cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teasing in School Locker Rooms Regarding Penile Appearance

Purpose: Parents of young boys seeking circumcision or circumcision revision commonly cite concern that their sons may be teased in middle or high school due to the appearance of the penis. There are no current data to substantiate or refute the likelihood of such teasing. We explored the validity of this concern by investigating the extent and frequency of teasing regarding penile appearance.Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to undergraduate men at the University of Iowa. Participants answered questions regarding middle and high school demographics, school sports and gym class participation, and any teasing experienced or witnessed due to penile appearance in locker rooms.Results: A total of 290 men completed the questionnaire. Mean subject age was 19.2 years (range 17 to 24). Of the individuals surveyed 98% were required to participate in high school gym class and 96% participated in a school sport. Of the subjects 10% were teased about their penile appearance and 47% re...
Clarifying the Role of Species in Ecosystem Management: a Reply

My paper (Goldstein 1999) explored several published suggestions on how to focus conservation prioritization and management efforts and called attention to weaknesses in a variety of paradigms that may compromise our ability to protect threatened wildlife. I highlighted three ways in which shortcuts to conservation planning, management, and monitoring might jeopardize the resources they are intended to protect. The first of these involved the substitution of species richness measures for more focused assemblage-specific information. The second involved the interpretation of such measures as indicators of species richness in unrelated groups. The third concerned the widespread use of ill-defined buzzwords, such as ecosystem processes, ecosystem fttnctions, and ecological integrity, at the expense of actual biological information. Risser, Walker, and Oliver and Beattie have responded to my paper by arguing variously that the problems I describe are nonexistent or contrived, that they are outside or irrelevant to the field of conservation biology proper, or that they do, after all, exist but that my characterization of them is "ill-founded," "false," "unsubstantiated," "unhelpful," "disingenuous," and "counterproductive." Oliver and Beattie seized the additional opportunity to respond to a separate critique of their work in an earlier paper of mine. None of these authors detailed substantive disagreement with my primary points. Only Walker (1999) attempted to discuss the substance of my paper, and his differences of opinion, as I will show, are grounded in mischaracterizations. Risser and Oliver and Beattie chose
Radical Reference: Socially Responsible Librarianship Collaborating With Community

To date, the written record of socially responsible librarianship chiefly concerns outreach to previously-disregarded constituencies and the relationship between library collections and the alternative press. Although librarians and activists have long shared a history, descriptions of their collaborations are scarce, and there is little to no documentation of the provision of reference and information literacy services in the context of socially responsible library work. In this article, we discuss the history of Radical Reference (RR), a collective of progressive library workers and students. We consider RR's evolution from a “street” and online reference collective to one that provides a variety of socially conscious information services. We also explore examples of RR members' forming extra-institutional bonds with activists and independent journalists.
An ontology-based HTML to XML conversion using intelligent agents

How to organize and classify large amounts of heterogeneous information accessible over the Internet is a major problem faced by industry, government, and military organizations. XML is clearly a potential solution to this problem, however, a significant challenge is how to automatically convert information currently expressed in a standard HTML format to an XML format. Within the Virtual Information Processing Agent Research (VIPAR) project, we have developed a process using Internet ontologies and intelligent software agents to perform automatic HTML to XML conversion for Internet newspapers. The VIPAR software is based on a number of significant research breakthroughs. Most notably, the ability for intelligent agents to use a flexible RDF ontology to transform HTML documents to XML tagged documents. The VIPAR system is currently deployed at the USA Pacific Command, Camp Smith, HI, traversing up to 17 Internet newspapers daily.
Measuring the effect of data distribution and replication models on performance evaluation of distributed database systems

The effect of assumptions about data distribution and replication on the performance measures as well as the computational complexity and accuracy of performance evaluations is investigated. The size of the participating node set of a transaction is chosen as the desired performance measure. Probabilistic analysis is used to evaluate six models. It is concluded that even though some of the data distribution and replication models appear to be simplistic, the results obtained from them are very close to those from complex models. >
IMPURE ALTRUISM AND DONATIONS TO PUBLIC GOODS: A THEORY OF WARM-GLOW GIVING*

When people make donations to privately provided public goods, such as charity, there may be many factors influencing their decision other than altruism. Social pressure, guilt, sympathy, or simply a desire for a "warm glow" may all be important. This paper considers such impure altruism formally and develops a wide set of implications. In particular, this paper discusses the invariance proposition of public goods, solves for the sufficient conditions for neutrality to hold, examines the optimal tax treatment of charitable giving, and calibrates the model based on econometric studies in order to consider policy experiments. Impure altruism is shown to be more consistent with observed patterns of giving than the conventional pure altruism approach, and to have policy implications that may differ widely from those of the conventional models. Copyright 1990 by Royal Economic Society.
The Geopolitics of Demographic Decay: HIV/AIDS and Russia's Great-Power Status

A specialist in international relations examines the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the context of Russia's security interests and status in the international system. Sources from the international news media's coverage of HIV/AIDS in Russia and the social science literature on the epidemic in Russia are used not only to outline the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Russia in terms of trends in the last decade and those factors promoting the spread of the virus but also to focus on the social, economic, and military consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Russia. These consequences are analyzed in terms of how they might affect Russia's international position in the coming decades.
Suitability of the Eggs of Two Species of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borers (Phoracantha recurva and P. semipunctata) as Hosts for the Encyrtid Parasitoid Avetianella longoi

Abstract Eggs ofthe eucalyptus longhorned borer ( Phoracantha semipunctata F.) are the typical host of the encyrtid egg parasitoid Avetianella longoi Siscaro. Both P. semipunctata and Phoracantha recurva Newman have become established in California, but A. longoi appears to differentially parasitize these congeners. Eggs of the two beetle species were tested for ovipositional and developmental suitability for A. longoi at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 days after deposition in both no-choice and choice bioassays. In no-choice experiments, the parasitoid oviposition rate was similar in the two host species when the host eggs were 0.5 days old, but higher in P. semipunctata eggs when the host eggs were ≥1.5 days old. Females allocated significantly more eggs per host egg to P. semipunctata eggs than to P. recurva eggs when the eggs were 0.5–3.5 days old. Survival of the parasitoids was significantly lower in P. recurva eggs of all age classes than in P. semipunctata eggs. In choice experiments, female parasitoid oviposition rate was significantly higher in P. semipunctata eggs regardless of host egg age. Parasitoid survival was also significantly higher in P. semipunctata eggs. In both choice and no-choice experiments, some P. recurva embryos survived the parasitoid attack and emerged as neonate larvae from parasitized eggs, whereas P. semipunctata embryos never successfully developed in parasitized eggs. These results have important implications for biological control of the two beetle species by A. longoi.
Pathophysiology of evolution of small airways disease to overt COPD.

ABSTRACTBackground: The slope of phase III (single breath nitrogen test), an index of ventilation inhomogeneity, has been used for early detection of COPD. Tidal airway closure (cyclic opening and closure of the peripheral airways during tidal breathing; ACT) and expiratory flow limitation (attainment of maximal expiratory flow during tidal expiration; EFLT) cause small airways disease (SAD). The relationships of these indices with COPD severity may reflect the progress from SAD to overt COPD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we have assessed for the first time the phase III slope, ACT and EFLT in 10 smokers with normal spirometry (group O) and 40 COPD patients with GOLD scores from I to IV. Results: In most group O smokers the phase III slope was increased, and further increased with GOLD severity (up to 800%pred in GOLD IV). A close correlation was found of slope with GOLD (r = 0.77). ACT was absent in smokers with normal spirometry and in most patients with mild COPD. EFLT first appeared in GOLD ...
Metabolic and ultrastructural changes in the frog ovarian follicle in response to pituitary stimulation.

Frog ovarian fragments were prevented from ovulating in vitro by the addition of actinomycin D up to 3 hr following pituitary stimulation; but addition of Actinomycin D 6 hr after stimulation was far less effective. Puromycin, on the other hand, effectively inhibited ovulation when added as late as 6 hr after pituitary stimulation. Although actinomycin D reduced uptake of uridine-3H, and puromycin reduced uptake of leucine-3H and lysine-14 by pituitary-stimulated ovarian tissue minus oocytes (OTMO) in vitro, it was found that pituitary stimulation did not significantly increase uptake of these compounds by OTMO. Radioautographs of ovarian follicles fixed 6 hr after the addition of pituitary extract and uridine-3H in vitro revealed increased RNA synthesis in the peritoneal surface epithelium, compared with unstimulated controls, while the ovarian sac epithelium showed no increase. Gross ultrastructural changes occurred in the peritoneal area of ovarian follicles following pituitary stimulation in vivo, including loss of collagen fibrils, and general disorganization of the connective tissue theca. Changes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the peritoneal epithelial cells, while frequently encountered, were less pronounced. None of these changes was observed in the ovarian sac area, or in the interfollicular region. The above data are consistent with the hypothesis that pituitary stimulation of the frog ovary results in increased synthesis of RNA and protein by the peritoneal epithelial cells, and that the protein may be collagenase.
Paradoxical Hypertrichosis After Laser Therapy: A Review

BACKGROUNDLaser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of unwanted body hair but is not exempt from side effects. A rare but significant adverse effect with this treatment modality is paradoxical hypertrichosis.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the potential etiologies, risk factors, re
Identification of sialyl and galactosyl transferase activities in calf vitreous hyalocytes

Sialyl and galactosyl transferase activities are demonstrated in calf vitreous hyalocytes. For study of sialyl transferase activity, a partially purified vitreous preparation (collagen and hyaluronic acid removed), and bovine submaxillary mucin were treated with an insolubilized neuraminidase before use as acceptor of radio-activity from CMP-[3H]-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-[3H]-NAN). For study of galactosyl transferase activity the vitreous preparation was treated first with insolubilized neuraminidase and then with an insolubilized β-galactosidase before use as acceptor of radioactivity from UDP-[3H]-galactose (UDP-[3H]-gal). Galactosyl transferase requires a divalent metal ion for optimal activity, and the reactions catalyzed by each enzyme are dependent upon pH, time of incubation and concentration of enzyme and/or acceptor.
Inhibition of cholesterol side-chain cleavage by azacholesterols.

Abstract The side-chain of cholesterol is oxidatively cleaved by a cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme system present in mammalian adrenal mitochondria. The reaction was postulated to proceed via one or more hydroxylated intermediates. Inhibition of the reaction by the potent inhibitor 22-azacholesterol did not result in a build-up of the postulated intermediates: (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol, (22R)-22-hydroxycholesterol, (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxycholesterol or (20S)-cholesterol hydroperoxide. Spectral studies indicate a modified type II spectrum for the reaction of 22-azacholesterol with adrenal mitochondrial cytochrome P-450. In addition, spectral and electron spin resonance studies indicate a common interaction of cholesterol and 22-azacholesterol with the cytochrome. Although this study does not resolve the question of the intermediacy of the oxygenated derivatives in the cleavage reaction, it indicates that the binding of 22-azacholesterol depends on its steroid structure rather than on its amine character. A discussion of the proximity of the heme to the substrate binding site is also presented.
CONVERSATIONAL IMPLICATURES IN INDIRECT REPLIES

In this paper we present algorithms for the interpretation and generation of a kind of particularized conversational implicature occurring in certain indirect replies. Our algorithms make use of discourse expectations, discourse plans, and discourse relations. The algorithms calculate implicatures of discourse units of one or more sentences. Our approach has several advantages. First, by taking discourse relations into account, it can capture a variety of implicatures not handled before. Second, by treating implicatures of discourse units which may consist of more than one sentence, it avoids the limitations of a sentence-at-a-time approach. Third, by making use of properties of discourse which have been used in models of other discourse phenomena, our approach can be integrated with those models. Also, our model permits the same information to be used both in interpretation and generation.
Surgical placement guide for use with osseointegrated implants

The fabrication and use of the implant surgical guide allows two dentists to treat a patient with minimal communication loss and achieve a result desired by both. It also greatly facilitates planning and actual treatment for the same dentist by assuring that implants are surgically placed where originally planned (Fig. 6).
Teeth of embryos in lamniform sharks (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii)

The dentitions of lamniform sharks possess a unique heterodonty, the lamnoid tooth pattern. However, in embryos, there are ‘embryonic’ and ‘adult’ dentitions. The teeth in the embryonic dentition are peg-like and appear to be attached to the jaw in an acrodont fashion. The adult dentition is characterized by the presence of replacement tooth series with the lamnoid tooth pattern. The embryonic–adult transition in dentitions appears at around 30–60 cm TL. Tooth replacement generally begins before birth in embryos with adult dentitions. The adult dentition becomes functional just before or after parturition. An embryo of one species (Lamna nasus) shows a tooth directly on the symphysis of the upper jaws, marking the first record of a medial tooth for the order Lamniformes.
IL-6 deficiency allows for enhanced therapeutic value after bone marrow transplantation across a minor histocompatibility barrier in the twitcher (globoid cell leukodystrophy) mouse.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has therapeutic value for twitcher (globoid cell leukodystrophy) mice, which suffer from a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactosylceramidase that leads to progressive demyelination and early death. Preliminary investigations indicated that a semiallogeneic BMT resulted in graft vs. host disease (GVHD) in twitcher mice but not normal mice. Increased production of the cytokine IL-6 has been demonstrated in twitcher mice, and it has been linked with induction of GVHD. We investigated the effects of BMT in twitcher/IL-6 deficient mice and compared these findings with those from transplanted twitcher and control mice. After a semiallogeneic BMT, 11.4% of controls died within few weeks while the rest survived >100 days without GVHD. In contrast, 85% of the transplanted twitcher mice died by 70 days and 65% developed clinical signs of GVHD, e.g., alopecia and weight loss. In transplanted twitcher/IL-6 deficient mice, only 21% died by Day 70, none had alopecia, and 23% had weight loss. There was no difference in the onset day and severity of twitching between twitcher and twitcher/IL-6 deficient mice after BMT. In transplanted twitcher/IL-6 deficient mice, there was improvement of BBB integrity and a decrease in globoid cell number compared with nontransplanted twitcher/IL-6 deficient mice. In summary, these results demonstrate that an underlying pathology like globoid cell leukodystrophy leads to activation of GVHD responses in a donor–host combination that would not normally induce GVHD. Furthermore, IL-6 seems to play a key role because a deficiency of IL-6 results in a better prognosis. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:298–307, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microscale and Macroscale Aspects of Water Management Challenges in PEM Fuel Cells

Water management is critical to the successful implementation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells in the automotive transportation sector. Liquid water appears in the fuel cells not only from the water generated at the cathode catalyst layer but also as a result of condensation of water vapor within the humidified gases. Topics of intense current interest include the microscopic flow of liquid water through the membrane, catalyst layers, and gas diffusion layers; the macroscopic interaction between water and the gas flow at the gas diffusion layer interface; and the two-phase, multicomponent flow through the gas channels. Recent work published in this area is reviewed and recommendations for future work are outlined.
Explosive Increase in Ectoparasites in Hawaiian Forest Birds

Ectoparasites, particularly chewing lice in the Phthiraptera (Insecta), affect the ecology of numerous host species. Most lice are highly host-specific, and there are no documented cases of major increases of chewing lice, within populations, over years. During continuous study from 1987-2005 at upper elevation forests on the island of Hawaii, chewing lice were exceedingly rare and, until 2003, were found in just 2 of 12 species of native and introduced birds. From 2003-2005, there was an explosive increase in the prevalence of chewing lice in all host species. There was no change in humidity, or in behavior of hosts, that could have caused an ecological release of existing lice. Based on reduced fat levels and increases in broken wing and tail feathers for most host species, there was apparently a food limitation that preceded the increase. The increase coincided temporally with detection of a nonnative bird that had recently been found in elevations below the study sites. Although there were isolated sightings of this bird on the study sites, seasonal movements and behavior of some species of native birds could also have allowed greater transmission to study sites. Both prevalence and intensity of infection, indexed by number of body regions parasitized, were lower in native species with greater bill overlap, a character that could help birds control lice. Seasonality of prevalence indicated that low prevalence preceded molt and high prevalence occurred after molting of hosts. The number of major fault bars in wing and tail feathers, a sign of nutritive stress, was correlated with intensity of infection, indicating an indirect cost to the hosts of being parasitized. In addition, birds with lice were less likely to be recaptured than birds without lice.
Feasibility of bispectral index monitoring to guide early post-resuscitation cardiac arrest triage

Abstract Introduction Triage after resuscitation from cardiac arrest is hindered by reliable early estimation of brain injury. We evaluated the performance of a triage model based on early bispectral index (BIS) findings and cardiac risk classes. Methods Retrospective evaluation of serial patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest, unable to follow commands, and undergoing hypothermia. Patients were assigned to a cardiac risk group: STEMI, VT/VF shock, VT/VF no shock, or PEA/asystole, and to a neurological dysfunction group, based on the BIS score following first neuromuscular blockade (BISi), and classified as BISi > 20, BISi 10–20, or BISi Results BISi in 171 patients was measured at 267(±177) min after resuscitation and 35(±1.7)°C. BISi 20 12% neurological and 36% overall mortality. 33 patients presented with STEMI, 15 VT/VF-shock, 41 VT/VF-no shock, and 80 PEA/asystole. Among BISi > 20 patients, 75% with STEMI underwent urgent cardiac catheterization (cath) and 94% had good outcome. When BISi > 20 with VT/VF and shock, urgent cath was infrequent (33%), and 4 deaths (44%) were uniformly of circulatory etiology. Of 56 VT/VF patients without STEMI, 24 were BISi > 20 but did not undergo urgent cath – 5(20.8%) of these had circulatory-etiology death. Circulatory-etiology death also occurred in 26.5% BIS > 20 patients with PEA/asystole. When BISi Conclusions Neurocardiac triage based on very early processed EEG (BIS) is feasible, and may identify patients appropriate for individualized post-resuscitation care. This and other triage models warrant further study.
Role of reactive oxygen metabolites in DNA damage and cell death in chemical hypoxic injury to LLC-PK1 cells.

Hypoxia is considered to result in a necrotic form of cell injury. We have recently demonstrated a role of endonuclease activation, generally considered a feature of apoptosis, to be almost entirel...
Arterial Supply of the Human Endolymphatic Duct and Sac

The arterial anatomy of the endolymphatic duct and sac was studied in vascular casts of methyl methacrylate of six human heads. The chief source of arterial blood supply to the endolymphatic duct and sac appeared to be the occipital artery. Arterioles entered the bone of the mastoid process. Arterioles in bone, the walls of the sigmoid sinus, and the posterior fossa dura coursed medially to supply the endolymphatic sac. The orientation of arterioles tended to be along the long axis of the endolymphatic duct and sac, whereas venules were more likely to be circumferentially oriented. Arterioles arising from dural vessels divided into deeper branches, which supplied periductal connective tissue, and superficial branches, which entered canaliculi of the vestibular aqueduct. Gross anatomic findings were confirmed by histologic examination of temporal bones.)
Grand Challenge Competition: A Parametric Numerical Model to Predict In Vivo Medial and Lateral Knee Forces in Walking Gaits

Numerical models are necessary to estimate forces through the knee joint during activities of daily living. However, the numerous muscles and soft tissues crossing the knee joint result in a computationally indeterminate problem. The recent availability of measured contact force data from telemeterized total knee replacements (TKRs) has given researchers the chance to validate models, but telemeterized TKRs represent only a few patients with a specific implant type. Computational models remain necessary to bridge the gap between the small instrumented patient population with a particular implant and larger patient populations executing various activities. Abstracted gait data from another lab tests the versatility of any model to accurately predict forces of TKR patients performing a variety of gaits with disparate implant types. In this study, we calculate and examine the differences between medial and lateral contact forces in level walking and medial thrust gait trials from a freely provided dataset1.© 2012 ASME
Circuit-Level Benchmarking of Access Devices for Resistive Nonvolatile Memory Arrays

Large-scale 3D crossbar arrays can enable both high-density Storage Class Memory (SCM) and novel non-Von Neumann computation. Such arrays require each nonvolatile memory (NVM) element to have its own non-linear Access Device (AD), to pass high currents through one or more selected cells yet maintain ultra-low leakage through all other cells. Typically, power consumption during write, not read margin, is the most stringent constraint for large $1{\rm AD}+1{\rm R}$ crossbar arrays. We extend our circuit-level SPICE simulations—previously performed just for large arrays of an AD based on Cu-containing Mixed-Ionic-Electronic-Conduction (MIEC)-materials together with a generic NVM element $(+1{\rm R})$ —to three additional diode-like ADs as well as three threshold-switching ADs. We show that the suitability of an AD for 1AD1R memories is strongly dependent upon both nonvolatile memory (NVM) and circuit parameters, as well as the AD's own intrinsic properties. We find that building large arrays $(\geq 1~{\rm Mb})$ with $\geq 10~\mu{\rm A}$ NVM current is only possible for MIEC ADs and moderate NVM switching voltage $(\leq 1.2~{\rm V})$ . None of the ADs studied here support larger NVM switching voltage $(\geq 1.2~{\rm V})$ unless switching current is $\leq 10~\mu{\rm A}$ . The effects of line resistance, low-current (10–100 pA) bias condition, stacking two ADs vertically, and reductions in TVS threshold current are all studied. The particular AD parameters that would need to be improved to affect each AD's prospects are discussed.
Expanding the Role of the Ureteroscope

AbstractAlthough the rigid ureteroscope was designed exclusively for the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions of the ureter, its smaller diameter and extended length allow for its increased use in endoscopic procedures that cannot be performed successfully with a cystoscope. The indications can be divided into 3 categories: 1) difficult ureteral catheterizations, 2) augmented bladders and diverticula, and 3) narrow, strictured urethras and bladder necks. Several cases from each category are presented to illustrate the expanded role of the rigid ureteroscope in daily urological practice.
Use of potassium citrate as potassium supplement during thiazide therapy of calcium nephrolithiasis

The effectiveness of potassium citrate as a potassium supplement was compared to that of potassium chloride in 13 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis treated with thiazide. Thiazide treatment alone reduced serum potassium, urinary calcium and citrate without affecting urinary pH. Urinary saturation of calcium oxalate and brushite decreased but not as much as the decrement in urinary calcium because of reduced citrate-calcium complexation. Potassium chloride supplementation averted thiazide-induced hypokalemia and hypocitraturia without influencing hypocalciuric action of thiazide or urinary pH. The decline in urinary saturation of calcium salts paralleled the decrement in urinary calcium. Potassium citrate supplementation also kept urinary calcium low and corrected hypokalemia. Moreover, it increased urinary pH and citrate above levels in other phases. Thus, the ability of thiazide to lower the urinary saturation of calcium oxalate was accentuated by potassium citrate supplementation but not by potassium chloride supplementation, probably owing to increased citrate complexation of calcium. Moreover, the potassium citrate therapy was more effective than potassium chloride supplementation in reducing the propensity for the spontaneous precipitation of calcium oxalate in urine. In conclusion, potassium citrate supplementation may be superior to potassium chloride supplementation in patients receiving thiazide in whom stones form.
Disease burden and functional outcomes in congenital myotonic dystrophy A cross-sectional study

Objective: Herein, we describe the disease burden and age-related changes of congenital-onset myotonic dystrophy (CDM) in childhood. Methods: Children with CDM and age-matched controls aged 0 to 13 years were enrolled. Participants were divided into cohorts based on the following age groups: 0–2, 3–6, and 7–13 years. Each cohort received age-appropriate evaluations including functional testing, oral facial strength testing, neuropsychological testing, quality-of-life measurements, and ECG. Independent-samples t test or Wilcoxon 2-sample test was used to compare the differences between children with CDM and controls. Probability values less than 0.05 are reported as significant. Results: Forty-one participants with CDM and 29 healthy controls were enrolled. The 6-minute walk was significantly different between CDM (258.3 m [SD 176.0]) and control participants (568.2 m [SD 73.2]). The mean lip force strength was significantly different in CDM (2.1 N [SD 2.8)] compared to control participants (17.8 N [SD 7.6]). In participants with CDM, the mean IQ (65.8; SD 18.4) was 3 SDs below the mean compared to standardized norms. Measurements of grip strength, sleep quality, and quality of life were also significantly different. Strength measures (oral facial strength, grip strength, and 6-minute walk) correlated with each other but not with participant IQ. Conclusions: This work identifies important phenotypes associated with CDM during childhood. Several measures of strength and function were significantly different between participants with CDM and controls and may be useful during future therapeutic trials.
Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation as a Tool for Aging and Driving Research

The aging process is associated with changes to many tasks of daily life for older adults, e.g. driving. This is particularly challenging in rural areas where public transportation is often non-existent. The current study explored how age affects driving ability through use of an immersive virtual reality driving simulator. Participants were required to respond to typical driving events: stopping at an intersection, controlling vehicle speed, and avoiding objects in the road. Results showed that older adult performance was consistently lower than the younger adult group for each driving event, and matched those of real-world accident data. Post-study survey data suggested that all participants were able to easily interact with the driving simulator. Results also demonstrate the efficacy of immersive virtual reality as an effective research tool. Findings from this research will influence the development of compensatory augmentations, or navigational aids, and enrich our understanding of driving and age-related concerns.
Development of an Optical Zn2+ Probe Based on a Single Fluorescent Protein.

Various fluorescent probes have been developed to reveal the biological functions of intracellular labile Zn2+. Here, we present Green Zinc Probe (GZnP), a novel genetically encoded Zn2+ sensor design based on a single fluorescent protein (single-FP). The GZnP sensor is generated by attaching two zinc fingers (ZF) of the transcription factor Zap1 (ZF1 and ZF2) to the two ends of a circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP). Formation of ZF folds induces interaction between the two ZFs, which induces a change in the cpGFP conformation, leading to an increase in fluorescence. A small sensor library is created to include mutations in the ZFs, cpGFP and linkers between ZF and cpGFP to improve signal stability, sensor brightness and dynamic range based on rational protein engineering, and computational design by Rosetta. Using a cell-based library screen, we identify sensor GZnP1, which demonstrates a stable maximum signal, decent brightness (QY = 0.42 at apo state), as well as specific and sensitiv...
Current and Future Opportunities for Forest Land Application Systems of Wastewater

Global human population growth will continue to threaten loss of forested lands, which, in turn, will negatively impact water quality as well as global and local environmental processes that regulate climate and biogeochemical cycling. Forests are integral to drinking water supplies for 30 % of the major cities in the world, and our existing managed and natural forests provide cleaner and more stable water supplies for surface water and groundwater than any other land use. One opportunity to minimize loss of forested landscapes, improve water quality, and regulate water availability is to consider coupling natural and managed forests with other environmental services such as wastewater treatment and management. These opportunities exist globally in wild lands, urban, suburban, and rural contexts at various scales across municipal, industrial, and agricultural systems. Wastewater treatment via land application has occurred since the 1500s in Europe and was established both in England and the United States in the late 1800s. Greater pressures exist today to manage water, wastewater, and forest systems in a sustainable manner. Advances in wastewater management provide new opportunities for forest-wastewater system design and use. The land application of wastewaters to forest ecosystems has historically focused on wastewater treatment and recycling. In the future, provisioning the world’s forests with adequate water may become as important as managing wastewaters with forested landscapes.
Wideband Microwave Reflectometry for Rapid Detection of Dissimilar and Aged ICs

A wideband microwave method is described as a means for rapid detection of slight dissimilarities and aging effects in integrated circuits (ICs). The method is based on measuring the complex reflection coefficient of an IC when illuminated with an open-ended rectangular waveguide probe, at K-band (18–26.5 GHz) and Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz) microwave frequencies. The spatially integrated reflected electromagnetic signature of a given IC is a function of its internal material properties, geometry and metallic deposition of circuit element, and wire bonds. Consequently, dissimilar (including counterfeit) and aged ICs exhibit markedly different reflection properties than their reference and new (nonaged) counterparts. In addition to measuring spatially integrated complex reflection coefficient (over the waveguide aperture), it is also integrated over the operating frequency band (spectrally integrated) , resulting in significant increase in the robustness of the approach. Root-mean-squared-error, defined as the average Euclidean distance between two reflection coefficient vectors, is used to associate a quantitative metric to the complex reflection coefficient difference between two dissimilar ICs. Measurement results on several sets of ICs having the same package (DIP-14) and different functionalities, similar functionalities with slight differences in specifications, and aged ICs are presented. The results clearly indicate the capability of this method to differentiate among ICs having slight differences in packaging material properties and/or electronic circuitry.
Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of TiO2 on Silicon/Copper-patterned Substrates

As microelectronic devices shrink, thinner diffusion barrier layers are needed to separate the copper and silicon substrates while leaving the copper vias open for conduction. Selective atomic layer deposition (ALD) of titanium dioxide(TiO 2 ), a good barrier layer, onto silicon was studied by minimizing the exposure time to air of these substrates immediately before deposition. The minimized exposure time mimicked industrial conditions, where waiting before deposition is costly. Tetrakis(diethylamido)titanium (TDEAT) was used as the precursor, and water was the oxidizing agent. TDEAT was first deposited on silicon wafers using ALD to verify a steady, linear growth rate reported in the literature, and the measured rate of 0.9 ± 0.1 A/cycle is consistent with values previously reported. Minimized exposure to air had no effect on the growth rate of TiO 2 on silicon, and the effect on copper has yet to be determined.
Quantification of circulating clonal plasma cells (cPCs) via multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) to identify patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) at high risk of progression.

8015Background: The presence of high numbers of cPCs in patients with SMM, detected by a slide-based immunofluorescence assay, has been associated with a shorter time to progression (TTP) to multiple myeloma (MM). The significance of quantifying cPCs via MFC, a much more readily available diagnostic modality, in patients with SMM has not been evaluated. Methods: This study evaluated patients with a known or new diagnosis of SMM who were seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 2008 until December 2013 and who had their peripheral blood evaluated for cPCs by six-color MFC. cPCs were selectively analyzed through combinatorial gating using light scatter properties and CD38, CD138, CD19, and CD45. The cPCs detected were reported out as the number of clonal events/150,000 collected total events. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences assessed using the log rank test. Results: There were 100 patients with a known diagnosis of SMM who had their peripheral blood evaluate...
Dynamic Structure of Macroeconomic Technology Shocks

In the Real Business Cycle approach to macroeconomic theory, the business cycle is taken to be driven by exogenous technological shocks. E.g., see Kydland and Prescott (1982), Prescott (1986). Solow (1957) showed that an observable measure of exogenous technological shocks is provided by the difference between the rate of growth of output and the share-weighted growth rates of the inputs to production if there are constant returns to scale, all input factors are fully variable, and there is perfect competition in the product and factor markets.
ON THE REMOVAL OF VOLATILE FISSION PRODUCTS FROM URANIUM-BISMUTH REACTOR FUELS

In the Liquid Metal Fuel Reactor (LMFR) the fuel is a dilute solution of U, Mg, and Zr in bismuth. At the operating fuel temperatures (400 to 550 deg C), the volatile fission products (FPV's), which represent about 25% of the total by weight, are mostly the noble gases Kr and Xe with small amounts of the halogen fission products Br and I. Owing to the facts that the LMFR is a thermal breeder reactor and that the 9.13-hr Xe/sup 135/) isotope has a 2.7 x 10/sup 6/-barn thermal cross section, the concentration of FPV's in the fuel and in the core must be kept very low for good neutron economy. For a 1% reactor poisoning level, and assuming no Xe adsorbed on or absorbed in the graphite, the concentrations of 9.13-hr Xe/sup 135) and total Xe in the fuel are estimated to be about 1.5 and 13 parts per billion, respectively, for a typical commercial plant. Complete isotopic compositions of the volatile fission products and poison levels for different removal rates are presented. The effect of various degrees of volatilization of the iodine and bromine on these factors are also shown. Xe represents over 80% by weight of themore » FPV's. Both Xe and its precursor, iodine, have strong tendencies to adsorb on unwetted surfaces and to penetrate graphite, the moderator material in the reactor core. Immobilization of Xe in the core would present a problem from the standpoint of reactor poisoning. Experimental results are presented to show the extents to which both iodine and Xe adsorb on steel and graphite and penetrate graphite. It appears that the Xe problem is not so much one of removing it from the fuel in a desorber as it is in preventing it from collecting on graphite surfaces in the core. (auth)« less
Minocycline was effective for mild-to-moderate rheumatoid arthritis

Source Citation Tilley BC, Alarcon GS, Heyse SP, et al. for the MIRA Trial Group. Minocycline in rheumatoid arthritis. A 48-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1995 Jan 15...
Combining Two Methods of Global Sensitivity Analysis to Investigate MRSA Nasal Carriage Model.

We apply two different sensitivity techniques to a model of bacterial colonization of the anterior nares to better understand the dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage. Specifically, we use partial rank correlation coefficients to investigate sensitivity as a function of time and identify a reduced model with fewer than half of the parameters of the full model. The reduced model is used for the calculation of Sobol’ indices to identify interacting parameters by their additional effects indices. Additionally, we found that the model captures an interesting characteristic of the biological phenomenon related to the initial population size of the infection; only two parameters had any significant additional effects, and these parameters have biological evidence suggesting they are connected but not yet completely understood. Sensitivity is often applied to elucidate model robustness, but we show that combining sensitivity measures can lead to synergistic insight into both model and biological structures.
Urban Infrastructure, Imagination and Politics : from the Networked Metropolis to the Smart City

Abstract: This article argues for the importance of social imagination in the understanding of urban infrastructures, especially those designed and built by engineers. It begins by defining social imagination as image‐based systems of representation and values that are shared by various collective stakeholders concerned with infrastructure, such as engineers, but also politicians, administrators, operators, maintenance technicians and indeed users, and then introduces a tripartite model of infrastructure. Infrastructure is interpreted as the result of the interactions between a material basis, professional organizations and stabilized socio‐technical practices, and social imagination. The notion of network is interpreted from such a perspective. Its dependence on imagination is outlined. Through two case studies, the nineteenth‐century networked metropolis, epitomized by Haussmann's Paris, and the rise of the contemporary smart city perspective, the role of social imagination in the conception of urban infrastructure is analyzed further. What seems at stake in the transition towards the smart city is the increased importance given to occurrences, events and scenarios as the basis for urban infrastructure regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Embryonic Stem Cells and Pancreatic Differentiation

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the early preimplantation blastocyst. These cells are immortal under defined conditions in vitro, and can be indefinitely expanded without loss of pluripotency. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that they have the ability to spontaneously differentiate into insulin-producing cells, even if at a very low frequency. Here we review the most recent progress at defining conditions (chemical, genetic, or otherwise) for the directed differentiation of both mouse and human ES cells into insulin-producing beta cells.
Optical Techniques to Examine the Scattering of Rayleigh Surface Waves

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the interaction of Rayleigh waves with corners. The experiments are done with a dual probe interferometer to measure the interaction of a normal incident Rayleigh wave with corners of varying angles. The incident Rayleigh waves are optically generated with a pulsed laser. The effects of the corners on the Rayleigh waves are then characterized and a finite impulse response (FIR) filter is designed to remove them.
Titled Amazon indigenous communities cut forest carbon emissions.

Abstract Indigenous communities (ICs) have emerged as important players in global efforts to reduce forest carbon emissions, in part because they are viewed as conscientious stewards of the forest lands to which they have legal title. Yet ICs tend to be located in remote areas where deforestation would be limited regardless of who manages them. Therefore, to determine whether IC management actually cuts forest carbon emissions, it is important to control for such confounding factors. To that end, we use propensity score matching and regression to analyze the effects on 2001–2013 deforestation and forest carbon emissions of IC management in the Amazon regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. We find that IC management reduces both deforestation and forest carbon emissions in Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia. We are not able to discern a statistically significant effect in Ecuador. These findings suggest that IC management can, in fact, help combat climate change.
The Indefiniteness of Definiteness

This paper is about the difficulties involved in establishing criteria for definiteness. A number of possibilities are considered – traditional ones such as strength, uniqueness, and familiarity, as well as several which have been suggested in the wake of Montague’s analysis of NPs as generalized quantifiers. My tentative conclusion is that Russell’s uniqueness characteristic (suitably modified) holds up well against the others.
Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus

A 15-year-old girl was born the second of three children with a normal birth, maternal labor, delivery, and development. Ear infections were recurrent as a child. At 1 year of age she experienced a convulsion during a fever of 102.7 °F. The seizures were noted to occur with an abrupt onset and sudden generalized stiffening of the body and extremities. A loss of consciousness occurred with rhythmic body clonic jerking. At the hospital she was diagnosed with a febrile seizure (FS). She would develop generalized tonic–clonic seizures when febrile intermittently over the years continuing until she was 9 years old when afebrile seizures were noted. She experienced recurrent FS during fevers due to recurrent ear infections. Her mother, sister, and grandmother also experienced FS. Initially, a CT of the brain and a lumbar puncture were normal. Later an EEG was normal. At first, she was given a prescription for diazepam rectal gel in case of a prolonged seizure recurrence. With recurrences that persisted, she was begun on carbamazepine. With carbamazepine a second type of seizure became noted, characterized by single body jerk that would lead to brief stiffening with “head nods.” A pediatric epileptologist was consulted after a focal seizure. Brain MRI was normal (Fig. 9.1a), and EEG (Fig. 9.1b) had a normal background with generalized spike- and polyspike-and-waves. AED change to valproate led to seizure control. At 12 years old she was then changed to levetiracetam, which has maintained seizure freedom.
Use of Information from Multiphasic Analysis for Rapid Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria

Accurate identification of an unknown strain to species requires detailed analysis. Recently, many published reports have used a polyphasic approach (i.e., a combination of phenotypic and genotypic techniques) for placement of bacterial strains into discrete species (17). Before accurate identification of an organism from a particular host can be made, it is essential to identify the phenotypic and genotypic diversity that exists within a group of closely related organisms associated with a host. Using the group of pathogens associated with bacterial spot of tomato and pepper (i.e., Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, and X. gardneri, which forms four distinct phenotypic groups (A-D), I will discuss the use of serology, select biochemical and physiological tests, including automated and semiautomated techniques such as FAME (fatty acid methyl esterase) analysis and BIOLOG, as well as genetic tests (eg., pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, PGR and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA) for characterizing organisms to genus and species. Once the variation is determined and differential techniques are identified, assays (i.e., phenotypic or genotypic) can be developed to identify the organism.