cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in HIV Virologic Failure: Do Missed Visits Matter?

Background—Racial/ethnic health care disparities are well described in people living with HIV/ AIDS, although the processes underlying observed disparities are not well elucidated. Methods—A retrospective analysis nested in the UAB 1917 Clinic Cohort observational HIV study evaluated patients between August 2004 and January 2007. Factors associated with appointment nonadherence, a proportion of missed outpatient visits, were evaluated. Next, the role of appointment non-adherence in explaining the relationship between African American race and virologic failure (plasma HIV RNA >50 copies/mL) was examined using a staged multivariable modeling approach. Results—Among 1,221 participants a broad distribution of appointment non-adherence was observed, with 40% of patients missing at least 1 in every 4 scheduled visits. The adjusted odds of appointment non-adherence were 1.85 times higher in African American patients compared to Whites (95%CI=1.61–2.14). Appointment non-adherence was associated with virologic failure (OR 1.78; 95%CI=1.48–2.13), and partially mediated the relationship between African American race and virologic failure. African Americans had 1.56 times the adjusted odds of virologic failure (95% CI=1.19–2.05), which declined to 1.30 (95%CI=0.98–1.72) when controlling for appointment nonadherence, a hypothesized mediator.
On elliptic operators in

In this paper we study the normal solvability of elliptic systems of partial differential operators on weighted n Sobolev spaces in R . The operators are particularly simple near I∣x∣ = ∞: they bec...
The use of contingency contracting in controlling adult nailbiting

Abstract An adult patient agreed to contribute money to a strongly disliked organization for failure to increase fingernail length. Nailbiting was discontinued for the duration of the contingency contract and a follow-up 3 and 6 months later indicated that the increase in nail length was maintained.
Social facilitation in green turtle siblings

Abstract 1. 1. Tests made at the green turtle nesting ground at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, show that turtles hatching singly have reduced prospects of emerging from the nest, and even less chance of reaching the sea. 2. 2. Observations through glass nest sides, and of young going from the nest to the sea, show that group facilitation, probably involving both mechanical and psychological factors, occurs. 3. 3. Data from tests at Ascension Island, extending Hendrickson's results (1958) in the China Sea, indicate that metabolic heating raises the temperature in nests of developing green turtle eggs and suggests that this may constitute thermal co-operation affecting the fitness of the sets of eggs and young as evolutionary units.
Parents' and Children's Religiosity and Child Behavioral Adjustment among Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children.

We investigated the role of parents’ and children’s religiosity in behavioral adjustment among maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Data were collected on 170 maltreated and 159 nonmaltreated children from low-income families (mean age = 10 years). We performed dyadic data analyses to examine unique contributions of parents’ and children’s religiosity and their interaction to predicting child internalizing and externalizing symptomatology. A four group structural equation modeling was used to test whether the structural relations among religiosity predictors and child outcomes differed by child maltreatment status and child gender. We found evidence of parent-child religiosity interaction suggesting that (1) parents’ frequent church attendance was related to lower levels of internalizing symptomatology among nonmaltreated children with low church attendance and (2) parents’ importance of faith was associated with lower levels of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology among nonmaltreated children with low faith. The results suggest that independent effects of parents’ religiosity varied depending on children’s religiosity and parent-child relationship.
Comparative Pressor Effects of Parahydroxyphenylisopropylamine (Paredrine) and Parahydroxyphenylisopropylmethylamine (Paredrinol)

ConclusionsParedrine and paredrinol have a definite pressor effect in man when administered orally or subcutaneously. The systolic pressure is much more influenced than the diastolic pressure. Paredrine consistently shows a much greater and more prolonged pressor action than paredrinol. There is a marked variation in response in different individuals to a given dose.A comparison of the results of oral and subcutaneous administration in the same individual indicates in most instances a complete or practically complete absorption and utilization of these compounds when administered by mouth.
Hopping transport in doped co-deposited mixed-phase hydrogenated amorphous/nanocrystalline silicon thin films

Studies of the electronic transport properties of n-type doped hydrogenated amorphous/nanocrystalline silicon (a/nc-Si:H) films deposited in a dual-plasma co-deposition reactor are described. For these doped a/nc-Si:H, the conductivity increases monotonically for increasing crystal fractions up to 60% and displays marked deviations from a simple thermally activated temperature dependence. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the activation energy for these films finds that the dark conductivity is best described by a power-law temperature dependence, σ = σo (T/To)n where n = 1 – 4, suggesting multiphonon hopping as the main transport mechanism. These results suggest that electronic transport in mixed-phase films occurs through the a-Si:H matrix at lower nanocrystal concentrations and shifts to hopping conduction between clusters of nanocrystals at higher nanocrystal densities.
An initial-value method for the eigenvalue problem for differential equations with nonseparated boundary conditions

An initial-value technique is presented for the calculation of the characteristic lengths and characteristic functions of linear second-order ordinary differential equations subject to general nonseparated boundary conditions. Numerical examples are presented which demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Lay beliefs about high blood pressure in a low- to middle-income urban African-American community: an opportunity for improving hypertension control

Abstract Purpose Lay beliefs about illness are a potential barrier to improving the control of hypertension. We investigated the extent to which lay beliefs about hypertension diverge from current medical understanding. Methods We conducted street intercept interviews and focus group discussions in six predominantly African-American census tracts in the southern sector of Dallas County, Texas. Sixty subjects, aged 18 to 67 years, were stopped along popular thoroughfares and administered a brief survey. Additionally, 107 participants were interviewed in 12 homogeneous focus groups, balanced by sex and age (18 to 74 years). Participants were asked about the meaning, causes, consequences, and treatment of high blood pressure. Results The street intercept data indicated that 35% (n = 21) of respondents related high blood pressure to eating pork or other foods that makes the blood travel too fast to the head, and only 15% (n = 9) related hypertension to an elevated pressure in blood vessels. The focus group data indicated that hypertension was causally linked to eating pork in 8 of the 12 groups; was perceived as a symptomatic illness in all 12 groups; and was considered treatable with vitamins, garlic, and other herbs in 11 groups, with prescription medications in 10 groups and with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss in 8 groups. Hypertension was mentioned as a leading cause of death among African Americans in none of the 4 focus groups of 18-year-old to 29-year-old participants, in 2 of the 4 focus groups of 30-year-old to 49-year-old participants, and in 3 of the 4 focus groups of 50-year-old to 74-year-old participants. Conclusions In a low- to middle-income urban African-American community, the predominant beliefs about hypertension diverged sharply from current medical understanding. Lack of appreciation of these lay beliefs by providers may contribute to noncompliance and poor rates of hypertension control.
670 THE ROLE OF EOSINOPHILES IN GRANULOPOIESIS

The role of eosinophiles in hematopoiesis is not clear. Despite the presence of eosinophilia in a variety of parasitic and other conditions, the leukocyte counts frequently are not elevated. This suggests a possible inhibitory effect of eosinophiles on granulopoiesis. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of eosinophiles on granulocytic colony forming units in culture (CFU-C) of mice bone marrow (BM). Marrow of normal as well as eosinophilic inbread C-57 black mice infected with Trichinella spiralis was cultured in semi-solid media with 1) anti-eosinophilic sera produced against mice eosinophiles in rabbit (AES), 2) the addition of purified eosinophiles, 3) colony stimulating activity (CSA), 4) α-culture media, 5) normal rabbit serum, 6) eosinophilia extracts, and 7) irradiated eosinophiles. Each of the above experiments was repeated with and without added CSA. Addition of AES to BM cultures containing CSA sharply increased CFU-C levels in eosinophilic mice compared to CSA and rabbit serum (controls) alone (P<0.01), but had no effect on normal BM. Addition of increased numbers of eosinophiles significantly decreased the number of CFU-C in normal and eosinophilic mice (P<0.01). CSA was necessary to promote colony production and to enhance the effects of AES in eosinophilic mice. The results of this experiment suggest that eosinophiles have a suppressive effect on production of granulopoietic colonies and may indicate an inhibitory effect of these cells on total granulopoietic activity. This inhibitory effect of eosinophiles may be due to their high content of Protoglandin E.
Protecting the idyll but not the environment: Second homes, amenity migration and rural exclusion in Washington State

Researchers are beginning to take notice of amenity migration processes and their impacts in exurban areas of the U.S. Our research explores second-home owners as contributors to processes of amenity migration. Using a mixed-method approach combining spatial data and interview analyses, we investigate both the structural and behavioral aspects of amenity migration in San Juan and Okanogan counties of Washington State. Results indicate that second-home owners’ desire for privacy and escape is reflected in patterns of spatial isolation among second homes in the study area. These patterns have potentially significant ecological effects. Second-home owners also seek to protect their investments by supporting regulations which support their version of a rural idyll. Therefore, policy-makers should be wary of strategies to promote regulations which promote aesthetic rather than social and ecological function.
Dyspnea, Depression, and Health Related Quality of Life [HRQOL] in Patients With Pulmonary Artery Hypertension [PAH]

Methods: 64 patients were enrolled in the study. 45 patients [11 males, 34 females; mean age 51.3 years; with confirmed PAH (WHO Group I), and 19 patients [9 males, 10 females; mean age 69.8 years] with WHO Group III. Patients completed Medical Outcomes Study Short–Form 36 V2 to measure generic HRQOL, Modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] Dyspnea Scale and Zung Depression scale. Physical Health Composite Scores [PCS] and Mental Health Composite Scores [MCS] were derived from SF36V2. For each scale, Mann-Whitney test was used to examine the association between WHO Groups (Group I or Group III) and that scale. The Spearman correlation coefficient was computed to determine the degree of correlation between each pair of scales. Summary statistics are reported as medians and 25 th percentile (Q1) to 75 th percentile (Q3).
Beyond measure: teaching clinical skills.

I recently visited a retired physician who practiced in Roma, Texas, population 10 000. His family has lived and ranched in Roma for 6 generations, well before the border was moved and Roma became part of the United States. As the town's first and only physician for most of his 4-plus decades in practice, Dr Mario Ramirez did it all: deliveries, house calls, minor sugery, and seeing 60 people a day. After wearing himself ragged by racing to attend women in labor, far away from his office, he managed to rent a house, a historical structure, right in Roma's central square and convert this into a tiny hospital—the first of its kind—where women in labor could be watched over and delivered of their infants.
Effects of electrode surface structure on the mechanoelectrical transduction of IPMC sensors

This study investigates the effects of electrode surface structure on the mechanoelectrical transduction of IPMC sensors. A physics-based mechanoelectrical transduction model was developed that takes into account the electrode surface profile (shape) by describing the polymer-electrode interface as a Koch fractal structure. Based on the model, the electrode surface effects were experimentally investigated in case of IPMCs with Pd-Pt electrodes. IPMCs with different electrode surface structures were fabricated through electroless plating process by appropriately controlling the synthesis parameters and conditions. The changes in the electrode surface morphology and the corresponding effects on the IPMC mechanoelectrical transduction were examined. Our experimental results indicate that increasing the dispersion of Pd particles near the membrane surface, and thus the polymer-electrode interfacial area, leads to a higher peak mechanoelectrically induced voltage of IPMC. However, the overall effect of the electrode surface structure is relatively low compared to the electromechanical transduction, which is in good agreement with theoretical prediction.
The Impact of Court on Children Research Findings and Practical Recommendations

Concerns about possible negative impacts to children as a result of participating in the criminal justice system have led to discussions about altering the process in ways that accommodate the specific developmental and emotional needs of children. However, before making major changes to the system, it is essential to answer several questions. This article reviews research addressing the following questions: (a) How frequently do children testify in court? (b) Is involvement in the criminal justice system, particularly providing testimony in criminal court, harmful to child witnesses? (c) Do suggested innovations in practice reduce children's court-related distress? Research findings related to these questions are then discussed in terms of their application to practice with children as witnesses within the criminal justice system.
Increasing incidence of late second malignancies after conditioning with cyclophosphamide and total-body irradiation and autologous bone marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Purpose Although the risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has been well-described following autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), the risk of solid tumors has been poorly characterized. We report the incidence and outcome of solid tumors at 10-year follow-up in a large cohort of uniformly treated patients who underwent ABMT for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Patients and Methods Between 1982 and 1997, 605 patients underwent ABMT for B-cell NHL, with uniform conditioning with cyclophosphamide and total-body irradiation followed by reinfusion of autologous bone marrow purged with anti–B-cell monoclonal antibodies. Current information on relapse of disease and second malignancies was obtained via an institutional review board–approved questionnaire sent to the referring oncologists. Results Forty-two solid tumors, six non-MDS hematologic malignancies, 39 nonmelanoma skin cancers, and 68 cases of MDS/acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) were observed at a median follow-up of 9.5 years. A cumulative inci...
Advanced in-plane rotation-invariant correlation filters

Advanced correlation filter synthesis algorithms to achieve rotation invariance are described. We use a specified form for the filter as the rotation invariance constraint and derive a general closed-form solution for a multiclass rotation-invariant filter that can recognize a number of different objects. By requiring the filter to minimize the average correlation plane energy, we produce a multiclass rotation invariant (RI) RI-MACE filter, which controls correlation plane sidelobes and improves discrimination against false targets. To improve noise performance, we require the filter to minimize a weighted sum of correlation plane signal and noise energy. Initial test results of all filters are provided. >
X-ray emission from a high-atomic-number Z-pinch plasma created from compact wire arrays

Thermal and nonthermal x-ray emission from the implosion of compact tungsten wire arrays, driven by 5 MA from the Saturn accelerator, are measured and compared with LLNL Radiation-Hydro-Code (RHC) and SNL Hydro-Code (HC) numerical models. Multiple implosions, due to sequential compressions and expansions of the plasma, are inferred from the measured multiple x-radiation bursts. Timing of the multiple implosions and the thermal x-ray spectra measured between 1 and 10 keV are consistent with the RHC simulations. The magnitude of the nonthermal x-ray emission measured from 10 to 100 keV ranges from 0.02 to 0.08% of the total energy radiated and is correlated with bright-spot emission along the z-axis, as observed in earlier Gamble-11 single exploding-wire experiments. The similarities of the measured nonthermal spectrum and bright-spot emission with those measured at 0.8 MA on Gamble-II suggest a common production mechanism for this process. A model of electron acceleration across magnetic fields in highly-collisional, high-atomic-number plasmas is developed, which shows the existence of a critical electric field, E{sub c}, below which strong nonthermal electron creation (and the associated nonthermal x rays) do not occur. HC simulations show that significant nonthermal electrons are not expected in this experiment (as observed) because the calculated electric fields are at least one to two orders-of-magnitude below E{sub c}. These negative nonthermal results are confirmed by RHC simulations using a nonthermal model based on a Fokker-Plank analysis. Lastly, the lower production efficiency and the larger, more irregular pinch spots formed in this experiment relative to those measured on Gamble II suggest that implosion geometries are not as efficient as single exploding-wire geometries for warm x-ray production.
AtVPS45 Complex Formation at the trans-Golgi Network

The Sec1p family of proteins are thought to be involved in the regulation of vesicle fusion reactions through interaction with t-SNAREs (target soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) at the target membrane. AtVPS45 is a member of this family from Arabidopsis thaliana that we now demonstrate to be present on the trans-Golgi network (TGN), where it colocalizes with the vacuolar cargo receptor AtELP. Unlike yeast Vps45p, AtVPS45 does not interact with, or colocalize with, the prevacuolar t-SNARE AtPEP12. Instead, AtVPS45 interacts with two t-SNAREs, AtTLG2a and AtTLG2b, that show similarity to the yeast t-SNARE Tlg2p. AtTLG2a and -b each colocalize with AtVPS45 at the TGN; however, AtTLG2a is in a different region of the TGN than AtTLG2b by immunogold electron microscopy. Therefore, we propose that complexes containing AtVPS45 and either AtTLG2a or -b define functional subdomains of the TGN and may be required for different trafficking events. Among other Arabidopsis SNAREs, AtVPS45 antibodies preferentially coprecipitate AtVTI1b over the closely related isoform AtVTI1a, implying that AtVTI1a and AtVTI1b also have distinct functions within the cell. These data point to a functional complexity within the plant secretory pathway, where proteins encoded by gene families have specialized functions, rather than functional redundancy.
Analysis of post-combiner equalizers in cosine-modulated filterbank-based transmultiplexer systems

In this paper, we present an analysis of the post-combiner equalizers used to compensate for channel distortion in cosine-modulated-based transmultiplexer systems. Such equalizers have been widely used in multicarrier modulation (MCM) systems that use cosine modulated filterbanks (CMFB) for signal modulation and demodulation. By making the reasonable assumption that the number of subchannels in the system is large enough such that each subchannel can be approximated by a constant complex gain, we derive close-form equations for optimum post-combiner transfer functions. These transfer functions are found to be finite impulse response (FIR) and closely related to the prototype filter in CMFB analysis and synthesis blocks. Moreover, by making use of the results of our analysis, we propose a new post-combiner structure in which the number of adaptive parameters are about one third of those in the earlier reports. This reduction in the number of adaptive parameters results in a three-fold increase in convergence speed of the least mean square (LMS) algorithm when it is used for adaptation of the post combiners. We also present a convergence analysis of the post-combiner when the LMS algorithm is used for adaptation. We study the correlation matrix whose eigenvalues determine convergence behavior of the LMS algorithm. We show that all eigenvalues of this matrix are equal. This implies that in the case of the post-combiner, the LMS algorithm experiences no slow mode of convergence, as is the case in many other applications. Computer simulations that corroborate our theoretical findings are also presented.
Extrusion for Producing Low-fat Pork and its Use in Sausage as Affected by Soy Protein Isolate

Low-fat pork was produced at extrusion temperatures (ET) of 25, 32.2, 43.3, 54.4, or 65.6°C with addition of soy protein isolate (SPI) at 0, 1.5, or 3% and evaluated by measuring chemical and physical properties of low-fat pork sausage links. ET and SPi addition influenced moisture retention and fat reduction. The highest ET(65.5°C) gave the highest fat reduction in extrudates. TBARS decreased as ET and SPI Increased. Extrudates at higher ET made darker and redder sausages. The hardness value of the control was not different from that of sausages from 65.6°C ET extrudates. The fat-reduced sausages were more springy and cohesive than the control. Depending on fat reduction, twin-screw extrusion influenced sausage color, texture, and lipid oxidation. The sausage links from 65.6°C ET extrudates with 1.5% SPI had the lowest fat, lowest TBARS, least cooking loss and were not different In hardness from control high-fat sausages.
A Critical Review of Published Methods for Analysis of Red Cell Antigen-Antibody Reactions by Flow Cytometry, and Approaches for Resolving Problems with Red Cell Agglutination

Flow cytometry operators often apply familiar white blood cell (WBC) methods when studying red blood cell (RBC) antigens and antibodies. Some WBC methods are not appropriate for RBCs, as the analysis of RBCs requires special considerations, for example, avoidance of agglutination. One hundred seventy-six published articles from 88 groups studying RBC interactions were reviewed. Three fourths of groups used at least one unnecessary WBC procedure for RBCs, and about one fourth did not use any method to prevent/disperse RBC agglutination. Flow cytometric studies were performed to determine the effect of RBC agglutination on results and compare different methods of preventing and/or dispersing agglutination. The presence of RBC agglutinates have been shown to be affected by the type of pipette tip used for mixing RBC suspensions, the number of antigen sites/RBC, the type and concentration of primary antibody, and the type of secondary antibody. For quantitation methods, for example, fetal maternal hemorrhage, the presence of agglutinates have been shown to adversely affect results (fewer fetal D+ RBCs detected).
Model reference adaptive control for linear time varying and nonlinear systems

Model reference adaptive control is applied to linear time varying systems and to nonlinear systems amenable to virtual linearization. Asymptotic stability is guaranteed even if the perfect model following conditions do not hold, provided that some sufficient conditions are satisfied. Simulations show the scheme to be capable of effectively controlling certain non-linear systems.
Carbon nanotube network-based biomolecule detection

In this paper, we describe a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) based biological sensor for the detection of biomolecules like Streptavidin and IgG. SWNTs have been employed for two types of sensing mechanisms. First, the changes in the electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube (CNT) matrix on noncovalent binding of the biomolecules to the side walls of the CNT and, second, quantification of mass uptake of the matrix on biomolecule incubation are presented. Both sensing mechanisms exhibited consistent and highly sensitive responses. Biomolecular immobilization on the CNT surface was monitored by atomic force microscopy
Effects of therapeutic riding on measures of stress in horses.

Abstract The popularity of therapeutic riding is growing rapidly. With greater numbers of horses used in this field, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how this work impacts horse quality of life. Salivary cortisol concentrations and behavior scores are two measures of stress in horses, and the goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that horses used in therapeutic riding exercises have greater increases in cortisol concentrations during therapeutic riding, when compared to a traditional hunt seat lesson program or at rest. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured in six adult horses on 3 days per week for a total of 6 weeks. Horses served as their own controls, and salivary cortisol concentrations were measured during therapeutic riding, traditional riding, and at rest, with samples collected at 0, 30, and 60 minutes. Delta cortisol concentrations were calculated by subtracting baseline cortisol concentrations from values obtained at 30 or 60 minutes. Delta salivary cortisol values were compared among different types of activity by the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. No significant differences in delta cortisol values were detected between riding conditions. Delta salivary cortisol values at 30 minutes were 0.147, 0.0762, and −0.032 μg/dL for rest, traditional riding, and therapeutic riding conditions, respectively, and delta values at 60 minutes were −0.0177, −0.002, and −0.031 μg/dL, respectively. Behavior scores did not differ significantly between different riding conditions. Our hypothesis was not supported, and we conclude that therapeutic riding was not associated with increased stress in horses in this sample.
Mathematical construction of an engineering thermopiezoelastic model for smart composite shells

An engineering model for composite piezoelectric shells under mechanical, thermal, and electrical loads has been constructed mathematically using the variational-asymptotic method. This work presents a unique formulation of the nonlinear, three-dimensional, one-way coupled, thermopiezoelasticity problem having the combined merits of both mathematical rigor and engineering simplicity. The variational-asymptotic method is used to rigorously split the three-dimensional problem into two problems: a nonlinear, two-dimensional, shell analysis over the reference surface to obtain the global response, and a linear analysis through the thickness to provide both the generalized shell constitutive model and recovery relations to approximate the original three-dimensional fields. The asymptotically correct electric enthalpy obtained herein is cast into the Reissner–Mindlin form to account for transverse shear deformation including the geometrical refinement due to initial curvatures. Recovery relations have been provided to obtain accurate stress distribution through the thickness. The present model is implemented into the computer program VAPAS. Results for several cases obtained from VAPAS are compared with exact thermopiezoelasticity solutions, classical lamination theory, and first-order shear-deformation theory. An excellent compromise between efficiency and accuracy for analyzing piezoelectric composite shells has been achieved.
CDNA selection from 10 Mb of Chromosome 21 DNA: efficiency in transcriptional mapping and reflections of genome organization

The technique of cDNA hybridization selection has been applied individually to 16 YAC clones mapping to various regions of the long arm of human chromosome 21. YACs represented approximately 10 Mb of non-overlapping DNA, and cDNA sources included fetal brain, whole fetus, and adult testes, thymus, liver and spleen. Sequencing, Northern analysis, RT-PCR and cDNA library screenings have been used to identify and partially characterize a non-redundant set of novel genes. A preliminary analysis strategy of the selected cDNAs has proven rapid and effective for isolation of the more highly represented genes and is suitable for survey transcriptional mapping efforts. By scaling up to screen > 1000 cDNA fragments per 100 kb of YAC DNA, more rare transcripts are identified and lead to comprehensive gene maps. Strong regional variations in transcriptional activity were observed, with gene densities ranging from 1/15 kb. This effort has produced a large number of new genes of potential relevance to Down Syndrome.
Pollution prevention through process integration

Process integration is a holistic approach to process design and operation. It emphasizes the unity of the process units and objectives. Therefore, it provides a unique framework for integrating environmental issues with other process objectives such as profitability, yield enhancement, debottlenecking and energy reduction. This paper presents a review of recent advances in the area of pollution prevention through process integration. First, the alternative methods for industrial waste reduction are discussed. Then, process integration is defined and categorized into three main components: synthesis, analysis and optimization. Next, mass integration science and methods are reviewed with special emphasis on their critical role in pollution prevention. Throughout the paper, various tools and techniques are described and illustrated.
Stainless Steel Permeability

An understanding of the behavior of hydrogen isotopes in materials is critical to predicting tritium transport in structural metals (at high pressure), estimating tritium losses during production (fission environment), and predicting in-vessel inventory for future fusion devices (plasma driven permeation). Current models often assume equilibrium diffusivity and solubility for a class of materials (e.g. stainless steels or aluminum alloys), neglecting trapping effects or, at best, considering a single population of trapping sites. Permeation and trapping studies of the particular castings and forgings enable greater confidence and reduced margins in the models. For FY15, we have continued our investigation of the role of ferrite in permeation for steels of interest to GTS, through measurements of the duplex steel 2507. We also initiated an investigation of the permeability in work hardened materials, to follow up on earlier observations of unusual permeability in a particular region of 304L forgings. Samples were prepared and characterized for ferrite content and coated with palladium to prevent oxidation. Issues with the poor reproducibility of measurements at low permeability were overcome, although the techniques in use are tedious. Funding through TPBAR and GTS were secured for a research grade quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) and replacement turbo pumps, whichmore » should improve the fidelity and throughput of measurements in FY16.« less
Intracochlear inflammatory response to cochlear implant electrodes in humans.

HypothesisThis study evaluates the types and degrees of tissue response adjacent to the electrode of multichannel cochlear implants.BackgroundCochlear implant electrodes have been classified as biocompatible prostheses. Nevertheless, in some reports, electrode extrusion, chronic inflammation, and ev
Inherited Variants in SULT1E1 and Response to Abiraterone Acetate by Men with Metastatic Castration Refractory Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Germline variations in genes involved in androgen biosynthesis and metabolic pathways may predict the response to abiraterone acetate in men with metastatic, castration refractory prostate cancer. The variations may serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to allow for more individualized therapy.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 832 single nucleotide polymorphisms from the OmniExpress genotyping platform (Illumina®) in the boundaries of 61 candidate genes reported to be involved in the androgen metabolic pathway. The purpose was to investigate them for an association with time to treatment failure in 68 white men with metastatic, castration refractory prostate cancer undergoing treatment with abiraterone acetate. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used with Gleason score, age, level of alkaline phosphatase and prostate specific antigen at treatment initiation as covariates. Each single nucleotide polymorphism was assessed using an allele carriage genetic model in which carriage of 1 or ...
Advances in drug therapy of cardiopulmonary arrest.

Advances in the selection and use of drugs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are reviewed. In 1985, the American Heart Association and the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council revised standards and guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiac care. Algorithms were developed for treatment of (1) ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, (2) ventricular tachycardia with pulse, (3) asystole, (4) electromechanical dissociation, (5) paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, (6) bradycardia, and (7) ventricular ectopy. Vasoconstriction, aortic diastolic arterial pressure, and coronary perfusion pressure are the most important determinants of the success of resuscitation. Because coronary perfusion occurs only during diastole, it is essential to maintain an adequate diastolic pressure. Arterial and central venous lines are needed for estimating coronary perfusion pressure, but end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement appears promising as a noninvasive alternative. Arterial blood gas measurements indicate respiratory alkalosis during CPR, but underlying tissue acidosis persists; venous blood gases appear to provide more useful information. A large catheter in a central vein above the diaphragm is the preferred route for drug administration during CPR, but an antecubital venipuncture site can be used to avoid interrupting CPR. Peak drug concentrations are higher and are achieved sooner with central venous than with peripheral venous injection. The endotracheal route can be used safely for administration of epinephrine, lidocaine, or atropine; an adequate volume (5 or 10 mL) of diluent is needed, and several insufflations should follow instillation. Drug distribution during CPR is greater to the brain and myocardium than to peripheral tissues. Epinephrine is administered to all patients in cardiopulmonary arrest; its beneficial effect is due to alpha-mediated vasoconstriction. Epinephrine increases cerebral as well as myocardial blood flow. The currently recommended dose of epinephrine hydrochloride is 0.5 to 1.0 mg i.v. at five-minute intervals. For endotracheal administration, an initial 1.0-mg dose is recommended, and subsequent doses are determined by patient response. Epinephrine has a beta-adrenergic-stimulating effect that may increase myocardial oxygen demand, but pure alpha agonists such as phenylephrine, methoxamine, and metaraminol have not been found superior to epinephrine. Epinephrine has not been proven to make ventricular fibrillation more susceptible to direct-current countershock. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Healthy Children, Strong Families intervention promotes improvements in nutrition, activity and body weight in American Indian families with young children.

Objective American Indian children of pre-school age have disproportionally high obesity rates and consequent risk for related diseases. Healthy Children, Strong Families was a family-based randomized trial assessing the efficacy of an obesity prevention toolkit delivered by a mentor v. mailed delivery that was designed and administered using community-based participatory research approaches. Design During Year 1, twelve healthy behaviour toolkit lessons were delivered by either a community-based home mentor or monthly mailings. Primary outcomes were child BMI percentile, child BMI Z-score and adult BMI. Secondary outcomes included fruit/vegetable consumption, sugar consumption, television watching, physical activity, adult health-related self-efficacy and perceived health status. During a maintenance year, home-mentored families had access to monthly support groups and all families received monthly newsletters. Setting Family homes in four tribal communities, Wisconsin, USA. Subjects Adult and child (2–5-year-olds) dyads (n 150). Results No significant effect of the mentored v. mailed intervention delivery was found; however, significant improvements were noted in both groups exposed to the toolkit. Obese child participants showed a reduction in BMI percentile at Year 1 that continued through Year 2 (P<0·05); no change in adult BMI was observed. Child fruit/vegetable consumption increased (P=0·006) and mean television watching decreased for children (P=0·05) and adults (P=0·002). Reported adult self-efficacy for health-related behaviour changes (P=0·006) and quality of life increased (P=0·02). Conclusions Although no effect of delivery method was demonstrated, toolkit exposure positively affected adult and child health. The intervention was well received by community partners; a more comprehensive intervention is currently underway based on these findings.
Scott, Balzac and the Business of Literature

Balzac has written that alongside Scott: Lord Byron is nothing, or almost nothing … To the minds of all members of romance, and to mine, the plot of that work [Kenilworth] is the grandest, most complete, most extraordinary of all; the book is a masterpiece from this point of view, just as St. Rouan’s Well is a masterpiece for detail and patience of finish, as the Chronicles of Canongate are for sentiment, as Ivanhoe (the first volume, be it understood) is for history, The Antiquary for poesy and Heart of Midlothian for profound interest. All these works have their own especial merit, but genius shines throughout them all. Scott will still be growing greater when Byron is forgotten …1
Foreign direct investment under fiscal interdependence when policy is set unilaterally

This paper develops a partial equilibrium model of foreign direct investment to analyze the potentially opposing interests between a host and foreign country. The two countries are fiscally interdependent and the fiscal variable is set unilaterally by the foreign country. The analysis indicates that fiscal independence is welfare-enhancing, particularly in the case where the outflow of FDI is large. The case where a lump-sum subsidy is set to address the exit of firms indicates that the need for subsidy payments subside under fiscal independence.
Fiscal Decentralization and Macroeconomic Performance

With a view to creating governments that work and serve their people, a large and growing number of countries around the globe are reexamining the roles of various orders of government and their partnerships with the private sector and the civil society (Shah, 2004). This rethinking has led to a resurgence of interest in fiscal federalism principles and practices, as federal systems are seen to provide safeguards against both the threat of centralized exploitation and decentralized opportunistic behavior while bringing decision making closer to the people. In fact, federalism represents either “coming together” or “holding together” of constituent geographic units to take advantage of the greatness and littleness of nations, because in a flat (globalized) world, nation-states are observed to be too large to address small things in life and too small to address large tasks. But federal fiscal systems to accommodate “coming together” or “holding together,” according to some influential writers, pose a threat to macro stability. They argue that decentralized governance structure is incompatible with prudent fiscal management (Prud’homme, 1995; Tanzi, 1995). This chapter investigates the conceptual and empirical bases of these arguments. More specifically, the chapter addresses the following questions: Are there greater risks of macroeconomic mismanagement and instability with decentralized fiscal systems (federal versus unitary countries)?
Abstract P3: Socioeconomic Status a Better Predictor of Heart Failure Outcomes than Performance Measures

BACKGROUND ACC/AHA published performance measures for patients admitted to hospitals with heart failure (HF) in 2005 with the goal to provide a standard of care. Hospitals have made significant changes to be compliant with these recommendations, however, there are limited data evaluating if these measures are responsible for decreasing morbidity and mortality. METHODS The US Department of Health and Human Services Hospital Compare database was used to identify patients admitted with a diagnosis of HF in 2008. Hospitals were excluded if they treated fewer than 25 HF patients or there was incomplete data collected. Inpatient performance measures for HF were defined as: evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) for LV systolic dysfunction, smoking cessation counseling, and discharge instructions. Risk-adjusted 30-day mortality and readmission rates were also collected. Using hospital zip codes, catchment demographic data was correlated using US Census Bureau data from 2000. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and multiple regression. RESULTS Analyses included 3,659 hospitals treating 1,059,640 patients. Hospitals reporting greater compliance with performance measures had significantly lower 30-day mortality and readmission rates. However, after controlling for individual measures and demographics, socioeconomic status consistently had a significant association with mortality and readmission rates. Only ACE-I/ARB use was associated with a lower readmission rate (p<0.001) for performance measures. CONCLUSION This study found that multiple socioeconomic factors but only 1 of 4 HF performance measures are significant predictors of improved HF outcomes. Further research to determine appropriate metrics of quality care for HF is necessary. View this table: Multivariable Analysis of Factors on Mortality and Readmission Rates
Characterizations of Online Harassment: Comparing Policies Across Social Media Platforms

Harassment in online spaces is increasingly part of public debate and concern. Pervasive problems like cyberbullying, hate speech, and the glorification of self-harm have highlighted the breadth and depth of harassment taking place online. In this study we conduct a content analysis of the governing policies for fifteen social media platforms as they relate to harassment (of oneself and/or of community members) and other associated behaviors. We find that there is a striking inconsistency in how platform-specific policies depict harassment. Additionally, how these policies prescribe responses to harassment vary from mild censuring to the involvement of law enforcement. Finally, based on our analysis and findings, we discuss the potential for harnessing the power of the online communities to create norms around problematic behaviors.
Direct Current-Induced Calcium Trafficking in Different Neuronal Preparations

The influence of direct current (DC) stimulation on radioactive calcium trafficking in sciatic nerve in vivo and in vitro, spinal cord, and synaptosomes was investigated. The exposure to DC enhanced calcium redistribution in all of these preparations. The effect was dependent on the strength of the stimulation and extended beyond the phase of exposure to DC. The DC-induced increase in calcium sequestration by synaptosomes was significantly reduced by cobalt and rupture of synaptosomes by osmotic shock. Although both anodal and cathodal currents were effective, the experiments with two electrodes of different areas revealed that cathodal stimulation exerted stronger effect. The exposure to DC induced not only relocation but also redistribution of calcium within segments of the sciatic nerve. Enzymatic removal of sialic acid by preincubation of synaptosomes with neuroaminidase, or carrying out the experiments in sodium-free environment, amplified DC-induced calcium accumulation.
Cultural differences and similarities in beliefs, practices, and neural mechanisms of emotion regulation.

Objective The current research examined whether culture shapes the beliefs, practices, and neural basis of emotion regulation. Method Twenty-nine American and Chinese participants reported their implicit theory of emotion and frequency of reappraisal use. They also underwent an fMRI scan while completing an emotion regulation task. Results Chinese (vs. American) participants reported more frequent use of reappraisal, which was mediated by their higher incremental theory of emotion (i.e., believing that emotion is changeable through effort). Although there were some cultural similarities in neural activation during emotion regulation, Chinese participants showed less ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) activation than American participants when regulating negative emotions. Lower VLPFC activation was associated with higher incremental theory of emotion and more frequent use of cognitive reappraisal. Conclusions Findings suggest that culture may shape how individuals perceive and engage in emotion regulation, and ultimately, the neural mechanisms underlying emotion regulation. (PsycINFO Database Record
Environmental Inequality and Pollution Advantage among Immigrants in the United States.

Abstract Environmental inequality scholarship has paid little attention to the disproportional exposure of immigrants in the United States (U.S.) to unfavorable environmental conditions. This study investigates whether new international migrants in the U.S. are exposed to environmental hazards and how this pattern varies among immigrant subpopulations (e.g., Hispanics, Asian, European). We combine sociodemographic information from the American Community Survey with toxicity-weighted chemical concentrations (Toxics Release Inventory) to model the relationship between toxin exposure and the relative population of recent immigrants across Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs, n = 2054) during 2005–2011. Results from spatial panel models show that immigrants tend to be less exposed to toxins, suggesting resilience instead of vulnerability. This pattern was pronounced among immigrants from Europe and Latin America (excluding Mexico). However, our results revealed that Mexican immigrants are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards in wealthy regions.