cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brominated flame retardants in U.S. biosolids from the EPA national sewage sludge survey and chemical persistence in outdoor soil mesocosms

Abstract We determined national baseline levels and release inventories of 77 traditional and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in biosolids composites (prepared from 110 samples) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2001 national sewage sludge survey (NSSS). Additionally, analyses were performed on archived samples from a 3-year outdoor mesocosm study to determine the environmental persistence of BFRs in biosolids-amended soil. The total polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) concentration detected in biosolids composites was 9400 ± 960 μg/kg dry weight, of which deca-BDE constituted 57% followed by nona- and penta-BDE at 18 and 13%, respectively. The annual mean loading rate estimated from the detected concentrations and approximate annual biosolids production and disposal numbers in the U.S., of the sum of PBDEs and non-BDE BFRs was calculated to be 47,900–60,100 and 12,900–16,200 kg/year, of which 24,000–36,000 and 6400–9700 kg/year are applied on land, respectively. Mean concentration of PBDEs were higher in the 2001 samples compared to levels reported in EPA's 2006/7 Targeted NSSS, reflecting on-going efforts in phasing-out PBDEs in the U.S. In outdoor soil mesocosms, >99% of the initial BFRs mass in the biosolids/soil mixtures (1:2) persisted over the monitoring duration of three years. Estimates of environmental releases may be refined in the future by analyzing individual rather than composited samples, and by integrating currently unavailable data on disposal of biosolids on a plant-specific basis. This study informs the risk assessment of BFRs by furnishing national inventories of BFR occurrence and environmental release via biosolids application on land.
Use of neutron activation analysis for the characterization of single-wall carbon nanotube materials

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGAA) were used to characterize a variety of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) materials from different principal production processes, as well as a material containing SWCNTs together with other carbon species, catalyst residues, and trace element contaminants to be issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for characterization and distribution as Standard Reference Material SRM 2483 Carbon Nanotube Soot. INAA proved to be well suited for the direct determination of catalyst and contaminant trace elements requiring only minimal sample preparation. PGAA complemented the INAA data in particular with determinations of the light elements. Carbon and hydrogen results provided information on the materials purity and storage properties. Strategies for the quality assurance of the measurements in these new materials were developed. INAA and PGAA data were provided for the value assignment of mass fractions of catalyst and trace elements in the candidate SRM and a systematic overview was obtained of the catalyst and trace element contaminants associated with each of the major production routes.
Rectal examination and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Most patients with prostate cancer have disease that has extended beyond the confines of the gland at the time of diagnosis. The effect of earlier detection on morbidity and death requires further study, as does assessment of prognostic factors and optimal therapy for individual patients. Recent reports indicate the utility of using prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination as preliminary tests to identify patients in whom further study by prostate ultrasonography will improve detection rates. The algorithm presented may be a useful guide in sequencing detection approaches. The value of mass screening for prostate cancer by any existing means remains unproven.
Synthesis of 5-chlorodeoxyuridine and a comparative study of 5-halodeoxyuridines in E. coli.

Abstract 5-Chlorodeoxyuridine (C1UDR) was synthesized for the purpose of comparing its inhibitory properties with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR), 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrUDR) and 5-iododeoxyuridine (IUDR). With Escherichia coli K 12 as the test organism, it was found that FUDR was about 4000 times more effective than ClUDR which, in turn, was nine times more effective than BrUDR for inhibiting growth of the bacteria to 50 per cent of a control. IUDR was not inhibitory to growth of E. coli K 12. Low concentrations of ClUDR, BrUDR or IUDR strongly potentiated the inhibitory effect of FUDR in E. coli over a 200- to 300-fold concentration range by limiting the utilization of thymidylate for DNA synthesis. Stimulation of growth with higher concentrations of ClUDR, BrUDR or IUDR in the presence of FUDR indicates that these halogen derivatives serve as thymidine substitutes for DNA synthesis.
Plastic deformation of polymers with fibrous structure

The plastic deformation of fibrous material occurs primarily by a sliding motion of fibrils. To a first approximation, the displacement of their centers of mass can be well described by an affine transformation corresponding to the deformation of the bulk sample. Such a sliding motion of fibrils does not affect the morphology of the microfibrils. But by chain unfolding, it smoothes the surface inhomogeneities of the fibrils caused by microfibril ends which act as point defects of the microfibrillar lattice. This makes possible a more perfect lateral contact between adjacent fibrils and results in a steadily increasing resistance to plastic deformation. The sliding motion of fibrils produces a shear stress on skewed fibrils and this causes a slight shear displacement of microfibrils. But in spite of its smallness, this shear displacement enormously extends the interfibrillar tie molecules by chain unfolding and thus increases their fraction in the amorphous layers.
Widespread Co-occurrence of Virulent Pathogens Within California Amphibian Communities

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, ranaviruses, and trematodes (Ribeiroia ondatrae and echinostomes) are highly virulent pathogens known to infect amphibians, yet the extent to which they co-occur within amphibian communities remains poorly understood. Using field surveillance of 85 wetlands in the East Bay region of California, USA, we found that 68% of wetlands had ≥2 pathogens and 36% had ≥3 pathogens. Wetlands with high pathogen species richness also tended to cluster spatially. Our results underscore the need for greater integration of multiple pathogens and their interactions into amphibian disease research and conservation efforts.
Circulating Exosomes Induced by Cardiac Pressure Overload Contain Functional Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptors.

Background—Whether biomechanical force on the heart can induce exosome secretion to modulate cardiovascular function is not known. We investigated the secretion and activity of exosomes containing a key receptor in cardiovascular function, the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R). Methods and Results—Exosomes containing AT1Rs were isolated from the media overlying AT1R-overexpressing cells exposed to osmotic stretch and from sera of mice undergoing cardiac pressure overload. The presence of AT1Rs in exosomes was confirmed by both electron microscopy and radioligand receptor binding assays and shown to require β-arrestin2, a multifunctional adaptor protein essential for receptor trafficking. We show that functional AT1Rs are transferred via exosomes in an in vitro model of cellular stretch. Using mice with global and cardiomyocyte conditional deletion of β-arrestin2, we show that under conditions of in vivo pressure overload the cellular source of the exocytosis of exosomes containing AT1R is the cardiomy...
Generation of feature detectors for texture discrimination by genetic search

A genetic-algorithm-based methodology for learning a set of feature detectors for texture discrimination is presented. This methodology is incorporated into a vision system that learns to classify noisy examples of different texture classes by evolving populations of simple and texture-specific local spatial feature detectors. The results of preliminary work confirm the utility of the genetic algorithm in solving problems within the specified domain. >
Multisensory Integration during Motor Planning

When planning goal-directed reaches, subjects must estimate the position of the arm by integrating visual and proprioceptive signals from the sensory periphery. These integrated position estimates are required at two stages of motor planning: first to determine the desired movement vector, and second to transform the movement vector into a joint-based motor command. We quantified the contributions of each sensory modality to the position estimate formed at each planning stage. Subjects made reaches in a virtual reality environment in which vision and proprioception were dissociated by shifting the location of visual feedback. The relative weighting of vision and proprioception at each stage was then determined using computational models of feedforward motor control. We found that the position estimate used for movement vector planning relies mostly on visual input, whereas the estimate used to compute the joint-based motor command relies more on proprioceptive signals. This suggests that when estimating the position of the arm, the brain selects different combinations of sensory input based on the computation in which the resulting estimate will be used.
A narrow QRS complex tachycardia: what is the mechanism?

A 65-year-old woman underwent an electrophysiologic procedure because of a 20-year history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The baseline sinus cycle length was 800 msec, with an atrial-His interval (AH) of 100 msec and a His-ventricular interval (HV) of 40 msec. There was evidence of dual AV nodal pathways, but no inducible tachycardia. During infusion of isoproterenol, the sinus cycle length shortened to 460 to 500 msec, with an AH of 80 msec and an HV of 40 msec. Atrial pacing at a cycle length of 360 msec induced a supraventricular tachycardia that had a cycle length of 460 to 500 msec (Fig. 1). The response to atrial pacing at a cycle length of 410 msec during tachycardia is shown in Figure 2. A single ventricular extrastimulus introduced during tachycardia when the His bundle was refractory had no effect on the tachycardia. Double ventricular extrastimuli reliably restored sinus tachycardia with an AH interval of 80 msec (Fig. 3). What is the mechanism of this tachycardia?
Chemokine expression in the central nervous system of mice with a viral disease resembling multiple sclerosis: Roles of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and viral persistence

During the first 45 days after intracerebral infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), the levels of mRNAs encoding chemokines MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, and IP-10/CXCL10 in the central nervous system (CNS) are closely related to the sites of virus gene expression and tissue inflammation. In the present study, these chemokines were monitored during the latter 135 days of a 6-month course of TMEV-induced disease in susceptible (PLJ) or resistant (C57BL/6) mice that possessed or lacked either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. These data were additionally correlated to mouse genotype, virus persistence in the CNS, antiviral antibody titers, mortality, and the severity of neurological disease. Surprisingly, the major determinant of chemokine expression was virus persistence: the factors of susceptible or resistant genotype, severity of neuropathology, and presence or absence of regulatory T cells exerted minimal effects. Our observations indicated that chemokine expression in the CNS in this chronic viral disorder was intrinsic to the CNS innate immune response to infection and was not governed by elements of the adaptive immune system.
Role of genomics in the potential restoration of the American chestnut

The development of genomic tools will enhance traditional tree breeding technologies leading to more certain and timely recovery of the American chestnut, a keystone heritage tree of the eastern United States. Major efforts are being made in gene discovery, genetic marker development, construction of a BAC-based physical map, and DNA transformation technology. A strategy of map-based cloning, association genetics, and genetic engineering, combined with traditional and marker-assisted backcross breeding is proposed for the long-term genetic restoration of this iconic tree species.
An enzootic vector-borne virus is amplified at epizootic levels by an invasive avian host.

Determining the effect of an invasive species on enzootic pathogen dynamics is critical for understanding both human epidemics and wildlife epizootics. Theoretical models suggest that when a naive species enters an established host–parasite system, the new host may either reduce (‘dilute’) or increase (‘spillback’) pathogen transmission to native hosts. There are few empirical data to evaluate these possibilities, especially for animal pathogens. Buggy Creek virus (BCRV) is an arthropod-borne alphavirus that is enzootically transmitted by the swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius) to colonially nesting cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). In western Nebraska, introduced house sparrows (Passer domesticus) invaded cliff swallow colonies approximately 40 years ago and were exposed to BCRV. We evaluated how the addition of house sparrows to this host–parasite system affected the prevalence and amplification of a bird-associated BCRV lineage. The infection prevalence in house sparrows was eight times that of cliff swallows. Nestling house sparrows in mixed-species colonies were significantly less likely to be infected than sparrows in single-species colonies. Infected house sparrows circulated BCRV at higher viraemia titres than cliff swallows. BCRV detected in bug vectors at a site was positively associated with virus prevalence in house sparrows but not with virus prevalence in cliff swallows. The addition of a highly susceptible invasive host species has led to perennial BCRV epizootics at cliff swallow colony sites. The native cliff swallow host confers a dilution advantage to invasive sparrow hosts in mixed colonies, while at the same sites house sparrows may increase the likelihood that swallows become infected.
Is human papillomavirus testing of value in clinical practice

The objective of this review was to evaluate the current status of human papillomavirus testing in predicting the presence of high-grade or invasive disease in the cervix in women with Papanicolaou smears reported as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. This is a review of many of the studies already published evaluating the utility of human papillomavirus testing as part of the triage for patients whose Papanicolaou smears were reported as ASCUS or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Two triage approaches for follow-up of such patients are presented, and recommendations are made as to which is most cost-effective and safe. Data related to human papillomavirus testing were obtained with both currently available commercial kits for detection of high-risk human papillomavirus and the polymerase chain reaction. There was variation in results reported, possibly related to populations studied. The approach to management by cytologic screening and colposcopy, when indicated, appeared over the long term to be equal to human papillomavirus testing. In our opinion current human papillomavirus testing is of little clinical use to the practitioner. Its use should be limited to appropriately designed and implemented research studies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1049-53.)
Workstation based parallel test generation

Generation of test vectors for the VLSI devices used in contemporary digital system is becoming much more difficult as these devices increase in size. Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) techniques are commonly used to generate these tests. Since ATPG is an NP complete problem with complexity exponential to circuit size, the application of parallel processing techniques to accelerate the process of finding test patterns is an active area of research. This paper presents an approach to parallelization of the test generation problem that is targeted to a network-of-workstations environment. The system is based upon partitioning of the fault list across multiple processors and includes enhancements designed to address the main drawbacks of this technique, namely unequal load balancing and generation of redundant vectors. The technique is generalized enough that it can be applied to any test generation system regardless of the ATPG or fault simulation algorithm employed. Results were gathered to determine the impact of workstation processing load and network communications load on the performance of the system. >
What Sort of Science is ‘Economics’?

This essay is a general defense of Etzioni’s argument in The Moral Dimension. I explore three areas that others have questioned and show them (from my neo-Etzioni position) to be false. The result is a resounding vote of confidence for socioeconomics over neo-classical economics.
Knowledge based expert system for forging die design

The various aspect of forging die design have been addressed using OPS5, which is a powerful tool in developing knowledge-based expert systems. The basic design procedure and some of the important factors affecting forging die design are explained from the viewpoint of expert-system methodology. The requirements of a good database and heuristic rules which help in reaching an optimal design goal for this particular design problems are discussed. An overview of the use of this system for designing a forging die and constructing forging geometry is provided. Alternative problem-solving strategies for this problem are indicated. >
Evolving artificial neural network structures: experimental results for biologically-inspired adaptive mutations

Previous work has suggested incorporating a biologically inspired mutation operator that reflects vertebrate neuron growth and death rates into an evolutionary algorithm for evolving artificial neural network structures. This paper further investigates this proposed approach by presenting experimental results for two classifier problems.
Preclinical diagnosis of chronic wasting disease in captive mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using tonsillar biopsy

The usefulness of tonsillar biopsy on live deer for preclinical diagnosis of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy chronic wasting disease (CWD) was evaluated. Disease was tracked in a CWD-endemic herd using serial tonsillar biopsies collected at 6 to 9 month intervals from 34 captive mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and five white-tailed deer (O. virginianus). Tonsillar biopsies were examined for accumulation of PrP CWD , the protein marker for infection, using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. 26/34 (76%) mule deer and 4/5 (80%) white-tailed deer had PrP CWD accumulation in tonsillar biopsies; CWD was subsequently confirmed by post-mortem examination in all 30 of these tonsillar-positive deer. Six mule deer with IHC-negative tonsillar biopsies had positive brain and tonsillar IHC staining upon death 12 to 40 months following the last biopsy. PrP CWD accumulation in tonsillar biopsy was observed 2 to 20 months before CWD- related death and up to 14 months before onset of clinical signs of CWD. Tonsillar biopsies from 3-month-old mule deer (n fl 6) were IHC negative, but PrP CWD accumulation was detected in tonsillar biopsies from 7/10 mule deer by 19 months of age. Tonsillar biopsy evaluated with IHC staining is a useful technique for the preclinical diagnosis of CWD in live mule deer and white-tailed deer when intensive management approaches are possible.
Evaluation of Transit Signal Priority Options for Future Bus Rapid Transit Line in West Valley City, Utah

This paper presents an analysis of different transit signal priorities (TSPs) for a future bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor in West Valley City, Utah. The goal was to find the optimal TSP strategy for estimated and planned traffic and transit operations. The study used VISSIM microsimulation software in combination with ASC/3 software-in-the-loop simulation. Four models were used in the analysis: no TSP, TSP, TSP with phase rotation, and custom TSP. The results showed that TSP with phase rotation and custom TSP could both be considered for implementation. TSP with phase rotation would provide significant benefits for BRT, with minimum impacts on vehicular traffic. Custom TSP would provide major benefits for BRT in travel times, delays, and stops. However, this strategy has more impact on vehicular traffic. Custom TSP is an advanced strategy that still needs examination and improvement. The study provides a set of instructions on how the described strategies can be implemented in field traffic controllers.
SENSOR NEEDS FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS

The peculiarities of agricultural remotely sensed data requirements evoke special sensor requirements. Vegetative species do not possess significantly different spectral signature at given phases of their development cycle. Hence, the key to their discriminability is the phasing of the phenologic cycle of the subject species. Significant improvements in classification can be obtained by consistently employing multi-temporal observations taken at specific times during the year. The present approach to agricultural data processing results in extracted data equal to approximately .05% of the acquired data. This paper discusses the derivation of agricultural peculiar requirements and the benefits to the end-to-end processing system by judicial utilization and placement of key editing functions such as sample segment extraction, cloudy image removal, sample registration and the elimination of redundant data.
Genetic Alterations in Barrett Esophagus and Adenocarcinomas of the Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction Region

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased markedly in the past two decades, but the genetic alterations in this cancer and its precursor, Barrett mucosa, have not been characterized extensively. DNA replication errors and allelic losses of chromosomes 17p, 18q, and 5q were studied in 36 resected adenocarcinomas arising in the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, 56 Barrett adenocarcinomas, and 11 dysplasias in Barrett esophagus. The results were compared with clinical and pathological characteristics, including patient survival. Replication error positive cancer was rare (5.4%) in esophageal adenocarcinomas and was not found in Barrett mucosa. There was an increase in the prevalence of chromosomal losses in the Barrett mucosa–columnar dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence: 17p loss occurred in 14% of Barrett mucosae, 42% of low-grade dysplasias, 79% of high-grade dysplasias, and 75% of adenocarcinomas, respectively; loss of 18q in 32%, 42%, 73%, and 69%; and loss of 5q in 10%, 21%, 27%, and 46%. Clinical stage was a very strong prognostic factor for survival, and adenocarcinomas with allelic loss of both 17p and 18q had worse survival than cancers with no or one allelic loss (P = 0.002). Our results indicate that accumulation of genetic alterations follows the dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence in the esophagus and that losses of 18q and 17p occur earlier than 5q loss. Allelic loss of both 17p and 18q in esophageal adenocarcinoma identifies patients with poor prognosis.
What Predicts Loneliness? Cultural Difference Between Individualistic and Collectivistic Societies in Europe:

Using two multilevel analyses of residents in 12 (1992 Eurobarometer; N = 3,902) and 22 (2006 European Social Survey, N = 38,867) European societies, respectively, we examined loneliness as a function of dominant cultural values. Levels of loneliness were higher in collectivistic compared with individualistic societies, but societies differed in terms of their predictors of loneliness. In collectivistic societies, the absence of interactions with family was more closely linked to loneliness than was the case in individualistic societies. Conversely, in individualistic societies, the absence of interactions with friends and having a confidant was more closely linked to loneliness than in collectivistic societies. Findings are consistent with the notion that autonomy and choice with regard to interaction partners have greater implications for well-being in individualistic societies whereas traditional social bonds are more potent in collectivistic societies.
La República Dominicana 2007: buscando la institucionalidad

Se examinan aspectos economicos y sociales de los eventos dominicanos de 2007, enfatizando la continuacion de un manejo neoliberal de los asuntos macroeconomicos. Los resultados han incluido un incremento en la estabilidad politica, junto con un descontento social apreciable. Los preparativos para los comicios presidenciales del ano 2008 reciben atencion, y se sugiere que el sistema politico puede evolucionarse hacia un sistema bipartidista. Se discuten varias politicas publicas especificas, entre ellas la seguridad ciudadana, la educacion, el manejo de desastres naturales (especialmente tormentas tropicales), la corrupcion, y la construccion de un Metro en Santo Domingo. Se analiza el anhelo bastante difundido de una institucionalidad politica mayor, junto con los obstaculos que impiden la realizacion de esa aspiracion.
Recalibration of Blood Analytes over 25 Years in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study: Impact of Recalibration on Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence and Incidence

Background: Equivalence of laboratory tests over time is important for longitudinal studies. Even a small systematic difference (bias) can result in substantial misclassification. Methods: We selected 200 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants attending all 5 study visits over 25 years. Eight analytes were remeasured in 2011–13 from stored blood samples from multiple visits: creatinine, uric acid, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Original values were recalibrated to remeasured values with Deming regression. Differences >10% were considered to reflect substantial bias, and correction equations were applied to affected analytes in the total study population. We examined trends in chronic kidney disease (CKD) pre- and postrecalibration. Results: Repeat measures were highly correlated with original values [Pearson r > 0.85 after removing outliers (median 4.5% of paired measurements)], but 2 of 8 analytes (creatinine and uric acid) had differences >10%. Original values of creatinine and uric acid were recalibrated to current values with correction equations. CKD prevalence differed substantially after recalibration of creatinine (visits 1, 2, 4, and 5 prerecalibration: 21.7%, 36.1%, 3.5%, and 29.4%, respectively; postrecalibration: 1.3%, 2.2%, 6.4%, and 29.4%). For HDL cholesterol, the current direct enzymatic method differed substantially from magnesium dextran precipitation used during visits 1–4. Conclusions: Analytes remeasured in samples stored for approximately 25 years were highly correlated with original values, but 2 of the 8 analytes showed substantial bias at multiple visits. Laboratory recalibration improved reproducibility of test results across visits and resulted in substantial differences in CKD prevalence. We demonstrate the importance of consistent recalibration of laboratory assays in a cohort study.
Effects of Sn Substitution on Thermoelectric Properties of Ge4SbTe5

Phase-change materials are identified by their ability to rapidly alternate between amorphous and crystalline phases upon heating, exhibiting large contrast in the optical/electrical properties of the respective phases. Such materials are primarily used in memory storage applications, but recently they have also been identified as potential thermoelectric materials. Many of the phase-change materials studied today can be found on the pseudobinary (GeTe)1−x (Sb2Te3) x tie-line. Ge4SbTe5, a single-phase compound just off of the (GeTe)1−x (Sb2Te3) x tie-line, forms in a metastable rocksalt crystal structure at room temperature. It has been found that stoichiometric and undoped Ge4SbTe5 exhibits thermal conductivity of ~1.2 W/m-K at high temperature and a dramatic decrease in electrical resistivity at 623 K due to a structural phase transition, which leads to a large enhancement in both thermoelectric power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit at 823 K. Introducing point defects via isoelectronic substitutions can be an effective means of reducing thermal conductivity and enhancing thermoelectric performance. We present a study of the effects of Sn substitution for Ge on the electrical and thermal transport properties of Ge4SbTe5.
IMRJ13-183: Language learning as culture keeping: Family language policies of transnational adoptive parents

This study investigates how parents of international adoptees explain their decision to pursue birth language education for their children and how they go about achieving their goals. It focuses on the perspectives of 16 white U.S. parents who have at least one adopted school-aged child (ages 5 to 18) either currently or previously enrolled in a community language program. The interviews covered the language experiences of 22 children, all of whom were adopted before the age of 2 from either China or Korea. The parents were highly motivated to seek language instruction because: (1) the child looks Asian and will be expected to know the birth language and culture, (2) the child wants it, (3) adult adoptees recommend it, and (4) knowing another language is an asset. However, their language goals were undermined by structural problems at community schools, societal discourses that devalue minority languages, and pressures of middle-class parenting.
Active Perceiving and the Reflection-Impulsivity Dimension

Zelniker and Jeffrey (1976, 1979) have proposed that performance differences on the MFFT, used to index reflection-impul-sivity, stem from preferences for either detail or global information processing. Our studies, however, indicate that differences in performance reflect the tendency to make use of active perceptual search.
PET/CT spinal canal lesions with multimodality imaging correlation illustrate what the interpreting clinician should know about findings within, around, and down through the spinal canal

1013 Learning Objectives 1. Review the imaging features and clinical implications of benign and malignant spinal canal lesions, with emphasis on accurate localization, utilizing multimodality imaging. 2. Present and discuss a range of PET/CT imaging cases, including: pre-treatment and post-treatment neoplastic processes; typical and unusual presentations of primary and metastatic spinal canal lesions. Cases presented include primary and metastatic diseases, involving various components of the spinal canal anatomy, extending from the craniocervical junction to the sacral canal, including: intramedullary and extramedullary lesions; intradural and epidural lesions; and neural foraminal extension. Benign and malignant etiologies are shown, for example: demyelinating plaques of multiple sclerosis; active degenerative disease; astrocytoma; breast cancer; lung cancer; multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma; and melanoma. Appropriate literature is reviewed. PET/CT imaging is an essential tool in the staging and monitoring of numerous malignancies. PET/CT has well-documented benefits and limitations. Benefits include: co-localization of metabolic activity to a mass lesion; identification of lesions that lack clear mass effect, have infiltrative processes, or have a non-specific appearance on other imaging; and investigation of occult diseases. Limitations include: registration and attenuation correction artifacts; spatial resolution of FDG-PET and decreased soft tissue contrast of associated low dose CT within the spinal canal; and FDG uptake in active arthropathy. Timely recognition and reporting of critical findings is important in regards to spinal canal lesions, since the consequences of delayed treatment can be serious. Cord compression is the most urgent concern, but may be avoidable, if spinal canal invasion is recognized early, and the patient is referred for appropriate therapy
Thermal Radiative Transport Enhancement via Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Microscale Cylindrical Regions Bounded by a Surface Active Ceramic

A Green function approach is used with the uctuation-dissipation theorem to theoretically model radiative heat transfer in microscale cylindrical geometries. The appropriate scalar Green function is presented by employing an impedance boundary condition. While z-independent elds are produced by axial line sources, it is proposed here that the qualitative results are applicable to thermal radiation within microscale spherical domains. An application of the theoretical result demonstrates the potential importance of surface phonon polariton modes in thermal radiation transport across porous surface-active ceramics.© 2005 ASME
Cranial Center of Mass Compared to C7 Plumb Line Alignment in Adult Spinal Deformity.

Objective To report the cranial center of mass (CCOM) progression in surgically treated patients for adult spinal deformity (ASD). The C7 plumb line/sagittal vertical axis (SVA) has important relationships with patient-reported outcomes; however, this has not yet been defined for CCOM. Methods Patients with consecutive ASD who were undergoing surgery greater than 5 levels of fusion between 2007 and 2012 and had radiographic, clinical, and outcomes data spanning ≥2 years were analyzed, retrospectively. Radiographic parameters were obtained preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Statistical analysis included descriptives (measures of central tendency, dispersion, frequencies), independent Student t tests, χ 2 square, Pearson correlation, and Kaplan-Meyer curve. Results Fifty-eight patients (10 male, 48 female) with a mean age of 60.5 years (range, 27–81 years) were reviewed. The mean preoperative SVA was 7.40 cm (SD = 5.51; 37/58 [63.8%] malalignment), and mean CCOM was 10.0 cm (SD = 6.58; 47/58 [81%] malalignment). Six-week postoperative SVA and CCOM was –0.17 cm (SD = 3.3) and 2.5 cm (SD = 4.11), respectively. SVA malalignment was 12.7% and CCOM malalignment was 38.2% at 6 weeks postop. Six week (absolute), 6-week change, and patient number at 6 weeks who were CCOM malaligned was significant compared with SVA ( P = 0.003, P P P P Conclusion CCOM alignment restoration is an important parameter in ASD, and malalignment is consistent over time.
Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Female Workers of Entertainment Places in Tongling City

Objective To understand the HIV/AIDS knowledge and the prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among female workers in entertainment places, and provide scientific evidence for developing preventive measures for the target population.Methods 431 participants were interviewed with the anonymous questionnaire,and 84.5%(377/431) of them were sampled for testing HIV and Syphilis.Results Among 431 female workers,69.3%(299/431)were at the age of 18～30 years old group,58.0%(250/431) just received junior school education.In a total of them,the percentages of HIV/AIDS were 75.5%.The percentages of HIV/AIDS in non-transmission routes and prevention methods were lower than them in transmission routes.The lowest percentage was 29.7% about mosquito bite.Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis was 0 and 3.4%(13/377),respectively.Conclusion In order to control HIV transmission and spread among female workers in entertainment places,health education should be enhanceds about HIV transmission route and non-transmission routes and prevention methods, the promotion of condom use and behavioral intervention were urgently needed to strengthen.
Directed Assembly of Optoplasmonic Hybrid Materials with Tunable Photonic–Plasmonic Properties

Optoplasmonic materials are metallo-dielectric hybrid structures that combine metallic and dielectric components in defined geometries in which plasmonic and photonic modes synergistically interact. These beneficial interactions can be harnessed by integrating plasmonic nanoantennas into defined photonic environments generated, for instance, by discrete optical resonators or extended systems of diffractively coupled nanoparticles. Optoplasmonic structures facilitate photonic–plasmonic mode coupling and offer degrees of freedom for creating optical fields with predefined amplitude and phase in space and time that are absent in conventional photonic or plasmonic structures. This Perspective reviews the fundamental electromagnetic mechanisms underlying selected optoplasmonic approaches with an emphasis on materials available through template-guided self-assembly strategies.
Applications in continuous venous to venous hemofiltration. Interactive case studies in the adult patient.

This article is presented in a case study format. The emphasis is on nursing management of both medical and surgical patient undergoing CWH.
Nephrostomy drainage for renal transplant complications.

AbstractThe use of temporary diverting nephrostomy drainage in the management of immunosuppressed renal transplant patients with supravesical urinary extravasation, fistulas or ureteral obstruction is reviewed. In a literature survey covering an 11-year interval and 4,307 transplants there were 204 cases (4.7 per cent) of ureteral extravasation or fistula and 113 cases (2.6 per cent) of ureteral obstruction. Attempts at urologic repair in these 317 cases resulted in a 30.9 per cent failure rate (98 cases), of which 86.7 per cent (85 cases) occurred in patients without nephrostomy compared to 13.3 per cent (13 cases) in patients with nephrostomy. In our 255 consecutive renal transplant patients there were 7 (2.7 per cent) with ureteral extravasation or fistula and 14 (5.5 per cent) with ureteral obstruction. Temporary nephrostomy was done in all 21 patients to protect the urologic repair and, when necessary, to control sepsis and allow for patient stabilization before delayed urinary tract reconstruction. ...
Proper colorings from positive semidefinite zero forcing sets

AbstractWe present a method to construct a proper coloring of a graph from a positive semidefinite zero forcing set.
Megakaryocyte growth and development factor stimulates enhanced platelet recovery in mice after bone marrow transplantation

Megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF) is a recently characterized ligand for the cell surface receptor mpl. We have evaluated the effects of polyethylene glycollated recombinant human MGDF (PEG-rHuMGDF) on recovery of hematopoietic cells in mice following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to support lethal irradiation. Mice treated with PEG-rHuMGDF (50 micrograms/kg/d) had accelerated recovery of platelet numbers compared with BMT mice treated with carrier or recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF, 72 or 200 micrograms/kg/d). In contrast, PEG-rHuMGDF had no effect on white blood cell (WBC) or red blood cell (RBC) recovery. As previously reported, animals treated with rHuG-CSF had an enhanced recovery of WBC but not platelet or RBC levels. Interestingly, BMT receipient mice treated with the combination of PEG-rHuMGDF and rHuG-CSF showed simultaneous enhanced recovery of both leukocytes and platelets. PEGylated rHuMGDF was found to be considerably more potent than non- PEGylated rHuMGDF in this setting. PEG-rHuMGDF is an effective growth factor for enhancing platelet recovery in mice following BMT either alone or in combination with rHuG-CSF. It will be of interest to evaluate in a clinical setting the ratios of PEG-rHuMGDF and rHuG-CSF for simultaneous administration of these factors and accelerated recovery of both leukocytes and platelets.
ROOT CARIES IN THE OLDER PATIENT : SIGNIFICANCE, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT

Root caries is an emerging challenge to the dental professions because of the growing number of increasingly aging adults who have retained many or all of their teeth. Risk factors for developing root caries point to both intraoral and environmental factors, making the management of root caries complex and multidisciplinary. Prevention based on a composite of risk factors is the most desirable approach for management. Patients who have developed caries of the roots can be treated with remineralization strategies, recontouring techniques, intracoronal restorations of a variety of established and recently introduced materials, or extracoronal restoration. Dental professionals need to keep abreast of new approaches that are emerging for the management of root caries.
Classifying performer strategies in drop landing activities

ABSTRACTOur purpose was to use group and single-case methods to examine inter-individual variability in the context of factors related to landing injuries. We tested the load accommodation strategies model (An exploration of load accommodation strategies during walking with extremity-carried weights. Human Movement Science, 35, 17–29) using landing impulse, revealing pre-landing strategies following height and external load manipulations. Ten healthy volunteers (8 male, 2 female, 24.0 ± 1.4 years, 1.72 ± 0.06 m, 73.5 ± 8.7 kg) were analysed across 12 trials in each of three load conditions (100% body weight [BW], 110% BW, 120% BW) from two landing heights (30 cm, 60 cm). Landing impulse (BW ∙ s) was computed for each participant-condition-trial, using impulse ratios (unit-less; BW ∙ s/BW ∙ s) to evaluate load accommodation strategies between adjacent load conditions (110%/100%, 120%/110%) at each landing height. Load accommodation strategy classifications were based on 95% confidence intervals (CIs) conta...
Core curriculum illustration: invasive fungal sinusitis

This is the 27th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.erad.org/?page=CCIP_TOC.
PC1/3 Deficiency Impacts Pro-opiomelanocortin Processing in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Hypothalamic Neurons

We recently developed a technique for generating hypothalamic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Here, as proof of principle, we examine the use of these cells in modeling of a monogenic form of severe obesity: PCSK1 deficiency. The cognate enzyme, PC1/3, processes many prohormones in neuroendocrine and other tissues. We generated PCSK1 (PC1/3)-deficient human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines using both short hairpin RNA and CRISPR-Cas9, and investigated pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) processing using hESC-differentiated hypothalamic neurons. The increased levels of unprocessed POMC and the decreased ratios (relative to POMC) of processed POMC-derived peptides in both PCSK1 knockdown and knockout hESC-derived neurons phenocopied POMC processing reported in PC1/3-null mice and PC1/3-deficient patients. PC1/3 deficiency was associated with increased expression of melanocortin receptors and PRCP (prolylcarboxypeptidase, a catabolic enzyme for α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH)), and reduced adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion. We conclude that the obesity accompanying PCSK1 deficiency may not be primarily due to αMSH deficiency.
Library Improvement Through Data Analytics

The ever-present emphasis on assessment and the changing landscape of libraries has many librarians looking for ways to prove or improve their services. Librarians with little experience using data...
EL PAPEL DE LA CONSTANCIA EN EL APRENDIZAJE DEL PASADO. EL RASTRO PERDIDO

En este articulo vuelvo a visitar algunos de los temas que antes he abordado, hace mucho tiempo. Necesitan reiteracion porque han sido re-examinados. El tema trata esencialmente sobre aprender del pasado y de la amplia gama de entornos que conocemos. Este es un recurso increible, un registro de como el ser humano ha creado ambientes, patrones y sus exitos y fracasos, entre otros. La suposicion que uno puede aprender del pasado, que hay valor en la tradicion, presupone alguna constancia de las personas y el entorno. Esto se discute brevemente y el punto alcanzado es que tal aprendizaje debe estar a cierto nivel de abstraccion. El trabajo a ese nivel tambien abre muchos campos nuevos e inesperados (y “poco probables”), se torna importante involucrar nuevos campos y sus evoluciones en la investigacion EBS (Environment-Behavior Studies). Un ejemplo reciente de este tipo de campos “poco probables” se discute brevemente. ABSTRACT In this paper I revisit some themes I have addressed before, some a very long time ago. They need reiterating because they are being re-examined. The topic is essentially about learning from the past and from the full range of environments about which we know. These are an incredible resource, a record of how human have created environments, their successes and failure, patterns, etc. The assumption that one can learn from the past, that there is value in tradition, presupposes some constancy regarding both people and environments. This is discussed briefly and the point made that such learning need to be at some level of abstraction. Working at that level also makes relevant many new and unexpected (and “unlikely”) fields, it then becomes important to involve new fields, and developments in them in EBS (Environment-Behavior Studies) research, one recent example of such on “unlikely” field is discussed briefly.
Afadin and RhoA control pancreatic endocrine mass via lumen morphogenesis

Proper lumen morphogenesis during pancreas development is critical to endocrine and exocrine cell fate. Recent studies showed that a central network of lumens (termed core), but not the surrounding terminal branches (termed periphery), produces most islet endocrine cells. To date, it remains unclear how pancreatic lumens form and remodel and which aspects of lumen morphogenesis influence cell fate. Importantly, models testing the function of the central lumen network as an endocrine niche are lacking. Here, we identify mechanisms underlying lumen formation and remodeling and show that central lumen network morphogenesis impacts pancreatic endocrine mass. We show that loss of the scaffolding protein Afadin disrupts de novo lumenogenesis and lumen continuity in the tip epithelium. Codepletion of the actomyosin regulator RhoA and Afadin results in defects in the central lumens and arrests lumen remodeling. This arrest leads to prolonged perdurance of the central lumen network over developmental time and expansion of the endocrine progenitor population and, eventually, endocrine mass. Our study uncovers essential roles of Afadin and RhoA in pancreatic central lumen morphogenesis, which subsequently determines endocrine cell mass.