cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum Markers Predict Brain Death Due to Trauma and Hypoxia Within 32 hours of Injury

Background: Prediction of which traumatic and hypoxic brain injuries will progress to brain death is currently based predominantly on history, physical examination and radiographic findings. We investigated how accurately purely objective measures including three neurologic serum markers and algorithmic CT (computed tomograph) scan analysis can predict brain death and differentiate its etiology. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 51 isolated trauma subjects and 19 clinically brain dead subjects that were further divided by mechanism of injury into high-velocity trauma with presumed diffuse axonal injury, cardiopulmonary/respiratory arrest, and found down groups. Levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B (S100B) were compared, and algorithmic analysis of CT scan imaging was performed using an open-source deep learning software (BLAST-CT). Findings: The prognostic value of various biomarker combinations in identifying subjects progressing to brain death was assessed using machine learning. Prediction accuracy for GFAP, UCH-L1, and S100B and algorithmic CT analysis in combination to predict brain death from among all other cohorts yielded an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.98 versus all other brain injury subjects. This model was also able to distinguish brain death attributed to cardiopulmonary/respiratory arrest from combined non-trauma controls and diffuse axonal injury with an area under the curve of 0.99. Interpretation: Serum concentrations of GFAP, UCH-L1, and S100B measured within 32 hours of traumatic and hypoxic brain injury (cardiopulmonary/respiratory arrest) and algorithmic CT analysis have utility in prognosticating brain death and predicting its mechanism of injury as either hypoxic or traumatic/unknown (diffuse axonal injury/found down).
The Ground of Self-determination

This paper addresses the justice of national self-determination claims and defends a right to self-determination rendered as both a primary right, meaning that it does not require grievances or injustices, and a prima facie right, meaning that it is defeasible by the presence of injustices or the prospect of baneful consequences. The paper’s distinct contribution lies in the ground of this right, arguing that autonomy is not alone sufficient and that a better grounding can be found in a common civic life, understood as a species of the basic good of interpersonal harmony. This basic good, and the norm of self-determination that protects it, rest on the foundation of natural law. The paper manifests the collection’s focus on liberty and security by exploring the claims for liberty proffered by a group desiring collective political autonomy, claims that bear upon the security of the group’s members, the security and liberty of minorities and of people liable to be subjected to illiberal practices, and the security of all who would experience war and violence in conflicts over self-determination.
Evidence of measurement invariance across gender for the Force Concept Inventory

Gender differences in performance on the Force Concept Inventory are likely not a result of different, gender-specific factor structures of the assessment.
Evaluation of plasma-activated water (PAW) as a novel disinfectant: Effectiveness on Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, physicochemical properties, and storage stability

Abstract Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an emerging disinfectant with high antimicrobial activity due to a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This study evaluated the inactivation efficacy of PAW against planktonic Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua as representatives of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, characterized the physicochemical properties of PAW, and investigated the storage stability of PAW. The effectiveness of PAW increased by extending the plasma activation time over water during PAW preparation or the incubation time of bacteria in PAW. PAW also showed higher effectiveness against E. coli than L. innocua: PAW5 (PAW prepared by plasma activation of water for 5 min) reduced E. coli by > 5 log CFU/mL and L. innocua by 1.8 ± 0.5 log CFU/mL within 5 min of bacterial incubation time, while PAW15 (PAW prepared by plasma activation of water for 15 min) reduced E. coli by > 5 log CFU/mL and L. innocua by 3.5 ± 0.6 log CFU/mL within 5 min of bacterial incubation time. Acidic pH and nitrogen species such as NO2− synergistically contributed to the inactivation efficacy of PAW. Fresh PAW showed the highest inactivation efficacy while refrigerated PAW maintained the inactivation efficacy compared to PAW stored at room temperature due to delayed dissipation of reactive species.
Promoting equity in the use of algorithms for high-seas conservation

Spatial optimization algorithms show potential for prioritizing conservation areas on the high seas. Yet algorithmic approaches stand to reinforce global power asymmetries without careful consideration of process. We explain this problem’s origin and provide recommendations for a more equitable path forward in the application of algorithms to high-seas conservation.
Molecular signaling of synthetic cannabinoids: Comparison of CB1 receptor and TRPV1 channel activation.

Abstract Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is associated with desirable euphoric and relaxation effects as well as adverse effects including anxiety, agitation and psychosis. These SC-mediated actions represent a combination of potentiated cannabinoid receptor signaling and “off-target” receptor activity. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of various classes of SCs in stimulating CB1 receptors and activating “off-target” transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Cannabinoid-type 1 (CB1) receptor activity was determined by measuring SC activation of G protein-gated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye assay. SC opening of vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels was measured by recording intracellular Ca2+ transients. All of the SCs tested activated the GIRK channel with an efficacy of 4-fluoro MDMB-BUTINACA > 5-fluoro MDMB-PICA > MDMB-4en-PINACA ≈ WIN 55,212-2 > AB-FUBINACA > AM1220 ≈ JWH-122 N-(5-chloropentyl) > AM1248 > JWH-018 ≈ XLR-11 ≈ UR-144. The potency of the SCs at the CB1 receptor was 5-fluoro MDMB-PICA ≈ 4-fluoro MDMB-BUTINACA > AB-FUBINACA ≈ MDMB-4en-PINACA > JWH-018 > AM1220 > XLR-11 > JWH-122 N-(5-chloropentyl) > WIN 55,212-2 ≈ UR-144 > AM1248. In contrast, when tested at a SC concentration that produced a maximal effect on the Gi/GIRK channel, only XLR-11, UR-144 and AM1220 caused a significant activation of the TRPV1 channels. The TRPV1 channel/Ca2+ signal measured during application of 10 μM XLR-11 was similar to the signal induced by the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA). Thus, while various SCs share the ability to stimulate CB1 receptor/Gi signaling, they display limited efficacy in opening TRPV1 channels.
Decreasing rate of inpatient pediatric bipolar disorder diagnosis in the US between 2004 and 2010.

OBJECTIVES Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) increased substantially among youth between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s in the United States. This dramatic increase in diagnosis resulted in concern regarding the potential for misdiagnosis of BD among youth. However, the rate of BD diagnosis in the United States had not been evaluated nationally since the mid-2000s. It was unclear whether changes in diagnostic rates continued to occur. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the pattern of longitudinal trends in the rate of national inpatient BD diagnosis subsequent to 2004. METHODS Data included a nationally representative dataset of inpatient hospitalizations between 1996 and 2010. De-identified data were obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) conducted annually by the National Center for Health Statistics. RESULTS The proportion of BD diagnoses relative to all psychiatric diagnoses increased between 1996 and 2004 among children and adolescents. The proportion of BD diagnoses then decreased between 2004 and 2010 among children but continued to increase for adolescents. However, population-adjusted rates of BD diagnosis per 10,000 individuals in the general population initially increased until the mid-2000s and then decreased until 2010 for both children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Rates of BD diagnosis substantially decreased for youth between the mid-2000s and 2010. This decline coincided with recommendations for more conservative diagnostic practices due to concerns about overdiagnosis and increasing awareness of the side effects of front-line medications used to treat BD in youth. Findings provide insight into changing trends in inpatient service utilization for BD in the United States.
Study of Receptor-Mediated Neurotoxins Released by HIV-1-Infected Mononuclear Phagocytes Found in Human Brain

Although there is growing evidence that neurotoxic molecules produced by HIV-1-infected mononuclear phagocytes damage neurons, the precise mechanisms of neuronal attack remain uncertain. One class of cytotoxin involves neuronal injury mediated via the NMDA receptor. We examined blood monocytes and brain mononuclear cells isolated at autopsy from HIV-1-infected individuals for the ability to release NMDA-like neuron-killing factors. We found that a neurotoxic amine, NTox, was produced by blood monocytes and by brain mononuclear phagocytes infected with retrovirus. In vivo injections of minute quantities of NTox produced selective damage to hippocampal pyramidal neurons. NTox can be extracted directly from brain tissues infected with HIV-1 and showed structural features similar to wasp and spider venoms. In contrast to NTox, HIV-1 infection did not increase the release of the NMDA excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN) from mononuclear cells. Although we found modest elevations of QUIN in the CSF of HIV-1-infected individuals, the increases were likely attributable to entry through damaged blood-brain barrier. Taken together, our data pinpoint NTox, rather than QUIN, as a major NMDA receptor-directed toxin associated with neuro-AIDS.
Securitisation and Its Impact on Financial Market Stability

In this paper we aim to establish an intrinsic connection between asset securitisation and financial market stability in the light of altered financial intermediation. After a brief presentation of the nature of securitisation per se, we introduce both theoretical considerations and empirical observations to identify possible sources of systemic risk in loan securitisation. In particular, we focus on asymmetric information and the security design as determined by the tradability of credit risk transfer. We argue that regulatory disregard of these issues does not only destabilise securitisation markets but also induce profound disruptions to mutual payment obligations of financial intermediaries.
Measurement of the Temperature Dependence of the Density of Liquid 4He from 0.3 to 0.7°K and Near the λ-Point

The total density of 4He has a particularly interesting temperature dependence. It has a minimum at about 1.14°K, a near-infinite slope at T λ , and a maximum at a temperature slightly above T λ . Direct measurements of the density at saturated vapor pressure have been made by Kerr and Taylor.1 Indirect measurements, inferred from the index of refraction and dielectric constant, have been reported by a number of workers, the more recent being by Chase et al.,2 Boghosian and Meyer,3 and Harris-Lowe and Smee.4 These indirect measurements can be related to the density through the use of the Clausius-Mosotti relation and the atomic polarizability. The questions of whether the Clausius-Mosotti relation is valid and whether the atomic polarizability may be considered to be temperature independent have been considered by these authors and by Kerr and Sherman.5 Very recently Roach et al.6 have measured the density from 0.1 to 0.7°K using the velocity of sound and have verified a T 4 dependence.
International cooperative activities in standardization of antinuclear antibodies

Since 1980, clinical investigators in the United States have been engaged in efforts to standardize reference sera for antinuclear antibody determinations. This activity has continued and more recently, it has expanded to become an international cooperative effort involving laboratories in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.
ATP allosteric activation of atrial natriuretic factor receptor guanylate cyclase

Atrial natriuretic factor receptor guanylate cyclase (ANF-RGC) is the receptor and the signal transducer of two natriuretic peptide hormones: atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide. It is a single transmembrane-spanning protein. It binds these hormones at its extracellular domain and activates its intracellular catalytic domain. This results in the accelerated production of cyclic GMP, a second messenger in controlling blood pressure, cardiac vasculature and fluid secretion. ATP is obligatory for the transduction of this hormonal signal. Two models of ATP action have been proposed. In Model 1, it is a direct allosteric transducer. It binds to the defined regulatory domain (ATP-regulated module) juxtaposed to the C-terminal side of the transmembrane domain of ANF-RGC, induces a cascade of temporal and spatial changes and activates the catalytic module residing at the C-terminus of the cyclase. In Model 2, before ATP can exhibit its allosteric effect, ANF-RGC must first be phosphorylated by an as yet unidentified protein kinase. This initial step is obligatory in atrial natriuretic factor signaling of ANF-RGC. Until now, none of these models has been directly validated because it has not been possible to segregate the allosteric and the phosphorylation effects of ATP in ANF-RGC activation. The present study accomplishes this aim through a novel probe, staurosporine. This unequivocally validates Model 1 and settles the over two-decade long debate on the role of ATP in ANF-RGC signaling. In addition, the present study demonstrates that the mechanisms of allosteric modification of ANF-RGC by staurosporine and adenylyl-imidodiphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable analog of ATP, are almost (or totally) identical.
The effect of aging on microvascular density and angiogenesis (665.4)

Age related pathologies are commonly associated with vessel loss or excess vessel growth. An important question is whether or not angiogenesis, defined as the growth of new vessels from existing on...
On Strongly Associative Group Algebras

Given a partial action α of a group G on the group algebra FH, where H is a finite group and F is a field whose characteristic p divides the order of H, we investigate the associativity question of the partial crossed product FH*α G. If FH*α G is associative for any G and any α, then FH is called “strongly associative.” Using a result of Dokuchaev and Exel (2005) we characterize the strongly associative modular group algebras FH for several classes of groups H.
Characterization of the radiation-sensitive stage in the development of the compound eye of Drosophila.

The development of the compound eye of Drosophila is particularly sensitive to irradiation during the third larval instar. Moreover, the anterioposterior location of the eye-pattern defects produced by irradiation during the third instar is correlated with the age of the larvae at the time of irradiation, as first shown by H.J. Becker. The development of the fly eye proceeds from posterior to anterior, and so these results suggest that there may be a radiation-sensitive stage in the development of the precursor cells in the eye imaginal disc of Drosophila. We show here that irradiation of third-instar Drosophila larvae with 23-30 Gy of 60Co gamma-rays produces confluent pattern disruptions in a dorsoventral stripe of eye tissue with an average width of about 8 facets along the anterioposterior axis. By measuring the time interval from irradiation to pupariation in individual larvae, we were able to determine that the posterior boundary of the radiation-sensitive region is located 0-1 columns anterior to the morphogenetic furrow in the developing eye imaginal disc. Therefore the anterior boundary of the radiation-sensitive region lies about 8-9 columns anterior to the morphogenetic furrow. These boundaries demarcate the region of the eye imaginal disc within which a specific subset of precursor cells (those that will develop into the R1, R6 and R7 photoreceptor cells, as well as the pigment and cone cells) are preparing for their final round of mitosis. Irradiation of these precursor cells would cause the death or delayed mitosis of their daughter cells within the morphogenetic furrow, while they are initiating the cellular interactions that determine cell fate in the developing eye. Irradiation of more anterior cells (i.e., at earlier stages) results in few pattern defects, presumably because the resulting cell death and delayed mitosis can be completed before the morphogenetic furrow passes.
A particle impact probe for hydrodynamic studies in fluidized beds

Abstract This paper describes the development and testing of an instrumentation system used to monitor the dynamic behavior of particles in fluidized beds with minimum disturbance of particle motion. The monitoring system includes a particle impact probe and supporting electronics for probe excitation and data treatment and storage. The probe and electronic system can measure the x, y, and z components of momentum transferred to the probe head by individual 700- and 3 200-micrometer particle impacts spaced more than 500 micro-seconds apart. When calibated, the monitoring system can also measure the x, y and z components of solids force exerted on the probe head in dense fluidized beds. The prototype probe has a 0.318-centimter outside diameter, 7.62-centimeter long, stainless steel tube base with a 0.318-centimeter diameter nylon sphere probe head mounted at one end. When impacted by particles in a 15.3-centimeter diameter fluidized bed, the probe head produced xyz three-axis motion in a miniature electrode system mounted within the tube base. The signals produced by the electrode system were calibrated to produce either the components of the momentum vector of the probe head during individual particle impacts or the three components of the force exerted on the probe head during multiple, closely spaced particle impacts.
Characterization of extended defects in polycrystalline CdTe thin films grown by close-spaced sublimation

The extended defects in polycrystalline CdTe thin films grown by close-spaced sublimation are characterized by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. We found that the extended defects are mostly lamellar twins and intrinsic and extrinsic stacking faults. The stacking faults always propagate across the grains without ending at a partial dislocation inside the grains. The atomic structures of the defects are confirmed.
SU‐GG‐J‐49: Clinical Utility of a Portable Ultrasound Bladder Scanner in Prostate External‐Beam Radiation Therapy

Purpose: External‐beam radiation prostate patients are treated with a full bladder to minimize the amount of bladder in the field, to maintain a reproducible daily setup during treatment and to push the bowel away from the target volume. This work investigates the feasibility of using a portable hand‐held ultrasoundscanner, the BladderScan® (Verathon, Bothell, WA), to determine the degree of bladder fullness before each treatment.Method and Materials: First, the accuracy of the bladder scanner (BS) relative to volume estimates from axial and sagittal ultrasoundimages was examined. Daily ultrasoundimages were acquired immediately before treatment for each of five patients with a B‐mode Acquisition and Targeting (BAT) ultrasound system (Best Nomos, Cranberry Township, PA). Bladder volume was estimated from the images by taking orthogonal measurements and using the formula 0.72*x*y*z. The BS was also used to determine bladder volume before each treatment, and the results were compared with the corresponding BAT measurements. Second, the accuracy of the BS relative to computed tomography(CT) was investigated. For a number of patients, the BS was used to measure bladder volume shortly after the simulation CT scan was acquired. The BS measurements were then compared with the bladder contour volumes calculated by a treatment planning system. Results: A strong correlation was found (r = 0.87 for all five patients combined) between the daily bladder volume estimated from BAT images and the BladderScan measurements. Preliminary results for 38 patients indicate that there is also a correlation between CT and BS volumes (r = 0.59). Conclusion: The bladder scanner provides a reasonable estimate of daily bladder volume. It is more efficient than BAT for this purpose, and could potentially be used to determine daily bladder volume for post prostatectomy patients as well as those with implanted fiducials.
Quantum detection efficiency of a microchannel plate image intensifier

Abstract The quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of a three stage microchannel plate (MCP) image intensifier was calculated for X-ray photons in the energy range used in diagnostic radiology, i.e. 10–150 keV. The device studied used an MCP, made from glass with high atomic number constituents, as the primary X-ray absorber and photon-to-electron converter. The calculation of the QDE was based on a dosimetric approach, utilizing Fano's theorem. The QDE is defined as the probability of detecting an incident photon, and although the probabilities of absorbing the X-ray photon and of detecting the secondary electron each were strongly energy dependent, the product, i.e. the QDE, was found to be quite independent of energy in the range 30–150 keV. This was confirmed by experimental measurements with monoenergetic photons, which failed, due to the nature of the light pulse amplitude spectrum, to yield information on the absolute value of the QDE. The calculations indicated a QDE of about 8% for the device studied. The theoretical model was used to estimate potential improvements of the QDE by changes in the geometry and glass composition of the MCP.
Ear mites from domestic goats in Florida.

Ear canals of 284 domestic goats from Florida were examined via swabbing for the presence of ear mites; 57% were infested withPsoroptes cuniculi. Raillietia caprae was recovered from 2 goats in one herd. Breeds examined were Nubian, Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, La Mancha, Spanish/ Woods and Pygmy. Goats with dependent ear types were infested more commonly than those with erect ears; no goats with vestigial ears were found to harbor mites. Goats less than 1 year old had a significantly higher mite prevalence than did goats over 1 year of age. Gross lesions were noted in the ear canals of only three individuals.
A video system capable of simulating Landsat TM 5, 4, 3 imagery

Abstract This article describes a multispectral digital video imaging system that produces imagery similar to Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) Bands 5, 4, 3. The system is comprised of two charge coupled device (CCD) analog video cameras, one tube analog video camera, and a computer equipped with an image digitizing board. The two CCD cameras are sensitive to visible/near-infrared wave-lengths and are equipped with visible red (0.625–0.635 μm) and NIR (0.845–0.857 μm) narrowband filters, respectively. The third camera is sensitive to visible/NIR/middle-infrared The third camera is sensitive to visible/NIR/middle-infrared wavelengths (MIR) (0.40–2.20 μm) and was equipped with an MIR (1.631–1.676 μm) narrowband filter. The computer is a Bi-Link Pentium 90 MHz system that has an RGB image grabbing board with 640 × 480 pixel resolution. The MIR, NIR, and red image signals from the cameras are subjected to RGB inputs of the computer digitizing board, thus giving a false color composite digital image similar in color rendition to TM 5, 4, 3 satellite imagery. The computer hard disk can store 1000 false color composite images. Image esults showed this system to have potential for a variety of remote sensing applications including detection of plant species and distinguishing among vegetation cover types.
Embedded Centro-Symmetric Multilayer Stacks as Complete-Transmission Quarter-Wave and Half-Wave Retarders Under Conditions of Frustrated Total Internal Reflection

Quarter-wave and half-wave retarders with near complete transmission for both polarizations have been achieved using frustrated total internal reflection by an embedded centro-symmetric multilayer stack. The angular, spectral, and film-thickness sensitivities are considered.
Abnormal myocardial uptake and clearance of 123I-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine in patients with chronic renal failure and autonomic dysfunction.

Background Patients with chronic renal failure were evaluated with 123I-labeled metaiodo-benzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy to investigate the relationship between abnormal findings on MIBG scintigrams and autonomic dysfunction.
Calibration of 32P "hot-wall" angioplasty-balloon-catheter sources by liquid-scintillation-spectrometry-based destructive radionuclidic assays.

Abstract A very quantitative, destructive-analysis procedure was devised for assaying the 32 P activity content of “hot-wall” angioplasty-balloon catheters. These sources, developed and under investigation by Radiance Medical Systems, Inc. (Irvine, CA), are intended for use in the prophylactic inhibition of restenosis following balloon angioplasty in heart-disease patients. The assay was based on performing a physicochemical digestion of the balloon catheter to extract the 32 P activity followed by liquid-scintillation (LS) spectrometry of the resultant solutions. Measurement-based corrections were applied for the residual activity remaining in the digested balloon debris and in all of the digestion apparatus. The LS spectrometry, with 3 H-standard efficiency tracing, utilized a previously-developed method for resolving the always-present 33 P impurity. Initial ionization current measurements on the sources prior to the destructive assays led to the establishment of calibration factors that can be used for subsequent non-destructive radionuclidic measurements on similar balloon-catheter sources.
Isolation of Chinese hamster cell mutants defective in the receptor-mediated endocytosis of low density lipoprotein

Abstract This paper describes a procedure for the isolation of mutant cells with defects in receptor-mediated endocytosis. The procedure takes advantage of the unique structure of low density lipoprotein, a plasma cholesterol transport protein that enters cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. LDL contains a core of cholesteryl ester that can be extracted and reconstituted with hydrophobic molecules that convert the LDL into a toxic or fluorescent particle. Mutagenized Chinese hamster ovary cells were incubated with reconstituted LDL containing toxic 25-hydroxycholesteryl oleate. Wild-type cells take up this lipoprotein via the LDL receptor, liberate the 25-hydroxycholesterol in lysosomes, and die. To identify colonies of receptor-deficient cells from among the few survivors of the first selection step, we incubated the cells with LDL reconstituted with a fluorescent cholesteryl ester and picked colonies that failed to accumulate fluorescence. The two-step isolation procedure yielded receptor-deficient cells at a frequency of 1 in 105. The mutant cells grew in the presence of LDL reconstituted with 25-hydroxycholesteryl oleate at concentrations 100-fold higher than those that killed parental cells. The altered phenotypes have remained stable for more than 200 population doublings under non-selective conditions. Inasmuch as LDL can be coupled to ligands that bind to receptors other than the LDL receptor, the above method may have general utility in isolating cells with mutations affecting other receptor systems.
Optimal tax rules in a dynamic stochastic economy with capital

Abstract This paper investigates optimal taxation in a disaggregated neoclassical growth model. Optimal tax rules for a government, which must finance an exogenous stochastic stream of spending, are investigated. Many locally optimal rules are found and two principles, which provide useful guidance into interpreting them, are described. These principles state that high steady state investment and small investment volatility are desired. A persistent income tax policy suggested by Judd (1989) is found to be among the best policies. Although some policies with complicated dynamic implications have similar welfare levels, because of its simplicity, the persistent income tax rule is recommended.
Risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract Background: Risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are largely unknown. Several studies have examined the relation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use to the risk of NHL, with inconsistent results. Methods: We examined NSAID use among 529 newly diagnosed NHL cases and 2013 controls interviewed from 1977 to 2002 in our Case–Control Surveillance Study. Results: The odds ratio for NHL among subjects whose regular NSAID use began at least one year prior to hospital admission compared to never users was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6–1.3). Odds ratios for less than five years, five to less than 10 years, and 10 or more years of regular use were 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8–1.9), 1.0 (95% CI: 0.5–2.1), and 0.4 (95% CI: 0.1–1.0), respectively. The results were similar for regular aspirin use. Conclusion: Our results add to the body of data suggesting that NSAIDs do not increase the risk of NHL and even suggest the possibility of protection by long-term use.
The phase transition of pure glue

Abstract Arguments from the general theory of phase transitions reveal why the phase transition in the finite-temperature SU(3) gauge theory is first order. A Monte Carlo calculation of the latent heat using the trace anomaly is presented. The question of finite lattice corrections is discussed.
Macrophages are essential contributors to kidney injury in murine cryoglobulinemic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Mice transgenic for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), under regulation of the lymphocyte-specific promoter Lck, develop cryoglobulinemia and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) similar to the disease in patients. To determine whether infiltrating macrophages, a hallmark of this disease, are deleterious or beneficial in the injury process, we developed Lck-TSLP transgenic mice expressing the human diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) under control of the monocyte/macrophage-restricted CD11b promoter (Lck-TSLP;CD11b-DTR). Treatment with DT resulted in a marked reduction of monocytes/macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of both CD11b-DTR and Lck-TSLP;CD11b-DTR mice and marked reduction of macrophage infiltration in glomeruli of Lck-TSLP;CD11b-DTR mice. Lck-TSLP;CD11b-DTR mice, with or without toxin treatment, had similar levels of cryoglobulinemia and glomerular immunoglobulin deposition as Lck-TSLP mice. Lck-TSLP;CD11b-DTR mice, treated with toxin, had reduced mesangial matrix expansion, glomerular collagen IV accumulation, expression of the activation marker α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β1 in mesangial cells, and proteinuria compared with control mice. Thus, macrophage ablation confers protection in this model and indicates a predominately deleterious role for macrophages in the progression of kidney injury in cryoglobulinemic MPGN.
Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) Analysis For Post-Flight Image Evaluation

MTF analysis procedures permit post-flight evaluations of sensor performance and image quality to be compared with predicted values. However, careful consideration must be given to the selection of edge targets, microdensitometry and computational procedures because of the high spatial frequency content of images recorded by reconnaissance sensor systems. An analyst skilled in MTF evaluation procedures can isolate and quantify the effects of factors responsible for image degradation, including vacuum failure, focus error, image motion, and duplicating processes.
Efficient Scheduling of Periodic Information Monitoring Requests

Abstract In many mission-critical applications such as police and homeland security-related information systems, automated monitoring of relevant information sources is essential. Such monitoring results in a large number of periodic queries, which can significantly increase the load on a server that hosts information services. If the execution of these queries is not carefully scheduled on the server, high peak load might occur, leading to degraded service quality. We investigate this query scheduling problem with the objective of minimizing the server’s peak load. We state an optimization-based formulation and show that this problem is NP-hard in the strong sense. Subsequently, several greedy heuristic approaches are developed and compared via a computational study with respect to solution quality and computational efficiency.
Fiscal dependence on trade taxes and the level of economic development: a reply

(1993). Fiscal dependence on trade taxes and the level of economic development: a reply. Applied Economics: Vol. 25, No. 11, pp. 1398-1400.
Follow-up skeletal surveys in suspected child abuse.

The purpose of this study was to assess the additional yield of a repeat skeletal survey in identifying and dating skeletal injury for cases in which child abuse was strongly suspected.Twenty-three infants and toddlers strongly suspected of being physically abused on the basis of findings on the initial skeletal survey, other imaging studies, history, or physical examination underwent a follow-up examination approximately 2 weeks after the initial examination. The high-detail imaging system included a single-emulsion, single-screen combination with a low-absorption carbon-fiber cassette. The skeletal survey protocol entailed tightly collimated anteroposterior views of the appendicular skeleton and anteroposterior and lateral views of the axial skeleton. Between the two studies, all children were in Department of Social Services custody or living in a safe home.The follow-up skeletal survey yielded additional information regarding skeletal injury in 14 (61%) of 23 cases. Follow-up study increased the numbe...
The measurement of the Bohr effect of fish hemoglobins by gel electrofocusing

Abstract 1. Hemolysates from 16 species of Amazon fish and one amphibian were analyzed by gel electrofocusing. The change in isoelectric point upon deoxygenation provided a reliable estimate of the Bohr effect. 2. Certain species of fish had single hemoglobin components whose pI increased significantly upon deoxygenation, as in man. Other fish had hemoglobins whose isoelectric points were unaffected by deoxygenation. Six species of fish had at least two hemoglobin components, one of which had a reduced isoelectric point upon deoxygenation indicating a reversed Bohr effect, whereas the other(s) had an increased isoelectric point on deoxygenation, as occurs with the normal alkaline Bohr effect. 3. A close correlation was found between the change in isoelectric point with deoxygenation and the Bohr effect determined by oxygen equilibrium measurements.
Dispersion of a fast electron beam by a localized electric field

When a fast electron beam transits a high frequency, localized electric field in a plasma, the beam is dispersed in energy, and no net energy is transferred between the beam and the field. The time-averaged distribution function of the beam is a source of information about the localized field strength and width.
Translational Tectonics for Stents

In stable coronary heart disease, blockages of the arteries that supply the heart limit blood flow and cause a predictable and unchanging pattern of chest pain. This is in contrast to patients with unpredictable, accelerating patterns of chest pain or frank heart attack. Dominant thinking holds that
The cosmological and performative significance of a Thai cult of healing through meditation.

A cult of healing through meditation that was observed in Bangkok, Thailand in 1974 is described, and the cult is interpreted in terms of two axes, the cosmological and the performative, and the dialectical, reciprocal and complementary relations between them. The various ramifications of the cosmology are discussed — the categorization of the cosmos itself as a hierarchical scheme, the relations between man and non-human forms of existence, the ideas concerning power and its manner of acquisition and use, the relation between power and restraint, etc. The epistemological basis of the cult, which attempts cure through meditation, and the features of the ritual as they contribute to its performative efficacy are highlighted. The essay concludes by suggesting that there is a single scheme (episteme) underlying religious ideas and applications of knowledge such as meditation, medicine, alchemy, and astrology.
Random products of contractions in metric and Banach Spaces

Abstract Suppose (X, d) is a metric space and {T0,…, TN} is a family of quasinonexpansive self-mappings on X. We give conditions sufficient to guarantee that every possible iteration of mappings drawn from {T0,…, TN} converges. As a consequence, if C0,…, CN are closed convex subsets of a Hilbert space with nonempty intersection, one of which is compact, and the proximity mappings are iterated in any order (provided only that each is used infinitely often), then the resulting sequence converges strongly to a point of the common intersection.
Predicting soil fumigant air concentrations under regional and diverse agronomic conditions.

SOFEA (SOil Fumigant Exposure Assessment system; Dow Agro-Sciences, Indianapolis, IN) is a new stochastic numerical modeling tool for evaluating and managing human inhalation exposure potential associated with the use of soil fumigants. SOFEA calculates fumigant concentrations in air arising from volatility losses from treated fields for large agricultural regions using multiple transient source terms (treated fields), geographical information systems (GIS) information, agronomic specific variables, user-specified buffer zones, and field reentry intervals. A modified version of the USEPA Industrial Source Complex Short Term model (ISCST3) is used for air dispersion calculations. Weather information, field size, application date, application rate, application type, soil incorporation depth, pesticide degradation rates in air, tarp presence, field retreatment, and other sensitive parameters are varied stochastically using Monte Carlo techniques to mimic region and crop specific agronomic practices. Regional land cover, elevation, and population information can be used to refine source placement (treated fields), dispersion calculations, and risk assessments. This paper describes the technical algorithms of SOFEA and offers comparisons of simulation predictions for the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) to actual regional air monitoring measurements from Kern, California. Comparison of simulation results to daily air monitoring observations is remarkable over the entire concentration distribution (average percent deviation of 44% and model efficiency of 0.98), especially considering numerous inputs such as meteorological conditions for SOFEA were unavailable and approximated by neighboring regions. Both current and anticipated and/or forecasted fumigant scenarios can be simulated using SOFEA to provide risk managers and product stewards the necessary information to make sound regulatory decisions regarding the use of soil fumigants in agriculture.
Urinary Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein Predicts Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis, characterized by sudden onset and rapid progression, remains the most significant gastrointestinal disorder among premature infants. In seeking a predictive biomarker, we found intestinal fatty acid binding protein, an indicator of enterocyte damage, was substantially increased within three and seven days before the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Effect of queen quality on interactions between workers and dueling queens in honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) colonies

The fitness of a social insect colony depends greatly on the quality (i.e., mating ability, fecundity, and offspring viability) of its queen(s). In honeybees, there is marked variation in the quality of young queens that compete in a series of lethal duels to replace a colony’s previous queen. Workers interact with queens during these duels and could increase their inclusive fitness by biasing the outcomes of the duels in favor of high-quality queens. We predicted that workers will have more antagonistic interactions (chasing, grabbing, clamping) and fewer beneficent interactions (feeding, grooming) with low-quality than high-quality queens. To test this prediction, we reared queens from 0-day-old, 2-day-old, and 3-day-old worker larvae in observation colonies undergoing queen replacement, thus producing high-quality, low-quality, and very low-quality queens, respectively. Immediately after each queen emerged, we observed her for 1 h to record her interactions with the workers. Subsequent morphological measurement of the queens confirmed that initial larval age had a significant effect on queen quality. However, there was no consistent effect of queen quality on the rates of worker–queen interactions, thus falsifying our hypothesis. The mean power of our tests was high (0.599), therefore the probability of a type II error (a false negative) is low. We conclude that if workers actively select high-quality queens, then they do so prior to queen duels, during queen development. We suggest that each worker–queen interaction has a distinct adaptive significance rather than forming a suite of behavior that favors particular queens (e.g., chasing repels any queen that approaches a queen cell, thus protecting all queen cells from destruction).
Relationship between simulated extravehicular activity tasks and measurements of physical performance

The purpose was to evaluate the relationships between tests of fitness and two activities that simulate components of Lunar- and Martian-based extravehicular activities (EVA). Seventy-one subjects completed two field tests: a physical abilities test and a 10km Walkback test. The relationships between test times and the following parameters were determined: running V˙O2max, gas exchange threshold (GET), speed at V˙O2max (s-V˙O2max), highest sustainable rate of aerobic metabolism [critical speed (CS)], and the finite distance that could be covered above CS (D'): arm cranking V˙O2peak, GET, critical power (CP), and the finite work that can be performed above CP (W'). CS, running V˙O2max, s-V˙O2max, and arm cranking V˙O2peak had the highest correlations with the physical abilities field test (r=0.66-0.82, P<0.001). For the 10km Walkback, CS, s-V˙O2max, and running V˙O2max were significant predictors (r=0.64-0.85, P<0.001). CS and to a lesser extent V˙O2max are most strongly associated with tasks that simulate aspects of EVA performance, highlighting CS as a method for evaluating astronaut physical capacity.
Including Persons with Disabilities in the Religious Community: Program Models Implemented by Two Churches

Due to a mission to minister to the community, the religious community is one segment of society in which persons with disabilities may turn for support. Yet, many congregations create segregated programs for persons with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities, instead of supporting them within inclusive activities. This article describes model efforts by two churches to change attitudes, raise sensitivity, and promote inclusive practices throughout their congregations. Suggestions are offered for others who wish to make similar changes in their own churches.
L‐Dihydroxyphenylserine (L‐DOPS): A Norepinephrine Prodrug

L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS, droxydopa) is a synthetic catecholamino acid. When taken orally, L-DOPS is converted to the sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine (NE), via decarboxylation catalyzed by L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase (LAAAD). Plasma L-DOPS levels peak at about 3 h, followed by a monoexponential decline with a half-time of 2 to 3 h. Plasma levels of NE and of its main neuronal metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) peak approximately concurrently but at much lower concentrations. The relatively long half-time for disappearance of L-DOPS from plasma, compared to that of NE, explains their very different attained plasma concentrations. In patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, L-DOPS increases blood pressure and ameliorates orthostatic intolerance. Inhibition of LAAAD, such as by treatment with carbidopa, which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, prevents the blood pressure effects of the drug, indicating that L-DOPS increases blood pressure by augmenting NE production outside the brain. Patients with pure autonomic failure (which usually entails loss of sympathetic noradrenergic nerves), and patients with multiple system atrophy (in which noradrenergic innervation remains intact) have similar plasma NE responses to L-DOPS. This suggests mainly non-neuronal production of NE from L-DOPS. L-DOPS is very effective in treatment of deficiency of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme required for conversion of dopamine to NE in sympathetic nerves. L-DOPS holds promise for treating other much more common conditions involving decreased DBH activity or NE deficiency, such as a variety of syndromes associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
Challenges in the Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biofuel-Induced Global Land-Use Change

The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a change in land-use and management resulting from growing biofuel feedstocks has undergone extensive – and often contentious – scientific and policy debate. Emergent renewable fuel policies require life cycle GHG emission accounting that includes biofuel-induced global land-use change (LUC) GHG emissions. However, the science of LUC generally, and biofuels-induced LUC specifically, is nascent and underpinned with great uncertainty. We critically review modeling approaches employed to estimate biofuel-induced LUC and identify major challenges, important research gaps, and limitations of LUC studies for transportation fuels. We found LUC modeling philosophies and model structures and features (e.g. dynamic vs. static model) significantly differ among studies. Variations in estimated GHG emissions from biofuel-induced LUC are also driven by differences in scenarios assessed, varying assumptions, inconsistent definitions (e.g. LUC), subjective selection of reference scenarios against which (marginal) LUC is quantified, and disparities in data availability and quality. The lack of thorough sensitivity and uncertainty analysis hinders the evaluation of plausible ranges of estimates of GHG emissions from LUC. The relatively limited fuel coverage in the literature precludes a complete set of direct comparisons across alternative and conventional fuels sought by regulatory bodies and researchers. Improved modeling approaches, consistent definitions and classifications, availability of high-resolution data on LUC over time, development of standardized reference and future scenarios, incorporation of non-economic drivers of LUC, and more rigorous treatment of uncertainty can help improve LUC estimates in effectively achieving policy goals. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd