cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Construction of Two New Retrofit Combination Steel and Concrete Bridge Rail Designs

The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) has several bridges that were constructed in the early 1970s and use two parapet bridge railing systems that are combinations of metal and concrete. These railings use an aluminum post-and-rail system anchored to the top of a concrete parapet. Both systems are used on high-speed roadways. The rails are often damaged by vehicular crashes and nuisance hits. The damaged aluminum rail components are expensive to fabricate and replace. Rail 1 is 2 ft 9 in. high and uses a cast-aluminum post with a round-tube rail anchored to the top of a vertical concrete parapet. Rail 2 is 3 ft 3 in. high and uses a cast-aluminum post with a rectangular-tube rail anchored to the top of a concrete Jersey-shaped parapet. Both metal rails are anchored to the parapets by cast-in-place anchor bolts. This paper presents the designs and details of two retrofit steel railings that use adhesive anchoring systems. These new railing designs are less expensive and easier to repair than the a...
Psychiatric Consultation as Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal conflict between patient and physician is a frequent concomitant of the complex issues arising from medical or surgical illness and hospitalization. It is an often unacknowledged stimulus for seeking psychiatric consultation. Consultation may be sought to assist in resolving conflicts over problem definition, the treatment contract, or the patient-physician relationship per se. An understanding of potential sources and manifestations of conflict guides effective intervention by the consultant. The integration of concepts of conflict and conflict resolution with existing models of consultation-liaison and practice is illustrated in several case discussion.
Evidence for a superantigen in human tuberculosis

Abstract T cells are not only required for resistance to tuberculosis, but they likely contribute to the tissue damage characteristic of the disease. To define better the T cell populations that contribute to the immunopatho-genesis of human tuberculosis, we investigated the T cell receptor (TCR) β chain repertoire expressed in patients with tuberculous pleuritis. Analysis by polymemos chain reaction and flow cytometry indicated an expansion of Vβ8 + T cells at the site of disease in some donors, suggesting the possibility that Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains a superantigen. M. tuberculosis induced strong T cell proliferative responses in tuberculin-negative healthy donors in vitro, with preferential expansion of Vβ8 + T cells, independent of the CDR3 region. T cell stimulation was MHC class II-dependent and did not require antigen processing by the antigen-presenting cells. These findings are consistent with the presence of a superantigen in M. tuberculosis, aspects of which may contribute to the immunopathology of tuberculosis and to the adjuvant properties of M. tuberculosis.
A structure theorem for a class of grade three perfect ideals

is a minimal free resolution of R/Z, then type(Z) = rank(F,,). In this paper, we prove a structure theorem for a certain class of grade 3, type 2, perfect ideals in a noetherian local ring R. If Z is such an ideal, the structure theorem consists of an explicit minimal free resolution for R/Z and hence, a minimal set of generators for I. We employ a numerical invariant of an ideal Z in a noetherian local ring R to describe the class completely. Let (IF, D) be a minimal free resolution of R/Z. Let C= Im(D,) and let K be the submodule of C which is generated by the Koszul relations on the entries of D,. Note that if Z is minimally generated by r, ,..., rn and {e, ,..., e,,} is a basis of F,, then K is the module generated by the set {r,ei + riej: 1 d i < j< n}. Define
Intracoronary diltiazem for microvascular spasm after interventional therapy

Abstract In summary, we found that no-reflow occurred in 4% of our patients who had undergone interventional procedures during a 5-month period, and were more common in patients with vein grafts or in those who had newer interventional devices. Intracoronary diltiazem led to prompt improvement in coronary blood flow in most patients and was well tolerated.
The relationship between body shape satisfaction and self-esteem: An investigation of gender and class differences

This study examined the body shape satisfaction and self-esteem of 41 male and 43 female young adults. It was predicted that males would be more satisfied with their body shape and weight than females, and that upper class females would report a stronger relationship between body shape satisfaction and self-esteem than would less affluent females. Surprisingly, males were significantly more dissatisfied than females with their weight, due to the males' desire to be heavier. Both males and females reported a positive, significant relationship between overall body image and self-esteem. Females also reported a positive, significant relationship between satisfaction with body shape and self-esteem, which as expected was significantly stronger for upper class than for lower class women.
Large N-body simulations of a universe dominated by cold dark matter

It is shown that pure gravitational evolution from an initial random density field with the standard cold dark matter (CDM) power spectrum does occasionally lead to filaments, walls, and voids remarkably like those seen in observed samples. A problem with the flat CDM model is the degree of streaming of galaxies relative to their velocity dispersion. A biased open CDM model seems to be more compatible with the observational data though it requires a higher amplitude of microwave background fluctuations.
Immersion scald burns: Strategies for prevention

Tap water scald burns are common injuries to persons with disabilities, young children, and the elderly. A case is reported of an elderly woman with a physical and neurological handicap who while bathing received partial and full thickness (tap water) scald burns covering 20% of her total body surface area. This life-threatening injury could have been prevented with a Shower Safe, Inc. temperature-controlling water valve.
Aluminum alters the compartmentalization of iron in Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Aluminum alters the compartmentalization of iron in Friend erythroleukemia cells. Aluminum (Al) accumulation in renal failure patients can result in encephalopathy, osteomalacia, and anemia. Since the cellular mechanisms of Al toxicity are not completely understood we used cultured Friend erythroleukemia cells (FEC) as a model system of Al-induced anemia. In this system Al accumulation leads to decreased cell growth and hemoglobin synthesis despite increased iron (Fe) uptake by transferrin (Tf) endocytosis. In FEC we evaluated the effect of Al on the cellular and subcellular accumulation of Fe, ferritin concentration, the uptake of Fe by ferritin, the exit of cellular Fe, and membrane lipid peroxidation. FEC were grown in media with or without the addition of Al-Tf and studies were done at 24,48,72, and 96 hours after plating. The highest concentration of intracellular Al was found in mitochondria with lesser amounts in the nucleus, and the least was in cytosol. The rate of Fe uptake was higher in Al-loaded FEC without a proportionally increased rate of exit. This resulted in higher concentrations of Fe in Al-loaded FEC. Subcellular fractionation following the uptake of 59 Fe, 125 I-Tf in Al-loaded FEC showed increased uptake of 59 Fe in the nuclear and mitochondrial compartments with no increase in the cytosol. Al-loaded FEC showed decreased ferritin content and decreased uptake of 59 Fe by ferritin. Increased membrane lipid peroxidation occurred in Al-loaded FEC at 96 hours as assessed by cellular malonyldialdehyde accumulation. These results indicate that Al disrupts Fe metabolism in FEC by increasing cellular Fe content with increased compartmentalization of Fe in the mitochondria and nuclei, decreased ferritin content, and decreased uptake of Fe by ferritin. The Al-loading of FEC produces an Fe depletion-like state as Tf-associated Fe uptake increases and ferritin synthesis decreases. The Al-induced disturbances in Fe metabolism lead to membrane lipid peroxidation and irreversible damage to the FEC.
Hierarchical structure of a self-assembled xerogel

Removal of the liquid from a glycoluril-based gel produces a macroporous solid (a xerogel) comprised of closely packed fibers that assemble into highly convoluted sheets.
Outcome of infants with hypoplastic left heart and turner syndromes

Abstract Objective: To report the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of ten infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in association with Turner syndrome. Methods: The Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery database at the University of Michigan was searched from 1990 to 1997, and obstetric and neonatal records of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Turner syndrome were reviewed. Results: There were 406 cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome admitted during 8 years, of which ten (2.5%) also had Turner syndrome. Nine infants were delivered at term and one at 36 weeks. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) gestational age at delivery was 38 ± 1.2 weeks, and mean (±SD) birth weight was 2991 ± 438 g. Delivery was vaginal in all cases, and no infant had an Apgar score at 5 minutes less than 7. Karyotype was 45, X in seven cases, and 45, X mosaic in three. Most infants had dysmorphic features at birth. All ten infants had first-stage reconstruction surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Only two survived and underwent second-stage palliation; both are alive currently, although with significant medical problems. Conclusion: For infants with hypoplastic left heart and Turner syndromes, regular obstetric management appears appropriate. Although staged reconstruction surgery has improved survival for neonates with isolated hypoplastic left heart syndrome, for those with Turner syndrome, survival appears markedly reduced.
Evidence of Validity for the Hip Outcome Score

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to offer evidence of validity for the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) based on internal structure, test content, and relation to other variables. Methods: The study population consisted of 507 subjects with a labral tear. Internal structure was evaluated by use of factor analysis and coefficient α. Test content was evaluated by use of item response theory. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess relations between the Short Form 36 and the HOS. Results: The mean subject age was 38 years (range, 13 to 66 years), with 232 male and 273 female subjects. Of the subjects, 263 (52%) underwent arthroscopic surgery. Factor analysis found that 17 of 19 items on the activities-of-daily-living (ADL) subscale loaded on 1 factor. The 2 items that did not fit the 1-factor model were omitted from further testing. All 9 items on the sports subscale loaded on 1 factor. The coefficient α values were .96 and .95 for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively. The errors associated with a single measure were ±4.6 and ±3.8 points for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively. Item response theory found that all items contributed to their test information curves and were potentially responsive. The correlations between the HOS and Short Form 36 measures of physical function were significantly different than their correlation to measures of mental functioning ( P Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence of validity to support the use of the HOS ADL and sports subscales for individuals with labral tears. This includes individuals who underwent arthroscopic surgery, as well as those who did not. Specifically, the results of this study found that the HOS ADL and sports subscales were unidimensional, had adequate internal consistency, were potentially responsive across the spectrum of ability, and contributed information across the spectrum of ability. In addition, scores obtained by the HOS related to measures of function and did not relate to measures of mental health. Level of Evidence: Level III, development of diagnostic criteria with nonconsecutive patients.
The localization of α‐hydroxy acid oxidase in renal microbodies

The enzymatic properties and cellular localization of α-hydroxy acid oxidase have been studied in renal tissue of the rat. The enzyme was most active in the presence of D, L- α-hydroxy valeric acid and D, L- α-hydroxy butyric acid and was inactive in the presence of glycolic acid and D-alanine. It appeared to have no co-factor requirement. When subjected to electrophoresis in acrylamide gels, followed by cytochemical development, the enzyme was visualized as a major form accompanied by a minor component. The properties of the major electrophoretic form as determined by cytochemical reaction and densitometric scanning were similar to those determined by quantitative biochemical assay. When subjected to differential centrifugation and density equilibrium centrifugation, particles containing α-hydroxy acid oxidase sedimented with particles containing D-amino acid oxidase; α-hydroxy acid oxidase, therefore, is associated with renal microbodies. The fact that α-hydroxy acid oxidase transfers electrons to Nitro blue tetrazolium or to Tetra nitro blue tetrazolium made it possible to localize the enzyme by a light microscopic cytochemical procedure. The enzyme was found by this method to be localized predominantly in cells of the proximal tubule. It was present in particles approximately 0.5 μ to 1.0 μ in diameter mainly situated in the basal portions of these cells. These cytochemical preparations probably accurately reflect the cellular distribution of α-hydroxy acid oxidase and, hence, of those microbodies which contain the enzyme.
Describing the Human Operator's Internal Model of a Dynamic System:

An analysis of phase-plane switching loci was used to infer the human operator's internal model of a dynamic system he was attempting to control. Striking differences were found between the internal model and the actual dynamic system, and the internal model exhibited orderly changes with practice. The difficulties involved in incorporating a non-veridical internal model into optimal control models of the human operator are discussed.
Interrogation of surface, skin, and core orientation in thermotropic liquid-crystalline copolyester moldings by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure and wide-angle X-ray scattering

Injection molding thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymers (TLCPs) usually results in the fabrication of molded articles that possess complex states of orientation that vary greatly as a function of thickness. 'Skin-core' morphologies are often observed in TLCP moldings. Given that both 'core' and 'skin' orientation states may often differ both in magnitude and direction, deconvolution of these complex orientation states requires a method to separately characterize molecular orientation in the surface region. A combination of two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) in transmission and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy is used to probe the molecular orientation in injection molded plaques fabricated from a 4,4'-dihydroxy-{alpha}-methylstilbene (DH{alpha}MS)-based thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester. Partial electron yield (PEY) mode NEXAFS is a noninvasive ex situ characterization tool with exquisite surface sensitivity that samples to a depth of 2 nm. The effects of plaque geometry and injection molding processing conditions on surface orientation in the regions on- and off- axis to the centerline of injection molded plaques are presented and discussed. Quantitative comparisons are made between orientation parameters obtained by NEXAFS and those from 2D WAXS in transmission, which are dominated by the microstructure in the skin and core regions. Some qualitative comparisons are also made withmore » 2D WAXS results from the literature.« less
Cyalume tagging: a new method for tracking reef fishes at night

A new method for tracking nocturnal reef fishes using a Cyalume light stick is described. The Cyalume is attached to the dorsal musculature using dissolvable sutures. The tagged fish can then be monitored throughout the night. Potential uses and problems are discussed. Key words: tagging; nocturnal fishes; tracking; Cyalumes.
Investigating the Use of Topology Adaptation for Robust Multi-path Transport: A Preliminary Study

In this paper we introduce a topology control algorithm for increasing transport robustness and efficiency by creating two simultaneous communication paths between the source and destination nodes of a data flow. We make use of a cross-layer substrate that allows us to detect the flows of data in the network while also providing finer control of the routing. Because information of flow traffic in the network is available, the algorithm attempts to achieve intra-flow interference reduction by exploiting node mobility.
Pressure-Modulation Study of the Absorption of Non-Black Thermal Radiation*

The pressure-modulated near-infrared emission spectrum of a gas consists of a set of vibration-rotation bands. The intensity of the emitted radiation is a rapidly varying function of frequency. The transmission of this radiation through various gas samples has been investigated for absorbing atomspheric gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane; the effects of pressure-broadening of spectral lines by inert gases such as argon and nitrogen have been considered. The transmittance of radiant power has been shown to depend on the composition of the emitting sample and the compression ratio employed as well as on the composition of the absorbing sample. Possible application of pressure-modulation techniques to atmospheric transmission studies is suggested.
Properties and Decomposition Behaviors of Reactively Sputtered Pt(O) Electrode Materials

The possibility that oxygen-containing Pt might be superior to conventional Pt as an electrode for high-epsilon (HE) and ferroelectric (FE) perovskites has led to renewed interest in the family of Pt(O) materials. Here we report on the properties and decomposition behaviors of reactively sputtered Pt(O)-PtOx electrode materials having x in the range 0 to ∼1.4. Phases of Pt(O) identified included -textured cubic Pt (x or rather than the orientation typically produced by physical vapor deposition of the pure metal. Pt(O) films having a PtO-like structure typically showed only surface oxygen loss, with close to original oxygen levels left in the film bulk, suggesting that the oxygen in these films may be retained long enough to have a beneficial effect on HE/FE layers at later stages in processing.
Respiratory morbidity and medical visits associated with dampness and air-conditioning in offices and homes.

UNLABELLED We used data from 4345 adult US residents who were part of a 2004 national random mail survey to investigate associations between dampness and air-conditioning (AC) in homes and offices, and health outcomes, sick leave due to respiratory symptoms and medical visits during the past 12 months. We identified from this group 1396 office workers employed in professional, executive, administrative, managerial or administrative support occupations. Office workers reporting home dampness had an elevated prevalence of nasal symptoms [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.4, P = 0.01] and constitutional symptoms (PR = 1.3, P = 0.01) in the previous year. Office workers reporting workplace dampness had an elevated prevalence of sick leave attributed to respiratory symptoms (PR = 1.3, P = 0.04) in the previous year. Office workers with home AC were more likely to have visited a medical specialist in the previous year (PR = 1.3, P = 0.02). We did not find any statistically significant associations between workplace AC and any of the health outcomes. We estimated an annual cost of US$1.4 billion for excess respiratory-related sick leave among office workers with workplace dampness. Our study strengthens the evidence of a relationship between dampness and health effects, and highlights the resulting economic impact. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This study adds to the literature on respiratory morbidity associated with home and office exposures to mold and dampness. Public health response to lessen these exposures will improve the health and well-being of residents and workers as well as diminish the economic burden of lost work time and medical costs.
Neural network-based codebook search for image compression

This paper presents an efficient and fast encoding of still images using the feedforward neural network technique for codebook search. The image to be coded is first clustered into a small subset of neighboring images and then the neural network-based encoder is used to find the best matching code sequences in the codebook. This subset is then used as a candidate set and an exhaustive search is then performed within this subset to find an optimal code sequence which minimizes the perceptual error between coded and decoded images. In this work, a generic codebook is developed using non-causal differential pulse coded modulation (DPCM) with residual mean removal and vector quantization using Linde, Buzo and Gray (1980) method. The codebook is analyzed to identify a pattern in the codebook. This pattern is used to train a neural network to obtain the approximate index of the pattern in the codebook. Then, an extensive search is done around this approximate position identified by the neural network to obtain the nearest neighbor of the pattern. Since the candidate set is usually much smaller that the whole code book, there is a substantial saving in codebook search time for coding an image as compared to the traditional method using full codebook search by the LBG algorithm.
Phenotype uniformity in combined-stress environments has a different genetic architecture than in single-stress treatments

For crop production it is desirable for the mapping between genotype and phenotype to be consistent, such that an optimized genotype produces uniform sets of individual plants. Uniformity is strongly selected in breeding programs, usually automatically, as harvest equipment eliminates severely non-uniform individuals. Uniformity is genetically controlled, is known to be increased by interplant competition, and is predicted to increase upon abiotic stress. We mapped maize loci controlling genotype by environment interaction in plant height uniformity. These loci are different than the loci controlling mean plant height. Uniformity decreases upon combining two abiotic stresses, with alleles conferring greater uniformity in a single stress showing little improvement in a combined stress treatment. The maize B73 and Mo17 inbreds do not provide segregating alleles for improvement in plant height uniformity, suggesting that the genetic network specifying plant height has a past history of selection for robustness.
A new ammonoid fauna from the Carnian (Upper Triassic) Kasimlar Formation of the Taurus Mountains (Anatolia, Turkey)

We describe a new ammonoid fauna from the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. The Carnian ammo- noid fauna from Asagiyaylabel is presented for the first time. Ammonoids were obtained from limestone to marl beds of an approximately 35-m-thick section, which presents the rare opportunity to investigate ammonoid faunas across the Lower-Upper Carnian boundary. Intense sampling near the village of Asaled to the recognition of a new Lower Carnian (Julian 2) to Upper Carnian (Tuvalian 1) ammonoid fauna from the Kasimlar Formation. The genus Kasimlarceltites gen. nov. is reported for the first time from the Taurus Mountains, which represents the main faunal ele- ment and occurs as huge mass occurrence (n ≫ 1 million). Kasimlarceltites krystyni gen. et sp. nov., Klipsteinia discifor- mis sp. nov. and Anasirenites crassicrenulatus sp. nov. occur within the Lower Carnian Carbonate member (Units A-B) of the Kasimlar Formation from the Taurus Platform Units. Ammonoids described from the marls of the Tuvalian Marl- stone member were deposited during a major, Tethyan-wide climate crisis - the so-called Carnian crisis - characterized by a demise of carbonate platforms. Based on the biostrati- graphic relevance of certain ammonoid taxa described herein, the age of the analysed parts of the Kasimlar Forma- tion is Julian 2 to Tuvalian 1. The discovery of the new ammonoid assemblages from Asasubstantiates the significance of Upper Triassic faunas within the Taurus Mountains and facilitates the correlation with faunal assem- blages from other regions in the Tethyan Realm. The ammo- noid fauna and facies indicate a general deepening from open-platform margins, over deeper shelf settings down to an open marine-influenced basinal environment. The tenta- tive habitat for Kasimlarceltites gen. nov. is a shallow plat- form environment to upper mid-ramp.
Preoperative Halo-Gravity Traction for Severe Pediatric Spinal Deformity: Complications, Radiographic Correction and Changes in Pulmonary Function

Abstract Background Summary The use of preoperative halo-gravity traction (HGT) improves both spinal deformity and pulmonary function and is a helpful adjuvant in the treatment of complex spinal deformity. Despite the benefits of preoperative HGT, there is no consensus on the optimal traction protocol. Methods We evaluated the treatment of 33 patients treated with preoperative HGT to determine the safety and efficacy of preoperative HGT with regards to deformity correction; to quantify changes in pulmonary function; and to better define an ideal preoperative traction protocol. All patients were treated at the same tertiary-care pediatric hospital between 1998 and 2007. Inclusion criteria were preoperative HGT (before anterior and/or posterior spinal fusion), pretraction spinal Radiographs, repeat Radiographs taken during the traction period, and repeat Radiographs taken at the completion of traction and final Radiographs after surgical correction. The average duration of preoperative HGT was 70.1 days. The average traction weight applied was 38.5% of total body weight. Maximal traction weight was achieved in an average of 30.5 days. Results Our results, 35% correction of the coronal Cobb and 35% correction of the sagittal Cobb, are consistent with others reported in the literature. Pulmonary function tests taken before and after traction were available for 22 patients. Treatment with HGT improved pulmonary function results in 19 patients. There were no serious complications. Conclusion We found that preoperative HGT is a safe and useful adjuvant to the treatment of patients with severe scoliosis. Significant deformity correction averaging 35% percent can be expected, with the majority of deformity correction occurring after 3 to 4 weeks. In the majority of patients, this correction is maintained or even improved with subsequent surgical correction.
Progenitor cell release plus exercise to improve functional performance in peripheral artery disease: The PROPEL Study

Functional impairment, functional decline, and mobility loss are major public health problems in people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Few medical therapies significantly improve walking performance in PAD. We describe methods for the PROgenitor cell release Plus Exercise to improve functionaL performance in PAD (PROPEL) Study, a randomized controlled clinical trial designed to determine whether granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) combined with supervised treadmill walking exercise improves six-minute walk distance more than GM-CSF alone, more than supervised treadmill exercise alone, and more than placebo plus attention control in participants with PAD, respectively. PROPEL Study participants are randomized to one of four arms in a 2 by 2 factorial design. The four study arms are GM-CSF plus supervised treadmill exercise, GM-CSF plus attention control, placebo plus supervised exercise therapy, or placebo plus attention control. The primary outcome is change in six-minute walk distance at 12-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes include change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), change in maximal treadmill walking time, and change in circulating CD34+ cells at 12-week follow-up. Outcomes are also measured at six-week and six-month follow-up. Results of the PROPEL Study will have important implications for understanding mechanisms of improving walking performance and preventing mobility loss in the large and growing number of men and women with PAD.
What's Not Being Shared in Shared Decision-Making?

What's not to like about shared decision-making? These programs employ specially crafted decision aids to educate patients about their treatment options and then merge the newly informed patient preferences, both general and treatment-specific, with guidance from physicians to optimize medical decisions. Sounds great, right? Even better, recent evidence indicates that shared decision-making programs may also help bend the proverbial cost curve by reducing the use of medical interventions that patients, now properly educated about their options, often say they do not want. The notion that programs to inform and elicit patient choice might also help to align health care delivery with patient preferences for less invasive and therefore less costly treatment options seems the rarest of mutual wins in health care, in which what is best for the individual might also benefit the whole. Yet there has been scant attention to how the goals of patient care and cost-containment, and perhaps even profitability, coincide or conflict.
Publisher's Note: Coupling between guided-wave optical modes—a dynamical system model

This PDF file contains the errata for “OE Vol. 47 Issue 04 Paper 2904921” for OE Vol. 47 Issue 04
Measurement of a Country's Health: Can We Depend on Reported Values of the Infant Mortality Rate?

Economists often rely on the infant mortality rate as an indicator of a country's health. Despite arguments about its relevance, uniform measurement of infant mortality is necessary. Using important socioeconomic indicators, we develop a method to adjust country-specific reported infant mortality figures that may misrepresent development within a country. We conclude that an "augmented" measure of mortality that includes both infant and late fetal deaths should be considered when assessing levels of social welfare in a country. Also, mortality statistics that exhibit a substantially high ratio of late fetal to early neonatal deaths should be more closely scrutinized.
Practical significance: Moving beyond statistical significance

Abstract Practical significance is an important concept that moves beyond statistical significance and p values. While effect sizes are not synonymous with practical significance, it is a basis for evidence of substantive significance. Investigators should find and report effect sizes whenever possible. To build evidence for practical significance in pharmacy education, three methods are discussed. First, effect sizes can be compared to general interpretation guidelines for practical significance. Second, using the effect sizes, investigators can benchmark by comparing effect sizes to external information from other studies; however, this information is not always available. Where prior data is limited, a third method after determining effect size is for investigators to calculate in their cohort an instrument's minimally important difference; the effect size could be compared to this minimally important difference , as opposed to a general interpretation guideline. A method to calculate the minimally important difference is described, as well as applications. Regardless, effect sizes must be determined and should be reported in articles; its comparator may vary as evidence for practical significance—so interpretation is key. Reporting effect sizes can enable benchmarking by others in the future and facilitate summaries through meta-analysis. It is clear that reporting evidence of practical significance with effect sizes is needed; simply reporting statistical significance is not enough. After reading this article, readers should be able to explain practical significance, recognize evidence of practical significance in other reports, and carry out their own analysis of practical significance using one or more of the methods described herein.
Muscarinic and beta-adrenergic receptor expression in peripheral lung from normal and asthmatic patients

We used human peripheral lung from 8 mildly asthmatic patients and 11 normal donors to study the expression of muscarinic and beta-adrenergic receptors in asthma. There was no significant difference in the affinity or the density of muscarinic (labeled with [N-methyl-3H]scopolamine) and beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors (labeled with [125I]iodocyanopindolol) in peripheral lung from asthmatics compared with nonasthmatics. Only the muscarinic m1 receptor mRNA was detected in human lung using Northern blot analysis. Additionally, peripheral lung cellular mRNA hybridized to human beta 1 and beta 2 cDNA probes, giving 3.2- and 2.2-kb hands corresponding to beta 1 and beta 2-adrenergic receptors mRNA, respectively. Densitometric scanning of the autoradiograms suggests that there was no significant difference in the relative abundance of muscarinic m1 and beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor mRNA in asthmatic compared with nonasthmatic lungs. Functional experiments obtained in trachea suggest that there was an increase in the cholinergic neural response evoked by electrical field stimulation in asthmatic compared with nonasthmatic tissues which was not due to a reduction in inhibitory noncholinergic nonadrenergic relaxations.
Alternative outlines of immigration: A case of repopulation of existing abandoned Spanish towns

AbstractOne of the most sensitive tragic situations today, in regards to human relations in Europe is the illegal immigrants’ issue. But it is no longer mainly a subject of borders’ transgression, obsolete sovereignties, or labor-hand marketing. Huge population masses without fixed course are driven by different urgent motives from their countries of origin – North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe,– they have no choice but to move in search of places to settle and provide a decent home for their families. In the form of another drama in this case of heritage and environment, some old rural villages of Spain – as there are in other southern European countries – have been completely abandoned and their current status, in ruins, results of the economic, political and urban trends of the past 75 years. Connecting these issues, it could be considered a promising future for those homeless families as well as for those dying towns through integrated solutions of mutual benefit. This resear...
Appropriate margin for lumpectomy excision of invasive breast cancer

The management of patients with early-stage breast cancer has evolved over time, with the understanding that tumor biology, and not just disease burden, impact local control. Local control is greatly improved with systemic therapy, providing an opportunity to decrease the morbidity of local therapy in women with invasive breast cancer. In women undergoing breast-conserving therapy, which consists of lumpectomy and whole-breast irradiation, there has been a lack of consensus as to what constitutes a negative margin. Current evidence indicates that wider margins do not reduce local recurrence compared to "no tumor on ink". In this article, we will review the available data on the relationship between margin status and local control for invasive breast cancer, and discuss the impact of molecular subtypes and systemic therapy on local control.
Animal model of bone fluorosis Experimental Study of Creep

Objective Research on animal models of normal and fluorosis of bone mechanical properties of creep,Animal model to determine fluorosis on the creep of bone mechanical properties of whether the impact.Methods Replication animal model of fluorosis,Animal model of the femur taken fluorosis and normal control group to compare test animal bone.Results Reached the normal control group and model group animals,femoral creep experimental data and curves,and the Strain and time variation,The normal control group,the amount of creep as the 7 200 s femur is 0.3%,the model group 7 200 s the amount of creep is 0.2%.Conclusions Fluorosis in the model group on the creep mechanical properties of the femur has a certain impact.
First-Order Differential Equations

Separable, linear, and autonomous equations; equilibrium solutions, stability and bifurcation. Other special types of equations, for example, Bernoulli, exact, and homogeneous equations, are covered in the Exercises with generous guidance. Many applications are discussed from science, engineering, economics, and biology.
J. S. Bach: Weimar 1708–17

HEARD BY A DUKE In the following year, 1708, a visit he made to Weimar, and the opportunity he had there to be heard before the then Duke, led to the position of Chamber- and Court-Organist being offered him, of which he took possession straightway. ( Obituary ) Does this mean that according to family lore it was by chance that Bach was heard by the duke? This would excuse him for taking another job so soon – or, for the readers of Walther's Lexicon biography, explain the date it gives for one job (1707) being so close to that of another (1708). By convention, the court-position he was offered would necessarily be as ‘organist’, but duties would not be exclusively in chapel or on the organ, rather those of a ‘general keyboard-player’: the Obituary's sentence need not even imply that it was (only) on the organ that he played for the duke. There was nothing unusual in musicians visiting ducal and other courts hoping to be heard, and a gifted young organist from an important church in the Free Imperial City of Muhlhausen had much in his favour. Yet while a duke would appoint without the need to invite applications, hold auditions in public or have candidates vetted by committees, a post could not have been offered unless it was vacant or about to become so.
How and Why Study Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis in Animal Models

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) greatly increases the risk of medically intractable epilepsy. Several models of TBI have been developed to investigate the relationship between TBI and posttraumatic epileptogenesis. Because the incident that precipitates development of epilepsy is known, studying mechanisms of epileptogenesis, identifying biomarkers to predict PTE, and developing treatments to prevent epilepsy after TBI are attainable research goals.
Single-Molecule Chemistry with Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Single-molecule (SM) surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) have emerged as analytical techniques for characterizing molecular systems in nanoscale environments. SERS and TERS use plasmonically enhanced Raman scattering to characterize the chemical information on single molecules. Additionally, TERS can image single molecules with subnanometer spatial resolution. In this review, we cover the development and history of SERS and TERS, including the concept of SERS hot spots and the plasmonic nanostructures necessary for SM detection, the past and current methodologies for verifying SMSERS, and investigations into understanding the signal heterogeneities observed with SMSERS. Moving on to TERS, we cover tip fabrication and the physical origins of the subnanometer spatial resolution. Then, we highlight recent advances of SMSERS and TERS in fields such as electrochemistry, catalysis, and SM electronics, which all benefit from the vibrational characterization of si...
A Stronger Local Monomialization Theorem

We derive extensions of the monomialization theorems for morphisms of varieties in our earlier work. In this note we show that a local monomialization can be found which satisfies stronger local conditions. Some comments are made about how the results of this paper can be used.
Hepatocyte Differentiation by Highly Purified CD34+/CD34− Blast Cells from G-CSF and SCF Primed Bone Marrow from Rhesus Monkey.

Hematopoietic stem cells and hepatic stem cells share characteristic markers such as CD34, CD117(c-kit) and CD90 (Thy-1). In this study, we investigated the potential of primitive CD34+/CD34− blast cells to differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro. Rhesus monkeys were administered granulocyte colony stimulating factor, G-CSF, combined with stem cell factor, SCF, the ligand for c-kit receptor, for 3 days. This novel G-CSF and SCF combined cytokine treatment is believed to stimulate the self renewal of primitive blast cells in the bone marrow. Blast cells were purified by a novel technique that combines purging of T-cells and other immune-competent cells that express the Fc receptor. The immuno-depleted mononuclear fraction was labeled with biotin-conjugated SKH6.1 anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody belonging to the class-I epitope. The SKH 6.1 recognizes a heterogeneous blast cell population in rhesus bone marrow that consists mainly of approximately 80% CD34+ and a CD34− small blast cell minor population that also shares low forward and side scatter properties. Blast cells were cultured on Matrigel in a defined medium containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-4(FGF-4), and fed every 3–4 days. Conditioned medium was analyzed at weekly intervals for four weeks. ELISA assays were used to detect de-novo synthesis of rhesus monkey specific albumin, and urea production was measured using a quantitative colorimetric assay. Peak production of albumin occurred at 7-days and then began to continuously decrease through week 4, while urea was detected at 7-days but continued to increase through the end of the 4th week. The hepatocyte-like cells were also shown to produce significant intra-cellular glycogen as detected by periodic acid-schiff staining by their 4th week in culture. Hepatocyte function was also characterized by their ability to uptake Dil-Ac-LDL as detected by their strong fluorescence on the 4th week of culture. Our results demonstrated that G-CSF and SCF stimulate the bone marrow by increasing the frequency CD34+ / CD34− blast cells that are able to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells.
MGR2 Depletion Affects Protein Import and Mitochondrial Metabolism

Despite containing their own genome, mitochondria are not autonomous organelles. Over 1,146 of the known mitochondrial proteins are encoded in nuclear DNA and therefore must be imported from the cytosol. The process has been extensively studied and is known to involve several protein complexes spanning the outer and the inner mitochondrial membranes. However, a new subunit of the import complex TIM23 was just recently discovered: Mgr2. Our initial analysis of protein sequence showed that, like other TIM23 subunits, Mgr2 contained GXXXG motifs in certain trans membrane domains. These motifs were implicated in subunit oligomerization and pore stability. We hypothesized that Mgr2 was a structural component of the insertion pore, and that its deletion would impair peptide import and mitochondrial functioning. We analyzed protein import in Mgr2 deficient strains using fluorescein labeled synthetic import peptides. We also tested the effect of Mgr2 deletion on mitochondrial function by measuring accumulation of fluorescent membrane potential indicators and by determining respiratory activity using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. Moreover, TIM23 function was also examined in isolated mitochondria by patch clamp electrophysiology. The results suggested that Mgr2 depletion affected the basal membrane potential and the response to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing agents. Interestingly, patch clamp analysis suggested a decrease in pore size and gating properties. Further investigation will target the role of GXXXG motifs present in Mgr2 and other TIM23 components.
Customized Polymethylmethacrylate Cranioplasty Implants Using 3-Dimensional Printed Polylactic Acid Molds: Technical Note with 2 Illustrative Cases.

Objectives Prefabricated customized cranioplasty implants are anatomically more accurate than manually shaped acrylic implants but remain costly. The authors describe a new cost-effective technique of producing customized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty implants with the use of prefabricated 3-dimensional (3D) printed molds. Methods The first patient had a left frontal cranial defect after a craniotomy for a glial tumor. A 3D image of his skull was obtained from axial 0.6-mm computed tomography (CT) scan images. The image of the implant was generated by a digital subtraction mirror-imaging process using the normal side of his cranium as a model. The second patient had a bifrontal defect after the resection of an infected customized polyetheretherketone implant. A 3D image of the infected implant was directly obtained from an axial 0.6-mm CT scan before discarding it. The images were then used to produce for each patient a mold of the external surface of the cranium using a low-cost polylactic acid 3D printer. Intraoperatively, each mold was put in a sterile bag and then used to cast a customized PMMA implant subsequently trimmed before fixation. Results Both patients had excellent cosmetic results and underwent postoperative CT scans that showed excellent restoration of the symmetrical contours of the cranium. No neurologic or infectious complications occurred over a 6-month follow-up for either patient. Conclusions Making customized PMMA cranioplasty implants via 3D printed polylactic acid molds is a cost-effective technique for delayed reconstruction of various cranial defects.
Juno's first glimpse of Jupiter's complexity

Preliminary results from NASA's Juno mission are presented in this special issue of Geophysical Research Letters. The data were gathered by nine scientific instruments as the Juno spacecraft approached Jupiter on the dawn flank, was inserted into Jupiter orbit on 4 July 2016, and made the first polar passes close to the planet. The first results hint that Jupiter may not have a distinct core, indicate puzzling deep atmospheric convection, reveal complex small-scale structure in the magnetic field, and auroral processes that are distinctly different from those at Earth.
Determination of the Distribution of Hydrogen Near Cracklike Defects

We present the equation of diffusion running in the process of deformation of a body with regard for the corresponding hydrogen flow caused both by the external mechanical loads and the stresses induced by the hydrogenation of the metal weakened by a smooth (or cracklike) defect. Closed analytic solutions are obtained in the quasistationary case of weakly varying stresses. We also reveal the redistribution of hydrogen initiated by the presence of elliptic holes and cracklike defects with process zones.
Memristors for More Than Just Memory: How to Use Learning to Expand Applications

There has been a huge explosion of interest in the memristor since the first experimental confirmation by HP in 2008 (Strukov et al., Nature 453:80–83, 2008). Because the memristor and its variants provide a huge increase in memory density, compared with existing technologies like flash memory , many of us expect that they will move very quickly to a huge and important market in the memory area. But what about other large-scale markets and applications? What is the pathway which could open up those larger markets? The purpose of this chapter is to discuss what would be needed to capture those larger markets.
Civilian Strategy Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is known for diverse, hospitable, and sometimes unruly inhabitants. Studies of Southeast Asia have documented forms of everyday peasant resistance (Scott & Kerkvliet 1986). In the So...