cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Extent to Which Menstruation-Related Issues Are Included in Graduate-Level Public Health Curricula

Objectives: Menstruation is increasingly recognized as an issue in domestic and global public health. Public health graduates of U.S. schools of public health must have adequate competencies to address menstruation and its implications for health and well-being in their future endeavors in research, practice and policy. This study sought to understand the extent to which U.S. schools currently integrate menstruation-related content (menstrual health, menstrual hygiene, etc.) and related competencies into their curricula. Methods: We reviewed the course directories of the top 20 US schools of public health as ranked in 2018. Courses were selected based on inclusion of menstruation and adolescent health-related search terms. Syllabi were subsequently obtained and analyzed for inclusion of specific menstruation-related terms. Syllabi including these terms were further analyzed to determine the level of inclusion of menstruation-related topics in relation to public health competencies, and the area of specialization. Results: Of an estimated 5,000 courses assessed, 28 included menstruation-related topics. Most frequently, this inclusion was minimal (e.g., a single reading or assignment), and was limited in scope. Content was typically found within global health, environmental health, and maternal and child health. Conclusions: Given growing attention to menstruation domestically and globally, and the limited current inclusion of this issue in US schools of public health curricula, graduates may not be receiving adequate training on a critically important topic of relevance within population health. Schools should consider reviewing their curricula to assess whether there are opportunities to integrate menstruation-related content in relation to the relevant public health competencies.
A population of stress-like cancer cells in melanoma promotes tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance

SUMMARY Transcriptional profiling has revealed a diverse range of cancer cell states, however an understanding of their function has remained elusive. Using a combination of zebrafish melanoma modeling and human validation, we have identified a conserved stress-like state that confers intrinsic drug resistance. The stress-like state expresses genes such as fos, hsp70 and ubb, all required for adaptation to diverse cellular stresses, and we confirmed its existence using immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics. We provide evidence that this state has a higher tumor seeding capabilities compared to non-stressed cells, and confers intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibitors, a commonly used melanoma therapeutic. Furthermore, the stress-like program can be induced by extrinsic processes such as heat shock, and confers resistance to both MEK and BRAF inhibitors in both zebrafish and human melanomas. Collectively, our study suggests that the transcriptional states associated with therapeutic failure are established during the earliest steps of tumorigenesis.
Inapt gratitude: against expansionist views

Psychologists and philosophers have written much about gratitude recently. Many of these contributions have endorsed expansionist views of gratitude, counseling agents to feel and express gratitude in many circumstances. I argue that the essential features of the moral norm of gratitude are that a beneficiary acknowledges and appreciates benefits provided by another who is acting from beneficence, and is disposed to provide a comparable benefit to the benefactor if a suitable occasion arises. The best-known philosophical version of expansionist views claims that gratitude is apt even in cases where the “benefactor” not only did not intend to benefit the other, but intended to harm her. In the psychological literature, expansionists typically do distinguish between being grateful to and being grateful that. But they also write as if there is one general character trait of gratefulness. In this paper I argue that the philosophical position considered is mistaken on conceptual and moral grounds, and that the dominant view among psychologists fails to recognize the difference between two different traits of gratitude, one a moral virtue and the other a prudential virtue.
Reducing the risk of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following translabyrinthine surgery of the posterior fossa

Abstract Objective To describe the procedure and results of an adapted closure and reconstruction technique for translabyrinthine surgery that focuses on identifying and managing potential pathways for CSF egress to the middle ear and Eustachian tube. Methods Retrospective review of a cohort of translabyrinthine acoustic neuroma cases that were reconstructed using this technique. Results In addition to meticulous packing of potential conduits using soft tissue, hydroxyapatite cement is used to seal opened air cell tracts prior to obliteration of the mastoid defect using adipose tissue. Early results of a small patient cohort using this technique are encouraging and there were no wound infections. There was a single case of CSF rhinorrhea associated with incomplete sealing of opened petrous apex cells, with no recurrence after appropriate implementation of the described protocol during revision surgery. Conclusion Proactive management of potential conduits of CSF egress including opened air cell tracts has a high likelihood of reducing rates of rhinorrhea and need for revision surgery after the translabyrinthine approach to the posterior fossa.
Evaluation of the Genalyte Maverick SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Serology Panel

Abstract Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 can be used for evaluation of past infection in individual patients and for community seroprevalence studies. We evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the Genalyte Maverick SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Serology Panel compared to the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (NC) qualitative immunoassay, using well characterized clinical serum samples. A total of 143 pre-pandemic sera and 48 sera collected from patients with a negative molecular SARS-CoV-2 result were used for specificity studies. For sensitivity analyses, 179 sera were used, obtained 3-7 days, 8-14 days, or ≥ 15 days after symptom onset from patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specificity was determined to be 95.3% (182/191) for the Genalyte Maverick. Overall sensitivity of the Genalyte Maverick was similar to that observed for the Roche Elecsys NC test, 79.3% (142/179) vs. 76.5% (137/179), respectively. Genalyte Maverick trended, without statistical significance, towards higher sensitivity as compared to the Roche Elecsys NC test in the 3-7 days (11/25 vs. 9/25, respectively) and 8-14 days (21/28 vs. 19/28, respectively) post-symptom onset sample sets, but was identical in the ≥ 15 days post-symptom onset group (106/116 vs. 106/116, respectively). Therefore, the Genalyte Maverick serologic test had similar overall sensitivity to the Roche Elecsys NC assay, but may have slightly improved sensitivity for early seroconversion. The lower Genalyte Maverick specificity as compared to the Roche Elecsys NC assay as reported by other studies (>99%), may necessitate confirmatory testing of positive Genalyte Maverick results if implemented for clinical use.
Critical digital literacy as method for teaching tactics of response to online surveillance and privacy erosion

Abstract Many educators teach students digital literacies in undergraduate writing courses. One type of literacy, critical digital literacy, offers student learning opportunities by applying Hutchinson and Novotny's critical digital literacy as method. In this article, through the application of critical digital literacy, the authors present aspects of a course design and extracurricular projects on how to identify, understand, and respond to online surveillance and privacy erosion. They present four tactics of response educators and students can use in courses as part of an overall course, major assignment or activities. Based on the pedagogical findings, the authors suggest educators adopt critical digital literacy as a framework.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Without Cement or a Tourniquet

To maintain best practice in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), historical gold standards must evolve based on current data to optimize patient outcomes. Mainstay techniques in TKA have traditionally included cemented fixation and use of a tourniquet. However, younger arthroplasty patients have the potential to benefit from the reliable and durable fixation afforded by modern cementless implants. Additionally, a surgeon must utilize the available literature to weigh the detriments and advantages (both real and perceived) of routine tourniquet use in TKA.
Investigation of deep learning methods for efficient high-fidelity simulations in turbulent combustion

Abstract Turbulent combustion modeling often faces a trade-off between the so-called flamelet-like models and PDF-like models. Flamelet-like models, are characterized by a choice of a limited set of prescribed moments, which are transported to represent the manifold of the composition space and its statistics. PDF-like approaches are designed to directly evaluate the closure terms associated with the nonlinear chemical source terms in the energy and species equations. They generate data on the fly, which can be used to accelerate the simulation of PDF-like based models. Establishing key ingredients for implementing acceleration schemes for PDF-like methods by constructing flamelet-like models on the fly can potentially result in computational saving while maintaining the ability to resolve closure terms. These ingredients are investigated in this study. They include a data-based dimensional reduction of the composition space to a low-dimensional manifold using principal component analysis (PCA). The principal components (PCs) serve as moments, which characterize the manifold; and conditional means of the thermo-chemical scalars are evaluated in terms of these PCs. A second ingredient involves adapting a novel deep learning framework, DeepONet, to construct joint PCs’ PDFs as alternative methods to presumed shapes common in flamelet-like approaches. We also investigate whether the rotation of the PCs into independent components (ICs) can improve their statistical independence. The combination of these ingredients is investigated using experimental data based on the Sydney turbulent nonpremixed flames with inhomogeneous inlets. The combination of constructed PDFs and conditional mean models are able to adequately reproduce unconditional statistics of thermo-chemical scalars, and establish acceptable statistical independence between the PCs, which simplify further the modeling of the joint PCs’ PDFs.
Arrest and non-fatal suicide attempts among men: analysis of survey data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

BACKGROUND Studies have found an association between recent arrest and suicide attempts, but the population-level significance of this link has not been reported. We estimated the population attributable risk percent (PAR%) of self-reported non-fatal suicide attempts based on recent arrest in a national sample of adult men. METHODS This study included men aged ≥18 who completed the 2008-2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. The outcome measure was any non-fatal suicide attempts in the past year. The primary independent variable was any arrest in the past year. Major depression and substance use disorders were also included as independent variables for comparison. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression with postestimation marginal effects ascertained the PAR% of non-fatal suicide attempts for arrest, major depression, and substance use disorders, while controlling for sociodemographic covariates. All analyses applied survey weights. We disaggregated analyses by race/ethnicity. RESULTS In the sample of 220,261 men, arrest accounted for 8.9% (99% CI 5.1 to 12.6%, p < 0.001) of non-fatal suicide attempts, while major depression accounted for 40.3% (99% CI 35.0 to 45.1%. p < 0.001) and substance use disorders for 24.1% (99% CI 17.6 to 30.2%, p < 0.001). After disaggregating by race/ethnicity, arrest accounted for 9.5% (99% CI 4.5 to 14.3%, p < 0.001) of suicide attempts among Non-Hispanic White men and fell short of statistical significance for Non-Hispanic Black men (10.2, 99% CI - 3.0 to 21.6%, p = 0.043) and Hispanic men (8.1, 99% CI - 0.5 to 15.9%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Arrest accounted for nearly one in eleven non-fatal suicide attempts in a national sample of American men, which is by extension about 50,000 suicide attempts per year. Results were similar for Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic men, although there were differences in prevalence of arrest and suicide attempts. Unlike major depression, arrest is an easily identifiable event, and the period after arrest might provide an opportunity to support mental health and coping.
Analysis of gene expression from human breastmilk cells: A comparison between low and high producers, and the influence of anxiety and depression on milk production, gene expression and bacterial production.

Abstract Background Breastmilk is considered the gold standard of infant nutrition. Many mothers have difficulty with breastfeeding and over 50% of women stop due to perceived low production. Aims and methods Our study compared gene expression in 8 samples of low and high producers of milk. All subjects were administered GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Low-producers were all found to have more depression and anxiety compared to high-producers. Results We did not find significant differences between gene expression between low and high milk producers. Only 5 of 8 samples contained a significant number of human cells. We did find differences in the amount of various bacterial populations. Conclusion Our results indicate that gene expression in breastmilk is complicated by collection methods. We recommend that even though some women produced less than 600 ml of milk over a 24-hour period of time, due to the nature of the bacteria found in milk they try to breastfeed as much as they can for the health benefits of their infants. the rich bacterial diversity in all patients including the low producers strongly suggests that even women producing lesser quantities of milk confer their children numerous benefits by breastfeeding them.
Lazy collision checking in asymptotically-optimal motion planning

Asymptotically-optimal sampling-based motion planners, like RRT*, perform vast amounts of collision checking, and are hence rather slow to converge in complex problems where collision checking is relatively expensive. This paper presents two novel motion planners, Lazy-PRM* and Lazy-RRG*, that eliminate the majority of collision checks using a lazy strategy. They are sampling-based, any-time, and asymptotically complete algorithms that grow a network of feasible vertices connected by edges. Edges are not immediately checked for collision, but rather are checked only when a better path to the goal is found. This strategy avoids checking the vast majority of edges that have no chance of being on an optimal path. Experiments show that the new methods converge toward the optimum substantially faster than existing planners on rigid body path planning and robot manipulation problems.
Low-dose fluvoxamine treatment of children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders: a prospective, open-label study.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of low-dose fluvoxamine (1.5 mg/kg/day) in youngsters with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). This was a prospective, open-label trial that included 18 subjects with a mean age of 11.3 ± 3.6 years. Fourteen children (78%) completed the 10-week study. Premature discontinuation due to behavioral activation occurred in three participants. Although there was no response for the group as a whole, eight subjects (including all four females) were considered at least partial responders in intent-to-treat analyses. Neither pubertal status nor serotonin levels predicted clinical response. Fluvoxamine can be beneficial in the treatment of select children and adolescents with PDDs. Gender differences in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) response warrant further investigation.
Noise and Annoyance: A New Methodology

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of noise intensity on annoyance. The procedure involved the use of a visual signal to designate the impending occurrence of noise (a 1000-Hz pure tone). If the response was performed within 250 ms, noise was avoided; if the response was performed after 250 ms, the noise occurred but terminated with the response. In the first experiment, the findings indicated that the no-noise condition and 50-dBA values were significantly different from the 90-dBA value for both number of avoidance responses and response latencies. These results imply that avoidance responses and their associated latencies are indicators of annoyance. Experiment 2 investigated range effects on the number of avoidance responses and their latencies. An analysis of the 70-dBA condition for three groups resulted in significant differences between a group exposed to 50, 60, 70 dBA and one exposed to 70, 80, and 90 dBA. These results suggest that both the number of avoidance responses a...
Solar power: control systems, the integrating of components with the grid system, and the effective management/control of both

The intent of this paper is to discuss and examine the integration of a solar (alternative) power source, with the traditional power grid. This discussion is limited to solar photovoltaic (PV), wind generators, and battery storage that must be integrated and controlled in a safe and predictable way while interfacing with the public's power source. The paper shows that the individual components of an "alternative" power supply can be managed and controlled in a safe and responsible way and that such a system can be beneficial to the owners of both the alternative power system and the traditional power company. It is explained how, through technical advancement, it is possible for the two technologies to coexist as well as being mutually complementary. The benefits are far-reaching and long lasting to all that wish to partake in the emerging technologies.
Reassessing the role of stochastic forcing in the 1997–1998 El Niño

We explore the extent to which stochastic atmospheric variability was fundamental to development of extreme sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) during the 1997-8 El Nino. The observed western equatorial Pacific westerly zonal stress anomalies (τ x a ), which appeared between Nov. 1996 and May 1997 as a series of episodic bursts, were largely reproducible by an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) ensemble forced with observed SST. Retrospective forecasts using a hybrid coupled model (HCM) indicate that coupling only the part of τ x a linearly related to large-scale tropical Pacific SSTA is insufficient to capture the observed 1997 warming; but, accounting in the HCM for all the τ x a that was connected to SST, recovers most of the strong SSTA warming. The AGCM-estimated range of stochastic τ x a forcing induces substantial dispersion in the forecasts, but does not obscure the large-scale warming in most HCM ensemble members.
The spaced-time correlation function and its effect on the efficient simulation of multicarrier systems

As multicarrier (MC-DS-CDMA) communication systems become more complicated, the utilization of computer simulations to estimate the bit error performance of these systems will increase. Knowledge of the simulated channel's autocorrelation function can allow for the reuse of the complex channel gains. With the reuse of these complex channel gains, the estimate of a multicarrier system's performance can be accomplished in less than half the previously required time.
Post-analysis-based clustering dramatically improves the Fiduccia-Mattheyses algorithm

This paper describes a new partitioning algorithm, BISECT, which is an extension of the Fiduccia-Mattheyses (FM) algorithm that recursively combines clustering and iterative improvement. A post analysis of sequences of moves in one pass generates disjoint subsets of nodes for clustering. After clustering BISECT is applied again on the compacted circuit. BISECT is stabler, achieves results that can be up to 73 times better than FM, and runs in linear time under suitably mild assumptions. BISECT also performs well in comparison with the Kernighan-Lin algorithm and simulated annealing. The empirical results show that BISECT is stable and is not very sensitive to the initial partition. For many random sparse graphs, BISECT achieves 0-cut bisections (balanced partitions). >
Scaling Data Intensive Physics Applications to 10k Cores on Non-dedicated Clusters with Lobster

The high energy physics (HEP) community relies upon a global network of computing and data centers to analyze data produced by multiple experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). However, this global network does not satisfy all research needs. Ambitious researchers often wish to harness computing resources that are not integrated into the global network, including private clusters, commercial clouds, and other production grids. To enable these use cases, we have constructed Lobster, a system for deploying data intensive high throughput applications on non-dedicated clusters. This requires solving multiple problems related to non-dedicated resources, including work decomposition, software delivery, concurrency management, data access, data merging, and performance troubleshooting. With these techniques, we demonstrate Lobster running effectively on 10k cores, producing throughput at a level comparable with some of the largest dedicated clusters in the LHC infrastructure.
Relative Importance of Distributor Selection Criteria to Independent Restaurant Operators

Abstract In this study, restaurant operators rated the importance of criteria used to select foodservice distributors. Overall, items related to logistics received the highest ratings, with various value-added services receiving much lower ratings. Differences in ratings were observed between groups of restaurant operators based on size of operation and number of distributors used. Awareness of these attribute importance ratings will benefit distributors by assisting them in decisions regarding value-added service offerings and core service emphasis.
Emergent diseases in reptiles

Abstract This article reviews basic clinical techniques necessary for emergency treatment of reptile patients. Approaches to common emergency presentations of reptile patients, including trauma, burns, dystocia, renal failure, sepsis, dyspnea, gastrointestinal foreign bodies, cloacal prolapse, and toxicosis are covered.
SU-FF-T-326: A Systematic Methodology in Dosimetric Verification of Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm in Eclipse Treatment Planning System

Purpose: A series of practical phantoms were constructed to investigate the accuracy of photon dose calculations performed by the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media.Method and Materials: A total of seven heterogeneous and homogeneous phantoms with solid water (SW) and cork, SW with MapCHECK or MatriXX were constructed to investigate the difference between dose calculated by AAA in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) and measured dose using Varian 23 IX LINAC.Ion Chamber was used for point dose measurements and film, MapCHECK, MatriXX were used for 2D dose measurements. A detailed analysis of data computed by the AAA algorithm was carried out and data were compared against measurements. To better appraise the performance of AAA, data obtained from the pencil beam convolution (PBC) algorithm implemented in Eclipse were also added in the comparison. Results: AAA calculation has showed better than PBC in agreement with measurement from both ion chamber and 2D dosimeters. As planar dose evaluation, MapCHECK yielded a pass rate ranging from 88.5% to 95.5% for AAA, and 69.7% to 81.9% for PBC based on 1% difference and 1mm distance to agreement for different phantoms. The film dose distribution showed as well that AAA calculation is better than PBC in agreement with measurements. Generally, the better agreement of AAA than PBC calculation with measurement is more obvious in heterogeneous than homogeneous phantoms. Conclusions: Eclipse TPS dose calculation AAA showed better agreement with dose measurement in both heterogeneous (more significant) and homogeneous phantom than PBC using three different types of 2D dosimetry system and ion chamber. The design of measurements and construction of phantoms represent a simple, efficient, and accurate means for verifying dose calculation algorithms in TPS.
A mathematical programming approach for improving the robustness of least sum of absolute deviations regression

This paper discusses a novel application of mathematical programming techniques to a regression problem. While least squares regression techniques have been used for a long time, it is known that their robustness properties are not desirable. Specifically, the estimators are known to be too sensitive to data contamination. In this paper we examine regressions based on Least-sum of Absolute Deviations (LAD) and show that the robustness of the estimator can be improved significantly through a judicious choice of weights. The problem of finding optimum weights is formulated as a nonlinear mixed integer program, which is too difficult to solve exactly in general. We demonstrate that our problem is equivalent to a mathematical program with a single functional constraint resembling the knapsack problem and then solve it for a special case. We then generalize this solution to general regression designs. Furthermore, we provide an efficient algorithm to solve the general nonlinear, mixed integer programming problem when the number of predictors is small. We show the efficacy of the weighted LAD estimator using numerical examples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Investigation of injection mechanisms for InGaAs/InP double heterostructure bipolar transistors

Abstract A more complete model for InP/InGaAs Double Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (DHBT) is obtained in this paper by physically analyzing the transport process of the main current components. The potential distribution of the energy barrier constitutes a fundamental analytical concept and is employed for applying the diffusion, the thermionic emission, and the tunneling theories in investigating the injection mechanisms at the e − b heterojunction interface. The diffusion transport is considered first for electron injection from the emitter into the base. The thermionic emission is applied properly at the point of maximum potential energy as one of the boundary conditions at that interface. A suitable energy level is selected with respect to which the energy barrier expression is expanded for the calculation of the tunneling probability. The first “spike” at the conduction band discontinuity is described as the potential energy for the injected electrons to obtain kinetic energy to move into the base region with a substantially high velocity. The electron blocking action of the second “spike” at the b − c junction is also analyzed by considering the transport velocity with which electrons are swept out of that boundary. Based on the material parameters recently reported for both InP and InGaAs, computations of the current components are carried out to provide β characteristics in good agreement with the reported experimental results.
Calcium-45 uptake by shell gland, oviduct, plasma and eggshell of DDT-dosed ducks and chickens

Experiments were conducted with ducks and chickens to determine the effects of acute doses of DDT and DDE on calcium-45 balance and calcium-45 distribution among plasma, femur, tibia, oviduct, shell gland, and eggshell. Species differences in distribution of calcium-45 were evident between control ducks and control chickens. Ducks contained more radiocalcium in plasma, shell glands, tibias, and femurs than chickens and eliminated less radiocalcium in their droppings than chickens. The percentage of radiocalcium deposited in eggshells by control birds of either species was about equal. Ducks and chickens treated with DDT or DDE contained more radiocalcium in their shell glands than their respective controls. Treatment with DDT or DDE caused eggshell thinning in ducks but not in chickens; however, treatment with DDT or DDE did not alter significantly the percentage of radiocalcium that appeared in eggshells of either species.
Development of an Automated Multi-Injection Shotgun Lipidomics Approach Using a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Shotgun lipidomics is a well-suited approach to monitor lipid alterations due to its ability to scan for varying lipid types on a global, class and individual species level. However, the ability to perform high-throughput shotgun lipidomics has remained challenging due to time-consuming data processing and hardware limitations. To increase the throughput nature of shotgun lipidomics, an automated shotgun lipidomics approach is described utilizing conventional low flow gradient liquid chromatography (LC) analysis (post-injection) coupled with multiple sample injections per sample (on a lipid scan per injection basis). The proposed automated multi-injection approach resulted in a reproducible lipid scanning period of 2.5 min (in a 4.5 min total data acquisition period), thereby providing a sufficient scanning period for performing either mass spectrometric or tandem mass spectrometric analyses. In addition to being simple, robust and reproducible, this approach was also constructed to be cost-effective by using common LC instrumentation and customizable as the data acquisition period can be tailored to perform different scan types, period lengths and scan numbers. Combined with a strategy to create multiple lipid-specific aliquots per sample, the overall approach provides a simple and efficient platform to perform high-throughput lipid profiling.
Early administration of a single dose of parenteral estrogen decreases inflammation in the heart for 45 days after severe burns

Patients with severe burn injury experience a rapid elevation in multiple circulating proinflammatory cytokines, with the levels correlating with both injury severity and outcome. In animal models, accumulations of these cytokines have been observed in remote organs, including the heart, brain and lungs. However, data are lacking regarding the long-term levels of cytokines in the heart following severe burn injury and also how infusion of parenteral estrogen, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, would affect these levels. Using a rat model, we studied the effects of a full-thickness third-degree burn on cardiac levels of IL-6 and TNFα over 45 days with and without 17β-estradiol infusion.
Epiphrenic Diverticulum of the Esophagus. From Pathophysiology to Treatment

Epiphrenic diverticula of the esophagus are usually associated with a concomitant esophageal motility disorder. The main symptoms experienced by patients are dysphagia, regurgitation, and aspiration. The best surgical treatment is still debated, particularly the need for a myotomy in addition to resection of the diverticulum. While for many decades the traditional approach was through a left thoracotomy, more recently, minimally invasive techniques have been successfully used and are now the procedure of choice in most cases. The purpose of this article was to review (a) the current understanding of the pathophysiology of epiphrenic diverticulum, (b) how this understanding should guide the surgical treatment, and (c) the surgical approach.
Drug Education for School Administrators

The formulation of a drug policy and the implemen tation of that policy in a firm but fair manner are the responsibility of the school administrator. Hackett and McKeon give serious consideration to this responsibility.
Therapeutic angiogenesis for myocardial ischemia

Therapeutic angiogenesis offers promise as a novel treatment for ischemic heart disease, particularly for patients who are not candidates for current methods of revascularization. The goal of treatment is both relief of symptoms of coronary artery disease and improvement of cardiac function by increasing perfusion to the ischemic region. Protein-based therapy with cytokines including vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor demonstrated functionally significant angiogenesis in several animal models. However, clinical trials have yielded largely disappointing results. The attenuated angiogenic response seen in clinical trials of patients with coronary artery disease may be due to multiple factors including endothelial dysfunction, particularly in the context of advanced atherosclerotic disease and associated comorbid conditions, regimens of single agents, as well as inefficiencies of current delivery methods. Gene therapy has several advantages over protein therapy and recent advances in gene transfer techniques have improved the feasibility of this approach. The safety and tolerability of therapeutic angiogenesis by gene transfer has been demonstrated in phase I clinical trials. The utility of therapeutic angiogenesis by gene transfer as a treatment option for ischemic cardiovascular disease will be determined by adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II and III clinical trials. Cell-based therapies offer yet another approach to therapeutic angiogenesis. Although it is a promising therapeutic strategy, additional preclinical studies are warranted to determine the optimal cell type to be administered, as well as the optimal delivery method. It is likely the optimal treatment will involve multiple agents as angiogenesis is a complex process involving a large cascade of cytokines, as well as cells and extracellular matrix, and administration of a single factor may be insufficient. The promise of therapeutic angiogenesis as a novel treatment for no-option patients should be approached with cautious optimism as the field progresses.
Pretraining Chicano Students before Administration of a Mathematics Predictor Test

The relationships between ability tests and achievement tests for Chicano' students are different from those for Anglo students (Anderson & Evans, 1969; Begle, Note 1; Cain, 1970; Goldman & Richards, 1972; MacMillan, 1971; McNamara, 1970; Thomas, Note 2). Generally, the ability tests that are good predictors of mathematics achievement for Anglo students are not good predictors for Chicano students. Bernal (1971) found that Chicano students benefited significantly on mental ability tests from an intervention that permitted them to learn the test-marking strategies. Anglo students did not gain from the intervention. However, he did not report the reliabilities or the predictive power of the tests after the intervention treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain if it is possible to increase the reliability and predictive power of two mathemati,s predictor tests for seventh-grade Chicano students. The experimental treatment, pretraining on similar items before administration of the predictor tests, is similar to Bernal's treatment (1971). However, this treatment did not incorporate a bilingual approach as Bernal's did. The decision to disregard a bilingual approach was made after reviewing the literature concerning language and cultural factors in tests (Davis & Personke, 1968, 1969; Keston & Jimenez, 1954; Massarotti, 1972; Palmer & Gaffney, 1972; Swanson & DeBlassie, 1971). Translations of the test instructions and tests did not significantly improve Chicano test performance.
Multiple valvular sclerosis in Turner phenotypes and Rubella syndrome.

Abstract Five patients presented early in infancy with failure to thrive and congestive heart failure. The pathologic examination of the heart in each patient revealed sclerosis of all the cardiac valves, a rarely reported finding. One patient had the phenotypic expression of the XY Turner phenotype. Another presented with a history of maternal rubella. The rubella virus was subsequently recovered from the patent ductus and from the heart at autopsy. A third patient had the XX Turner phenotype and a history of maternal rubella in the first trimester. These cases (1) call attention to the presence of an unusual cardiac abnormality in patients having, separately or simultaneously, the congenital rubella syndrome and the Turner phenotype syndrome, and (2) present an opportunity to consider the interplay of genetic background and teratogenic insult.
Reduced kidney size in patients with simple renal cysts.

Reduced kidney size in patients with simple renal cysts. Background Renal cysts frequently occur in the absence of genetic diseases but their significance is unknown. Since multiple cysts develop in many patients with advanced renal disease, we tested the hypothesis that isolated cysts are associated with early nephron loss. Methods All inpatient and outpatient sonograms performed by the Renal Division since 1995 were reviewed and, after exclusion of duplicate studies, patients with genetic cystic disorders, complex cysts, hydronephrosis, peripelvic cysts, end-stage renal disease and transplanted kidneys, 2526 were selected for this study, of which 385 had one or more cysts. Maximum renal length was used as an indication of size, and renal function was estimated by serum creatinine concentration. Results Both right and left kidney length were significantly less in patients with cysts ( P P = 0.01). In outpatients matched for age and gender, those with cysts had a higher serum creatinine concentration but with borderline significance ( P = 0.06). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, and renal length were each independent variables and together accounted for one third of the incidence of cysts. Conclusion Kidney size is reduced in patients with simple renal cysts noted on renal sonography, and cysts may be associated with reduced renal function. This suggests that isolated cysts are an indication of nephron loss in patients with renal abnormalities.
PDE4D and PDE4B Function in Distinct Subcellular Compartments in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

Signaling through cAMP regulates most cellular functions. The spatiotemporal control of cAMP is, therefore, crucial for differential regulation of specific cellular targets. Here we investigated the consequences of PDE4B or PDE4D gene ablation on cAMP signaling at a subcellular level using mouse embryonic fibroblasts. PDE4B ablation had no effect on the global or bulk cytosol accumulation of cAMP but increased both basal and hormone-dependent cAMP in a near-membrane pool. Conversely, PDE4D ablation enhanced agonist-induced cAMP accumulation in the bulk cytosol as well as at the plasma membrane. Both PDE4B and PDE4D ablation significantly modified the time course and the level of isoproterenol-induced phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, a membrane cytoskeletal component. A second membrane response through Toll-like receptor signaling, however, was only affected by PDE4B ablation. PDE4D but not PDE4B ablation significantly prolonged cAMP-response element-binding protein-mediated transcription. These findings demonstrate that PDE4D and PDE4B have specialized functions in mouse embryonic fibroblasts with PDE4B controlling cAMP in a discrete subdomain near the plasma membrane.
An Enhanced Voltage Programming Pixel Circuit for Compensating GB-Induced Variations in Poly-Si TFTs for AMOLED Displays

The variation and reliability issues of display backplane pose major challenges for poly silicon (poly-Si) active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. Adjacent poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibit different threshold voltages and mobilities due to random distribution of grain boundaries (GBs). Furthermore, the threshold voltage and mobility of TFTs have noticeable shift in time because of electrical stress. In this study, we propose an improved voltage programming pixel circuit for compensating the shift of threshold voltage and mobility in driver TFTs (DTFTs) as well as compensating the supply voltage degradation. HSPICE simulation results demonstrate that the drive current for OLED has a deviation of less than ±2% for a mobility variation of ±40% and a maximum deviation of 30 nA when the threshold voltage varies from 0.3 to -0.3 V. Moreover, if the supply voltage degrades from 10 to 8.5 V, the drive current shift is less than 15%.
Linear Response of Nearly Free Electrons. I

The linear-response function is evaluated for a noninteracting nearly-free-electron gas to second order in the periodic lattice potential. This quantity is related to van Hove's pair distribution function and the complex frequency- and wave-number-dependent dielectric function.
Recent Developments in Meteoroid Protection for Space Power Systems

Abstract Recent advances in meteor astronomy, satellite experiments, and hypervelocity impact are reviewed. Perhaps the most important advances have been made in the determination of the meteoroid environment. From the Trailblazer I artificial meteor experiment results and the analysis of three asteroidal particle observations, Whipple established new values of meteoroid flux and density that have been widely accepted. Further refinements in the density estimates of both photographic and radar meteors also have been made. However, the Mariner II Venus probe and Explorer XVI satellite provided meteoroid mass-flux measurements for small particles several orders of magnitude below those obtained by previous experiments. In an analysis of these observations, a tentative new meteoroid environment model is discussed that largely resolves the major discrepancies in the flight experiment and zodiacal cloud data. Furthermore, the model appears consistent with physical and theoretical considerations. The model includes a geocentric distribution of low-velocity Earth-orbiting small particles in addition to the generally recognized heliocentric distribution. Sample calculations of the required armor thickness for space powerplant components and the degradation rate of reflectivity of solar collector surfaces indicate that the meteoroid hazard to the space powerplant may be less severe than previously believed.
Intimate Violence Perceptions: Young Adults' Judgments of Abuse Escalating From Verbal Arguments

A representative sample of 1,182 students from a state university judged vignettes describing violent threats or acts perpetrated against a woman by a man. The violence varied in type, but in each case it followed an escalating verbal fight between a heterosexual couple whose relationship varied from being near strangers to married. In addition, the injury sustained by the woman, the perpetrator's prior history of intimate violence, and the research participants' background characteristics, including their own family violence histories, are examined. Judgments are analyzed to explain perceptions regarding violent acts and threats. Research hypotheses based on social learning theories and prior studies of intimate violence and abuse are examined. The analysis suggests that an explanation for the observed variations in perceptions should consider the likelihood of committing or experiencing acts of violence, a process of social learning, and the relationship in which intimate violence occurs.
Paradigmatic Assumptions in Sexual Harassment Research: Being Guided without Being Misled

Abstract Sexual harassment research has been conducted within paradigmatic assumptions regarding gender-related violence and harmdoing. These assumptions are outlined briefly and ways that they have misled as well as guided sexual harassment research are discussed. Several explanations are presented for findings from a university sexual harassment survey that question the widely held view that women are the primary targets of harassment. These accounts do little to resolve the apparent contradiction, but they do raise a number of conceptual and methodological issues for harassment research. These issues are discussed, leading to an examination of some unresolved issues in harassment research and presentation of some alternative views of sexual harassment.
Google Sets, Google Suggest, and Google Search History: Three More Tools for the Reference Librarian's Bag of Tricks

This article examines the features, quirks, and uses of Google Sets, Google Suggest, and Google Search History and argues that these three lesser-known Google tools warrant inclusion in the resourceful reference librarian's bag of tricks.
Organic matter production of American lobsters (Homarus americanus) during impoundment in Maine, United States

Abstract Lobster impoundments are dammed coastal embayments utilised to hold American lobsters (Homarus americanus) before shipping to market. The impacts of lobster impoundments on the environment have not been previously studied. Here, the digestive functioning of American lobsters was examined to assess the quantity and quality (TVS, total volatile solids) of lobster faeces produced under the temperatures and feeding regimens these animals were subjected to during the impoundment period. Overall it was determined that quantity and quality of faeces did not differ among the experimental temperatures (5, 10, and 15°C), and that animals fed every 1–2 days produced greater quantity and quality of faeces than those fed every 3–18 days, or those animals fed less than every 18 days. As a first estimate of organic matter production in active lobster impoundments, it was calculated that a typical lobster impoundment produced 0.79 ± 0.35 (average ± 1 SD) g TVS m‐2 day‐1 during the impoundment period, equivalent ...
Social class and psychological disturbance: The influence of positive and negative experiences

Recent studies by the Midtown investigators found that, except for people experiencing no stress factors, lower class individuals were consistently in poorer mental health than those of higher status — regardless of the number of stress factors experienced. The present paper is concerned with testing the hypothesis that the Midtown findings may be due to a differential distribution of positive experiences in the various classes, experiences which might act to diminish or minimize the influence of stress. Data collected from a sample of 600 residents of a small New England State allowed for the testing of this hypothesis. Analysis of the data suggests that with regard to the relationship between class and psychological disturbance, social class position may be best regarded as a condition affectingboth positive experiences and stress, two variables that are more directly and immediately related to disturbance. While it has long been recognized that there are probably more stresses in lower class life, the possibility that there may also be social class differences in positive experiences which might tend to mitigate against these stresses has been largely ignored by previous investigators.