cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical Algorithms For Phase Retrieval

Two iterative algorithms are presented for phase retrieval from intensity measurements for two-dimensional complex-valued sequences. The first algorithm constructs a linear combination of present and past iteration outputs using a relaxation parameter. The second algorithm utilizes a Kalman-type filter to combine estimates of object domain magnitude. A new error metric is defined that uses residual monitoring to show the relationship of the error to the reconstructed image quality. These algorithms are first tested against real-valued images to investigate their convergence chacacteristics. Both algorithms are then applied to infrared images which are characterized by low-contrast and noise-corruption. The question of uniqueness is also addressed for two-dimensional complex-valued sequences.
Accurate Measurement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Gradient Characteristics

Recently, gradient performance and fidelity has become of increasing interest, as the fidelity of the magnetic resonance (MR) image is somewhat dependent on the fidelity of the gradient system. In particular, for high fidelity non-Cartesian imaging, due to non-fidelity of the gradient system, it becomes necessary to know the actual k-space trajectory as opposed to the requested trajectory. In this work we show that, by considering the gradient system as a linear time-invariant system, the gradient impulse response function (GIRF) can be reliably measured to a relatively high degree of accuracy with a simple setup, using a small phantom and a series of simple experiments. It is shown experimentally that the resulting GIRF is able to predict actual gradient performance with a high degree of accuracy. The method captures not only the frequency response but also gradient timing errors and artifacts due to mechanical vibrations of the gradient system. Some discussion is provided comparing the method presented here with other analogous methods, along with limitations of these methods.
USCAP Specialty Conference: case 4.

HISTOLOGIC FINDINGS A discrete fibro-osseous lesion permeated the bony cortex. The lesion contained a mixture of bony spicules and cementum-like bodies. The bony spicules had curvilinear outlines and comprised woven and lamellar bone. Osteoblasts lined the spicules. The cementum-like bodies had irregular to globular outlines and contained a slightly refractive, basophilic material. Some formed psammomatoid bodies. Bundles of parallel and whorled fibroblasts formed a fibrocollagenous stroma between the bony material. There was no evidence of significant atypia or mitotic activity (Figs. 1 and 2).
Effects of acute ethanol exposure on regulatory mechanisms of Bcl-2-associated apoptosis promoter, bad, in neonatal rat cerebellum: differential effects during vulnerable and resistant developmental periods.

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure produces anatomical and behavioral abnormalities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Animal FAS models have demonstrated temporal windows of vulnerability in the developing cerebellum, with substantial ethanol (EtOH)-mediated apoptotic activation during these periods. In rodents, the cerebellum is most sensitive to EtOH on postnatal days 4 to 6 (P4 to P6). At slightly later ages (P7 and later), this region is less vulnerable to EtOH. The present study investigated EtOH effects on mechanisms related to activities of Bad, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 gene family, to further characterize processes underlying these disparate EtOH sensitivities. In healthy cells, Bad is retained in the cytosol by association with 14-3-3, a primarily cytosolic protein. Bad promotes apoptosis by disassociating from 14-3-3 and sequestering Bcl-xL through heterodimerization. This dimerization prevents the neutralizing association of Bcl-xL with Bax, freeing Bax to perform in a prodeath manner. Caspase-dependent cleavage of Bad to a 15-kDa fragment increases its proapoptogenic capacity. Methods: Two hours following EtOH exposure of P4 and P7 animals via inhalation, we determined how exposure affects intracellular localization and proteolytic cleavage of Bad and expression of cerebellar 14-3-3, using subcellular fractionation and Western blot techniques. Ethanol effects on interactions between Bad and 14-3-3 or Bcl-xL at the more vulnerable and less vulnerable ages were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay–based technique to detect native protein–protein interactions. Results: At P4, EtOH increased mitochondrial localization of Bad, expression of a 15-kDa fragment recognized by Bad antibody, and formation of Bad:Bcl-xL complexes. At that more vulnerable age, EtOH also decreased formation of Bad:14-3-3 complexes. At P7, EtOH increased Bad:14-3-3 complexes and reduced Bad:Bcl-xL complexes. Cytosolic 14-3-3 remained unchanged by EtOH at P4 and P7. Conclusions: Ethanol-induced alterations of Bad-related mechanisms at P4 favor a prodeath response. EtOH does not influence these same mechanisms in a manner that promotes cell death at P7. Divergent Bad-related responses at these 2 developmental ages likely contribute to their differential EtOH vulnerability.
Clinical and urodynamic predictors of delayed voiding after fascia lata suburethral sling.

Abstract Objective: To determine the time to resumption of normal voiding after a fascia lata sling and whether any clinical, operative, or urodynamic variables predict it. Methods: Between January 1993 and September 1996, 62 women underwent fascia lata suburethral sling operations for intrinsic sphincter deficiency or recurrent stress incontinence. The demographic, operative, and urodynamic data of 61 of these patients were analyzed. Results: The mean number of days to resumption of normal voiding was ten. Three patients (5%) developed permanent retention. Patients 65 years and older were more likely than younger patients to have prolonged catheterization (16 versus 7 days, P = .008). Women who had additional procedures voided at a mean of 15 days compared to nine days for those having slings only (P = .029). A preoperative urine flow rate less than 20 mL/sec was associated with late voiding. There was no significant relationship between preoperative voiding mechanism and voiding time. Conclusion: Resumption of normal voiding occurred earlier than reported by others. Age over 65 years, additional surgical procedures, and low peak flow rates were risk factors for delayed voiding. Time to normal voiding was independent of the preoperative voiding mechanism.
Iron isotope exchange kinetics at the nanoparticulate ferrihydrite surface

The extent and rate of Fe-isotope exchange between aqueous Fe(III) atoms and those at the nanoparticulate ferrihydrite surface have been constrained using a 5 7 Fe-isotope tracer approach. Isotopic exchange was determinedbetween hexaquo Fe(III) and 3 nm ferrihydrite under conditions analogous to natural environments at the equilibrium solubility of nanoparticulate ferrihydrite. Within approximately 11 days, the percent Fe-isotope (atom) exchange increased to a maximum of 26 ′ 5%, and remained constant within error over the remaining 12-week time of the experiment, suggesting that Fe-isotope exchange is limited to Fe atoms in available surface sites. These results confirm earlier work that used NTA- and EDTA-bearing solutions, which concluded isotopic exchange is largely limited to Fe at surface sites. Our results, however, which were obtained in dilute aqueous solutions at the natural solubility of 0.12 ppm aqueous Fe(III) (pH = 4.7), demonstrate that isotopic exchange rates are one to two orders of magnitude slower in the absence of Fe(III) a q -complexing ligands.
Gender Relations and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Michael Crichton's Disclosure as a Teaching Tool

In Crichton's best-selling novel Disclosure, a high-level manager who rejects the sexual advances of his new boss (who is also his ex-lover) is accused by her of sexual harassment. Meanwhile, their high-tech West Coast company is being considered for possible acquisition by a New York publishing conglomerate that would appear to be intolerant of even the tiniest intimation of impropriety. This novel can be used as the foundation for provocative discussion of topics, including the gray areas of sexual harassment, the relationship between sexual harassment and power, and the nature of gender relations in organizations.
Contribution to the theory of accidental degeneracies

An attempt is made to throw light on the problem of degeneracies which cannot be simply attributed to self-evident symmetry properties of a physical system. The present investigation is based on a Hamiltonian which contains two independently continuously variable parameters which enter in a linear way when the operator form of the energy is constructed. The Hamiltonian may therefore contain as many as two independent terms which must commute plus a perturbation ζH'. Emphasis is placed on the question of conditions whereby degeneracies in the unperturbed problem are removed for any perturbation over at least a finite range of ζ. Such points, acnodes in parameter space, are found to occur, in general, only for ζ=0. The fact that such situations arise for uncoupled levels is clearly nontrivial. From a study of the nature of the degeneracies, as they depend on the parameters, between uncoupled states in cases of special dimensionality of the set of coupled states, one can conclude that acnodes are not often encountered and usually, a degeneracy in the unperturbed case will persist in the sense that it will occur for a continuous manifold of points in parameter space. It is pointed out that degeneracies may exist which are independent of the values of the parameters. These so-called intrinsic degeneracies are discussed in an appendix.
The spatial dispersion of economic activities and development trends in China: 1952–1985

This paper reviews and analyzes the spatial dispersion of economic activities in the Peoples' Republic of China for the period of 1952–1985. The purpose of the paper is to shed light on the future prospect of spatial development in China. Specifically, the paper examines the relationship between spatial dispersions of economic activities and the central government's policy for economic development in past decades.
An Engineering Concept and Enabling Technologies for a Large Single Aperture Far-Infrared Observatory (SAFIR)

"To take the next step in exploring this important part of the spectrum [30-300μm], the committee recommends the Single Aperture Far-Infrared Observatory (SAFIR)." - Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium, 2001 . In response to this recommendation, we have undertaken a study of the enabling technologies for a large single aperture far-infrared telescope such as SAFIR. A broad list of science investigations was produced and used to generate an explicit list of science requirements, from which top-level engineering requirements were derived. From these requirements, we developed a conceptual design for the SAFIR observatory based on NGST's current designs. A detailed analysis has been made of the changes and technologies necessary to produce SAFIR. Crucial technologies requiring innovation include lightweight deployable optics, cryogenic cooling of optical elements and instruments, and large arrays of sensitive detectors. Cryogen-free refrigeration technologies are necessary for SAFIR's long mission lifetime, and will have to provide significant (~100mW) cooling power at 4K to cool the mirrors while providing very low temperatures (~50mK) for detector arrays. The detector arrays require wide wavelength coverage, thousands of continuum elements, and compatibility with broadband and spectroscopic instruments.
Fluorometric data processing strategies using nanosecond waveform digitizers

Developments in commercially available digitization technology have made practical the software processing of nanosecond fluorometric data. The data are digitized and transferred to a microcomputer after each excitation pulse, then processed by a software module simulating either analog or photon counting detection. Software anode current processing provides display of the decay and integration of its area in the same operation, offers a multiplex advantage to improve decay collection rate, and allows the definition of a nearly rectangular gating function with sharp 1-ns edges. Application of the photon counting method to fluorometric instruments based on low-repetition-rate lasers is achieved with a multistop, multilevel discrimination algorithm to increase the usable detection rate. The ability to achieve photon counting detection permits a more rigorous statistical treatment of the data and can provide transit time-spread limited resolution.
Dry pelletization of kaolin

Nominally dry kaolin powder was pelletized without the addition of seeds in a laboratory-scale batch granulation drum. The effects of relative humidity, drum speed and size of nuclei precursors, formed by sieving the clay through screens of different mesh openings, were studied. The pellets grew in size primarily by abrasion transfer of clay particles and clusters from one granule to another as they rolled past each other in the rotating charge, with perhaps some contribution also from the crushing and layering mechanism of growth. The rate of growth of the pellets was retarded significantly when the powder was equilibrated and pelletized in high relative humidity. With faster drum speeds as well as with larger size of the nuclei precursors, the rate of growth was observed to increase. Size distributions of the granules were log-normal, in conformity with a simple stochastic model of the kinetics of dry pelletization.
Critical Analysis of Empiric Antibiotic Utilization: Establishing Benchmarks*

Abstract Aim: We critically evaluated empiric antibiotic practice in the surgical and trauma intensive care unit (STICU) with three specific objectives: (1) To characterize empiric antibiotics practice prospectively; (2) to determine how frequently STICU patients started on empiric antibiotics subsequently have a confirmed infection; and (3) to elucidate the complications associated with unnecessary empiric antibiotic therapy. Methods: We collected data prospectively using the Surgical Intensive Care-Infection Registry (SIC-IR) including all 1,185 patients admitted to the STICU for >2 days from March 2007 through May 2008. Empiric antibiotics were defined as those initiated because of suspected infections. Results: The mean patient age was 56 years and 62% were male. The mean STICU length of stay was eight days, and the mortality rate was 4.6%. Empiric antibiotics were started for 26.3% of the patients. The average length of antibiotic use was three days. Of the 312 patients started on empiric antibiotics...
Accessory spleen: a potential cause of misdiagnosis at EUS.

Abstract Background: Accessory spleen is a common congenital anomaly. There are currently no endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) criteria for the diagnosis or differentiation of this benign splenic anomaly from pathologic disorders including neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to characterize EUS features and develop criteria for the diagnosis of accessory spleen. Methods: Ten patients undergoing EUS were found to have a possible pancreatic tail or perisplenic mass later confirmed by CT to be either an accessory spleen or a prominent lobule of the spleen. EUS criteria assessed included size, shape, location, echo texture, echo density and border demarcation. Results: Ten patients (mean age 58 years) were evaluated. Indications for EUS were evaluation of pancreaticobiliary disease in 9 patients and a gastric submucosal mass in 1 patient. Eight patients had an accessory spleen and 2 had a lobulated spleen. The mean diameter of these lesions as seen on EUS was 2.70 × 3.12 cm. Nine were round and 1 was oval. Because all were located inferolateral to the pancreatic tail and medial to the spleen, 5 of 10 were initially thought to be pancreatic masses. All of these lesions had a sharp and regular outer margin and homogenous echo texture, 4 were hypoechoic and 6 hyperechoic. There were no specific EUS features identified that differentiated splenic lobulations from accessory spleen. Conclusions: Accessory spleen and splenic lobulation can be misinterpreted as neoplasm by EUS. Although homogenous, they can be hyperechoic or hypoechoic. Their sharp and regular outer margin and anatomic location may help to avoid misdiagnosis. Furthermore, computed tomography may be helpful in confirming their presence.
Improving osteoporosis screening, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment initiation: role of the health-system pharmacist in closing the gap.

Purpose To describe the epidemiology of osteoporosis and related fractures in the United States, morbidity and mortality from the disease, the gap between evidence and practice related to screening and treatment, and new approaches to risk assessment and treatment decisions. Summary Osteoporosis-related fractures are a significant cause of disability, pain, and even death. Fractures are more common in women than men, but men also are affected. Screening for and treatment of osteoporosis are inadequate, so bone health initiatives have been developed to begin addressing this problem. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). While BMD is an important factor in assessing bone strength, other factors such as advanced age and various lifestyle, genetic, and disease- and medication-related factors are also important in assessing fracture risk. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has published recommendations to guide decisions about BMD testing and treatment to reduce fracture risk. The NOF publication incorporates a fracture risk assessment tool from the World Health Organization (WHO) that facilitates treatment decision making. Conclusion Health-system pharmacists can improve outcomes in patients with or at risk for osteoporosis by collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team in osteoporosis screening, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Development of CMOS-Compatible Membrane Projection Lithography.

Recently we have demonstrated membrane projection lithography (MPL) as a fabrication approach capable of creating 3D structures with sub-micron metallic inclusions for use in metamaterial and plasmonic applications using polymer material systems. While polymers provide several advantages in processing, they are soft and subject to stress-induced buckling. Furthermore, in next generation active photonic structures, integration of photonic components with CMOS electronics is desirable. While the MPL process flow is conceptually simple, it requires matrix, membrane and backfill materials with orthogonal processing deposition/removal chemistries. By transitioning the MPL process flow into an entirely inorganic material set based around silicon and standard CMOS-compatible materials, several elements of silicon microelectronics can be integrated into photonic devices at the unit-cell scale. This paper will present detailed fabrication and characterization data of these materials, emphasizing the processing trade space as well as optical characterization of the resulting structures.
Development of species sensitivity distributions for wildlife using interspecies toxicity correlation models.

Species sensitivity distributions (SSD) are probability distributions of chemical toxicity of multiple species and have had limited application in wildlife risk assessment because of relatively sma...
Swaps and Roosa Bonds as an Index of the Cost of Cooperation in the “Crisis Zone”

I. Introduction, 349. — II. Swaps and Roosa Bonds as substitutes for conversion of dollars into gold, 349. — III. A portfolio behavior model for reserve assets, 351. — IV. Empirical results, 353. — V. Summary and conclusions, 355. — Appendix, 355.
Interaction Patterns in Organic and Mechanistic System

The research reported here compared actual communication of managers and subordinates in two plants, one organized by an organic, self-managing team philosophy and one by mechanistic, authority-bas...
Deep Semantic Analysis of Text

We describe a graphical logical form as a semantic representation for text understanding. This representation was designed to bridge the gap between highly expressive "deep" representations of logical forms and more shallow semantic encodings such as word senses and semantic relations. It preserves rich semantic content while allowing for compact ambiguity encoding and viable partial representations. We describe our system for semantic text processing, which has the TRIPS parser at the core, augmented with statistical preprocessing techniques and online lexical lookup. We also present an evaluation metric for the representation and use it to evaluate the performance of the TRIPS parser on the common task paragraphs.
Evaluating input changes in a given facility—Iron making

Abstract This paper examines the effects of changes in the nature and mix of inputs on an otherwise essentially stable processing technology. The impact of the benefication and agglomeration (pelletizing) of iron ore on blast furnace productivity is shown to transcend both the usually postulated, overly simplified, models of such effects and also the expectations of managements themselves. Analysis of the physical performance and financial data for three major American blast furnace installations demonstrates the pervasive changes brought about by what, at first glance, may seem no more than a simple substitution among inputs.
Selective and organotypic culture of intrahepatic bile duct cells from adult pig liver

Secondary culture of nontransformed bile duct epithelium has been difficult to achieve. STO feeder cell-dependent secondary cultures of adult pig bile duct cells were established from primary cultures of adult pig liver cells. Adult pig hepatocytes exhibited limited or no replication and were lost from the secondary culture at Passage 3 or 4. In contrast, adult pig bile duct cells replicated and were carried for 4-8 passages in secondary culture. A simple method to produce nearly pure pig intrahepatic bile duct cultures was first to freeze a relatively crude liver cell preparation. Upon subsequent thawing, all hepatocytes and most macrophages were lysed. Bile duct cells composed 95% of the surviving cells after the freeze/thaw, and they grew out rapidly. The bile duct cells grew on top of the STO feeder cells as closely knit epithelial, colonial outgrowths. Histocytochemical and biochemical analyses demonstrated high levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity and low levels of P450 activity in the bile duct cultures. The bile duct cells spontaneously adopted a multicellular ductal morphology after 7-10 d in static culture which was similar to that found in in vivo pig liver. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed complex junctions and desmosomes typical of epithelium, and lumenally projecting cilia typical of in vivo intrahepatic bile ductules. This simple method for the coculture of pig intrahepatic bile duct cells which adopt in vivo-like structure may facilitate biological studies of this important, but difficult to culture, cell type.
Goal-determined metrics to assess outcomes of exotropia surgery.

Purpose To report outcomes of esotropia surgery with a goal-determined tool. Methods A goal-determined outcomes analysis tool was devised to address a quality improvement initiative at Boston Children's Hospital. Surgeons preoperatively ranked four possible goals for intervention: enhancement of binocular potential, restoration of eye contact (reconstructive), management of diplopia, and resolution of torticollis. Criteria for success were goal specific; the primary outcome measure was surgical success at 2-4 months. Secondary outcomes included appraisal of risk factors and a comparison of outcomes with this methodology versus traditional criteria for success based on motor alignment. No patients were excluded based on diagnosis, systemic and ocular risk factors, or intervention performed. Results A total of 824 patients underwent esotropia surgery from 2006 to 2012 and returned for evaluation at 2-4 months' follow-up. Of these, 777 had sufficient documentation for inclusion: 372 procedures were performed primarily to improve binocular potential; 238, to restore eye contact; 124, to resolve diplopia; and 43, to remediate torticollis. Excellent (71%) or good (13.7%) results were obtained in 84% of cases. Without associated risk factors, 75% had excellent and 14% had good outcomes. Risk factors were present in 444 (57%). Success diminished with prior strabismus surgery ( P = 0.004), preoperative angle ≥50 Δ ( P = 0.002), and surgery before 12 months of age ( P = 0.003). Patients having surgery to remediate diplopia had the best outcomes (excellent, 79%; good, 8%). Preoperative ranking of goals allowed demonstration of better results than would have been reported with requirement of "traditional" motor alignment criteria ( P = 0.009). Conclusions Goal-determined methodology can be useful for monitoring outcomes of esotropia surgery in diverse populations.
Focal adhesion kinase in neutrophil-induced microvascular hyperpermeability

Objective: Recent experimental evidence indicates an essential role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in mediating endothelial adhesion, contraction, and migration under physical stress and chemical stimulation. However, the functional impact of FAK on microvascular barrier property during inflammation has not been revealed. The aim of this study was to explore the potential contribution of FAK to neutrophil-dependent microvascular hyperpermeability.Methods: The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin was measured in intact, isolated porcine coronary venules during stimulation by C5a-activated neutrophils. In parallel, the transendothelial flux of albumin was quantified in cultured venular endothelial cell monolayers exposed to C5a-activated neutrophils. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were performed to assess FAK tyrosine phosphorylation and distribution in endothelial cells, respectively. To specify the signaling effect of FAK on neutrophil-elicited endothelial hyperpermeability, FAK-related ...
The Employment Pattern of Professional Couples and Their Distribution of Involvement in the Family

Thirty-two two-profession couples in three different age groups with children were interviewed together to determine if there was a relationship between their employment pattern and their distribut...
DRYING WOOD: A REVIEW - PART II

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the technology of wood drying and recent developments in the field. The importance of drying is reviewed first. Then the fundamentals of wood properties as they relate to drying are discussed, including how water is held in wood, how it moves through wood, and how drying stresses that lead to drying defects develop. Traditional drying technology for lumber, veneer, and heavy timbers is then presented. With this background, the discussion moves to recent developments in drying technology that have been implemented commercially, such as high-temperature drying, low-temperature drying, continuously rising temperature drying, vacuum drying, and advances in process control. Finally, a discussion is presented on drying technology of the future. This topic describes processes that offer potential improvements in drying technology, but are still in the research and development stage.
Intrapleural Instillation of Quinacrine for Treatment of Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax

We used intrapleural instillation of quinacrine hydrochloride in 20 patients (Group A) with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (one bilateral) and compared their clinical course with 19 patients who underwent thoracotomy and scarification or pleurectomy (Group B) and 63 patients treated by tube thoracostomy alone (Group C). In Group A, there was one complication of treatment, a pneumothorax immediately following tube removal, which necessitated repeat tube thoracostomy, and there was one late ipsilateral recurrence 2 years after treatment. These 20 patients with 21 recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces treated with intrapleurally administered quinacrine have been followed for from 6 months to more than 4 years with only one late recurrence on the treated side. Eight patients in Group B had postoperative complications: 2 patients who had had pleurectomy required reoperation for postoperative bleeding; lobar pneumonia developed in 3; 1 had lack of total expansion of the lung; an intrathoracic hematoma developed in 1; and an ipsilateral pneumothorax necessitating tube thoracostomy developed in 1. In Group C, the rate of recurrence of pneumothorax was 23% during the first year following treatment. Intrapleural instillation of quinacrine is a simple, low-risk, reliable, and effective treatment for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, and is equally as effective as thoracotomy and scarification.
Chalcogenide glass microlenses by inkjet printing

We demonstrate micrometer scale mid-IR lenses for integrated optics, using solution-based inkjet printing techniques and subsequent processing. Arsenic sulfide spherical microlenses with diameters of 10–350 μm and focal lengths of 10–700 μm have been fabricated. The baking conditions can be used to tune the precise focal length.
The stressful kiss: A biopsychosocial evaluation of the origins, evolution, and societal significance of vampirism

First, the stress relevance of vampirism is discussed, and the current vampire craze is considered along with a rationale for the scientific investigation of vampirism. Second, the origins of vampirism are examined. Third, the origin of Dracula is presented. Fourth, cinematic portrayals of Dracula and other vampires are given. Fifth, methods of prevention of vampire formation are considered. Sixth, a typical vampire is examined. Seventh, creation of vampires is explored. Eighth, destruction of vampires is considered. Ninth, historical vampires are examined. Tenth, current vampires are discussed. Eleventh, the sociological, physiological, and stress--related reasons for vampirism are explored. Twelfth, the anatomical, physiological, and stress-related aspects of love, vampire, and lethal biting are considered. Forensic methods of bite detection are then examined. Afterwards, the sociological, physiological, and psychological aspects of vampirism are evaluated. Finally, the dangers of vampirism are detailed.
Predicting listening accuracy in the interview with training scores

The relationship among three sets of test scores was studied: listening accuracy on a test based on a 12-min audio-video tape of an employment interview, and separate accuracy test scores from the lecture and text portions of three examinations in a course in personnel evalua- tion. Participants were afternoon (N = 32) and evening (N = 22) students taking the course as a graduation requirement. The means and standard deviations for the two sections were not found to be significantly different and were pooled. The intercorrelations between the tests of accuracy were significant (p <.01), and indeed, were not significantly different from each other. A single processing mechanism links perceptual and acoustic systems and acts on the recall and recognition of verbal material whether read or heard. The implications for screening candidates for assignment to interviewing duties are discussed.
Block of external urethral sphincter contraction by high frequency electrical stimulation of pudendal nerve.

ABSTRACTPurpose: High frequency electrical stimulation (1 to 10 kHz) of the pudendal nerve was evaluated as a method to block the external urethral sphincter contractions and increases in intrauret...
Every surgical resident should know how to perform a cricothyrotomy: an inexpensive cricothyrotomy task trainer for teaching and assessing surgical trainees.

Objective Emergency cricothyrotomy is a rare but potentially lifesaving procedure. Training opportunities for surgical residents to learn this skill are limited, and many graduating residents have never performed one during their training. We aimed to develop and validate a novel and inexpensive cricothyrotomy task trainer that can be constructed from household items. Design A model was constructed using a toilet paper roll (trachea and larynx), Styrofoam (soft tissue), cardboard (thyroid cartilage), zip tie (cricoid), and fabric (skin). Participants were asked to complete a simulated cricothyrotomy procedure using the model. They were then evaluated using a 10-point checklist (5 points total) devised by 6 general surgeons. Participants were also asked to complete an anonymous survey rating the educational value and the degree of enjoyment regarding the model. Setting A tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants A total of 54 students and general surgery residents (11 medical students, 32 interns, and 11 postgraduate year 3 residents). Results All 54 participants completed the training and assessment. The scores ranged from 0 to 5. The mean (range) scores were 1.8 (1-4) for medical students, 3.5 (1-5) for junior residents, and 4.9 (4-5) for senior-level residents. Medical students were significantly outperformed by junior- and senior-level residents (p Conclusions A low-fidelity, low-cost cricothyrotomy simulator distinguished the performance of emergency cricothyrotomy between medical students and junior- and senior-level general surgery residents. This task trainer may be ideally suited to providing basic skills to all physicians in training, especially in settings with limited resources and clinical opportunities.
A Host-Based RT-PCR Gene Expression Signature to Identify Acute Respiratory Viral Infection

Improved ways to diagnose acute respiratory viral infections could decrease inappropriate antibacterial use and serve as a vital triage mechanism in the event of a potential viral pandemic. Measurement of the host response to infection is an alternative to pathogen-based diagnostic testing and may improve diagnostic accuracy. We have developed a host-based assay with a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) platform for classifying respiratory viral infection. We developed the assay using two cohorts experimentally infected with influenza A H3N2/Wisconsin or influenza A H1N1/Brisbane, and validated the assay in a sample of adults presenting to the emergency department with fever (n = 102) and in healthy volunteers (n = 41). Peripheral blood RNA samples were obtained from individuals who underwent experimental viral challenge or who presented to the emergency department and had microbiologically proven viral respiratory infection or systemic bacterial infection. The selected gene set on the RT-PCR TLDA assay classified participants with experimentally induced influenza H3N2 and H1N1 infection with 100 and 87% accuracy, respectively. We validated this host gene expression signature in a cohort of 102 individuals arriving at the emergency department. The sensitivity of the RT-PCR test was 89% [95% confidence interval (CI), 72 to 98%], and the specificity was 94% (95% CI, 86 to 99%). These results show that RT-PCR–based detection of a host gene expression signature can classify individuals with respiratory viral infection and sets the stage for prospective evaluation of this diagnostic approach in a clinical setting.
Hegel in Rahner: A Study in Philosophical Hermeneutics

Philosophical hermeneutics concerns itself with the philosophical concepts a theologian uses to express the content of revelation. This paper is an exercise in the philosophical hermeneutics of Karl Rahner. It will focus on one particular aspect of his philosophical background, namely those elements which he shares with the philosophy of G. W. F. Hegel. This exercise is designed to be conceptual in nature, rather than historical. The question of how much of Rahner's thought is directly influenced by his reading and study of Hegel is probably not answerable with certainty and, at any rate, is not as interesting as the conceptual question of how these two thinkers took recourse to very similar ideas in order to solve some common problems. Hegel and Rahner seem to be very dissimilar at first glance. However, both of their philosophies are structured along principles derived from Kant's transcendental method. Out of this common methodological commitment arise similar approaches on three levels: epistemology, anthropology, an6,LChristology. Each level lays the foundation for the subsequent one. Thus we shall see themes initiated under the heading of epistemology become applied to anthropology, and then become the building blocks of Christology. Previous analyses of parallels between Rahner and Hegel have been rather sketchy and have usually limited themselves to Christology, thus giving an inadequate picture of the relationship between the two thinkers. Specifically, both Wolfhart Pannenberg' and Hans Kung2 have demonstrated some similarities in the area of Christology, but without going back to the essential matter of philosophical similarities. On the other hand, Kenneth Baker3 and Thomas Sheehan4 have pointed out a general conceptual alignment between Rahner and Hegel, but
Presentation of Endogenously Synthesized MHC Class II-Restricted Epitopes by MHC Class II Cancer Vaccines Is Independent of Transporter Associated with Ag Processing and the Proteasome

Cell-based vaccines consisting of invariant chain-negative tumor cells transfected with syngeneic MHC class II (MHC II) and costimulatory molecule genes are prophylactic and therapeutic agents for the treatment of murine primary and metastatic cancers. Vaccine efficacy is due to direct presentation of endogenously synthesized, MHC II-restricted tumor peptides to CD4+ T cells. Because the vaccine cells lack invariant chain, we have hypothesized that, unlike professional APC, the peptide-binding groove of newly synthesized MHC II molecules may be accessible to peptides, allowing newly synthesized MHC II molecules to bind peptides that have been generated in the proteasome and transported into the endoplasmic reticulum via the TAP complex. To test this hypothesis, we have compared the Ag presentation activity of multiple clones of TAP-negative and TAP-positive tumor cells transfected with I-Ak genes and the model Ag hen egg white lysozyme targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum or cytoplasm. Absence of TAP does not diminish Ag presentation of three hen egg white lysozyme epitopes. Likewise, cells treated with proteasomal and autophagy inhibitors are as effective APC as untreated cells. In contrast, drugs that block endosome function significantly inhibit Ag presentation. Coculture experiments demonstrate that the vaccine cells do not release endogenously synthesized molecules that are subsequently endocytosed and processed in endosomal compartments. Collectively, these data indicate that vaccine cell presentation of MHC II-restricted endogenously synthesized epitopes occurs via a mechanism independent of the proteasome and TAP complex, and uses a pathway that overlaps with the classical endosomal pathway for presentation of exogenously synthesized molecules.
The role of subsidized housing in reducing homelessness: An empirical investigation using micro‐data

Additional funding for subsidized housing is one of the most commonly proposed solutions to the problem of homelessness. For example, the Interagency Council on the Homeless has called for a $2 billion increase in the budget of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the shortage of subsidized housing. However, research on the effect of subsidized housing in reducing homelessness is far from conclusive. This study combines data from the American Housing Survey (AHS) with a survey of the homeless to estimate the effectiveness of subsidized housing in reducing homelessness. The results indicate that subsidized housing has not targeted those most at risk of being homeless, and therefore a simple expansion of existing housing programs will have little effect on the number of homeless.
On test generation for combinational circuits consisting of AND and EXOR gates

Single output logic circuits composed of AND and EXOR gates are studied. It is shown that for two level single output logic circuits composed of AND and EXOR gates, tests that detect all detectable stuck-at faults can be generated in polynomial time. In this method no extra input variables nor extra circuits are required. This contrasts with the fact that for AND, OR circuits the test generation problem is not polynomial time solvable even for two level circuits. Since AND-EXOR circuits can represent any switching function, this suggests that these circuits might be easier to test than AND, OR circuits. >
Low-cost electroencephalogram (EEG) based authentication

A low-cost, consumer-grade, EEG-based individual authentication system is proposed in this work. While EEG signals are recorded, the subject performs four mental imagery tasks consisting of a baseline measurement, referential limb movement, counting, and rotation for 150 seconds each. The 150 seconds of data are divided into one second segments, from which features are obtained. Three sets of features are extracted from each electrode: 6th order autoregressive (AR) coefficients, power spectral density, and total power in five frequency bands. Two additional sets of features are extracted from interhemispheric data: interhemispheric power differences and interhemispheric linear complexity. These feature sets are combined into a feature vector that is then used by a linear support vector machine (SVM) with cross validation for classification. The goal was to minimize both false accept rates (FARs) and false reject rates (FRRs). Using voting rules across groups of ten segments, we were able to achieve 100% classification accuracy for each subject in each task. Though more work must be done with a larger subject pool as well as across multiple sessions, these results show that low-cost EEG authentication systems may be viable.
African American Primary Care Physicians’ Prostate Cancer Screening Practices:

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. African American (AA) men have greater prostate cancer burden than other men. Little is known about AA primary care physicians’ (PCPs) practices regarding prostate cancer screening. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2007-2008 National Survey of Primary Care Physicians’ Practices Regarding Prostate Cancer Screening. The current study included 604 AA PCPs. Outcomes assessed were (a) offering screening using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, (b) use of screening discussions to involve patients in the decision to screen, and (c) having a discussion policy to try to talk the patient into getting the screening tests. Results: Most AA PCPs were male (52%), younger than 50 years (61%), and had 21% to 100% AA patients in their practices (74%). The majority (94%) of AA PCPs offered prostate cancer screening using PSA, discussed the tests with their male patients to involve th...
An Intensive Longitudinal Cohort Study of Malian Children and Adults Reveals No Evidence of Acquired Immunity to Plasmodium falciparum Infection

Background. In experimental models of human and mouse malaria, sterilizing liver stage immunity that blocks progression of Plasmodium infection to the symptomatic blood stage can be readily demonstrated. However, it remains unclear whether individuals in malaria-endemic areas acquire such immunity. Methods. In Mali, 251 healthy children and adults aged 4–25 years who were free of blood-stage Plasmodium infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were enrolled in a longitudinal study just prior to an intense 6-month malaria season. Subsequent clinical malaria episodes were detected by weekly active surveillance and self-referral. Asymptomatic P. falciparum infections were detected by blood-smear microscopy and PCR analysis of dried blood spots that had been collected every 2 weeks for 7 months. Results. As expected, the risk of clinical malaria decreased with increasing age (log-rank test, P= .0038). However, analysis of PCR data showed no age-related differences in P. falciparum infection risk (log-rank test, P= .37). Conclusions. Despite years of exposure to intense P. falciparum transmission, there is no evidence of acquired, sterile immunity to P. falciparum infection in this population, even as clinical immunity to blood-stage malaria is clearly acquired. Understanding why repeated P. falciparum infections do not induce sterile protection may lead to insights for developing vaccines that target the liver stage in malaria-endemic populations.
Upper Airway Obstruction following Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome : An Analysis of 30 Survivors

To evaluate the effects of current supportive care measures for the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) upon the upper airway, we studied 30 survivors of ARDS. All patients were interviewed and examined and performed inspiratory and expiratory maximal flow-volume curves more than six months after the onset of ARDS. Three women had developed symptomatic upper airway obstruction due to laryngotracheal stenosis 4 to 12 months after discharge from the hospital. Potential etiologic factors included difficult orotracheal intubation (one) and high tracheal cuff pressures (one). The three survivors who developed laryngotracheal stenoses did not differ from the 27 survivors of ARDS without symptomatic upper airway obstruction with respect to age, duration of tracheal intubation, or maximum level of positive end-expiratory pressure. Each patient with upper airway obstruction required more than one operation for laryngotracheal reconstruction. Although corrective surgery improved airflow, two survivors of ARDS had upper airway obstruction and exertional dyspnea more than five years after the ARDS. We conclude that upper airway obstruction is an important cause of dyspnea and impairment following ARDS. Exertional dyspnea weeks to months following treatment for ARDS suggests the possibility of laryngotracheal stenosis. (Chest 1988; 94:526-30)
Realizable reduction of interconnect circuits including self and mutual inductances

Reduction of an extracted netlist is an important preprocessing step for techniques such as model order reduction (MOR) in the design and analysis of very large scale integration circuits (VLSICs). This work describes a method for realizable reduction of extracted resistance-capacitance-inductance-mutual inductance netlists by node elimination. The method is much faster than MOR techniques and, hence, is appropriate as a preprocessing step. The proposed method eliminates nodes with time constants below a user-specified time constant. By giving the freedom to the user to select a critical point in the spectrum of nodal time constants, this method provides an option to make a tradeoff between accuracy and reduction. The proposed method preserves the dc characteristics and the first two moments at all nodes. It also recognizes and eliminates all the redundant inductances generated by the extraction tools. The proposed method naturally reduces to TICER (Sheehan, 1999) in the absence of any inductances.
Carl Becker Redivivus: Or, Is Everyone Really a Historian?

Book reviewed in this article: The Presence of The Past: Popular Uses of History in American Life, by Roy Rosenzweig and David Thelen.
Appendiceal Mucocele Diagnosed in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Endoscopic Ultrasound

When a bulging appendiceal orifice is observed during surveillance colonoscopy, the possibility of appendiceal mucocele must be considered. Appendiceal mucocele is a rare group of lesions characterized by mucinous distension of the appendiceal lumen with the dangerous potential to rupture, resulting in the development of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Early recognition and diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele can prevent the dreaded complication of pseudomyxoma peritonei but it requires a high index of suspicion. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk for colorectal neoplasm but neoplasm of the appendix is infrequently reported. We report two of the first cases of appendiceal mucoceles diagnosed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease using endoscopic ultrasound.