragment (−1648/−23 nt) of PLC-β2 5′-upstream sequence and its truncated form without the 13 nt region (−1633/−23 nt) were inserted upstream of luciferase gene in a promoterless expression vector PGL3-basic (Promega) and transiently transfected into HEL cells. Truncation of the wild-type −1648/−23 fragment at 1631 bp resulted in a consistent decrease in promoter activity by ~ 25% (6 experiments, p
Management of the Patient with Rectal Cancer Presenting with Synchronous Liver Metastasis

An estimated 39,610 new cases of rectal cancer (RC) are expected in the United States in 2015 [1]. Synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (SCRLM) occurs in 20 % of patients with locally advanced RC [2, 3]. Median overall survival (OS) for patients with SCRLM is 20–24 months without resection as opposed to 5-year OS of up to 50 % with R0 resection of metastatic disease [4]. Oncologic outcomes continue to improve with the development of new effective chemotherapy regimens and increased hepatectomy rates [5, 6]. Patients with SCRLM constitute a heterogeneous group with varying preoperative fitness, tumor biology, tumor resectability, and symptomatology related to the primary tumor. Potential cure is dependent on the ability to resect all disease, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Locally advanced RC requires chemoradiation (CRT) with surgery, whereas SCRLM is initially addressed with chemotherapy. Surgery for symptomatic relief is reserved for select cases. The optimal sequence of multimodality treatment to address the primary tumor and associated metastatic disease is under active investigation.
The rate of the circulation in the arteries and veins of man: II. Studies of hypertension, of orthostatic hypotension, and of the effects of sympathectomy

Abstract The solution used and the manner of measuring the speed of circulation in both the arteries and veins of man have been described in a previous communication. 1 In brief, the procedure consists in determining the time elapsing between the intravenous injection of a solution containing magnesium, calcium, and sodium salts and the occurrence of a sensation of warmth in the tongue, perineum, hands, and feet. The value and faults of the method have been described previously. The speed of flow of blood in the arteries carrying blood to the feet was estimated by subtracting the “arm-to-tongue” time from the “arm-to-foot” time, and in the arteries carrying blood to the hands by subtracting “arm-to-tongue” time from the “arm-to-hand” time. Although our results are not in exact agreement with those published by Spier, Wright, and Saylor, 2 who introduced the use of this solution for the determination of the circulation time, we and they have established normal values for the circulation time throughout the vascular system. 1 It is the purpose of this publication to report our studies of speed of blood flow in essential hypertension, and to demonstrate the effect of sympathectomy and orthostatic hypotension on the speed of flow in peripheral arteries.
GaN-Based Dual-Mode Wireless Power Transfer Using Multifrequency Programmed Pulse Width Modulation

Multifrequency wireless power transfer (WPT) is advantageous in facilitating compatibility with different WPT standards. However, implementing a multifrequency transmitter often requires compromises in system size, complexity, power transfer capability, or output regulation. In this paper, a single-inverter-based dual-mode WPT system is proposed. The system employs a multifrequency programmed pulse width modulation scheme. This multifrequency modulated inverter can simultaneously generate and regulate 100-kHz and 6.78-MHz outputs, or multiple frequencies within ranges of 87–300 kHz, which facilitates the development of multistandard WPT technology for consumer electronics. The principle of the proposed modulation is illustrated, where two different frequencies are concurrently modulated using a programmed pulse train of square waveforms for power delivery, while eliminating certain harmonics. Design tradeoffs and constraints are examined through analytical circuit models. Finally, experimental results are provided to verify the method on a gallium-nitride-based WPT prototype.
Tasks in Computer-Assisted Neuroanatomy: Data Acquisition, Imaging and Database

There is a growing use of computer technology for neuroanatomical studies. First uses began nearly as soon as small laboratory computers became available in the late 1960’s and early ‘70’s. The benefits of being able to quantitate what could only be photographed and verbally described were obvious to many workers. It was also a hope that machine storage of two and three dimensional information would lead to new methods of imaging of what could only be represented numerically. However, it was not clear at the outset, perhaps due to the novelty of the concept, hew long these procedures would take to develop, and exactly what power and capacity the computing machines would be needed in order to bring the concepts into regular use in the neuroanatomical laboratory.
Statins for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Older Men

Background/Objectives We sought to determine whether statin use for primary prevention is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events or mortality in older men. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Physicians’ Health Study participants. Participants 7,213 male physicians ≥70 years without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Measurements Multivariable propensity score for statin use with greedy matching (1:1) to minimize confounding by indication. Results Median baseline age was 77 (70–102), median follow-up was 7 years. Non-users were matched to 1,130 statin users. Statin use was associated with an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality, HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.69–0.98) and non-significant lower risk of CVD events, HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.70–1.06) and stroke, HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.45–1.09). In subgroup analyses, results did not change according to age group at baseline (70–76 or >76 years) or functional status. There was a suggestion that those >76 at baseline did not benefit from statins for mortality, HR 1.14 (95% CI 0.89–1.47), compared to those 70–76 at baseline, HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.61–1.11); however the CIs overlap between the two groups, suggesting no difference. Statin users with elevated total cholesterol had fewer major CVD events than non-users, HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.50–0.94) and HR 1.43 (95% CI 0.99–2.07)), respectively. Conclusions Statin use was associated with a significant lower risk of mortality in older male physicians ≥70 and a nonsignificant lower risk of CVD events. Results did not change in those who were >76 years at baseline or according to functional status. There was a suggestion that those with elevated total cholesterol may benefit. Further work is needed to determine which older individuals will benefit from statins as primary prevention.
Crossed Wires: Interspecies Interference Blocks Pathogen Colonization.

Commensal bacteria protect against invading pathogens using many strategies. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Paharik et al. (2017) find that a commensal blocks Staphylococcus aureus colonization by producing a signal to shut down virulence.
Interactions:The Integrated Functioning of Heart and Lungs

The heart and lungs are two dynamic organ systems functioning in a highly integrated inter-relationship within the unique negative pressure environment of the intact thorax. Noninvasive imaging techniques have afforded us the opportunity to study the interdependence of these two organ structures with evaluation focused both on intra and inter organ relationships. It is through a recognition of these interdependent phenomena that one begins to appreciate their importance to the prediction of the total mechanical response of the cardiopulmonary system when piecing together individual response characteristics determined with components of the system held in isolation. Highlights of a number of measurements made from what has been termed dynamic and electron beam x-ray CT as well as recent work utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are presented. Our earlier work related to the intracardiac interrelationships serving to maintain the heart at a near constant volume throughout the cardiac cycle. Here we will expand to include heart-lung and lung-heart interactions as they affect both cardiac and pulmonary function. The overall theme is systems integration serving to dictate function and functional efficiency.
Elevated Body Mass Index Is Not a Risk Factor for Adverse Outcomes Following Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Background:Despite ventricular assist devices (VADs) becoming more common in heart failure (HF) treatment, it is still uncertain which patients are more prone to complications. One potential risk f...
GAS6/TAM Pathway Signaling in Hemostasis and Thrombosis

The GAS6/TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) signaling pathway is essential for full and sustained platelet activation, as well as thrombus stabilization. Inhibition of this pathway decreases platelet aggregation, shape change, clot retraction, aggregate formation under flow conditions, and surface expression of activation markers. Transgenic mice deficient in GAS6, or any of the TAM family of receptors that engage this ligand, exhibit in vivo protection against arterial and venous thrombosis but do not demonstrate either spontaneous or prolonged bleeding compared to their wild-type counterparts. Comparable results are observed in wild-type mice treated with pharmacological inhibitors of the GAS6-TAM pathway. Thus, GAS6/TAM inhibition offers an attractive novel therapeutic option that may allow for a moderate reduction in platelet activation and decreased thrombosis while still permitting the primary hemostatic function of platelet plug formation.
Meta-synthesis on the experiences of families from nondominant communities and special education collaboration

18 qualitative investigations of families of children with disabilities from nondominant communities and their perspectives on home-school partnerships were included in this meta-synthesis. Include...
The Role of School in the Psychotherapy of the Child or Adolescent

School plays a major role in the lives of children and adolescents. Inevitably, school-related material will be brought to the treatment sessions by children and adolescents who are in psychotherapy. This article reviews the issues therapists need to consider when dealing with school-related material and also explores the complexities of direct contact with school personnel when such contact is clinically indicated.