cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation therapy for gliomas of the optic nerve and chiasm

Abstract Thirty-three patients with optic glioma seen over a 30-year period were reviewed. Five patients (15%) had tumor confined to the optic nerve, 8 patients (24%) had optic nerve and chiasmal involvement, and the remaining 20 patients (61%) had invasion of contiguous structures as well as chiasmal involvement. Eleven patients (33%) had a history of neurofibromatosis. Two-thirds of the patients had either a biopsy or a partial resection of the tumor, with the remaining one-third being clinically diagnosed. All patients received irradiation to local fields. The median dose was 5040 cGy in 160 cGy fractions. Of patients alive at last follow-up, the median time of follow-up was 12.3 years. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year overall actuarial survivals were 94, 81, and 74%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed on the following clinical variables: extent of primary tumor, extent of surgery, dose of radiation, gender, race, age, and presence or absence of neurofibromatosis. Extension of the primary lesion to the optic chiasm and age less. than or equal to 15 years were the only two variables to have statistically significantly inferior 15-year progression free survivals by multivariate analysis. Eighteen (55%) patients had treatment related complications with most involving the pituitary gland. We conclude that postoperative radiotherapy is beneficial in patients with chiasmal involvement and those with incomplete resections. A minimum tumor dose of 4000 cGy is recommended.
Heligmosomoides polygyrus promotes regulatory T-cell cytokine production in the murine normal distal intestine

Helminths down-regulate inflammation and may prevent development of several autoimmune illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease. We determined if exposure to the duodenal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus establishes cytokine pathways in the distal intestine that may protect from intestinal inflammation. Mice received 200 H. polygyrus larvae and were studied 2 weeks later. Lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from the terminal ileum for analysis and in vitro experiments. Mice with H. polygyrus were resistant to trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, a Th1 cytokine-dependent inflammation. Heligmosomoides polygyrus did not change the normal microscopic appearance of the terminal ileum and colon and minimally affected LPMC composition. However, colonization altered LPMC cytokine profiles, blocking gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) p40 release but promoting IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10 secretion. IL-10 blockade in vitro with anti-IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) monoclonal antibody restored LPMC IFN-γ and IL-12 p40 secretion. IL-10 blockade in vivo worsened TNBS colitis in H. polygyrus-colonized mice. Lamina propria CD4+ T cells isolated from colonized mice inhibited IFN-γ production by splenic T cells from worm-free mice. This inhibition did not require cell contact and was dependent on IL-10. Heligmosomoides polygyrus colonization inhibits Th1 and promotes Th2 and regulatory cytokine production in distant intestinal regions without changing histology or LPMC composition. IL-10 is particularly important for limiting the Th1 response. The T-cell origin of these cytokines demonstrates mucosal regulatory T-cell induction.
Thyrotoxicosis and Thyroid Storm

Thyroid storm represents the extreme manifestation of thyrotoxicosis as a true endocrine emergency. Although Grave's disease is the most common underlying disorder in thyroid storm, there is usually a precipitating event or condition that transform the patient into life-threatening thyrotoxicosis. Treatment of thyroid storm involves decreasing new hormone synthesis, inhibiting the release of thyroid hormone, and blocking the peripheral effects of thyroid hormone. This multidrug, therapeutic approach uses thionamides, iodine, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, corticosteroids in certain circumstances, and supportive therapy. Certain conditions may warrant the use of alternative therapy with cholestyramine, lithium carbonate, or potassium perchlorate. After the critical illness of thyroid storm subsides, definitive treatment of the underlying thyrotoxicosis can be planned.
Hybrid UV/PBTG/SMCG method based on NMM3D for 3D electromagnetic scattering of random rough surfaces

A hybrid UV/PBTG/SMCG method is developed based on the Numerical Solution of Maxwell Equation in 3D Simulations (NMM3D) of electromagnetic wave scattering by Gaussian dielectric random rough surfaces with exponential correlation functions. In 3D simulations, the height function z=f(x,y) of the rough surfaces vary in both two horizontal directions. The method inherits the advantages of the UV method, the Physics Based Two Grid (PBTG) method, and the Sparse Matrix Canonical Grid (SMCG) method. The method is implemented in parallel computing. Numerical simulations show that the hybrid method is several times more efficient than the previous approaches. With the improved computational efficiency, we are able to compute cases with surface areas up to 32 by 32 square wavelengths and rms heights up to half wavelengths. To verify the accuracies of the results, we did 5 tests: convergence with discrete samplings, convergence with realizations, convergence with surface sizes, energy conservation for each realization, and reciprocity for each realization. New physical results including backscattering enhancements were obtained.
Wireless Broadcast Using Network Coding

Traditional approaches to reliably transmit information over an error-prone network employ either forward error correction (FEC) or retransmission techniques. In this paper, we propose some network coding schemes to reduce the number of broadcast transmissions from one sender to multiple receivers. The main idea is to allow the sender to combine and retransmit the lost packets in a certain way so that with one transmission, multiple receivers are able to recover their own lost packets. For comparison, we derive a few theoretical results on the bandwidth efficiency of the proposed network coding and traditional automatic repeat-request (ARQ) schemes. Both simulations and theoretical analysis confirm the advantages of the proposed network coding schemes over the ARQ ones.
Anaerobic degradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene compounds by Dechloromonas strain RCB.

Dechloromonas strain RCB has been shown to be capable of anaerobic degradation of benzene coupled to nitrate reduction. As a continuation of these studies, the metabolic versatility and hydrocarbon biodegradative capability of this organism were investigated. The results of these revealed that in addition to nitrate, strain RCB could alternatively degrade benzene both aerobically and anaerobically with perchlorate or chlorate [(per)chlorate] as a suitable electron acceptor. Furthermore, with nitrate as the electron acceptor, strain RCB could also utilize toluene, ethylbenzene, and all three isomers of xylene (ortho-, meta-, and para-) as electron donors. While toluene and ethylbenzene were completely mineralized to CO2, strain RCB did not completely mineralize para-xylene but rather transformed it to some as-yet-unidentified metabolite. Interestingly, with nitrate as the electron acceptor, strain RCB degraded benzene and toluene concurrently when the hydrocarbons were added as a mixture and almost 92 μM total hydrocarbons were oxidized within 15 days. The results of these studies emphasize the unique metabolic versatility of this organism, highlighting its potential applicability to bioremediative technologies.
Association between medical school radiology curricula and application rates to US radiology residency programs.

Purpose Data are limited on how radiology curricula vary across US medical schools and the association between characteristics of these curricula and application rates to radiology residency programs. The purpose of this study was to gather more information about medical school radiology curricula and to determine the association between radiology education and application rates to radiology residency programs. Methods An anonymous web-based survey was e-mailed to residency program directors affiliated with 129 accredited US medical schools. Residency program directors were instructed to forward the survey to a radiology clerkship director or complete the survey themselves. Electronic Residency Application Service data were also obtained for 122 participating medical schools. Results Fifty-five of 122 schools responded, a response rate of 45%. The majority of medical schools (76%) had a dedicated radiology curriculum, which was most often offered in the third and fourth years. The majority (87%) of schools integrated radiology education into other courses throughout all 4 years. The application data revealed that application rates were similar across schools, ranging from 6% to 8%. Applications rates did not significantly vary across several characteristics of educational curricula. Conclusions Although schools vary in the characteristics of radiology education, application rates to radiology residency programs are similar across schools and are not associated with specific characteristics of these educational programs. This lack of an association may be explained by universal exposure of medical students to radiology curricula and the fact that a career choice is a complex process that involves multiple factors.
Recent Declines in Hormone Therapy Utilization and Breast Cancer Incidence: Clinical and Population-Based Evidence

TO THE EDITOR: Long-term use of estrogen- or progestincontaining hormone therapies (HT) is well recognized to be associated with increased risk of breast cancer both in observational studies and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trial. 1 After the early termination of the trial in July 2002 and the subsequent media coverage, reports from clinical series indicated immediate declines of 28% to 46% in prevalences of HT and estrogen-only (ET) use. 2,3 The population-level impact of these declines on breast cancer are uncertain given the 2- to 3-year lag time between diagnosis and data availability in cancer registries. To better understand the possible impact from changes in HT on breast cancer in larger populations, we compared recent secular trends in HT use and breast cancer incidence in available clinical and population-based data resources, including recently released cancer registry data for the year 2004. We calculated the annual prevalence of HT use and the annual incidence of invasive breast cancer for the period from 1994 to 2003 for women ages 50 to 74 years in Kaiser Permanente’s (Oakland, CA) Northern California region (KPNC), a large integrated health-delivery system from which computerized pharmacy, membership, and hospital cancer registry data were obtained. Women filling at least two prescriptions (generally constituting 90 days per prescription) of HT or ET in any calendar year were considered users for that year. First primary invasive breast cancer (International Classification of Disease–Oncology, 3rd edition [ICDO-3] 4 site 50.0-50.9) diagnoses were identified, with histologic subtypes defined as ductal (ICD-O-3 codes 8500), or “with lobular component” (ICD-O-3 codes 8520, 8522, 8524). Yearly denominators included women who were KPNC members for at least 11 months of
A(p)parent play: Blending frames and reframing in family talk

This study extends Goffman's idea that frames are laminated in various ways in interaction by demonstrating how work and play frames are interrelated in two distinct ways in naturally occurring family conversations. An analysis of excerpts from everyday interactions between parents and young children in three families illustrates how frames of play and parenting are laminated (i) by using language to sequentially transform interaction from a literal frame to a play frame (reframing), and (ii) by creating two definitions of the social situation simultaneously through language and sometimes through physical actions as well (blending frames). It identifies linguistic and paralinguistic features by which these laminations are accomplished and shows how the parents in each family use the two different types. Finally, the analysis demonstrates in what ways play constitutes “work” for parents, contributing to our understanding of play as both ambiguous and “paradoxical.”
Transcriptional Regulation of Wood Formation in Tree Species

Wood formation is mediated by a complex developmental program consisting of a number of sequentially occurred processes, including vascular cambial cell division, differentiation of xylem mother cells, cell elongation, secondary wall deposition, programmed cell death, and heartwood formation, all of which are proposed to be coordinated by transcriptional networks. Recent molecular and genetic studies have uncovered a transcriptional network regulating secondary wall biosynthesis during wood formation in tree species. This network encompasses a multileveled feed-forward loop regulatory structure in which the top master transcriptional switches, wood-associated NAC transcription factors (WNDs), together with WND-regulated transcription factors, regulate an array of downstream genes thereby activating the wood biosynthetic program. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis has revealed a number of wood-associated transcription factors, some of which have been proposed to be involved in vascular cambial cell division and secondary xylem differentiation. With the availability of the genome sequence data and the wood-associated gene expression data from tree species, it is expected that we will soon be able to reveal the transcriptional networks regulating various processes of wood formation, the knowledge of which could be applied to genetically engineer wood biomass composition tailored for diverse end uses such as biofuel production.
CULTIVATING A CRITICAL ATTITUDE IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY: A RESPONSE TO DAVID HOGUE

(2010). CULTIVATING A CRITICAL ATTITUDE IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY: A RESPONSE TO DAVID HOGUE. Journal of Pastoral Theology: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 56-63.
Authors and citizens: sociological imagination and the writing of evidence‐based argument

Educational standards documents worldwide include reading and writing of evidence-based argument as a major focus. In order to help students craft arguments that will be considered seriously by those with the power to make changes that affect them, educators need to cultivate within students their sociological imagination - that is, an understanding of the ways in which they are influenced by, but can also influence social structures. This article describes a study in which fourth-grade students (ages 9–10 years) considered issues that were of concern to them and to which audiences they might best address these concerns. They also learned the rhetorical structures required to effectively communicate their recommendations. Data collected include planning documents, rough and final drafts and interview transcripts. Students demonstrated success in a range of areas: grasping the concept of sociological imagination, mastering genre format and assuming roles as citizens of a democracy.
An Assessment of the Brayton Cycle for High Performance Power Plants

The He Brayton cycle appears to be the best near-term power conversion method for maximizing the economic potential of fusion. Key factors affecting the Brayton cycle efficiency includes the turbine inlet temperature, compressor and turbine adiabatic efficiencies, recuperator effectiveness and cycle fractional pressure loss. The compression ratio is also important because for fusion conditions, structural and turbomachinery limitations often prevent use of an optimum value. This paper examines in detail these parameters and proposes near-term values for fusion power plant studies based on existing products and test results, current knowledge, and, if justified, reasonable extrapolation.
Celebrating Kate: The Criminal-Celebrity of Sydney Underworld Figure, Kate Leigh

ABSTRACTCombining historical study with cultural criminology, this paper analyses the criminal-celebrity of Sydney underworld figure Kate Leigh. It seeks to demonstrate how the three main factors of public resonance—crime type, context and image—created the celebrated criminality of Leigh. Without public resonance, Leigh would have simply remained another criminal within society. An important element of Leigh's celebrated criminality was her ability to manage a public image that was accepted within the impoverished, working-class communities of eastern Sydney. Leigh became a criminal icon through an entrepreneurial style based on the anti-authoritarian and egalitarian values of working-class life in eastern Sydney. Criminal-celebrity theory provides a framework for understanding the factors enabling the celebration of criminals in society. It also informs historians about the ways in which criminals can manipulate their public image in an effort to legitimise their activities and gain acceptance in the co...
Membrane Spin Up in a Normal Gravity Field: Experiments and Simulations

Finite element simulations and experimental observations of the spin up in vacuum of a thin membrane loaded by gravity are presented. The numerical techniques take into account the run time of each simulation and energy convergence; it is shown that accurate results can be obtained quite quickly in a rotating reference frame, and that including stiffness-proportional material damping helps convergence of the integration. It is also found that a very fine finite element mesh around the hub of the membrane is required to obtain consistent results. The experimental setup allows spinning of the membrane in a vacuum box; a measurement technique that uses stereo Digital Image Correlation is presented. A comparison between experiments and simulations using characteristic parameters of the shape of a membrane, i.e. the number of rotational symmetric waves, the average deflection, and the elastic bending strain energy of the membrane, shows good agreement between experiments and simulations.
The Value of Student Thriving Through Semester-long Stressors

Addressing a need for understanding the theoretical mechanisms that explain the relationship between semester-long challenge and hindrance stressors and student life satisfaction, this study focuse...
Multiple cis-acting elements in the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 enhancer mediate the response to T-cell receptor stimulation by antigen in a T-cell hybridoma line

Transcription directed by the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 long terminal repeat (HIV-2 LTR) responds to T-cell antigen receptor signaling. Agents that stimulate T-cell signaling pathways activated by the antigen receptor, such as phorbol ester, plant lectin, or anti-CD3 antibody treatment, have been shown to increase transcription directed by the HIV-2 LTR. In this study, we examine the activation of the HIV-2 LTR in T cells stimulated with the physiologic ligand of the T-cell receptor, antigenic peptide presented by a major histocompatibility molecule. HIV-2 reporter plasmids were transfected into the antigen- specific T-cell hybridoma, 2B4.11, where they responded to antigen- dependent activation. This antigen-mediated transcriptional activation of the HIV-2 enhancer required the presence of at least four regulatory elements in the HIV-2 enhancer, including two purine boxes, PuB1 and PuB2, an AP-1/CREB-like element (pets), and kappa B. This finding suggests that signals emanating from the antigen receptor act coordinately on a set of transcription factors that bind to conserved HIV-2 regulatory elements. Despite differences in the organization of potentially related enhancer elements in HIV-2 and IL-2, these enhancers exploit a similar signal transduction pathway to induce gene expression in antigen-activated T cells.
Discussion, Implications and Concluding Remarks

Modern information and communications technologies (ICTs) have a double-edged sword consequence. The states can use them to enhance the security of the cyber as well as the physical world. For instance, new ICTs have enhanced the states’ ability to police cross-border flows of people, goods, services, money and information and will continue to do so (Andreas, 2011). They not only aid but also challenge the states, however. The states have faced a unique governance challenge associated with the Internet and they are finding that the degree of trumping power over illicit actors is declining. A related point is, while crime in general is described as “an integral part of globalization” (Friman, 2009), cybercrime can be considered as a natural, inevitable, inescapable and indispensable consequence of the development of modern ICTs.
Equipment-Free Deposition of Graphene-Based Molybdenum Oxide Nanohybrid Langmuir-Blodgett Films for Flexible Electrochromic Panel Application.

The potential electrochromic application of graphene-based nanohybrids is hampered by the challenges in interfacing the electrochromic nanoparticles with graphene at atomic scale and in fabricating their thin film on the substrate through a scalable method. In an effort to overcome these challenges, we demonstrate a highly dispersible graphene-based molybdenum oxide nanohybrid (mRGO-MoO3–x) for flexible electrochromic application. With only a squeeze pipet, mRGO-MoO3–x could be deposited with a high coverage on various substrates through a scalable equipment-free Langmuir–Blodgett film deposition method. By taking advantage of high transmittance benefited from its remarkable thinness, the mRGO-MoO3–x Langmuir–Blodgett film shows a superior reversible electrochromic property with high coloration efficiency on both hard and flexible substrates.
Influence of cultivation Rhizopus oryzae on rice bran on lipid fraction: Fatty acids and phospholipids

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the lipid fraction of rice bran after cultivation with Rhizopus oryzae. The content of lipids, phospholipids and fatty acid profile, besides the three phosphorus forms were regularly analyzed during the cultivation time. The total lipids from cultivated rice bran increased from 16.2% to 19.0% in the range between 0 h and 60 h of cultivation and phospholipid contents were increased 29% after 12 h of cultivation. In the control sample, linolelaidic, oleic and palmitic acids prevailed, with a decrease in oleic (15.5%) and increase in linolelaidic (11.9%) at 84 h of cultivation. In the same range the essential fatty acid (ω6 and ω3) increased from 44.5% to 50.4%. The inorganic phosphorus increased from 12 h cultivation and it reached content more than the organic with 36 h. This study showed that the cultivation with Rhizopus oryzae on rice bran can be applied to change the essential fatty acids profile and phospholipids.
Ratio of systolic blood pressure to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Objective To determine the ability of simple hemodynamic parameters obtained at the time of cardiac catheterization to predict in-hospital mortality following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background Hemodynamic parameters measured at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) could potentially identify high-risk patients who would benefit from aggressive hemodynamic support in the Cardiac Catheterization laboratory. Methods This is a retrospective single-center study of 219 consecutive patients with STEMI. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and aortic diastolic blood pressure were obtained after successful revascularization. The prognostic ability of LVEDP, pulse pressure, and SBP/LVEDP ratio were compared to major mortality risk scores. Results Patients had a mean age of 60 ±14 years, were predominantly white (73%), male (64%), with anterior wall infarcts in 39%. Comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (27%), heart failure (9%), and chronic kidney disease (7%). In-hospital mortality was 9%. Patients with SBP/LVEDP ≤ 4 had increased risk of in-hospital death (32% vs. 5.3%, P 4. The area under curve (AUC) for SBP/LVEDP ratio for in-hospital mortality (0.69) was more predictive than LVEDP (0.61, P = 0.04) or pulse pressure (0.55, P = 0.02) but similar to Shock Index (ratio of heart rate to SBP) and Modified Shock Index (ratio of HR to mean arterial pressure). Conclusion An SBP/LVEDP ratio ≤ 4 identified a group of STEMI patients at high risk of in-hospital death. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of malrotation following intramedullary nailing in a femoral shaft fracture model: Can a 3D c-arm improve accuracy?

Abstract Introduction Difficulty determining anatomic rotation following intramedullary (IM) nailing of the femur continues to be problematic for surgeons. Clinical exam and fluoroscopic imaging of the hip and knee have been used to estimate femoral version, but are inaccurate. We hypothesize that 3D c-arm imaging can be used to accurately measure femoral version following IM nailing of femur fractures to prevent rotational malreduction. Methods A midshaft osteotomy was created in a femur Sawbone to simulate a transverse diaphyseal fracture. An intramedullary (IM) nail was inserted into the Sawbone femur without locking screws or cephalomedullary fixation. A goniometer was used to simulate four femoral version situations after IM nailing: 20° retroversion, 0° version, 15° anteversion, and 30° anteversion. In each simulated position, 3D c-arm imaging and, for comparison purposes, perfect lateral radiographs of the knee and hip were performed. The femoral version of each simulated 3D and fluoroscopic case was measured and the results were tabulated. Results The measured version from the 3D c-arm images was 22.25° retroversion, 0.66° anteversion, 19.53° anteversion, and 25.15° anteversion for the simulated cases of 20° retroversion, 0° version, 15° anteversion, and 30° anteversion, respectively. The lateral fluoroscopic views were measured to be 9.66° retroversion, 12.12° anteversion, 20.91° anteversion, and 18.77° anteversion for the simulated cases, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates the utility of a novel intraoperative method to evaluate femur rotational malreduction following IM nailing. The use of 3D c-arm imaging to measure femoral version offers accuracy and reproducibility.
The Incidence, Prevalence, and Risk Factors Associated with Debilitating Existential Anxiety in Adolescents

This chapter answers several important questions, including how common existential anxiety is in adolescents and what predicts the emergence of existential anxiety in teens. The author argues that there is ample evidence suggesting that adolescents frequently experience elevated levels of existential anxiety. The author then discusses relevant risk factors and predictors of existential anxiety and concerns in adolescence, going into detail on biological, psychological/individual, social/familial, and cultural/historical/contextual factors. The relationship between risk factors and the adolescent experience of existential anxiety is thoroughly explored.
Ecology: A matter of time for tropical diversity

There is a species-diversity gradient on Earth, with the greatest diversity found near the Equator. Analysis of forest data now reveals a mechanism aiding species coexistence in the tropics that might underlie this phenomenon. See Letter p.105 The number of tree species that coexist on a hectare scale rises by more than two orders of magnitude from boreal to tropical forests. Jacob Usinowicz and colleagues assess the extent to which latitudinal differences in competition between species shape this gradient, using seed production and seedling recruitment data from ten forests spanning the tropics to the boreal zone. They show that the longer and more stable growing seasons in the tropics permit greater differentiation between species in terms of the seasonal timing of reproduction. This asynchrony in the timing of tree recruitment reduces the degree of competition between species in the tropics, relative to forests at higher latitudes, thereby increasing the potential for species coexistence. The findings highlight the contribution that local-scale ecological processes can make to global-scale gradients in biodiversity.
Analytical and Clinical Validation of Two Commercially Available Immunoassays Used in the Detection of TSHR Antibodies

Background: Graves disease is caused by autoantibodies that target the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). Anti-TSHR autoantibody measurement is routinely performed to differentiate between Graves disease and other causes of hyperthyroidism. We evaluated the clinical performance of a reference laboratory bioassay [the Thyretain thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) Bioassay by Diagnostic Hybrids] and 2 commercially available immunoassays: the TSI Bridge immunoassay by Siemens and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) immunoassay by Roche. We further evaluated the analytical performance of the Siemens TSI and Roche TRAb assays. Methods: We performed method comparisons using 125 patient specimens submitted for TSI testing for clinical purposes. Concordance of patient results was assessed between the 3 methods, and chart review was performed to further evaluate samples that generated discordant results. All 3 methods were also evaluated for potential interference caused by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Results: The Roche and Siemens assays demonstrated acceptable day-to-day precision, within-run precision, and precision at the clinical decision cutoffs. Despite manufacturer-defined analytical measuring ranges up to 40 IU/L, the Roche and Siemens assays were linear to 20 IU/L and 15 IU/L, respectively. hCG concentrations up to 150000 IU/L did not interfere with any of the methods evaluated. Moderate agreement between methods was observed when testing patient specimens that generated negative (≤1.3) or weakly positive (1.4–3.8) results by the Thyretain assay. One hundred percent agreement was observed when the Thyretain assay was strongly positive (≥3.9). Conclusions: The 3 commercially available anti-TSHR autoantibody measurement methods demonstrated equivalent performance in patients with untreated Graves disease. Discordant results were observed when testing specimens collected from patients undergoing treatment for Graves disease. In these patients, the Siemens TSI assay more frequently generated results consistent with clinical history, results of other laboratory tests, and imaging studies than the Thyretain Bioassay and Roche TRAb assay.
New supporting ligands in actinide chemistry: tetramethyltetraazaannulene complexes with thorium and uranium

We report the synthesis, characterization, and preliminary reactivity of new heteroleptic thorium and uranium complexes supported by the macrocyclic TMTAA ligand (TMTAA = Tetramethyl-tetra-aza-annulene). The dihalide complexes Th(TMTAA)Cl2(THF)2 (1), [UCl2(TMTAA)]2 (2) and U(TMTAA)I2 (3) are further functionalized to the Cp* derivatives ThCp*(TMTAA)Cl (4), UCp*(TMTAA)Cl (5) and UCp*(TMTAA)I (6) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienide). Compounds 4–6 are also obtained through a one-pot reaction from standard thorium(IV) and uranium(IV) starting materials, Li2TMTAA and KCp*. Complexes 1–6 function as valuable starting materials for salt metathesis chemistry. Treatment of precursors 4 or 5 with trimethylsilylmethyllithium (LiCH2TMS) results in the new actinide TMTAA alkyl complexes ThCp*(TMTAA)(CH2TMS) (7) and UCp*(TMTAA)(CH2TMTS) (8), respectively. The TMTAA-derived alkyl complexes (7 and 8) show unexpected stability and are stable for several weeks at room temperature in solution and in the solid-state. Additionally, double substitution of the halide ligands in 1–3 shows a strong dependence on the nucleophile used. While weaker nucleophiles, such as amides, and more sterically demanding nucleophiles, such as Cp (Cp = cyclopenadienide), favour the formation of bis-TMTAA “sandwich” complexes [An(TMTAA)2] (An = Th (9) and An = U (10)), the use of oxygen-functionalized ligands like the ODipp anion (Dipp = diisopropylphenyl) results in the formation of the doubly substituted species Th(ODipp)2TMTAA (11) and U(ODipp)2TMTAA (12). We also describe the divergent reactivity of the TMTAA ligand towards uranium(III). Unlike the syntheses of actinide(IV) TMTAA complexes, the synthesis of a uranium(III) TMTAA was not successful and only uranium(IV) species could be obtained.
Major in engineering, minor in art: A new approach to retaining females in engineering

The number of women attending engineering schools is rapidly increasing each year. However, most of the studies that have been dedicated to understanding this growth have been focused on the engineering programs that attract these females as well as the support groups such as the Society for Women Engineers (SWE) and IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE). In this paper, a growing trend observed at the Division of Engineering programs at State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz is presented showing growing numbers of females majoring in engineering with a minor in art. The students graduate with a strong foundation in engineering and a hands-on practical understanding of materials, manufacturing, design and process. Presented in this paper is a description of the two art minor programs offered to the SUNY students, impact on female retention in engineering and results. Evaluations were done with participating students via interviews and a study of enrollment in the division of engineering programs over the last two years.
The complex experience of child pornography survivors.

Abstract This research explores the complex experiences of survivors of child pornography production. The study was conducted among a convenience sample of child pornography adult survivors (N = 133), using an online survey which included a series of open-ended questions. Nearly half of respondents reported that they felt the production of sexual images caused specific problems that were different from the problems caused by other aspects of the abuse. Nearly half of the sample worried all the time that people would think they were willing participants or that people would recognize them, one-third refused to talk about the images and 22% denied there were images. The qualitative analysis identified three major themes which emerged from the survivor's perspective as adults: Guilt and shame, their ongoing vulnerability and an empowerment dimension the images sometimes brought. Recommendations for further research and additional implications are discussed.
Application of a General Microcomputer Gas Network Analysis Model to Mine Ventilation Networks

SUMMARY The authors have adapted widely used technology for incompressible pipe network analysis to develop a powerful microcomputer program for the analysis of pressure and flow in gas distribution networks. The algorithm employed for this gas distribution analysis is a general one with improved convergence characteristics compared to the widely used Hardy Cross technique. The microcomputer program based on this algorithm handles non-circular ducts, pressure and flow control valves, compressors and fans and can accomodate density changes due to variations of pressure, elevation and temperature. This paper presents an illustration of the application of this network analysis tool to a typical mine ventilation system and shows that the results compare favorably to those obtained utilizing an existing program developed specifically for mine ventilation. Application of a general purpose compressible flow program allows the incorporation and evaluation of effects which are sometimes neglected or considered unimportant for mine ventilation networks. These include such phenomena as the compressibility of the gas, and the effects of elevation changes and passage junctions on the flow and pressure distribution. The potential influence of some of these factors is discussed. In addition, the use of general graphical displays of the network layouts and displays of the results of the network analysis are illustrated. Graphical displays are useful for enhancing the network analysis and certain displays are of particular value for mine ventilation studies. The primary purpose of this paper is to illustrate that a general purpose network analysis program with graphics capability can be used to aid in the design and operation of mineventilation networks.
Recent Advances in Solidification Processing

Control of the cast structure is the underlying object of solidification processing. Recent advances and developments in solidification processing are making possible the production of high purity castings, fine grained super alloy and titanium ingots, rapidly solidified structural components and castings having unique microstructures. In addition, recent advances in processing technology have developed which now allow us to have better producibility and reliability in aluminum castings. These developments have all stemmed from a good understanding of the science of solidification processing as well as an appreciation of the merits of structural control via processing. Specifically, the following recent developments will be reviewed and discussed: (i) Vacuum Arc Double Electrode Remelting (VADER); (ii) Rapid Solidification by Plasma Deposition (RSPD); (iii) rapid cycle casting of ferrous components by Diffusion Solidification; (iv) refining of the melt via filtration prior to casting; and (v) thermal analysis of aluminum castings.
Introduction to a Dynamic Process-Oriented Soil Science

This opening chapter introduces the initial problem that instigated this study: data from two commonly used procedures to determine soil organic carbon did not yield similar results for subsoil samples as expected from data obtained in topsoil analyses. Published soil science literature clearly showed a narrow range of variability between the Ball Loss on Ignition and the Walkley-Black Wet Oxidation procedures when applied to surface plow-zone soils. Finding an explanation for this discrepancy required an examination into the epistemological history of soil science, current models of pedogenic processes, and the behavior of soils as dynamic systems open to energy and information from their environment, but organizationally closed from it.
Histochemical and biochemical studies on leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity.

(1) In a large series of individuals alkaline phosphatase activity in the leukocyte was studied by biochemical and histochemical methods. (2) The value of combined histochemical and biochemical measurements is demonstrated in this report. (3) In chronic myelogenous leukemia the neutrophil contain very little alkaline phosphatase activity while in myeloid metaplasia and pyogenic infections morphologically similar cells exhibit a great increase in this enzyme. (4) Various factors which might influence alkaline phosphatase activity in See PDF for Figure See PDF for Table leukocytes were investigated and it was found that on incubation in serum or saline the cell alkaline phosphatase activity increased. However, this in vitro rise was unrelated to the source of the serum menstrum.
Collaborative survey construction for national data collection: Coordination, negotiation, and delivery

This research-to-practice full paper describes the deliberate and arduous process we recently went through to develop a national survey to study the non-cognitive traits of undergraduate engineering and computing students. The goal of this survey is to characterize student profiles in order to develop and examine particular interventions to guide students toward success in engineering and computing majors. This survey measures non-cognitive attributes including personality, sense of belonging, engineering or computing identity, study skills, well-being, and a variety of other constructs that are not routinely measured in engineering populations nor integrated into admission decisions, advising processes, or academic curricula. Prior research indicates that these non-cognitive attributes are important for students’ academic success and retention. However, no studies have examined a comprehensive set of non-cognitive traits holistically to understand how they influence student success. This collaborative project, funded by three linked NSF grants, merges the interests of researchers at three campuses in understanding and supporting students with varied non-cognitive profiles. As part of this research, we negotiated the content of a national survey, suitable for use on our own campuses as well as with other national partners, to probe more than a dozen constructs collectively describing student non-cognitive attributes. The construction of the survey itself was non-trivial, and involved significant negotiations among the researchers including initial collection of instruments with validity evidence to serve as a basis for discussion; an in-person kick-off meeting; multiple follow-up teleconferences; multiple rounds of inclusion/exclusion decisions based upon mutually-agreed upon guiding principles; pilot survey testing; pilot data evaluations such as exploratory factor analysis; and final decisions about instruments/items to include in the final version, all while considering survey length, distribution channels, and key IRB concerns. This paper details the 10-month effort to construct a survey that meets the research needs and intellectual curiosity of partners at three diverse campuses. In this process, we had to balance the different institutional contexts of the funded partner sites while also maintaining flexibility for national distribution. The deliberate processes we used may serve as a template for future survey creation, starting from constructs of interest, to selection of specific instruments (or sub-scales thereof), and factor analysis to consider further down-selection of individual items to include in the final survey. The outcomes of this paper may serve the engineering education community by highlighting previously undocumented processes in collaborative survey construction that introduce intellectual complexity or time delays into the development timeline.
Visions-3: Using Sounding Rockets and 3D Tomography to Analyze Ion Outflow

VISualizing Ion Outflow via Neutral atom Sensing (VISIONS)and VISIONS-2 are sounding rocket missions with the goal of analyzing the auroral wind and cusp ion outflow using low energy neutral atom (ENA)imaging at low altitudes of the ionosphere (P.I. Dr. Douglas Rowland, NASA Goddard). VISIONS-3 is the proposed follow-up mission, intended to use tomographic reconstruction with two launch vehicles. The overlap of line-of-sight regions from the two viewpoints of the sounding rockets provides boundary conditions to mathematically constrain data analysis, similar to a CAT scan. Each payload will house at least two Experimental Energy Neutral Atom Imager (E-ENA)instruments, oriented to point opposite directions out of the rocket. A data simulation is being created to model the line-of-sight regions from each rocket to deduce the intake of energized particles by each instrument detector. This data simulation will more fully define the benefits of launching two rockets rather than just one, as well as to model the use of tomography. The Norway launch range was selected for the launch, with two Black Brant XII Sounding Rockets from Wallops Flight Facility launched between 1–3 minutes apart with a launch azimuth separation of 6–16 degrees. The launch will be during the day to analyze the poleward moving auroral forms. The significance of this research is that insight into our ionosphere, magnetosphere, ion outflow, and the “boiling off” phenomenon of our atmosphere may provide understanding of how the atmosphere of other planets (e.g. Mars)disappeared. This would provide further insight into the life cycle of planets and atmospheres. Additionally, a heightened understanding of space physics could lead to the ability to predict which exoplanets may have an atmosphere and magnetic field like Earth using deep space telescopes. This presentation will focus on the mission design.
Protective Effect of Phosphatidylserine Blockade in Hemorrhagic Shock.

Abstract Background Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a key cell membrane phospholipid normally maintained on the inner cell surface but externalizes to the outer surface in response to cellular stress. We hypothesized that PS exposure mediates organ dysfunction in hemorrhagic shock. Our aims were to evaluate PS blockade on (1) pulmonary, (2) renal, and (3) gut function, as well as (4) serum lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an inflammatory mediator generated by PS externalization, as a possible mechanism mediating organ dysfunction. Materials and methods Rats were either (1) monitored for 130 min (controls, n = 3), (2) hemorrhaged then resuscitated (hemorrhage only group, n = 3), or (3) treated with Diannexin (DA), a PS blocking agent, followed by hemorrhage and resuscitation (DA + hemorrhage group, n = 4). Pulmonary dysfunction was assessed by arterial partial pressure of oxygen, renal dysfunction by serum creatinine, and gut dysfunction by mesenteric endothelial permeability (LP). LPA levels were measured in all groups. Results Pulmonary: there was no difference in arterial partial pressure of oxygen between groups. Renal: after resuscitation, creatinine levels were lower after PS blockade with DA versus hemorrhage only group (P = 0.01). Gut: LP was decreased after PS blockade with DA versus hemorrhage only group (P Conclusions PS blockade with DA decreased renal and gut dysfunction associated with hemorrhagic shock and attenuated the magnitude of LPA generation. Our findings suggest potential for therapeutic targets in the future that could prevent organ dysfunction associated with hemorrhagic shock.
Using Historic Models of Cn2 to predict r0 and regimes affected by atmospheric turbulence for horizontal, slant and topological paths

Image data collected near the ground, in the boundary layer, or from low altitude planes must contend with the detrimental effects of atmospheric turbulence on the image quality. So it is useful to predict operating regimes (wavelength, height of target, height of detector, total path distance, day vs. night viewing, etc.) where atmospheric turbulence is expected to play a significant role in image degradation. In these regimes, image enhancement techniques such as speckle processing, deconvolution and Wiener filtering methods can be utilized to recover near instrument-limited resolution in degraded images. We conducted a literature survey of various boundary layer and lower troposphere models for the structure coefficient of the index of refraction (C{sub n}{sup 2}). Using these models, we constructed a spreadsheet tool to estimate the Fried parameter (r{sub 0}) for different scenarios, including slant and horizontal path trajectories. We also created a tool for scenarios where the height along the path crudely accounted for the topology of the path. This would be of particular interest in mountain-based viewing platforms surveying ground targets. The tools that we developed utilized Visual Basic{reg_sign} programming in an Excel{reg_sign} spreadsheet environment for accessibility and ease of use. In this paper, we will discuss the C{sub n}{sup 2} profile models used, describe the tools developed and compare the results obtained for the Fried parameter with those estimated from experimental data.