cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing reference intervals for hCG in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background Plasma concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been shown to increase with age due to pituitary secretion. We previously recommended that an hCG cutoff of 14.0 IU/L be used for women ≥ 55 years of age. However, it remains unknown whether concentrations > 14.0 IU/L can be expected in women with advanced age. Our objectives were to establish plasma hCG reference intervals and correlate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and hCG concentrations in postmenopausal females ≥ 55 years. Methods Residual plasma samples from 798 women ≥ 55 years were utilized with 303, 269, and 226 samples belonging to the age groups 55–69, 70–84, and ≥ 85 years, respectively. FSH and hCG were measured using the Abbott ARCHITECT. All positive hCG samples (hCG ≥ 5 IU/L) were analyzed for potential heterophile antibody interference and 3 were excluded. Electronic medical records were reviewed and patients with malignancy were excluded. Results 8% (56/666) of women age ≥ 55 years had plasma hCG ≥ 5 IU/L. There were 19, 16, and 21 patients with hCG ≥ 5 IU/L in the age groups 55–69, 70–84, and ≥ 85 years, respectively. The highest hCG concentrations observed in each age group were: 55–69 years maximum = 11.7 IU/L and 97.5th percentile = 9.6 IU/L; 70–84 years maximum = 18.09 IU/L, 97.5th percentile = 6.2 IU/L; ≥ 85 years maximum = 11.1 IU/L and 97.5th percentile = 10.0 IU/L, and the overall 97.5th percentile = 8.5 IU/L for all women ≥ 55 years of age. Neither hCG nor FSH concentrations continued to increase with age in women ≥ 55 years. Conclusions The prevalence of positive hCG in women ≥ 55 years is 8%. This study confirms our previously recommended cutoff of 14 IU/L for women ≥ 55 years of age. In women ≥ 55 years of age, FSH concentrations do not predict hCG concentrations.
The role of type II transmembrane serine protease-mediated signaling in cancer

Pericellular proteases have long been implicated in carcinogenesis. Previous research focused on these proteins, primarily as extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-degrading enzymes which allowed cancer cells to breach the basement membrane and invade surrounding tissue. However, recently, there has been a shift in the view of cell surface proteases, including serine proteases, as proteolytic modifiers of particular targets, including growth factors and protease-activated receptors, which are critical for the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways. Of the 176 human serine proteases currently identified, a subset of 17, known as type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs). Many have been shown to be relevant to cancer progression since they were first identified as a family around the turn of the century. To this end, altered expression of TTSPs appeared as a trademark of several tumor types. However, the substrates and underlying signaling pathways remained unclear. Localization of these proteins to the cell surface places them in the unique position to mediate signal transduction between the cell and its surrounding environment. Many of the TTSPs have already been shown to play key roles in processes such as postnatal development, tissue homeostasis, and tumor progression, which share overlapping molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of the TTSP family in pro-oncogenic signaling.
Gene Therapy Restores Balance and Auditory Functions in a Mouse Model of Usher Syndrome

Dizziness and hearing loss are among the most common disabilities. Many forms of hereditary balance and hearing disorders are caused by abnormal development of stereocilia, mechanosensory organelles on the apical surface of hair cells in the inner ear. The deaf whirler mouse, a model of human Usher syndrome (manifested by hearing loss, dizziness, and blindness), has a recessive mutation in the whirlin gene, which renders hair cell stereocilia short and dysfunctional. In this study, wild-type whirlin cDNA was delivered to the inner ears of neonatal whirler mice using adeno-associated virus serotype 2/8 (AAV8-whirlin) by injection into the posterior semicircular canal. Unilateral whirlin gene therapy injection was able to restore balance function as well as improve hearing in whirler mice for at least 4 months. Our data indicate that gene therapy is likely to become a treatment option for hereditary disorders of balance and hearing.
Impact of a Short Evolution Module on Students' Perceived Conflict between Religion and Evolution

Abstract Evolution has historically been a topic in biology that is fraught with controversy, and a conflict between religion and evolution is often assumed. If students perceive that evolution is in conflict with their religious beliefs, it can have negative ramifications for their learning of evolution and attitudes toward science. However, religion and evolution have been argued to be compatible. An instructor can incorporate a discussion of this compatibility into their teaching, but the impact of this on students' perceptions of compatibility is still unknown. In this study, we describe a two-week module on evolution with embedded discussion about compatibility between religion and evolution. We surveyed introductory biology students before and after this evolution module about whether they thought evolution and religion could be compatible. We found that the evolution module reduced the number of students who perceived a conflict between evolution and religion by 50 percent. Unexpectedly, perceived ...
Distributionally robust stochastic control with conic confidence sets

The theory of (standard) stochastic optimal control is based on the assumption that the probability distribution of uncertain variables is fully known. In practice, however, obtaining an accurate distribution is often challenging. To resolve this issue, we study a distributionally robust stochastic control problem that minimizes a cost function of interest given that the distribution of uncertain variables is not known but lies in a so-called ambiguity set. We first investigate a dynamic programming approach and identify conditions for the existence and optimality of non-randomized Markov policies. We then propose a duality-based reformulation method for an associated Bellman equation in cases with conic confidence sets. This reformulation alleviates the computational issues inherent in the infinite-dimensional minimax optimization problem in the Bellman equation without sacrificing optimality. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through an application to a stochastic inventory control problem.
CS for All Academic Identities: (Abstract Only)

"CS for All" has set computer science on an unusual journey. Literacies are skills asked of us all: thus, "CS for All" identifies computing skills as a full-fledged human literacy. Yet, Computer Science departments are not uniformly ready to build a computing literacy for all students. This project has investigated on how different institutions are coping with this challenge. We share the results of a 50-institution curricular survey, tracking CS course offerings for a variety of cohorts outside the CS major. We add additional detail to this big-picture snapshot with data from a ten-year experiment offering a biology-and-computing introductory course. The downstream outcomes are heartening in both computing skills (no difference at all in subsequent performance relative to a peer control-group) and in spurring overlapping interest. We also share several new paths, termed "bridges" and "injections," to help computing contribute to the academic identities of students in other disciplines. Just as cogent writing, critical reading, and compelling speaking are today/s hallmarks of literacy, the future may ask us to make computing part of our common goals and expectations. Through local and national data, this project is exploring new curricular paths with the goal that CS in many forms -- as a discipline, as an academic department, and as an identity of its own -- can fully support the challenge of "CS for All."
Phase shift effect of double dielectric layers in electrowetting on dielectric microfluidic device

In this report, we theoretically and experimentally show the significance of phase shift across multiple dielectric layers in electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) microfluidic devices upon the use of AC voltage. Although various dielectric materials and combinations of multiple dielectric layers were studied to provide reliable EWOD devices, all previous studies have neglected the effect of frequency of actuation voltage. Our present study, however, clearly shows that dielectric breakdown (thus device failure) and actuation force (thus device performance) are strongly dependent on the frequency. This study of phase-shift effect in EWOD microfluidic device can provide important information so that one can find the optimum operation conditions of EWOD device based on their choice of device architecture and working fluids.
Assessments of synergistic outcomes from sustainable intensification of agriculture need to include smallholder livelihoods with food production and ecosystem services

Humanity faces a grand challenge as we seek to enhance food production, improve livelihoods, and preserve ecosystems. Existing frameworks of sustainable agricultural intensification offer the promise of balancing food production with sparing land for nature, but are too narrowly focused to address all dimensions of the challenge. To this debate, we contribute a synthetic discussion of the broader goals of sustainable intensification, arguing that it is necessary to incorporate improvement of smallholder wellbeing as an explicit goal of sustainable intensification. Many of the rural lands available for increased food production are currently farmed by smallholders whose livelihoods will be affected by changes in production systems. Evidence suggests that expected income benefits to smallholders do not always materialize, come at the cost of other dimensions of livelihoods, or are distributed unevenly. Innovative combinations of different strategies such as revitalization of abandoned farmlands, changes in consumer diet regimes, ecological intensification, enhancement of diversification and agricultural extension services, and strong local institutions under the backdrop of economic globalization can be harnessed to increase land-use efficiency, thus meeting the goals of providing sufficient food while reconciling environmental conservation with improved smallholder wellbeing.
CRITIQUE - OF “FIELD TRIALS WITH ISOTOPICALLY LABELED NITROGEN FERTILIZER”

ABSTRACT The relative error in calculating the percentage recovery of applied nitrogen by plants increases as the 15 N concentration of the labeled fertilizer decreases (assuming the same level of analytical precision at all levels of 15 N enrichment). The determination of yield and total nitrogen in the plant is the dominant source of error when calculating fertilizer recovery. Error in the determination of or variation in the natural 15 N concentration of soil-derived nitrogen usually has a negligible effect on the determination of fertilizer-derived nitrogen in the plant when using either 15 N-enriched or 15 N-depleted fertilizer. Examples are given to demonstrate the dilution that may be expected when using 15 N-depleted fertilizer to measure residual nitrogen in soil or immobilized tracer nitrogen that is remineralized and taken up by the plant. Fertilizer nitrogen in tracer studies is assumed to include fertilizer nitrogen that has pooled with labile organic nitrogen in soil and is subsequently made available for plant use. The immobilization-mineralization sequence may cause error in the interpretation of tracer data, depending on the definition of “fertilizer-derived nitrogen.” Because tracer methods can provide much more information than nontracer methods, use of 15 N remains the method of choice in field studies which include the measurement of plant recovery of applied nitrogen but are not conducted solely for that purpose.
Geometry of Hilbert Space

The notion of Banach space abstracts many of the important properties of finite-dimensional linear spaces. The geometry of a Banach space can, however, be quite different from that of Euclidean n-space; for example, the unit ball of a Banach space may have corners, and closed convex sets need not possess a unique vector of smallest norm. The most important geometrical property absent in general Banach spaces is a notion of perpendicularity or orthogonality.
4.4 – Spinal Reflexes

This chapter begins with a definition of a reflex as a sterotyped automatic muscular response to a specific sensory stimulus. It discusses four reflexes: the withdrawal reflex, the crossed-extensor reflex, the myotatic reflex, and the inverse myotatic reflex. The chapter describes the sensory arm, the processing of the signal in the spinal cord, and the efferent response for each reflex. The myotatic reflex is given the most attention because the sensory apparatus, the muscle spindle, has not yet been described and it involves both static and dynamic responses to muscle stretch and tension. During purposful movements, the gamma efferent system, which contracts the muscle spindle, is simultaneously activated to preserve muscle spindle sensitivity during movement. Locomotor pattern generators are mentioned, and the tracts controlling lower motor neurons are also described.
Determination of the Absolute Sensitivity Limit of a Piezoelectric Displacement Transducer

Many ultrasonic techniques, such as conventional acoustic emission [1], waveform-based acoustic emission [2] and ultrasonic testing of high-stiffness reinforcing fibers [3], require highly sensitive, broadband, displacement transducers. Optical probes, such as interferometers, offer both large dynamic range and a very wide bandwidth, but do not exhibit the sensitivity needed for such applications [4, 5]. Piezoelectrics, on the other hand, have approximately 40 dB higher sensitivity than optical probes and can be designed to exhibit an acceptably wide bandwidth [6, 7]. In our applications we typically use transducers that exhibit flat frequency response from 10 kHz to 1 MHz on metals. This paper details a procedure by which the noise floor of one of our “HFHS”, piezoelectric transducers can be measured and compared to a model.
OR40: PLATELET CROSSMATCH VIA FLUORESCENCE CYTOMETRY: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Aim In the recent past, the immuno-capture platelet crossmatch (XM) assay was not available. We developed a fluorescence cytometry (FC) platelet XM assay to fill this void. Platelet XMes are used to provide a rapid and accurate assessment of the presence of antibodies (Ab) in patient serum, which can bind to platelets and render donor-platelet infusions ineffectual. The major utility of platelet XMing is in those patients who have high levels of anti-HLA Class I Ab, in order to best determine compatible platelet units for transfusion. Platelet XMing by the FC technique provides quantitative data which can be directly compared with transfusion outcomes. This allows for an interpretation schema based on the channel number shift (CNS) of the XM. This results in a useful clinical application, whereby platelet units can be categorized by the magnitude of the CNS regarding the expected benefit of the transfusion. Methods Platelet XM by FC: Apheresed donor platelet aliquot: incubate successively with washing between steps: patient serum; mouse anti-human PE-CD41 and anti-human IgG FITC; analyze by FC. ∼20 negative sera were utilized to determine the negative XM channel number SD, for establishing the negative XM reference range. CNS of XMes were compared with post-transfusion platelet counts. Results 127 specimens were analyzed for validation of the assay. 5 specimens yielded inconclusive results, due to too few platelets in the received samples (96% of total successfully assayed). Post-transfusion platelet counts were available for 67 (53% of total). Overall post-transfusion platelet count mean increase, ∼20K cells/mcL: CNS less than 170, best, increase >20K cells/mcL; CNS > 240, worst, increase Conclusion Correlation was found between the magnitude of the platelet crossmatch CNS and the post-transfusion platelet count increase. The most significant platelet count increase is achieved in most patients after platelet transfusion when the CNS is 240 in some patients. Platelet XMing by FC is a rapid, easy to perform assay in the HLA Laboratory, which provides invaluable information to a Transfusion Service regarding selection of platelet units to transfuse into individual patients. T. Harville: Scientific/Medical Advisor; Company/Organization; Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, Baxter Biologics, CSL Behring, Grifols.
POSTPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY WITH CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE (P3.298)

Objective: We report a case of postpartum cardiomyopathy complicated by multifocal cortical strokes secondary to left ventricular apical thrombi. Background: Cardioembolic stroke is a significant cause of ischemic stroke during gestation and the puerperium. Additionally, peripartum cardiomyopathy can be a concomitant condition, typically developing in the last month of pregnancy or in the first five months postpartum. Systemic and pulmonary thromboembolization is frequently associated with this, with an estimated incidence ranging from 25% to 40%. Ischemic stroke caused by embolization is more rare, occurring in roughly 5%. Design/Methods: Case report. Results: A 20-year-old woman presented eight weeks postpartum, after delivering a full-term infant via cesarean section. Her pregnancy had been complicated by postpartum cardiomyopathy, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 20%. She presented following an episode of intermittent right facial grimacing and right upper extremity clonic movements, with mild cognitive impairment. At admission, she also complained of shortness of breath and orthopnea. Her neurological examination was nonfocal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her brain showed areas of FLAIR hyperintensity and restricted diffusion of different ages along the left frontoparietal lobe, both occipital lobes, and the right insular cortex. This was consistent with multifocal strokes. MRI one week later showed a new right MCA territory infarct, representing ongoing embolic phenomenon. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a LVEF of 15–20%, with severe diffuse hypokinesis as well as two independent thrombi in left ventricle. The patient was started on long-term anticoagulation and her heart failure regimen was optimized upon discharge. Conclusions: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of stroke. Though seldom described, it should be considered in appropriate female patients presenting with neurological deficits. Definitive therapy with anticoagulation should be considered to prevent further complications. Disclosure: Dr. Kumbham has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Masangkay has nothing to disclose.
Improving children’s understanding of mathematical equivalence via an intervention that goes beyond nontraditional arithmetic practice.

Elementary school children (ages 7–11) struggle to understand mathematical equivalence, a foundational prealgebraic concept. Some manipulations to the learning environment, including well-structured nontraditional arithmetic practice alone, have been shown to improve children’s understanding; however, improvements have been modest. The goal of this study was to test an iteratively developed supplemental intervention for second grade that was designed to yield widespread mastery of mathematical equivalence. The intervention included three components beyond nontraditional arithmetic practice: (a) lessons that introduce the equal sign outside of arithmetic contexts, (b) “concreteness fading” exercises, and (c) activities that require children to compare and explain different problem formats and problem-solving strategies. After the development process, a small, randomized experiment was conducted with 142 students across eight second grade classrooms to evaluate the effects of the intervention on children’s solving of mathematical equivalence problems, encoding of mathematical equivalence problems, and defining of the equal sign. Classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention or to nontraditional arithmetic practice alone. Analyses at the classroom level demonstrated that the intervention classrooms performed better than the active control classrooms both in terms of pre-to-post change in understanding of mathematical equivalence (g = 1.87) and accuracy on transfer problems at posttest (g = 2.07). Nonparametric analyses led to the same conclusions. Results suggest that the comprehensive intervention improves children’s understanding of mathematical equivalence to levels that surpass equivalent levels of well-structured arithmetic practice alone, as well as business-as-usual benchmarks from previous studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Capital-labor substitutability in Malaysian manufacturing: alternative estimates and policy implications

The question of appropriate factor proportions and concern for the low absorption of labor in LDC manufacturing have made these issues important areas for research and policy in the developing countries. This is especially so in Malaysia since unemployment increased from a rate of 3 percent in 1970 to 8.7 percent in 1987, despite large investments within this period;In this study, econometric analysis of capital-labor substitutability is conducted for the Malaysian manufacturing sector for the period 1963-1984. Estimates of the elasticity of substitution are computed using the Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) production function approach, the translog cost approach and the CES-translog cost approach. Comparisons of alternative estimates of the elasticity of substitution between capital and labor are also made;The statistical analysis shows that most of the Malaysian industries at the 5-digit industrial classification level exhibit relatively low elasticities of substitution between capital and labor. This provides a clearer understanding of the relatively low labor absorption in the Malaysian manufacturing sector. Other factors which may be responsible for the choice of inappropriate factor proportions including biases in government policy as well as private decisions by firms are also discussed.
Effect of Active Learning Techniques on Student Excitement, Interest, and Self-Efficacy

What is the impact of active learning techniques on student excitement, interest, and self-efficacy in a course? An American Foreign Policy and National Security course was designed around the util...
E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) features and recognition in the emergency department.

Since August 2019, the pulmonary disease termed e-cigarette or vaping product-use associated lung injury (EVALI), has resulted in 2758 hospitalizations and 64 deaths in the United States. EVALI is considered in patients who have vaped or dabbed within 90 days of symptom onset, and have abnormal lung imaging in the absence of any pulmonary infection. The majority of EVALI patients are otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults. The leading etiology of EVALI is contamination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) e-liquids with vitamin E acetate. Although the exact pathophysiology of vitamin E acetate-induced lung injury is unknown, vitamin E acetate may lead to pulmonary lipid accumulation and/or interfere with surfactant functioning. EVALI symptoms are vague but consist of a constellation of constitutional, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients often present multiple times to healthcare facilities as their clinical condition worsens with a considerable mortality risk. The diagnosis of EVALI hinges on obtaining history leading to the recognition of vaping/dabbing. Physicians need to be persistent, but nonjudgmental, in obtaining vaping histories, especially in THC-prohibited states. Radiographical findings of nonspecific bilateral ground-glass infiltrates are best detected on computed tomography. Management for EVALI requires a multidisciplinary approach focused on supportive respiratory care and ruling-out infectious causes. Corticosteroids may be of benefit. Most patients who are hypoxic, have comorbidities, or lack appropriate follow-up within 24-48 hours should be admitted for monitoring. Patients may benefit from substance abuse counseling and should be instructed to avoid vaping. As the outbreak continues, cases should be reported to local health departments and poison control centers.
Quantifying the effects of environmental factors on wildfire burned area in the south central US using integrated machine learning techniques

Abstract. Occurrences of devastating wildfires have been increasing in the United States for the past decades. While some environmental controls, including weather, climate, and fuels, are known to play important roles in controlling wildfires, the interrelationships between these factors and wildfires are highly complex and may not be well represented by traditional parametric regressions. Here we develop a model consisting of multiple machine learning algorithms to predict 0.5 ∘ × 0.5 ∘ gridded monthly wildfire burned area over the south central United States during 2002–2015 and then use this model to identify the relative importance of the environmental drivers on the burned area for both the winter–spring and summer fire seasons of that region. The developed model alleviates the issue of unevenly distributed burned-area data, predicts burned grids with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 and 0.83 for the two seasons, and achieves temporal correlations larger than 0.5 for more than 70 % of the grids and spatial correlations larger than 0.5 ( p ) for more than 60 % of the months. For the total burned area over the study domain, the model can explain 50 % and 79 % of the observed interannual variability for the winter–spring and summer fire season, respectively. Variable importance measures indicate that relative humidity (RH) anomalies and preceding months' drought severity are the two most important predictor variables controlling the spatial and temporal variation in gridded burned area for both fire seasons. The model represents the effect of climate variability by climate-anomaly variables, and these variables are found to contribute the most to the magnitude of the total burned area across the whole domain for both fire seasons. In addition, antecedent fuel amounts and conditions are found to outweigh the weather effects on the amount of total burned area in the winter–spring fire season, while fire weather is more important for the summer fire season likely due to relatively sufficient vegetation in this season.
The transsylvian corridor through minimally invasive transcranial approaches: a comparative anatomical study

Minimally invasive transcranial approaches (MITAs) continue to expand in popularity in neurosurgery. Only few MITAs allow sufficient sylvian exposure to enable wide use of the transsylvian corridor. In this study, we aim to compare the transsylvian corridor in two MITAs: the minipterional (MPTa) and the extended supraorbital eyebrow approaches (XSEa). Eight cadaver heads were used to quantify the surgical exposure and maneuverability along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe provided by the MPTa and the XSEa. Surgical exposure was calculated by means of the exposed length of the sylvian fissure and by the area framed within three extreme points in the insular lobe. Maneuverability was assessed by means of the surgical freedom along the sylvian cistern. XSEa provides twice the frontal exposure and half of the temporal exposure in comparison to the MPTa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two craniotomies in the length of the exposure of the sylvian fissure, area of insular exposure, or surgical freedom. Both the MPTa and the XSEa afford sufficient grades of exposure along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe, although the viewing angle is significantly different between the two approaches. Such properties allow either to be used for microsurgery deep within the sylvian cistern. The use of additional corridors, such as the subfrontal route (XSEa) and pretemporal route (MPTa), may influence selection of either the minipterional or the extended supraorbital approaches according to the origin of the surgical pathology addressed.
Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Dysfunction: Mechanisms, Therapeutics and Future Directions.

Salivary glands sustain collateral damage following radiotherapy (RT) to treat cancers of the head and neck, leading to complications, including mucositis, xerostomia and hyposalivation. Despite salivary gland-sparing techniques and modified dosing strategies, long-term hypofunction remains a significant problem. Current therapeutic interventions provide temporary symptom relief, but do not address irreversible glandular damage. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mechanisms involved in RT-induced hyposalivation and provide a framework for future mechanistic studies. One glaring gap in published studies investigating RT-induced mechanisms of salivary gland dysfunction concerns the effect of irradiation on adjacent non-irradiated tissue via paracrine, autocrine and direct cell–cell interactions, coined the bystander effect in other models of RT-induced damage. We hypothesize that purinergic receptor signaling involving P2 nucleotide receptors may play a key role in mediating the bystander effect. We also discuss promising new therapeutic approaches to prevent salivary gland damage due to RT.
Schema mapping coverage

In this paper, we introduce and study schema mapping coverage for relational databases. Given a relational schema mapping in the presence of both source dependencies and target dependencies, the coverage problem is to decide and describe which source instances have solutions under the mapping. Our main motivation is to describe limitations of schema mappings and hence to effectively determine if the mappings can fulfill their user expectations for the given tasks. We first propose using database dependencies to model user expectations of schema mappings. Then we formally define the notion of schema mapping coverage and propose using a set of dependencies in the source schema language to represent coverage. We look into how target dependencies indirectly enforce dependencies via mapping specifications on source instances and thus determine which source instances have solutions. We prove that the problem of computing schema mapping coverage is undecidable in general. We present algorithms for computing coverage for schema mappings where both the source dependencies and the target dependencies consist of functional dependencies and acyclic inclusion dependencies. Schema mapping coverage describes the ability to map source instances to target instances for mappings, it provides a way to describe limitations of schema mappings, which can be especially useful for mapping design and evolution.
'Incomplete' Insurance Coverage

This Article examines the ways in which insurance coverage is incomplete, and the reasons why coverage is incomplete. It argues that, because all insurance policies and all insurance coverage is incomplete, the notions of a “gap” in coverage and “incomplete” coverage typically are unhelpful. A better understanding of the reasons for incomplete coverage would enrich the interpretation of insurance policies and produce more informed resolution of coverage disputes. The Article seeks to provide that understanding.
Techniques of the Chest Anastomosis

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is most frequently performed via a transthoracic, transhiatal, or three-hole approach. While the definitions of “minimally invasive esophagectomy” vary widely, most would consider the term to signify both a laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic abdominal approach combined with a thoracoscopic or robot-assisted thoracoscopic chest approach. Our preferred technique is a minimally invasive robot-assisted laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. In this chapter, we will present step by step EEA anastomosis in the chest and highlight other commonly performed strategies.
Time, Imaginary Value, Paradox, Sign and Space

This paper discusses paradox and imaginary values in relation to the mutuality of sign and space.
Intermittency and asymmetry in fully developed turbulence

Using experimental transverse velocity data for very high-Reynolds-number turbulence, we suggest a model describing both the formation of intermittency and asymmetry of turbulence. The model, called the ‘bump model’, is a modification of the ramp model suggested previously. The connection between asymmetry and intermittency makes it possible to study the latter with relatively low moments.
Cutting Edge: A Regulatory T Cell-Dependent Novel Function of CD25 (IL-2Rα) Controlling Memory CD8+ T Cell Homeostasis

A massive systemic expansion of CD8(+) memory T (T(M)) cells and a remarkable increase in circulating IL-2 were observed only in IL-2Ralpha (CD25) knockout (KO) mice but not in IL-2 KO and scurfy mice, although all three mutants lack regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, both phenotypes were suppressed by the transfer of Treg cells. The data presented indicate that Treg cell deficiency drives naive T cells to T(M) cells. The lack of high-affinity IL-2R in IL-2Ralpha KO mice increases circulating IL-2 that is then preferentially used by CD8(+) T(M) cells through its abundant low-affinity IL-2R, resulting in systemic CD8(+) T(M) cell dominance. Our study demonstrates the critical control of CD8(+) T(M) cell homeostasis by a Treg cell-dependent novel function of CD25 and resolves its mechanism of action.
The Use of a Cycloheximide-Chloramphenicol Medium in Routine Culture for Fungi1

Following the initial report of Whiffen, et al (1), cycloheximide f has been found to be of value in increasing the number of isolations of pathogenic fungi from clinical material and other sources. Georg (2) isolated many more cultures of dermatophytes from cases of suspected onychomycosis in human beings, and from cattle scales and hairs in suspected animal ringworm using a cycloheximide-containing medium than from a similar medium not containing cycloheximide. Fuentes, et al (3) and Sharvill and Talbot (4) found that the use of cycloheximide-containing media in human mycoses allowed for only a slightly higher number of isolations than did unfortified agar, but that the number of saprophytic fungi appearing on the tubes was reduced. Relatively few patients were examined in these studies. Shapiro, et al (5) found cycloheximide medium to be of value in culturing clinical material where contamination by saprophytic molds was suspected, but report that on Littman medium (6) in petri plates, growth of dermatophytes was initiated earlier.
Hyperconjugative vs. d orbital effects in unsaturated silanes

Abstract The energy levels of a series of para substituted N,N -dimethylanilines p -MH n Me 3− n C 6 H 4 NMe 2 ( n = 0−3, M = C or Si) for the ground and lower lying excited states have been determined in acetonitrile solution. The levels for the carbon compounds are all slightly destailized relative to N,N -dimethylaniline and the effects are rather insensitive to n . The stabilizations produced by silicon substituents on all levels are markedly affected by silicon's substituents, showing increasing perturbations with increasing n . It is concluded that variations in the interaction of the σ * system of the silyl substituent with the aniline π system, and not d orbital interactions, account for the trends observed.
Th3Co3Sb4: A New Room Temperature Magnet

Abstract The new ternary compound Th3Co3Sb4 was synthesized by arc melting. The compound crystallizes in the cubic space group I-43d (No. 220) with a=9.572(2) A and adopts the Y3Au3Sb4 structure, which is a filled version of the Th3P4 structure type. The crystal structure was solved and refined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Final R1/Rw2=1.52/3.73%. Th3Co3Sb4 is a metallic ferromagnet at room temperature. Electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power measurements show metallic behavior, which is also predicted by the electronic band structure calculations.
Self-duality in 3 + 3 dimensions and the KP equation

Abstract We consider two types of generalized self-duality conditions for Yang-Mills fields on paracomplex manifolds of arbitrary dimension. We then specialize to 3 + 3 dimensions and show how one can obtain the KP equation from these self-duality conditions on SL (2, R ) valued gauge fields.
Vinblastine and microtubules. I. Induction and isolation of crystals from sea urchin oocytes.

Summary Vinblastine sulfate has been used to induce crystalline bodies in unfertilized eggs of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. This induction is enhanced by heavy water and inhibited by extremes in temperature or treatment with mercaptoethanol. The conditions for the isolation of these crystalline bodies, believed to be composed of microtubules, are given. The isolated crystals, which are quite stable in neutral salt solutions in the presence of divalent cations, are birefringent and appear to be uniaxial.
Transient Radiation of an Electric Dipole in a Uniaxially Anisotropic Plasma

Transient radiation of electric dipole in uniaxially anisotropic plasma examined for signal frequency greater and less than plasma frequency
Matrix-coated transwell-cultured TM4 sertoli cell testosterone-regulated gene expression mimics in vivo expression

In vitro culture systems are needed to mimic in vivo epithelial cell environments for identifying cell signaling, gene expressions, and molecular mechanisms. One such system is matrix-coated transwell cultures. However, no data exist on culturing Sertoli cells in this manner with respect to testosterone-regulated gene expression. Because the TM4 mouse Sertoli-like cell line expresses androgen receptor, our objective was to determine if testosterone treatment added to the bottom chamber of a matrix-coated transwell system induces some gene expressions found in Sertoli cells in vivo. After serum starvation, transwell-cultured TM4 cells were treated with testosterone or left untreated for 24 h. Microarray analyses initially identified differentially expressed genes either induced or repressed by testosterone treatment. By Northern blot analyses, Pem mRNA, a frequently used marker of Sertoli cell testosterone responsiveness, was induced. Proteins of the transcripts induced by testosterone in the in vitro system were immunolocalized to Sertoli cells in testosterone-dependent stages of spermatogenesis in mouse testes. By immunohistochemistry analyses of sectioned mouse testes, gene expression induced by testosterone in transwell-cultured TM4 cells, profilin as well as secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteines (SPARC) are localized to Sertoli cells in testosterone-dependent stages of spermatogenesis. Findings include localizations of SPARC and profilin, as well as an apparent germ cell communication required for translation of Pem mRNA in Sertoli cells. Taken together, results of these studies suggest that this TM4 transwell-culture system could be used to study these testosterone-regulated Sertoli gene expressions in vitro.
Failing Faith in Litigation? A Survey of Business Lawyers' and Executives' Opinions

This study analyzes the opinions of commercial litigators in private law firms, inside counsel who do some litigation, and nonlawyer executives in business firms. It measures the respondents' views about litigation, their expectations about consequences of litigation for them personally, and their perceptions of the opinions of influential people in their lives about litigation. The outside counsel tended to be most positive, executives were most negative, and the inside counsel fell in between. Lawyers, especially younger lawyers in large law firms, generally had faith in litigation. Even they, however, were somewhat frustrated by it, especially by the cumbersome nature of the process. The problems that eroded outside counsel's faith relate primarily to delay and expense of litigation. Outside counsel's faith was also sapped by a perception that litigation does not serve their clients' interests well. Indeed, most business executives did not have much faith in litigation, with views typically ranging from mild displeasure to total contempt. Many executives harbored great doubts about the integrity of litigation in finding the truth and producing fair results.For the lawyers, especially the outside counsel, relatively modest reforms to streamline litigation might deal adequately with their principal concerns. But this strategy would be inadequate to address executives’ concerns. The article considers two options for dealing with executives’ failing faith and concludes that they both are problematic. One option would be to radically simplify the legal system but it seems unlikely that such reforms would be adopted or implemented systematically. Ironically, the second option, increased use of ADR, may undermine faith in litigation. Implicitly and often explicitly, ADR is premised on a lack of faith in litigation. Moreover, in many cases, mediators and lawyers counsel parties in mediation to accept settlement by highlighting potential unpleasant vagaries of continued litigation. In addition, if ADR practice becomes increasingly legalized, parties may become disenchanted and look for alternatives to both litigation and ADR.This study suggests that adopting careful procedures for managing cases in litigation, including shifting some cases into ADR procedures, may be beneficial but is not likely to be sufficient to restore much faith in litigation. Indeed, it suggests that generating faith in litigation is likely to be more difficult than one might expect.
What constitutes a dignified death? The voice of oncology advanced practice nurses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of dignified dying from the perspective of oncology advanced practice nurses. Methodology: A naturalistic, hermeneutic approach was used to interview the study participants. A sample of 19 oncology advanced practice nurses was obtained by combining data sets from 2 larger studies of patient control and end-of-life care. Audiotaped interviews of the nurses were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Results: The analysis revealed that dignified dying is an experience that includes the following themes: going in peace, maintaining bodily integrity, and dying on their own terms. Conclusions: Advanced practice nurses lend an important perspective that expands understanding of the concept of dignified dying. Future studies of patient and family perceptions will enhance knowledge of their needs and lead to intervention studies to promote an end-of-life experience that is consistent with patient priorities and values.
TU‐G‐141‐01: BEST IN PHYSICS (JOINT IMAGING‐THERAPY)‐A Novel 4D CT Acquisition and Analysis Technique to Generate Low Noise Artifact‐Free Images at User Selected Breathing Phases

Purpose: To develop a novel 4DCT technique that exploits standard fast helical acquisition, a simultaneous breathing surrogate measurement, deformable image registration, and a breathing motion model to remove motion‐induced artifacts. Methods: Five patients were imaged under free breathing conditions 25 successive times in alternating directions with a 64‐slice CT scanner using a low dose fast helical protocol. A pneumatic bellows around the abdomen was used to as a breathing surrogate. The lungs were segmented from each image. Deformable registration was used to register the first to the subsequent 24 segmented images. Voxel‐based motion model parameters were determined using a published breathing motion model. A low‐noise image was created by averaging the 25 images deformed to the first image geometry, reducing statistical noise by a factor of 5. The motion model was used to deform the low noise image to any user‐selected breathing phase. Accurate HU values were assigned to each voxel in the reconstructed images. Results: Images produced using the model at user‐selected breathing phases did not suffer from motion artifacts. The mean discrepancy between the breathing motion model results and the measured positions corresponding to each scan was determined to be 0.7mm (standard deviation of 0.4mm). In each patient, regions near to the myocardium exhibited mean discrepancies greater than 1 mm, which were likely due to uncompensated cardiac motion. Conclusion: The proposed technique can be employed as a clinical 4DCT technique providing motion artifact free images at user‐selected breathing phases. It is robust in the presence of irregular breathing, and allows the entire imaging dose to contribute to the resulting image quality, providing motion artifact free images at a patient dose similar to or less than current 4DCT techniques. We are currently modifying the protocol to work on 16‐slice CT scanners. This work supported in part by NIH R01CA096679
Brightness Matching Under Intermittent Stimulation

(1969). Brightness Matching Under Intermittent Stimulation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 71, No. 2, pp. 281-289.
Can immigrant remittances support development finance

Summary: Immigrant remittances are a significant source of income and finance for developing economies, representing about three times’ official development assistance and over half of foreign direct investment annually received. Major motivations to send remittances are for improving food, health, and education spending of families at home as well as for investing in entrepreneurial ventures. Economic policies to channel remittances into development finance should translate these motivations into measures to boost social investment and local and regional production, linking remittances policies to broader fiscal, financial and institutional policies. A national development bank can be a catalyser of public and private interests by supporting the scale up of remittances investment programmes and by building partnerships with regional and multilateral development institutions.
The Impact of Learning Communities on First Year Students' Growth and Development in College

This study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between participating in a learning community, student engagement, and self-reported learning outcomes. Using a sample of 241 freshmen at a single urban research university who took the College Student Experiences Questionnaire, the results indicate that after controlling for demographic characteristics and entering composite ACT score, the relationship between learning community participation and learning outcomes are mediated by students’ levels of engagement. Learning community participation was not directly related to educational gains but was indirectly related to educational gains through student engagement. Student engagement in turn was strongly related to educational gains.
Gastric Pacing is Not Enough: Additional Measures for an Effective Obesity Treatment Program

Obesity has long been considered a behavioral disorder. Recent breakthroughs in our understanding of body weight regulation, however, have shown that once adipose tissue accumulates, a system of overlapping neuroendocrjne systems actively resists weight loss. This counter-regulatory mechanism, which has evolved as protection against starvation, causes changes in appetite and metabolism that limit the amount of weight lost with every obesity intervention, including surgery. Future therapies for obesity will focus on neutralizing the counter-regulatory mechanisms in a coordinated manner, making greater weight losses possible. At this point, gastric stimulation appears to play a role in suppressing the compensatory mechanisms of the gut. Thus, gastric stimulation should work best when combined with other treatments such as diet, exercise, and behavioral change.