cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Studies of Lanthanides(III) Complexation with Polyamines in Dimethyl Sulfoxide

The thermodynamic parameters of complexation of Ln(III) cations with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) and tetraethylenepentamine (tetren) were determined in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by potentiometry and calorimetry. The excitation and emission spectra and luminescence decay constants of Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexed by tren and tetren, as well as those of the same lanthanides(III) complexed with diethylenetriamine (dien) and triethylenetetramine (trien), were also obtained in the same solvent. The combination of thermodynamic and spectroscopic data showed that, in the 1:1 complexes, all nitrogens of the ligands are bound to the lanthanides except in the case of tren, in which the pendant N is bound. For the larger ligands (trien, tren, tetren) in the higher complexes (ML2), there was less complete binding by available donors, presumably due to steric crowding. FT-IR studies were carried out in an acetonitrile/DMSO mixture, suitably chosen to follow the changes in the primary solvation sphere of lanthanide(III) d...
A new method to assess liquid distributor quality

Abstract Liquid distributors are a key component to optimal performance in packed distillation columns. Their design is commonly based on the drip point density. For modern baffle plate distributors, however this is not appropriate, because the liquid is delivered to the packing in form of drip lines rather than drip points. This problem can be eliminated by analyzing the liquid distribution below the first layer of packing. The ratio of wetted to total geometrical surface is used as a quantitative measure (Wetting Index) to describe distributor performance. It allows comparing different distributor systems, e.g. those with conventional drip points and those with drip lines. The Wetting Index depends on the geometry of the outlet system, the orientation of the distributor relative to the packing and the packing geometry.
Facile conversion of aptamers into sensors using a 2'-ribose-linked fluorophore.

In vitro selection can be used to identify nucleic acid receptors, called aptamers, that bind diverse small molecule targets. Aptamers therefore represent an attractive platform for creating sensors. Here, we report a straightforward, semi-rational approach for converting arbitrary aptamers into reagentless, single fluorophore biosensors. The local electrostatic environment at the 2‘-ribose position is exquisitely sensitive to whether a nucleotide is conformationally restrained or not. Thus, by tethering an environmentally sensitive fluorescent group at an appropriate 2‘-ribose group, we are able to generically detect ligand-induced conformational changes in aptamers. Three aptamers, including one for which no significant structural information can be inferred, were converted into robust small molecule sensors that function well in simple buffers, human urine, and bovine blood serum.
Minimum error entropy estimation and entropic prediction filtering: An optimal predictive coding scheme

The minimum error entropy (MEE) estimation problem on discrete, finite, or countably infinite ensembles of arbitrary statistical nature is considered. A combinatorial approach is taken to solve the minimization problem. The solution is obtained in algorithmic form. The numerical complexity of the MEE algorithm is analyzed. An entropic prediction filtering (EPF) coding scheme that utilizes the MEE algorithm to minimize the per symbol error entropy is introduced. Simulation has shown that the EPF can effectively be used to reduce the average codeword length required to encode data. Other applications of the MEE algorithm in signal interpolation and extrapolation are also discussed.
Patterns of nanotechnology innovation and governance within a metropolitan area

The present study employs a real-time, practice-oriented, and place-based approach to dissect the process of nanotechnology innovation in support of novel governance schemes. The research question is: What are actors specifically doing in the process of nanotechnology innovation in a metropolitan area, and what are enabling and constraining drivers that could be leveraged for novel governance approaches? The study presents results from 45 interviews and a synthesis workshop with actors from academia, industry, government, and the civil society in Phoenix. Results show that actors follow preconceived mental models of innovation with the primary objective to deploy profitable commercial or military products. The dominant network actors are academics, industry, and government funding agencies. The network is divided along product-based sectors with few cross-sector linkages. Considerable governmental support for entrepreneurs and for academic research via the National Nanotechnology Initiative enables nanotechnology innovation in the early stages. Market failures and corporate barriers, however, constrain the value proposition in later phases. There is novelty in the nanotechnology products; yet, little attention is paid to consumer input, adverse effects, or broader public value generation.
Current penile-rehabilitation strategies: Clinical evidence

We review the current strategies used for penile rehabilitation (PR) after a radical prostatectomy, where PR is defined as the attempt to restore spontaneous erectile function so that the patient can generate erections with no need for erectile aids. We searched PubMed for relevant reports, using the keywords 'radical prostatectomy', 'penile rehabilitation', 'phosphodiesterase inhibitors', 'vacuum erection device', 'injection therapy', 'urethral suppository', and 'erectile dysfunction'. In all, 155 articles were identified and reviewed, and had a level of evidence ranging from 1b-4. The use of PR strategies should be based on the patient's goals after a thorough explanation of realistic expectations, and the risks and consequences of the various treatment options. While a multitude of studies suggest a benefit with PR strategies, there are no established, proven regimens. Further research is needed to establish the optimal approaches to PR.
Fatigue performance and cyclic softening of F82H, a ferritic-martensitic steel

Abstract The room temperature fatigue performance of F82H has been examined. The fatigue life was determined in a series of strain-controlled tests where the stress level was monitored as a function of the number of accrued cycles. Fatigue lives in the range of 10 3 to 10 6 cycles to failure were examined. The fatigue performance was found to be controlled primarily by the elastic strain range over most of the range of fatigue lives examined. Only at low fatigue lives did the plastic strain range contribute to the response. However, when the significant plastic strain did contribute, the material showed a tendency to cyclically soften. That is, the load carrying capability of the material degrades with accumulated fatigue cycles. The overall fatigue performance of the F82H alloy was found to be similar to other advanced martensitic steels, but lower than more common low alloy steels which posses lower yield strengths.
Effect of parental age on fertilization and pregnancy characteristics in couples treated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection

The purpose of this study was to investigate any influence of maternal and/or paternal age on gamete characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. In all, 821 consecutive ICSI cases were analysed retrospectively. While a significant linear decline in semen volume was detected, no significant differences in the concentration, motility or morphology of the spermatozoa were found with paternal ageing. A significant decline in the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of mature oocytes obtained was found with advancing maternal age. An increase in the occurrence of digyny was noted with parental ageing, while no difference in single or bipronuclear fertilization was found. Older women had a decreased incidence of single pronucleus formation and an increase in digyny, but no significant difference in the percentage of oocytes that underwent two-pronuclear fertilization was detected with regard to maternal ageing. Pregnancy outcomes were not influenced by the age of the male partner, while a strong negative correlation was found with maternal ageing. To better analyse male partner ageing as a factor affecting pregnancy outcome, we analysed a subgroup of patients with a female partner aged <35 years who underwent ICSI. No paternal influence on ICSI pregnancy outcome was found in this subgroup of patients. We conclude that the influence on pregnancy outcome after ICSI is related mostly to maternal and not paternal age.
State "technical assistance programs" for nursing home quality improvement: variations and potential implications.

To improve nursing home quality, many states have developed “technical assistance programs” that provide on-site consultation and training for nursing facility staff. We conducted a national survey on these state programs to collect data on program design, operations, financing, and perceived effectiveness. As of 2010, 17 states had developed such programs. Compared to existing state nursing home quality regulations, these programs represent a collaborative, rather than enforcement-oriented, approach to quality. However, existing programs vary substantially in key structural features such as staffing patterns, funding levels, and relationship with state survey and certification agencies. Perceived effectiveness by program officials on quality was high, although few states have performed formal evaluations. Perceived barriers to program effectiveness included lack of appropriate staff and funding, among others. In conclusion, state technical assistance programs for nursing homes vary in program design and ...
The Cause of Atherosclerosis

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The question of nepotism in the award of Nobel prizes: a critique of the view of Hans Krebs.

Abstract While reviewing his development as a scientist, in 1967, Hans Krebs traced his scientific geneology to the von Baeyer ‘family’. Almost every other member of this scientific family became a Nobel laureate. Krebs was of the opinion that there was no nepotism in the selection of the Nobel awards. This paper presents evidence, based on the recently released census of Nobel nominees and nominators for the chemistry prize between 1901 and 1937, that the von Baeyer ‘family’ of scientists had in fact practised a sort of ‘nomination-nepotism’.
African Studies Association of the United States

This Association was founded in 1958 as a meeting point for all American scholars seriously interested in African affairs, and it is now one of the most active organisations in the field. African study in the United States started much earlier, with the pioneering field work of Melville Herskovits, the interest of Lincoln University in the education of young Africans, and the first steps by W. E. B. Du Bois to create a Pan-African movement. During World War II, there were attempts to organise an international conference on Africa. Most academic interest, however, dates from the late 1940's, when the Carnegie Corporation of New York extended its programme of grants to universities for area studies to include the African field, gave funds for fellowships and sent groups of mature scholars to Africa for ‘look-see’ tours. In the 1950's, the Ford Foundation made major grants to Northwestern, Boston, and Howard Universities, and established a field training fellowship programme under which a majority of the younger Africanists now active in the United States have been trained. Other university programmes have followed; there are now more than 20.
Banker plants: evaluation of release strategies for predatory mites.

Abstract Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are among the most injurious pests of commercial landscape plant nurseries. The introduction of predaceous mites (Phytoseiidae) into nursery crops for control of spider mites can be an effective alternative to pesticides. We sought to evaluate the use of banker plants as a method of rearing and dispersing predatory mites for the control of spider mites in landscape nursery systems. Banker plants include any plant addition that aids in development and dispersal of predators for control of herbivorous pests. Addition of the predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) into spider mite infested arborvitae and rhododendron banker plants held in replicated greenhouse cubicles resulted in more predatory mites dispersing to spider mite infested plants downwind than were originally inoculated. To improve persistence and subsequent dispersal of predatory mites in an arborvitae banker plant, we evaluated the use of adding supplemental prey (spider mites) and applying a portion o...
Fully Integrated Thermoplastic Genosensor for the Highly Sensitive Detection and Identification of Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis†

Infectious diseases are a major global health burden accounting for approximately 15 million deaths annually, many from drug resistant pathogenic agents, with a significant number of cases occurring in developing countries.[1–7] In particular, the resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) has been accompanied by the rapid spread of multi-drug resistance TB (MDR-TB) resulting from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains that fail to respond to the first-line drugs, rifampin and isoniazid. Currently, <5% of ~0.5 million MDR-TB cases estimated globally are appropriately diagnosed and treated due in part to the long assay turnaround time associated with conventional culture-based drug susceptibility testing.[8]
Few-key text entry revisited: mnemonic gestures on four keys

We present a new 4-key text entry method that, unlike most few-key methods, is gestural instead of selection-based. Importantly, its gestures mimic the writing of Roman letters for high learnability. We compare this new 4-key method to predominant 3-key and 5-key methods theoretically using KSPC and empirically using a longitudinal study of 5 subjects over 10 sessions. The study includes an evaluation of the 4-key method without any on-screen visualization-an impossible condition for the selection-based methods. Our results show that the new 4-key method is quickly learned, becoming faster than the 3-key and 5-key methods after just ~10 minutes of writing, although it produces more errors. Interestingly, removing a visualization of the gestures being made causes no detriment to the 4-key method, which is an advantage for eyes-free text entry.
Acute stress enhances while chronic stress suppresses skin immunity. The role of stress hormones and leukocyte trafficking.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions are antigen-specific, cell-mediated immune responses that, depending on the antigen, mediate beneficial (resistance to viruses, bacteria, fungi) or harmful (allergic dermatitis, autoimmunity) aspects of immunity. Contrary to the widely held notion that stress is immunosuppressive, we have shown that under certain conditions, stress can enhance immune function. DTH reactions can be studied in rats or mice by challenging the pinnae of previously sensitized animals with antigen. Studies have shown that acute stress administered immediately before antigen exposure significantly enhances skin DTH. In contrast, chronic stress significantly suppresses skin DTH. Stress-induced changes in leukocyte distribution may contribute to these bidirectional effects of stress, since acute stress induces a significant mobilization of leukocytes from the blood to the skin, whereas chronic stress suppresses leukocyte mobilization. In order to identify the hormonal mediators of the observed effects of stress, we first showed that adrenalectomy (ADX) eliminates the stress-induced enhancement of DTH. Acute administration (to ADX animals) of low doses of corticosterone and/or epinephrine significantly enhances skin DTH. In contrast, acute administration of high doses of corticosterone, low doses of dexamethasone, or chronic administration of moderate doses of corticosterone, suppress skin DTH. Thus, the timing and duration of stress may significantly affect the nature (enhancing versus suppressive) of the effects of stress on skin immune function. These results suggest that during acute stress, stress hormones may help enhance immune function by informing the immune system about impending challenges (e.g., wounding or infection) that may be imposed by a stressor (e.g., an aggressor). Thus, during acute stress, the brain may send a warning signal to the immune system, just as it does to other fight/flight systems in the body.
Domiciliary metaproterenol nebulization: a bacteriologic survey.

Abstract We wanted to determine whether domiciliary jet nebulization (DJN) leads to contamination of the equipment with fungi or aerobic bacteria and, eventually, to respiratory colonization or pneumonia in daily users of the equipment. We surveyed from this standpoint 23 veterans 65 ± 10.1 years of age, present or former smokers, treated with steroids more than 7 months in the year preceding the survey, and with FEV 1 /FVC of 42 ± 11%; they all were daily users of the equipment, diluting the metaproterenol solution with nonbacteriostatic saline dispensed in multiple-dose bottles of 500 to 1000 ml (protocol 1 [P 1 ]). After this protocol was completed, the large saline bottles were replaced by 20 cc vials; 11/23 completed 1 year of this treatment (protocol 2 [P 2 ]). Equipment contamination was checked in all initial 23 patients after one-time nebulization in the laboratory with fresh material (protocol 3 [P 3 ]). We found that DJN leads to equipment contamination in 20/23 subjects of P 1 and 3/11 subjects of p 2 ; saline bottles and the nebulizer were the most frequently contaminated items (32/41 equipment items in P 1 and 10/55 in P 2 ). The contamination was predominantly bacterial with oropharyngeal saprophytes (19 in p 1 , 0 in P 2 ) or gram-negative bacilli (47 in P 1 , 8 in P 2 ). Bacterial growth was heavier in P 1 than in P 2 . During P 3 , three equipment items became contaminated in 3/23 subjects; the flora was oropharyngeal. No patient developed respiratory colonization or developed pneumonia during 9000 patient days of DJN. We conclude (1) that DJN frequently contaminates the nebulization equipment, but even in patients with deficient defense mechanisms, it does not produce respiratory colonization or pneumonia, (2) that saline is the major culprit in contamination, apparently in proportion with the number of bottle manipulations and storage duration of used bottles, and (3) that as a clean technique of jet nebulization leads to negligible contamination, it is feasible to decrease contamination in DJN by appropriate precautions.
Spatial choice and constraints on behavior

ABSTRACT This paper first examines the reasons for the limited success of empirical studies of movement behavior in documenting a consistent relationship between spatial behavior and its psychological antecedents. It then proposes an integrated conceptual framework to incorporate the mediating and determining role of constraints on spatial behavior. It is argued that acceptance of the implicit assumptions of utility maximization and volitional control has encouraged an undue emphasis on the attitudinal determinants of behavior to the detriment of its nonattitudinal components. Thus, model misspecification has compounded the inferential problems stemming from conceptual and operational ambiguities, from spatial aggregation, and from excessive dependence on a narrow range of linear models. By providing a flexible foundation for the reconceptualization of the processes underlying spatial decision making, recent developments in attitude theory are pointing the way toward redressing this imbalance in research ...
LexNet: A Graphical Environment for Graph-Based NLP

This interactive presentation describes LexNet, a graphical environment for graph-based NLP developed at the University of Michigan. LexNet includes LexRank (for text summarization), biased LexRank (for passage retrieval), and TUMBL (for binary classification). All tools in the collection are based on random walks on lexical graphs, that is graphs where different NLP objects (e.g., sentences or phrases) are represented as nodes linked by edges proportional to the lexical similarity between the two nodes. We will demonstrate these tools on a variety of NLP tasks including summarization, question answering, and prepositional phrase attachment.
EFFECTS OF STIMULUS CUEING ON THE ACQUISITION OF GROUNDSTROKES BY BEGINNING TENNIS PLAYERS

A multiple baseline design was used to examine the effects of stimulus self-cueing on the acquisition of forehand and backhand returns by beginning tennis players (N = 24). A four-step verbal cueing program was introduced during intervention. Both the use of the technique and the successful number of returns were recorded. Each group showed an acceleration in skill acquisition during intervention, with both forehand and backhand returns improving over 45% from baseline conditions. Implications for the teaching of beginning tennis skills are discussed.
A Discussion of Knowledge Based Design

A discussion of knowledge and Knowledge-Based design as related to the design of aircraft is presented. The paper discusses the perceived problem with existing design studies and introduces the concepts of design and knowledge for a Knowledge-Based design system. A review of several Knowledge-Based design activities is provided. A Virtual Reality, Knowledge-Based system is proposed and reviewed. The feasibility of Virtual Reality to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aerodynamic and multidisciplinary design, evaluation, and analysis of aircraft through the coupling of virtual reality technology and a Knowledge-Based design system is also reviewed. The final section of the paper discusses future directions for design and the role of Knowledge-Based design.
A modular low dead-time coincidence system for high-resolution PET cameras

A high-resolution-oncologic-transformable PET (HOTPET) is currently under development. The detector ring of the camera consists of 12 detector modules. Because the High-Yield-Pile-Up-Event-Recovery (HYPER) front-end electronics is applied in this new generation PET camera, a low dead-time coincidence circuitry is needed to take advantage of the efficiency improvement from this new technology. The coincidence matching of events coming from different detector modules is performed by an AND-logic on the arriving edges of the module output timing-pulses. A flexible modular architecture has been adopted to facilitate the use of the coincidence circuitry for different detector module configurations as well as different electronic and mechanical implementation. The application of backplane/plug-in architecture and programmable devices (EPLD/FPGA) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) provide enough reprogrammable flexibility and expandability, ranging from animal and breast PET to whole-body PET. There are 42 possible pair combinations of modules derived from maximum 12 detector modules in coincidence with 7 opposite modules. Both the total (true + accidental) and accidental coincidences are simultaneously collected in real time; the accidental timing shift is /spl ges/200ns relative to true events. The timing-gate window for the coincidence AND-logic can be dynamically digitally adjusted during data acquisition between 6.5-16ns to optimize signal/noise in the data. The prototype circuit showed that the timing accuracy is far better than 0.5ns and the coincidence dead-time is less than 21ns.
A multimedia interhospital communications system for medical consultations

The authors present a study whose main objective has been to explore the use of high-bandwidth multimedia communications technology for medical applications physically distributed among hospitals, that is to say an interhospital multimedia communications system. The design and development issues of a prototype are described, as well as the results of an in-field trial. From the results of this trial, a performance study has been developed for evaluating the expected communications requirements of a large-scale configuration of the system. >
A constructive approach to distributed source coding with symmetric rates

We propose encoding and decoding methods based on linear codes, to achieve all the integral points in the rate region of Slepian-Wolf (1973) problem. The extension of these concepts to the construction of Euclidean-space codes is also studied and analyzed for the case of trellis codes.
Solidification/stabilization for remediation of wood preserving sites: Treatment for dioxins, PCP, creosote, and metals

This article discusses the use of solidification/stabilization (S/S) to treat soils contaminated with organic and inorganic chemicals at wood preserving sites. Solidification is defined for this article as making a material into a freestanding solid. Stabilization is defined as making the contaminants of concern nonmobile as determined from a leaching test. S/S then combines both properties. For more information on S/S in general the reader should refer to other publications (Connors, J.R. [1990]). Chemical fixation and solidification of hazardous wastes. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold; US Environmental Protection Agency. [1993a]. Engineering bulletin solidification/stabilization of organics and inorganics (EPA/540/S-92/015); Wiles, C.C. [1989]. Solidification and stabilization technology. In H.M. Freeman [Ed.], Standard handbook of hazardous waste treatment and disposal. New York: McGraw Hill) as this article addresses only wood preserving sites and assumes basic knowledge of S/S processes. For a more general discussion of wood preserving sites and some other remedial options, the reader may wish to refer to a previous EPA publication (US Environmental Protection Agency. [1992a]. Contaminants and remedial options at wood preserving sites [EPA/600/R-92/182]). This article includes data from the successful remediation of a site with mixed organic/inorganic contaminants, remediation of a site with organic contaminants, and detailed treatability study results from four sites for which successful formulations were developed. Included are pre- and post-treatment soil characterization data, site vaines. ileizdot- names (in some cases), treatment formulas used (generic aridproprietary), costs, recommendations, and citatioiis to inore detailed refer- en ces. The data presen ted iiidica te that dioxins, pentachlorophepi 01 (PCP), creosote, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbom (PAHsI, and metals can be treated at moderate cost by the use of S/S techuologp.
Light Z' Bosons at the Tevatron

New gauge bosons with standard model-like couplings to leptons are constrained by collider searches to be heavier than approximately $\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$. A ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson with suppressed couplings to leptons, however, could be much lighter and possess substantial couplings to standard model quarks. In this article, we consider a new leptophobic ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ gauge boson as a simple and well-motivated extension of the standard model, and discuss several of its possible signatures at the Tevatron. We find that three of the recent anomalies reported from the Tevatron---in particular, the top-quark forward-backward asymmetry and excesses in the $3b$ and $W+2$ jets final states---could be explained by a new ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ with a mass of approximately 150 GeV, relatively large couplings to quarks, and suppressed couplings to electrons and muons. Moreover, we find that such a particle could also mediate the interactions of dark matter, leading to potentially interesting implications for direct detection experiments.
Psycholegal Research on the Fourth Amendment

This article discusses the application of psychological theory and research on attributions, interpersonal relationships, and human territorial functioning to issues and assumptions in the law of searches and seizures, in particular, searches not based on a warrant, but on consent by the suspect or an appropriate third party, such as the suspect's spouse.
Why Not Reliabilism

When I was a graduate student I would have gone to great lengths to talk with Keith Lehrer about epistemology. In fact, I did! Hearing that Lehrer would be talking at my alma mater, Georgetown University, I drove down to Washington D.C. from Providence, listened to his talk, and got myself invited to dinner. Much to the Georgetown students’ horror, and probably Lehrer’s as well, I proceeded to monopolize his time with my questions and commentary. (Sorry about that, Keith.) In any case, it is a great honor for me now to be invited to engage Lehrer more formally and more appropriately. I very much appreciate this opportunity.
Elaborating on theory with middle managers' experience implementing healthcare innovations in practice.

The theory of middle managers’ role in implementing healthcare innovations hypothesized that middle managers influence implementation effectiveness by fulfilling the following four roles: diffusing information, synthesizing information, mediating between strategy and day-to-day activities, and selling innovation implementation. The theory also suggested several activities in which middle managers might engage to fulfill the four roles. The extent to which the theory aligns with middle managers’ experience in practice is unclear. We surveyed middle managers (n = 63) who attended a nursing innovation summit to (1) assess alignment between the theory and middle managers’ experience in practice and (2) elaborate on the theory with examples from middle managers’ experience overseeing innovation implementation in practice. Middle managers rated all of the theory’s hypothesized four roles as “extremely important” but ranked diffusing and synthesizing information as the most important and selling innovation implementation as the least important. They reported engaging in several activities that were consistent with the theory’s hypothesized roles and activities such as diffusing information via meetings and training. They also reported engaging in activities not described in the theory such as appraising employee performance. Middle managers’ experience aligned well with the theory and expanded definitions of the roles and activities that it hypothesized. Future studies should assess the relationship between hypothesized roles and the effectiveness with which innovations are implemented in practice. If evidence supports the theory, the theory should be leveraged to promote the fulfillment of hypothesized roles among middle managers, doing so may promote innovation implementation.
Analog Magnitudes Support Large Number Ordinal Judgments in Infancy

Few studies have explored the source of infants' ordinal knowledge, and those that have are equivocal regarding the underlying representational system. The present study sought clear evidence that the approximate number system, which underlies children's cardinal knowledge, may also support ordinal knowledge in infancy; 10 - to 12-month-old infants' were tested with large sets (>3) in an ordinal choice task in which they were asked to choose between two hidden sets of food items. The difficulty of the comparison varied as a function of the ratio between the sets. Infants reliably chose the greater quantity when the sets differed by a 2:3 ratio (4v6 and 6v9), but not when they differed by a 3:4 ratio (6v8) or a 7:8 ratio (7v8). This discrimination function is consistent with previous studies testing the precision of number and time representations in infants of roughly this same age, thus providing evidence that the approximate number system can support ordinal judgments in infancy. The findings are discussed in light of recent proposals that different mechanisms underlie infants' reasoning about small and large numbers.
A Methodology for Characterizing Brittle Fracture of Solid Waste Forms in Accidental Impacts

A general method for characterizing the major practical effects of accidental impacts on waste packages and for evaluation of scale-model tests has been partially developed. Impact fracture of brittle waste forms has been shown elsewhere to produce particulates whose size distributions are described by the lognormal probability distribution. The model proposed for fragment generation involves the transformation of impact (kinetic) energy into elastic strain energy which is followed by fracture and energy dissipation into heat by the fracture particulates. The peak stresses developing during compressions are approximated as a function of time using elastic theory for a wide range of practical impact conditions for typical (glass) waste forms. The proposed methodology requires experimental validation in terms of correlation of stress and energy parameters with particulate parameters describing the results of fracture. Two kinds of preliminary correlations are presented: (1) calculations of stress parameters for a range of impact conditions; and (2) averages of particulate parameters obtained in standard impact tests.
Visualizing trans-infection

A fuller understanding of how a virus establishes infection should help in developing approaches that minimize the associated pathology. On page 563 in this issue, Sewald et al. ( 1 ) succeed in visualizing interactions between retroviruses and cells within the immune tissues of live mice. This is exciting and notable for two reasons. It provides visual insights into the earliest steps leading to systemic infection in a living animal. Additionally, it demonstrates that multiple modes of infection can be used by a virus during dissemination. The observations described begin to reveal the complex steps that a virus must take to establish systemic infection.
Amino acid supplementation of meat meal in lysine-fortified, corn-based diets for growing-finishing pigs.

Three experiments involving 320 Yorkshire x Hampshire pigs were conducted to assess the effects of L-tryptophan additions to meat meal-supplemented, corn-based diets on rate and efficiency of growth of growing-finishing pigs. The meat meal used in Exp. 1 and 2 was a blend from two sources and that used in Exp. 3 was from a single source. A fortified corn-soybean meal basal diet (13.3% CP during the growing stage; 11.7 or 12.0% CP during the finishing stage), supplemented with .15 to .20% lysine (as L-lysine.HCl), was fed in each experiment. This diet was formulated to be adequate in dietary lysine (.75 to .80% during the growing stage; .65 to .71% during the finishing stage). Meat meal was added at 5 to 10% and was substituted for corn and soybean meal on a lysine basis. Diets containing meat meal were then supplemented with various levels (0 to .05%) of L-tryptophan. Levels of Ca and P were approximately the same across treatments, with levels based on the amounts provided by the highest level of meat meal in the diets. The pigs initially averaged 24, 29, and 45 kg of BW in the three experiments, and they were on test until they reached market weight (93 to 101 kg of BW). Pigs were switched from the growing to the finishing diet at 57 and 61 kg in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Feed intake, growth rate, and efficiency of feed utilization were reduced when meat meal was included in the diet, particularly at the higher dietary inclusion (10%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stylistic Experiments: ‘The Ruffian on the Stair’, ‘Funeral Games’, ‘Until She Screams’

I have put together two short plays by Orton, The Ruffian on the Stair and Funeral Games, and the brief sketch, Until She Screams, because all three are stylistic experiments that are not entirely successful. It might be useful to consider what went wrong in each of these attempts. The Ruffian on the Stair, written in 1963 and broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in 1964, was Orton’s first performed work. Funeral Games dates from 1966, between Loot (1964–6) and What the Butler Saw (1967) — in other words, at the height of Orton’s career. Until She Screams, published in Evergreen Review in 1970, is a very slight pornographic skit, lightly revised from The Patient Dowager of 1960.
Could Weak Neutral Currents Have Determined Biological Chirality

One of the most notable examples of broken symmetry in nature is the chirality of all terrestrial biochemistry. Chemical chirality exists because complex molecules, in particular organic molecules, are in general not superposable on their mirror images. Thus most of the amino acids can exist in either a left- (L) or right-handed (D) form. However the functional proteins in nature are virtually all composed of exclusively the L amino acids. In terms of their chemical properties the L and D molecules are effectively identical, so an all D system would function equally well. Now, non-biological syntheses of amino acids in general produce equal amounts of D and L; in particular the chemical environment from which life evolved was probably without any particular chirality. So the origin of life must have involved the breaking of chiral symmetry. How this happened is a question which many people have speculated about, starting notably with Louis PASTEUR [1].
Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide after Bone Marrow Transplantation Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Donor-Derived Malignancy

Abstract Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) can be used for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis alone or in combination with other agents and is associated with excellent rates of engraftment and acute and chronic GVHD, as well as absence of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease. No study has previously evaluated the risk for developing donor-derived malignancy (DDM) in patients who receive PTCy. Giving chemotherapy in the immediate post-transplantation period carries with it a theoretic risk of disturbing the graft at a time of increased hematopoietic stress and causing or accelerating the development of malignancy. From 2000 to 2011, 789 patients underwent allogeneic transplantation and received PTCy at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. There were 4 cases of DDM identified among this large population, which is similar to or below the rate of DDM published in the literature. We found that the estimated cumulative incidence by competing risk analysis of DDM is 1.4% (SE, 1.02%). The use of PTCy does not appear to increase the risk of DDM.
Differentiating Middle Ear and Medial Olivocochlear Effects on Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions

The response of the inner ear is modulated by the middle ear muscle (MEM) and olivocochlear (OC) efferent systems. Both systems can be activated reflexively by acoustic stimuli delivered to one or both ears. The acoustic middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR) controls the transmission of acoustic signals through the middle ear, while reflex activation of the medial component of the olivocochlear system (the MOCR) modulates cochlear mechanics. The relative prominence of the two efferent systems varies widely between species. Measuring the effect of either of these systems can be confounded by simultaneously activating the other. We describe a simple, sensitive online method that can identify the effects both systems have on otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) evoked by transient stimuli such as clicks or tone pips (TEOAEs). The method detects directly in the time domain the changes in the stimulus and/or emission pressures caused by contralateral noise. Measurements in human participants are consistent with other reports that the threshold for MOCR activation is consistently lower than for MEMR. The method appears to control for drift and subject-generated noise well enough to avoid the need for post hoc processing, making it promising for application in animal experiments (even if awake) and in the hearing clinic.
Leveraging Twitter to Maximize the Radiology Meeting Experience.

Abstract Over recent years, social media engagement has proliferated among physicians, health care systems, scientific journals, professional societies, and patients. In radiology, Twitter (Twitter Inc, San Francisco, California) has rapidly become the preferred social media engagement tool and is now an essential activity at many large radiology society meetings. Twitter offers a versatile, albeit simple, platform for anyone interested in engaging with others, regardless of title, stature, or geography. In radiology and other medical specialties, year-after-year increases in Twitter engagement before, during, and after professional society meetings continue with widespread positive feedback. This short-form messaging tool also allows users to connect and interact with high-impact individuals and organizations on an ongoing basis (rather than once a year during large meetings). Through live-polling, Twitter also has the power to gather global opinions on issues highly relevant to radiology's future, such as the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) or breast cancer screening. Also increasingly popular is "live-tweeting" of curated meeting content, which makes information from the meeting accessible to a global audience. Despite the promise of growing professional networks and enabling discussions that cross geographic boundaries, the risks of Twitter use during radiology meetings must be recognized and mitigated. These include posting of unpublished data without consent (eg, slide content captured on camera phones), propagation of misinformation, and copyright infringement. Despite these issues and with an eye towards professionalism, Twitter can nonetheless be used effectively to increase engagement among radiologists, radiology societies, and patients.
Who are the public equity holders? partners needed in Philadelphia and baltimore for urban sustainability

The Great Recession has strained governments at all levels and presented cities, especially formerly industrial cities, with nearlyunprecedented budgetary challenges. This paper examines the long-termimplications for infrastructure maintenance and service provision ofunfavorable economic and demographic trends in Philadelphia andBaltimore. The concept of the public equity holder, which borrows a term forpublic finance from corporate finance, introduces a category of potentialcontributors to the capital deficit undermining urban sustainability. Theconcept is illustrated by a case study of the two cities to explore howcandidate public equity holders, including taxpayers, nonprofits, and publicemployees, may contribute. Resulting from this research are identifiablefactors, particularly patience and risk tolerance, which have led to orimpeded partnerships promoting urban sustainability and will provide thefoundation for broader future study
How Persuasive Are Health Advertisements in First-Person Shooter Games? Exploring Knowledge-Activation and Thought-Disruption Mechanisms

This study examined whether persuasive health messages embedded in shooter games have broad or targeted effects on players’ willingness to engage in risk behaviors (N = 145). Participants presented...
The fear of needles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of needle fear and summarize the characteristics of individuals who exhibit this fear. Background Injections are among the most common medical procedures, yet fear of needles can result in avoidance of preventive measures and treatment. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources MEDLINE (1966-2017), Embase (1947-2017), PsycINFO (1967-2017), and CINAHL (1961-2017) were searched, with no restrictions by age, gender, race, language, or country. Review methods The prevalence of needle fear was calculated and restricted maximum likelihood random effects models were used for meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results The search yielded 119 original research articles which are included in this review, of which 35 contained sufficient information for meta-analysis. The majority of children exhibited needle fear, while prevalence estimates for needle fear ranged from 20-50% in adolescents and 20-30% in young adults. In general, needle fear decreased with increasing age. Both needle fear and needle phobia were more prevalent in females than males. Avoidance of influenza vaccination because of needle fear occurred in 16% of adult patients, 27% of hospital employees, 18% of workers at long-term care facilities, and 8% of healthcare workers at hospitals. Needle fear was common when undergoing venipuncture, blood donation, and in those with chronic conditions requiring injection. Conclusions Fear of needles is common in patients requiring preventive care and in those undergoing treatment. Greater attention should be directed to interventions which alleviate fear in high-risk groups.
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS MODULATE LIPOPROTEIN(A)-ASSOCIATED CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN OPTIMALLY-TREATED PATIENTS WITH HIGH-RISK VASCULAR DISEASE

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetic risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: CV death/nonfatal myocardial infarction/stroke). Whether inflammation can modulate Lp(a)-associated cardiovascular (CV) risk during secondary prevention is unknown ACCELERATE was a randomized multicenter
Influenced by Microgravity: The Development of Half-Scale Body Forms for Intravehicular Activity (IVA) Suit Design

Vurushan and Ashdown (2017) demonstrated how full body 3D scanning of active body poses can be used to develop “watertight” digital models and half-scale dress forms to facilitate design, pattern making and fit analyses. For this research project, Vurushan and Ashdown’s method was modified to develop dress forms, for a graduate student’s MS thesis project, focusing on Intravehicular Activity (IVA) apparel, using NASA’s “Man-Systems Integration Standards,” body position.
Effect of Gender, Age, and Profound Disease on Upper Airway Stimulation Outcomes.

Objective:To evaluate treatment outcomes of upper airway stimulation (UAS) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients based on patient age, gender, and preoperative disease severity.Methods:Retrospe...
Complex Sentences in an Elementary Science Curriculum: A Research Note

Purpose Elementary school students are expected to participate in science learning settings that place high demands on skill with certain types of grammatical structures, including complex sentence...
Academic oncologists’ attitudes and practices regarding the care of cancer patients at the end of life

8572 Background: Despite the fact that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US and represents the most frequent diagnosis among hospice patients, little is known about the factors tha...
Mental illness on Instagram: a mixed method study to characterize public content, sentiments, and trends of antidepressant use.

Background: Individuals with mental illness use social media to share treatment experiences and anecdotal information. Despite the significant impact of social media on individuals with mental illn...