cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building an Equitable Surgical Training Pipeline: Leadership Exposure for the Advancement of Gender and Underrepresented Minority Equity in Surgery (LEAGUES).

Objective Underrepresented minority (URM) medical students face many educational challenges. Barriers include lack of equitable representation, scarce mentorship, and the effects of systemic racism. For students interested in diversity and health equity, perceptions of surgical culture may discourage pursuing surgical specialties. We describe a national pilot for a novel surgical pipeline program, Leadership Exposure for the Advancement of Gender and Underrepresented Minority Equity in Surgery (LEAGUES), which utilizes early exposure, mentorship, and community building to empower URM students in pursuit of academic surgical careers. Design A 4-week virtual program included pairing students with faculty research mentors, virtual skills sessions, and seminars on leadership, advocacy, and career development. Participants underwent semi-structured interviews before and after participation, assessing experiences with mentorship and research, interest in surgery, career aspirations, and perceived barriers to career goals. Setting Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Participants Rising second-year medical students. Results All 3 participants were Latinx; 2 were first-generation college students. Participants had no surgical mentorship and limited research exposure, citing a desire to learn research methodology, connect with mentors, and build towards a career working with underserved communities as motivating factors for participation. Perceived barriers to a surgical career included surgical culture, burnout, and lack of research expertise or academic network necessary for success. At completion of the program, participants described several themes: (1) new positive perspective on academic surgical culture, (2) interest and confidence in research, (3) hope for improving health disparities, (4) networking and longitudinal mentorship connections contributing to a sense of surgical community, and (5) eagerness to share resources with colleagues at their home institutions. Conclusions LEAGUES program participants acquired tools and motivation to pursue careers in surgery, and established valuable longitudinal network and mentor relationships. LEAGUES is a novel model for national surgical pipeline programs.
Iron metabolism and management: focus on chronic kidney disease

Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and results from the dysregulation of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron availability and leads to iron sequestration during the state of iron repletion. Decreases in the level of hepcidin in the presence of hypoxia and/or iron limitation allow for greater iron availability for erythropoiesis. However, kidney excretion of hepcidin decreases as the severity of CKD increases, whereas production of hepcidin is increased under inflammatory conditions often present in patients with CKD, both of which contribute to anemia. Assessment of iron status is, therefore, essential in the treatment of anemia. However, current laboratory tests for the determination of the adequate supply of iron have many limitations, including diurnal variation in the levels of biomarkers, lack of standardized reference methods across laboratories, and confounding by the presence of inflammation. In addition, the current treatment paradigm for anemia of CKD can further disrupt iron homeostasis; for example, treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the absence of supplemental iron can induce functional iron deficiency. Moreover, supplemental iron can further increase levels of hepcidin. Several novel therapies, including hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors and hepcidin inhibitors/antagonists, have shown promise in attenuating the levels and/or activity of hepcidin in anemia of CKD, thus ensuring the availability of iron for erythropoiesis.
Characterizing community-level abortion stigma in the United States.

Abstract Objective Estimate community-level abortion stigma among U.S. adults and characterize factors associated with high stigma and less favorable opinions toward policies supportive of abortion care. Study Design We recruited respondents (U.S. adults, English-speaking) from a nationally representative, probability-based online panel in December 2018. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with high abortion stigma using the Community Attitudes Abortion Scale (CAAS), a Reproductive Events and Experiences Scale (REES) subscale, and a Community Level Abortion Stigma Scale (CLASS) subscale. We measured favorability toward policies supportive of abortion care using widely used polling questions. Results Of 1800 eligible individuals contacted, 984 opened the invitation (54.6%) and 886 (90%) completed the survey. The majority demonstrated midrange stigma scores on all three scales. Increased likelihood of high stigma measured by CAAS was demonstrated among individuals reporting Catholic (OR 2.97, 95%CI 1.49–5.91) and Evangelical or Protestant religion (OR 4.78, 95%CI 2.53–9.00) compared to no religion, and Republican (OR 11.56, 95%CI 6.21–21.52) and Independent political affiliation (5.80, 95%CI, 3.17–10.60) compared to Democratic. Similar trends were seen with REES. Measured by CLASS, we found high stigma in Catholics compared to those with no religion (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.09–3.32) and Blacks compared to Whites (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.02–2.68). Identifying as Catholic, Evangelical or Protestant, and Republican were associated with holding less favorable opinions toward policies supportive of abortion care. Identifying as Catholic was the only characteristic associated with high stigma across all measures. Conclusions Across multiple measurement tools, factors associated with high stigma and less favorable opinions toward policies supportive of abortion care include Catholic, Evangelical or Protestant religion and Republican political affiliation. Implications Multiple measures are needed to fully understand the extent of and characteristics associated with community-level abortion stigma. Religion and political identity are frequently associated with high stigma. Understanding these relationships may aid in developing interventions to decrease stigma and in turn reduce barriers to abortion care.
Growth of ferroic metal oxide films with desired properties by polymer-assisted deposition

One of the challenges in chemical solution-based processes for ferroic metal oxide films has been the growth of high-quality epitaxial films with desired physical properties. Here we review the efforts to use polymer-assisted deposition (PAD) for the growth of epitaxial ferroic metal oxide films with desired physical properties. Using epitaxial ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials as model systems, the process, microstructures, and physical properties of such epitaxial films grown by PAD are elaborated.
Exposure to Different Antibiotic Classes During Early Childhood is Associated with Pediatric Obesity

Purpose: The infant gut microbial profile is highly influenced by early exposures, including medications. Antibiotics are routinely used as growth promoters in livestock and act through a complex interaction with gut microbes and metabolism. Multiple studies suggest that infant antibiotic exposure is associated with weight changes. No previous studies have evaluated specific antibiotic classes and their effects on infant weight. We aimed to investigate the association of different classes of antibiotic prescriptions during early childhood with obesity after …
Noise Quality and Super-Turing Computation in Recurrent Neural Networks.

Noise and stochasticity can be beneficial to the performance of neural networks. Recent studies show that optimized-magnitude, noise-enhanced digital recurrent neural networks are consistent with super-Turing operation. This occurred regardless of whether true random or sufficiently long pseudo-random number time series implementing the noise were used. This paper extends prior work by providing additional insight into the degrading effect of shortened and repeating pseudo-noise sequences on super-Turing operation. Shortening the repeat length in the noise resulted in fewer chaotic time series. This was measured by autocorrelation detected repetitions in the output. Similar rates of chaos inhibition by the shortening of the noise repeat lengths hint to an unknown, underlying commonality in noise-induced chaos among different maps, noise magnitudes, and pseudo-noise functions. Repeat lengths in the chaos-failed outputs were predominately integer multiples of the noise repeat lengths. Noise repeat lengths only marginally shorter than output sequences cause the noise-enhanced digital recurrent neural networks to repeat and, thereby, fail in being consistent with chaos and super-Turing computation. This implies that noise sequences used to improve neural network operation should be at least as long as any sequence it produces.
School Nurse Perspectives on Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is associated with poor health and educational outcomes. School nurses have great potential to address the health and educational needs that contribute to absenteeism. Through q...
Relieving Post-stroke Fatigue Using a Group-based Educational Training Approach

RELIEVING POST-STROKE FATIGUE USING A GROUP-BASED EDUCATIONAL TRAINING APPROACH Catherine Emery (nee Emenheiser), PhD A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015 Tony Gentry, PhD, Professor Occupational Therapy Department Post-stroke fatigue is a common problem that may limit participation in everyday activities. Emerging evidence suggests that group-based training in fatigue management may be an efficient means of reducing the effects of post-stroke fatigue. This mixed methods, quasiexperimental study proposed to determine whether a group-based educational program could be successful in relieving post-stroke fatigue and improving participation in daily activities. A convenience sample of stroke survivors (n=20) from retirement communities in southeastern PA were invited to participate in the research. Participants were screened for depression, motor and cognitive recovery, and sleep quality. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and activity participation was measured using the Physical SelfMaintenance ScaleInstrumental Activities of Daily Living (PSMS-IADL). The measures were administered in a double pre-test, double post-test format over three seven-week phases; a non-intervention period; a group-based intervention period, and a post-intervention period. Qualitative information was gathered using a self-made Intervention Satisfaction Survey. Data analysis involved measures of central tendency for the demographic information. Tabulations of the survey responses were completed to judge the effectiveness of the group-based program or its’ components from the participants’ perspectives. Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in reported fatigue post-intervention (p= .022), which continued for sevenweeks (p= .240). There was a strong effect size for the post-intervention reduction of fatigue (r= .69). There was a trend toward improved participation in daily activities. Distribution across groups for presence of social support, age, sex, and level of care was found to be equivalent after one-way chi square analysis. There was no significant influence of these variables on fatigue or participation when used as grouping variables in RM-ANOVA. Participants reported feeling most confident scheduling activity to include rest periods and least confident managing sleep problems. Limitations include small sample size, demographics not being representative of the general stroke population, use of self-report measures with possible ceiling effect of PSMS-IADL, instrumentation effect given multiple administrations, and history effects as groups occurred at different time of the year. Overall, the results indicate that participation in a groupbased educational program was effective in reducing post-stroke fatigue in chronic stroke.
Book Review: Appellate Courts: Structures, Functions, Processes and Personnel

This essay is in part a result of the author's participation over several years in the meetings of the Panel on Law Science and Technology of the National Academy of Sciences. It was published by the Review of Litigation in 2007. It is a summary of the problems faced by the courts in resolving extremely complex scientific issues arising in a million civil cases arising out of uses of asbestos that also had the incidental effect of saving many thousands of lives. It concludes that a single-payer health care system is to be desired in preference to tort law as a system of allocating costs.
Ultimate frisbee injuries in a collegiate setting

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Ultimate Frisbee (Ultimate) is a limited-contact team sport growing in popularity, particularly as a collegiate club sport. In 2011, over 947,000 people played Ultimate. Sex, age, skill level, and physical demands of the sport place each player at risk for injury, yet there is limited information on the number of injuries with regard to clinical research. The purpose of this study is to identify injury reporting trends in Ultimate Frisbee against other collegiate club sports and examine correlation with sex, body region, and medical recommendations and to discuss associated risk of injury. METHODS: Athletes who sustained an injury related to participation in their respective club sport attended a physical therapy sports clinic, underwent screening, and were provided direction for injury management. Data was collected on various elements of each case with descriptive statistical analysis performed to catalog injury characteristics. Chi-square analyses were performed to compare proportions between sports, sex, and body region. RESULTS: Ultimate accounted for 143 (31.0%) of the 461 reported injury cases collected from all club sports. Female injuries represented 101 (70.6%) of the 143 Ultimate cases, whereas men totaled 42 (29.4%) (pCONCLUSIONS: Ultimate accounted for one of the highest number of reported injuries among all club sports. Women reported injuries more than twice as frequently as men. The majority of reported Ultimate injuries involved the lower extremity. Injury trends observed are similar to those previously reported in several NCAA Intercollegiate sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Language: en
Twelve-Step attendance trajectories over 7 years among adolescents entering substance use treatment in an integrated health plan

Aims This study examines 12-Step attendance trajectories over 7 years, factors associated with the trajectories, and relationships between the trajectories and long-term substance use outcomes among adolescents entering out-patient substance use treatment in a private, non-profit integrated managed-care health plan. Design Longitudinal observational study. Setting Four Kaiser Permanente Northern California substance use treatment programs. Participants A total of 391 adolescents entering treatment between 2000 and 2002 who completed at least one follow-up interview in year 1, and at least one during years 3–7, after treatment entry. Measurements Alcohol and drug use, 12-Step meeting attendance and activity involvement and post-treatment medical service utilization. Findings Semiparametric group-based modeling identified three distinct 12-Step attendance trajectory groups over 7 years: low/no attendance (60%), early but not continued (26%) and continued (14%). There were lower proportions of males and of adolescents with prior substance use treatment experience in the low/no attendance group (P = 0.019 and P = 0.003, respectively). In addition, those in the low/no attendance group had lower perception on circumstances, motivation and readiness for treatment at baseline (P = 0.023). Multivariate logistic generalized estimating equation analyses found that those in the continued group were more likely to be abstinent from both alcohol and drugs during follow-ups than those in the low/no attendance group [odds ratio (OR) = 2.40, P = 0.003 and OR = 1.96, P = 0.026, respectively]. However, no differences in long-term outcomes were found between those in the other two groups. Conclusion Robust connection with 12-Step groups appears to be associated with better long-term outcomes among adolescents with substance use disorders.
A search for March 5th-like bursts in the PVO database

Recent re-analysis of the March 5, 1979 burst has revealed that the rise-time and spectrum of this burst are not as different from “classical” bursts as previously believed. In attempts to find March 5th-like bursts, we synthesize the responses expected from fainter March 5th events and compare these to real time histories. We also inspect the post-burst power series for several candidate March 5th-like bursts found in the PVO database.
Cutting edge: nociceptin stimulates neutrophil chemotaxis and recruitment: inhibition by aspirin-triggered-15-epi-lipoxin A4.

The nociceptin receptor (Noci-R) is a G protein-coupled receptor present in neural tissues and its activation by nociceptin is involved in the processing of pain signals. Here, we report that Noci-R is present and functional on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Human PMN express mRNA for Noci-R, its nucleotide sequence determined, and specific binding with [ 125 I]-labeled nociceptin gave an apparent K d ∼1.5 nM for this PMN opioid receptor. Nociceptin evoked PMN chemotaxis with maximal activity at 100 pM, without intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization. When injected in murine air pouches, nociceptin elicited leukocyte infiltration in a concentration-dependent fashion. Nociceptin-stimulated PMN infiltration was inhibited by treating mice with a synthetic analog of the aspirin-triggered lipid mediator 15-epi-lipoxin A 4 . The present results identify nociceptin as a potent chemoattractant and provide a novel link between the neural and immune systems that are blocked by aspirin-triggered lipid mediators and may be relevant in neurogenic inflammation.
Predicting availability to consumers of spatially and temporally variable resources

Ecological dynamics in many aquatic communities are strongly influenced by spatial and temporal variability of key limiting resources, and the extent to which consumers can locate and exploit concentrations of those resources. Intuitively, resource concentrations that are `close' and `long-lived' should typically be more available to consumers than `distant' and `ephemeral' resource concentrations. The speed and accuracy with which consumers can locate concentrations of their resources is in part determined by their movement characteristics and sensory constraints, which vary with taxon, life-history stage, physiological state, environmental conditions, and other factors. This has motivated detailed observation and modelling of individual-level foraging behaviors in a wide variety of taxa. However, our abilities to develop this intuitive concept of availability into empirically-based, quantitative predictions for consumer–resource interactions remain limited, largely due to the complexities of formulating and simulating spatially explicit models of consumer–resource interactions, and the difficulty of understanding how specific simulation results relate to broader ecological situations. This paper presents a non-dimensional index, the Frost number, that provides a simple prediction of availability to consumers of spatially and temporally varying resource concentrations. This index incorporates characteristics of both resource distributions and consumer movement behaviors. When Frost numbers characterizing consumer–resource interactions are much less than unity, resource concentrations are typically unavailable to consumers because travel time to reach them exceeds the longevity of the resource. Conversely, when Frost numbers are much greater than unity, resource longevity exceeds travel time so that resource concentrations are available. The Frost number may provide a preliminary identification of the length and time scales at which resources are available to consumers in complex ecological systems, even when detailed spatial observations and simulations are not available.
A thick gas model near boundaries.

B = radiosity of wall Eb = emissive power of blackbody En = integroexponential function of order n G = incident radiation 7,/~ = half-range intensities k = thermal conductivity L = distance between plates <P = Planck number, afc/4<r!/V q = heat flux T = absolute temperature y = geometric depth in absorbing layer a = absorption of gas 5 = penetration depth of wall effect e = emissivity of wall 6 — dimensionless absolute temperature, T/T* fj, = dummy variable p — reflectivity of wall <T = Stefan-Boltzmarm constant r = optical depth in absorbing layer, ay
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes; from Science to Therapies

At the beginning of the twentieth century, a newly diagnosed diabetic patient had a life expectancy of 44 years. Little could be offered to treat diabetes except for dietary restriction and starvation, and death from hyperglycemic coma was common. After the discovery of insulin in 1921, the average age life expectancy in patients with diabetes rapidly increased to 61 years, death rates from coma declined, while death from cardiovascular disease, gangrene, and renal complications began to increase [1]. Diabetes research, for many years to follow, focused on understanding the pathophysiology behind diabetes and its complications, and the development of new treatments and technologies to improve the care of diabetic patients. Improvements in sanitation in the early 1900s resulted in an increase in life expectancy for the entire population, and by 1933, it was already recognized that the risk of developing diabetes increased with advancing age. In addition to advancing age, it was also noted that genetics and obesity contributed to one’s risk of developing diabetes. The social changes at the time allowed easier access to food, and the transition of labor from manual to mechanical in both urban and rural societies led greater numbers of people becoming overweight. Therefore, as the population was living longer and becoming more overweight, it was predicted that a rise in the incidence of diabetes was inevitable [2]. By the end of the twentieth century, diabetes was being described as a global epidemic. Life expectancy continued to rise; the social changes leading to overconsumption of food and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle caused the rates of obesity to escalate worldwide (Fig. 1.1). As diabetes and its complications could be effectively managed with modern medicine, the cost of diabetes care was growing annually. Therefore, in the twenty-first century, the focus of diabetes care is shifting toward diabetes prevention. In 1933, Joslin commented that diabetes is not a contagious disease and is a disease for the doctor to treat, rather than the state, the city, or the boards of health. However, given the extent of the current diabetes epidemic, professional societies, health boards, and government are becoming increasingly involved in diabetes prevention and there have been suggestions that the epidemic should be addressed in a similar manner to the outbreak of an infectious disease [3].
Getting to the crux of the matter: IL-23 and Th17 cell accumulation in the CNS.

IL-23 plays a critical role in EAE induced by the active immunization of C57BL/6 mice with an immunodominant epitope of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55). It was initially assumed that the pathogenic effects of IL-23 were directly related to the generation, expansion and/or stabilization of autoreactive CD4+ Th17 cells. However, a number of recent studies have uncovered discrepancies between the requirement for IL-23, as opposed to Th17 cells or their products (IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22), in the development of EAE. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, it is demonstrated that impairment of IL-23 signaling does not impede the expansion of myelin-specific CD4+ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues but inhibits their accumulation in the CNS. This paper contributes to a growing body of data that implicates IL-23 in the acquisition of CNS homing properties by autoreactive effector cells.
A method of reliability evaluation for computer-communication networks

A method for evaluating the all-terminal reliability of computer-communication networks is proposed. Based on edge-disjoint trees, the method gives the exact all-terminal reliability expression. Instead of choosing an arbitrary cutset, the maximum cutset of the given reliability graph is extracted so as to reduce the order of the cutset-state combination tree. The needed disjoint trees are readily and directly generated, and then the reliability expression is obtained. An example to illustrate the method is given. >
Biological Damage in Mature and Immature Germ Cells of Drosophila Virilis with Ionizing Radiations.

BS>Data are reported on translocation and dominant lethal damage produced in the spermatogenic cycle of Drosophila virilis by exposure to 200 kv x rays, 22 Mv x rays from a betatron source, and gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source. Among postmeiotic cells both dominant and lethal translocations were produced with a higher frequency in spermatids than in sperm. A comparison was made of the relative biological efficiency of the three types of radiation. (C.H.)
Systemic NK cell ablation attenuates intra‐abdominal adipose tissue macrophage infiltration in murine obesity

Objective Natural killer (NK) cells are understudied in the context of metabolic disease and obesity. The goal of this study was to define the effect of NK cell ablation on systemic inflammation and glucose homeostasis in murine obesity. Methods A transgenic murine model was used to study the effect of NK cell ablation on systemic inflammation and glucose homeostasis in the context of diet-induced obesity using flow cytometry, QRTPCR, and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity testing. Results NK cell ablation achieved a three to fourfold decrease in NK cells but had no effect on T-cell levels in adipose tissues and spleen. NK cell ablation was associated with decreased total macrophage infiltration in intra-abdominal adipose tissue, but macrophage infiltration in subcutaneous adipose tissue and spleen was unaffected. NK cell ablation was associated with modest improvement in insulin sensitivity but had no effect on tissue transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions NK cells play a role in promoting intra-abdominal adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and systemic insulin resistance in obesity.
A Note on the Export Behavior of Firms: Exporter Profiles

Exporter profiles are combinations of objectives characteristics associated with exporting or with not exporting. This note presents empirically derived exporters profiles and evidence regarding their correspondence with firms' actual export behavior. An exploratory path model of export behavior is developed also from the profile data.
Detecting antifragile decisions and models lessons from a conceptual analysis model of Service Life Extension of aging vehicles

This paper explores how the concept of Antifragility applies to decision making and to the design of effective decision-support models. The context of this research is a conceptual analysis of several Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) options for aging vehicles. In this context, a decision authority would decide how much service life to buy for each vehicle in order to achieve a target Out of Service Date (OSD). Endemic uncertainties, ambiguities, and errors pervade this potentially high-stakes decision making. We review the concept of Antifragility and pay particular attention to its measurement, its relationships to robustness and fragility, and ultimately how it provides indication of model maturity. We offer a technique of scenario development that uses factor combinations to describe a scenario space, which is based fundamentally on the Design of Experiments (DOE) method. Since the scenario elements are highly modular, the scenario space can be changed in response to stakeholder refutations. We show how the boundaries of the scenario space can be explored and sanitized of Black Swans, thus cultivating antifragile models and courses of action.
System Requirements for a Deep Space Optical Transceiver

The functional requirements and design drivers for an Optical Communications subsystem are assessed based on the system requirements imposed by a proposed Europa Orbiter mission. Unlike near-Earth optical communications systems, deep space missions impose a unique set of requirements that drives the subsystem design. Significant challenges on laser efficiency, thermal control, pointing and tracking, stray/scatter light control, and subsystem mass/power need to be addressed for a successful subsystem implementation. The baseline design concept for a lasercom subsystem for the Europa orbiter mission employs a 30-cm diameter, diffraction-limited telescope, and a diode pumped solid state laser operating at 1.06 micrometer to support downlink communications. The baseline pointing and tracking approach is to perform Earth Image Tracking with occasional calibration using the Earth- moon or Earth-star images. At high phase angles when the Earth image does not provide sufficient brightness for high rate tracking, inertial sensors (accelerometers) measurements are used to propagate the knowledge of the optical boresight at a higher rate in between celestial reference updates. Additionally, uplink beacon tracking will be used to support pointing at short range and near solar opposition when Earth image alone does not provide sufficient signal power for tracking.
An empirical examination of relative deprivation theory

Abstract Relative deprivation theory centers around the proposition that the negative affect associated with judgments of one's own status is not simply a function of one's objective status. Instead, resentment, anger, dissatisfaction and other deprivation-related emotions vary with the subjective assessment of one's status. In the present experiment, subjects read vignettes in which the hypothesized preconditions of felt deprivation were manipulated. They then indicated the degree of perceived resentment and related cognitive-emotional factors attributed to the story characters. Perceptions of deprivation become more prevalent when an individual who lacks a desired outcome (X) (a) compares with another who does possess X, (b) feels entitled to X, (c) feels it was once feasible to attain X, and (d) feels it is not feasible to attain X in the future. The results also suggest that certain preconditions, such as the presence of a comparison other and entitlement, act conjunctively in affecting judgments of felt deprivation. Finally, personal control over desired outcomes appears to be important for relative deprivation theory.
‘I am we’ consciousness and dialog as organizational ethics method

There is a practical five-step method of ethics dialog developed by John Woolman, an 18th c. businessman and ethical activist, that was used by Robert K. Greenleaf, a 20th c. A.T.T (b) discussion of mutual commonalities; (c) discussion of issue entanglements; (d) discussion of potential experimental solutions; and, (e) trial and feedback discussion. This method of dialog appears to proceed with a type of consciousness considered by John Woolman and Bernard Lonergan as one where the “I” is conscious that “I” and “Others” are part of a more foundational, larger and prior “We.” This type of dialog is different than Socratic dialog. The corresponding type of consciousness is different than the more derivative, e.g., two allies being united in their response to a common goal. It is also different than Buber's “I and Thou” appreciative consciounsess of the interestingness, value, diversity, and uniqueness of others. Woolman dialog as seen in four cases appears to be a concrete method that has some value both as an end in itself and as instrumental means that can: be issue effective, help build ethical organization/community culture, and help facilitate peaceful, evolutionary change and development. Limitations of the method are also considered. The method may also be a several hundred year anticipation of experiment based pragmatist philosophy that is anthropologically sensitive to cultural entanglements. No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe, ... Each is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine.... John Donne (17th c.)
Factors affecting seed germination, seedling emergence, and survival of texasweed (Caperonia palustris)

Abstract Field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the seed production potential and effect of environmental factors on germination, emergence, and survival of texasweed. Texasweed produced an average of 893 seed per plant, and 90% were viable. Seed exhibited dormancy, and prechilling did not release dormancy. Percent germination ranged from 56% for seed subjected to no prechilling to 1% for seed prechilled at 5 C for 140 d. Seed remained viable during extended prechilling conditions, with 80% of seed viable after 140 d of prechilling. Texasweed seed germinated over a range of 20 to 40 C, with optimum germination (54%) occurring with a fluctuating 40/30 C temperature regime. Seed germinated with fluctuating 12-h light/dark and constant dark conditions. Texasweed seed germinated over a broad range of pH, osmotic potential, and salt concentrations. Seed germination was 31 to 62% over a pH range from 4 to 10. Germination of texasweed ranged from 9 to 56% as osmotic potential d...
X-inactivation by chromosomal pairing events

X-inactivation is the coordinated silencing of nearly all genes on one of the two X chromosomes in female mammals. X-inactivation requires the cis-acting Xist gene. The highly unusual properties of Xist and the extremely long distances over which Xist acts have made it difficult to reconcile X-inactivation with other examples of gene regulation. This paper presents new findings that suggest that X-inactivation involves transvection and harnesses heterochromatin association.
Fabrication of Quantum Dot-Polymer Composites: Semiconductor Nanoclusters in Dual-Function Polymer Matrices with Electron-Transporting and Cluster-Passivating Properties

Hybrid inorganic−organic polymer composites have been prepared by a convergent approach in which nearly monodisperse CdSe or (CdSe)ZnS nanoclusters are sequestered within phosphine-containing domains in a charge-transporting matrix. The motivation for these studies is the potential utility of such composites as combined electron-transport and emitter layers in light-emitting devices. Diblock copolymers with electronically passivating and charge-transport capabilities were prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of octylphosphine- and oxadiazole-functionalized norbornenes. Independently prepared CdSe and ZnS-overcoated CdSe nanoclusters, surface-passivated by trioctylphosphine and trioctylphosphine oxide groups, are tethered by polymer-bound phosphine donors, resulting in immediate, sustained increases in fluorescence. Thin films of the CdSe-block copolymer composites, static-cast from dilute solution, exhibit microphase separation, with segregation of nanoclusters within phosphine-rich microdo...
Therapy 101: a psychotherapy curriculum for medical students.

This pilot project, designed and taught by a resident, created a curriculum to introduce medical students to the practice of psychotherapy. Medical students who are knowledgeable about psychotherapy can become physicians who are able to refer patients to psychotherapeutic treatments. A search of the literature did not identify a curriculum that introduced psychotherapy, its applications, and evidence for its use. The authors worked closely with a faculty mentor to create a course that fulfilled a perceived need for more psychotherapy teaching of medical students. “Therapy 101: An Introduction to Psychotherapy” is a 6-hour curriculum that employs creative teaching techniques such as video clips from TV shows, role play, and recordings of therapy sessions. The series was evaluated using a multiple-choice pre/postcourse test with questions on psychotherapy, written feedback, and perceived knowledge of psychotherapy. The scores from the pre/postcourse test measuring the students’ knowledge of psychotherapy did not change significantly. However, students’ self-rating of knowledge greatly increased after the series. Written feedback showed substantial enthusiasm for the course. Students can benefit from a short and engaging curriculum on psychotherapy. “Therapy 101” was very well accepted by students and has been integrated into the curriculum for students in the mental health pathway. Medical students may benefit from more exposure to psychotherapy as taught by a resident.
The role of mouse mutants in the identification of human hereditary hearing loss genes.

Abstract The mouse is the model organism for the study of hearing loss in mammals. In recent years, the identification of five different mutated genes in the mouse (Pax3, Mitf, Myo7a, Pou4f3, and Myo15) has led directly to the identification of mutations in families with either congenital sensorineural deafness or progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Each of these cases is reviewed here. In addition to providing a powerful gateway to the identification of human hearing loss genes, the study of mouse deafness mutants can lead to the discovery of critical components of the auditory system. Given the availability of several mouse mutants that affect possible homologues of other human deafness genes, it is likely that the mouse will play a key role in identifying other human hearing loss genes in the years to come.
Carboligatic activity of escherichia coli

The formation of acetylmethylcarbinol from glucose by Esch. coli in vigorously aerated media constitutes additional proof of the intermediate formation of acetaldehyde in that fermentation. Interference of an accessory hydrogen acceptor (oxygen) preventing immediate reduction of the aldehyde results in its accumulation and condensation. Esch. coli in common with many other organisms possesses the carboligase system.
Predominant Basal Directional Release of Thromboxane, but not Prostacyclin, by Placental Trophoblasts from Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies

Objective To investigate apical and basal releases of thromboxane (TX) and prostacyclin (PGI2) by trophoblasts (TCs) from normal and preeclamptic (PE) placentas.
Food Stamps and the Market Demand for Food

This article compares estimates of disaggregated market food demand responses to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits based on exact nonlinear aggregation to responses based on linear aggregation. By accounting for income inequality, nonlinear aggregation implies that only the households that receive benefits contribute to market demand responses. In contrast, linear aggregation presumes all households receive benefits and thus contribute to the market demand response. The consequence is that nonlinear market estimates are smaller than the linear estimates by roughly the fraction of households that receive benefits.
Path-integral formulation of optical beam propagation

Propagation of optical beams described by the Schrodinger-type equations can be expressed in terms of the propagator obtained in the framework of the Feynman path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics, which can also be obtained from a standard representation of the propagator by an exact integration. A numerical scheme is developed to evaluate the path-integral propagator by the fast Fourier transform method. The resulting procedure is convenient, efficient, versatile, and accurate, comparing favorably with other methods. Numerical operations required are about half of those in a commonly used method employing fast Fourier transforms. Further, a transformation is shown to eliminate inconvenience associated with a beam of rapidly varying radius. The scheme is illustrated with several examples, including the soliton propagation and the converging beams in a self-focusing medium together with the impact of plasma it generates.
Using metadata for the intelligent browsing of structured media objects

Interacting with a multimedia information system is different from interacting with a standard text-based information system. In this paper, we present the design of a system called Content-Based Hypermedia (CBH), which allows a user to utilize metadata to intelligently browse through a collection of media objects. We describe the approach we use to model data in order to make it browsable, explore our approach to browsing, which we call metadata mediated browsing, indicate how metadata is used in the concept of similarity, present the architecture of our system, and discuss indexing techniques for similarity browsing using content-based metadata and approaches to clustering which generate higher-level metadata to help the user browse more effectively.
A New Fabrication Method of Ultra-Small Laser Scanning Module

We report for the first time that an ultra-small laser scanning module of millimeter size has been realized. We have demonstrated electronic scanning by switching the current without any moving parts. Having no moving parts enables high reliability, and the system volume can be greatly reduced. This fabrication technology that we employed enables very precise mass production of micro-optical elements such as prisms, lenses and light waveguides, because all fabrication steps are carried out using the same semiconductor process. These micro-optical elements are formed on the substrate simultaneously using single etching mask.
Thermal hyperconductivity: Radiative energy transport in hyperbolic media

We develop a theoretical description of radiative thermal conductivity in hyperbolic metamaterials. We demonstrate a dramatic enhancement of the radiative thermal transport due to the supersingularity of the photonic density of states in hyperbolic media, leading to the radiative heat conductivity which can be comparable to the nonradiative contribution.
Computational Study of the Oxygen Initiated Decomposition of 2-Oxepinoxy Radical: A Key Intermediate in the Oxidation of Benzene

Density functional theory was utilized to determine whether the addition of O2(3Σg) to 2-oxepinoxy radical, a proposed intermediate in the unimolecular decomposition of phenylperoxy radical, follow...
Ablation of Neurogenesis Attenuates Recovery of Motor Function after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Middle-Aged Mice

Depletion of neurogenesis worsens functional outcome in young-adult mice after focal cerebral ischemia, but whether a similar effect occurs in older mice is unknown. Using middle-aged (12-month-old) transgenic (DCX-TK(+)) mice that express herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) under control of the doublecortin (DCX) promoter, we conditionally depleted DCX-positive cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampus by treatment with ganciclovir (GCV) for 14 days. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) or occlusion of the distal segment of middle cerebral artery (dMCAO) on day 14 of vehicle or GCV treatment and mice were killed 24 hr or 12 weeks later. Increased infarct volume or brain atrophy was found in GCV- compared to vehicle-treated middle-aged DCX-TK(+) mice, both 24 hr after MCAO and 12 weeks after dMCAO. More severe motor deficits were also observed in GCV-treated, middle-aged DCX-TK(+) transgenic mice at both time points. Our results indicate that ischemia-induced newborn neurons contribute to anatomical and functional outcome after experimental stroke in middle-aged mice.
Acute pathologic effects of 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl in rats: comparison of its effects with Firemaster BP-6 and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ppm of 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB, or Firemaster (FM) BP-6, a commercial mixture of polybrominated biphenyls, for 9 days. Although 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB is not in FM BP-6, it was used because it is a 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-type inducer of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. Nearly one-half of FM BP-6 is comprised of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB and this congener is strictly a phenobarbital (PB)-type inducer. FM BP-6 has both MC- and PB-type induction capability. Feed consumption and body and organ weights were recorded and histologic and ultrastructural changes were evaluated. Significant effects on feed intake and body weight occurred only at 10 or 100 ppm of 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB. Therefore, two of six rats given 100 ppm of 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB were continued on the diet until death occurred at 20 days. Liver weights were increased by each of the three chemicals at 10 and 100 ppm. Hepatocytes were diffusely enlarged and contained lipid vacuoles. The degree of vacuolation was dose related, most prominent in the centrolobular to midzonal area, and most severe in rats given 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB. Thymic and splenic weights were decreased at 10 and 100 ppm of 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB and lymphocytic depletion was severe in the thymus. Ultrastructural hepatic lesions were seen with all three chemicals. For 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB and FM BP-6 at 10 and 100 ppm the changes consisted mainly of increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipid vacuolation. Additional changes seen with 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB included disorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum, myelin body formation, and bile ductule hyperplasia. Results indicated that 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB causes more severe pathologic effects than either FM BP-6 or 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-HBB.
mAbs to Bacillus anthracis capsular antigen for immunoprotection in anthrax and detection of antigenemia

Bacillus anthracis is surrounded by an antiphagocytic polypeptide capsule composed of poly γ-d-glutamic acid (γDPGA). γDPGA has been identified recently as a potential target for vaccine development. Studies of the role of γDPGA in disease have been hampered by the poor Ab response to this antigen and the lack of immunochemical reagents. As a consequence, neither the extent of γDPGA production during anthrax nor the protective activity of γDPGA Abs in inhalation anthrax are known. Here we report production of IgG Abs to γDPGA in mice following an immunization regimen using γDPGA in combination with agonist mAbs to CD40. mAbs were produced that are specific for γDPGA. Passive immunization with γDPGA mAbs protected >90% of mice in a pulmonary model of anthrax that was lethal in control mice (P < 0.0001). Use of γDPGA mAb in an antigen detection immunoassay found that the appearance of γDPGA in serum coincided with the emergence of bacteremia. These studies identify CD40 stimulation as a means for production of Ab and generation of mAbs against a weakly immunogenic antigen and demonstrate that the capsule is an effective target for immunoprotection and for antigen detection in the diagnosis of anthrax.
Accelerated Maturation in African-American VLBW Infants Begins Prior to Term† 1195

Objective: To determine whether race or gender affect the rate of neurodevelopmental maturation in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants using a measurement of tone and reflexes from serial neurodevelopmental examinations prior to term.