cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An efficient technique for the computation of vector secondary patterns of offset paraboloid reflectors

A series approach for the rapid computation of the vector secondary pattern of offset paraboloid reflectors wherein the feed is displaced is presented. We show that the Jacobi polynomial series method, which has been demonstrated to provide an efficient means for evaluating the radiation integral of symmetric paraboloid reflectors, can be extended to the case of an offset paraboloid without compromising the ease or speed of computation. The analysis leading to the series formula is also useful for deriving an analytic expression for the optimum scan plane for the displacement of the feed. Representative numerical results illustrating the application of the method and the properties of the offset paraboloid are presented.
On Modeling and Measuring the Temperature of the z~5 intergalactic medium

The temperature of the low-density intergalactic medium (IGM) at high redshift is sensitive to the timing and nature of hydrogen and He II reionization, and can be measured from Lyman-alpha (Lyα) forest absorption spectra. Since the memory of intergalactic gas to heating during reionization gradually fades, measurements as close as possible to reionization are desirable. In addition, measuring the IGM temperature at sufficiently high redshifts should help to isolate the effects of hydrogen reionization since He II reionization starts later, at lower redshift. Motivated by this, we model the IGM temperature at z 5 using semi-numeric models of patchy reionization. We construct mock Lyα forest spectra from these models and consider their observable implications. We find that the small-scale structure in the Lyα forest is sensitive to the temperature of the IGM even at redshifts where the average absorption in the forest is as high as 90%. We forecast the accuracy at which the z 5 IGM temperature can be measured using existing samples of high resolution quasar spectra, and find that interesting constraints are possible. For example, an early reionization model in which reionization ends at z ~ 10 should be distinguishable—at high statistical significance—from a lower redshift model where reionization completes at z ~ 6. We discuss improvements to our modeling that may be required to robustly interpret future measurements.
Low-normal gestational age as a predictor of asthma at 6 years of age.

Background. Perinatal factors, including gestational age and birth weight, influence the development of atopy in early life. However, the role of these factors in the development of asthma in later life among children who do not develop perinatal respiratory disease remains unclear. Methods. Four hundred fifty-four infants who had a history of allergy or asthma in at least 1 parent, were born in the 36th week of gestation or later, and did not develop perinatal respiratory distress were monitored for at least 6 years. Associations between predictor variables and asthma and wheeze were assessed with multivariate logistic regression and repeated-event analyses. Results. Although we previously observed a relationship between low birth weight and persistent wheeze in the first 1 year of life, we did not observe similar associations between low birth weight and asthma at 6 years of age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–2.73). However, a strong relationship was found between low-normal gestational age and asthma at 6 years of age (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 2.1–10.5). The effects of low-normal gestational age were significantly greater among boys than among girls (boys: OR: 8.15; 95% CI: 2.98–22.3; girls: OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 0.38–13.83). Longitudinal analysis of the relationship between gestational age and wheeze during the 6 years of observation confirmed these gender differences. Conclusions. Among children at high risk of developing atopic disease, late prematurity might be an important additional determinant of asthma later in life, and these effects are gender specific.
Does the 6-min walk test correlate with the exercise stress test in children?

Is there a correlation between the 6-min walk and aerobic fitness in children? We studied healthy and cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects age 8–20 years using the 6-min walk test, treadmill graded exercise stress test, and spirometry. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the product of 6MWD and body weight (6MWORK) were related to aerobic capacity. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation. 13 healthy subjects [9 females, mean age 15.8 ± 3.6 years, % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 105 ± 12%, 6MWD 557 ± 73 m, peak oxygen uptake ( max) 41.4 ± 7.2 ml/kg/min, and heart rate (HR) at max 180 ± 10] and 11 CF subjects (3 females, mean age 14.3 ± 3.8 years, FEV1 67 ± 25.9%, 6MWD 468 ± 68 m, max 27.0 ± 8.1 ml/kg, and HR at max 163 ± 22] were studied. 6MWD correlates with max in normal subjects (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) but not in CF subjects (r = 0.09, NS). 6MWORK correlates with max in CF subjects (r = 0.65, P < 0.05) but not in normal subjects (r = 0.278, NS). We conclude that the 6MWD corresponds with aerobic fitness in normal pediatric subjects and 6MWORK corresponds with aerobic fitness in CF subjects. We speculate that 6MWORK is superior to 6MWD for assessment of aerobic fitness in children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:135–140. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Twenty Years of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children: Relevance to Pediatric Care Providers

Recombinant human growth hormone has revolutionized the management of children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency and other growth disorders, but clinical and ethical controversies remain regarding diagnostic approach, optimal recombinant human growth hormone dose and duration, and expected outcomes. Management of pubertal and transitioning patients with growth hormone deficiency has also commanded increased attention. Recent clinical studies that demonstrate the positive health benefits of recombinant human growth hormone in children with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis have not yet clarified issues about patient selection and appropriate long-term use. An understanding of current recombinant human growth hormone indications and controversies can facilitate patient evaluation and expedite referral for potential treatment. This review summarizes current indications for recombinant human growth hormone use, discusses clinical challenges, and provides recommendations for pediatricians caring for children who may be appropriate candidates for recombinant human growth hormone therapy.
Myelin oligodendrocyte basic protein and prognosis in behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia.

Objective: To determine the prognostic utility of tauopathy-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sporadic behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Methods: Eighty-one patients with sporadic bvFTD were genotyped for tauopathy-associated SNPs at rs8070723 (microtubule-associated protein tau [ MAPT ]) and rs1768208 (myelin-associated oligodendrocyte basic protein [ MOBP ]). We performed a retrospective case-control study comparing age at onset and disease duration between carriers of ≥1 polymorphism allele and noncarriers for these SNPs. Subanalyses were performed for autopsied subgroups with tauopathy (n = 20) and TDP-43 proteinopathy (n = 12). To identify a potential biological basis for disease duration, neuroimaging measures of white matter integrity were evaluated (n = 37). Results: Carriers of risk allele (T) in rs1768208 (i.e., MOBP RA+) had a shorter median disease duration (TC/TT = 5.5 years, CC = 9.5 years; p = 0.02). This was also found in the subset of cases with autopsy-confirmed tauopathies ( p = 0.04) but not with TDP-43 proteinopathies ( p > 0.1). By comparison, polymorphisms at rs8070723 ( MAPT ) had no effect on disease duration ( p > 0.1), although carriers of protective allele (G) in rs8070723 had a younger median age at onset (AG/GG = 54.5 years, AA = 58 years; p MOBP RA+ patients had increased radial diffusivity in the superior corona radiata and midbrain, and reduced fractional anisotropy in the superior corona radiata as well as superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi compared with noncarriers ( p Conclusions: The rs1768208 risk polymorphism in MOBP may have prognostic value in bvFTD. MOBP RA+ patients have more severe white matter degeneration in bvFTD that may contribute to shorter disease duration. Future studies are needed to help confirm these findings.
Effects of zinc on L-[3H]proline uptake by lobster (Homarus americanus) hepatopancreatic brush-border membrane vesicles

Epithelial brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) from the hepatopancreas of the lobster Homarus americanus were prepared using a magnesium precipitation technique and employed in transport experiments designed to demonstrate the effects of external and internal divalent cationic heavy metals on the uptake of l-[(3)H]proline. When BBMVs were exposed to a high external concentration (2.5 mmol l(-)(1)) of Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Fe(2+), Mn(2+) or Zn(2+), l-[(3)H]proline (0.5 mmol l(-)(1)) uptake was significantly (P 0.05) on apparent l-[(3)H]proline binding to the membranes (K(m)=1.66+/-0.23 mmol l(-)(1)) (means +/- s.e.m., N=3). In the presence of 0.5 mmol l(-)(1 )l-pipecolate, bilateral zinc-stimulated, carrier-mediated, l-[(3)H]proline influx was abolished. At low external concentrations of zinc alone (e.g. below 1.0 mmol l(-)(1)), l-[(3)H]proline influx was enhanced by the metal. Enhanced amino acid uptake in the presence of external zinc alone was abolished by l-pipecolate. A model accounting for external and internal zinc enhancements of l-[(3)H]proline influx by the Na(+)-dependent l-pipecolate-sensitive IMINO transport system in these membranes is proposed.
Hemodynamic and respiratory effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and epinephrine in anaphylactic shock.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been shown to increase mean arterial pressure during anaphylactic shock. The hemodynamic mechanism of action and the effect of TRH on the respiratory system during anaphylactic shock are not known. A rabbit model of anaphylaxis was used to determine the effect of TRH, epinephrine (EPI), and normal saline (NS) on various cardiovascular and respiratory parameters during anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock was induced by antigen challenge in 31 sensitized animals. After a 25% decrease in mean arterial pressure, they were randomly treated with TRH (2 mg/kg), EPI (0.005 mg/kg), or NS (10 mL/kg). Blood was drawn at baseline and at the end of the experiment for laboratory analysis. Cardiac and respiratory parameters were monitored continuously and measured at baseline, at onset of shock (time zero), and at time intervals for 30 minutes. Animals were treated with repeated doses during the first 15 minutes as needed to maintain mean arterial pressure above shock level. Five of ten TRH-, five of 11 EPI-, and six of ten NS-treated animals survived. The TRH-treated group required fewer doses than the other groups and had increased heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation as well as decreased stroke volume index and lung compliance compared with the NS-treated group. EPI treatment resulted in increased minute ventilation and decreased pulmonary airway resistance compared with NS treatment. The EPI group also had a higher postsurvival epinephrine level than the other groups. No difference in right atrial pressure, cardiac index, acid-base status, pO 2 A — a gradient, lung weight, lactate, or norepinephrine levels was found. These results indicate that the effects of TRH during anaphylaxis on the cardiovascular system are increased heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance index with decreased stroke volume index and on the respiratory system are increased respiratory rate and minute ventilation with decreased lung compliance.
The Preparation and Antibacterial Action of Metal Chelates of Some Antitubercular Agents, Amino Acids, and Peptides*

A series of eighteen metal chelates and complexes of some a -amino acids, peptides, isonicotinoyl hydrazide, p -aminosalicylic acid, p -acetylaminobenzal thiosemicarbazone, and biotin were screened for antibacterial activity against ten microorganisms. Quantitative tests were carried out on six of these compounds by a modified serial tube dilution method; these compounds were the copper complex and chelate of PASA, cobalt chelates of INH and methionine, and copper chelates of glycyl-DL-alanine and biotin. Evidence indicated that the complexes of methionine and biotin were more active than the metal ions, but the action of the chelates of the antitubercular agents appeared to depend in part on dissociation of the chelates.
Detailed Studies on the Application of Three Fluorescent Antibiotics for Dna Staining in Flow Cytometry

The effects of pH, ionic strength, stain concentration, magnesium concentration, and various fixative agents on DNA staining with the fluorescent antibiotics olivomycin, chromomycin A3, and mithramycin were examined with DNA in solution and in mammalian cells. Ethanol-fixed Chinese hamster cell populations (line CHO) stained with mithramycin and analyzed by flow cytometry provided DNA distribution patterns with a high degree of resolution. Glutaraldehyde-fixed cells exhibited about one-half the fluorescence intensity of ethanol-fixed cells; however, the percentages of cells in G1, S, and G2 + M were comparable. DNA distributions obtained for formalin-fixed cells were unacceptable for computer analysis. Cell staining over a pH range of 5-9 in solutions containing 0.15-1 M NaCl and 15-200 mM MgCl2 provided optimal results based on the DNA profiles obtained by flow cytometry. The intensity of cells stained in 1 M NaCl was one and one-half times greater than cells stained in the absence of NaCl; however, spec...
Ascorbic acid-dependent collagen formation in penaeid shrimp.

Abstract 1. 1. This study tested the hypothesis that black death, the ascorbic acid (AsA) related disease of penaeid shrimp, is related to collagen underhydroxylation. 2. 2. Collagen measured as hydroxyproline (HYP) in healthy Penaeus californiensis (Holmes) and P. stylirostris (Stimpson) of a wide range of masses was determined. The results revealed a logarithmic relationship between total body collagen HYP and body weight fitting the equation y = 90× 1.18 where y = total collagenous HYP (μg) and x = body weight (g). 3. 3. Shrimp tissues most subject to mechanical trauma (subcutis, hindgut and gills) had the highest collagenous HYP levels and were most consistently and severely affected by an ascorbic acid (AsA) deficiency disease. 4. 4. Prolyl hydroxylase (PH) activity was demonstrated in tissues of P. californiensis and P. stylirostris by hydroxylation of [3,4- 3 H]proline. 5. 5. AsA was required for shrimp PH activity using a chicken embryo substrate. 6. 6. Nutritional trials revealed that dietary AsA was required for proline hydroxylation in collagen formation in P. californiensis .
Fat Chance for Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

See related article, pp 784–790 Obesity is firmly associated with both hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although these areas have been the subject of intense investigation over the last 2 decades, the mechanisms and best clinical indicators are not fully resolved. In the current issue, Foster et al1 provide intriguing evidence associating increased renal sinus fat (“fatty kidney”) specifically with increased prevalence of hypertension and CKD. The prevalence of obesity continues to increase globally, as has occurred over the last few decades. Obesity has been definitively linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases for many years. Numerous animal models and human studies have explored the mechanisms linking obesity to hypertension. Several factors have been consistently shown with obesity (Figure): increased sympathetic nervous system activity, increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity, and increased sodium reabsorption (and/or impaired pressure natriuresis) among other mechanisms.2,3 A variety of adipocyte-derived factors, such as leptin, have also been shown to be involved. In addition, local or systemic inflammatory cascades, endothelial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species likely have a role in the mechanistic links between obesity and hypertension. Figure. Speculative diagram of the relationships between aspects of obesity, hypertension (HTN), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Generalized obesity, abdominal (or visceral) obesity, and fatty kidney largely overlap but may have distinct mechanistic links …
Rezension zu: Mechthild von Lutzau: Schulleiterinnen. Opladen u.a.: Verlag Barbara Budrich 2008

Als eine der ersten empirischen Studien zur Thematik in Deutschland untersucht die Arbeit von Mechthild von Lutzau den biographischen Prozess des Aufstiegs von Schulleiterinnen. Sozialisationsfaktoren, Unterstutzungssysteme und Leistungsbereitschaft werden ebenso wie Hindernisse in Interviews erfasst. Ergebnisse sind unter anderem, dass Motivationen zum Aufstieg oft schon in der Kindheit gelegt sein konnen, dass die fur Frauen typischen Bruche im Lebenslauf durchaus nicht immer hinderlich sein mussen und dass schlieslich Schulleiterinnen neue Formen der Kooperation begrunden konnen.
Excretion of Bismuth in Series of Clinical Bismuth Treatments

ConclusionsGeneral Conclusions: 1. The resemblances between these bismuth compounds appear more impressive than the differences; the salicylate stands apart, with a much slower but more persistent absorption and excretion. 2. The excretion and absorption velocity is in the order of: Watery solutions (A) > oil solutions (D) > tartrate oil (B) > salicylate oil (C). 3. The peak excretion and the total (cumulative) excretion (within 3 weeks) run fairly parallel in the general order:4. The percentage excretion is nearly uniform for practically all, 15 to 25% within 3 weeks; it is much lower for salicylate-oil—2.9% (but here the excretion is very persistent, and longer after-period would give relatively higher percentage). The percentage excretion is materially above the average with single oil-solutions (D)—39 and 45%.The fccal excretion, so far as studied, seems to be about a tenth of the urinary excretion and fairly parallel to it.
IMPROVED STAINING OF SEX CHROMATIN. NINETY-SEVEN AND SIX TENTHS PER CENT OF FEMALE BUCCAL CELLS CHROMATIN-POSITIVE.

With the discovery of the sex chromatin body in intermitotic female cells (Barr, in 1949), it was possible to distinguish male and female tissues microscopically. It has since boen found that the number of sex chromatin bodies per cell is n — 1 where n is the number of A chromosomes present. Application of the sex chromatin test clinically has proved to be of great value in the determination of chromosomal constitution in cases of sexual ambiguity. In newborns, any abnormality of the genital organs warrants further investigation, whether it be gross ambiguity or minor degrees of sexual differentiation, such as slight enlargement of the clitoris, hypospadias, cryptorchism, or unusually small genital organs. It is imperative that the nuclear sex be determined and other indicated studies be made so that the correct sex of rearing be assigned before establishment of the gender role. It is beyond the scope and purpose of this paper to discuss the differential diagnosis and management of these disorders and the reader is referred to other authors.' '•• "•-'"• "• The sex chromatin test is of diagnostic value more frequently in the investigation of infertility. In one series of G8 patients with primary amenorrhea, 17 per cent were found to have abnormal sex chromatin tests, the majority of which were Turner's syndrome.In males, the incidence of Klinefclter's syndrome alone is approximately 1 in 350 in the general population, and 3 to 4 times more frequent in populations of subnormal intelligence. 9t 14,15,
Incidence of low serum zinc in noncirrhotic patients.

SummaryA survey of serum zinc concentration in 225 hospitalized patients indicated that 68% of cirrhotics and 21% of other patients had zinc levels 3 standard deviations below the normal mean. Magnesium and calcium were also lower in the serum of cirrhotics with low zinc but appeared independent of zinc concentration in the other groups. Urinary excretion of zinc and magnesium were comparatively great in cirrhotics despite decreased serum concentration. A group of patients with low serum zinc of uncertain etiology had diminished zinc excretion. Despite the presumed stability of protein binding of zinc, the occurrence of low serum levels of zinc, calcium, and magnesium in the cirrhotic patients with abnormally low serum albumin and α2 globulin suggests that the decreased serum content is related to diminished serum proteins.
Heterogeneous neural pathways underlying acupuncture revealed by multivariate granger causality analyses

Objectives: Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated a wide range of cortico-subcortical networks underlying acute effects of acupuncture, less is understood regarding how and by what neural pathways these brain areas interact. We have recently proposed that acupuncture is a slow-acting agent and can induce specific patterns of dynamic CNS activities. Implicit in this evidence was the prediction that the reconfiguration of brain networks underlying both acute and sustained effects of acupuncture may elucidate its overall functional specificity. Materials and Methods: We address the idea directly by adopting a non-repeated event-related design paradigm and multivariate Granger causality analysis(m GCA). Results: We found that brain areas were only sparsely causal connected at early acupuncture needling stage, mainly including ascending path from the thalamus as well as top-down control signals from frontal cortices to nociceptive information processing areas. As time prolonged(sustained effect), more extensive regions integrated into a dense, causally interconnected network only following acupuncture at ST36 but not nonacupoint. Additionally, this reorganization of wide brain networks seemed to be evolved from the resting state. Conclusions: These findings highlighted that the specific effect of acupuncture may involve the integration of recurrent information flow among multilevels of brain networks.
Glomerular function and morphology after renal mass reduction in dogs.

Abstract To determine whether the proteinuria, glomerular sclerosis, and decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) described in rodents after renal mass reduction develop in another species, 24-hour proteinuria, glomerular structure, and fasting and postfeeding GFR were examined in dogs subjected to seven-eighths reduction in renal mass. All dogs were fed a diet containing 26% protein. Six dogs with a GFR
Pediatric head and neck injuries due to golf cart trauma

INTRODUCTION: Golf carts are increasingly used off the golf course and are often viewed as innocuous modes of transportation. However, research has shown they can cause significant injuries, particularly to children. OBJECTIVES: Analyze golf cart related head and neck injuries in children and adults from a national database. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for golf cart injuries. The NEISS tracks consumer product related injuries from a sampling of approximately 100 emergency departments across the United States. Age, general diagnosis (concussion, fracture, laceration), body-part injured, disposition (hospitalized, discharged), location injury occurred, and mechanism of injury were analyzed. RESULTS: Over an 11-year period, a total of 3433 total patients were identified. There were 1471 children (16 years old or younger), which compromised 42.9% of the cohort. Children were injured at home or on the road 44.7% of the time compared to only 16.6% of adults (p CONCLUSION: Children are more vulnerable to golf cart related injuries, specifically to the head and neck.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Language: en
Upgrade rates of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed on core needle biopsy: a single-institution experience and literature review

Optimal management of high-risk breast lesions detected by mammogram yielding atypical ductal hyperplasia, flat epithelial atypia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, and radial scar without atypia on core needle biopsy is controversial. This is a single-institution retrospective review of 5750 core needle biopsy cases seen over 14.5 years, including 249 (4.3%), 72 (1.3%), 50 (0.9%), 37 (0.6%), and 54 (0.9%) cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia, flat epithelial atypia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, and radial scar without atypia, respectively. Patient age, radiologic characteristics, needle gauge, and excision diagnoses were recorded. Of 462 high-risk cases analyzed, 333 (72%) underwent excision. Upgrade rate to ductal carcinoma in situ, pleomorphic carcinoma in situ, or invasive mammary carcinoma was 18% for atypical ductal hyperplasia, 11% for flat epithelial atypia, 9% for atypical lobular hyperplasia, 28% for lobular carcinoma in situ, and 16% for radial scar. Carcinoma diagnosed on excision was more likely to be in situ than invasive, and if invasive, more likely to be low grade than high grade. Overall, cases that were benign (vs high risk or carcinoma) on excision were less likely to have residual calcifications after biopsy (17% vs 27%, P=0.013), and more likely to have a smaller mass size (<1 cm) (82% vs 50%, P=0.001). On subgroup analysis, atypical ductal hyperplasia cases that were benign (vs high risk or carcinoma) on excision were more likely to have smaller mass size (<1 cm) (P=0.025). Lobular neoplasia diagnosed incidentally (vs targeted) on core needle biopsy was less likely to upgrade on excision (5% vs 39%, P=0.002). A comprehensive literature review was performed, identifying 116 studies reporting high-risk lesion upgrade rates, and our upgrade rates were similar to those of more recent larger studies. Careful radiological–pathological correlation is needed to identify high-risk lesion subgroups that may not need excision.
Perovskite based photosensor for electrochemical studies

Photosensors are used for the detection of analytes in microfluidic devices. In order to detect materials with low concentrations, a sensor with high sensitivity is required. Perovskite has been studied extensively as a photoactive material in solar cells due to its wide absorption spectrum and low recombination rate of charges which also make it a suitable candidate for photosensors. In this work, the photoconductivity of the material in a thin-film resistor is studied. The resistance of the device is measured at different wavelengths and intensities. A significant change of the resistance is observed upon illumination indicating the adequacy of the device to serve as a photosensor. However, in this case, the perovskite layer must be protected with an insulating thin film to avoid undesired reactions and contacts. The perovskite film was also tested as an electrochemical photosensor. The current-voltage characteristics of the device showed a diode rectifying response both in dark and under illumination. In this case, the photo response of the device established promising results for applications in photosensors with a relatively high stability in a liquid media.
Diagenetic Overprinting and Rock Fabric Distribution: The Cementation, Compaction, and Selective Dissolution Environment

The three-dimensional spatial distribution of petrophysical properties is controlled by the spatial distribution of geologic processes, processes that can be separated into depositional and diagenetic. In Chapter 4 we discussed depositional processes and focused on (1) the origin of depositional textures, (2) the relationship between porosity, permeability, and depositional texture, (3) the vertical and lateral distribution of depositional textures related to topography, current energy, biologic activity, and eustatical controlled cyclicity, and (4) the fundamentals of sequence stratigraphy. The importance of chronostratigraphic surfaces was emphasized as the fundamental element in constructing a geological framework within which petrophysically-significant depositional textures can be systematically distributed.
Legislative Behavior in the Seventh European Parliament and the Regulation of Shale Gas Development in the European Union

This study addresses the regulation of shale gas development in the European Union, the role of the European Parliament in the formation of such regulation, and the factors that are associated with legislative behavior in the Seventh European Parliament. I test hypotheses about the influence of member state-level characteristics related to the benefits and risks of shale gas such as economic development, decarbonization, energy security, and environmental protection. The results show that the member state-level characteristics are weakly related to the voting behavior of members of the European Parliament. Only one seems especially salient: greenhouse gas emissions intensity. Party cohesion among European political groups holds greater explanatory power, suggesting that the most influential factors are ideological rather than provincial. The EP's role as a force for environmental protection in the EU may be moderated by member state interests and the competencies justifying supranational energy policy. Highlights The EP has rejected language both calling for moratoria and supporting high shale gas production. Party cohesion is the strongest factor associated with roll call votes on shale gas. MEPs may also be influenced by the potential for decarbonization.
EXTENT OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF DEBT COLLECTION IN COMMERCIAL BANKS.

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the extent of information management on effectiveness of debt collection in commercial banks. Methodology: The research was carried out through descriptive survey design. The total population of the study was 1118credit managers/supervisors or branch managers of the 37 commercial banks. A sample size of 118 respondents was selected through random sampling technique, which represents a 10% of the population. The study used both secondary and primary data specifically the study used a questionnaire as the preferred data collection tool. The questionnaire had close ended questions only. Secondary data on the level of Nonperforming loans/Gross loans was also collected. This study used the quantitative method of data analysis. Quantitative methods of data analysis included inferential and descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and measures of tendency mainly mean. Inferential statistics include correlation and regression analysis. The tool for data analysis was Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 program. The results were presented using tables and pie charts to give a clear picture of the research findings. Results: Results also led to the conclusion that management information system of the bank has been crucial in assisting employees to enhance their performance and productivity. It was possible to conclude that that the relationship between information technology management and non-performing loans is negative and significant. The findings imply that information technology has significant negative effect on non-performing loans. Policy recommendation: it is recommended that staff competence be emphasized in the banks as it has an effect on the overall achievement of effective debt collection practices. Therefore the management is urged to encourage sharing of potentially sensitive information on costs, quality, and productivity on financial performance with other employees.
Computer usage and training: a measure of white–collar productivity

Modern technology has offered significant potential for the improvement of performance by white–collar workers. To determine the effects of computer training and usage on white–collar performance, a study was conducted to evaluate 144 workers from eight insurance companies in the Atlanta, Georgia, area of the United States of America. There were no significant differences in the performance ratings that were attributable to the level of employment, to whether the workers were or were not computer users, or to the amount of computer training they had received. The only significant result was found in the type of computer training among users: programs including keyboarding/typewriting showed significantly higher performance ratings. Two principal conclusions were derived from the study. First, a large majority of all participants were computer users; and secondly, it is evident that all computer training programmes should include instruction in keyboarding/typewriting with software applications.
Abstract TP275: Effect of Transcranial Laser and Thrombolytic Combination Therapy on Clinical Function and ATP Production in Small Clot Embolized Rabbits

Background and Purpose: Transcranial laser therapy (TLT) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) improve behavior when administered following clot-induced strokes. tPA increases cerebral reperfusion and blood flow and TLT also enhances cerebral blood flow and activates mitochondrial function. We hypothesize that a combination therapy may be more effective than individual therapies and that efficacy may be mediated by enhancing mitochondrial function. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to evaluate the effect of combined TLT and tPA therapy on behavioral outcome and cellular ATP content using the rabbit small clot embolic stroke model (RSCEM). Methods: The study was conducted randomized and blinded. Male New Zealand white rabbits were embolized by injecting a suspension of small blood clots into brain via a carotid catheter. Using the RSCEM, we studied the effects of continuous wave TLT (7.5 mW/cm2, 2 minutes) alone or in combination with standardized intravenous (IV) tPA (3.3mg/kg) applied 1 hour post-embolization on 3 endpoints: 1) behavioral function measured 2 days [effective stroke dose (P50 in mg) producing neurological deficits in 50% of embolized rabbits], 2) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rate, and 3) cortical adenosine-59-triphosphate (ATP) content was measured 6 hours following embolization. Results: TLT and tPA significantly (p Conclusion: TLT and tPA both effectively and safely improve behavioral outcome in embolized rabbits and attenuate stroke-induced ATP deficits; TLT-tPA did not offer additional clinical benefit, but the TLT-tPA combination produced a synergistic effect on ATP levels. The study suggests that tPA-induced reperfusion in combination with TLT neuroprotection therapy may optimally protect viable cells in the cortex measured using ATP levels as a marker.
Abstract 69: Diminished T-Tubule Density in Newborn Human Ventricular Cells Is Associated with Heterogeneity of Calcium Transients

For children with congenital heart disease (CHD), therapies developed for adults may have different effects on immature myocardium. Thus, it is critical to understand calcium handling in the young human ventricle. Methods: Human ventricular cells were isolated from tissue removed as part of the surgical repair for CHDs from two age groups: newborns ( Results: Newborn human myocytes have very few t-tubules whereas infant myocytes have a range of t-tubule densities. The T-index in newborn myocytes was significantly less than in infant myocytes (4.4±0.2%, n=8 cells, 3 newborns vs. 9.1±0.9%, n=55 cells, 7 infants). Furthermore, there was sizable heterogeneity in the T-index for each patient in the infant group, in which some cells had few t-tubules and others had many t-tubules. We calculated the coefficient of variation (CV=SD/mean*100) for each patient and compared CV values for newborns vs. infants. CV was significantly greater in infants compared to newborns (46.5±7.4%, n=7, vs. 9.4±1.9%, n=3, p Conclusions: There are heterogeneous calcium transients in newborn human myocytes that correspond to a lack of t-tubules. Furthermore, t-tubule development occurs in a heterogeneous manner throughout the first year of life with cells from the same patient exhibiting different degrees of t-tubule development. This is the first study to examine t-tubule development and calcium transients in the very young human ventricular myocardium.
Comparing mail-in self-collected specimens sent via United States Postal Service versus clinic-collected specimens for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in extra-genital sites

Objectives To evaluate the concordance between clinic-collected extra-genital specimens and self-collected mailed-in extra-genital specimens among participants seeking sexually transmitted infection testing at a free clinic in Hollywood, CA. Methods A convenience sample of 210 men who have sex with men were enrolled between February 29, 2016 and December 21, 2016 and received mail-in testing kits for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). All testing was performed using the GeneXpert® CT/NG (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Results From the 210 mail-in kits distributed, 149 mail-in kits (71.0%) were returned to the laboratory, resulting in 145 pairs (clinic-collected and mail-in) of rectal test results and 148 pairs of pharyngeal test results for both CT and NG detection. The concordance was 95.0% for all CT rectal tests, 99.3% for all CT pharyngeal tests, 95.7% for all NG rectal tests, and 97.2% for all NG pharyngeal tests. Conclusion Roughly two-thirds of mail-in test kits were returned and concordance was generally high, however more than one-third of positive results were missed in mail-in samples. The prevalence of potential false-negative results among mail-in samples warrants caution when implementing mail-in STI testing strategies.
Data Structures and Program Efficiency: The Evolution of an Algorithm

(1981). Data Structures and Program Efficiency: The Evolution of an Algorithm. The Journal of Data Education: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 11-15.
Extensive gypsy moth defoliation in Southern New England characterized using Landsat satellite observations.

Southern New England is currently experiencing the first major gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) defoliation event in nearly 30 years. Using a novel approach based on time series of Landsat satellite observations, we generated consistent maps of gypsy moth defoliation for 2015 (first year of the outbreak), 2016 (second year of outbreak), and 2017 (third year of outbreak). Our mapped results demonstrate that the defoliation event continued through the 2017 growing season. Moreover, the affected area more than doubled in extent each year and expanded radially to encompass 4386 km2 of forested area in Rhode Island, eastern Connecticut, and central Massachusetts. The current gypsy moth outbreak is believed to be the result of a series of unusually dry springs in 2014, 2015, and 2016, which suppressed Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungal mortality agent that has historically reduced gypsy moth impacts in this region. The continuation and marked expansion of the outbreak in 2017 despite average spring rainfall suggests that caterpillars were active early in the growing season, and mortality from the fungus likely peaked after significant defoliation had already occurred. Our Landsat time series approach represents an important new source of data on spatial and temporal patterns in gypsy moth defoliation, and continued satellite-based monitoring will be essential for tracking the progress of this and other gypsy moth outbreaks.
Fish Myofibrillar Protein and Lipid Interaction in Aqueous Media as Detected by Isotope Labeling, Sucrose Gradient Centrifugation, Polyacrylamide Electrophoresis and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

The integrity and function of various essential natural systems depends on the existence of stable complexes of lipid and protein. Examples of such systems are numerous, such as the fluid mosaic cell membranes, the blood coagulation process, various lipase reactions, actomyosin ATPase activity, blood serum lipoproteins, etc. in food systems, on the other hand, complexes of lipid and protein coexisting naturally, or artificially formed, show an important role in food manufacturing (dough mixing, bread making, dairy products, meat sausage, food emulsions, etc.) and in the instability of processed foods, particularly fishery products.
Clarifying Competencies: A Qualitative Synthesis of Cross-Cultural Training Objectives

Thanks to advances in technology and transportation, organizations now collaborate across geographic distances and perform work embedded in varying national cultures and contexts. In response, ther...
A Facile, Low-Cost Hot-Pressing Process for Fabricating Lithium-Sulfur Cells with Stable Dynamic and Static Electrochemistry

Lithium-sulfur batteries are among the most promising low-cost, high-energy-density storage devices. However, the inability to host a sufficient amount of sulfur in the cathode while maintaining good electrochemical stability under a lean electrolyte condition has limited the progress. The main cause of these challenges is the sensitivity of the sulfur cathode to the cell-design parameters (i.e., the amount of sulfur and electrolyte) and the experimental testing conditions (i.e., cycling rates and analysis duration). Here, a hot-pressing method is presented that effectively encapsulates a high amount of sulfur in the cathode within only 5 s, resulting in high sulfur loading and content of, respectively, 10 mg cm-2 and 65 wt%. The hot-pressed sulfur (HPS) cathodes exhibit superior dynamic and static electrochemical performance under a broad cycling-rate (C/20-1C rates) and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (6 µL mg-1 ) conditions. The dynamic cell stability is demonstrated by high gravimetric and areal capacities of, respectively, 415-730 mAh g-1 and 7-12 mAh cm-2 at C/20-1C rates with a high capacity retention of over 70% after 200 cycles. The static cell stability is demonstrated by excellent shelf life with low self-discharge and stable cycle life on storing for over one year.
"When Are We Ever Going to Have to Use This?": Discussing Programmatic Learning Outcomes in the Classroom.

How can professors more effectively persuade students to care about political science? The use of different metacognitive strategies, in which the student actively reflects on the learning process,...
Unique Considerations for Adolescents and Young Adults

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients are commonly defined by the National Cancer Institute as individuals aged 13–39 years [1, 2]. For the purpose of this chapter, we will focus on the subset of early AYA age 13–21 years (AeYA) as this younger age group is more representative of the ages of AYA most commonly treated in pediatric hematology-oncology centers. Adolescence is a unique developmental period characterized by biological, psychological, and social tasks which vary as an individual passes from early adolescence through mid-adolescence and onward to late adolescence [3]. AeYA represents a unique patient population, positioned between childhood and burgeoning adulthood. This developmental stage is marked by rapid brain maturation and neurocognitive advances; one such example of psychological development is the shift from concrete thinking patterns to more complex abstract thought patterns [3–5]. Socially, the period of adolescence is typically marked by the emotional separation from parents, stronger identification with peers, and greater social autonomy as the AeYA moves toward independence [3–6].
Inter-study repeatability of circumferential strain and diastolic strain rate by CMR tagging, feature tracking and tissue tracking in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Strain assessment allows accurate evaluation of myocardial function and mechanics in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Strain using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has traditionally been assessed with tagging but limitations of this technique have led to more widespread use of alternative methods, which may be more robust. We compared the inter-study repeatability of circumferential global peak-systolic strain (Ecc) and peak-early diastolic strain rate (PEDSR) derived by tagging with values obtained using novel cine-based software: Feature Tracking (FT) (TomTec, Germany) and Tissue Tracking (TT) (Circle cvi42, Canada) in patients following STEMI. Twenty male patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years, mean infarct size 13.7 ± 7.1% of left ventricular mass) were randomised to undergo CMR 1–5 days post-STEMI at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, repeated after ten minutes at the same field strength. Ecc and PEDSR were assessed using tagging, FT and TT. Inter-study repeatability was evaluated using Bland–Altman analyses, coefficients of variation (CoV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Ecc (%) was significantly lower with tagging than with FT or TT at 1.5 T (− 9.5 ± 3.3 vs. − 17.5 ± 3.8 vs. −15.5 ± 5.2, respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (− 13.1 ± 1.8 vs. − 19.4 ± 2.9 vs. − 17.3 ± 2.1, respectively, p = 0.001). This was similar for PEDSR (.s−1): 1.5 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4, for tagging, FT and TT respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001). Inter-study repeatability for Ecc at 1.5 T was good for tagging and excellent for FT and TT: CoV 16.7%, 6.38%, and 8.65%, respectively. Repeatability for Ecc at 3.0 T was good for all three techniques: CoV 14.4%, 11.2%, and 13.0%, respectively. However, repeatability of PEDSR was generally lower than that for Ecc at 1.5 T (CoV 15.1%, 13.1%, and 34.0% for tagging, FT and TT, respectively) and 3.0 T (CoV 23.0%, 18.6%, and 26.2%, respectively). Following STEMI, Ecc and PEDSR are higher when measured with FT and TT than with tagging. Inter-study repeatability of Ecc is good for tagging, excellent for FT and TT at 1.5 T, and good for all three methods at 3.0 T. The repeatability of PEDSR is good to moderate at 1.5 T and moderate at 3.0 T. Cine-based methods to assess Ecc following STEMI may be preferable to tagging.
A Didactic Lecture Is Effective in Teaching Sonographers the TI-RADS System for Stratifying Thyroid Nodules:

Objective:The aim of this study is to determine whether a one-hour image-rich didactic lecture given to sonographers can successfully teach them the TI-RADS (Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data Sys...
Applications of CometChip for Environmental Health Studies.

Environmental exposures have long been known to impact public health and safety. For example, exposures to airborne particulates, heavy metals in water, or certain industrial chemicals can contribu...
“Made” to Study German?—Imagined Native-Speaker & Learner Communities and the Im/Plausible German Language Self

This study explored how 296 U.S. learners of five foreign languages (FLs), including German, imagined stereotypical native speakers (NSs) and likely learners of German. Results showed that (a) when...
Survival Analysis on Duration Data in Intelligent Tutors

Effects such as student dropout and the non-normal distribution of duration data confound the exploration of tutor efficiency, time-in-tutor vs. tutor performance, in intelligent tutors. We use an accelerated failure time (AFT) model to analyze the effects of using automatically generated hints in Deep Thought, a propositional logic tutor. AFT is a branch of survival analysis, a statistical technique designed for measuring time-to-event data and account for participant attrition. We found that students provided with automatically generated hints were able to complete the tutor in about half the time taken by students who were not provided hints. We compare the results of survival analysis with a standard between-groups mean comparison and show how failing to take student dropout into account could lead to incorrect conclusions. We demonstrate that survival analysis is applicable to duration data collected from intelligent tutors and is particularly useful when a study experiences participant attrition.
Clusters of nonverbal behavior differentiate truths and lies about future malicious intent in checkpoint screening interviews

Recent research has shown that nonverbal behavior (NVB) assessed across multiple channels can differentiate truthtellers from liars. No study, however, has examined whether or not multiple NVBs can...