cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The formation of stone minerals

It is now generally accepted that normal urine may be supersaturated with respect to calcium oxalate hydrates (1) and a number of calcium phosphate phases such as octacalcium phosphate (Ca8H2(PO4)6 5H2O, OCP) (2), hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3 OH, HAP) (2) and sometimes dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4.2H2O, DCPD) (3). The degree of supersaturation is usually higher in patients with urinary stones (1–3) mainly because they tend to have higher urinary calcium (3). Although the significance of such differences has been questioned, a recent analysis has indicated that they can be amplified by including magnesium analytical data in the assessment (4). Calcium oxalate, a major component of renal stones may consist of the mono- (COM), di-(COD), or tri-(COT) hydrate and the normal urine may be supersaturated with respect to any or all of these phases. Thus the less stable COD and COT may act as precursors to the formation of COM, precipitating and dissolving transiently. There is general agreement that urine contains inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystallization ranging from a number of low molecular weight components such as magnesium, citrate, and pyrophosphate, to the higher molecular weight polypeptides and glycosaminoglycans (5–8). Several investigators have used synthetic urines or mixtures of low molecular weight inhibiting species in an attempt to model more accurately the in-vivo mineralization processes (9). Under physiological conditions, the low molecular weight ions appear to account for only 5–10% of the observed inhibition.
Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis Using Extreme Learning Machine

The Extreme Learning Machine classifier is used to perform the perturbative method known as Sensitivity Analysis. The method returns a measure of class sensitivity per attribute. The results show a strong consistency for classifiers with different random input weights. In order to present the results obtained in an intuitive way, two forms of representation are proposed and contrasted against each other. The relevance of both attributes and classes is discussed. Class stability and the ease with which a pattern can be correctly classified are inferred from the results. The method can be used with any classifier that can be replicated with different random seeds.
Linear Algebra for Neural Networks

Neural networks are quantitative models which learn to associate input and output patterns adaptively with the use of learning algorithms. We expose four main concepts from linear algebra which are essential for analyzing these models: (a) the projection of a vector, (b) the eigen and singular value decomposition, (c) the gradient vector and Hessian matrix of a vector function, and (d) the Taylor expansion of a vector function. We illustrate these concepts by the analysis of the Hebbian and Widrow–Hoff rules and some basic neural network architectures (i.e., the linear autoassociator, the linear heteroassociator, and the error backpropagation network). We show also that neural networks are equivalent to iterative versions of standard statistical and optimization models such as multiple regression analysis and principal component analysis.
Hemoglobin A1c Has Suboptimal Performance to Diagnose and Monitor Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is routinely used to diagnose and monitor type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in cirrhotic patients. Remarkably, HbA1c may be falsely low in such patients. We assessed the diagnostic and monitoring yield of HbA1c in cirrhotic patients with T2DM (DM-Cirr) and without T2DM (NoDM-Cirr). We conducted a composite study allocating 21 NoDM-Cirr into a cross-sectional module and 16 DM-Cirr plus 13 controls with T2DM only (DM-NoCirr) into a prospective cohort. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in NoDM-Cirr. DM-Cirr and DM-NoCirr were matched by sex, age, BMI, and T2DM treatment and studied with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Percent deviations from target, low/high blood glucose indexes (LBGI/HBGI) were calculated from CGM, as well as the average daily risk range (ADRR) as a marker of glucose variability. Overall, HbA1c and OGTT diagnostic yield agreed in 12 patients (57%, ρ = 0.45, p 9) when compared to DM-NoCirr, and they also showed higher glucose variability (ADRR 13.9 ± 2.5 vs. 8.9 ± 1.8, respectively, p = 0.03). HbA1c inaccurately represents chronic glycemia in patients with cirrhosis, likely in relation to increased glucose variability.
Invasive Hemodynamic after LVAD Implantation and Association with Outcomes

Background There is paucity of data on assessment of invasive hemodynamics via right heart catheterization (RHC) after LVAD implantation and association with outcomes. We sought out to define if right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, persistent volume overload and low cardiac output state defined via invasive hemodynamics is associated with adverse 1-year outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of end-stage heart failure (HF) patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation and subsequent right heart catheterization (RHC) to determine invasive hemodynamics. 1-year outcomes including mortality, all-cause readmission and HF readmissions were assessed after index RHC. Definitions included low cardiac output state (CI) 12 mm Hg), moderate right ventricle (RV) dysfunction (RAP/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) >0.75) and severe right ventricle dysfunction (RA/PCWP >1). Chi-square for categorical variables and Student's T-test for continuous variables were used to determine significant differences in each group. Results A total of 142 patients underwent invasive hemodynamics after LVAD implantation. The median time from LVAD implantation to RHC was 6 months. RAP/PCWP ratio was not predictive of adverse outcome and although RAP > 12 mmHg was not associated with increased mortality it was associated with significantly increased HF readmissions at 1 year. Discussion RV dysfunction defined using invasive hemodynamic criteria did not predict adverse 1-year outcomes. RAP > 12 mmHg indicative of persistent volume overload after LVAD implantation was significantly associated with increase HF readmissions at 1 year.
Qualitatively Derived Definitions of Emotional Infidelity Among Professional Women in Cross-Gender Relationships:

We aimed to define emotional infidelity among professional women who are in monogamous, cross-gender romantic relationships. We used constructivist grounded theory to capture participants’ lived ex...
The Empirical Status of Control Theory in Criminology

Modern control theories in criminology have their roots in systematic efforts to discover and to explain the facts about crime. A review of the empirical status of control theory in criminology reminds that criminology, as a behavioral science, allows only indirect measures of the most critical theoretical concepts. Control theory focuses on explaining individual and group differences in crime and delinquency via bonds produced primarily by intimates the perspective has been referred to as social or self-control theory. Self-control theory developed because of people interest in reconciling the assumptions of control theory with an additional set of empirical findings generated by a large number of studies. Empirical literature provides a very broad, empirical consensus about self-control as a general cause of crime, delinquency and problem behaviors. The competition between control and social learning theories regarding peer effects can be briefly stated—for control theory, the variable "friends' delinquency" reflects selection effects and measurement error.
Expression of homeobox genes in human erythroleukemia cells.

Because homeobox-containing genes play a major role in embryogenesis and tissue identity in Drosophila and because similar genes encode tissue-specific transcription factors in mammalian cells, we hypothesized that homeobox genes might plan a role in hematopoietic differentiation and lineage commitment. We therefore surveyed a number of human leukemic cell lines for expression of homeobox-containing genes by Northern gel analysis with probes from the Hox 2 cluster of homeobox genes on chromosome 17. We observed transcripts for Hox 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.6 in the erythroid line HEL and for Hox 2.3 and 2.6 in the erythroid line K562. Using homeobox--specific probes we confirmed that the transcripts visualized contained the homeodomains for each gene as well as the flanking sequences. The myeloid lines HL60, KG1 and U937 did not express specific transcripts for any of the 4 genes studied. However, all these cell lines demonstrated bands when probed at low stringency with certain Hox 2 probes, indicating the expression of other homologous but as yet unidentified homeobox genes. Expression of Hox 2.3 and 2.6 was seen in some T and B lymphoid cell lines. Induction of differentiation in HEL cells resulted in complex modulation of expression of the Hox 2 genes. We have therefore observed erythroid restricted expression of certain Hox 2 homeobox containing genes in human erythroid cell lines and modulation of that expression with differentiation, suggesting a role for these genes in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Different homeobox genes appear to be expressed in non-erythroid leukemic cell lines.
Beyond the Belmont Principles: A Community-Based Approach to Developing an Indigenous Ethics Model and Curriculum for Training Health Researchers Working with American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Individuals responsible for carrying out research within their diverse communities experience a critical need for research ethics training materials that align with community values. To improve the capacity to meet local human subject protections, we created the research Ethics Training for Health in Indigenous Communities (rETHICS), a training curriculum aligned within American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) context, culture, and community-level ethical values and principles. Beginning with the Belmont Report and the Common Rule that defines research with human subjects (46 CFR 45), the authors convened three different expert panels (N = 37) to identify Indigenous research values and principles common across tribal communities. The resulting culturally grounded curriculum was then tested with 48 AI/AN individuals, 39 who also had recorded debriefing interviews. Using a thematic analysis, we coded the qualitative feedback from the expert panel discussions and the participant debriefings to assess content validity. Participants identified five foundational constructs needed to ensure cultural-grounding of the AI/AN-specific research training curriculum. These included ensuring that the module was: (a) framed within an AI/AN historical context; (b) reflected Indigenous moral values; (c) specifically linked AI/AN cultural considerations to ethical procedures; (d) contributed to a growing Indigenous ethics; and (e) provided Indigenous-based ethics tools for decision making. Using community-based consultation and feedback from participants led to a culturally grounded training curriculum that teaches research ethical principles and procedures for conducting research with AI/ANs. The curriculum is available for free and the community-based process used can be adapted for other cultural groups.
Exploring health behaviors, quality of life, and support needs in African-American prostate cancer survivors: a pilot study to support future interventions.

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest among African-American men. Comorbidity burden and quality of life (QOL) challenges are also high. Many factors drive these differences; health behaviors are important modifiable contributors. Studies document positive results for lifestyle interventions targeting NHW prostate cancer survivors, but inclusion of African-Americans is limited. We conducted an exploratory mixed-methods study with AAPCS to inform the development of a culturally relevant lifestyle intervention. Twenty-two AAPCS completed questionnaires and a discussion group on dietary and physical activity patterns, QOL, and unmet needs related to lifestyle changes. Seventy-five percent of the participants were overweight or obese, 82% had physical activity patterns considered insufficiently active and only 10% did resistance training at least twice weekly in accordance with current survivorship guidelines. Diets were high in saturated fat and sugar, low in fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake. PROMIS-29 scores indicated that AAPCS had worse physical functioning, pain interference, and sexual functioning, but less social isolation compared to the general population. Compared to other prostate cancer survivors, participants reported poorer status on all domains. Qualitative data highlighted barriers to healthy lifestyles including access, knowledge, and skills, as well as motivators including health benefits and building strength to feel more “manly.” Participants shared high interest in programs to exercise, learn about affordable healthy eating, and bring survivors together to discuss survivorship issues. Lifestyle interventions targeting AAPCS are warranted. To increase impact of these efforts, consideration of environmental, cultural, and survivor contexts will be key.
An IoT-Based Thermal Model Learning Framework for Smart Buildings

With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, implementing intelligent controls in buildings to reduce energy consumption is becoming increasingly popular. Building climate control is of strong research interest due to high energy savings potentials associated with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls. Because the operation of HVAC systems directly influences occupant thermal comfort, building-specific thermal models are needed for proper control. Such models describe how indoor temperature changes under different environmental conditions and HVAC status. Previous studies mainly developed thermal models for accurate building thermal simulation which are not practical for use in real-world applications as they require domain knowledge and lengthy building-by-building configuration. In this article, taking advantage of IoT technologies, a plug-and-play learning framework is proposed to automatically identify the thermal model of each thermal zone in a building without manual configuration. In contrast to the existing methods, a thermal model is learned using low-resolution temperature readings from IoT-based smart thermostats. The learning framework has been validated using the data collected from an IoT platform installed in a building over a summer. The performance of the learned model and the error of indoor temperature prediction based on this model have been evaluated and quantified. Findings demonstrate the learning process can be automated with either edge-computing or cloud-computing. This article shows the validity of the proposed IoT-based thermal model learning framework and offers a pragmatic solution for providing reliable thermal models to future smart building climate controls.
TSH RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES: RELEVANCE & UTILITY.

ABSTRACT Objective: Antibodies (Abs) to the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSH-R) play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). We define the complex terminology that has arisen to describe TSH-R-Abs, review the mechanisms of action of the various types of TSH-R-Abs, and discuss significant advances that have been made in the development of clinically useful TSH-RAb assays. Methods: Literature review and discussion. Results: TSH-R-Abs may mimic or block the action of TSH or be functionally neutral. Stimulating TSH-R-Abs are specific biomarkers for Graves disease (GD) and responsible for many of its clinical manifestations. TSH-R-Abs may also be found in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis in whom they may contribute to the hypothyroidism of the disease. Measurement of TSH-R-Abs in general, and functional Abs in particular, is recommended for the rapid diagnosis of GD, differential diagnosis and management of patients with AITD, especially during pregnancy, and in AITD patients with extrathyroidal manifestations such as orbitopathy. Measurement of TSH-R-Abs can be done with either immunoassays that detect specific binding of Abs to the TSH-R or cell-based bioassays that also provide information on their functional activity and potency. Application of molecular cloning techniques has led to significant advances in methodology that have enabled the development of clinically useful bioassays. When ordering TSH-R-Ab, clinicians should be aware of the different tests available and how to interpret results based on which assay is performed. The availability of an international standard and continued improvement in bioassays will help promote their routine performance by clinical laboratories and provide the most clinically useful TSH-R-Ab results. Conclusion: Measurement of TSH-R-Abs in general, and functional (especially stimulating) Abs in particular, is recommended for the rapid diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of patients with Graves hyperthyroidism, related thyroid eye disease, during pregnancy, as well as in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients with extra-thyroidal manifestations and/or thyroid-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin positivity. Abbreviations: Ab = antibody; AITD = autoimmune thyroid disease; ATD = antithyroid drug; cAMP = cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GD = Graves disease; GO = Graves orbitopathy; HT = Hashimoto thyroiditis; MAb = monoclonal antibody; TBAb = thyrotropin receptor blocking antibody; TBII = thyroid-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin; TSAb = thyrotropin receptor–stimulating antibody; TSB-Ab or TRBAb = thyrotropin receptor–stimulating blocking antibody; TSH = thyrotropin; TSH-R = thyrotropin receptor
Factors Controlling the Risks of Co-occurrence of the Redox-Sensitive Elements of Arsenic, Chromium, Vanadium, and Uranium in Groundwater from the Eastern United States

The co-occurrence of contaminants in drinking water may pose enhanced risks to health beyond the effects of single contaminants. Here, we investigated the co-occurrence of four health-relevant redox-sensitive elements (U, As, V, and Cr) in 1494 groundwater wells across North Carolina. The highest concentrations of these elements were measured mostly in groundwater from fractured igneous and metamorphic formations throughout the Piedmont region. Arsenic occurred most frequently in suboxic to mixed redox character groundwater, whereas U, V, and Cr occurred mostly in oxic groundwater. Occurrences of As, and to a lesser extent U, increased with pH, likely reflecting desorption, while higher Cr and V levels were measured in near-neutral pH and oxic groundwater, reflecting greater sensitivity to redox conditions. Due to similar geochemistry, V and Cr co-occurred most frequently. Concentrations of V and Cr(VI) co-exceeded health recommendations from the NC Department of Health and Human Services in up to 84% of wells from the King's Mountain Belt and the Charlotte and Milton Belts of the Piedmont region. This study highlights the large gap between health recommendations and enforceable regulations and demonstrates a degree of co-occurrence between redox-sensitive elements, which may pose additional risks to groundwater-reliant individuals.
Chapter 2 – Taxonomy

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a brief overview of classification of animals and plants. The essence of classification is to order all living things into groups that not only resemble each other but are also related to each other by evolution through time. This ordering allows scientists in all fields to communicate effectively with one another about the natural world in which we all live. The classification methodology should be stable to support widespread understanding. In a commonly used classification system, all known living organisms are grouped into five kingdoms—Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. These kingdoms are ordered into smaller categories, namely, into phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. Species that are defined according to similarity are called morphological species. At present, three discrete methodologies of classification are recognized—traditional or evolutionary classification—this kind of classification begins with the assessment of overall morphological similarity between organisms. Similarities are tested for patterns of homologies in living organisms and, if possible, are compared with fossil forms; numerical or phenetic taxonomy—numerical taxonomy essentially depends on equal weighting of all phenetic characters and it totally rejects phylogenetic implications because phylogenetic events are considered to be scientifically unverifiable; and cladistics—the taxonomic method of cladistics is based on the claim for objectivity as numerical phenetic classification.
Un(avail)able Protection: The Shifting Legal Landscape in the Eighth Circuit and Beyond for Asylum-Seekers Fleeing Nonstate Persecution

As part of the administration’s overall assault on asylum in the U.S., Attorney General Sessions issued Matter of A-B-, a sweeping decision with the apparent objective of dramatically narrowing the pathway to protection for refugees fleeing non-state persecutors. In particular, Matter of A-B- sought to utilize language from the Seventh and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeals, which provided that an applicant fleeing a non-state persecutor must show that her government "condoned" her persecution or at least demonstrated "a complete helplessness" to prevent it. The condone-or-complete-helplessness language stands in stark contrast to the long-standing "unable-or-unwilling to protect" standard. This article discusses developments in non-state actor jurisprudence leading up to Matter of A-B-, as well as litigation in the Eighth Circuit and beyond to fight back against efforts to heighten this requirement.
Investigating Silver Nanoparticle Interactions with Quaternary Ammonium Functionalized Triblock Copolymers and Their Effect on Midblock Crystallinity

Interactions between silver nanoparticles and a cationic triblock copolymer significantly alter bulk material properties and can be tuned by functionalizing the polymer with different quaternary am...
KNOTS WITH DISTINCT PRIMITIVE/PRIMITIVE AND PRIMITIVE/SEIFERT REPRESENTATIVES

Berge introduced knots that are primitive/primitive with respect to the genus 2 Heegaard surface, F, in S3; surgery on such knots at the surface slope yields a lens space. Later Dean described a similar class of knots that are primitive/Seifert with respect to F; surgery on these knots at the surface slope yields a Seifert fibered space. Here we construct a two-parameter family of knots that have distinct primitive/Seifert embeddings in F with the same surface slope, as well as a family of torus knots that have a primitive/primitive representative and a primitive/Seifert representative with the same surface slope.
Inadequate demand and reluctant supply: The limits of Chinese official development finance for foreign renewable power

Abstract This paper examines the puzzle of why China has thus far channeled a tiny fraction of its massive official development finance (ODF) for energy worldwide to solar and wind power. With a supply/demand analytical framework, our empirical analysis and field research show that both the foreign demand for Chinese ODF and the supply by the country’s two global policy banks face limits. The external demand is limited because foreign countries often approach non-Chinese sources for solar and wind power development finance; even when they turn to China for renewable power finance, they request more Chinese ODF for their hydropower and coal-fired power expansion. Meanwhile, shaped by their experience in renewable power finance in China and worried about the bankability of the solar and wind power projects abroad, the two Chinese policy banks exhibit sharpened risk sensitizations and biases against renewable power projects abroad.
Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution along the coastline of South Attica, Greece, after the sinking of the Agia Zoni ΙΙ oil tanker

Oil spills at sea pose risks to the marine environment and to the economy of many nations. Marine ecosystems are very vulnerable and precious as producers of oxygen and as regulators of climate. Therefore, their protection and preservation are necessary. In the event of an oil spill, anthropogenic clean-up activities and natural weathering processes can minimize the negative effects on marine organisms, and the marine environment in general. The target of this study was to investigate the status of the sea along the coastline of the Saronic Gulf, Greece, a year after the sinking of the Agia Zoni II oil tanker. Seawater samples from 15 sampling locations from Phlisvos coast to Anavissos, an area easily approached by bathers with recreational interest, were collected and analysed for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Concentrations up to a maximum of 56.6 μg/L were detected. Despite the large extent of the initial hydrocarbon pollution, the immediate clean-up operations and natural weathering and/or sorption processes have reduced the impact of the spill on surface waters.
Data and Methods

This chapter introduces data and methods that will be used throughout the study. The chapter provides a list of newly available male fertility datasets, including those to be analyzed in this book. It also discusses the strengths and limitations of those data sources. Moreover, the chapter addresses the issue of data quality in male fertility reports and evaluates the quality of data to be examined in this book. As far as methodology, the Poisson regression models and Stata survey commands are introduced to enlighten the reader the methodological and statistical issues that are associated with this research. The discussion of data and methods also allows future research to replicate and extend findings of this current analysis.
Answer to May 2021 Photo Quiz

Answer: Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient’s respiratory culture grew normal respiratory flora but was characterized by tracks of small bacterial colonies dragged by moving filariform Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (Fig. 1B). His stool ova-and-parasite (O&P) exam and intestinal biopsies (Fig
Driving after marijuana use among U.S. adolescents: Prevalence profiles and related behaviors.

Objectives The interplay between marijuana legislation, perceptions of risks associated with marijuana use, and marijuana-related risk behaviors is an ever changing and complex issue. Marijuana impaired driving is of concern as legalization continues to expand in the United States. While driving after using marijuana has been shown to be prevalent among adults, little research has examined the behavior in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of driving after using marijuana among U.S. adolescents, with an examination of the relationship to age of marijuana initiation and marijuana usage patterns. Methods We analyzed data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative sample of high schools students in the U.S. The sample was current marijuana users, defined as past 30 day use. Driving after using marijuana was the main outcome variable, with analyses examining the association between the outcome and age of initiation and patterns of use. Prevalence ratios were obtained by modeling Poisson regression to examine factors associated with driving under the influence of marijuana. Results Nearly half of all marijuana users reported driving after use during the past 30 days, and did not differ between males and females. Prevalence of driving after using marijuana was significantly higher among heavy users (PR = 2.8; 95% CI 2.1-3.6). A higher prevalence of driving after drinking alcohol (PR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.5-1.9) was also found among those who had driven after using marijuana. Conclusions Among adolescent marijuana users, the prevalence of driving after using marijuana was high. Enhanced surveillance, prevention, and control measures are necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of marijuana consumption and related behaviors.
Updates in Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin therapy has been studied a great deal over the past decade, with new understanding about its use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Optimal dosing for isotretinoin therapy has yet to be elucidated, although data supports that lower relapse rates are seen with higher cumulative doses of medication. New evidence suggests that monthly laboratory monitoring may not be needed for healthy patients on isotretinoin therapy and instead a lipid profile and liver function tests may be completed at baseline and after 2 months of therapy or when the maximum dose has been achieved. Additional testing may be warranted for severe abnormalities and comorbid medical conditions. A causative link between isotretinoin and depression has not been found, but given the high prevalence of depression in patients with acne, screening is still warranted. Current evidence suggests that it is not necessary to wait 6 months post isotretinoin to undergo scar revision and resurfacing procedures.
Research updates in small ruminant parasitology

For years, livestock farmers have relied on the use of anthelmintics as their sole means for controlling helminth infections; however, this strategy has proven to be unsustainable. The current high levels of anthelmintic resistance to multiple drug classes makes it difficult to control parasites using chemical means alone. Furthermore, the lack of new classes of anthelmintic drugs means that the drugs we have now will be all we have for quite a long time. Thus, parasite control needs to be viewed more holistically within an ecological context and practiced in a multi-pronged integrated manner. Here, we review some of the recent literature on parasite control in small ruminants that addresses these issues.
Long-Term Care Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

More than five million people, primarily children and young adults, have a developmental disability, most of whom are cared for by their parents. Significant disparities exist in access to health care and planning for long term care for this population, which are compounded by the lack of a coherent, coordinated approach to deal with disability. Addressing these disparities requires a dynamic, integrated approach across the health, education and social welfare domains which accounts for the complexities involved in caring for this population.
LCAS and GFP for service protection in next generation SONET/SDH

Automatic protection switching (APS) is a mechanism adopted by SONET/SDH to automatically relocate traffic from a high priority path to a path assigned for protection. Although this method is created to respond to failures and reestablish the service in less than 50ms, it does not address issues related to low priority traffic, which in case of a failure is simply lost. The generic framing procedure (GFP) and the link capacity adjustment scheme (LCAS) are new procedures included in the next generation SONET/SDH which along with automatic protection switching (APS) provides service protection solutions to both high and low priority traffic. This paper provides an overview of these technologies and explains the implementation of GFP and LCAS for alternative service protection on the next generation SONET/SDH.
Statistical modeling of daily and subdaily stream temperatures: Application to the Methow River Basin, Washington

[1] Management of water temperatures in the Columbia River Basin (Washington) is critical because water projects have substantially altered the habitat of Endangered Species Act listed species, such as salmon, throughout the basin. This is most important in tributaries to the Columbia, such as the Methow River, where the spawning and rearing life stages of these cold water fishes occurs. Climate change projections generally predict increasing air temperatures across the western United States, with less confidence regarding shifts in precipitation. As air temperatures rise, we anticipate a corresponding increase in water temperatures, which may alter the timing and availability of habitat for fish reproduction and growth. To assess the impact of future climate change in the Methow River, we couple historical climate and future climate projections with a statistical modeling framework to predict daily mean stream temperatures. A K-nearest neighbor algorithm is also employed to: (i) adjust the climate projections for biases compared to the observed record and (ii) provide a reference for performing spatiotemporal disaggregation in future hydraulic modeling of stream habitat. The statistical models indicate the primary drivers of stream temperature are maximum and minimum air temperature and stream flow and show reasonable skill in predictability. When compared to the historical reference time period of 1916–2006, we conclude that increases in stream temperature are expected to occur at each subsequent time horizon representative of the year 2020, 2040, and 2080, with an increase of 0.8 ± 1.9°C by the year 2080.
Race, Rights, and the Origins of American Political Science

This paper argues that racial ideas were central to the intellectual and institution-building projects of political science as it emerged as a specialized discipline in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Symposium: APD in the Elderly

Few elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Among dialysis patients >or=65 years of age reported by the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS), the percentage treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) is lower than in any other age group. To evaluate the effectiveness of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) in the elderly, we compared several outcome measures in cohorts of different ages maintained on APD. The outcome measures we examined included mortality and technique failure rates, peritonitis rates, outcomes of peritonitis, and quality of life measures. We found that while patients >or=65 years of age have a higher mortality rate than younger patients, technique failure rates, overall peritonitis rates, and most quality of life measures are not different than for younger patients. However, patients >or=65 years of age have higher gram-negative peritonitis rates and lower scores on the physical component score of the SF-36 than younger patients. The present study suggests that APD is a reasonable treatment modality for elderly patients with ESRD and that elderly patients with progressive renal failure should be considered as candidates for APD.
Hybrid simulation of VTOL flight

The purpose of this communication is to describe some results of a study of manual control for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) IFR operations. The study involved simulated flight on Honeywell's hybrid computer facility. The study was designed to determine if state-of-the-art display technology could provide acceptable display systems for VTOL operations. The flexibility of hybrid computer simulation provides the cockpit designer with a method by which he can study many combinations of display formats and manual control modes. Workload measuring techniques were used to augment the flight performance criteria to evaluate study results.
The Ventral Premotor Cortex, Corticospinal Region C, and the Origin of Primates

In addition to its projection to the brainstem, the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) sends axons directly to the upper cervical spinal cord in primates, with few terminations more caudally in either the cervical enlargement or in the lumbosacral spinal segments. This finding suggests that PMv plays a role in the control of head movements. Furthermore, comparative neuroanatomical studies indicate that PMv's corticospinal projection was a primate innovation. If the first primates adapted to an arboreal life that involved unimanual feeding, as some experts believe, then perhaps PMv's corticospinal projection evolved to coordinate head movements with this kind of feeding behavior. The computations underlying such control could later be adapted to control head orientation during social signaling.
Phenotypic variability in induction of p‐glycoprotein mrna by aromatic hydrocarbons in primary human hepatocytes

To determine whether human liver responds to treatment with aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) with induction of the multidrug resistance (mdr) gene product P-glycoprotein and whether AH induction of mdr involves the Ah receptor, we compared induction of mdr mRNA with induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 mRNA in AH-treated cultures of primary human hepatocytes. Hepatocytes from all 15 individuals tested responded to treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) with induction of CYP1A1 mRNA. However, only 62% and 55% of the preparations responded to treatment with MC and TCDD, respectively, with induction of mdr mRNA. Indeed, in some individuals mdr mRNA was suppressed by MC and TCDD despite robust CYP1A1 induction. These studies provide the first evidence that not only does individual variation in mdr induction by AH exist but that AHs regulate mdr in humans by a novel mechanism distinguishable from the classical Ah receptor pathway. The dramatic variability in AH induction of mdr may be a predictive risk factor that will help to identify an individual's risk of AH-associated toxicities.
Patterns of telecommuting and their consequences: Framing the research Agenda.

Abstract While there are over 7 million telecommuters in the U.S. today, there has been little empirical research and virtually no theoretical work on telecommuting. Drawing from the literatures on contingent employment, job design and social isolation, this article presents a theoretical framework for understanding how different constellations of telecommuting arrangements and job characteristics lead to different patterns of employee attitudes and behaviors. After presenting a series of propositions, the article concludes with suggestions for the empirical testing of these propositions and a discussion of the implications for management practice.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate basal and tumour necrosis factor‐α‐induced regulation of myosin light chain kinase gene activity

The patients with Crohn's disease (CD) have a ‘leaky gut’ manifested by an increase in intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) permeability. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proto-typical pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in intestinal inflammation of CD. An important pro-inflammatory action of TNF-α is to cause a functional opening of intestinal TJ barrier. Previous studies have shown that TNF-α increase in TJ permeability was regulated by an increase in myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) gene activity and protein expression. The major aim of this study was to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate basal and TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK gene activity. By progressive 5′ deletion, minimal MLCK promoter was localized between −313 to +118 on MLCK promoter. A p53 binding site located within minimal promoter region was identified as an essential determinant for basal promoter activity. A 4 bp start site and a 5 bp downstream promoter element were required for MLCK gene activity. TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK promoter activity was mediated by NF-κB activation. There were eight κB binding sites on MLCK promoter. The NF-κB1 site at +48 to +57 mediated TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK promoter activity. The NF-κB2 site at −325 to −316 had a repressive role on promoter activity. The opposite effects on promoter activity were due to differences in the NF-κB dimer type binding to the κB sites. p50/p65 dimer preferentially binds to the NF-κB1 site and up-regulates promoter activity; while p50/p50 dimer preferentially binds to the NF-κB2 site and down-regulates promoter activity. In conclusion, we have identified the minimal MLCK promoter region, essential molecular determinants and molecular mechanisms that mediate basal and TNF-α-induced modulation of MLCK promoter activity in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. These studies provide novel insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate basal and TNF-α-induced modulation of MLCK gene activity.
Arctic Explorer Robert E. Peary’s Other Quest: Money, Science, and the Year 1897

American Robert E. Peary is famous for his claim of being the first person to reach the North Pole. However, too little historical attention has been paid to independent parts of his long exploratory career. A closer examination of one year, 1897, in his two‐decade quest, reveals the substantial difficulties of being an explorer at the turn of the twentieth century. Peary used specially crafted arguments to endear himself to the recently organized but poorly connected professional scientists who proved to be his most earnest, if inconsistent, backers before 1898. Peary worked on the scientists’ behalf to locate, and sometimes create, publishing venues and stateside audiences for them, in exchange for their patronage. The money chase was difficult and time‐consuming, but did more than help the scientists and ensure Peary’s future backing. It introduced him to the young American scientific community, with whom he learned to “sell” the Arctic. Peary also used his scientific credentials to maintain a public i...
Mass transfer in double white dwarf binaries

Abstract I review the implications of our recent numerical simulations of the hydrodynamics of Roche lobe overflow in double white dwarf binaries, with special emphasis on the stability and survival of such systems after the onset of dynamically unstable mass transfer. We find that some of these systems may survive and enter a secular phase of orbital expansion, driven by gravitational radiation, undergoing slow and decreasing mass transfer, and be observable as AM Canum Venaticorum binaries.
Thyroidectomy with neoadjuvant PLX4720 extends survival and decreases tumor burden in an orthotopic mouse model of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Background B-RafV600E is a frequent mutation in anaplastic thyroid cancers and is a novel therapeutic target. We hypothesized that PLX4720 (an inhibitor of B-RafV600E) and thyroidectomy would extend survival and would decrease tumor burden in a mouse model. Methods Orthotopic anaplastic thyroid tumors were induced in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Mice were treated with PLX4720 or vehicle after 7 days of tumor growth, and thyroidectomy or sham surgery was performed at day 14. The neck space was re-explored, and tumor volume was measured at day 35. Mice were sacrificed when they lost >25% of their initial weight. Results All 5 mice that received the vehicle developed cachexia, had invasive tumors (average 61 mm3)and were sacrificed by day 35. All 6 mice receiving PLX4720 + sham had small tumors (average 1.3 mm3) and maintained their weight. Three out of 6 mice receiving PLX4720+thyroidectomy had no evidence of tumor at 35 days; the other 3 mice had small tumors (average 1.4 mm3) and showed no signs of metastatic disease. All mice treated with PLX4720 were alive and well-appearing at 50 days. Conclusion Thyroidectomy with neoadjuvant PLX4720 could be an effective therapeutic strategy for early anaplastic thyroid cancers that harbor the B-RafV600E mutation and are refractory to conventional therapeutic modalities.
Transformations of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes exposed to UVC (254 nm) irradiation

Motivated by the ability of UVC radiation to destroy harmful pathogens in drinking and waste water treatment plants, we have investigated the effect of 254 nm (UVC) radiation on the physical and chemical properties of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube (O-MWCNT) suspensions. Absorbance and particle size measurements were employed to monitor suspension stability, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize chemical and structural transformations. Experimental results indicate that after an initial period of irradiation where suspensions remained stable, exposure to 254 nm light caused O-MWCNT particles to aggregate. The duration of this initial period of particle stability increased at higher pH and lower ionic strength. This photo-induced aggregation was found to be the result of a loss of negatively charged carboxylic acid functional groups. Experiments performed in solutions containing different levels of dissolved oxygen, used to alter the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) present during irradiation, indicate that ROS are not directly involved in the photodecarboxylation process. However, our results are consistent with a direct single photon decarboxylation process, previously identified in the organic photochemistry literature as the mechanism for CO2 removal from small organic molecules. Photodecarboxylation proceeded in the absence of any significant mass loss or changes in the O-MWCNT structure. Thus, UVC irradiation was unable to mineralize carbon atoms in the core of the O-MWCNTs, although it transformed the physical state of O-MWCNTs by changing the surface chemistry.
Profile of an Effective Urban Music Educator

The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of an effective urban music educator in an effort to provide strategies for university teacher training programs to prepare students to teach in u...
Absolute reaction rate theory and the respiratory rebound

The treatment of Burton3 of the respiratory overshoot is reexamined in the light of the absolute reaction rate theory. The value of the flux rate is shown to depend upon the differences in the energies and entropies of activation of the forward and reverse reactions of the individual steps. A mechanism is suggested for the switch within a tissue from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism.
Hospitalization Trends After Prostate and Bladder Surgery: Implications of Potential Payment Reforms

Purpose: Hospital stays have decreased for patients undergoing surgery for urological cancer. However, there are concerns that patients are being discharged from the hospital prematurely. We examined associations between hospital stay and short-term outcomes for a low risk procedure (prostatectomy) and high risk procedure (cystectomy).Materials and Methods: We used SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare data from 1992 through 2005 to identify 46,781 prostatectomy and 9,035 cystectomy cases. We assessed our main outcome (adjusted likelihood of hospital readmission within 30 days) using a logistic regression model. Secondary outcomes included mortality rates and discharge disposition.Results: In comparing patients from 1992 to 1993, to 2004 to 2005, hospital stay decreased approximately 3 days for both surgeries (relative decrease of more than 50% for prostatectomy and 21% for cystectomy). Hospital readmission rates were 4.5% and 25.2% for prostatectomy and cystectomy, respectively, and ...
Gestalt and feature-intensive processing: Toward a unified model of human information processing

“Cognitive asynchrony theory,” recently developed in research on aging and memory, implies a functional distinction between the processing of “feature-intensive” items, those with numerous identifiable features, and the processing of images which are relatively sparse in such features and are handled in a more wholistic, “gestalt” manner. The present experiments addressed the question of whether such a distinction exists outside the realms of memory in which it has thus far been addressed. The present work used mental rotation as a model system. Consistent with the predictions of this model, Experiment 1 showed that feature-intensive figures required significantly more time to rotate than did gestalt figures, even though angles of rotation were the same. Experiment 2 demonstrated that feature-intensive processing may involve verbally-accessible semantic systems to a greater degree than is the case with “gestalt” items. Experiment 3 identified significant practice effects of feature-intensive stimuli on the processing of gestalt stimuli, but not the reverse. The results of these experiments indicate that the “gestalt/feature-intensive” processing distinction extends to mental rotation as well as to memory. Implications for the nature of mental representation of verbal and visual materials are discussed.