cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment considerations for severe adolescent obesity.

h m c m s t b a As the epidemic of obesity in all age groups progresses nchecked, Americans are increasingly considering extreme easures to combat the known health complications of besity. Whereas nearly 31% of adults in the United States re obese [1], more than 15% of children and adolescents re obese—a prevalence that has more than tripled in the ast 2 decades [2]. Evidence from clinical trials shows that ehavioral weight management may have longer-lasting efects in children than in adults, but good long-term results re rare and are typically seen only in clinical research nvironments [3]. Behavioral and dietary approaches to reating obesity in childhood and adolescence are more ffective in persons with less extreme obesity [4,5]. Numerous important factors must be taken into considration when contemplating bariatric surgery for severe besity in adolescents. Surgical weight loss results in sigificant improvement, if not resolution, of most obesityelated comorbidities in adults [6]. Preliminary results sugest that this is also true for adolescents [7,8]. However, the aps in our knowledge of the long-term efficacy and potenial adverse consequences of dietary restriction and dereased absorption in adolescents are substantial. In addiion, the possibility of late weight regain and the potential ultigenerational consequences of severe dietary restriction uring child-bearing years suggest that considerable care nd deliberation should be applied to decision making conerning surgical weight management in the adolescent poplation.
Alcohol-impaired motorcycle crashes in Hawaii, 1986 to 1995: An analysis

The purpose of this research is to review and describe data on the nature and extent of alcohol-impaired motorcycle-riding crashes in Hawaii. Using comprehensive police crash data, the differences between impaired and nonimpaired riders involved in crashes, in terms of various demographic characteristics, helmet use, license status, roadway environments, and injury outcomes, are described. In addition to various demographic and behavioral factors associated with impaired rider crashes, clear temporal patterns also have been detected. After summarizing these effects, a logistic regression model is built to explain the likelihood of an impaired motorcycle crash as a function of rider characteristics as well as environmental and temporal factors. In addition to age-specific determinants of impaired crash involvement, time factors such as weekends and nighttime, and licensing (out-of-state or no licenses) are strongly associated with impaired rider crashes. These findings could be used to enhance enforcement efforts as well as public information and safety education programs.
Giant sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland: a case report

타액선의 폐쇄성 질환은 흔히 관찰되는 것으로 타액선 도관, 문(hilum), 타액선 자체에 석회화 또는 유기물에 의한 것이다. 그 중에서 석회화된 침전물이 존재하는 것을 타석 증(sialolithiasis)이라 한다. 대다수의 타석증이 악하선에서 호발하며, 다음으로 이하선에서 발생되고 설하선에서는 매우 드물게 관찰되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 호발하는 성 별은 남성, 연령대는 10대에서는 드문 것으로 보고되고 있 다. 타석증을 감별하기 위한 검사로 임상적으로는 환자 의 병력 청취, 증상, 촉진 등을 통해서, 방사선적으로는 표 준방사선사진(하악 교합 촬영, 하악골 측사 촬영 등), computed tomography (CT) scan, 타액선 조영술 등을 통해서, 그 외에 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 초음파 촬영, 타액 선내시경(sialoendosopy) 등을 통해서도관찰할 수있다. 타석증의 일반적인 임상 증상은 도관 폐쇄로 인한 해당 타액선의 부종, 동통 등으로 주로 식사시에 증가했다가 휴 식기에 완화되는 특징이 있다. 이는 저작 시 타액선의 타액 분비가 증가됨에 따라 폐쇄된 도관의 압통으로 인한 것으 로 알려져있다. 타석증의 처치는 증상을 없애기 위하여 타석을 제거하는 것이 주된 초점이다. 타석이 매우 작거나 도관 입구부에 있 는 경우 타액의 배출 촉진 및 해당 부위의 마사지를 통해서 타석의 제거를 유도하기도 하지만 증상이 있는 대다수의 경우 이러한 처치로 개선되지 않는 경우가 많다. 타석의 위 치에 따라 외과적으로 타액선 내시경과 같은 기구를 이용 또는 동반한 단순한 제거나 도관부의 절개를 통해 제거가 가능한 경우가 있고, 부피가 크거나 위치가 도관의 근심부 또는 타액선 실질에 근접한 경우 타액선의 적출이나 쇄석 술을 사용하는경우도 있다. 관찰되는 타석의 성분은 유기물과 무기물의 혼합체로 발 생기전에 대하여는 많은 논란이 있으나 일반적으로 타액 이 저류되는 부분에서 오랜 기간 동안 핵이 되는 유기물 주 변으로 칼슘과 인 등의 무기물이 침착되어 생성된다고 알 려져 있다. 타석의 크기는 매우 다양하다. 대다수는 10 mm 이하의 길이를 가지며 15 mm 이상의 길이를 가지는 타석은 그 빈 도가 매우 적다. 명확히 크기에 대하여 규정된 바는 없으나 일반적으로 15 mm 이상의 큰 타석이 관찰되는 경우 거대 타석증(megalith, giant sialolithiasis)으로 부르며 매우 드물 이 상 화 150-713 서울특별시영등포구여의도동 62 가톨릭대학교여의도성모병원구강악안면외과 Sang-Hwa Lee Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea 62 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-713, Korea TEL: +82-2-3779-2014 FAX: +82-2-769-1689 E-mail: justina@catholic.ac.kr 악하선에서 발생한 거대 타석증: 증례 보고
Genome-wide association analysis of rheumatoid arthritis data via haplotype sharing

We present computationally simple association tests based on haplotype sharing that can be easily applied to genome-wide association studies, while allowing use of fast (but not likelihood-based) haplotyping algorithms, and properly accounting for the uncertainty introduced by using inferred haplotypes. We also give haplotype sharing analyses that adjust for population stratification. We apply our methods to a genome-wide association study of rheumatoid arthritis available as Problem 1 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 16. In addition to the HLA region on chromosome 6, we find genome-wide significant signals at 7q33 and 13q31.3. These regions contain genes with interesting potential connections with rheumatoid arthritis and are not identified using single single-nucleotide polymorphism methods.
Contingency management abstinence incentives: Cost and implications for treatment tailoring

Abstract Objective To examine prize-earning costs of contingency management (CM) incentives in relation to participants' pre-study enrollment drug use status (baseline (BL) positive vs. BL negative) and relate these to previously reported patterns of intervention effectiveness. Methods Participants were 255 substance users entering outpatient treatment who received the therapeutic educational system (TES), in addition to usual care counseling. TES included a CM component such that participants could earn up to $600 in prizes on average over 12-weeks for providing drug negative urines and completing web-based cognitive behavior therapy modules. We examined distribution of prize draws and value of prizes earned for subgroups that were abstinent (BL negative; N=136) or not (BL positive; N=119) at study entry based on urine toxicology and breath alcohol screen. Results Distribution of draws earned (median=119 vs. 17; p Conclusions Two-thirds of expenditures in an abstinence incentive program were paid to BL negative participants. These individuals had high rates of drug abstinence during treatment and did not show improved abstinence outcomes with TES versus usual care (Campbell et al., 2014). Effectiveness of the abstinence-focused CM intervention included in TES may be enhanced by tailoring delivery based on patients' drug use status at treatment entry.
Great Divides: The Cultural, Cognitive, and Social Bases of the Global Subordination of Women

Categorization based on sex is the most basic social divide. It is the organizational basis of most major institutions, including the division of labor in the home, the workforce, politics, and religion. Globally, women’s gendered roles are regarded as subordinate to men’s. The gender divide enforces women’s roles in reproduction and support activities and limits their autonomy, it limits their participation in decision making and highly-rewarded roles, and it puts women at risk. Social, cultural, and psychological mechanisms support the process. Differentiation varies with the stability of groups and the success of social movements. Gender analyses tend to be ghettoized; so it is recommended that all sociologists consider gender issues in their studies to better understand the major institutions and social relationships in society.
An Open Conversation on Using Eye-Gaze Methods in Studies of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Purpose Eye-gaze methods have the potential to advance the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite their increasing use, challenges arise in using these methods with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and in reporting sufficient methodological detail such that the resulting research is replicable and interpretable. Method This tutorial presents key considerations involved in designing and conducting eye-gaze studies for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and proposes conventions for reporting the results of such studies. Results Methodological decisions (e.g., whether to use automated eye tracking or manual coding, implementing strategies to scaffold children's performance, defining valid trials) have cascading effects on the conclusions drawn from eye-gaze data. Research reports that include specific information about procedures, missing data, and selection of participants will facilitate interpretation and replication. Conclusions Eye-gaze methods provide exciting opportunit...
Nucleolin mediates microRNA-directed CSF-1 mRNA deadenylation, but increases translation of CSF-1 mRNA

CSF-1 mRNA 3′UTR contains multiple unique motifs, including a common microRNA (miRNA) target in close proximity to a noncanonical G-quadruplex and AU-rich elements (AREs). Using a luciferase reporter system fused to CSF-1 mRNA 3′UTR, disruption of the miRNA target region, G-quadruplex, and AREs together dramatically increased reporter RNA levels, suggesting important roles for these cis-acting regulatory elements in the down-regulation of CSF-1 mRNA. We find that nucleolin, which binds both G-quadruplex and AREs, enhances deadenylation of CSF-1 mRNA, promoting CSF-1 mRNA decay, while having the capacity to increase translation of CSF-1 mRNA. Through interaction with the CSF-1 3′UTR miRNA common target, we find that miR-130a and miR-301a inhibit CSF-1 expression by enhancing mRNA decay. Silencing of nucleolin prevents the miRNA-directed mRNA decay, indicating a requirement for nucleolin in miRNA activity on CSF-1 mRNA. Downstream effects followed by miR-130a and miR-301a inhibition of directed cellular motility of ovarian cancer cells were found to be dependent on nucleolin. The paradoxical effects of nucleolin on miRNA-directed CSF-1 mRNA deadenylation and on translational activation were explored further. The nucleolin protein contains four acidic stretches, four RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), and nine RGG repeats. All three domains in nucleolin regulate CSF-1 mRNA and protein levels. RRMs increase CSF-1 mRNA, whereas the acidic and RGG domains decrease CSF-1 protein levels. This suggests that nucleolin has the capacity to differentially regulate both CSF-1 RNA and protein levels. Our finding that nucleolin interacts with Ago2 indirectly via RNA and with poly(A)-binding protein C (PABPC) directly suggests a nucleolin-Ago2-PABPC complex formation on mRNA. This complex is in keeping with our suggestion that nucleolin may work with PABPC as a double-edged sword on both mRNA deadenylation and translational activation. Our findings underscore the complexity of nucleolin's actions on CSF-1 mRNA and describe the dependence of miR-130a- and miR-301a-directed CSF-1 mRNA decay and inhibition of ovarian cancer cell motility on nucleolin.
Reactive oxygen species and silica‐induced carcinogenesis

Although silica has recently been designated as a carcinogen, its mechanism of carcinogenesis is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that free-radical reactions may play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancer. This article summarizes literature on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly from silica and from silica-stimulated cells. It also summarizes information concerning the role of ROS in silica-induced DNA damage as well as in silica-induced cell proliferation, including the effects of silica on the activation of nuclear transcription factors, induction of growth factors and oncogene expression, redox regulation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, induction of apoptosis, and division of damaged cells. Understanding the role of ROS in silica-mediated reactions may help develop therapeutic agents to block silica-induced free radical reactions and thus prevent or attenuate silica-induced carcinogenesis.
Growth, nutrient retention, and metabolic response of low-birth-weight infants fed supplemented and unsupplemented preterm human milk

Growth, nutrient retention, and metabolic response of low-birth-weight infants fed human milk provided by their mother; this milk supplemented with bovine milk protein, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium; or pasteurized term human milk with the same supplement were monitored from the time desired intake was tolerated until weight reached 2200 g. The supplement resulted in greater rates of weight gain (20.5 +/- 2.3 vs 16.4 +/- 2.2 g.kg-1.d-1) and nitrogen retention (353 +/- 76 vs 270 +/- 53 mg.kg-1.d-1), increase in plasma transthyretin (TTR) concentration (7 +/- 16 vs -3 +/- 9 mg.L-1.wk-1), a higher mean plasma albumin concentration (34 +/- 3 vs 32 +/- 4 g/L), and a higher plasma TTR concentration at discharge (100 +/- 22 vs 75 +/- 24 mg/L). All these variables correlated significantly with total nitrogen intake, suggesting that the differences are attributable to the protein content of the supplement. The supplement also resulted in greater rates of calcium and phosphorus accretion but the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity of the supplemented vs the unsupplemented groups did not differ.
Impaired insight in cocaine addiction: laboratory evidence and effects on cocaine-seeking behaviour

Neuropsychiatric disorders are often characterized by impaired insight into behaviour. Such an insight deficit has been suggested, but never directly tested, in drug addiction. Here we tested for the first time this impaired insight hypothesis in drug addiction, and examined its potential association with drug-seeking behaviour. We also tested potential modulation of these effects by cocaine urine status, an individual difference known to impact underlying cognitive functions and prognosis. Sixteen cocaine addicted individuals testing positive for cocaine in urine, 26 cocaine addicted individuals testing negative for cocaine in urine, and 23 healthy controls completed a probabilistic choice task that assessed objective preference for viewing four types of pictures (pleasant, unpleasant, neutral and cocaine). This choice task concluded by asking subjects to report their most selected picture type; correspondence between subjects' self-reports with their objective choice behaviour provided our index of behavioural insight. Results showed that the urine positive cocaine subjects exhibited impaired insight into their own choice behaviour compared with healthy controls; this same study group also selected the most cocaine pictures (and fewest pleasant pictures) for viewing. Importantly, however, it was the urine negative cocaine subjects whose behaviour was most influenced by insight, such that impaired insight in this subgroup only was associated with higher cocaine-related choice on the task and more severe actual cocaine use. These findings suggest that interventions to enhance insight may decrease drug-seeking behaviour, especially in urine negative cocaine subjects, potentially to improve their longer-term clinical outcomes.
Shallowing-Upward Sequence in a Pleistocene Coral Reef and Associated Facies, San Salvador, Bahamas: ABSTRACT

Excellent exposures of a well-preserved Pleistocene coral reef (dated 120 to 140 thousand years B.P.) extend along the shore northwest of Cockburn Town on the island of San Salvador, which lies at the eastern edge of the Bahamas platform 600 km (375 mi) east-southeast of Miami, Florida. The reef was buried sequentially by nearshore marine and terrestrial carbonate sands during a lowering of sea level. This shoaling produced a vertical sequence of carbonate rocks that represents a progressive change from shallow subtidal through beach to dunel environments. Acropora palmata, A. cervicornis, Diploria sp., and Montastrea annularis are found in growth position up to 2 m (6 ft) above present mean sea level (MSL). Coral rubble, composed principally of A. cervicornis and A. palmata, commonly occurs subjacent to, adjacent to, and up to 80 cm (31 in.) above the in-situ corals. Gullies in the coral rudites are filled by coarse skeletal calcarenites, which in some places contain well-preserved, irregular boxworks of Ophiomorpha sp. and Skolithos linearis burrows. The calcarenites extend upward and outward from the gullies to overlie the corals and coral rudites; lowermost beds commonly have trough cross bedding extending up to 3.6 m (12 ft) above MSL. Upward, the calcarenites become finer grained, skeletal, intraclastic, peloidal, and oolitic, wit gently seaward dipping planar cross beds and beachrock clast breccias occurring up to 4 m (13 ft) above MSL. Fine-grained eolianites with abundant rhizocretions and some paleosols occur higher than 4 m (13 ft) above MSL, and this elevation marks the maximum height of sea level during the development of the Cockburn Town reef. Following this high stand, lowering of sea level produced this fine Pleistocene example of a shallowing-upward carbonate sequence. End_of_Article - Last_Page 539------------
BiPS, a Photocleavable, Isotopically Coded, Fluorescent Cross-linker for Structural Proteomics

Cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry is an emerging approach for studying protein structure and protein-protein interactions. However, unambiguous mass spectrometric identification of cross-linked peptides derived from proteolytically digested cross-linked proteins is still challenging. Here we describe the use of a novel cross-linker, bimane bisthiopropionic acid N-succinimidyl ester (BiPS), that overcomes many of the challenges associated with other cross-linking reagents. BiPS is distinguished from other cross-linkers by a unique combination of properties: it is photocleavable, fluorescent, homobifunctional, amine-reactive, and isotopically coded. As demonstrated with a model protein complex, RNase S, the fluorescent moiety of BiPS allows for sensitive and specific monitoring of the different cross-linking steps, including detection and isolation of cross-linked proteins by gel electrophoresis, determination of in-gel digestion completion, and fluorescence-based separation of cross-linked peptides by HPLC. The isotopic coding of BiPS results in characteristic ion signal "doublets" in mass spectra, thereby permitting ready detection of cross-linker-containing peptides. Under MALDI-MS conditions, partial photocleavage of the cross-linker occurs, releasing the cross-linked peptides. This allows differentiation between dead-end, intra-, and interpeptide cross-links based on losses of specific mass fragments. It also allows the use of the isotope doublets as mass spectrometric "signatures." A software program was developed that permits automatic cross-link identification and assignment of the cross-link type. Furthermore photocleavage of BiPS assists in cross-link identification by allowing separate tandem mass spectrometry sequencing of each peptide comprising the original cross-link. By combining the use of BiPS with MS, we have provided the first direct evidence for the docking site of a phosphorylated G-protein-coupled receptor C terminus on the multifunctional adaptor protein beta-arrestin, clearly demonstrating the broad potential and application of this novel cross-linker in structural and cellular biology.
Comparing remotely sensed Pictometry® Web-based height estimates with in situ clinometer and laser range finder height estimates

Heights of 30 light poles were measured with a telescopic height pole. Clinometer and laser range finder in situ estimated light pole height was compared to Pictometry® estimated light pole height using hyperspatial 4-in. (10.2-cm) multispectral imagery within a Web-based interface. Average percent agreement between light pole height and clinometer and laser range finder estimated that light pole height ranged from 3.97% to 3.79% for clinometer and laser range finder estimated light pole height, respectively. Average percent agreement between light pole height and Pictometry® estimated light pole height at image magnification factors of 100%, 125%, 150%, 200%, and 300% magnification ranged from 1.77% to 2.39%. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) between light pole height and clinometer and laser range finder estimated that light pole height ranged from 0.22 to 0.20 m for clinometer and laser range finder estimated light pole height, respectively. RMSE between light pole height and Pictometry® estimated light pole height ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 m. An analysis of variance between absolute errors of light pole height estimate by different techniques indicated that Pictometry® was significantly more accurate than both clinometer and laser range finder light pole height estimates.
Heat Transfer Enhancements in Rotating Two-Pass Coolant Channels With Profiled Ribs: Part 2 — Detailed Measurements

Detailed heat/mass transfer distributions are presented inside a two-pass rotating ribbed coolant channel for two profiled-rib configurations. Several profiled-rib configurations have been studied (Acharya et al.; 2000), and it was found that the best performance was achieved by saw-tooth ribs, and a pyramid–valley rib combination. The profiled ribs were placed directly opposite to each other on the leading and trailing surfaces. Smooth side walls were used in all the experiments. Heat transfer measurements were compared with straight ribs of equal blockage ratio. The measurements were made in a two-pass rotating facility using the naphthalene sublimation mass transfer technique which provides highly resolved surface distributions. The results presented are for a Reynolds number of 30,000 two Rotation numbers (0 and 0.3) and include average heat/mass transfer over the entire inter-rib-module as well as detailed heat/mass transfer contours for two profiled-rib cases. Significant enhancements of up to 25% in heat/mass transfer was obtained with the pyramid-valley, and saw-tooth shaped ribs under rotating conditions.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
The Minimum Sodium Requirement of Growing Kittens Defined on the Basis of Plasma Aldosterone Concentration

The minimum sodium requirement of growing kittens was measured using a 6 x 6 Latin square design. Twelve specific-pathogen-free short-hair growing kittens (six males, six females) were fed casein and lactalbuminbased purified diets supplemented with various levels of sodium (NaCI). Using six growing kittens (four males, two females), a sodium depletion and repletion study was conducted to define the variables associated with sodium deficiency. Sodium-deficient kittens exhibited anorexia, impaired growth, polydypsia, polyuria, hemoconcentration, reduced urinary sodium output and specific gravity, and elevated aldosterone concentration in plasma and output in urine. Plasma sodium concentration was not affected by dietary sodium intake. Urinary sodium output was positively related to (r = 0.818, P < 0.001), but fecal sodium loss was independent of sodium intake. These results suggest that sodium balance in kittens is essentially regulated by renal excretion. The recommended minimum sodium requirement of kittens for growth is 1.6 g Na/kg diet (energy density, 22 kJ ME/g diet), or 0.07 mg Na/kJ ME, or 34 mg Na. kg body wt -1 . d -1 . A sodium requirement of adult cats for maintenance was estimated to be 21 mg Na. kg body wt -1 . d -1 . These requirements are considerably greater than those recommended by the National Research Council in 1986.
Detecting Cycle Failures at Signalized Intersections Using Video Image Processing

: Signal cycle failure (or overflow) is an interrupted traffic condition in which a number of queued vehicles are unable to depart due to insufficient capacity during a signal cycle. Cycle failure detection is essential for identifying signal control problems at intersections. However, typical traffic sensors do not have the capability of capturing cycle failures. In this article, we introduce an algorithm for traffic signal cycle failure detection using video image processing. A cycle failure for a particular movement occurs when at least one vehicle must wait through more than one red light to complete the intended movement. The proposed cycle failure algorithm was implemented using Microsoft Visual C#. The system was tested with field data at different locations and time periods. The test results show that the algorithm works favorably: the system captured all the cycle failures and generated only three false alarms, which is approximately 0.9% of the total cycles tested.
Gauging the performance of a supply chain

The performance of a supply chain over a number of time periods is examined based on a framework that identifies the activity categories critical for the effective management of the supply chain. Each activity category is characterised by a set of relevant attributes. Using the information on the supply chain's performance with respect to those attributes and the attributes' relative importance distribution, two performance measurement methods, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and operational competitiveness rating analysis (OCRA), are applied to obtain the supply chain's overall performance profile. An example supply chain that is modelled on a global electronic component distributor's supply chain is presented to illustrate the application and comparison of DEA and OCRA for gauging the performance of a supply chain.
Efficient and Strategyproof Spectrum Allocations in Multichannel Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study the spectrum assignment problem for wireless access networks. We assume that each secondary user will bid a certain value for exclusive usage of some spectrum channels for a certain time period or for a certain time duration. A secondary user may also require the exclusive usage of a subset of channels, or require the exclusive usage of a certain number of channels. Thus, several versions of problems are formulated under various different assumptions. For the majority of problems, we design PTAS or efficient constant-approximation algorithms such that overall profit is maximized. Here, the profit is defined as the total bids of all satisfied secondary users. As a side product of our algorithms, we are able to show that a previously studied Scheduling Split Interval Problem (SSIP), in which each job is composed of t intervals, cannot be approximated within O(t1-∈) for any small ∈ >; 0 unless NP = ZPP. Opportunistic spectrum usage, although a promising technology, could suffer from the selfish behavior of secondary users. In order to improve opportunistic spectrum usage, we then propose to combine the game theory with wireless modeling. We show how to design a truthful mechanism based on all of these algorithms such that the best strategy of each secondary user to maximize its own profit is to truthfully report its actual bid.
Foodborne Gastroenteritis Caused by Escherichia coli

This bacterium was established as a foodborne pathogen in 1971 when imported cheeses turned up in 14 American states that were contaminated with an enteroinvasive strain that caused illness in nearly 400 individuals. Prior to 1971, at least five foodborne outbreaks were reported in other countries, with the earliest being from England in 1947 (see below for further details). As a human pathogen, evidence suggests that it was recognized as a cause of infant diarrhea as early as the 1700s (51). Since the meat-borne outbreaks in the United States of 1982 and 1993, the status of this bacterium as a foodborne pathogen is unquestioned. Escherichia coli as an indicator of fecal contamination is discussed in Chapter 18, culture and isolation methods are covered in Chapter 10, and molecular and bioassay methods for its detection are covered in Chapters 11 and 12.
Drowning in Blackwater: How Weak Accountability Over Private Security Contractors Significantly Undermines Counterinsurgency Efforts

More must be done to control private security contractors (PSCs) operating on a complex battlefield. Fundamentally, the current use and lack of oversight of PSCs are detrimental to winning a counterinsurgency. If the United States chooses to rely on PSCs in unstable counterinsurgency operations in the future, it must significantly change the manner of control it has over these forces. Some essential improvements include placing accountability for all contractors under one overarching command, implementing stronger screening and training programs, and strengthening the options for investigating and prosecuting contractor misconduct.Drastic measures need to be taken to improve the overall United States policy for controlling PSCs and holding those contractors accountable for their actions. Part II of this article provides an overview of the history of PSCs on the battlefield and explains how the United States got itself into such a precarious position in Iraq. Part III addresses the law of war implications of using PSCs while comparing the methods and approaches of the various governmental agencies who hired PSCs in Iraq before the September 2007 Blackwater incident. Part IV examines in depth the changes made in the wake of the Blackwater incident to better control PSCs. Finally, Part V proposes the additional accountability measures over PSCs necessary to ensure American success in future counterinsurgency campaigns.
Cardiovascular responses to hypoxia in developing swine.

Hypoxia, severe enough to lead to acidosis, is a common stress in the perinatal period. There have been some studies of cardiovascular (CV) responses to hypoxia in fetal and adult swine (Harris & Cummings, 1973), our animal model of human development (Gootman, 1991). We next decided to examine the effects of moderate and severe hypoxia at three different postnatal ages selected because of their maturational differences in reflex responsiveness (Gootman, 1991).
Epidemiological Analysis of Emergent Public Health Events in Hengyang City from 2004 to 2007

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the public health emergency in Hengyang,and to provide science basis for public health emergency control and prevention.Method The network reporting data of public health emergency from 2004 to 2007 were collected and analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods.Results Public health emergency events reported in Hengyang from 2004 to 2007 were 96,3,609 persons involved and 12 cases were dead.Infectious diseases were the majority,most of the events occurred in April and May,and most of the cases were rural pupils.Conclusion To prevent and control emergent health events effectively,emphasis should be put on strengthening health management in rural areas and schools.
Quantitative Analysis of Glycoprotein Glycans

The ability to quantitatively determine changes in the N- and O-linked glycans is an essential component of comparative glycomics. Multiple strategies are available to by which this can be accomplished, including; both label free approaches and isotopic labeling strategies. The focus of this chapter is to describe each of these approaches while providing insight into their strengths and weaknesses, so that glycomic investigators can make an educated choice of the strategy that is best suited for their particular application.
John Mueller and Mark G. Stewart: Chasing Ghosts: The Policing of Terrorism

In Chasing Ghosts: The Policing of Terrorism, John Mueller and Mark G. Stewart present a comprehensive assessment of the risk terrorism poses to Americans and the disproportionately vast costs Amer...
TEMPERATURE AND HIGH SALINITY EFFECTS IN GERMINATING DIMORPHIC SEEDS OF ATRIPLEX ROSEA

Atriplex rosea L. (Chenopodiaceae; tumbling orach), an annual herb, is a widely established weedy species of disturbed sites in all counties of Utah. Seeds of Atriplex rosea were collected from a salt marsh in Faust, Utah, and are dimorphic, light brown, and 2-2.5 mm wide, or black and 1-2 mm wide. Seed germination responses of the black and brown seeds were studied over a range of salinity and temperature. Both brown and black seeds germinated at 1000 mM NaCl, and the optimal temperature for germination of both types was 20°-30°C. Variation in temperature, however, affected germination of black seeds more than brown seeds. At lower thermoperiod only 40%-50% black seeds germinated in nonsaline control, and germination was almost completely inhibited with the inclusion of salinity. However, all brown seeds germinated in control at temperatures above 5°-15°C, and inhibition caused by salinity was comparatively lower. Brown seeds had a higher germination rate than black seeds at all temperature and salinity treatments. The highest rate of germination of both seeds occurred at the temperature regime of 5°-15°C. Recovery of germination for black seeds when transferred to distilled water after being in various salinity treatments for 20 days was quite variable. Recovery decreased with increase in salinity at lower temperature regimes, increased with salinity at optimal thermoperiod, and had no effect at 20°-30°C. Brown seeds recovered poorly from salinity at all thermoperiods except 5°-15°C, where recovery decreased with an increase in salinity. Brown seeds are adapted to germination in the early part of the growing season, whereas black seeds are capable of surviving harsher conditions and can germinate in later time periods. Characteristics of the dimorphic seeds increase chances for survival in the harsh saline desert environment.
Ausstieg aus dem GKV-System — eine Option für Pneumologen?

Grosen Wirbel gab es kurz vor dem Jahreswechsel um den (gescheiterten) Versuch des bayerischen Hausarzteverbands, aus dem System der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung auszusteigen. Viele Facharzte sympathisieren mit den Ausstiegsgedanken. Sie sollten aber aus den Erfahrungen der Hausarzte lernen. Den Ausstieg zu proben, konnte vor allem die Pneumologen teuer zu stehen kommen.
Pharmacological agents causing sexual dysfunction

Abstract Reports of pharmacological agents affecting the human sexual response cycle are critically reviewed. Because of the paucity of adequately designed studies, few definitive statements can be made about pharmacological effects on human sexual functioning. Tentative evidence suggests that drugs with side effects of adrenergic blockade are associated with ejaculatory disturbances. Impotence appears to be associated with drugs possessing significant anticholinergic activity. Drug induced impotence and retarded ejaculation could both also be related to central dopamine blockade.
Biological activity of nanostructured metallic materials for biomedical applications

The successful integration of a biomedical device is governed by the surface properties of the material and also depends on the interaction with the physiological fluid. In this regard, bulk nanostructured materials are recently being recognised as potential implant materials alternative to conventional materials. The potential application of such next generation materials as biomedical implants has recently been evaluated by investigating the effect of wide range of grain sizes on multiple cell activities. In this review, recent advances in biomedical applications of bulk nanostructured materials are highlighted with special focus on the effect of phase reversion-induced nanograined size on protein adsorption and cell–material interactions. Furthermore, the effect of grain structure on antimicrobial effect is also discussed. Osteoblasts functions and cellular activity are promoted on the nanostructured surface in relation to the coarse-grained counterpart. Finally, the advantages of phase reversion appro...
Opening the Strands of Replication Origins-Still an Open Question.

The local separation of duplex DNA strands (strand opening) is necessary for initiating basic transactions on DNA such as transcription, replication and homologous recombination. Strand opening is commonly a stage at which these processes are regulated. Many different mechanisms are used to open the DNA duplex, the details of which are of great current interest. In this review, we focus on a few well-studied cases of DNA replication origin opening in bacteria. In particular, we discuss the opening of origins that support the theta () mode of replication, which is used by all chromosomal origins and many extra-chromosomal elements such as plasmids and phages. Although the details of opening can vary among different origins, a common theme is binding of the initiator to multiple sites at the origin, causing stress that opens an adjacent and intrinsically unstable A+T rich region. The initiator stabilizes the opening by capturing one of the open strands. How the initiator binding energy is harnessed for strand opening remains to be understood.
Resonance-enhanced efficient excitation of individual plasmonic nanoparticles using on-chip microresonators

A novel on-chip integrated plasmonic-photonic device consisting of a lithographically fabricated plasmonic nanorod integrated on a high-Q silicon nitride travelling wave microresonator is demonstrated. Efficient coupling (>45%) of light to individual plasmonic nanoparticles is demonstrated.
Reducing unnecessary testing: an intervention to improve resident ordering practices

Purpose of the study To reduce the number of unnecessary laboratory tests ordered through a measurement of effects of education and cost awareness on laboratory ordering behaviour by internal medicine residents for common tests, including complete blood cell count (CBC) and renal profile (RP), and to evaluate effects of cost awareness on hospitalisation, 30-day readmission rate and mortality rate. Study design 567 patients admitted during February, March and April 2014 were reviewed as the control group. Total CBC, CBC with differential and RP tests were counted, along with readmission and mortality rates. Interventions were education and visual cost reminders. The same tests were reassessed for 629 patients treated during 12 months after intervention in 2015. Results Data showed a significant increase in CBCs ordered after the intervention (mean number per hospitalisation changed from 1.7 to 2.3 (p Conclusions Education in the form of cost reminders did not significantly reduce the overall ordering of the most common daily laboratory testing in our academic teaching service. We believe further research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of other education forms on the redundant ordering of tests in the hospital setting.
Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Development and Movement on Bacillus thuringiensis-treated Cotton Leaves

Larval mortality, survivorship and movement of the bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), on and away from Bacillus thuringiensis-treated cotton leaves were investigated in the laboratory. Bacillus thuringiensis (Costar®, Novartis Crop Protection, Inc; Greensboro, NC) was applied to the upper surface of cotton leaves via a spray table in five concentrations, i.e., 0.0 (control), 0.14, 0.29, 0.58, and 1.15 kg/ha. Three-day-old H. zea larvae were released on treated leaves, kept at 30°C, and transferred to artificial diet after 12, 24, and 48 h. Significantly higher numbers of larvae were found on the lower than upper leaf surface after all three transfer times, but the numbers surviving in all treatments were similar to the control. Larval movement from the leaf to cup surface was significantly higher in B. thuringiensis-treated leaves than in the control. The mortality of larvae that were transferred from leaves to diet at 7 d after treatment was significantly higher in all treatments than in the control and...
Analyzing eye tracking data using a Markovian framework to assess differences in scan patterns

Data overload, especially in the visual channel, represents a major challenge with regards to display design in data-rich domains. One promising means of addressing data overload is with the use of...
Insulin Mechanisms/Metabolic Actions

Insulin is secreted into the circulation from the β cells of the pancreas. It is an anabolic hormone that affects glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism, in addition to growth. These effects result from insulin binding to the insulin receptor and the subsequent signaling cascades that occur. Although type 1 diabetes is a state of insulin deficiency, type 2 diabetes is commonly linked to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may be associated with obesity and a state of chronic inflammation, along with dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. Additionally, insulin resistance has been connected to the development of cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain forms of cancer. Therefore, the knowledge of insulin signaling at a molecular level and the physiological effects of insulin is necessary to unravel the pathophysiology behind these conditions.
Addenda to Saul A. Kripke’s Paper ‘Naming and Necessity’

These addenda represent certain amplifications of the original text which I have added either in response to questions or for the sake of clarification or sketchy amplification.
Efficient Factor Graph Fusion for Multi-Robot Mapping and Beyond

This work presents a novel method to efficiently factorize the combination of multiple factor graphs having common variables of estimation. Variable ordering, a well-known variable elimination technique in linear algebra is employed to efficiently solve a factor graph. Our primary contribution in this work is to reuse the variable ordering of the graphs being combined to find the ordering of the fused graph called fusion ordering. By reusing the variable ordering of the parent graphs we were able to produce an order-of-magnitude difference in the time required for solving the fused graph. A formal verification is provided to show that the proposed strategy does not violate any of the relevant standards. The fusion ordering is experimented on the standard dataset used in the sparse linear algebra community called SuiteSparse [1]. Recent factor graph formulation for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) like Incremental Smoothing and Mapping (ISAM) using the Bayes tree has been very successful and garnered much attention. In the case of mapping, multi-robot system has a great advantage over a single robot that provides faster map coverage and better estimation quality. We also demonstrate the improvement of our ordering scheme on a real-world multi-robot AP Hill dataset [2].
Design and Evaluation of a Multimodal Science Simulation

We present a multimodal science simulation, including visual and auditory (descriptions, sound effects, and sonifications) display. The design of each modality is described, as well as evaluation with learners with and without visual impairments. We conclude with challenges and opportunities at the intersection of multiple modalities.
Weakly supervised cyberbullying detection using co-trained ensembles of embedding models

Social media has become an inevitable part of individuals personal and business lives. Its benefits come with various negative consequences. One major concern is the prevalence of detrimental online behavior on social media, such as online harassment and cyberbullying. In this study, we aim to address the computational challenges associated with harassment detection in social media by developing a machine learning framework with three distinguishing characteristics. (1) It uses minimal supervision in the form of expert-provided key phrases that are indicative of bullying or non-bullying. (2) It detects harassment with an ensemble of two learners that co-train one another; one learner examines the language content in the message, and the other learner considers the social structure. (3) It incorporates distributed word and graph-node representations by training nonlinear deep models. The model is trained by optimizing an objective function that balances a co-training loss with a weak-supervision loss. We evaluate the effectiveness of our approach using post-hoc, crowdsourced annotation of Twitter, Ask.fm, and Instagram data, finding that our deep ensembles outperform previous non-deep methods for weakly supervised harassment detection.
Identifying Fe I Levels from Stellar Spectra

The spectrum of the Fe I atom is critical to many areas of astrophysics and beyond. Measurements of the energies of its high-lying levels remain seriously incomplete. Here we update the work by Peterson & Kurucz (2015) to identify such levels using new and archival high-resolution absorption-line UV and optical spectra of stars whose warm temperatures favor Fe I lines. Our GO-14161 Hubble program will obtain UV spectra for four metal-poor turnoff stars, archive them at ASTRAL, and draw from them the new identifications of 250 – 500 Fe I levels.
The Effect of Social Influence on Security Sensitivity

an impressive effort at raising the general populace's security sensitivity—the awareness of, motivation to use, and knowledge of how to use security and privacy tools—much security advice is ignored and many security tools remain underutilized. Part of the problem may be that we do not yet understand the social processes underlying people's decisions to (1) disseminate information about security and privacy and (2) actually modify their security behaviors (e.g., adopt a new security tool or practice). To that end, we report on a retrospective interview study examining the role of social influence—or, our ability to affect the behaviors and perceptions of others with our own words and actions—in people's decisions to change their security behaviors, as well as the nature of and reasons for their discussions about security. We found that social processes played a major role in a large number of privacy and security-related behavior changes reported by our sample, probably because these processes were effective at raising security sensitivity. We also found that conversations about security were most often driven by the desire to warn or protect others from immediate novel threats observed or experienced, or to gather information about solving an experienced problem. Furthermore, the observability of security feature usage was a key enabler of socially triggered behavior change—both in encouraging the spread of positive behaviors and in discouraging negative behaviors.
Fighting Unemployment the Soviet Way: Belarus’ Law against Social Parasites

On April 2, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko issued a decree “On Preventing Social Dependency,” taxing able-bodied citizens who were employed less than 183 days in an employment year...
Outcomes of root resection therapy up to 16.8 years: A retrospective study in an academic setting.

Background Root resection has been considered a viable treatment option for molars with furcation defects. However, need of a multidisciplinary approach could potentially deem this procedure less successful. The aim of the present article was to determine survival rates of root resection procedure and reasons for failure in an academic setting. Methods Patient-related demographic data, medical history information, and relevant data pertaining to the root-resected teeth performed from January 1990 to September 2017 were reviewed through electronic and paper chart. Survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimate. Association between the reasons for failure and independent variables was established by a Pearson Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results A total of 85 patients with an average follow-up of 5 ± 4.3 years (range: 1 to 16.8 years) were included in the present article. A total of 47 molar teeth treated with root resection remained as part of the dentition (55.3%) and 38 (44.7%) failed. The mean survival time with the Kaplan-Mayer analysis was 109.9 months (9.1 years). Fracture (39.5%), caries (26.3%), and periodontal disease (23.7%) were the most common causes for failure. Interestingly, the majority of failures occurred in the first 4 years after therapy (n = 31; 81.5% of all failures). Conclusions Root resection therapy remains a treatment solution for molars with furcation defects. In an academic setting, >50% of teeth remained functional after 9 years of root resection therapy.