cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Plea For More Regression Analysis in Meta-Analyses

Regression analysis is perhaps the most common of all statistical methods, in part because it allows for the control of variation in nonexperimental settings. It is a flexible methodology that is adaptable to diverse situations, as for example when there are concomitant variables or when some of the data are missing. The regression model might be linear or curvilinear or contain other functions of any of the variables involved. The logarithm is a function often used, as in the case of the Richter Scale for earthquakes. Regression methods and analysis of variance are dual to one another, and are basic tools of analysis in the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Complex regression models are the building blocks for path analysis, structural equation models, social networks, discriminant analysis, canonical correlation analysis, hierarchical models, and logistic regression. Dental studies often have multiple variables that can influence the clinical outcomes of research studies to be combined in a meta-analyses. Among these are water fluoride concentrations and caries prevalences in study locales, use of antiplaque or antitarter agents in varying doses, brushing frequencies, dentifrices, abrasives, study lengths, dropout rates, degree of periodontal disease, examination methods (visual, tactile, radiographic), and so on. Such a panoply of potentially predictive variables is prototypical of settings in which regression analyses are most useful. In general, regression models have not achieved a popularity in meta-analyses comparable to their use in other scientific contexts. I would argue that almost every meta-analysis should be viewed as a regression model. Thus, subgroup analyses that are usually carried out separately should be subsumed in an umbrella regression model. The slopes (commonly called beta weights) in a regression model represent the contributions of important relevant predictors (the x variables) to the outcome measure (y). In a linear model the slope represents the expected change in the outcome y for one unit of change in a predictor x, but controlling for the effects of all the other predictors. Most statistical software programs generate estimates of the slopes using the method of least squares. The properties of these estimates are well-understood, and they provide the basis for tests of hypotheses and for confidence intervals. When model assumptions are violated robust regression methods canbe employed, and when some observations may be aberrant nonparametric regression methods may be more appropriate than the more conventional regression modeling of mean values using least-squares estimation. These nonparametric methods often use medians (or other order statistics) that are more resistant to anomalous data points. Clearly this aspect may be important in potentially heterogeneous data. (see Hoaglin, Mosteller, and Tukey
Process control by digital compensation

Discrete control algorithms, suitable for programming in a direct digital control computer, are presented. For processes whose dynamics can be adequately modeled as first order with delay, digital compensation algorithms are derived to yield theoretically a response with finite settling time, when the system is step forced in either set point or load. The utility of the proposed designs is experimentally verified by application to a higher order physical process whose dynamics are not fully described by the model. The results demonstrate that sampling frequencies may be reduced considerably below presently accepted values while still maintaining transient response characteristics of the system comparable with those obtainable from conventional continuous control.
Analysis of non-planar graphitic structures: from arched edge planes of graphite crystals to nanotubes

A unified approach to the analysis of the mechanisms that lead to the edge reconstruction of graphite and growth of a variety of non-planar graphitic structures, such as nanotubes, is suggested. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that nano-arches are formed on the edge planes of natural and synthetic graphite, as well as graphite polyhedral crystals, which are built of graphene sheets; this makes the edge reconstruction of graphite different from the surface reconstruction of other crystals. A theoretical study of edge zipping in graphite and formation of tubular carbon structures has been performed using an integrated approach combining molecular dynamics simulation and analytical continual energetics modeling. The suggested theoretical framework describes the formation of curved surfaces in a wide range of dimensions, which is a general feature of the growth of layered materials. Layered materials isostructural to graphite, such as hexagonal BN, demonstrate similar edge structures and also form nanotubes. Thus, the ability of materials to form arches as a result of edge reconstruction points out to their ability to form nanotubes and vice versa. TEM studies of graphite and hexagonal boron nitride provide experimental verification of our analytical model.
A simple method to study gas phase reactions

To understand better the impact of gas phase reactions on chemical vapor deposition, a new experimental method has been developed to isolate and study homogeneous reactions separately from heterogeneous reactions. This new system heats reactant gases by rapidly compressing them to temperatures greater than 1,000 K; the walls of the reactor remain constant at 500 K or less. Pressure and volume measurements determine the mean temperature of the gas. Results from a series of test reactions and simple models show that this apparatus and measurement method work well. The apparatus is inexpensive and simple to use, and has advantages over shock tubes and static systems.
Effect of Intermittent Weight Bearing on Soleus Fiber Force-velocity-power and Force-pCa Relationships

Bangart, J. J., J. J. Widrick, and R. H. Fitts. Effect of intermittent weight bearing on soleus fiber force-velocity-power and force-pCa relationships. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(6): 1905–1910, 1997.—Rat...
Adverse reactions from essential oil-containing natural flea products exempted from Environmental Protection Agency regulations in dogs and cats.

Objective To describe adverse effects in dogs and cats exposed to Environmental Protection Agency exempted plant-derived flea preventatives containing mixtures of essential oils. Design Retrospective study from 2006 to 2008. Setting Records of dog and cat cases were reviewed from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Poison Control Center database. Animals Thirty-nine cats and 9 dogs with history of exposure to natural flea preventatives. Measurements and Main Results The following information was retrieved from each incident: number of animals, species involved, frequency, types, onset time, duration of clinical signs, exposure appropriateness, final outcome, and treatment information. Ninety-two percent of animals (n = 44) showed presence of one or more adverse effects. The frequency of adverse effects in dogs (n = 8; 89%) and cats (n = 36; 92%) was similar. Onset time of adverse effects in 39 of 44 animals occurred within 24 hours. The duration of signs in 24 animals ranged from 30 minutes to 149 hours. The products were used as per label in 77% animals (n = 37). Of 28 animals with known outcome, 50% (n = 14) recovered with bathing alone while others received intravenous fluids, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsive medications. Death (1 cat; n = 1/28; 4%) or euthanasia (1 cat and 1 dog; n = 2/28; 7%) was reported in 3 animals. Conclusion Dogs and cats can experience significant adverse effects when exposed to plant-derived flea preventatives even when used according to label directions. The number of reports of exposure in cats was higher than dogs, but the frequency of reported adverse effects was similar between the 2 species. Agitation and hypersalivation were common in cats, whereas lethargy and vomiting were common in dogs.
A developmental approach aids motor learning

Bernstein (1967) suggested that people attempting to learn to perform a difficult motor task try to ameliorate the degrees-of-freedom problem through the use of a developmental progression. Early in training, people maintain a subset of their control parameters (e.g., joint positions) at constant settings and attempt to learn to perform the task by varying the values of the remaining parameters. With practice, people refine and improve this early-learned control strategy by also varying those parameters that were initially held constant. We evaluated Bernstein's proposed developmental progression using six neural network systems and found that a network whose training included developmental progressions of both its trajectory and its feedback gains outperformed all other systems. These progressions, however, yielded performance benefits only on motor tasks that were relatively difficult to learn. We conclude that development can indeed aid motor learning.
AML1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and is regulated by innervation.

Abstract Although most skeletal muscle genes are expressed at similar levels in electrically active, innervated muscle and in electrically inactive, denervated muscle, a small number of genes, including those encoding the acetylcholine receptor, N-CAM, and myogenin, are expressed at significantly higher levels in denervated than in innervated muscle. The mechanisms that mediate electrical activity-dependent gene regulation are not understood, but these mechanisms are likely to be responsible, at least in part, for the changes in muscle structure and function that accompany a decrease in myofiber electrical activity. To understand how muscle activity regulates muscle structure and function, we used a subtractive-hybridization and cloning strategy to identify and isolate genes that are expressed preferentially in innervated or denervated muscle. One of the genes which we found to be regulated by electrical activity is the recently discovered acute myeloid leukemia 1 (AML1) gene. Disruption and translocation of the human AML1 gene are responsible for a form of acute myeloid leukemia. AML1 is a DNA-binding protein, but its normal function is not known and its expression and regulation in skeletal muscle were not previously appreciated. Because of its potential role as a transcriptional mediator of electrical activity, we characterized expression of the AML1 gene in innervated, denervated, and developing skeletal muscle. We show that AML1 is expressed at low levels in innervated skeletal muscle and at 50- to 100-fold-higher levels in denervated muscle. Four AML1 transcripts are expressed in denervated muscle, and the abundance of each transcript increases after denervation. We transfected C2 muscle cells with an expression vector encoding AML1, tagged with an epitope from hemagglutinin, and we show that AML1 is a nuclear protein in muscle. AML1 dimerizes with core-binding factor beta (CBF beta), and we show that CGF beta is expressed at high levels in both innervated and denervated skeletal muscle. PEBP2 alpha, which is structurally related to AML1 and which also dimerizes with CBF beta, is expressed at low levels in skeletal muscle and is up-regulated only weakly by denervation. These results are consistent with the idea that AML1 may have a role in regulating gene expression in skeletal muscle.
Spectroscopic determination of relative Brønsted acidity as a predictor of reactivity in aprotic ionic liquids

A simple titration technique utilizing pyridine as a FTIR spectroscopy probe is demonstrated to successfully predict relative Bronsted acid-limited reaction rates in different ionic liquid (IL) environments. Relative acidity is shown to vary across three aprotic ILs in a manner that is specific to the particular acid–IL pairing.
Heart mitochondria: gates of life and death

Mitochondria are important generators of energy, providing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. However, mitochondria also monitor complex information from the environment and intracellular milieu, including the presence or absence of growth factors, oxygen, reactive oxygen species, and DNA damage. Mitochondria have been implicated in the loss of cells in various cardiac pathologies, including ischaemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. The release of factors such as cytochrome c, Smac, Omi/Htr2A, and AIF from mitochondria serves to activate a highly complex and regulated cell death program. Furthermore, mitochondrial calcium overload might trigger opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, causing uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, swelling of the mitochondria due to influx of water, and rupture of the mitochondrial outer membrane. In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondria in the control of cell death in cardiac myocytes.
Appendicitis found in an incisional hernia.

Hernia appendicitis is a rare occurrence often described in association with groin hernias. We present a rare case of hernia appendicitis through a Pfannenstiel incision. Laparoscopy was performed with the intention to perform an appendectomy. An acutely inflamed appendix was visualized with the tip incarcerated into a 2 cm segment of the right most portion of a previous Pfannenstiel incision. Laparoscopic trans-hernial appendectomy with immediate laparoscopic suture herniorraphy was performed. Early recognition of appendiceal hernias can be managed with appendectomy and suture herniorraphy omitting prosthetics. In cases with advanced pathology, approach should mimic that for emergent management of strangulated bowel and should be left to the surgeon’s discretion.
A 5 Gb/s Automatic Within-Pair Skew Compensator for Differential Data in 0.13 $\mu{\hbox{m}}$ CMOS

This paper presents an automatic within-pair skew compensator for high-speed differential data transmission. A wide-bandwidth data delay line is proposed to provide adjustable delay for data signals. Also presented is an on-chip within-pair skew detection circuit to detect skew between the differential data signals for automatic close-loop skew compensation. A within-pair skew compensator prototype for 5 Gb/s data was fabricated in 0.13 μm CMOS. Measurement results show that the within-pair skew compensator can automatically compensate for within-pair skew of ± 200 ps (± 1 unit interval). It consumes 20.4 mW from 1.2 V supply and occupies 0.015 mm2 die area.
Seed- Fill Duration and Yield of Grain Crops*

Abstract Time, as expressed through seed-fill duration, is an important component of the productivity of grain crops. Seed-fill duration is influenced by environmental conditions and there is genetic variation in most crops. Seed-fill duration is regulated by the leaf's ability to supply assimilate to the developing seed (i.e., leaf senescence) and by the ability of the seed to use this assimilate for continued growth. Seed-fill duration in many crops increases as temperature decreases below 30°C. Water stress during seed filling accelerates leaf senescence and shortens the seed-filling period. The response of seed-fill duration to alterations in source–sink ratios is inconsistent and probably depends on whether the supply of assimilate to the seed is affected and if the seed can respond to changes. In some cases increases in harvest index are a result of lengthening the seed-filling period. Environmental variation in seed-fill duration is frequently associated with yield in most crops. Direct selection for long seed-filling periods may increase yield and, conversely, selection for higher yield in many crops resulted in longer seed-filling periods. Seed-fill duration can have a relatively low heritability and is somewhat difficult to measure, and it has not been widely used by plant breeders in cultivar improvement programs. However, given the intractable nature of crop growth rate, lengthening the seed-filling period may be the most promising avenue to higher yields, but new approaches to manipulate it will probably have to be devised.
Substance-abuse policies and guidelines in amateur and professional athletics

Substance-abuse policies and guidelines in amateur and professional athletic organizations are described. Amateur athletic organizations, which are governed by the U.S. Olympic Committee or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), have developed programs that include mandatory drug testing. Drugs banned by the two organizations include psychomotor stimulants, sympathomimetic amines, narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, miscellaneous central nervous system stimulants, and, in the case of the NCAA, certain street drugs. Professional organizations have been somewhat slower to follow and, with the exception of tennis, do not allow mandatory drug testing. Each formal drug-screening program includes penalties for violators. The enforcement practices of the organizations representing tennis, baseball, basketball, and football are described. One aspect unique to professional sports is the employee-assistance program, which allows the impaired athlete to receive treatment while continuing to play and receive a salary. As drug-control programs become more common in athletics, opportunities may arise for pharmacists to participate in the areas of drug information and educational services.
Examining educational attainment, prepregnancy smoking rate, and delay discounting as predictors of spontaneous quitting among pregnant smokers.

We investigated three potential predictors (educational attainment, pre-pregnancy smoking rate, and delay discounting [DD]) of spontaneous quitting among pregnant smokers. These predictors were examined alone and in combination with other potential predictors using study-intake assessments from controlled clinical trials examining the efficacy of financial incentives for smoking cessation and relapse prevention. Data from 349 pregnant women (231 continuing smokers and 118 spontaneous quitters) recruited from the greater Burlington, Vermont area contributed to this secondary analysis, including psychiatric/sociodemographic characteristics, smoking characteristics, and performance on a computerized DD task. Educational attainment, smoking rate, and DD values were each significant predictors of spontaneous quitting in univariate analyses. A model examining those three predictors together retained educational attainment as a main effect and revealed a significant interaction of DD and smoking rate (i.e., DD was a significant predictor at lower but not higher smoking rates). A final model considering all potential predictors included education, the interaction of DD and smoking rate, and five additional predictors (i.e., stress ratings, the belief that smoking during pregnancy will “greatly harm my baby,” age of smoking initiation, marital status, and prior quit attempts during pregnancy. The present study contributes new knowledge on predictors of spontaneous quitting among pregnant smokers with substantive practical implications for reducing smoking during pregnancy.
Sex Discrimination at Willow University The Moral and Legal Consequences of Unethical Behavior

This case was developed for use in a learning-centered course with a focus on administrative leadership and ethical behavior. This case describes the experience of a new faculty member at Willow University, as she discovers a wide range of ethical and management problems in her department. The case unfolds as we track her efforts to deal with these issues. Intertwined throughout the case are challenges pertaining to the dean’s responsibilities, particularly in the area of management oversight. Students must analyze the data, identify the inconsistencies in ethical behavior, and identify the potential moral and legal consequences.
RT-27THE ROLE OF SYSTEMIC THERAPY AFTER STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY FOR SYNCHRONOUS BRAIN METASTASES FROM LUNG CANCER

PURPOSE: To assess our experience with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in treating synchronous brain metastases from lung cancer primaries and to analyze the prognostic significance of post-SRS systemic therapy (PSST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective study, we analyzed 51 patients diagnosed with lung cancer and synchronous brain metastases (CNS disease found at onset or within 2 months of lung cancer diagnosis) who underwent LINAC-based SRS between 2007 and 2013. SRS was delivered to one lesion (range 1-5) with a median prescription dose and treatment volume of 21Gy and 1.5cc, respectively. Patients underwent metastectomy (25%), whole brain radiation (WBRT) (10%), or both (6%) prior to SRS while 52% received PSST. At time of SRS, 52% of patients had only pulmonary disease while 48% had distant disease. The SRS-PSST interval (SPI) was examined. Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 6 months (1-59), the median survival was 6.2 months and the actuarial overall survival at 3, 6, 12, and 36 months was 71%, 51%, 29%, and 7%, respectively. Distant disease negatively predicted for survival (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.6, p = 0.039) while the addition of PSST positively predicted for survival (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7, p = 0.003). Age, gender, race, metastectomy or WBRT prior to SRS, number of lesions, lesion size, and prescription dose were not significant. In patients receiving PSST, longer PSST duration and SPI did not impact survival. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the prognostic significance of PSST. While our previous work revealed longer duration of PSST and SPI >30 days to predict for improved survival, this was not found in this subgroup of patients. This suggests that PSST has a differential impact on patients with synchronous metastases. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the role and optimal timing of PSST in these patients.
POPULATION FITNESS OF GEOGRAPHIC STRAINS OF DROSOPHILA SERRATA AS MEASURED BY INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION.

Biological evolution results from natural selection promoting or conserving the adaptedness of populations of organisms to their changing environments. The fitness, or adaptedness, of a population to its environment is a property of prime importance in evolutionary studies. Population adaptedness must be quantified in order to measure the effect of natural selection on a population, or in order to compare meaningfully different populations. Average population size after achievement of an equilibrium, and numbers of individuals produced per unit time, were used as measures of the relative adaptedness of three geographic strains of D. serrata (Ayala, 1965). The adaptedness of the populations was estimated at two temperatures, 19C and 25C. The experiments reported now represent an attempt to measure the fitness of these three geographic strains of D. serrata by their performance in interspecific competition. Three experiments were carried out. In the first experiment each strain of D. serrata competed with a standard strain of D. pseudoobscura; in the second experiment they competed with a strain of D. melanogaster; and in the third experiment each strain of D. serrata competed with a strain of D. nebulosa. The first two experiments were performed at 2 5C, and the third at 19C. One objective of these experiments was to find out whether there was any consistency among the estimates of relative fitness in the various interspecific competitions, and of these estimates with those obtained in the previous experiment where fitness was measured by population size and productivity of single-species populations.
Detection of antiendometrial antibodies in patients with endometriosis: methodological issues

Objective To determine if methodological reasons explain previous inability of a single investigator to detect antiendometrial antibodies in patients with endometriosis by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Design Sera of selected patients were tested by standard IIF and recently reported methodology. Alternate diluent experiments were conducted to explain discordant results. Setting Sera were obtained preoperatively, and testing was completed in an institutional research laboratory. Results are compared with surgical findings. Patients/Participants Patients, seven with endometriosis and six without endometriosis, 40years of age or less who are presenting for gynecological surgery. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Indirect immunofluorescence was graded according to the presence or absence of cytoplasmic staining, intensity of the staining, and the lowest dilution at which staining was observed. Results The standard IIF method repeatedly demonstrated the presence of cytoplasmic staining for the presence of antiendometrial antibodies in patients with endometriosis, whereas modified methods did not produce similar positive staining results. During the alternate dilution experiments, when fluorescein isothiocynate conjugate (FITC) was diluted in animal sera, negative results were obtained. Conclusions The variations used in alternate methodology and failure to titrate FITC reported by other investigators are possible reasons for false-negative results reported.
Preliminary Findings from an Information Foraging Behavioural Study Using Eye Tracking

Cognitive overload can be a serious impediment in the assimilation of information for all types of users. Research has demonstrated the usefulness of adaptive interfaces in reducing cognitive overload by providing an interface that automatically reacts to the end users’ information foraging behavior. In order to understand and compare behaviors and patterns (between sighted and low vision users), it is necessary to understand the information seeking behavior of sighted users for any patterns that may exist as a baseline. These findings can then be compared to data on low vision users in a future study. In this study, eye tracking is used to explore information seeking behavior of visual users. In particular, we compare the gaze patterns of users when using both a traditional interface and complex interface to identify current events of interest. The eye tracking data was analyzed using kernel density statistics and correlation analysis to determine if relationships exist between information seeking behavior, task completion and accuracy. Results show that information seeking behavior tends to be more efficient and accurate when using the traditional interface and that a more complex interface introduces additional cognitive overload.
An infinitesimal Noether–Lefschetz theorem for Chow groups

Abstract Let X be a smooth, complex projective variety, and Y be a very general, sufficiently ample hypersurface in X . A conjecture of M.V. Nori states that the natural restriction map CH p ( X ) Q → CH p ( Y ) Q is an isomorphism for all p dim ⁡ Y and an injection for p = dim ⁡ Y . This is the generalized Noether–Lefschetz conjecture . We prove an infinitesimal version of this conjecture.
Investing in People: Toward a Co-Possibility Model for Citizen Engagement

The promise of coproduction as a community-based approach to the delivery of public services has always been one of the more appealing aspects of this concept. However, one of the challenges of cop...
‘Choosing’ the Patriarchal Norm: Emerging Adults’ Marital Last Name Change Attitudes, Plans, and Rationales

In heterosexual marriages, women’s marital last name change is a prevalent social custom, but one that was challenged by first- and second-wave feminism. In the present study, we examined whether attitudes, plans, and rationales about marital last name change differed between men and women, and between self-identified feminists and non-feminists. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from emerging adult college students using an online survey. Women’s attitudes about name change were more egalitarian than men’s, but conformity to patriarchal norms was more evident in women’s plans than men’s plans. Women most frequently invoked tradition and family unity/commitment as rationales for name change plans, whereas men most frequently invoked tradition and social norms. Compared to non-feminists, feminists reported more egalitarian attitudes, but there were few differences in their rationales. For men only, feminists’ plans conformed less to patriarchal norms. Post-feminist ideology was evident in participants’ (particularly women’s) rationales for their name-change plans and in results indicating that attitudes about others’ name change are more egalitarian than personal plans.
Do fecal and litter microbiomes vary within the major areas of a commercial poultry house, and does this affect sampling strategies for whole-house microbiomic studies?

SUMMARY The microbiota of the live production environment can directly shape the gastrointestinal microbiome of chickens and indirectly influence the health of birds. Therefore, numerous studies have attempted to characterize the microbial communities in litter and chicken feces from commercial poultry houses, but many treat a poultry house as a single sampling unit. Unfortunately, a poultry house has distinct areas (e.g., waterer/feeder, near fans, cooling pads), so effective sampling strategies need to be developed to account for this heterogeneity, especially when costlier microbiomic analyses are used to assess whole-house microbial diversity. Therefore, the goals of this study were to assess the spatial variability of the poultry litter and fecal microbiomes from distinct areas within a poultry house and to compare composite “whole-house” microbiomes pooled from all house areas, either (1) physically prior to DNA extraction or (2) combined in silico after sample processing (during DNA sequence analysis). No significant differences in α-diversity metrics (richness, diversity, evenness) were observed for fecal or litter microbiomes recovered from the different areas of the house, but β-diversity (litter only) and genus-level Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) relative abundances (for fecal and litter) were found to be significantly different based on sampling area within the house. Additionally, the sample pooling method produced distinct composite fecal microbiomic profiles, but the litter microbiomes were unaffected. These results indicate that sample type, sampling area, and sample pooling method need to be carefully considered when determining appropriate sampling strategies for generating representative composite whole-house microbiomes for future microbiological-based live production studies.
Deliberative Democracy Now: LGBT Equality and the Emergence of Large-Scale Deliberative Systems

While millions feel politically marginalized, there is evidence that democracy is evolving into a conversation-based, public-centered practice called deliberative democracy. In this new form of democracy, public discussion, conscious reflection, and collective choice drive democratic governance and have the power to override democratic dysfunction. Illustrating this emerging possibility with examples from 28 years of US public engagement on LGBT equality, this book offers a practical model for the growth of deliberative democracy in which everyone can take part. It identifies the necessary social catalysts, the role of social networks and technology, and key pathways to addressing unconscious bias, hidden fears, and identity based polarization as they were overcome in the LGBT case. It demonstrates how each person can gain voice and influence in a deliberative democracy in which people once again become the true source of political power. This book will interest anyone who cares about the future of democracy.
Luminance-Duration Relationship in the Human ERG

The Bunsen-Roscoe law, which refers to photochemical effects of light and its subjective visual correlate, Bloch’s law, indicate that when a light stimulus is shorter than a defined critical duration, the product of the intensity and the duration of the stimulus determines whether the stimulus is perceived. The product, intensity (I) x time (t) is a constant.
Histologic Localization of Hemolysin-Containing Cells

The complexity of the cellular events that take place during antibody formation is emphasized by several recent studies. Induction of the antibody response requires interaction between several different types of cells that are derived from or have developed under the influence of different tissues [1, 2, 3, 4]. Once antibody production begins, several different molecular types of immunoglobulins may be formed. Phylogenetic, ontogenetic, and experimental data suggest that cells forming IgM and IgG antibody represent two distinct stages in the same cell lineage, if not two distinct cell lines [5, 6, 7]. Antibody-releasing cells arising during the immune response can be enumerated by the technique of localized hemolysis in gel [8, 9]. This method, however, provides no information concerning the histologic relationships of such cells within lymphoid tissues. The present studies were undertaken to determine the histologic location of antibody-containing cells in an attempt to determine sites of cellular interactions.
OpenGL (tutorial presentation)

OpenGL is a standard for creating graphics in many different programming environments. This tutorial will show how to use OpenGL using Borland's C++ Builder. More precisely, the GL Utility Toolkit (GLUT) will be examined. Methods of initializing your program to use GLUT, drawing pictures, creating menus, inputting information, and using the mouse will be developed. The following topics will be covered: Setting up Builder so that GLUT will run properly. Initializing your program to open a graphics window. Resizing your window (internally and externally). Inputting information through the keyboard with OpenGL. Using the mouse. Creating a menu. Drawing lines and polygons and filling the polygon. Color in the foreground and the background. Transformations (translating, rotating, and scaling). Single versus double buffering. Viewing (orthogonal and perspective). Special effects. Example programs will be given. The code will be handed out and will also be available on the web after the meeting.
Visualizing the "Pulse" of World Cities on Twitter

We present a large-scale analysis of activity on Twitter in 50 majorcities around the world throughout all of 2012. Our study consists oftwo parts: First, we created heatmap visualizations, through whichperiods of comparatively intense and sparse activity are readilyapparent — these visual patterns reflect diurnal cycles, culturalnorms, and even religious practices. Second, we performed a clusteranalysis of these activity patterns to identify groupings of citiesthat are similar in the ways their inhabitants use Twitter. Notsurprisingly, cities cluster geographically, although we are able toidentify cross-cultural similarities as well.
Ornithine Decarboxylase: Alterations In Carcinogenesis

The diamine putrescine, the tertiary amine spermidine, and the quaternary amine spermine (collectively referred to as the polyamines) are small, aliphatic, nonprotein nitrogenous bases found in all living cells (1,2). Because of their polycationic nature, they can form tight, noncovalent complexes with negatively charged cellular constituents, such as nucleic acids and proteins. This electrostatic binding is the basis of the known essential roles that polyamines play in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, structure, and function (3,4). In contrast to the inorganic cations, which must be supplied to the cell by the circulation, the polyamines can be synthesized by the cells at times of cellular need. The primary mechanism for a cellular increase in polyamine content is an increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) which catalyzes the formation of putrescine from ornithine.
Brief review: Chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (CIPPN): current status and future directions

Purpose Chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (CIPPN) affects up to 90% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy agents. Despite the fact that it is relatively common, the underlying pathophysiology is still unclear and its treatment remains generic. Mechanisms of CIPPN are multifactorial, dependent on the specific chemotherapeutic agent used, and include multiple patient-related factors, including genetic factors that may predispose patients to either develop or not develop CIPPN. The purpose of this article is to review mechanisms, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis for patients who develop CIPPN. We also offer research considerations for this complex and unpredictable phenomenon.
Analysis of multivariate spatial data using latent variables

Multivariate data with spatial dependencies axise in many areas of application, in­ cluding environmental sciences, precision agriculture, and ecology. For analysis of such data, a methodology based on a generjJized shifted-factor model is developed. The model incorporates potential lagged dependencies between factors and observed vari­ ables, representing asymmetric spatial dependencies observed in practice. Identification and estimation issues are discussed, and inference and prediction procedures are pro­ posed.
Legal Issues in the Transition to Electronic Records in Health Care

In today’s digital society, ongoing concerns about the privacy and security of personal data are ever increasing, especially in health care. While we gradually need higher electronic access to medical information, issues relating to patient privacy and reducing possible security breaches increase. In this paper, we focus on identifying the general rules and the regulations that are currently in place to protect the privacy and security of medical data, and more specifically information contained in electronic health records (EHR). This review is particularly important since EHRs are expected to become nationally adopted in the US by the next decade and are already underway in many European countries. Based on this legal overview, unresolved challenges are identified.
Cortical thickness increases with levomilnacipran treatment in a pilot randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in late-life depression.

Background Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with significant medical comorbidity, cognitive impairment, and suboptimal treatment response compared to depression experienced earlier in life. Levomilnacipran (LVM) is a novel antidepressant the effects of which on neuroplasticity have not yet been investigated. We investigated the effect of LVM on cortical thickness in a pilot randomised placebo-controlled trial in LLD. Methods Twenty-nine adults (≥ 60 years) with major depression (48.3% female; mean age = 71.5 ± 5.8 years; mean education = 16.0 ± 1.7 years) were randomised to either LVM or placebo for 12 weeks. T1-weighted images were acquired at baseline and 12 weeks. Thirteen subjects (six LVM and seven placebo) completed the study. Group differences in cortical thickness change across the study period were evaluated, with age and total intracranial volume included as covariates. Results Dropout rates did not differ significantly between groups. The LVM group had significantly more side effects, but no serious adverse events were reported. Lower LVM dose (≤ 40 mg) was better tolerated than higher doses (80-120 mg). Additionally, the LVM group showed a larger increase in cortical thickness in the right postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory), supramarginal gyrus (sensory association region), and lateral occipital cortex (visual cortex) compared to the placebo group and greater reductions in the left insula. Conclusions LVM may be less tolerable by older adults with depression and the effects on cortical thickness across sensory and sensory association regions may be related to the experience of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to evaluate treatment efficacy, tolerability, and neural effects of LVM in LLD.
Anyang city in 2010-2012 childcare facilities disinfection quality monitoring analysis

Objective To understand the status of disinfection work and hygienic condition of nurseries in anyang,and to offer scientific technique and basis for relevant departments.Methods Monitoring was carried out in nurseries' daily disinfection work.according to the Standards for Disinfection Techniques,,the Hygienic Criteria for Disinfection in Hospitals,the Hygienic Criteria for Tableware DisinfectionDisinfection.Results 1 918 samples were tested from 2010 to2012.qualification rate is 92.38%.The qualification rate of disinfection work in different years went up or down,havnig no regular changes.The passing rate of ultraviolet ray light and air is low.The disinfection work in different districts had significantly different.Conclusions In general.the status of disinfection work and hygienic condition of nurseries is good,but in some ways,such as ray light and air,should be improved further.
Medication Improves Age Disparities in Six-Month Treatment Retention for Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract Background and Aims Adolescents with opioid use disorder (OUD) are an understudied and vulnerable population. We examined the association between age and six-month treatment retention, and whether any such association was moderated by medication treatment. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we used an insurance database with OUD treatment claims from 2006-2016. We examined 261,356 OUD treatment episodes in three age groups: adolescents (ages 12-17), young adults (18-25) and older adults (26-64). We used logistic regression to estimate prevalence of six-month retention before and after stratification by treatment type (buprenorphine, naltrexone, or psychosocial services only). Insurance differences (commercial vs Medicaid) in medication treatment prevalence were also assessed. Results Adolescents were far less likely to be retained compared to adults (17.6%; 95% CI 16.5-18.7% for adolescents; 25.1%; 95% CI 24.7-25.4% for young adults; 33.3%; 95% CI 33.0-33.5% for older adults). This disparity was markedly reduced after adjusting for treatment type. For all ages, buprenorphine was more strongly associated with retention than naltrexone or psychosocial services. Adolescents who received buprenorphine were more than four times as likely to be retained in treatment (44.5%, 95% CI 40.6-49.0) compared to those who received psychosocial services (9.7%, 95% CI 8.8-10.8). Persons with commercial insurance were more likely to receive medication than those with Medicaid (73.3% vs 36.4%, χ2 =57,870.6, (p Conclusions Age disparities in six-month treatment retention are strongly related to age disparities in medication treatment. Results point to need for improved implementation of medication treatment for persons with OUD, regardless of age or insurance status.
BIOLOGICAL GUIDELINES TO ERADICATION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES; A REALISTIC APPROACH

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biological guidelines to eradication of communicable diseases. At the present time, individual specific measures against bacterial infection, such as antimicrobial agents, do not protect population, because of such consequences as emergence of resistant strains and replacement of symbionts by pathogens. The present state of knowledge suggests that eradication of communicable diseases cannot be achieved through the elimination of microorganisms. Rather, it might have to be effected through the means of “replacement immunization” procedures by attenuated agents without upsetting the internal ecological balance between the host and his microorganisms. This principle should underlie all future programs for eradication of communicable diseases and should serve as a guide to the approach to any new categories of infectious agents that might appear on earth or be brought to it from outer space. Drug therapy with antimicrobial agents should be reserved for individual treatment, and the control of its use should fall under a voluntary international supervision.
Rethinking medical school curriculum: An exploratory study of medical student mental health in a nontraditional program

Context: Medical student mental health has been studied extensively, yet little is known about students in nontraditional medical school programs. Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the frequency of symptoms of mental illness in the first, second, and third class at a new, nontraditional medical school. Settings and Design: An exploratory self-reported study was conducted in students enrolled at recently opened University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (n = 147) in April 2019. Methods: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was selected as the outcome measure for the study which includes subscales for depression, thoughts of suicidal ideation or self-harm, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Qualitative interview data were collected to better understand perceived barriers to engaging with university mental health services. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics was used for the univariate analysis with Chi-square, and logistic regression models were used for the bivariate analysis. Results: One hundred and twenty of the 187 students responded to the survey, and the response rate was 81.6%. Overall, 16 (13.3%) of medical students were screened positive for depression, 14 (11.7%) for anxiety, and 4 (3.4%) for PTSD. There were 7 (5.8%) of students who reported suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm. The second year students reported higher rates of mental health illnesses when compared to other classes. Common barriers to using mental health services were lack of time (n = 52, 63.4%) and stigma (n = 13, 15.9%). The response rate for the quantitative and qualitative data was 120 (81.6%) and 82 (68.3%), respectively. Conclusions: Attending a nontraditional medical school program may contribute to a low prevalence of anxiety (11.7%). Since the 2nd year clinical medical students had the highest rates of mental illness and reported lack of time as the largest barrier, interventions should focus on providing flexible timing of mental health services.
Presence of any degree of coronary artery disease among liver transplant candidates is associated with increased rate of post-transplant major adverse cardiac events

The impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) among liver transplant candidates (LTC) on post-LT clinical outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine association of presence and severity of CAD on post-LT major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac-associated mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 231 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiogram (DCA) during their LT evaluation at a tertiary medical center from 2012-2017. Patients were analyzed based on degree of CAD (no CAD, non-obstructive CAD [< 50% stenosis], obstructive CAD [≥50% stenosis]) per DCA results. MACE were noted at 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years post-LT, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine post-LT MACE-free probability. LTC with any CAD, including non-obstructive CAD, had lower MACE-free probability at all post-LT time points (0.94 vs 0.65 at 30 days, P = .001; 0.87 vs 0.59 at 1 year, P = .002; 0.87 vs 0.41 at 3 years, P < .001; 0.87 vs 0.37 at 5 years, P < .001). Identification of and medical intervention for non-obstructive CAD should be considered in all LTC, though further studies are necessary to determine optimal medical interventions to mitigate MACE risk in this cohort.