cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National trends in mental health-related emergency department visits by children and adults, 2009-2015.

Abstract Objectives Examine trends in mental health-related emergency department (ED) visits, changes in disposition and length of stay (LOS), describe disposition by age and estimate proportion of ED treatment hours dedicated to mental health-related visits. Methods Retrospective analysis of ED encounters in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Visit Survey with a mental health primary, secondary or tertiary discharge diagnosis from 2009 to 2015. We report survey-weighted estimates of the number and proportion of ED visits that were mental health-related and disposition by age and survey year. We estimate the proportion of ED treatment hours dedicated to mental health-related visits. We analyze trends in disposition and LOS for mental health and non-mental health-related visits using multivariate regression analysis. Results Mental health-related ED visits increased by 56.4% for pediatric patients and 40.8% for adults, accounting for over 10% of ED visits by 15–64 year-olds and nearly 9% by 10–14 year-olds in 2015. Mental health-related visit disposition of admission or transfer declined from 29.8% to 20.4% (p Conclusions Mental health-related visits account for an increasing proportion of ED visits and a considerable proportion of treatment hours. A decreasing proportion of mental health-related visits resulted in inpatient disposition and ED LOS increased for admissions and transfers.
Taken out of Context: A Novel Cognitive Role for a Premotor Circuit.

In this issue of Neuron, Wu et al. (2020) provide evidence of a novel role for the premotor cortex in maintaining the context-dependent information necessary for mice to solve a delayed match to sample task.
Chapter 4 – Principles of Objective Texture Measurement

Publisher Summary The chapter describes various types of tests for measuring food textures. A wide variety of methods are available to measure the textural and rheological properties of food. It becomes necessary to attempt to classify them into groups in order to understand the system. There is such a wide range in types of foods and the types of textural and rheological properties they exhibit, and such a wide variety of methods used to measure these properties, that it becomes necessary to classify them into groups to understand the system. Several classification systems have been propounded. It is possible to classify texture measurements according to the commodity that is being tested; for example, tests that are used for cereals, meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, fats, confectionery, beverages, legumes, emulsions, suspensions and oilseeds, and miscellaneous foods. The classification of texture measurements on the basis of commodity or the type of textural properties is useful but what is probably a better type of classification is based on the type of test that is used, because many tests are applicable to more than one type of food.
On Improving the Efficiency of Majorization-Minorization for the Inference of Rank Aggregation Models

The Plackett-Luce model represents discrete choices from a set of items and it is often applied to rank aggregation problems. The iterative majorization-minorization method is among the most relevant approaches for finding the maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the Plackett-Luce model, but its convergence might be slow. A noninformative initialization is usually adopted which assumes all items are equally relevant at the first step of the iterative inference process. This paper investigates the adoption of approximate inference methods which could allow a better initialization, leading to a smaller number of iterations required for the convergence of majorization-minorization. Two alternatives are adopted: a spectral inference method from the literature and also a novel approach based on a Poisson probabilistic model. Empirical evaluation is performed using synthetic and real-world datasets. It was revealed that initialization provided by an approximate method can lead to statistically significant reductions in both the number of iterations required and also in the overall computational time when compared to the scheme usually adopted for majorization-minorization.
Immunomodulatory Low-Dose Whole-Lung Radiation for Patients with COVID-19-Related Pneumonia.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Phase I clinical trials have established low-dose, whole-lung radiotherapy (LD-RT) as safe for patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia. By focally dampening cytokine hyperactivation, LD-RT may improve disease outcomes through immunomodulation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia were treated with 1.5 Gy whole-lung LD-RT, followed for 28 days or until hospital discharge, and compared to age- and comorbidity-matched controls meeting identical disease severity criteria. Eligible patients were hospitalized, SARS-CoV-2 positive, had radiographic consolidations, and required supplemental oxygen but had not rapidly declined on admission or prior to drug therapy or LD-RT. Efficacy endpoints were time to clinical recovery (TTCR), radiographic improvement, and biomarker response. RESULTS: Ten patients received whole-lung LD-RT between April 24 and May 24, 2020 and were compared to ten control patients blindly matched by age and comorbidity. Six controls received COVID-19 drug therapies. Median TTCR was 12 days in the control cohort compared to 3 days in the LD-RT cohort (HR 2.9, p=0.05). Median time to hospital discharge (20 versus 12 days, p=0.19) and intubation rates (40% versus 10%, p=0.12) in the control and LD-RT cohorts were compared. Median time from admission to recovery was 10 versus 13 days (p=0.13). Hospital duration average was 19 versus 22.6 days (p=0.53). Average hospital days on supplemental oxygen of any duration was 13.1 versus 14.7 days (p=0.69). Average days with a documented fever was 1 versus 4.3 days (p=0.12). 28-day overall survival was 90% for both cohorts. The LD-RT cohort trended towards superior rates of improved radiographs (p=0.12) and delirium (p<0.01). Statistically-significant reductions were observed in numerous hematologic, cardiac, hepatic, and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: A prospective cohort of predominantly elderly hospitalized patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia were recovered to room air quicker than age- and comorbidity-matched controls, with trending or significant improvements in delirium, radiographs, and biomarkers, and no significant acute toxicity. Low dose whole-lung radiation for patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia appears safe and may be an effective immunomodulatory treatment. Larger prospective randomized trials are needed to define the efficacy of LD-RT for COVID-19.
The Effect of Illegal Drug Screening Results and Chronic Drug Use on Perioperative Complications in Trauma.

Context: Illegal drug use and need for surgery are common in trauma. This allows examination of the effects of perioperative drug use. Aim: The aim was to study the effects of illegal drug use on perioperative complications in trauma. Setting and Design: Propensity-matched analysis of perioperative complications between drug screen-positive (DSP) and drug screen-negative (DSN) patients from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). Methods: The NTDB reports drug screening as a composite. We compared complications for DSP, DSN, and specific chronic drug disorders. Time to first procedure was analyzed to determine whether delay to surgery was associated with reduced complications. Statistics: Logistic regression with 11 predictor variables was used to calculate propensity scores. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using Chi-square and Student’s t-test, respectively. Results: 752,343 patients (21.9%) were tested for illegal drugs. DSP was protective for mortality-relative risk (RR) 0.84 (P
Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome in a postpartum period.

Abstract Background Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neuroimmunologic disorder characterized by opsoclonus, myoclonic jerks mostly in the face and limbs, cerebellar ataxia, tremors, and encephalopathy. OMS is rare in adults and exceedingly rarer in pregnancy, as only a few cases in pregnancy have been reported. We present what we understand is the first case of postpartum OMS. Methods and results We report and discuss a challenging case of OMS which started 6 weeks postpartum. Despite extensive infectious and malignancy evaluation, an underlying etiology was not readily apparent thus we treated her with high dose intravenous steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for presumed idiopathic autoimmune OMS. She relapsed and additional workup identified new enhancing lesion on MRI brain, positive MOG-IgG, and CSF negative for oligoclonal bands. She was transitioned to maintenance IVIG and ultimately to rituximab with better results. At 2 year follow up her exam was improved and without objective evidence of abnormal movement or opsoclonus on maintenance Rituximab infusion 1,000 mg every 6 months. Conclusion In OMS, an autoimmune response is usually thought to occur by molecular mimicry with neuronal cell surface antigens in association with infections. Since a preceding infection was absent in this case, we propose that the immune response here was initiated due to immunological changes in pregnancy and postpartum period possibly due to fetal tissue exposure (fetal microchimerism). The presence of the MOG antibody raises the possibility that OMS is another clinical manifestation of MOG-associated disease (MOG-AD), which in our case is supported by characteristic CSF and radiographic findings of MOG-AD.
Balloon Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Failing Self-Expandable Transcatheter Valve in Degenerated Surgical Bioprosthesis: Valve-in-Valve-in-Valve Implantation for the Treatment of Early Degenerative Prosthetic Insufficiency

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as the standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high surgical risk. However, transcatheter valves can degenerate, and redo TAVI has been reported after surgical aortic valve implantation and post initial TAVI. Case Report: We describe the case of a 70-year-old male who presented with decompensated heart failure secondary to severe prosthetic valve insufficiency. The patient had a history of distant triple coronary artery bypass surgery in 2004, surgical ascending aortic aneurysm repair and stentless aortic valve replacement in 2012, and transcatheter CoreValve (Medtronic) implantation in 2015 for the failing stentless aortic valve. In 2019, the patient presented with heart failure symptoms. A 29-mm SAPIEN 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences) was implanted for the third time (valve-in-valve-in-valve) with excellent clinical and echocardiographic results and no evidence of coronary obstruction. Conclusion: Early (<5 years) bioprosthetic valve insufficiency after initial valve-in-valve implantation can be successfully treated with a second TAVI.
GAMMA: a tool for the rapid identification, classification, and annotation of translated gene matches from sequencing data.

MOTIVATION Tools used to identify genes in microbial sequences using a reference database generally report matches as a percent identity, which can be difficult to interpret in cases with <100%sequence identity, as changes to specific amino acids can have dramatic effects on protein function, such as when they occur in substrate binding regions or enzyme active sites, which in turn can have dramatic effects on phenotypes like antimicrobial resistance or virulence. RESULTS Here we present GAMMA, an open-source tool for Gene Allele Mutation Microbial Assessment, which uses protein coding-level identity to make gene calls from any gene database and generates a classification (e.g., mutant, truncation) and translated annotation (e.g., Y190S mutation, truncation at residue 110) for these calls. GAMMA accurately called antimicrobial resistance genes from a large set of genomes faster than three other tools. It can also be used with any gene database, as we demonstrated by identifying virulence genes in the same genome set. Because of its speed and flexibility, GAMMA can be used to rapidly find and annotate any gene matches of interest in microbial sequencing data. AVAILABILITY GAMMA is freely available as a Bioconda package (https://bioconda.github.io/recipes/gamma/README.html) and as a command line script (https://github.com/rastanton/GAMMA). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Race and Racism in Social Emergency Medicine

Race is a social construct; it is a phenotype that has been ascribed meaning through history and human interaction. In order to confront racism and its effect in the medical system, we must speak about it openly. In this chapter, we will use the lens of implicit bias and structural racism to frame how medical management is directly affected by racism and racial bias. We will also provide tools and strategies on how to combat these forms of oppression in our practice.
The Future of Behavioral Randomized Clinical Trials

The chapter aims to predict the future of behavioral randomized trials in four key areas. The emergence of a meta-science for behavioral clinical trials will replace the “one-size-fits all” approach to behavioral trial design with designs that feature a progression of questions, a progression of methods, and the use of guidelines to facilitate decision-making. Behavioral treatments will produce stronger effects with the emergence of precision lifestyle medicine that targets precisely those most likely to benefit and tailors precisely to diverse persons, settings, and time, and with multilevel trials that simultaneously intervene on more than one level of ecologic risk. Behavioral trials will be easier to implement using networks that collaborate on multi-site behavioral trials, leveraging data routinely collected in the healthcare system, and enhancing accessibility to trials using digital technology. The gap between trial results and implementation in practice will be narrowed by strategic planning for dissemination featuring outcomes in trials that are meaningful to clinicians and third-party payers, commitment to refine treatments that have failed, and a push toward influencing clinical practice guidelines with Phase III efficacy trials.
Ecological Processes and Human Behavior Provide a Framework for Studying the Skin Microbial Metacommunity.

Metacommunity theory dictates that a microbial community is supported both by local ecological processes and the dispersal of microbes between neighboring communities. Studies that apply this perspective to human-associated microbial communities are thus far limited to the gut microbiome. Yet, the skin serves as the primary barrier between the body and the external environment, suggesting frequent opportunities for microbial dispersal to the variable microbial communities that are housed across skin sites. This paper applies metacommunity theory to understand the dispersal of microbes to the skin from the physical and social environment, as well as between different skin sites on an individual’s body. This includes highlighting the role of human behavior in driving microbial dispersal, as well as shaping physiological properties of skin that underscore local microbial community dynamics. By leveraging data from research on the skin microbiomes of amphibians and other animals, this paper provides recommendations for future research on the skin microbial metacommunity, including generating testable predictions about the ecological underpinnings of the skin microbiome.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the adult prostate: case report and review

Abstract Herein is reported a case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate in a 54-year-old male. The presenting symptoms were dysuria, hematuria, and systemic thrombotic events. Diagnosis was ascertained through a transurethral resection. The treatment course consisted of transurethral resection, prostatic embolization, chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide, cystoprostatectomy, rectal excision, and external beam radiation. The patient succumbed to the fatality of this disease within six months of diagnosis. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare tumor that can arise in the prostate and this case highlights an unusually refractory and rapidly fatal case. Treatment guidelines are not established for adults with this disease.
A tunnel-diode FM transmitter for medical research and laboratory telemetering

The design of a miniaturized FM radio transmitter using a tunnel diode as the main active element to broadcast information regarding body activity such as muscle and heart potentials to a remote receiver and recorder is reported. This FM transmitter has extremely high sensitivity. A maximum value of 500 kc/mV is obtained. The equivalent input noise of the complete transmitter and receiver system is 0.5 μV, at a signal to noise ratio of 20 dB. The dynamic range is 2×103 (1μV to 2mV). The weight is 0.1 oz. with battery, and 0.04 oz. without battery.
Specifying concurrent languages and systems with D-GRAMMARS

This paper illustrates the use of graph grammars for specifying concurrent systems and languages. The model used in this paper, Δ-Grammars, is rooted in existing graph grammar theory and provides a convenient framework in which to specify both static and dynamic concurrent systems. Our approach is illustrated by three examples.
The Microcuff™ tube allows a longer time interval until unsafe cuff pressures are reached in children

To compare cuff pressures during nitrous oxide exposure in the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube (MPT) with ultrathin high volume — low pressure polyurethane cuff to a tube with a standard polyvinyl chloride (FVC) cuff. With approval of the local Ethics Committee, 30 pediatric patients requiring tracheal intubation [tube size internal diameter (ID) 4.0 mm, or ID 7.0 mm) were included. Patients were randomly divided in three groups: A) MPT baseline cuff pressure 20 cm H2O; B) PVC, baseline cuff pressure 20 cm H2O; and C) MPT, baseline cuff pressure set to sealing pressure. Anesthesia technique and ventilator settings were standardized. The time required for cuff pressure to increase to 25 cm H2O was recorded and pressure reduced to baseline. The number of gas removals required during the first hour was noted. Data are median (range). Groups were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). There were no differences between groups in patient characteristics. PVC and MPT cuffs inflated to a baseline pressure of 20 cm H2O were similar regarding the time to first removal of gas [A: nine minutes (4–24), B: eight minutes (4–46)], and number of removals required [A: four (2–6), B: three (1–5)]. In MPT with baseline pressure set to sealing pressure [10 cm H2O (8–14)] time to first gas removal and number of removals were significantly less (P < 0.05). When baseline inflation pressure was set at 20 cm H2O, cuff pressure increased similarly in MPT and FVC tubes. When inflated just to sealing pressure, the MPT allowed a longer time interval until the upper limit of 25 cm H2O was reached.
Fluctuations in the incubation moisture environment affect growth but not survival of hatchling lizards

Few studies have collected longitudinal data that follow the complete microevolutionary path of an organism linking sources of variation (e.g. environmental versus genetic) to a trait and its subsequent relationship with fitness. Identifying the links within this pathway is imperative for understanding the ecological relevance of effects found at the phenotypic level. Furthermore, experimental studies that examine parts of the pathway in ectothermic organisms often fail to mimic the complexities of the natural developmental environment. Temperature and moisture conditions in reptile nests, for example, can fluctuate greatly on a seasonal and daily basis. Despite the potential effects of fluctuating environments, the vast majority of studies have held environmental treatments constant during the developmental period. We investigated the effects of fluctuating moisture regimes during incubation on eggs, hatchling phenotypes, and subsequent survival in the eastern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus. Moisture fluctuations during embryonic development caused water absorption by eggs to follow the environmental availability of moisture. Initial hatchling tail length was affected by the pattern of moisture fluctuations, and hatchling growth rates in fluctuating treatments were significantly faster than those in a constant treatment, resulting in larger hatchlings after 4 weeks. A release–recapture experiment conducted in the field did not detect a treatment effect on survival despite the larger body sizes. In summary, although fluctuations affected water absorption by eggs and some hatchling traits, these effects did not have subsequent fitness consequences. The results obtained suggest that egg and hatchling survival are buffered against natural soil moisture fluctuations during incubation, even when egg and hatchling traits are significantly affected. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 89–102.
The Evolution and Technique of Nerve-Sparing Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy

The evolution of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection technique and associated template modifications for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors have resulted in significant improvement in the long-term morbidity. Through the preservation of sympathetic nerves via exclusion from or prospective identification within the boundaries of resection, maintenance and recovery of antegrade ejaculation are achieved. Nerve-sparing strategies in early-stage disease are feasible in most patients. Postchemotherapy, select patients can be considered for nerve preservation. This article describes the anatomic and physiologic basis for, indications and technical aspects of, and functional and oncologic outcomes reported after nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in testicular cancer.
Political Opinion and Distinctiveness: The Case of Hispanic Ethnicity:

Despite a proliferation of research treating Hispanics as a homogeneous political group, important questions regarding the nature and structure of Hispanic public opinion remain unanswered. Are His...
Spectral inequalities for matrix exponentials

Abstract This note generalizes an inequality of Bernstein as follows. If C is an n × n complex matrix and C ( k ) is the k th compound of C, 1 ⩽ k ⩽ n, N = n k , and if the eigenvalues of C ( k ) are labeled in order of decreasing magnitude | λ 1 ( C ( k ) )|⩾ | λ 2 ( C ( k ) )|⩾⋯⩾| λ N ( C ( k ) )|, define the partial trace tr ( k ) i ( C ) by tr (k) i (C) = ∑ h=1 i λ h (C k ), i = 1,…,N. Then for any complex n × n matrix A , tr (k) i (e A e A ∗ ) ⩽ tr (k) i (e A+A ∗ ), i = 1,…,N, with equality if A is normal or k = n . A spectral inequality of K. Fan is also generalized through the use of compound matrices.
Infrared spectroscopy of Si-O bonding in low-dose low-energy separation by implanted oxygen materials

Abstract The effects of the processing conditions on the formation of buried oxide (BOX) layers in low-dose low-energy separation by implanted oxygen materials were investigated by using infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In as-implanted samples, the Si–O–Si stretching frequency increases either with increasing the oxygen dose or with decreasing implantation energy because the oxide composition becomes stoichiometric. However, the plateau frequencies were observed above a certain dose due to the compressive stress in the BOX layers. Upon ramping up to 1100 °C, the compressive stress decreases. Annealing beyond 1100 °C, the out diffusion of oxygen atoms was detected.
The Impact of Mitotic versus Interphase Chromatin Architecture on the Molecular Flow of EGFP by Pair Correlation Analysis

Here we address the impact nuclear architecture has on molecular flow within the mitotic nucleus of live cells as compared to interphase by the pair correlation function method. The mitotic chromatin is found to allow delayed but continuous molecular flow of EGFP in and out of a high chromatin density region, which, by pair correlation function analysis, is shown as a characteristic arc shape that appears upon entry and exit. This is in contrast to interphase chromatin, which regulates flow between different density chromatin regions by means of a mechanism which turns on and off intermittently, generating discrete bursts of EGFP. We show that the interphase bursts are maintained by metabolic energy, whereas the mitotic mechanism of regulation responsible for the arc is not sensitive to ATP depletion. These two distinct routes of molecular flow were concomitantly measured in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line, which indicates a conservation of mechanism on a scale more widespread than cell type or organism.
Life Cycle Assessment of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: Ethanol—Global Warming Potential and Environmental Emissions

The objective of this study is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the global warming potential (GWP), water use, and net energy value (NEV) associated with the EISA-mandated 16 bgy cellulosic biofuels target, which is assumed in this study to be met by cellulosic-based ethanol, and the EISA-mandated 15 bgy conventional corn ethanol target. Specifically, this study compares, on a per-kilometer-driven basis, the GWP, water use, and NEV for the year 2022 for several biomass feedstocks.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide on Erythromycin

Abstract Exposure of erythromycin solutions to CO2 or air for 18 h resulted in minimal deterioration under both conditions. Saturated disks exposed to the two atmospheres resulted in greater erythromycin deterioration, with slightly more deterioration occurring in the presence of CO2. Reduction of activity was greatest when assays were conducted in a CO2 environment.
Dynamic Guarding of Marine Assets Through Cluster Control of Automated Surface Vessel Fleets

There is often a need to mark or patrol marine areas in order to prevent boat traffic from approaching critical regions, such as the location of a high-value vessel, a dive site, or a fragile marine ecosystem. In this paper, we describe the use of a fleet of robotic kayaks that provides such a function: the fleet circum- navigates the critical area until a threatening boat approaches, at which point the fleet establishes a barrier between the ship and the protected area. Coordinated formation control of the fleet is implemented through the use of the cluster-space control architecture, which is a full-order controller that treats the fleet as a virtual, articulating, kinematic mechanism. An application-specific layer interacts with the cluster-space controller in order for an operator to directly specify and monitor guarding-related parameters, such as the spacing between boats. This system has been experimentally verified in the field with a fleet of robotic kayaks. In this paper, we describe the control architecture used to establish the guarding behavior, review the design of the robotic kayaks, and present experimental data regarding the functionality and performance of the system.
A field study of the pigtail monkey ( Macaca nemestrina )

A field study of the pigtail monkey (Macaca nemestrina) was conducted in Malaysia. An initial six month survey revealed a badly disturbed, diminishing population. Intensive observation required prolonged extensive habituation efforts including a modified form of provisionization and the use of a trained captive pigtail monkey. The pigtail monkey was found to be an arboreal deep forest animal which, nonetheless, came to the ground more often than any other monkey in the forests of Malaya. Responses observed in the natural habitat could not be differentiated from those seen in captive groups; but response frequencies differed. Social patterns observed were similar to those seen in other macaques but differed notably from those seen in sympatric leaf monkeys. Travel patterns, feeding, agonistic responses, sexual behavior, play and other responses are described and discussed.
Radiation exposure and diagnostic imaging

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to increase clinician awareness of current radiation exposures of diagnostic testing, discuss current practice patterns, and suggest strategies to address issues at the systems level, institution level, and the healthcare provider level. Data sources: Evidence-based literature including interdisciplinary peer-reviewed articles in the biological and health-related fields. Conclusions: Radiation exposure related to diagnostic testing is often higher than anticipated for both the clinician and the patient. Strategies to address radiation exposure need to be implemented at many different levels in the system. Best practice initiatives are surfacing and will require a team approach for success. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners need to be aware of the benefits and risks of diagnostic testing involving radiation exposure. Patients should also be informed of potential risks and benefits. Alternative imaging should be considered and repetitive testing should be monitored closely.
The relationship between person's relative body weights and the quality and quantity of food stored in their homes

Abstract This study assessed, in a non-clinical community sample, the relationship between persons' weights and the quantity and quality of foods stored in their homes. Observers visited 65 randomly selected middle class suburban homes and recorded all food out in the house or visible in food storage areas. They also measured and weighed each family member. Foods were classified by type and by caloric content per serving. A generalizability analysis indicated that the data collection system yielded relatively precise estimates of each variable. Nevertheless, there was little relationship between body weight and the quantity and quality of food stored in these families' homes. Possible differences might emerge if more deviant samples were surveyed.
Vocational Education Accountability Reports: Preparation and Use.

The demand for accountability for student achievement has expanded considerably in recent years. Various constituencies outside the educational community have demanded that schools, regardless of the level, provide evidence in the form of student achievement that monies have been wisely spent in the education of both pre‐adult and adult learners. One vehicle for reporting and verifying the progress of students is the institutional report card. This study identified a number of critical factors judged by deans of vocational education programs in community colleges to be vital in any determination of program success and posited these critical factors within a report card format appropriate for the distribution of a summative evaluation to interested constituencies.
Validation of the Thematic Mapper Radiometric And Geometric Correction Algorithms

The radiometric and geometric correction algorithms for Thematic Mapper are critical to subsequent successful information extraction. Earlier Landsat scanners, known as Multispectral Scanners, produce imagery which exhibits striping due to mismatching of detector gains and biases. Thematic Mapper exhibits the same phenomenon at three levels: detector-to-detector, scan-to-scan, and multiscan striping. The cause of these variations has been traced to variations in the dark current of the detectors. An alternative formulation has been tested and shown to be very satisfactory. Unfortunately, the Thematic Mapper detectors exhibit saturation effects suffered while viewing extensive cloud areas, and is not easily correctable. The geometric correction algorithm has been shown to be remarkably reliable. Only minor and modest improvements are indicated and shown to be effective.
Erratic continental rocks on volcanic seamounts off the US west coast

Sampling of volcanic seamounts with dredges and the remotely operated vehicle Tiburon recovered erratic rocks in surprising abundance as far as 500km offshore of the US West coast. The erratics usually have continental lithologies and appear to have been weathered in nearshore environments. They are probably transported by kelp holdfasts, drift logs, and pinnipeds to the seamounts, where they accumulate over time. The erratics are concentrated as lag deposits and kept from becoming buried in sediment by currents that sweep the seamounts. The erratics often have thinner manganese-oxide crusts than rocks of the seamounts because they were delivered to the seafloor more recently and manganese-oxide crusts precipitate over time. The thinner crusts make erratics easier to collect. While most of the erratics clearly did not originate by the volcanic processes that formed the seamounts, careful evaluation of some is necessary to distinguish them as erratics. Failure to recognize the presence of erratics may result in unrealistically complex interpretations of regional geology.
Characterization Of Corneal Specular Endothelial Photomicrographs By Their Fourier Transforms

The innermost layer of the cornea consists of a single layer of cells which are responsible for the active transport of fluid from the cornea to the aqueous humor. This cellular layer is about 5 pm thick and consist of cells of various shapes (pentagons, hexagons, hexagons, and octagons) although hexagons predominate. With aging and disease states, the cells become enlarged and the percent of hexagons decrease with the appearance of many five and seven side cells. The shape of the endothelial cells in the living cornea is usually evaluated from specular photomicrographs made in specularly reflected light which shows the cell borders in a square millimeter of corneal endothelium. The cell borders are traced out and the cells are analyzed with a digitizer pad, stylus, and computer software. This yields the cell area, density, coefficient of variation, and a histogram of n-sided cells. As an alternative approach to evaluate the cell shape and pattern optically, the following system was employed. The Fourier transform of the cell pattern was obtained on a digital image processor. This technique results in a fingerprint of the original cellular pattern which can be used to characterize the cellular arrangement.
A note regarding permutation binomials over F q 2

Let f = a x + x r ( q - 1 ) + 1 ? F q 2 * x ] , r ? { 5 , 7 } . We give explicit conditions on the values ( q , a ) for which f is a permutation polynomial of F q 2 .
Parametric instabilities during electron cyclotron heating of tandem mirrors

Electron cyclotron resonance heating is one of the most commonly used methods of heating electrons in the plugs and in the thermal barriers of tandem mirrors. The intense coherent electromagnetic waves used for such heating are susceptible to parametric decay into other modes. Significant growth rates are found for the decay of either ordinary or extraordinary waves into two magnetized electron plasma waves. This and related effects may result in electron heating mechanisms rather different than those assumed in linear ray-tracing calculations. These results may help explain the unusual effects observed during heating of the Phaedrus tandem mirror device. In the general case, these instabilities may be strongly inhibited by density gradients.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THAT RECOGNIZES A DETERMINANT UNIQUE TO HUMAN HAEMOGLOBIN ?-CHAIN

Methodologies are described for the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to human haemoglobin. Three monoclonal antibodies are described, two of which recognize distinct determinants on the alpha-chain subunit. A third monoclonal antibody, Hb-2d, recognizes a determinant expressed on human beta-chain. The Hb-2d determinant is shared by human and baboon haemoglobins, but is not expressed by haemoglobins from beef, goose, pig, rabbit, sheep, dog, rat or mouse. Monoclonal antibody Hb-2d will bind to haemoglobin A2 but not to foetal haemoglobin suggesting that delta-but not gamma-chain also expresses the Hb-2d determinant. The results of testing a limited panel of human haemoglobin variants is presented.
Introduction to an introduction to holography

ABSTRACT A preliminary introduction to holography geared towards artists and the general public will be discussed. The method is based on a participatory approach that relates holography to psychology/perception, science/physics and aiifimaging. The overall intention is designed to leak down unconscious assumptions. 1. INTRODUCTION As we begin our paper "An Introduction To An Introduction To Holography" We am reminded of a quoteby President John F. Kennedy who said "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". A statement for holography might be "ask not for an explanation of holography but how through an explanation, we can better undetsiand our perception of the world around us. The following is intended for instructors, teaching holography or anyone dealing with the inevitablequestion "how does holography work?". It is intended as a preface before explaining wave theory,interference and diffrtion, etc.. 2. APPROACH
A parallel technique for signal-level perceptual organization

Due to the potential for essentially unbounded scene complexity, it is often necessary to translate the sensor-derived signals into richer symbolic representations. A key initial stage in this abstraction process is signal-level perceptual organization (SLPO) involving the processes of partitioning and identification. A parallel SLPO algorithm that follows the global hypothesis testing paradigm, but breaks the iterative structure of conventional region growing through the use of alpha -partitioning and region filtering is presented. These two techniques segment an image such that the gray-level variation within each region can be described by a regression model. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm. >
Identifying the Preferred RNA Motifs and Chemotypes that Interact by Probing Millions of Combinations

RNA is an important therapeutic target but information about RNA-ligand interactions is limited. Here, we report a screening method that probes over 3,000,000 combinations of RNA motif-small molecule interactions to identify the privileged RNA structures and chemical spaces that interact. Specifically, a small molecule library biased for binding RNA was probed for binding to over 70,000 unique RNA motifs in a high throughput solution-based screen. The RNA motifs that specifically bind each small molecule were identified by microarray-based selection. In this library-versus-library or multidimensional combinatorial screening approach, hairpin loops (among a variety of RNA motifs) were the preferred RNA motif space that binds small molecules. Furthermore, it was shown that indole, 2-phenyl indole, 2-phenyl benzimidazole and pyridinium chemotypes allow for specific recognition of RNA motifs. As targeting RNA with small molecules is an extremely challenging area, these studies provide new information on RNA-ligand interactions that has many potential uses.
Creating the Past: Schelling’s Ages of the World

F.W.J. Schelling’s Ages of the World has just begun to receive the critical attention it deserves as a contribution to the philosophy of history. Its most significant philosophical move is to pose the question of the origin of the past itself, asking what “caused” the past. Schelling treats the past not as a past present (something that used to be a ’now’ but no longer is) — but rather as an eternal past, a different dimension of time altogether, and one that was never a present ’now’. For Schelling, the past functions as the transcendental ground of the present, the true ’a priori’. Schelling’s account of the creation of this past takes the form of a theogeny: in order to exist, God needed to separate the past from the present. By grounding the creation of the past in a free decision of God, Schelling tries to conceptualize temporality so as to preserve the sort of radical contingency and authentic freedom that he considers essential features of history. In so doing, he opens up a way of viewing time that avoids the pitfalls of the Hegelian dialectic and anticipates some of the 20th century developments in phenomenology.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Sulfasalazine (SSZ), 3 gm daily, was compared with placebo for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, in a 15-week randomized, parallel, double-blind trial. Joint tenderness and swelling, morning stiffness, grip strength, and pain score all showed significantly more improvement with SSZ than with placebo. Adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal reactions, led to withdrawal from the study of 28% of the patients who had been receiving SSZ, but these effects were all readily reversible and not life-threatening. These results confirm previous findings that suppression of rheumatoid synovitis may be induced by SSZ, within 2 months after full maintenance doses are reached.
Flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry, a comparison of techniques

Objective Flow and laser scanning cytometry are used extensively in research and clinical settings. These techniques provide clinicians and scientists information about cell functioning in a variety of health and disease states. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of cytometry techniques can enhance interpretation of current research findings. Our goal with this review is to reacquaint clinicians and scientists with information concerning differences between flow and laser scanning cytometry by comparing their capabilities and applications.
Vitamin B12 in wheys prepared by coagulating milk with acid and rennet.

Summary The U.S.P. microbiological assay procedure for vitamin B 12 activity was followed, using Lactobacillus leichmanii ATCC 7830. Three samples of pasteurized milk and 16 samples of pasteurized skimmilk averaged, respectively, 4.0 γ and 4.7 γ of vitamin B 12 per liter. Comparison of amounts of vitamin B 12 in wheys and original milks indicated that both casein and whey proteins bind the vitamin. Rennet extract caused hydrolysis and/or separation from casein of some of the bound vitamin B 12 . Six rennet wheys contained an average of 60% of the vitamin B 12 present in the original milk or skimmilk. Six acid wheys contained an average of 44% of the vitamin present in the original skimmilk. The separation of bound vitamin B 12 from casein was influenced by rennet concentration and time at 40° C.
The RHOX Homeodomain Proteins Regulate the Expression of Insulin and Other Metabolic Regulators in the Testis

Defects in cellular metabolism have been widely implicated in causing male infertility, but there has been little progress in understanding the underlying mechanism. Here we report that several key metabolism genes are regulated in the testis by Rhox5, the founding member of a large X-linked homeobox gene cluster. Among these Rhox5-regulated genes are insulin 2 (Ins2), resistin (Retn), and adiponectin (Adipoq), all of which encode secreted proteins that have profound and wide-ranging effects on cellular metabolism. The ability of Rhox5 to regulate their levels in the testis has the potential to dictate metabolism locally in this organ, given the existence of the blood-testes barrier. We demonstrate that Ins2 is a direct target of Rhox5 in Sertoli cells, and we show that this regulation is physiologically significant, because Rhox5-null mice fail to up-regulate Ins2 expression during the first wave of spermatogenesis and have insulin-signaling defects. We identify other Rhox family members that induce Ins2 transcription, define protein domains and homeodomain amino acid residues crucial for this property, and demonstrate that this regulation is conserved. Rhox5-null mice also exhibit altered expression of other metabolism genes, including those encoding the master transcriptional regulators of metabolism, PPARG and PPARGC1A, as well as SCD1, the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid metabolism. These results, coupled with the known roles of RHOX5 and its target metabolism genes in spermatogenesis in vivo, lead us to propose a model in which RHOX5 is a central transcription factor that promotes the survival of male germ cells via its effects on cellular metabolism.
A comparative study of eggshell proteins in lepidoptera.

As a first step in the study of chorion composition, biochemical development and morphogenesis, we have studied the proteins of moth chorions (eggshells). We draw attention to the extensive similarities of these proteins in a variety of species. We also report that the eggshell proteins are deposited in succession, each with its characteristic time table. This phenomenon may be related to the morphogenesis of chorion.
A Golgi study of the class V cell in the visual thalamus of the cat

Golgi methods were used to study class V cells within the cat visual thalamus. Counterstaining was combined with Golgi staining to assess the distribution of dendrites relative to cytoarchitectural boundaries. Class V cells were encountered within all laminae of the lateral geniculate nucleus, the medial interlaminar nucleus, and the lateral posterior complex. The cells possess medium-sized perikarya and smooth and varicose or moniliform dendrites. Dendritic appendages are sparse and occur as single or serial swellings on thin processes. Many class V cells exhibit large, sparse dendritic arbors which span laminar or nuclear borders; dendrites were seen to lie within and to cross the interlaminar zones of the lateral geniculate nucleus, and extend beyond this nucleus into the perigeniculate nucleus and medial interlaminar nucleus. Class V cells of the lateral posterior complex send dendrites into the external medullary lamina. Indirect evidence favors the interpretation that the class V cells are thalamo-cortical relay cells.
Quantum field theories on a lattice: Variational methods for arbitrary coupling strengths and the Ising model in a transverse magnetic field

This paper continues our studies of quantum field theories on a lattice. We develop techniques for computing the low-lying spectrum of a lattice Hamiltonian using a variational approach, without recourse either to weak- or strong-coupling expansions. Our variational methods, which are relatively simple and straightforward, are applied to the Ising model in a transverse magnetic field as well as to a free spinless field theory. We demonstrate their accuracy in the vicinity of a phase transition for the Ising model by comparing with known exact solutions.
STIMULUS OVERSELECTIVITY IN LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN

Stimulus overselectivity, a phenomenon exhibited by autistic and institutionalized retarded individuals, was examined in mildly handicapped and nonhandicapped public school children. Subjects were 16 young, educable mentally retarded, 16 learning disabled, 15 nonhandicapped first- and second-graders, and 16 older, educable retarded students. The children were trained on a 3-component visual discrimination task and then tested on individual elements to determine which element or elements were controlling subject responses. Nine of the young educable mentally retarded children and eight of the learning disabled students showed some overselectivity. The majority of overselective retarded children were controlled by only one of the three components of the training cue, whereas the majority of the overselective learning disabled children responded to the discrimination task on the basis of two of the three components. No overselectivity was exhibited by the nonhandicapped students. All three cue components were also functional in controlling the responding of 14 of the 16 older retarded students, but two children were under the control of only one cue. The research indicated that in terms of overselectivity, learning disabled children respond more like young, mildly retarded children than they do like nonhandicapped ones. The demonstration of stimulus overselectivity in a sizable portion of a learning disabled sample may have implications for a more empirically based approach to this handicapped population.