cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of obesity.

Imagine, for a moment, that the United States was involved in an epidemic that spread so quickly that within 15 years, it affected 23 million people and accounted for seven times the mortality of vehicle accidents. And imagine that this disease was associated with an increase in the most costly illnesses, including diabetes, heart failure, arthritis, and cancer. Then finally consider that effective treatment was available, in fact several forms of that treatment, and that only 0.5% of those afflicted had access to it. That is the challenge confronting bariatric surgery today. This article will familiarize the reader with the types of weight reduction surgery practiced today and explain the risks and benefits of each. Morbid obesity: the indication for surgical intervention Morbid obesity is properly named. It is the most severe form of the disease and associated with the highest mortality and morbidity. The term morbid is applied when the body mass index (kg/m 2 ) exceeds 35. The 1991 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference on the Surgery of Obesity underscored the importance of this threshold with its declaration that diets, exercise, behavioral modification, and drugs are not effective in the morbidly obese. Based on that conclusion and a review of the therapies available at that time, the panelists concluded that gastrointestinal (GI) surgery may be the next step for people who remain severely obese after trying nonsurgical approaches, or for people who have an obesity-related disease. Candidates for surgery have:
Measurement of heavy ozone in the stratosphere

The distribution of heavy ozone (molecular mass 50) has been measured for the first time in the stratosphere with a mass spectrometer system. During a balloon descent after midnight on September 4, 1980, a pronounced enhancement of heavy ozone was found. The maximum in the isotopic ratio, (O-18)(O-16)2/(O-16)3, occurred at 32 km where the enhancement of heavy ozone was over 40%. The ratio decreased toward higher and lower altitudes, and reached the standard value below 24 km. These measurements confirm an earlier prediction that there exists a preferred production mechanism for heavy ozone in the stratosphere.
SFRP: A selective flooding-based routing protocol for clustered wireless sensor networks

Energy efficient routing in sensor networks has been of great interest in the research community. Cluster-based data collection using aggregation and routing is an effective way of improving energy efficiency in sensor networks. However most cluster-based routing protocols assume a CH-to-CH form of multi hop communications. This assumption may not be valid in typical application scenarios due to battery power and transmission range constraints, hence requiring some sort of gateway mechanisms between cluster heads. Incorporating and modifying the underlying concept of flooding in a clustered network implemented in CBRP, we propose a selective flooding-based routing protocol (SFRP) for multi hop routing; SFRP is specifically targeted at environmental monitoring applications, where sensor nodes typically form a spanning-tree structure rooted at a single sink node. Simulations show that the protocol has reduced control overhead thereby saving energy in the route formation phase.
Odds ratio and relative risk.

Excerpt To the Editor:Biomedical research is becoming sophisticated in applying the tools of epidemiology, but slips occasionally still occur. This was the case in the recent American College of Ph...
Spirituality@Work.Health

Abstract Spirituality is increasingly a topic of interest in America's workplaces. This article describes the impetus for deliberate inclusion of spirituality in worksite settings. Some existing spirituality initiatives used by employees and employers across America are highlighted and a four-component (convey, care, coach, and create) worksite spirituality leadership model, Spirituality@Work.Health, is presented for interested health educators who desire to become leaders in worksite spirituality.
Succeeding in China: cultural adjustments for Indian businesses

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a framework for understanding the differences in the cultures of China and India and to highlight the adjustments that will need to be made for Indian businesses to succeed in China.Design/methodology/approach – The use of historical background of cultures in India and China to define values, traditions and attitudes. Drawing conclusions based on this research in outlining areas where adjustments may help achieve success in business.Findings – Provides a list of adjustments that Indian businesses need to make to succeed in China.Research limitations/implications – The list is by no means exhaustive but serves as a starting point for empirical research on effectiveness of proposed adjustments.Practical implications – An extremely useful and practical source for Indian and global business executives planning to do business in China. An opportunity for academics to conduct follow‐up research.Originality/value – This paper serves as a guide and offers practical measures in...
Using technology to explore mathematical relationships: a framework for orienting mathematics courses for prospective teachers

The technological revolution that has finally permeated K-12 education has direct implications for modern teacher educators whose “Hippocratic oath” is to best prepare future teachers for twenty-first-century classrooms. The goal of this article is to suggest that the heart of sound technological implementation is to encourage students to use whatever tools are available to explain the mathematical relations that underlie what they observe on the screen. We suggest ways in which Mishra and Koehler’s construct of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge may be customized to provide a framework for guiding prospective teachers’ efforts to develop and assess lesson plans that use technology in novel and effective ways. Data are presented in the form of two contrasting case studies to illustrate the differing degrees to which prospective mathematics teachers leveraged technology to teach themselves and their future students to explain the mathematics behind various topics.
An architecture for virtual solution composition and deployment in infrastructure clouds

The combination of virtual server technology and the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) approach to utility computing promises to revolutionize the way in which distributed software services are deployed. Server virtualization technology can be used to capture complete reusable software stacks, shifting the complexity of middleware installation and configuration from deployment to packaging. IaaS clouds provide a set of interfaces for controlling virtual machines and configuring their hardware and network environment, substantially reducing the complexity of service provisioning. In this paper we identify and tackle a few of the remaining challenges in fulfilling the promise of radical simplification of distributed software service composition and deployment. We propose an approach and architecture for composition and deployment of virtual software services in cloud environments. We introduce a virtual appliance model which treats virtual images as building blocks for composite solutions. Virtual appliances use a port abstraction to negotiate their communication parameters. A solution architect creates a virtual solution model by composing virtual appliances and defining requirements on the environment in a cloud-independent manner. The virtual solution model is transformed to a cloud-specific virtual solution deployment model used to generate a parameterized deployment plan that can be executed by an unskilled user. We validated our approach through a prototype implementation demonstrating flexible composition and automated deployment in our local lab virtualization infrastructure and in Amazon EC2.
Structural properties of the string statistics problem

Abstract A suitably weighted Index Tree such as a B-tree or a Suffix Tree can be easily adapted to store, for a given string x and for all substrings w of x, the number of distinct instances of w along x. The storage needed is seen to be linear in the length of x: moreover, the whole statistics can itself be derived in linear time, off-line of a RAM. If the substring w has nontrivial periods, however, the number of distinct instances might differ from that of distinct non-overlapping occurrences along x. It is shown here that O(n log n) storage units—n standing for the length of x—are sufficient to organize this second kind of statistics, in such a way that the maximum number of nonoverlapping instances for arbitrary w along x can be retrieved in a number of character comparisons not exceeding the length of w.
Strength and adaptability of problem-space based neighborhoods for resource-constrained scheduling

In this paper, Resource Constrained Scheduling (RCS) consists of scheduling activities on scarce resources, each activity may require more than one resource at a time, and each resource is available in the same quantity throughout the planning period. This paper described a methodology for RCS that can be easily adapted to consider different regular measures of performance. The solution approach is local search using a recent development published in the literature; namely, problem-space based neighborhoods. Computational results are encouraging when searching these spaces using simple local search techniques. Further improvements are explored through the use of a genetic algorithm. In both cases, close-to-optimal solutions are found for standard problems from the literature. The adaptability of the methodology is demonstrated using makespan and mean tardiness as performance measures.
The inclusion problem for simple languages

A deterministic pushdown acceptor is called a simple machine when it is restricted to have only one state, operate in real-time, and accept by empty store. While the existence of an effective procedure for deciding equivalence of languages accepted by these simple machines is well-known, it is shown that this family is powerful enough to have an undecidable inclusion problem. It follows that the inclusion problems for the LL(k) languages and the free monadic recursion schemes that do not use an identity function are also undecidable.
Comparative assessment of a metabolically attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum mutant as a live vaccine for the prevention of avian respiratory mycoplasmosis

In a previous study, signature sequence mutagenesis (SSM) was used to identify a mutant with a disruption of the gene encoding the metabolic factor, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, and that mutant was designated Mg 7. The current study assessed the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of Mg 7 in comparison to two commercially available vaccines (ts-11 and F) as well as a laboratory vaccine strain, GT5. Intratracheal vaccination of chickens with all four attenuated mutants induced varying levels of protection against intratracheal challenge with virulent Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain R(low). Mg 7 vaccinated chickens rapidly cleared the challenge strain, had lower histopathologic tracheal lesion scores when compared to unvaccinated chickens, and mounted a strong humoral anti-M. gallisepticum-specific IgG response. The IgG levels increased 2- to 3-fold upon R(low) challenge. Mg 7 induced a greater level of protection against intratracheal R(low) challenge than that observed with the other three attenuated strains, as evidenced by a lower recovery of R(low) from tracheas and lower histopathologic lesion scores in tracheas and air sacs. Based on these findings, Mg 7 appears to have good potential as a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of avian mycoplasmosis.
Rate laws in metamorphism

Abstract Once a new mineral has nucleated in a metamorphic rock, further growth generally involves three mechanisms, operating simultaneously: (1) diffusion of components; (2) supply of heat needed for chemical reactions; and (3) precipitation on the nucleus. The resulting structure can grow no faster than is permitted by the slowest mechanism, the rate-determining step. During growth, the relative rates of these mechanisms change systematically, so that metamorphic structures pass through a definite sequence of stages, each characterized by a different rate-determining step. Spherical structures tend to pass through three successive stages: (1) an initial reaction-controlled stage, in which growth is linearly proportional to time; (2) an intermediate diffusion-controlled stage, in which growth is proportional to the square root of time; and (3) a final heat-flow-controlled stage, with growth proportional to the cube root of time. Planar reaction zones follow a two-stage sequence beginning with either a reaction-controlled or a heat-flow-controlled stage, both characterized by linear growth laws; and culminating with a diffusion-controlled stage, in which growth is proportional to the square root of time. Estimated values of the kinetic coefficients governing each of these steps suggest that in most metamorphic processes the reaction-controlled stage will end long before the structure is large enough to detect, and that most growth will occur by either a heat-flow-controlled or diffusion-controlled mechanism. Increasing distance between the initial nuclei, increasing grain size, decreasing diffusion coefficients, and increasing heat flow rates all tend to favor diffusion control over heat-flow control. The rate-determining step can be expected to vary both with local and regional changes in these variables; and attempts to delineate domains in which different mechanisms constitute the ratedetermining step may provide valuable insight into the scale on which these parameters vary in metamorphism.
RECYLCED ASPHALT PAVEMENT AS COURSE AGGREGRATE REPLACEMENT IN HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE MIXES

Many new construction materials utilizing recycled or bi-product waste have recently been developed to help create “greener” construction. One of these materials utilizes recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) as a replacement for a portion of the course aggregate in concrete mixes. Previous studies on these concrete mixtures has shown that the RAP inclusion considerably lowers the compressive strength of the concrete; thus limiting its usefulness. However, the inclusion of RAP in high strength concrete mixes has yet to be studied. Additionally, most of the previous studies have replaced the course aggregate only by weight and not by weight and gradation and have taken the RAP from only one source. This study considers several factors that may affect the strength of concrete mixes that utilize RAP as course aggregate replacement. First, the variability in compression strength is studied to determine if geography and environmental conditions of the RAP harvest location affects the mechanical properties. Then, six separate RAP replacement percentages are studied to determine an ideal replacement amount and the relationship between RAP replacement to compressive and tensile strength. This study also presents the results of gradated versus non-gradated RAP replacement in high strength concrete mix.
What (and Why) Is Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. In this brief introduction, the autho...
A method for comparative analysis of recovery potential in impaired waters restoration planning.

Common decision support tools and a growing body of knowledge about ecological recovery can help inform and guide large state and federal restoration programs affecting thousands of impaired waters. Under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), waters not meeting state Water Quality Standards due to impairment by pollutants are placed on the CWA Section 303(d) list, scheduled for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development, and ultimately restored. Tens of thousands of 303(d)-listed waters, many with completed TMDLs, represent a restoration workload of many years. State TMDL scheduling and implementation decisions influence the choice of waters and the sequence of restoration. Strategies that compare these waters’ recovery potential could optimize the gain of ecological resources by restoring promising sites earlier. We explored ways for states to use recovery potential in restoration priority setting with landscape analysis methods, geographic data, and impaired waters monitoring data. From the literature and practice we identified measurable, recovery-relevant ecological, stressor, and social context metrics and developed a restorability screening approach adaptable to widely different environments and program goals. In this paper we describe the indicators, the methodology, and three statewide, recovery-based targeting and prioritization projects. We also call for refining the scientific basis for estimating recovery potential.
Hyperventilation-Induced Reduction in Cerebral Blood Flow: Assessment by Positron Emission Tomography

The use of positron emission tomography (PET) has been well documented as a relatively noninvasive method of measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), both globally and regionally. The utility of readily detecting alterations in CBF is apparent, particularly when applied to the evaluation of therapeutic interventions thought to influence CBF. We report the effects of hypocapnia, an experimental condition of known cerebral vasoconstriction, in ten normal volunteers. Subjects had brain blood flow evaluated utilizing H215O as the positron emitter before and after approximately five minutes of hyperventilation. Baseline CBF was measured as a mean ± SD of 61.2 ± 16.3 mL/min/100 g of tissue. Mean baseline arterial blood gas values were PaO2 107.4 ± 14 mm Hg, PaCO2 37.7 ± 0.89 mm Hg, and pH 7.39 (calculated from mean [H+]). Post hyperventilation, global CBF was measured as 31.1 ± 10.8 mL/min/100 g. Mean arterial blood gas values were PaO2 141.7 ± 21 mm Hg, PaCO2 19.7 ± 5 mm Hg, and pH 7.63 (calculated from mean [H+])...
Characterization of West Nile viral replication and maturation in peripheral neurons in culture.

The North American West Nile virus (WNV), New York 1999 strain, appears to be highly neurotropic, and its neuroinvasiveness is an important aspect of human disease. The authors have developed an in vitro model to study WNV replication and protein processing in neurons. They compared WNV infection of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (sensory neurons) and PC-12 cells (sympathetic neurons) to WNV infection of the mosquito cell line, C6/36, and Vero cells. WNV infection of both neuronal cell types and C6/36 cells was not cytopathic up to 30 days post infection, and continual viral shedding was observed during this period. However, WNV infection of Vero cells was lytic. Interestingly, WNV infection of neurons was not efficient, requiring a high multiplicity of infection of ≥10. Indirect immunofluorescence assays using normal and confocal microscopy with flavivirus-reactive antibodies and WNV-infected neurons demonstrated viral antigen mostly associated with the plasma membrane and in the neurite processes. Treatment of WNV-infected C6/36, PC-12, or DRG cells with brefeldin A (BFA; a trans-Golgi inhibitor) or nocadazole (a β-tubulin inhibitor) had little effect on viral maturation and secretion. Treatment of WNV-infected Vero cells with BFA resulted in a 1000-fold decrease in viral titer, but nocodazole had no effect. Our studies suggest that even though PC-12 and DRG neurons are mammalian cells, viral protein processing and maturation in these cells more closely resembles replication in C6/36 insect cells than in mammalian Vero cells.
Standards of reporting for interventional radiology treatment of renal and pancreatic transplantation complications

to the native kidney and pancreas (including native visceral vessels) because differences relevant for percutaneous interventions go far beyond those of renal, pancreatic, and visceral vascular anatomy. Unlike interventions to native kidneys, renal and pancreatic transplant graft interventions largely involve treatment of complications that occur in chronically immunocompromised patients and—as will be discussed later—are typically related to the initial renal transplantation surgery. Interventions are typically subdivided into treatment of vascular and nonvascular complications. Vascular complications include transplant and iliac artery stenoses, arterial injury (eg, arterial transection, dissection, or pseudoaneurysm formation), lower gastrointestinal bleeding (specific to pancreatic transplants), arteriovenous and arteriocalyceal fistula formation (specific to renal transplants), and renal and pancreatic graft artery and venous thromboses. Typical examples of nonvascular complications are obstructive uropathy/nephropathy, urine leak, perigraft fluid collections such as lymphocele, abscess and urinoma formation, as well as graft rejection (4,5). For pancreatic transplantation, most nonvascular complications, with the exception of perigraft collections, are not treated by interventional radiologic means, and, for the sake of document size, will not be discussed in this document. Regardless of the type of intervention that is being considered, an effort should be made to address relevant patient comorbidities, such as hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, uncorrectable coagulopathy, diabetes mellitus, or terminal illness (2,3,6). In keeping with the purpose of this reporting standard series, the following will outline the type of scientific reporting that is required in a clinical trial or study and that has to be considered and integrated into its design and methodology (7‐10)
Towards language portability in statistical speech translation

Speech translation has made significant advances over the last years. We believe that we can overcome today's limits of language and domain portable conversational speech translation systems by relying more radically on learning approaches and by the use of multiple layers of reduction and transformation to extract the desired content in another language. Therefore, we cascade stochastic source-channel models that extract an underlying message from a corrupt observed output. The three models effectively translate: (1) speech to word lattices (automatic speech recognition, ASR); (2) ill-formed fragments of word strings into a compact well-formed sentence (Clean); (3) sentences in one language to sentences in another (machine translation, MT). We present results of our research efforts towards rapid language portability of all these components. The results on translation suggest that MT systems can be successfully constructed for any language pair by cascading multiple MT systems via English. Moreover, end-to-end performance can be improved, if the interlingua language is enriched with additional linguistic information that can be derived automatically and monolingually in a data-driven fashion.
Critical Race Theory In Education, All God's Children Got A Song Adrienne D. Dixson and Celia K. Rousseau

Critical Race Theory [hereafter CRT] is a school of academic thought that emphasizes the socially constructed nature of race in relation to the reproduction of inequality. Specifically, the social ...
Intravascular injection of contrast during lumbar discography: A previously unreported complication

Objective. Report a case of intravascular contrast injection during lumbar discography. Setting. An academic University spine center. Patient. Forty-year-old woman with L5-S1 degenerative disk disease and persistent low back pain. Intervention. The patient failed to respond to multiple conservative treatments. In consideration of surgical treatment, discography was requested. Results. A 22G needle was inserted to the central nucleus by a left posterolateral approach. Discography was performed at L4-5 and L5-S1. Testing was performed with pressure manometry, beginning with the L4-5 disk. The pressure increased with contrast injection in the manner of a normal disk. At 45 psi there was a sudden drop to 20 psi. Lateral views obtained during contrast injection demonstrated flow from a central nucleogram cephalad into the anterior epidural space. Images obtained with live fluoroscopy demonstrated a vascular flow pattern, confirmed with lateral and anterior-posterior views. The needle tip was repositioned anterior and superior. Repeat injection resulted in an identical vascular pattern. From the time the pressure dropped, contrast flowed in the vascular pattern without propagation of the nucleogram or increase in intradiscal pressure. The patient was asymptomatic throughout the injection at L4-5. Injection at L5-S1 demonstrated a severely degenerative nucleogram and reproduced the patient’s usual low back pain. Conclusions. Vascular uptake of contrast can occur during lumbar discography, even when the needle tip is ideally located.
Transfer RNA in Hepatomas

1. Altered column-chromatographic profiles of a number of hepatoma and other tumor aminoacyl-tRNAs have been observed, most frequently for tRNAPhe, tRNAAsp, tRNAAsn, tRNATyr, tRNAHis, and tRNASer. 2. The chemical basis for the chromatographic alterations is still obscure, except that a tRNAPhe in Morris hepatoma 7777, which is not present in liver, was reported to lack the hypermodified peroxy-Y base. 3. Base composition analysis by the tritium derivative method shows hepatoma tRNA to exhibit a number of relatively small, but statistically significant differences in the amounts of various constituents when compared with liver tRNA. No overall hypermethylation of the tRNA in hepatomas and other tumors has been observed. Hepatoma tRNA rather is slightly undermethylated and undermodified, as compared to liver tRNA. 4. Differences in the base composition between Morris hepatoma and liver mitochondrial tRNA are greater than those between hepatoma and liver cytoplasmic tRNA. Hepatoma mitochondrial tRNA was also found to be undermethylated and undermodified. 5. The activity of the tRNA methyltransferases is increased in hepatomas and other tumors. 6. Urinary excretion levels of modified nucleosides and bases originating from tRNA catabolism are elevated in tumor-bearing hosts.
Achievable Rates for Multiple Descriptions With Feed-Forward

The two-channel multiple descriptions problem for an independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) source, with feed-forward to one or both side-decoders is considered. A single-letter achievable rate-region is derived; it enlarges the best known rate-region for multiple descriptions without feed-forward. The proof of the result uses a block-Markov superposition source coding strategy. In point-to-point source coding, feed-forward does not decrease the rate-distortion function of an i.i.d. source. In contrast, an example is provided to show that the derived region can be strictly larger than the optimal multiple description rate-distortion region without feed-forward.
Extensions to Regret-based Decision Curve Analysis: An application to hospice referral for terminal patients

Despite the well documented advantages of hospice care, most terminally ill patients do not reap the maximum benefit from hospice services, with the majority of them receiving hospice care either prematurely or delayed. Decision systems to improve the hospice referral process are sorely needed. We present a novel theoretical framework that is based on well-established methodologies of prognostication and decision analysis to assist with the hospice referral process for terminally ill patients. We linked the SUPPORT statistical model, widely regarded as one of the most accurate models for prognostication of terminally ill patients, with the recently developed regret based decision curve analysis (regret DCA). We extend the regret DCA methodology to consider harms associated with the prognostication test as well as harms and effects of the management strategies. In order to enable patients and physicians in making these complex decisions in real-time, we developed an easily accessible web-based decision support system available at the point of care. The web-based decision support system facilitates the hospice referral process in three steps. First, the patient or surrogate is interviewed to elicit his/her personal preferences regarding the continuation of life-sustaining treatment vs. palliative care. Then, regret DCA is employed to identify the best strategy for the particular patient in terms of threshold probability at which he/she is indifferent between continuation of treatment and of hospice referral. Finally, if necessary, the probabilities of survival and death for the particular patient are computed based on the SUPPORT prognostication model and contrasted with the patient's threshold probability. The web-based design of the CDSS enables patients, physicians, and family members to participate in the decision process from anywhere internet access is available. We present a theoretical framework to facilitate the hospice referral process. Further rigorous clinical evaluation including testing in a prospective randomized controlled trial is required and planned.
The effect of lipoaspirates cryopreservation on adipose-derived stem cells.

Background: Autologous fat grafting has gained popularity, particularly with the discovery of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC). The possibility of freezing lipoaspirates (LA) for later use has intriguing clinical potential. However, the effect of LA cryopreservation on ADSC is unclear. Objectives: The authors explore the effect of LA cryopreservation on ADSC viability. Methods: Human LA (n = 8) were harvested using a standard technique. Lipoaspirate samples were either processed immediately as fresh LA (A) or stored at −20°C and then at −80°C for 30 days with (B) or without (C) freezing medium. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was separated from adipocytes and either cultured to obtain purified ADSC or processed for the isolation of 3 distinct ADSC subpopulations (CD90+/CD45−, CD105+/CD45−, and CD34+/CD31−). Apoptosis and necrosis were determined by an annexin V/propidium iodide assay and quantified by flow cytometry. The capability of ADSC for long-term proliferation and differentiation was also examined. Results: There were no significant differences in the apoptosis and necrosis of adipocytes, SVF, or ADSC between groups A and B. However, cell viability in SVF and ADSC was significantly compromised in group C as compared with group B ( P < .01) due to higher ADSC apoptosis but not necrosis. The viable ADSC isolated from fresh or frozen LA were cultured for more than 20 passages and demonstrated similar patterns and speed of proliferation with strong capability to differentiate, evidenced by cell doubling time and positive staining with Oil Red O (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, Missouri) and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions: Lipoaspirates cryopreservation had a significant impact on ADSC apoptosis but not on ADSC necrosis, proliferation, or differentiations. Freezing medium provides significant protection against ADSC apoptosis.
Effect of high electric fields on the isotropic phase of a lyotropic liquid-crystalline system

The effect of high (1000 V/mm) electric fields on solutions of a lyotropic liquid-crystalline polymer, poly(n-hexyl isocyanate) in p-xylene, is presented. The con- centrations are adjusted such that the solutions are strictly within the isotropic phase domain region, thus exhibiting no spontaneous liquid crystallinity. The effects of field strength, frequency, and concentration are varied and the morphological changes are noted. The results are analyzed with birefringence measurements via comparison with the optical Kerr effect. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4116 - 4125, 2004
The role of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) in the metabolism of tamoxifen and other tertiary amines

Tamoxifen is utilized in breast cancer therapy and in chemoprevention. Tamoxifen may enhance risk for other neoplasias, especially endometrial cancer. The risk:benefit depends on the rate of metabolic activation versus detoxication. Cytochrome P450-dependent alpha-hydroxylation, followed by sulfonation, represents a metabolic activation pathway, producing products capable of covalent DNA adduction. In contrast, tamoxifen N-oxygenation represents a detoxication pathway, with the caveat that N-oxides can be reduced back to the parent amines. The N-oxygenation pathway will be the focus for this review. Dr. David Kupfer pioneered studies on cytochrome P450 and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) tamoxifen metabolism. We collaborated with Dr. Kupfer's laboratory and recently determined that the low level of tamoxifen N-oxide production in human liver microsomes may be explained by the kinetics of FMO1 versus FMO3.
Response of cell surface pH to pCO2 and iron limitation in the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii

article i nfo The physicochemical conditions immediately adjacent to the phytoplankton cell membrane, within the diffusion boundary layer, determine the speciation and reaction rates of biologically important nutrients such as iron and carbon dioxide. Over the past decade, several modeling efforts have attempted to calculate the supply of nutrients to phytoplankton surfaces using diffusion-reaction models. In these modeling efforts the pH within the cellular boundary layer is an important unknown and a direct measure of the cell surface pH is needed. We prepared and calibrated a new cell-bound, pH sensitive dye (a lectin-SNARF conjugate) that can be used to determine surface pH in living diatoms and applied the method to cultures grown under iron and carbon stress; conditions that are likely to elicit a pH response. We found that Thalassiosira weissflogii responded to iron limitation by reducing growth rates and increasing both the activity of phosphoenolpyr- uvate carboxylase (PEPCase) and the efflux of the organic acid malate, consistent with the iron-limited response of vascular plants termed Strategy I. Despite our predictions there is no proton efflux from iron or carbon stressed T. weissflogii and that the cell surface pH can be higher than the bulk seawater pH by as much as 0.4 units. High surface pH and increased PEPCase activity in low-pCO2, high-iron grown cells is consistent with an efficient C4 type CO2 concentrating mechanism. An increase in surface pH may impact cell surface precipitated iron and associated trace metals such as barium and may be an important factor to consider in paleo-export flux proxies when carbon dioxide is depleted.
SECOND-ORDER SCHEDULES: COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT PROCEDURES FOR SCHEDULING PAIRED AND NONPAIRED BRIEF STIMUL1

Pigeons performed on a second-order schedule in which fixed-interval components were maintained under a variable-interval schedule. Completion of each fixed-interval component resulted in a brief-stimulus presentation and/or food. The relation of the brief stimulus and food was varied across conditions. Under some conditions, the brief stimulus was never paired with food. Under other conditions, the brief stimulus was paired with food; three different pairing procedures were used: (a) a response produced the simultaneous onset of the stimulus and food; (b) a response produced the stimulus before food with the stimulus remaining on during food presentation; (c) a response produced the stimulus and the offset of the stimulus was simultaneous with the onset of the food cycle. The various pairing and nonpairing operations all produced similar effects on performance. Under all conditions, response rates were positively accelerated within fixed-interval components. Total response rates and Index of Curvature measures were similar across conditions. In one condition, a blackout was paired with food; with this different stimulus in effect, less curvature resulted. The results suggest that pairing of a stimulus is not a necessary condition for within-component patterning under some second-order schedules.
Multiple Beamforming Technique using Direct Data Domain Least Squares (D 3 LS) Approach

A new multiple beamforming technique using D3LS approach is presented in this paper. Using this new algorithm multiple SOI can be handled while the interferers are nulled out at the correct angles at the same time. And the complex amplitude of multiple SOI can also be estimated in this algorithm
Diffusion of Innovation: A Roadmap for Inclusive Community Recreation Services

Inclusive community recreation is an optimal environment for the development of recreation and sports skills and social relationships between people with and without disabilities. Although we know much about best practices for inclusion, little systemic change in recreation agencies has transpired. Diffusion of Innovation Theory is proposed as a framework for understanding what must occur for inclusive recreation practices to become more systemic throughout community recreation agencies. The theory rests on the premise that aspects such as how quickly an innovation is adopted, by whom, and when are subject to predictable variables based on attributes of the innovation and characteristics of the individual or group of adopters. The theory proposes that once agencies falling into one of the first three groups have adopted an innovation, a “tipping point” is reached. The tipping point is the point after which further diffusion of the innovation becomes self-sustaining. In this case, inclusive recreation woul...
Modeling the fate of antibiotic resistance genes and class 1 integrons during thermophilic anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater solids

This study investigated the use of thermophilic anaerobic digestion for removing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from residual municipal wastewater solids. Four laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters were operated in 8-day batch cycles at temperatures of 40, 56, 60, and 63 °C. Two tetracycline resistance genes (tet(W) and tet(X)), a fluoroquinolone resistance gene (qnrA), the integrase gene of class 1 integrons (intI1), 16S rRNA genes of all Bacteria, and 16S rRNA genes of methanogens were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. ARG and intI1 quantities decreased at all temperatures and were described well by a modified form of the Collins-Selleck disinfection kinetic model. The magnitudes of Collins-Selleck kinetic parameters were significantly greater at thermophilic temperatures compared to 40 °C, but few statistically significant differences were observed among these parameters for the thermophilic anaerobic digesters. This model allows for the direct comparison of different operating conditions (e.g., temperature) on anaerobic digestion performance in mitigating the quantity of ARGs in wastewater solids and could be used to design full-scale anaerobic digesters to specifically treat for ARGs as a “pollutant” of concern.
Electromagnetic surface waves supported by a half-space of a counterstreaming plasma

The characteristics of electromagnetic surface waves supported by a plane interface separating a semi-infinite region of free space from another semi-infinite region consisting of a plasma counterstreaming parallel to the interface are investigated for the case in which the wave is progressing parallel to the direction of the streams. The behaviour of the surface waves is quite different from the case in which the plasma is stationary. The surface waves exist for all frequencies. The phase velocity of the surface wave is equal to the electromagnetic wave velocity in free space for very low frequencies, decreases monotonically as the frequency is increased and asymptotically approaches the velocity of the stream for very high frequencies. The surface waves are always stable. In contrast to on unbounded counterstreaming plasma which gives rise to instability for the plane longitudinal wave progressing parallel to the streams, a half-space of counterstreaming plasma does not give rise to any instabilities fo...
Epidemiology of Human Metapneumovirus

Since the discovery of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in 2001, the virus has been identified worldwide. hMPV is a common respiratory pathogen, particularly in infants and young children. The virus is associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and may be a trigger for asthma. At least two major genotypes of hMPV circulate during community outbreaks. Whether these genotypes represent distinct serotypes remains controversial. The major challenges faced by the medical and scientific communities are the understanding of the pathogenesis of hMPV disease and the development of a safe and effective vaccine to protect against infection and disease caused by this newly recognized respiratory virus.
Existence of Quasi-Solutions of Systems of Nonlinear Elliptic BVP’s Suggested by Biochemical Reactions

In all biochemical processes of practical interest such as fermentation of industries, pharmaceuticals and waste treatment, the reaction rates are influenced by diffusion and the equations are nonlinear [11,12], Several interacting populations related to ecology [10] as well as problems of chemical engineering [14] also yield nonlinear elliptic equations as a by-product. Since constructive proofs of existence, which can also provide numerical procedures for the computation of solutions, are of greater value than nonconstructive proofs, the method of upper and lower solutions coupled with the monotone iterative method has been, in recent years, employed to prove existence of multiple solutions of a variety of nonlinear problems [8].
Brief Report: Ages of Language Milestones as Predictors of Developmental Trajectories in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Recognizing early risk markers in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for timely diagnosis and intervention. The purpose of this study was to extend previous findings regarding language milestones to a longitudinal design, in which ages of expressive language milestones (i.e., first words, first phrases) could serve as predictors of developmental trajectories in a heterogeneous sample of young children with ASD (N = 98; age at first assessment: M = 32 months, SD = 5). Age of first words predicted trajectories of expressive language and adaptive skills; number of words predicted each outcome examined. Because these aspects of early language show promise as potential indicators of later functional outcomes, future research on developmental processes as they relate to individual differences will be particularly informative.
Controlling the electroosmotic transport in nanochannels: effect of divalent counter-ions

In this work, we study electroosmosis in a multivalent electrolyte solution. Specifically, we study the response of an electroosmotic system as the concentration of a divalent cation is varied in a water solution of sodium chloride confined in a nanochannel and as axial electric fields are applied to the system. It has been observed in recent experiments by Cevheri and Yoda, that the electroosmotic velocity decreases as the concentration of a divalent cation increases in a monovalent solution in a microchannel. In this study, we simulate a silica nanochannel with height of 7.0 nm. with a sodium chloride solution confined inside including variable quantities of Mg. The velocity profiles show an opposite trend to the observed by Cevheri and Yoda. In this atomistic study, the electroosmotic velocity in the Electrical Double Layer (EDL) increases as a higher percentage of divalent cations are added to the solution. We propose an explanation of the observed phenomena related to the fact that the divalent ions are much more effective dragging water molecules so the electroosmotic velocity increases where the proportion of Mg is higher; that is, in the EDL. Thus, by adding divalent ions to a monovalent electrolyte, it is possible to control electroosmosis under nanoconfinement where molecular effects are significant.
Distribution, Development, and Feeding Impact of Euonymus Scales (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Euonymus fortunei Under Greenhouse Conditions

Relative reduction in growth of root and shoot systems of the woody plant, Euonymus fortunei (Turcz) Hand.-Mazz., caused by the euonymus scale, Unaspis euonymi (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), was determined, and the distribution and development of scales on the plants were investigated at the end of one generation. Weight of total abscised leaves increased, whereas weight and area of intact leaves, stem weight, and plant height decreased with increasing scale density. Root weight was not affected by scale infestation, but the root/shoot ratio increased with increasing density of scales. More females than males settled on the stems, whereas the sex ratio was nearly equal on the leaves. The proportion of scales reaching maturity was higher for females on stems than on leaves, and higher for males on leaves than on stems. This indicated either differential mortality or slower development of the sexes, depending upon settling site.
Ten Theories in Search of Reality: The Prediction of Soviet Behavior in the Social Sciences*

Surely, more has been written about the Russian Revolution and the ensuing forty years of Soviet rule than about any comparable episode in human history. The bibliography of items on the French Revolution occupies, it is said, one wall of the Bibliotheque Nationale. A complete bibliography on the Soviet Union—which is yet to be compiledand may never be because of the geometric rate at which it multiplies—would probably make that earlier cenotaph to scholarship shrink the way in which the earlier tombs diminished before the great complex at Karnak.
Exploration potential analysis of natural gas in the main gas-bearing basins based on factors controlling natural gas enrichment

The degree of natural gas enrichment depends mainly upon the conditions of gas generation and preservation in a basin or an exploration region.By the use of the present research achievements about gas generation and preservation in the main gas-bearing basins,a concept of “score of gas potential”was defined.The score is related to the conditions of gas generation including the amount,intensity and period of gas generation,as well as to the preservation conditions including quality of caprock and structure activity.The scores of the important basins were calculated.The exploration prospect of natural gas for these basins was evaluated and compared on the basis of calculation.The results indicate that the Sichuan Basin,Yinggehai-qiongdongnan Basin,Tarim Basin and Ordos Basin are of the most favorable and greatest potential for gas exploration.
The Value of Virginia Woolf

1. Eudemonia: the necessary art of living 2. Incandescence: attention and illumination 3. Interdependence: pattern and precarity Epilogue: Woolf's legacy.
Integrating Infant Mental Health with Breastfeeding Support: Five Years of the Trifecta Approach

Abstract Although often perceived as being “easy” or “natural,” breastfeeding can be a complex and emotional experience for new mothers and their families. Breastfeeding mothers often receive varied and conflicting advice from multiple providers. This paper presents an integrated infant mental health model of breastfeeding support called the Trifecta for the breastfed infant. Developed in 2011 in the Breastfeeding Management Clinic at the Children's Hospital Colorado, this unique program evolved to best meet the needs of the breastfeeding mother–infant dyad. The Trifecta team integrates a pediatrician with breastfeeding medicine experience, a nurse/lactation consultant, and a psychologist with expertise in infant mental health to provide multidisciplinary breastfeeding support. Integrating infant mental health and breastfeeding support provides a unique opportunity to promote health and mental health in the youngest babies. A program description, case examples, five years of demographic data, limitations, and challenges are provided and discussed.