cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Student Pharmacist–Led Telephone Follow-Up Intervention to Improve Hemoglobin A1C in Diabetic Patients:

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a student pharmacist–led telephone follow-up intervention to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetic patients.Methods:This was a prospective, randomize...
Fenómenos de vacilación, sus contextos léxicos y sintácticos en entrevistas formales de legisladores a ciudadanos en el Congreso de la Ciudad de México

This article, which is an outcome of an ethnographic research, aims to offer an insight into lexical and syntactic contexts of some hesitation phenomena (short fillers, repetitions, long fillers, word lengthening, unfinished words and unfinished phrases), identified in a corpus sample that consists of structured interviews conducted by a group of deputies of Mexico City Local Congress with citizens who applied for the ombudsperson’s position at the city’s Human Rights Office (Comision de Derechos Humanos de la Ciudad de Mexico). Drawing upon a lexical and syntactic description, some remarks on the hesitation phenomena’s linguistic and communicative values are presented. I propose an interpretation of hesitation occurrence patterns that appear in the respondent’s answers. This interpretation is based on the discursive planning level, the interaction between hesitation markers and word classes, and the concept of repertoire as it has been used in the theory of translanguaging. Towards the end of the manuscript I argue that the studied phenomena and their distribution are directly related to open class words, and the cognitive effort of producing grammatical, accurate and socially appropriate messages.
Performance evaluation of two quantitative gamma cameras using NEMA NU-01 2018 standards

145 Purpose: To evaluate and compare the performance characteristics of two quantitative gamma cameras using the newly proposed NEMA NU-01 2018 standards. Materials and Methods: Two SPECT/CT gamma cameras Intevo-6 and Intevo-excel (Siemens Healthcare) capable of absolute quantitation were evaluated. Spatial resolution (FWHM/FWTM) and spatial linearity were measured using slit phantom and 99mTc source housed in a 3-sided shielded source with copper plates. Intrinsic energy resolution was measured using collimated source of 99mTc. Intrinsic flood field uniformity was measured for both central and useful field-of-views. Multiple window spatial registration was measured using Ga-67 source by calculating the centroid of counts. Count rate was evaluated with copper attenuators. System spatial resolution was measured using the point spread function. System sensitivity was measured using flat plastic dish. The effectiveness of shielding was assessed for each detector. System alignment was measured using spherical symmetric 3-point sources images reconstructed using FBP. Whole-body system resolution without scatter was measured using two capillary tubes, parallel and perpendicular to the motion. ACR phantom with point sources was used to access overall image quality. Spatial co-registration was calculated using the centroid of each point source in both the CT and SPECT images. Results: Intrinsic spatial resolution and linearity results are summarized in Table 1. The energy resolution for intevo-6 detector-1 and detector-2 was 9.4 and 8.8, whereas it was 10.27 and 9.41 for intevo-excel respectively. The maximum count rate (in kcps) for intevo-6 detector-1 and detector-2 was 411 and 421; whereas it was 422 and 410 for intevo-excel respectively. Multiple energy window spatial registration ranged from minimum of 0.14 to maximum of 0.71. The measured sensitivity detector-1 and detector-2 was 191cpm/uci and 192 cpm/uci for intevo-6; and 193 cpm/uci and 188 cpm/uci for intevo-6 respectively. Whole-body system resolution ranged from 7.2 to 4.4 FWHM for vertical and horizontal directions. Co-registration between SPECT and CT gantries and image quality were acceptable. SPECT mage contrast and reconstructed resolution using ACR phantom are shown in figure 1. Clinical cardiac images using two gamma cameras are shown in figure 2. Conclusions: The performance evaluation of two gamma cameras has been characterized using the newly proposed NEMA NU01-2018 standards. The overall performance shows that the two gamma cameras are suitable for qualitative and quantitative clinical studies. NEMA NU01-2018 standards are reproducible for acceptance testing of gamma cameras. Table 1.Comparison of intrinsic spatial resolution and linearity in X- and Y -direction for Intevo-6 and Intevo-excel gamma camera
A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-Style Virtual Lab Activity

Especially in the wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused universities across the globe to suspend in-person classes, online alternatives for laboratory activities are needed. Here, we report a choose-your-own-adventure (CYOA)-style activity, in which undergraduate general chemistry students influence the observed outcome of a prerecorded electrochemistry lab experiment. During the activity, students decide how to build an electrochemical cell by varying experimental parameters including electrode charge, power source voltage, and salt addition. We show evidence that students’ understanding of electrochemistry concepts improved after completing the CYOA-style activity. We propose that CYOA-style activities strike a good balance between the demand for instructor time and student opportunity to develop laboratory decision-making skills. We suggest the use of CYOA-style activities as a better alternative to simply having students watch prerecorded videos of laboratory experiments when a traditional in-laboratory activity is impossible.
Using Screening Scales for Bipolar Disorder in Epidemiologic Studies: Lessons Not Yet Learned.

Abstract Background In a recent issue in the journal, Humpston, Bebbington, and Marwaha (2021) reported the results of the first large epidemiological study of bipolar disorder in England. The prevalence estimate of bipolar disorder was based on the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ), a self-administered screening scale for a lifetime history of mania/hypomania. Humpston and colleagues found that the prevalence of bipolar disorder in England was similar to the rates in other parts of the world, and they stated that most individuals with bipolar disorder in England did not receive treatment for the disorder in the past year. A better understanding of the statistics of screening and the performance of the MDQ would indicate that the conclusions drawn from the epidemiological study are not justified. Methods I review the principles and statistics of diagnostic screening and how screening is distinguished from case-finding. I then review the performance of the MDQ in the general population and calculate the positive predictive value of the MDQ in the study by Humpston and colleagues. Results The developers of the MDQ reported a sensitivity of 28.1% and specificity of 97.2% in the general population based on a cutoff score of 7. Using this same cutoff, Humpston and colleagues reported the prevalence of “probable” bipolar disorder was 1.7%. Based on these data, the positive predictive value of the MDQ would be only 14.8%. Limitations Humpson et al. did not compare the MDQ to a diagnostic interview in their study; thus, the performance of the MDQ was estimated from another general population study. Conclusions When studying a disorder with a relatively low prevalence, it is near impossible for a screening test to have sufficient positive predictive value to be used to validly compare the individuals who do and do not screen positive. Most of the individuals whom Humpston et al. considered to have “probable” bipolar disorder would not have received the diagnosis had they been directly interviewed. Thus, the results of the Humpston et al. study are not a valid indicator of the correlates of bipolar disorder in the general population of England.
Evaluating Digital Projects

Digital humanities takes public scholarship to the next level. Whether looking for the best tools or learning about new developments within the field, “The Download” can help you refine your work in digital religious studies. Professor Jeri Wieringa (University of Alabama) provides insight into this new mode of scholarship by highlighting the challenges and nuances of online platforms.
TH-CD-204-08: Non-Local Means Denoising of SG-KS-4D-MRI Improves the Accuracy of Deformable Registration and Pancreas Tumor Segmentation.

Purpose: Self-gating based K-space sorted 4D-MRI (SG-KS-4D-MRI) has been shown to be a promising method to generate high resolution respiration phase resolved 4D-MRI images. However, higher imaging noise was observed compared to breath-hold 3D-MRI. In this study, we apply a non-local means denoising filter on the pancreas SG-KS-4D-MRI images and then test its impact on the accuracy of deformable registration and automated pancreas tumor segmentation. Methods: A non-local means denoising method, block matching 3D (BM3D), was adapted to search in the axial slices adjacent to the reference image patch for patches with high similarity. The located image patches were stacked to a 3D block based on similarity. 3D denoising was applied to the block in the wavelet domain, which was then followed by aggregation to reconstruct the denoised 4D-MRI image. The pancreas tumor was manually contoured in the first phase near the end of exhalation for both the raw and denoised 4D-MRI images with the same volume for each patient. B-spline deformable registration was applied to subsequent phases for contour propagation. The consistency of tumor volume, the center-of-mass trajectories, and the agreement between the center-of-mass locations between the first and last end-of-exhalation phases was compared using Wilcoxon-Rank test. Results: BM3D visually reduced image noise and improved contrast without compromising soft tissue edge definitions. The propagated tumor volume was slightly (1%) but statistically significantly (p=0.008) larger in the denoised 4DMRI. The standard deviation in the tumor volumes was significantly (p=0.01) reduced by 25% with denoised 4D-MRI. The tumor center-of-mass trajectories generally become more regular showing more reproducible (statistically significant improvement in the anterior-posterior direction) in the two phases near the end-of-exhalation positions. Conclusion: The non-local means denoising filter (BM3D) is shown to improve the noisy 4D-MRI image conspicuity that can be appreciated visually and quantitatively using deformable image registration. This study is supported in part by NIH 1R03CA173273
From demonic to karmic retribution

The You ming lu is a tale collection that demonstrates Buddhist influence as it began to appear in popular Chinese literature on a relatively large scale. While some indigenous themes in the collection remain in their original states, others have been modified to reflect Buddhist assumptions. This provides us with a vivid picture of some of the historical changes that occurred in the development of early mediaeval Chinese culture. The concept of retribution, bao, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. In the You ming lu, indigenous demonic retribution is a popular theme, but in some stories this theme became blurred because the demonic figure is not directly evident, showing a tendency of intermingling with Buddhist notion of retribution, xianshi bao. Most importantly, stories with explicit Buddhist flavour and those featuring Buddhist karmic retribution appear in large number. This is a gradual but tremendous change under the impact of Buddhism.
Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology provides well-woman care for women of all ages and complete care for pregnancy and birth. We also evaluate and treat gynecologic disorders. We perform office, outpatient and inpatient gynecologic surgery. We offer minimally invasive hysterectomy including total laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Our division is comprised of fourteen obstetrician-gynecologists, four certified nurse midwives, and four advanced nurse practitioners. We are all dedicated to outstanding clinical practice and teaching.
The Eighth International Workshop on Planning and Scheduling for Space (IWPSS)

The Eighth International Workshop on Planning and Scheduling for Space (IWPSS 2013) was held on March 25–26 2013 at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. This was the eighth in a regular series that started in 1997.
Delaware's Compensation

This Article illuminates the interdependence between the structure of Delaware's franchise tax and Delaware's corporate law. It makes three major arguments. First, different franchise tax structures would create different regulatory incentives for Delaware. Second, the current structure of Delaware's franchise tax law is suboptimal. A franchise tax that is sensitive to firm performance would be superior to Delaware's current franchise tax. It would align Delaware's incentives with those of shareholders and induce it to offer corporate law that maximizes shareholder value. It will have this effect even if Delaware faces no competition from other states over incorporations and even if shareholders are passive. Third, Delaware may not have sufficient incentives to reform its franchise tax law. The Article derives policy implications.
An analog parallel processor for the dynamic programming paradigm

A novel analog parallel approach to the implementation of the dynamic programming paradigm is described. The approach has been used to design a test chip which solves the single source, shortest path problem in a fully connected eight-mode network. The distributed processor design has been fabricated in a 2- mu m double poly low noise CMOS process using a die area of 2.22*2.22 mils. The design has a typical setting time of 100 ns and a worst case power dissipation of 3.5 W. >
Environmental epigenetics: from novelty to scientific discipline

Epigenetic phenomena have sparked much interest resulting in an exponential increase in scientific investigation in the last two decades. While growing, the field of environmental epigenetics remains small when compared to other areas of epigenetic inquiry such as cancer research. In this paper, our objective is to describe the status of the field of environmental epigenetics and lay out our vision for its future. While environmental epigenetic studies represent fewer than 5% of all epigenetic publications, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ranks second in proportion of dollars spent on epigenetics of all NIH Institutes. Such investment highlights the hypothesis that epigenetic marks are modified by environmental exposures and the hope that interventions targeted at epigenetic mechanisms may ultimately lead to improved health outcomes. The road to achieve this vision will require: (1) attention to tissue specificity; (2) focused interventional studies; (3) collaboration among cohorts; (4) inclusion of environmental exposures in new large-scale epigenomic studies; and (5) understanding of multiple mechanisms beyond DNA methylation and histone modifications. The investment in environmental epigenetic inquiry will lead to great rewards if we can understand the biology of how phenotype results from environmental stimuli and genetic code. Understanding the epigenetic implications of our actions and exposures may benefit generations to come.
A note on the diversity of World Lepidoptera (Rhopalocera)

Data are presented showing the number of butterfly species present in areas of different size. The species, area curve for South America starts at a higher value than that for Africa, indicating a greater species richness in a small area. It is also steeper, which indicates that there are more allopatric species. The relation for south-east Asia is more like that for South America than Africa.
Essentialist Stereotypes in Textbooks on Hispanic Studies

This essay examines essentialist representation of Hispanic peoples and cultures in three textbooks, Spanish for Secondary Schools (1961), Mi Historia Universal (1978), and Civilizacion y Cultura (...
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Equilibrium Oil−Water Interfacial Tensions of Solutions Containing Surfactant Mixtures

A molecular-thermodynamic theory is developed to model the adsorption of surfactant mixtures at the oil−water interface. The use of experimentally determined parameters is minimized by utilizing a ...
The History of the Per Curiam Opinion: Consensus and Individual Expression on the Supreme Court

Readers of Supreme Court opinions have become so accustomed in recent years to the multiple concurrences and dissents that accompany important opinions that it is difficult to recall that this is a relatively recent phenomenon. It is only in the past century that the Court's traditional balance of the institutional and the personal has shifted from an insistence on presenting what Learned Hand termed “monolithic solidarity” to the world. That insistence began with Chief Justice Marshall's determination that the Court should resolve its cases, not seriatim, with each Justice writing separately, but instead in a single, unified opinion. The resulting culture of the Court, one that discouraged both dissenting and concurring opinions as assaults on this unified front, persisted from Marshall's day into the 1930s.3 The Court in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries thus deliberately submerged the idea of a personal voice in the fiction of a collective voice, one that spoke for the institution rather than for the Justice who served as its designated scribe.
ANNUAL PRODUCTIVITY AND EXTRACELLULAR RELEASE OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY THE EPIBENTHIC ALGAL COMMUNITY OF A BRACKISH MARSH1

Annual productivity and excretion of organic compounds by epibenthic algae in a coastal Texas marsh were investigated using 14C techniques. Over the course of two years, productivity and extracellular release were measured bimonthly to assess the environmental factors affecting seasonal patterns. Annual productivity was estimated to be 71 gc·m−2, approximately 10% of the estimated net aerial productivity of the grass canopy in this area. The percentage of photoassimilated carbon released was fairly constant, and the rate of excretion appeared to be primarily dependent upon the rate of carbon fixation. Greater rates of release were observed with high salinity, low soil moisture conditions. It was estimated that up to 10% of the DOC in adjacent tidal creek water could be produced by this community and could represent an important source of nutrients for consumers in the system.
Feature extraction and selection from acoustic emission signals with an application in grinding wheel condition monitoring

Feature extraction and feature selection are two important issues in sensor-based condition monitoring of any engineering systems. In this study, acoustic emission signals were first collected during grinding operations, next processed by autoregressive modeling or discrete wavelet decomposition for feature extraction, and then the best feature subsets are found by three different feature selection methods, including two proposed ant colony optimization (ACO)-based method and the famous sequential forward floating selection method. Posing monitoring as a classification problem, the evaluation is carried out by the wrapper approach with four different algorithms serving as the classifier. Empirical test results were shown to illustrate the effectiveness of feature extraction and feature selection methods.
A Failure of Continuum Theory: Temperature Dependence of the Solvent Reorganization Energy of Electron Transfer in Highly Polar Solvents

The temperature dependence of the solvent reorganization energy for intramolecular electron transfer (ET) in acetonitrile is measured experimentally and calculated theoretically. The Stokes shifts ...
Cultural syncretism and ethnic identity

The culturally syncretic character of medieval Southern Italy and Sicily was never so apparent as under Norman rule in the twelfth century. From the fusion of artistic styles in the Capella Palatina in Palermo to the organization of King Roger II’s Regno, the influence of Byzantine, Arab, Christian, Norman, and Lombard traditions is evident. This paper argues, however, that underlying these more obvious manifestations of cultural intersection was an enduring sense of ethnic identity. This self-conscious expression of identity is revealed through the articulation of ancestry and lineage in the eleventh- and twelfth-century charters of the aristocracy in the Principality of Salerno. The distinctions between conquerors and conquered, long considered irrelevant after decades of intermarriage, were remarkably durable throughout this period. Both Normans and Lombards employed genealogical memory as a strategy to enhance their status in the Principality: the Normans aimed to legitimize their present rule; the Lo...
Gender Differences in Career Paths in Psychiatry

Although psychiatry has one of the highest proportions of women entering its residency programs, women have not assumed a proportionate amount of academic or research leadership positions in the field. This literature review identifies three general groups of models that explain disparities between men’s and women’s careers, but these do not fully account for observed differences in psychiatric practice and academic progression of women in psychiatry. Gender differences in career paths in psychiatry are not only affected by individual traits and choices, but also by economic factors. Theories based on organizational discrimination, and systems and market factors are also reviewed. No single explanatory model accounts for disparities between the careers of men and those of women. Because psychiatric practice patterns may be broadly distributed across labor sectors, more diverse career patterns are possible in psychiatry than in more constrained and traditional fields. Research on gender differences in psychiatry careers must consider not only the individual work style and choice, but also the position of individuals within the organization and the position of those organizations across the labor market.
A Comparative Study of Single Loop and Multiple Loop Design for Uncertain Single Input Single Output Systems

In this paper, studied are the actual advantages offered by SISO cascade loop structures. In Quantitative Feedback Theory it is emphasized that the use of cascaded loops is primarily for the reduction of bandwidth of the controllers. This in turn helps in considerable reduction of the adverse effects of high frequency noise. The question that arises then is whether or not there are any substantial benefits to be gained by cascade loop design in the low frequencies. This issue is the focus of this paper. It is shown using Quantitative Feedback Theory methodology that there aren’t any advantages gained in the low frequencies with the use of cascaded design for meeting performance specifications. In effect it is concluded that if the design is properly executed a single loop controller closed from the output to the input will be sufficient to meet the typical performance specifications. This is shown using an example where the mold level of a continuous casting process is to be controlled. The plant being used has considerable uncertainty so that features of robust control can be highlighted.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
9. A Higher Complex Carbohydrate Diet in Gestational Diabetes Improves Maternal Metabolic Outcomes and Infant Adiposity: A Randomized Study

Aims: Our purpose is to illustrate and advance the use of visualization methods to integrate the diverse data sets generated in a mixed-methods study. Methods: We use data from a multiple case mixedmethods longitudinal study of decision-making for infants born with complex life-threatening conditions to illustrate the use of visualization methods to integrate and analyze data. Stages of organizing, analyzing, and integrating are applied to 32 cases. Each case is composed of an index infant, his/her mother (n1⁄432), father (n1⁄425), and healthcare providers (n1⁄4202). Results: We use visualization techniques to integrate illness course, treatments, parental stress, anxiety and posttraumatic symptoms, and parent and provider perceptions of hope and infant discomfort across the trajectory of illness from birth/diagnosis until 6-months post-death or one year of study. The integration of data along trajectories allow us to describe how, when, and what types of decisions parents make; how parents acquire and use information to make decisions; and how health care providers’ influence parent decision making. Conclusions: Advances in methods and technologies that allow us to gather complex, multifaceted, and often non-comparable data have not been matched by advances in the organization, analysis, and integration of these data. The need to integrate diverse data sets has long been of concern in the mixed-methods research community. Visualization methods are a powerful approach for linking diverse data sets.
Ethnicity, social class and hostility: effects on in vivo β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness

Abstract Little is known about the potential influences of social and psychosocial variables in accounting for ethnic differences in the β-adrenergic receptor. We examined the effects of ethnicity, social class, and other variables on an in vivo marker of β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness (Chronotropic 25 Dose, CD 25 ) for 224 African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans. Social class was determined using the clinician-rated Hollingshead two-factor index. The Cook–Medley hostility and Buss–Durkee assaultiveness subscales were administered to a subset of subjects. Results indicated that African-Americans had decreased β-receptor responsiveness compared to Caucasian-Americans after controlling for social class, age, and smoking ( P =0.001). Secondary analysis for a subset of subjects revealed significant hostility×ethnicity interactions, such that hostility predicted decreased β-receptor responsiveness for Caucasian-Americans ( P =0.004), but not for African-Americans. Thus, decreased β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in African-Americans does not appear to be due to differences in current social class, age, or smoking status, nor to higher reports of hostility.
Wind erosion losses as related to plant silhouette and soil cover

Wind erosion adversely affects soils, plants, animals, equipment, the environment, and people. Wind erosion can be minimized or prevented by either standing residue or flat residue cover. Our objective was to develop mathematical relationships between these two crop residue properties and soil loss ratio (SLR: soil loss from protected soil/soil loss from flat, bare soil), for more accurate predictions of wind erosion soil losses. Therefore, from a previously reported wind tunnel study (wind tunnel 1.1 m high, 0.51 m wide, and 5 m long) we took data for velocities ranging from 9.4 to 16.1 m s -1 and silhouette areas (S) of upright wood dowels (simulating plant stems) ranging from 31 to 813 cm 2 m -2 of soil surface (washed sand < 0.42 mm) and developed the following equation for standing residue and SLR [...]
Spontaneous Cerebral Air Embolism Associated with Remote Lung Surgery

Airembolism without obvious trauma or surgery is rare. Case report. Four years after resection of a non-small cell lung cancer, a 57-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of sudden onset neurological deficits. Head computer tomographic (CT) scans suggested air embolism, and further investigations showed a potential anastomosis between a pulmonary air cavity and a pulmonary vein. He was treated surgically by debridement of the bronchovascular bundles surrounding the air cavity. The patient had no further neurologic deficits during 10 months of post-surgical follow-up. In the absence of trauma, sinus disease, recent surgery, or vascular procedures, the presence of air in the brain is unusual, and pulmonary sources of air embolism should be considered.
Use of active learning and group competition to facilitate training and technology transfer for adult learners

Adult training is different from the more traditional training used in many of today's public schools. Adults have more experiences on which to base their decisions and generally are more skeptical of education. There is a need for relevancy in the materials presented, and many negative impressions must be overcome. To address these and other issues, a number of techniques are now being applied to facilitate training and technology transfer for adult learners. A technology transfer program originally aimed at adults working for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) was designed to educate workers about using metric units in the workplace. Because of the subject, the time constraints, and the generally negative reaction that participants in test courses demonstrated, the program was designed using several of the techniques now becoming popular in adult education. Besides the use of short lectures, these techniques included active learning and group competition, using games and exercises with to...
Peroxouranium Oxide Promoted Oxidation of Olefins with Alkyl Hydroperoxides

Abstract The heterogenous oxidation of olefins by peroxouranium oxide with t-butyl hydroperoxide to form products derived from epoxidation or allylic oxidation in benzene, methylene chloride or dichloroethane solvent at temperatures between 40°-83° is described.
A Techno-economic Analysis of Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Hydrogen Production from Syngas Fermentation of Gasified Biomass

A techno-economic analysis was conducted to investigate the feasibility of a gasification-based hybrid biorefinery producing both hydrogen gas and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polymer materials that can be an attractive substitute for conventional petrochemical plastics. The biorefinery considered used switchgrass as a feedstock and converted that raw material through thermochemical methods into syngas, a gaseous mixture composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The syngas was then fermented using Rhodospirillum rubrum, a purple non-sulfur bacterium, to produce PHA and to enrich hydrogen in the syngas. Total daily production of the biorefinery was assumed to be 12 Mg of PHA and 50 Mg of hydrogen gas. Grassroots capital for the biorefinery was estimated to be $55 million, with annual operating costs at $6.7 million. With a market value of $2.00/kg assumed for the hydrogen, the cost of producing PHA was determined to be $1.65/kg.
Sequestering carbon in soils of arid ecosystems

Recent increase in atmospheric concentration of CO2 and decrease in land-based sink capacity are attributed to numerous anthropogenic activities including increase in severity and extent of soil degradation and desertification. There is a strong link between desertification and global warming with positive feedback of mutual reinforcement. The biophysical process is also driven by social, economic, political, and cultural factors such as overgrazing by local Bedouin population. Soil carbon (C) sequestration, through conversion to a restorative land use and adoption of recommended management practices, is more in cooler than warmer and higher in wetter than drier climates, and larger in clayey than sandy soils. It ranges from 0 to 200 kg C ha−1 y−1 in soils of semi-arid climate to 200–500 kg ha−1 y−1 in those of sub-humid climates. The rates may range from negative to a high of 1500 kg ha−1 y−1. In contrast, the rate of SIC sequestration as secondary carbonates are low and range from 1·5 to 15 kg C ha−1 y−1. In addition to proven technologies (e.g., low stocking rate, afforestaion, soil, and water conservation), there are numerous opportunities for using the modern innovations involving nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology. Trading of C credits, through Kyoto's CDM or World Bank's BioCarbon Fund and other mechanisms, opens new opportunities for promoting the use of terrestrial sinks. In this regards, desertified ecosystems in Africa/Asia and elsewhere may benefit through C-sequestration programs because rehabilitation of degraded lands is an urgent matter of global importance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracellular matrix-integrin interactions in osteoblast function and tissue remodeling.

Abstract Previous work with cultured primary cells, from our group and from other laboratories, has shown that signals from extracellular matrix, transduced by integrins, play critical roles in regulating gene expression, tissue-specific differentiation, and survival of primary osteoblasts and fibroblasts. This summary will focus on our most recent work, dealing with the role of cell–extracellular matrix interactions and focal adhesion kinase in regulating cell survival in osteoblasts and fibroblasts, and the role of β1 integrins in tissue organization and remodeling in bone.
Patient Safety and Quality in Surgery

Patient safety and quality of care are inextricably linked. Surgery encompasses such a wide spectrum of diagnosis, treatment, postoperative care, and outpatient follow-up of so many illnesses that quality improvement and patient safety opportunities are numerous and potentially overwhelming. The study of error can be applied across all components of the care process, and offers many points of study to improve patient safety. A fundamental premise is that appropriate and safely delivered health care is less expensive. In our current climate, this emphasis on quality and safety will remain a high priority. Surgeon leadership at all levels is key to our professional viability.
Paradigmatic Processes in Culture Change

Paradigmatic processes in culture change are defined, in the sense of Thomas Kuhn, as the consequence of long-continued deliberate effort by numbers of persons to innovate within a recognized technical, artistic, or intellectual tradition (or “school” or “discipline”). The evolving paradigm will often, after a certain point of development, attract exploitation; there will then occur various functionally entailed social-cultural consequences; and ultimately efforts will be made to rationalize the change in religious, ethical, and philosophical terms.
Light scattering studies on the clotting of fibrinogen.

Summary The light-scattering method was applied to study the clotting of purified bovine fibrinogen. The molecular weight of fibrinogen was found to be 540,000 and the length 840 A. Fibrin dissolved in urea and guanidine gave the same molecular weight as fibrinogen under similar conditions. It was found that during clotting of fibrinogen larger and larger particles were built up through side-by-side and end-to-end associations of the apparently original fibrinogen particles. The relative importance of the two kinds of associations depends on pH and ionic strength. The arrest of the polymerization and a subsequent depolymerization of the polymerized particles revealed that the end-to-end associations are weaker than the side-by-side assocations. The clotting of fibrinogen by papain was found to be similar to the clotting brought about by thrombin.
Distal regulatory elements are required for Fshr expression, in vivo

The gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is required for initiation and maintenance of normal gametogenesis and acts through a specific, cell-surface receptor (Fshr) present only on Sertoli and granulosa cells in the gonads. Despite extensive examination of the transcriptional mechanisms regulating Fshr, the sequences directing its expression to these cells remain unidentified. To establish the minimal region necessary for Fshr expression, we generated transgenic mice carrying a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) that contained 413 kilobases (kb) of the rat Fshr locus (YAC60). Transgene expression, as determined by RT-PCR, was absent from immature testis and Sertoli cells, limited to germ cells of the adult testis, and never observed in the ovary. While the data is limited to only one transgenic line, it suggests that the 413 kb region does not specify the normal spatiotemporal expression pattern of Fshr. Comparative genomics was used to identify potential distal regulatory elements, revealing seven regions of high evolutionary conservation (>80% identity over 100 bp or more), six of which were absent from the transgene. Functional examination of the evolutionary conserved regions (ECRs) by transient transfection revealed that all of the ECRs had modest transcriptional activity in Sertoli or myoid cells with two, ECR4 and ECR5, showing differential effects in expressing and non-expressing cells. These data reveal that distal regulatory regions (outside the 413 kb in YAC60) are required for appropriate temporal and spatial Fshr expression and implicate the identified ECRs in transcriptional regulation of Fshr.
Individual differences in spatial mental imagery

In this article, we report a new image-scanning paradigm that allowed us to measure objectively individual differences in spatial mental imagery—specifically, imagery for location. Participants were asked to determine whether an arrow was pointing at a dot using a visual mental image of an array of dots. The degree of precision required to discriminate “yes” from “no” trials was varied. In Experiment 1, the time to scan increasing distances, as well as the number of errors, increased when greater precision was required to make a judgement. The results in Experiment 2 replicated those results while controlling for possible biases. When greater precision is required, the accuracy of the spatial image becomes increasingly important—and hence the effect of precision in the task reflects the accuracy of the image. In Experiment 3, this measure was shown to be related to scores on the Paper Folding test, on the Paper Form Board test, and on the visuospatial items on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices—but not...
CCN5, a secreted protein, localizes to the nucleus

CCN5, a member of the CCN family of growth factors, inhibits the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells in cell culture and animal models. Expressed in both embryonic and adult tissues, CCN5 exhibits a matricellular localization pattern characteristic of secreted proteins that are closely associated with the cell surface. In addition to this observed expression pattern, immunohistochemical evidence suggests the presence of nuclear CCN5 in some cells. To determine if CCN5 localizes to the nucleus we performed immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, and cell fractionation to corroborate the immunohistochemical observations. After confirming the presence of nuclear CCN5 using four independent experimental methods, we identified a single putative nuclear localization signal in the von Willebrand factor C domain of mouse and rat CCN5. Site directed mutagenesis of the three basic amino acids in the putative nuclear localization sequence did not prevent nuclear localization of CCN5 in four different cell types, suggesting that CCN5 nuclear transport is not mediated by the only canonical nuclear localization signal present in the primary amino acid sequence. Future work will address the mechanism of nuclear localization and the function of nuclear versus secreted CCN5.
O'Casey's structural design in Juno and the paycock

The concluding scenes of Sean O'Casey's play epitomize the central dialectic between actuality and illusion. The scenic juxtaposition emphasizes Juno's creative acceptance of life and the paycock's...
Automatic color scheme picker for document templates based on image analysis and dual problem

This paper presents two complementary methods to help in the area of document creation where the document includes color templates (banners, clipart, logos, etc.) as well as photographs. The problems that are being addressed are: given a photograph that a document needs to be built around, extract a good palette of colors that harmonize with the selected photograph, which may be used to generate the color template; The images are segmented with a color based morphological approach, which identifies regions with a dominant color. Based on the morphology of such "color" regions, and the other color objects in the template the scheme will pick a set of possible color harmonies (affine, complementary, split complementary, triadic) for such color elements within the document based on the combined morphology image-document. If the image is changed in the future the color scheme could be changed automatically. Given a document color template, identify from a collection of images the best set that will harmonize with it. The document color template is analyzed in the same way as above, and the results are used to query an image database in order to pick a set of images that will harmonize the best with such a color scheme.
Measurement of a three-dimensional photonic band gap in a crystal structure made of dielectric rods.

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a three-dimensional photonic-band-gap structure. The structure is built by an orderly stacking of dielectric rods. A network analyzer is used to measure the transmission and dispersion relations of electromagnetic waves along several crystal directions. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. The structure is different from that previously suggested, as it is already used to improve the midgap frequency by almost two orders of magnitude, and it offers a viable geometry to extend the photonic band gap to optical regimes.
A Functional Model for O-O Bond Formation by the O2-Evolving Complex in Photosystem II

The formation of molecular oxygen from water in photosynthesis is catalyzed by photosystem II at an active site containing four manganese ions that are arranged in di-mu-oxo dimanganese units (where mu is a bridging mode). The complex [H2O(terpy)Mn(O)2Mn(terpy)OH2](NO3)3 (terpy is 2,2':6', 2"-terpyridine), which was synthesized and structurally characterized, contains a di-mu-oxo manganese dimer and catalyzes the conversion of sodium hypochlorite to molecular oxygen. Oxygen-18 isotope labeling showed that water is the source of the oxygen atoms in the molecular oxygen evolved, and so this system is a functional model for photosynthetic water oxidation.
Risk of injury to the superior gluteal nerve when using a proximal incision for insertion of a piriformis-entry reamed femoral intramedullary nail: a cadaveric study.

Background: This cadaveric study evaluated the risk of injury to the superior gluteal nerve when a proximal incision site is used for insertion of an antegrade, reamed femoral intramedullary nail into the piriformis fossa. Based on prior anatomical studies, our hypothesis is that the use of a proximal incision site for intramedullary nail insertion will consistently injure the superior gluteal nerve. Methods: A reamed femoral intramedullary nail was inserted through a piriformis fossa entry site in six pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver femora. The specimens were randomized to two groups: reaming of the femoral canal with or without a protective sleeve. Damage to the superior gluteal nerve was evaluated by means of layered dissection of specimens. Damage to any part(s) of the superior gluteal nerve was recorded, and the distances between the path of the instrumentation and nail and the branches of the superior gluteal nerve were measured. Results: A “spray” nerve pattern of the superior gluteal nerve was present in all twelve specimens. The average distance and standard deviation between the most superior branch of the superior gluteal nerve and the instrumentation and nail path was 17.75 ± 8.58 mm. The average distance between the most inferior branch of the superior gluteal nerve and the instrumentation and nail path was 22.39 ± 10.52 mm. There were no significant differences between the two groups. There were no injuries to any part of the superior gluteal nerve regardless of whether or not a protective sleeve was used. Conclusions: This anatomic study demonstrated that the superior gluteal nerve is not at risk for injury when a proximal incision site is used to place a reamed intramedullary nail into the piriformis fossa.
Brownian motion in spinodal decomposition

Abstract The flux from random solute movements, Brownian motion, is added to the diffusion equation for spinodal decomposition. The resulting equation for the time dependence of the diffuse intensity accounts for the several discrepancies between theory and experiment which have been observed during the very early stages of spinodal decomposition. The influence of Brownian motion on the rate of change of the diffuse intensity is characterized by a thermal driving force proportional to k B T where k B is Boltzmann's constant and T is the temperature. The observed critical wave vector depends on the initial intensity distribution and occurs at the wave vector for which the thermal driving force is balanced by the usual thermodynamic driving force. The equation can also be used to study the early stages of homogeneous nucleation (G-P zone formation) on aging a quenched specimen outside the spinodal.
Compulsive sexual behavior among male military veterans: Prevalence and associated clinical factors

Background and aims: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is highly prevalent among men, often co-occurring with psychiatric disorders and traumatic experiences. Psychiatric disorders and trauma are highly prevalent among military veterans, yet there is a paucity of research on CSB among military samples. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with CSB among male military veterans. Methods: Surveys were administered to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, or New Dawn at baseline (n = 258), 3 months (n = 194), and 6 months (n = 136). Bivariate analyses and Generalized Estimating Equations were utilized to estimate associations between CSB and the following variables: psychiatric co-morbidity, childhood physical or sexual trauma, pre- and post-deployment experiences, TV/ Internet usage, and sociodemographics. Associations between CSB and specific PTSD symptom clusters were also examined. Results: CSB was reported by 16.7% of the sample at baseline. Several variables were associated with CSB in bivariate analyses; however, only PTSD severity, childhood sexual trauma, and age remained significant in multivariable GEE models. The PTSD symptom cluster re-experiencing was most strongly associated with CSB. Discussion: This exploratory study suggests that CSB is prevalent amongst veterans returning from combat and is associated with childhood trauma and PTSD, particularly re-experiencing. Conclusions: Further study is needed to identify the mechanisms linking PTSD and CSB, define the context and severity of CSB in veterans, and examine the best ways to assess and treat CSB in VA clinical settings.
CASE HISTORY REVIEW—DEMILITARIZATION COMBUSTION PERMITS*

In May 1993, Administrative Browner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced that an indirect exposure health risk assessment was required for all hazardous waste combustion facilities seeking a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit. These types of risk assessments evaluate the health and environmental effects from inhalation of emissions (direct exposure) and from contact with environmental media and consumption of food products impacted by the emissions (indirect exposure). Completion of an indirect exposure risk assessment is often complicated by the various methodologies available for generating results and by the requirements of the regulating community. To minimize this complexity and to maximize consistency between risk assessments, the USEPA developed a number of detailed guidance documents. Site-specific conditions and toxicological data gaps, however, continue to present challenges not addressed by these guidance documents. This paper presents some of the specific ch...