cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Person Surveillance Using Visual and Infrared Imagery

This paper presents a methodology for analyzing multimodal and multiperspective systems for person surveillance. Using an experimental testbed consisting of two color and two infrared cameras, we can accurately register the color and infrared imagery for any general scene configuration, expanding the scope of multispectral analysis beyond the specialized long-range surveillance experiments of previous approaches to more general scene configurations common to unimodal approaches. We design an algorithmic framework for detecting people in a scene that can be generalized to include color, infrared, and/or disparity features. Using a combination of a histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) feature-based support vector machine and size/depth-based constraints, we create a probabilistic score for evaluating the presence of people. Using this framework, we train person detectors using color stereo and infrared stereo features as well as tetravision-based detectors that combine the detector outputs from separately trained color stereo and infrared stereo-based detectors. Additionally, we incorporate the trifocal tensor in order to combine the color and infrared features in a unified detection framework and use these trained detectors for an experimental evaluation of video sequences captured with our designed testbed. Our evaluation definitively demonstrates the performance gains achievable when using the trifocal framework to combine color and infrared features in a unified framework. Both of the trifocal setups outperform their unimodal equivalents, as well as the tetravision-based analysis. Our experiments also demonstrate how the trained detector generalizes well to different scenes and can provide robust input to an additional tracking framework.
Caco-2 Cells Can Be Used to Assess Human Iron Bioavailability from a Semipurified Meal

A Caco-2 cell model with extrinsic radioiron was used to evaluate the effect of dietary factors on nonheme iron bioavailability from a semipurified meal. Study 1 was conducted to evaluate the effect of enhancers (ascorbic acid) and inhibitors (bran, phytate and tea) on iron bioavailability when added to semipurified meal containing egg albumen as a protein source. The effect of various proteins [bovine serum albumin (BSA), casein, beef and soy] on iron bioavailability was evaluated in Study 2 by substituting the above protein sources for egg albumen. Protein solubilization following in vitro digestion for individual test meals was not significantly different from the control. On the other hand, nonheme iron solubilization (0.8+/-0.0 to 5.9+/-0.3 vs. 4.9+/-0.8 mg/L) varied significantly. The total iron uptake for each meal was calculated based on the percentage of radioiron taken up and transported by Caco-2 cells and the amount of nonheme iron present in uptake solutions. Iron uptake ratios represent test/control values. With the exception of BSA and ascorbic acid, the effect of dietary factors was similar to that found in humans reported in the literature. A significant correlation (r = 0.97; P<0.0001) was found between the published human absorption data and the iron uptake by the Caco-2 cells. The results of our study indicate the usefulness of Caco-2 cells in assessing human iron absorption and the feasibility of this cell model in studying iron bioavailability from various food combinations, otherwise not easily performed in humans.
Opposing effects of aluminum on inward-rectifier potassium currents in bean root-tip protoplasts

Inward currents in root cap protoplasts of the aluminum-tolerant cultivar, Dade, of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The properties of these currents were similar to those seen in inward rectifying K+ channels in other plant tissues. Replacing bath K+ with Na+ nearly abolished the observed currents. Higher bath K+ concentrations increased inward currents. AlCl3 in pH 4.7 bath solutions caused inward K+ currents to activate more rapidly and at more positive voltages when compared with AlCl3 free solutions. In 10 microM AlCl3 the activated inward K+ currents were significantly larger than in the AlCl3-free solution at all voltages except at the most negative voltage of -174 mV and the least negative of -74 mV. In contrast, in 80 microM Al3+, when hyperpolarizing voltages were most negative, the inward K+ currents were inhibited relative to the currents in 10 microM AlCl3. Enhancement of inward K+ currents by AlCl3 is consistent with Al3+ binding to the external surface of the root cap protoplast, decreasing the surface charge, thus causing the channels to sense a more negative membrane potential. Inhibition of inward K+ currents with higher AlCl3 concentrations and more negative voltages is consistent with Al3+ block of K+ channels.
Development of a Photochemical Microfluidics Platform

Abstract In an effort to utilize microfluidics to enable photochemistry, we have devised a method for fabrication of devices with UV-transmissive glass. The photochemical device is successfully incorporated into a system utilizing high-pressure capillary mercury lamps and cooling system. We have demonstrated the ability to carry out photochemical transformations with substantial rate acceleration. Furthermore, we highlight the ability to carry out analytical-scale reactions on a pulse flow automated system while modulating wavelength and residence time to identify optimal photochemical reaction conditions. The analytical conditions were also successfully converted to continuous-flow preparative scale.
Long-term alcohol consumption in relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among survivors of myocardial infarction: the Health Professionals Follow-up Study

Aims The aim of this study was to examine the association between long-term alcohol consumption, alcohol consumption before and after myocardial infarction (MI), and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among survivors of MI. Methods and results The Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) is a prospective cohort study of 51 529 US male health professionals. From 1986 to 2006, 1818 men were confirmed with incident non-fatal MI. Among MI survivors, 468 deaths were documented during up to 20 years of follow-up. Long-term average alcohol consumption was calculated beginning from the time period immediately before the first MI and updated every 4 years afterward. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Compared with non-drinkers, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.62–0.97) for 0.1–9.9 g/day, 0.66 (95% CI: 0.51–0.86) for 10.0–29.9 g/day, and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.61–1.25) for ≥30 g/day ( P quadratic= 0.006). For cardiovascular mortality, the corresponding HRs were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.54–1.02), 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39–0.84), and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.60–1.60), P quadratic= 0.003. These findings were consistent when restricted to pre- and post-MI alcohol assessments. In subgroup analyses, moderate alcohol consumption was inversely associated with mortality among men with non-anterior infarcts, and among men with mildly diminished left ventricular function. Conclusion Long-term moderate alcohol consumption is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among men who survived a first MI. This U-shaped association may be strongest among individuals with less impaired cardiac function after MI and should be examined further.
Comparative nutrient dynamics of a marsh-mudflat ecosystem

An open marsh front, its adjacent mudflat and a dredged channel in the Branford River estuary on the north shore of Long Island Sound, USA, were compared to determine their individual contributions to nutrient dynamics in the overall system, to identify mechanisms involved, and to evaluate whether open-system dynamics agreed with those reported for closed systems. Basic patterns of nutrient flux differed between areas, between tidal phases and between summer and fall. The relative magnitudes of nutrient activity generally were ammonia > phosphate > nitrate > nitrite, regardless of area, tide or season. The channel consistently exported materials. The marsh was heterotrophic with respect to tidal water, removing oxygen and releasing large quantities of phosphate and ammonia, especially during summer months. The mudflat was autotrophic during the day, recharging passing waters with oxygen and effectively removing the pulses of nutrients released from the marsh. Both marsh and mudflat strongly conserved nitrate. Nutrient removal over the mudflat was due to uptake by geochemical or biological activity of the sediments and to the macrophyte, Ulva latuca . During its growing season, Ulva was suspended by tides which increased its area of contact with passing water 6–20 times that of the underlying mudflat surface and added a third dimension to the epibenthic component. The flood tide physically entrained mudflat surface sediments and their associated high-nutrient pore waters, which increased nutrient concentrations in the water column. Through removal on the ebb and recharge on the flood, a steep gradient was maintained between marsh and channel, especially during summer when LIS water was most nutrient-depleted and represented a potential leaching stress. Direction of flux in Branford subsystems during summer agreed with published literature only when similarly defined subsystems were compared. The magnitudes tended to be greater in Branford because tidal interaction was operating during the measurements, enhancing geochemical and biological processes. The open-system approach is essential to elucidating these flux patterns. The spatial arrangement of marsh and mudflat relative to tidal movement resulted in local trapping and enrichment, which conserved and recycled nutrients in the nearshore area. The complementary coupling of marsh and mudflat is an example of coevolution of nearshore benthic communities at the systems level to perpetuate their own existence.
Removal of Carbonaceous Residue with Wet Hydrogen in Greensheet Processing for Multilayer Ceramic Module: I, Residue Formation and Intrinsic Chemical Kinetics

An experimental and mathematical investigation of the removal of carbonaceous residue deposited on the ceramic substrate in the fabrication of multilayer ceramic modules has been conducted. Such carbonaceous residue is formed when the organic binder is pyrolyzed during the firing of greensheets. This Part I is concerned specifically with the formation of carbonaceous residue and the intrinsic kinetics of its subsequent removal in a mixture of water vapor with hydrogen. The reaction is of first order with respect to the amount of the carbonaceous residue and depends on the water vapor and hydrogen partial pressures according to a Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic expression.
Heteroleptic lanthanide compounds with chalcogenolate ligands: reduction of PhNNPh/PhEEPh (E = Se or Te) mixtures with Ln (Ln = Ho, Er, Tm, Yb). Thermolysis can give LnN or LnE.

Lanthanide metals reduce mixtures of azobenzene and PhEEPh (E = Se or Te) in pyridine to give the bimetallic compounds [(py)2Ln(EPh)(PhNNPh)]2 (E = Se, Ln = Ho (1), Er (2), Tm (3), Yb (4); E = Te, Ln = Ho (5), Er (6), Tm (7), Yb (8)). The structures of [(py)2Er(μ-η2-η2-PhNNPh)(SePh)]2·2py (2) and [(py)2Ho(μ-η2-η2-PhNNPh)(TePh)]2·2py (5) have been determined by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the nearly identical unit cell volumes of the remaining compounds indicate they are most likely isomorphous to 2 or 5. In all compounds, the Ln(III) ions are bridged by a pair of μ-η2-η2-PhNNPh ligands that, from the N−N bond length, have clearly been reduced to dianions. Charge is balanced by the single terminal EPh ligand on each Ln, and the coordination sphere is saturated by two pyridine donors to give seven coordinate metal centers. Thermal decomposition of 5 gives HoTe, 8 gives a mixture of YbN and YbTe, and 1 does not give a crystalline solid-state product. Crystal data (Mo Kα, 153(2) K) a...
Pro: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms reduces perioperative morbidity and mortality.

NDOVASCULAR ABDOMINAL AORTIC aneurysm repair was introduced to reduce the morbidity and mortality of open aortic aneurysm repair. Although there has been much debate about the effectiveness of this modality as a definitive treatment for aneurysmal arterial disease, there can be little disagreement that it has achieved the goal of improved perioperative results. A recent meta-analysis of 9 studies reporting the outcome of 1,318 procedures (687 endovascular repair and 631 open surgical repair) showed a significant reduction in 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33, 0.92) in the endovascular-treated group. 1 Cardiac (3% v 11%), pulmonary (4% v 13%), renal (5% v 8%), and gastrointestinal (0% v 2%) complications, as well as bleeding rates (1% v 2%) all occurred significantly less frequently in the endovascular treatment group. The overall pooled systemic and/or remote complication rate was 0.17 for endovascular repair (95% CI: 0.09, 0.25) and 0.44 for open surgical repair (95% CI: 0.21, 0.66, p 0.001). As a result, the overall length of stay (3.9 days v 10.3 days, p 0.02) as well as the length of stay in the intensive care unit (0.5 days v 3.9 days, p 0.04) was significantly less for the endovascular repair group. The local and/or vascular complication rate was higher in the endovascular group (0.16, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25) than for the open repair group (0.12, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.18) but not significantly so (p 0.46). Only the rate of arterial injury was significantly greater in the endovascular repair group (2% v 0%). Patients are more likely to be discharged home, rather than to a rehabilitation facility, after endovascular aneurysm repair than after open aneurysm repair. 2 Quality of life assessment of open and endovascular repair patients shows less reduction in scores and faster improvement after endovascular repair, 3-5 although the differences observed by Malina et al5 were not statistically significant, perhaps reflecting the use of a less sensitive instrument (Nottingham Health Profile) than the one used in the other reports (Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36).
First Molecular Characterization of Group B Streptococci with Reduced Penicillin Susceptibility

Group B streptococci (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae) are the leading cause of neonatal invasive diseases and are also important pathogens for adults. Penicillins are the drugs of first choice for the treatment of GBS infections, since GBS have been regarded to be uniformly susceptible to penicillins so far. Here we characterize the first strains of GBS with reduced penicillin susceptibility (PRGBS) identified in Japan. Fourteen PRGBS strains were clinically isolated from the sputa of elderly patients from 1995 to 2005; and the MICs of penicillin, oxacillin, and ceftizoxime ranged from 0.25 to 1 μg/ml, 2 to 8 μg/ml, and 4 to 128 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, some strains were also insusceptible to ampicillin, cefazolin, cefepime, and cefotaxime. All the PRGBS isolates tested possessed a few amino acid substitutions adjacent to the conserved SSN and KSG motifs (amino acids 402 to 404 and 552 to 554, respectively) of PBP 2X, and the amino acid substitutions could be classified into two types, Q557E and V405A. Western blotting analysis of the 14 clinical isolates with anti-PBP 2X-specific serum suggested that the amount of PBP 2X among the 14 PRGBS isolates was reduced, although the 2 ATCC strains produced a significant amount of PBP 2X. The introduction of PRGBS-derived PBP 2X genes into penicillin-susceptible strains through allelic exchange elevated their penicillin insusceptibility, suggesting that these altered PBP 2X genes are responsible for the penicillin insusceptibility in PRGBS strains. In this study, we characterized for the first time PRGBS strains on a molecular basis, although several reports have so far mentioned the existence of β-lactam-insusceptible GBS from a phenotypic standpoint.
Effective perturbation distributions for small samples in simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation

Simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) has proven to be an efficient algorithm for recursive optimization. SPSA uses a centered difference approximation to the gradient based on only two function evaluations regardless of the dimension of the problem. Typically, the Bernoulli ±1 distribution is used for the perturbation vector and theory has been established to prove the asymptotic optimality of this distribution. However, efficiency of the Bernoulli distribution may not be guaranteed for small-sample approximations. In this paper, we investigate the performance of segmented uniform distribution for the perturbation vector. For small-sample approximations, we show that the Bernoulli distribution may not be the best for a certain choice of parameters.
Bidirectional modulation of GABAergic transmission by cholecystokinin in hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells of juvenile rats.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) interacts with two types of G protein-coupled receptors in the brain: CCK-A and CCK-B receptors. Both CCK and CCK-B receptors are widely distributed in the hippocampal formation, but the functions of CCK there have been poorly understood. In the present study, we initially examined the effects of CCK on GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the hippocampal formation and then explored the underlying cellular mechanisms by focusing on the dentate gyrus region, where the highest levels of CCK-binding sites have been detected. Our results indicate that activation of CCK-B receptors initially and transiently increased spontaneous IPSC (sIPSC) frequency, followed by a persistent reduction. The effects of CCK were more evident in juvenile rats, suggesting that they are developmentally regulated. Cholecystokinin failed to modulate the miniature IPSCs recorded in the presence of TTX and the amplitude of the evoked IPSCs, but produced a transient increase followed by a reduction in action potential firing frequency recorded from GABAergic interneurons, suggesting that CCK acts by modulating the excitability of the interneurons to regulate GABA release. Cholecystokinin reduced the amplitude of the after-hyperpolarization of the action potentials, and application of paxilline or charybdotoxin considerably reduced CCK-mediated modulation of sIPSC frequency, suggesting that the effects of CCK are related to the inhibition of Ca2+-activated K+ currents (IK(Ca)). The effects of CCK were independent of the functions of phospholipase C, intracellular Ca2+ release, protein kinase C or phospholipase A2, suggesting a direct coupling between the G proteins of CCK-B receptors and IK(Ca). Our results provide a novel mechanism underlying CCK-mediated modulation of GABA release.
Lung epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles activate macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses via ROCK1 pathway

Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains poorly understood, thus impeding the development of effective treatment. Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and lung epithelial cell death are prominent features of ARDS. Lung epithelial cells are the first line of defense after inhaled stimuli, such as in the case of hyperoxia. We hypothesized that lung epithelial cells release 'messenger' or signaling molecules to adjacent or distant macrophages, thereby initiating or propagating inflammatory responses after noxious insult. We found that, after hyperoxia, a large amount of extracellular vesicles (EVs) were generated and released into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). These hyperoxia-induced EVs were mainly derived from live lung epithelial cells as the result of hyperoxia-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. These EVs were remarkably different from epithelial 'apoptotic bodies', as reflected by the significantly smaller size and differentially expressed protein markers. These EVs fall mainly in the size range of the exosomes and smaller microvesicles (MVs) (50-120 nm). The commonly featured protein markers of apoptotic bodies were not found in these EVs. Treating alveolar macrophages with hyperoxia-induced, epithelial cell-derived EVs led to an increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2). Robustly increased macrophage and neutrophil influx was found in the lung tissue of the mice intranasally treated with hyperoxia-induced EVs. It was determined that EV-encapsulated caspase-3 was largely responsible for the alveolar macrophage activation via the ROCK1 pathway. Caspase-3-deficient EVs induced less cytokine/MIP-2 release, reduced cell counts in BALF, less neutrophil infiltration and less inflammation in lung parenchyma, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the serum circulating EVs were increased and mainly derived from lung epithelial cells after hyperoxia exposure. These circulating EVs also activated systemic macrophages other than the alveolar ones. Collectively, the results show that hyperoxia-induced, lung epithelial cell-derived and caspase-3 enriched EVs activate macrophages and mediate the inflammatory lung responses involved in lung injury.
Economics of Soybean Production, Marketing, and Utilization

Publisher Summary Soybean (SB) production occupies close to 6% of the world's arable land. Soybean expansion is occurring much faster than with other major grains or oilseeds. Soybeans increasingly are being employed as the modern input of choice for buyers. They are mainly used as intermediate food, feed, and industrial inputs, not final consumer products, therefore remaining somewhat invisible in the economy. Only 2% of soybean protein is consumed directly by humans in the form of soy food products such as tofu, soy hamburger, or soy milk analogs. All but a very small percentage of the other 98% is processed into Soybean Meal (SBM) and fed to livestock, such as poultry and pigs. In this way, soybean demand is essentially a derived demand for meat. Soybean has risen to become a leading crop because the income elasticity of meat is high. This chapter provides an overview of soybean production, marketing, and utilization. The future of soybean production and utilization is bright because of the growing demand for protein. The United States continues to be the world's largest soybean producer with some of the world's lowest operating and logistics costs. New opportunities emerged with biodiesel that portend a significant new market for Soybean Oil (SBO).
Hybrid Approach to Pulmonary Valve Replacement with Melody Prosthesis Following Pulmonary Banding

We report the case of a 27-year-old Jehovah's Witness patient with severe pulmonary insufficiency and right ventricular dilatation 16 years after primary repair, who sought transcatheter therapy as a means to avoid surgery and the risk of blood product administration. A hybrid procedure involving pulmonary artery banding to a diameter amenable to fixation of a Melody valve (Medtronic Inc.) via trans-ventricular puncture was performed.
Another Look at the Law of Dividends

For some times, dividends have been disfavored as a means of distributing earnings to shareholders. The article argues that in light of tax changes stockholders in both public and closely held corporations have a right to demand more liberal payments of them and the law should reflect that.
A Time-Domain Detection Approach to Identify Small Earthquakes within the Continental United States Recorded by the USArray and Regional Networks

Abstract Technological advances in combination with the onslaught of data availability allow for large seismic data streams to automatically and systematically be recorded, processed, and stored. Here, we develop an automated approach to identify small, local earthquakes within these large continuous seismic data records. Our aim is to automate the process of detecting small seismic events triggered by a distant large earthquake, recorded at a single station. Specifically, we apply time‐domain short‐term average (STA) to long‐term average (LTA) ratio algorithms to three‐component data to create a catalog of detections. We remove some of the false detections by requiring the detection be recorded on a minimum of two channels. To calibrate the algorithm, we compare our automatic detection catalog to a set of analyst‐derived P ‐wave arrival times for a subset of small earthquakes occurring in the December 2008 Yellowstone swarm. Of the four STA/LTA algorithms we test (1 s/10 s; 4 s/40 s; 8 s/80 s; 16 s/160 s), the 1 s/10 s and 4 s/40 s detectors proved most effective at identifying the majority of events in the swarm. We apply these detectors to ±45 hrs and ±5 hrs of USArray data from the 2011 Japan M 9.0 and the 2010 Chile M 8.8 earthquakes, respectively. Using time‐of‐day versus number of detection relationships, we identify 38 of the 728 available stations that exhibit strong anthropogenic noise following the 2011 Japan earthquake. Our detection algorithm identified three regional earthquakes concurrent with the passage of the S ‐ and surface waves of the Chile mainshock at USArray station R11A that locate in the Coso region of California, as well as events in Texas following the Japan earthquake.
The Life History of Stenopelmus rufinasus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal lives and feeds on the leaves of the aquatic fern Azolla . Eggs are laid individually in the tip of the shoot, and the first of the 3 larval instars mines the leaves for a short period before feeding externally. The mature larva uses an anal secretion to form a cocoon on the Azolla leaf. The life cycle was completed in approximately 18 days at a mean room temperature of 76.5°F, and in 11 days at a constant 90°F; mortality was heavy at the latter temperature. Mortality was also attributable to the fungus Beauveria bassiana in laboratory cultures. Since neither the larvae nor the adults remained submerged for long periods, the species should be considered semiaquatic. Four to 6 generations a year seem probable in California, with the adults as the overwintering stage.
Nonlinear Optimization Analysis of Insecticide Mixtures for the Control of the Tobacco Bud worm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Optimal dose ratios of acephate and fenvalerate used in mixtures for the control of the tobacco bud worm, Heliothis virescens (F.), were calculated using a numerical analysis method for mortalities of 10-98%. No evidence of synergism was found across the five mixture ratios tested. Using the null hypothesis of independent action of the two compounds, a cost analysis showed that the optimal combination of the two chemicals depended on their relative costs and on the required kill. When high levels of kill (≥95%) were required, a mixture of the pesticides was more cost-effective than the use of individual chemicals alone. Furthermore, at cost ratios (fenvalerate to acephate) of 15:1 and below, relatively more acephate was needed in the economically optimal mixture as required kill increased. At ratios of 20:1 and above, relatively more fenvalerate was required with increasing required kill.
Health maintenance organization penetration and the practice location choices of new physicians: a study of large metropolitan areas in the United States.

OBJECTIVES The rapid growth of health maintenance organizations is reshaping the practice opportunities available to physicians. The practice location decisions of new physicians provide a sensitive bellwether of these changes. This study assessed the effect of health maintenance organization penetration on practice location for physicians completing graduate medical education (GME). METHODS Conditional logit regression analysis was used to determine the effect of health maintenance organization penetration on practice location, controlling for other market characteristics. Subjects were physicians who finished GME between 1989 and 1994 and who located in one of the 98 US metropolitan areas with more than 500,000 population. The outcome measure was the particular metropolitan area chosen by each new physician. RESULTS Early in the study period, new generalists were significantly more likely to locate in metropolitan areas with high health maintenance organization penetration than in low penetration areas, whereas new specialists' practice location choices were not associated with health maintenance organization penetration. The likelihood of choosing a high penetration relative to a low penetration area declined with time, however, for both generalists and specialists. Consequently, by the end of the study period, health maintenance organization penetration had a weak but significant negative effect on practice location for generalists and a strong negative influence on practice location for specialists. CONCLUSIONS New generalists who completed graduate medical education between 1989 and 1994 were more likely than new specialists to locate in market areas with high health maintenance organization penetration; however, the proportions of both generalists and specialists who chose high penetration areas decreased during the study period. This finding may reflect reduced practice opportunities in high penetration areas relative to low penetration areas as health maintenance organizations' systems for controlling utilization began to yield results. Alternatively, new physicians may have become more hesitant to accept available positions in high penetration areas.
The Official Madrasas of Soviet Uzbekistan

SADUM , the muftiate of the Soviet Central Asian republics, operated three Islamic educational establishments at various times in the half century following World War II . This article argues that, far from being rubber-stamp bodies imparting official propaganda, these madrasas benefited from significant influence from three constituencies in the religious sphere: the state, SADUM , and influential unregistered ʿulamā beyond the reach of both. As institutions at the intersection of “official” and “unofficial” Islam, they offer historians of Soviet Central Asia a rare glimpse into debates about Islamic education under communism.
Large‐Area Multicolor Emissive Patterns of Quantum Dot–Polymer Films via Targeted Recovery of Emission Signature

A facile one-step fabrication of large-area multicolored emissive photopatterns in mixed quantum dot-polymer films is demonstrated. This is in sharp contrast to the current photopatterning approaches that utilize only a single quantum dot (QD) component for single-color patterns. Strategies are presented that allow for either selective or collective modification of specific predetermined photoluminescent peaks of green and red QDs during photopattern development. These strategies yield novel patterns and allow for unprecedented control over how the color contrast of the photopattern evolves with continuous light illumination. These results clearly show that the evolution of the emission spectra of a multicolor mixed QD-polymer film can be readily tailored during pattern development, either by careful selection of the excitation wavelength or through combinations of controllably unstable and stable QDs with different recovery rates. Notably, these strategies are simple, fast, and robust, yielding high-resolution microscopic patterns over large areas (up to fractions of a cm2). Furthermore, the flexibility and capabilities of these strategies greatly expand the potential applications of multicolor emissive photopatterns, particularly in the areas of sensing, imaging, and lasing systems where it is important to exert delicate control over the intensity of selected colors within specific spatial regions.
High-resolution mapping of a novel rat blood pressure locus on chromosome 9 to a region containing the Spp2 gene and colocalization of a QTL for bone mass

Through linkage analysis of the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), a blood pressure (BP) quantitative trait locus (QTL) was previously located on rat chromoso...
Analysis of high temperature damage and modulus of sandstone

Moduli of the four stages during the compression of sandstone after high temperature varying from 25℃ to 1 000℃ are defined, through which the complete stress-strain curves of sandstone are analyzed. The modulus characteristics are analyzed as well as the ultrasonic properties. The damage of sandstone after different high temperatures is analyzed based on the damage factor which is defined by the modulus of compact stage. The research shows that the compression of sandstone after different high temperatures is of prominent staged characteristic. The changing rules of moduli of the four stages with variations of temperatures are not different,among which the modulus of compact stage has a strong relativity with the longitudinal wave velocity. The damage factor defined by wave velocity loses sight of the density and Poisson's ratio. Avoiding the defect of Vp-method, the damage factor defined by modulus of compact stage is of greater scientificalness. Within the temperature range of 25 ℃-200 ℃, the thermal damage of sandstone is more sensitive to temperature. The results have some guiding significance to rock engineering in high temperature environment.
Ureteral occlusion apparatus in combination with pneumatic lithotripsy for ureteral calculi

Objective:To determine the efficacy of ureteral occlusion apparatus in combination with pneumatic lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral calculi.Methods:We randomly allocated 78 patients with ureteral calculi admitted between May 2011 and November 2012 to be treated with pneumatic ballistic lithotripsy alone(control group,n=38) or in combination with ureteral occlusion apparatus(observation group,n=40).This entailed comparison on the surgical outcomes,duration of surgery,hospital stay,duration of hematuria,changes in blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(Cr) and the adverse reactions.Results:The observation group yielded significantly higher single successful rates of lithotripsy,excretion of calculus and effective treatment compared with control group(all P0.05).The observation group was associated with markedly reduced number of patients needing repetitive surgeries,shortened duration of surgery,hospital stay,duration of hematuria and significantly lower levels of BUN and Cr than control group(all P0.05).A substantially lower incidence of postoperative complications,including renal colic,fever and gastrointestinal reactions yet higher incidence of hematuria,was noted in the observation group(all P0.05).Conclusion:Ureteral occlusion apparatus in combination with pneumatic lithotripsy is associated with improved success rate of lithotripsy and reduced medical costs for the treatment of ureteral calculi and deserves clinical promotion.
Structures, Mechanisms, and Energetics in Temporal Processing

The ability of mammals to discriminate which ear is the first to receive acoustic stimuli with a resolution of approximately 10 μS is remarkable. It requires precise detection of the acoustic signal by the inner ear and equally precise communication and refinement of the information through at least three synapses prior to dichotic integration in the superior olive. The Jeffress place theory for sound localization was introduced in 1948 and remains a touchstone for research in the area. At its heart are assumptions about the ability of the auditory system to detect, transmit, and process temporal information. More than a half century of research has established that rapid processing of acoustic information in hair cells and brain stem auditory neurons is achieved with surprisingly similar mechanisms having high metabolic demands. Short electrical time constants are required for rapid temporal processing. Hair cells and auditory brain stem neurons have a high conductance at their resting potential that contributes to short time constants, but at the same time leads to large resting currents that have high metabolic demands. The membrane proteins that modulate these currents have a shallow, nonuniform, voltage dependence that results in a broad dynamic range, and further increases metabolic demand. High-speed performance is energetically costly, as is the case with automobiles, and provides the rationale for the high metabolic activity associated with auditory structures. Energetic considerations provide a conceptual bridge between the peripheral and brain stem auditory system.
Fondaparinux was not inferior to unfractionated heparin for symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

Source Citation Buller HR, Davidson BL, Decousus H, et al. Subcutaneous fondaparinux versus intravenous unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of pulmonary embolism. N Engl J Med. 2003;349...
Demo: Event Localization using Instagram

This demonstration exploits the popularity of social networks as participatory sensing systems, where users share events via pictures and videos. We are specifically interested in networks that carry pictorial information because taking a picture (of an event) requires physical proximity, thereby revealing the location of the photographed event. We show that such networks may help localize important events in space and in time. We consider Instagram as the social network of choice and limit ourselves to urban events, since social networks are not dense enough in rural spaces. We demonstrate the feasibility of using Instagram for urban event localization thanks to a simple service for mapping current and past events matching a user-specified query. Users are offered a real-time API that allows them to search for locations of events of choice, and experience them remotely in near real-time through participant pictures.
Evolution at the Solid Electrolyte/Gold Electrode Interface during Lithium Deposition and Stripping

Quasi-binary thiophosphate-based solid electrolytes (SEs) are attracting substantial interest for lithium batteries due to their outstanding room temperature ionic conductivities. This work describes reactions occurring at the solid electrolyte (SE)/Au interface during Li deposition and stripping for two exemplary SE materials: β-Li3PS4 (β-LPS) and Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS). We used in situ Raman spectroscopy, along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate potential-dependent changes in the chemistry of these materials at active electrode interfaces. For β-LPS, a partially reversible conversion of PS43– to P2S64– was found along with the formation of Li2S during Li deposition and stripping. In contrast, LGPS exhibited only irreversible changes at potentials below 0.7 V vs Li+/Li. The different behaviors likely relate to differences in the structures of the two SE materials and the availability of easily bridged anion components in close proximity. The work sh...
We fought tooth and toenail: exploring the dynamics of romantic relationships among sex offenders who have desisted

AbstractRecent research into desistance processes in criminology has identified various explanations and factors in the decision to end criminal careers. One of these life events, shown to generally promote desistance, has been the presence of a romantic relationship. In this study, we argue that research into the role of romantic relationships in sex crime desistance has overlooked the context of romantic relationships, especially pertaining to the quality of relationships. We analyzed interviews with 25 desisting sex offenders, who have returned to the community, to determine how relationship quality varies over time for desisters. Also, we identified themes in the romantic relationships of desisters relative to their conviction (i.e. pre-conviction vs. post-conviction). These findings provide early evidence of the variation in relationship quality amongst sex crime desisters, as well as the impact that relationship quality has on desisters. We conclude that future research in sex crime desistance proce...
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cognitive Control following Traumatic Brain Injury

Novel and non-routine tasks often require information processing and behavior to adapt from moment to moment depending upon task requirements and current performance. This ability to adapt is an executive function that is referred to as cognitive control. Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been reported to exhibit impairments in cognitive control and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided evidence for TBI-related alterations in brain activation using a variety of fMRI cognitive control paradigms. There is some support for greater and more extensive cognitive control-related brain activation in patients with moderate to severe TBI, relative to comparison subjects without TBI. In addition, some studies have reported a correlation between these activation increases and measures of injury severity. Explanations that have been proposed for increased activation within structures that are thought to be directly involved in cognitive control, as well as the extension of this over-activation into other brain structures, have included compensatory mechanisms, increased demand upon normal processes required to maintain adequate performance, less efficient utilization of neural resources, and greater vulnerability to cognitive fatigue. Recent findings are also consistent with the possibility that activation increases within some structures, such as the posterior cingulate gyrus, may reflect a failure to deactivate components of the default mode network (DMN) and that some cognitive control impairment may result from ineffective coordination between the DMN and components of the salience network. Functional neuroimaging studies examining cognitive control-related activation following mild TBI (mTBI) have yielded more variable results, with reports of increases, decreases, and no significant change. These discrepancies may reflect differences among the various mTBI samples under study, recovery of function in some patients, different task characteristics, and the presence of comorbid conditions such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder that also alter brain activation. There may be mTBI populations with activation changes that overlap with those found following more severe injuries, including symptomatic mTBI patients and those with acute injuries, but future research to address such dysfunction will require well-defined samples with adequate controls for injury characteristics, comorbid disorders, and severity of post-concussive symptoms.
Design of all-composite structures using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites

Abstract: This chapter presents a systematic approach for material characterization, analysis, and design of all-fiber-reinforced polymer or plastic (FRP) composite structures. The suggested ‘bottom-up’ analysis concept is applied throughout the procedure, from materials/microstructures, to macro components, to structural members, and finally to structural systems, thus providing a systematic analysis methodology for all-FRP composite structures. The systematic approach described in this chapter can be used efficiently to analyze and design FRP shapes and bridge systems and also develop new design concepts for all composite structures.
A conceptual framework for making evaluation support meaningful, useful and valuable:

How does support differ from reporting and dissemination? How, and to what extent do existing evaluation theories attend to support? How, and for what purposes should support be provided? Does supp...
Who Should Decide? Residence Capacity Evaluation of a Cognitively-Impaired Older Adult Requesting an "Unsafe" Discharge to Home.

Abstract Psychiatrists are routinely consulted to determine decisional capacity for elderly patients with cognitive impairment who refuse a safe discharge to a nursing facility and want to return home. The medical team pursuing this discharge plan is often narrowly focused on a patient′s physical safety. Psychiatric consultants should take a holistic view of the discharge options and consider the physical, medical, psychological, social, and emotional risks and benefits of each discharge option. The psychiatrist can then apply the sliding scale of decisional capacity more effectively. This modified capacity evaluation better promotes patient autonomy.
30-day readmission rate following percutaneous coronary intervention: much more than a binary variable.

Few situations in clinical medicine are as disheartening to patients, family, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems as readmission to the hospital shortly after discharge. Such events lead to a not-unexpected plethora of questions. From the patient and family: “What went wrong?” From the
Phenotypic Characterization of Halophilic Bacteria from Ground Water Sources in the United States

Many areas of the U. S. mainland contain extensive underground salt formations. These formations are large bedded evaporite deposits which were formed when prehistoric seas became landlocked and dried. Several of these ancient salt beds have now been penetrated by meteoric waters which are slowly solubilizing the salts. Microbiological sampling of the brines being produced revealed that these artesian brines contain a wide variety of halophilic bacteria.
Benign and Malignant Skin Tumors

Skin neoplasms are common concerns for which patients seek medical attention. Familiarity with these benign and malignant tumors is essential for appropriate evaluation and management. In the current era, skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in humans—more than 1 million new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Pigmented lesions pose a particular challenge because melanoma, the potentially lethal form of skin cancer, is always part of the differential diagnosis. Fortunately, early detection and prompt treatment of skin cancer, especially in the case of melanoma, improve overall prognosis and survival.
15-lipoxygenase-1 overexpression in prostate adenocarcinoma.

Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase[15-LO-1]oxidizes linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, membrane lipids and low density lipoprotein, reactions of potential relevance to inflammation, membrane remodeling, atherosclerosis ’ and cancer. The oxidation products of one of its substrates, linoleic acid (LA), are involved in the regulation of both physiologic and pathologic processes2-7. The major oxidative metabolite of LA is the hydroxy fatty acid 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-(S)-HODE) which has been associated with proliferative processes in response to growth factor treatment3.7. Buchanan et al.3have shown that tumor cell adhesivity is dependent, in part, upon the relative amounts of intracellular 13-HODE and the arachidonic acid monohydroxide(s), 12- and/or 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (12-, 15-HETE). Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites are similarly important mediators of a variety of physiologic processes and inflammatory reactions, including neoplastic processes8. AA is metabolized via cyclooxygenase to prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane9and via lipoxygenases (LO) to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), leukotrienes and lipoxins (5 and15-LOpathways) ’. Four lipoxygenases are identified in humans: a 5S-LO found in leukocytes, a 12S-LO and 12R-LO found in platelets and certain epithelia, a15-LO-1in reticulocytes, eosinophils, macrophages, prostate, liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, testis, ovary, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, or intestinal tissue (Table 1) and 15-S-lipoxygenase(15-LO-2)found predominantly in benign prostate and skin10. The15-LO-1cDNA was cloned from a human reticulocyte cDNA library “ and is found in a variety of tissues, mainly of epithelial origin (Table 1).