cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral super-resolution spectroscopy for biomedical applications

Reflectance spectroscopy and hyperspectral (or multispectral) imaging that can acquire a matrix of intensity as a function of the position and the wavelength of light (also known as a hypercube) are extensively used to quantify biochemical composition, structure, and vasculature in biological tissue. However, these methods often rely on bulky and costly optical components, which limit the development of compact, rapid, and cost-effective technologies. Fortuitously, several different research communities have demonstrated that it is possible to mathematically reconstruct hyperspectral (with high spectral resolution) or multispectral data from RGB images taken by a conventional camera (three-color sensor). However, these methods, such as compressive (compressed) sensing and deep learning, are often limited for extracting detailed biological spectral profiles and require an extremely large amount of training data. We have recently developed a spectral super-resolution framework that enables us to virtually transform the built-in camera (RGB sensor) of a smartphone into a hyperspectral imager for accurate and precise spectroscopic analyses, without a need for any hardware modifications or accessories. Super-resolution means high-resolution reconstruction of digital images acquired with lowresolution systems. We have extended this concept to the frequency domain for hyperspectral imaging, which has numerous biomedical applications. As an example, our mobile version of spectral super-resolution combines imaging of peripheral tissue and spectroscopic quantification of blood hemoglobin levels in a noninvasive manner. Spectral superresolution spectroscopy can also serve as an example that data-driven technologies can minimize hardware complexity, facilitating the tempo of clinical translation.
Dysphagia and Epigastric Pain in an Adolescent Boy.

1. Senthil Velan Bhoopalan, MBBS, PhD* 2. Rabea Alhosh, MD† 1. *St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 2. †University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV A 17-year-old previously healthy boy presents with a history of epigastric abdominal pain associated with some difficulty in swallowing for the past 3 days. He denies any emesis but reports nausea. The abdominal pain is localized to the epigastric area without any radiation. Pain is reported at 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. He denies any diarrhea but had noticed a few episodes of black tarry stool for the past 2 days. His sexual history is significant for oral sex with a single female partner, but he denies any genital or oral lesions. He was seen by his pediatrician 2 days ago. His pediatrician suspected a gastric ulcer and prescribed him pantoprazole, which the patient never obtained. On presentation he has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) and appears mildly dehydrated. His vital signs are otherwise within normal limits. On physical examination the patient has dry lips and mucosa, but no oral lesions are noted. Mild epigastric tenderness without any rigidity or rebound tenderness is noted. Examination findings are otherwise normal. Initial laboratory evaluation shows a white blood cell count of 12,900/μL (12.9×109/L), and the remainder of the blood cell count and metabolic panel are normal. The results of the antigen test for influenza, the heterophile antibody test for infectious mononucleosis, and the rapid streptococcal antigen test are negative. His CRP level is elevated to 12 mg/dL (120 mg/L). A computed tomographic scan …
Virtual Interviews for Nephrology Fellowship Candidates: The Good, the Bad, and the Future.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic forced virtual adaptations to social distancing guidelines, including transitions to virtual medical education, conferences, patient care, and even socialization. As the nephrology fellowship recruitment season approached in 2020, training programs across the
A gradient of force in the endocytic coat is revealed by new coiled-coil force sensors

Clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) is an evolutionarily conserved process responsible for the entry of extracellular materials, membrane proteins and lipids into the cell. During CME, a cargo enriched patch of membrane is deformed into an endocytic vesicle through membrane bending, elongation and scission, with the choreographed action of 60+ endocytic proteins. The plasma membrane is deformed by the forces produced by the actin cytoskeleton and transmitted to the membrane by a multi-protein coat. However, the actual forces required for endocytosis remain unknown. Here we present a new series of in vivo force sensors to measure the forces on the fission yeast HIP1R homologue End4p, a protein that links the endocytic membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. These new force sensors are based on calibrated coiled-coils that phase separate when they are under force. The measured forces on End4p are between 11 and 20 pN near the actin meshwork, between 10 and 11 pN near the clathrin lattice, and between 8 and 10 pN near the plasma membrane. Our results predict the participation of additional proteins to relay forces in different layers of the endocytic machinery during CME, and our approach points to a novel direction for in vivo force measurement.
Cu-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Benzylboronic Esters and Epoxides.

Abstract A reaction between epoxides and benzylboronic acid pinacol esters is described. CuI was found to be an effective catalyst of this transformation upon activation of the benzylboronic ester with an alkyllithium reagent. The reaction was very efficient and a variety of substituted epoxides were found to be good substrates with good regioselectivity for substitution at the less substituted side of the epoxide. A reaction using an enantioenriched secondary benzylboronic ester was found to not be stereospecific.
Distribution, relative abundance, and conservation status of the large flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus, in peninsular Malaysia: A preliminary assessment

An 11-month survey was undertaken to assess the relative abundance and distribution of the large flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus, in peninsular Malaysia. A total of 115 locations were visited based on sites that were identified from personal observations, published records, and information obtained from local villagers and wildlife and forestry personnel. Our survey suggests a severe decline in the abundance and distribution of P vampyrus throughout peninsular Malaysia. At nearly half of all sites visited, there were no recent records or observations of this species. Several sites were used on a seasonal basis, others appeared to have been abandoned due to disturbance or habitat loss, and still others may have been extirpated by hunting. Most extant colonies are presumably located deep in isolated and inaccessible forests and in dense riparian vegetation such as mangrove and freshwater swamps. We suggest that unregulated hunting and habitat loss are the primary reasons for the decline in abundance of this species in peninsular Malaysia. Inadequacies in existing laws should be addressed and a public awareness program launched so that an effective conservation and management plan can be formulated to ensure the long-term survival of this ecologically important species.
Game On: Past Year Gambling, Gambling-Related Problems, and Fantasy Sports Gambling Among College Athletes and Non-athletes

College students experience higher rates of gambling-related problems than most other population segments, including the general population. Although Division I (D1) athletes often have more at stake than the average student if and when they gamble (e.g., the potential to lose their athletic eligibility), relatively few studies have assessed the gambling behavior of this population and none have specifically assessed fantasy sports gambling. We conducted a study to examine gambling behavior (past-year gambling, gambling-related problems, and fantasy sport gambling) among a sample (N = 692) of college students at a private religiously affiliated university in the Southwest US. The sample for our study was unique in that approximately 30 % of the participants were D1 athletes. We compared the gambling behavior among three groups based on the athlete status: D1 athletes, club/intramural/recreational (CIR) athletes, and non-athletes (NAs). Compared to females in our sample, males observed higher rates of past year gambling, fantasy sports participation, fantasy sports gambling, and gambling-related problems. Among males, we found that CIR athletes observed the highest rates of past year gambling and fantasy sports participation and D1 athletes observed higher rates than NAs. We did not find differences in fantasy sport gambling and past year gambling-related problems based on athlete status in males or females.
Healthcare Utilization after a Diagnosis of Conversion Disorder (P5.036)

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the emergency department (ED) and inpatient healthcare resource utilization of patients diagnosed with conversion disorder. BACKGROUND: Conversion disorder is characterized by involuntary neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by organic disease. The social, occupational, emotional and physical consequences are substantial, yet the health care utilization is unclear. DESIGN/METHODS: We identified all patients discharged from California, New York, and Florida EDs and acute care hospitals between 2005 and 2012 with a primary discharge diagnosis of conversion disorder, as defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 300.11. Patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of seizures (345.x) or transient global amnesia (TGA) (437.7) served as our control groups. Our primary outcome was the rate of repeat ED visits and hospital admissions after initial presentation. We also counted the total number of visits throughout follow-up. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression with robust standard errors were used to report outcomes and compare rates between diagnosis groups while adjusting for demographic characteristics. RESULTS:We identified 7,946 patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of conversion disorder. During a mean follow-up of 3.0 (±1.6) years, patients with conversion disorder had a median of 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-9) repeat ED or inpatient revisits, compared with 0 (IQR, 0-2) in patients with TGA and 3 (IQR, 1-7) in those with seizures. Repeat visit rates were 18.25 (95[percnt] CI, 18.10-18.40) visits per 100 patients per month in those with conversion disorder, 3.90 (95[percnt] CI, 3.84-3.95) in those with TGA, and 17.78 (95[percnt] CI, 17.75-17.81) in those with seizures. As compared to the conversion group, the incidence rate ratio for repeat ED visits or hospitalizations was 0.89 (95[percnt] CI, 0.86-0.93) for seizure disorder and 0.32 (95[percnt] CI 0.31-0.34) for TGA. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion disorder is associated with substantial hospital-based health care utilization. Disclosure: Dr. Merkler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parikh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chaudhry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chait has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Navi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kamel has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech as a scientific advisory board member and/or speaker. Dr. Kamel has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Journal Watch Neurology.
Search for resonances in 12C(9Be, α)17O

Abstract Excitation functions at 7° (lab) have been measured from E c.m. = 5.1 to 11.4 MeV in approximately 114 keV steps for 15 groups of final states in 17 O populated by the 12 C( 9 Be, α) reaction. Statistical tests have been used to locate possible non-statistical structure in the excitation functions. Possible anomalies were found near E c.m. = 6.3, 7.5, 8.9 and 9.7 MeV. Angular distributions were measured at E c.m. = 9.20, 9.71 and 10.23 MeV for the three lowest excited states in 17 O. The data have been compared with Hauser-Feshbach calculations in addition to the following reaction mechanisms: compound plus a single resonance, compound plus interfering resonances and compound plus direct reactions.
Compilation of MIT CISR Research on IT Portfolios, IT Savvy and Firm Performance (2000-2006)

During the period of 2000 to 2006 MIT CISR has conducted several research projects on IT Portfolios, IT Savvy and firm performance. Just as investors have portfolios of financial investments to address their multiple investment objectives, firms have portfolios of information technology (IT) investments. Four different management objectives guide firms' investments in IT resulting in four different asset classes. Each of these asset classes has a different objective and a unique risk-return profile. Just like any other investment portfolio, the IT Portfolio must be balanced to achieve alignment with the business strategy and the desired combination of short- and long-term pay off. This compilation describes the MIT CISR approach to the management of IT investment as a portfolio and presents benchmarks of IT Portfolios from over 600 firms as well as the average financial returns from each IT asset class. Firms with high IT Savvy have a set of six reinforcing IT practices and competencies that help achieve a higher measurable bottom line return per IT dollar invested.
CWD prevalence, perceived human health risks, and state influences on deer hunting participation.

This study examined factors predicted by previous research to influence hunters' decisions to stop hunting deer in a state. Data were obtained from mail surveys of resident and nonresident deer hunters in Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (n = 3,518). Hunters were presented with six scenarios depicting hypothetical CWD prevalence levels and human health risks from the disease (e.g., death), and asked if they would continue or stop hunting deer in the state. Bivariate analyses examined the influence of five predictor variables: (a) CWD prevalence, (b) hypothetical human death from CWD, (c) perceived human health risks from CWD, (d) state, and (e) residency. In the bivariate analyses, prevalence was the strongest predictor of quitting hunting in the state followed by hypothetical human death and perceived risk. The presence of CWD in a state and residency were weak, but statistically significant, predictors. Interactions among these predictors increased the potential for stopping hunting in the state. Multivariate analyses suggested that 64% of our respondents would quit hunting in the worst-case scenario.
School Reform in the 21st Century: The Effect of Class Size and School Vouchers on African-American and Hispanic Students

Many argue schools that serve inner-city and rural children are in "crisis." This paper reviews the best available evidence on the effects of class size and school vouchers. Results from the Tennessee STAR experiment suggest smaller class sizes improve achievement, particularly for inner-city and minority children; results from the New York City voucher experiment and the Milwaukee Parental Choice program suggest there may be small achievement gains in mathematics for the African-American and Hispanic children who use vouchers. Although the reason of the achievement gains is unknown, one candidate is the smaller class sizes in the private schools.
Continuing professional education: Strategies for health professionals

Abstract Recent changes and pressures in the world of professional work have brought about a sharp increase in demands on continuing professional education. The health professions have been a special target of such demands. The paper examines the consequences of two systems meeting to influence continuing professional education: the action system of professional work, and the change system of professional learning. Against the background of past and present studies of professions and of adult learning, the author suggests teaching and learning strategies in five areas: the learner, learning goals, content, and methods of continuing professional education, and evaluation.
Rural/Urban School Districts: Trends in Consolidation and Decentralization

Historically, 10,000 students is a large number for a school district. Our schools, we must remember, are an outgrowth of one-room school houses and school districts in rural America. With the exception of a few urban areas, even as late as the turn of the twentieth century, most school districts consisted of three, four, or five schools and a few hundred students. As late as 1930, nearly 50 percent of American school districts had fewer than 300 students. By 1988, as many as 26 percent of the school districts (enrolling only 1.3 percent of the nation's students) had fewer than 300 pupils. Conversely, 4.1 percent of public school districts had 10,000 or more students. There were only 171 or 1.1 percent of the schools districts with 25,000 or more students, but they accounted for 11.2 million students or 28 percent of the nation's public school enrollment. Table 1 shows how school districts today are distributed. Most of the larger school districts (25,000 or more students) are located in California, Florida, Texas, and Maryland, but the states with the largest district averages are, in descending order, Hawaii (163,800 students), Maryland (27,900), Florida (23,200), and Louisiana (12,000). The states with the smallest district averages, that is, less than 1,000 students per district, are Oklahoma, Maine, South Dakota, Vermont, Nebraska, and Montana (the lowest with 281 students) (Jewell 1989; Ornstein 1989b). In most cases, the larger school districts are located in or near cities, the largest being the New York City system with approximately 940,000 students, followed by those of Los Angeles with 590,000 students, Chicago with 420,000 students, and Dade County with 255,000 students (see table 2). (Two other large school districts, Puerto Rico and Hawaii, span an entire territory and state, respectively.) The medium-sized and smaller school districts have followed metropolitan sprawl and tend to be located in the outer ring of the suburbs or in rural areas.
The Deutsche Bank and the Nazi Economic War Against the Jews: The Expropriation of Jewish-Owned Property

Preface of the historical commission appointed to examine the history of the Deutsche bank in the period of national socialism Author's preface Selected abbreviations 1. Business and politics: banks and companies in Nazi Germany 2. The structure, organization, and economic environment of Deutsche bank 3. National socialism and banks 4. The problem of 'Aryanization' 5. Deutsche bank and 'Aryanization' in the pre-1938 boundaries of Germany 6. Deutsche bank abroad: 'Aryanization', territorial expansion, and economic reordering 7. Jewish-owned bank accounts 8. The profits of the Deutsche bank 9. Some concluding reflections Notes Bibliography Index.
Spin-Free Quantum Chemistry

A picture of reality drawn with a few sharp lines cannot be expected to be adequate to the variety of all its shades. Yet even so the drafsman must have courage lo draw the lines firm. H. Weyl in Philosophy of Mathematics and Natural Science
Innovations in Contemporary Indian Dance: From Religious and Mythological Roots in Classical Bharatanatyam

Contemporary Indian Dance as a new multi-layered dance genre unfolds at the intersection of Indian classical dance and other movement vocabularies such as modern dance, yoga, martial arts, and theatre techniques. This three-part essay traces a brief history of the ‘‘revival’’ of bharatanatyam in late 19th and early 20th century, then discusses the work of pioneers in Contemporary Indian Dance, Chandralekha, Anita Ratnam, and Hari Krishnan. Discussion includes a redefinition of the sacred, use of Indian goddesses and epic stories for contemporary relevance, as well as the subverting of stereotypes of gender, culture, and nation in Contemporary Indian Dance. Expressive arts such as music and dance in the Hindu tradition constitute integral parts of ritual worship and daily devotional practices for many worshippers in India. In particular, the history of temple dance performed by devadasis or temple dancers (discussed below) provides significant antecedents for Contemporary Indian Dance, a new multi-layered and hybrid genre used increasingly since the 1980s in India and the diaspora (with early 20th century pioneer Uday Shankar (Chakravorty & Khokar 1984)). This new style is rooted mainly in two of the eight classical Indian dance styles, bharatanatym and kathak. 1 This essay presents an innovative intervention in Religious Studies via my analysis of selected Contemporary Indian dancers’ choreography and their reinterpretations of traditional Indian religious and mythological stories. Further, my critical analysis of these artists’ contemporary choreography using abstract movement versus narrative, deploying the body as a sacred space brings illuminations to scholars of Religion. In this essay, I analyze the work (1970s to early 2000) of the late pioneer Chandralekha whom I describe as a foremother of Contemporary Indian Dance. Contemporary Indian dancers like Chandralekha may adopt a secular emphasis via abstract movement rather than classical Indian dances’ traditional use of religious and epic stories from the prominent Indian epics, The Ramayana, and The Mahabharata. Chandra (as she was commonly called) rejected the religious iconography of classical bharatanatyam as well as stories from myths and epics. Rather, she deployed deeply resonant abstract movement and martial arts executed by the body. Chandra’s focus on the physical body itself as a sacred space, a vehicle (as in yoga) to reach a higher realm, embodies a commingling of the sensual and spiritual that is an integral part of Indian aesthetics and philosophical systems. I also discuss two other Contemporary Indian dancers who collaborate transnationally– Chennai-based Anita Ratnam and Toronto-based Hari Krishnan – who reinvent religious icons and mythical stories giving them contemporary, gendered, even feminist relevance. Their re-interpretations of traditional myths and epic stories are rendered often via
A data compression and sampling methodology for ocean observing systems

MBARI, a nonprofit, privately funded research institute devoted to the development of technology to support research in ocean sciences has been developing systems for long term environmental monitoring in Monterey Bay since 1987. The institute has initiated a project for expanding its ocean observing system capabilities through an expansion of existing moored data acquisition systems as well as the additional use of a benthic network, ROV and AUV based data acquisition systems. The goal of this project is to provide semi-continuous observations of important physical, biological, and chemical variables extended in space and time to support event detection, such as the onset of an El Nino, as well as support for focused intermediate-term process studies. In addition to the problems associated with managing a large variety and quantity of data associated to systems of this nature, there is the additional problem of how to optimize the data sampling topology. That is, what spacing and frequency of the system measurement resources will best meet the specific scientific goals of researchers using the system. Given the enormous cost of developing and deploying high technology instrumentation and systems a modest effort to understand, and to develop a sampling methodology for such systems is clearly warranted. In this paper, an approach to the multi-dimensional sampling problem based on data compression is developed. The method is empirically based and does not depend on, or require, assumptions about the underlying data field or processes. The approach can also be used by a system to analyze its own sampling efficiency, and adjust sampling rates and spacing (assuming the system has this capability) for improved efficiency and accuracy. The methodology is illustrated with practical applications to one-dimensional bio-chemical data from the WOCE program, as well as prototypical multi-dimensional problems for the MBARI Ocean Observing System (MOOS).
Three-Dimensional Morphology, Ultrastructure, and Replication of Mycoplasma felis

The morphology and replication of Mycoplasma felis in relation to growth phase in culture were studied by electron microscopy. The organisms showed 1.0 to 1.45-hr doubling times with typical bacterial-type growth curves when grown in dialysate broth supplemented with horse serum. Organisms were fixed for electron microscopy by using Veronal acetate-buffered 0.8% OsO4 (pH 6.1) in 20% sucrose. The morphology of exponential-phase organisms differed markedly from that of stationary or death-phase organisms, which were essentially large round forms with either dispersed or abnormally aggregated cytoplasm. Plasticine models prepared from serial sections of organisms in exponential phase showed the organisms to be either disc-shaped, triangular, horseshoe-shaped, or multilobular. A central “hole” was frequently present in these structures and could be visualized in the lobular forms as an interconnecting circular membrane. The inner surface of this membrane often showed contact with a small membranous body about 0.12 μm in diameter. The significance of this body is unknown. The morphology of the various shapes was confirmed by using the phosphotungstic acid and critical point methods. When the ratios of the various forms in exponential-phase cultures were determined, it was found that a replication sequence could be proposed which accounted for not only the volume increase required to accommodate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication but also the distribution of that DNA. Although it is likely that DNA replication in M. felis is a binary process, it appears that the mechanism for production of new cells need not be a binary process.
Staging lymph node metastases from lung cancer in the mediastinum

Background: The presence of tumor metastases in the mediastinum is one of the most important elements in determining the optimal treatment strategy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. This review is aimed at examining the current strategies for investigating lymph node metastases corresponding to an “N2” classification delineated by The International Staging Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Methods: Extensive review of the existing scientific literature related to the investigation of mediastinal lymph node metastases was undertaken in order to summarize and report current best practices. Conclusions: N2 disease is very heterogeneous requiring multiple modalities for thorough investigation. New research is now focusing on better identifying, defining, and classifying lymph node metastases in the mediastinum. Molecular staging and sub-classifying mediastinal lymph node metastases are being actively researched in order to provide better prognostic value and to optimize treatment strategies. Non-invasive imaging, such as PET/CT and minimally invasive techniques such as endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsy, are now the lead investigative methods in evaluating the mediastinum for metastatic presence.
Performance Evaluation of Position-Sensitive Proportional Counters

Engineering services, including a test facility and procedures, were established to evaluate the performance of RC-line encoded position-sensitive proportional counters (PSPCs) by measuring linearity, sensitivity, spatial resolution, and energy resolution. Engineering support and technical assistance are provided to an increasing number of users of these PSPCs, and, therefore, these services bridge the gap between the PSPC development engineer and the users of this new technology at ORNL.
Human Evaluation of Article and Noun Number Usage: Influences of Context and Construction Variability

Evaluating systems that correct errors in non-native writing is difficult because of the possibility of multiple correct answers and the variability in human agreement. This paper seeks to improve the best practice of such evaluation by analyzing the frequency of multiple correct answers and identifying factors that influence agreement levels in judging the usage of articles and noun number.
On Robust Control System to Controlled Object of Large Change

Boiler steam temperature controlled object has characteristics of full scope nonlinear and time-variable, which bring more difficulties in modeling and designing control systems. Adopting Jordan block in broad sense and algebra equivalence transform method, the description of transfer functions paragraphed can be transformed into that of state-space with changeable parameters. The researches on steady robustness of three tipical control systems shows that: to the high order inertia nonlinear and time-variable controlled object described by the same set of transfer functions, the Luenberger function observer established according to its any algebra equivalence state-space description, there exists a solve matrixwith order satisfy the Sylvester matrix equation under some conditions. There presents sufficient conditions to full scope asymptotically stable of three types boiler steam temperature control systems and the regulators’ steady work points. The simulation tests and engineering practices prove the correctness of theoretical analysis and steady robustness of the systems.
Methanogenesis from lactate by a co-culture of Clostridium formicoaceticum and Methanosarcina mazei

A co-culture of Clostridium formicoaceticum and Methanosarcina mazei converted lactate to methane and carbon dioxide at mesophilic temperatures and pH values near 7.0. Lactate was first converted to acetate by the homoacetogen, and then to CH4 and CO2 by the methanogen, with the second reaction as the rate-limiting step. The methane yield was about 1.45 mol/mol lactate. These two organisms formed a mutualistic association and may be useful together with the homolactic bacterium Stretococcus lactis to convert lactose to methane.
Gender Differences in Experimental Disclosure: Evidence, Theoretical Explanations, and Avenues for Future Research

Interest in emotional expression is long-standing. Given well-established gender differences in expressivity, it is surprising that researchers have not consistently examined gender as a potential moderator of outcome in the context of experimental disclosure studies. This article comments on Range and Jenkins’ (2010) research recommendations in light of the suggestion that males evidence greater benefit of disclosure than females and three gender theories: gender schema theory, social role theory, and gender socialization theory. Further avenues for research are also presented, including the examination of gender differences in subjective, expressive and physiologic indicators of emotion during disclosure. Such data could elucidate mechanisms by which persons of different genders or persons with different schemata/ social roles/ socialization histories differ on pre/ post disclosure outcomes.
Epiglottic enlargement following radiation treatment of head and neck tumors

This article describes delayed noninfectious epiglottic enlargement in two children, one with rhabdomyosarcoma of nasopharynx and the other with undifferentiated anaplastic carcinoma of the neck. The pathogenesis is assumed to be delayed laryngeal injury following radiotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy. The radiographic findings in these cases were identical to those of acute epiglottitis.
Internet and the world wide web

This article presents a brief introduction to the various features available on the Internet. Different applications available on the Net are divided into types of services and a brief description of each is provided. There is of course much more available on the Net. Much of the information needed to understand and further explore the Net is available on line. This article provides a starting point for furthersurfing.
An Examination of the Methods for Isolating Cellular Slime Molds (Dictyosteliida) from Soil Samples

SYNOPSIS. Present methods for extracting cellular slime molds from soil samples are shown to be biased in favor of spores and microcysts. To alleviate this problem, a modified method is proposed together with a method for partitioning active (amebae) and inactive forms (spores and microcysts).
Vasopressin: friend or foe?

Vasopressin plays a vital part in homeostasis by regulating water excretion in the kidney. But it seems that vasopressin also dampens the inflammatory response to uropathogenic Escherichia coli—a finding that adds to a growing list of adverse actions of the 'antidiuretic hormone'.
Determining all Displacements, Strains and Stresses Full-Field from Measured Values of a Single Displacement Component

The ability to determine the individual components of displacement, strain and stress from measured values of a single component of displacement is demonstrated. Advantages of the method include its ability to significantly simplify the experimental technique by measuring only a single displacement component, to provide reliable results both full-field and at the edge of geometric discontinuities, and the lack of need to differentiate the recorded data physically. Results agree with those from thermoelastic stress analysis, strain gages and finite element analysis.
A Regional Multilevel Analysis: Can Skilled Birth Attendants Uniformly Decrease Neonatal Mortality?

Globally 40 % of deaths to children under-five occur in the very first month of life with three-quarters of these deaths occurring during the first week of life. The promotion of delivery with a skilled birth attendant (SBA) is being promoted as a strategy to reduce neonatal mortality. This study explored whether SBAs had a protective effect against neonatal mortality in three different regions of the world. The analysis pooled data from nine diverse countries for which recent Demographic and Health Survey data were available. Multilevel logistic regression was used to understand the influence of skilled delivery on two outcomes—neonatal mortality during the first week of life and during the first day of life. Control variables included age, parity, education, wealth, residence (urban/rural), geographic region (Africa, Asia and Latin America/Caribbean), antenatal care and tetanus immunization. The direction of the effect of skilled delivery on neonatal mortality was dependent on geographic region. While having a SBA at delivery was protective against neonatal mortality in Latin America/Caribbean, in Asia there was only a protective effect for births in the first week of life. In Africa SBAs were associated with higher neonatal mortality for both outcomes, and the same was true for deaths on the first day of life in Asia. Many women in Africa and Asia deliver at home unless a complication occurs, and thus skilled birth attendants may be seeing more women with complications than their unskilled counterparts. In addition there are issues with the definition of a SBA with many attendants in both Africa and Asia not actually having the needed training and equipment to prevent neonatal mortality. Considerable investment is needed in terms of training and health infrastructure to enable these providers to save the youngest lives.
Accidents emboliques après placement d’un cathéter central inséré par voie périphérique

Les catheters centraux inseres par voie peripherique (PICCs) sont devenus populaires pour une gamme d’indications en hospitalisation et en ambulatoire. Bien que les PICCs soient generalement surs, ils peuvent etre associes a une serie de complications. Nous presentons ici un cas avec des accidents emboliques dus au placement arteriel accidentel d’un PICC, une complication rare mais potentiellement mortelle. Un soupcon clinique eleve avec une evaluation critique des radiographies est indispensable pour suspecter un PICC mal place.
Does regression analysis of lung function data obtained from occupational epidemiologic studies lead to misleading inferences regarding the true effect of smoking

Exposure-response studies of the relationship between ventilatory function and dust exposure in workers are often quantified using linear regression methods. In coal miners, this technique has indicated that average effects of smoking and moderate dust exposure are roughly equivalent. However, the validity of direct comparison of the average effects of smoking and dust exposure has been questioned, the argument being that smoking causes severe effects in a minority, but leaves the remainder largely unaffected. This hypothesis was studied by examining distributions of FEV1 in a group of working coal miners where mean effects associated with both smoking and dust exposure have been detected. Overall, the results suggest that comparison of average effects of smoking and dust exposure derived from linear regression analysis is valid and not misleading.
Development of a 6-Channel Power Controller for Simultaneous Actuation and Resistance Measurement of SMA Wires

The use of ‘multifunctional’ Shape Memory Alloy wires as embedded actuators and sensors has been proposed for numerous novel applications. The SMA wires are actuated as a result of the Joule heating induced by passing electric current through it. The resistance of the SMA wire can simultaneously be measured during its actuation enabling it to be used as sensor data that relates to the strain and temperature of the wire. In order to control actuation stroke from the SMA wire, the Joule heating (electric power supplied to the SMA wire) of the wire needs to be controlled. Therefore, a 6-channel power controller device has been developed that simultaneously controls the power supplied to six different SMA wires and measures the resistance of these wires during excitation. This paper continues from the previously presented concept of a multi-channel power controller implementation. The focus of this paper is to discuss the operation, calibration methods and optimization techniques to improve the performance and robustness of the device and to eliminate the issues in multi-channel implementation. Further, this device is implemented in a test setup to study the position control of SMA wire using resistance feedback. Results of these tests can be utilized in practical applications involving SMA wires as embedded actuators and sensors, such as Smart Inhaler system being developed at North Carolina State University.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Trauma Symptoms of Former Intimate Stalking Victims

Abstract One-hundred-eighty-seven female victims stalked by former intimate partners were interviewed about their victimization experiences. To identify psychological symptoms experienced by the victims, Briere and Runtz's (1989) Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-33) was utilized in the interview. Individual items were combined to form five distinct scales as developed and validated by Briere and Runtz (1989). Findings reveal that the highest mean scores for the sample were on the items included in the Sleep Disturbance scale. In addition, overall TSC-33 scores and the Dissociation, Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Sexual Assault Trauma-hypothesized (PSAT-h) scale scores varied by whether or not victims had experienced violence during their former relationship with the stalker and by whether or not violence occurred during the stalking. The absence or presence of verbal threats of violence during the stalking, however, did not have an independent effect on most emotional symptoms when controlling for violence du...
Up-regulation of a hydrogen peroxide-responsive pre-mRNA binding protein in atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia.

Abstract Background Multiple lines of investigation have implicated hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) as an important endogenous mediator of cell proliferation in the vessel wall. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP-C), a nuclear pre-mRNA binding protein that plays roles in vertebrate cell proliferation and differentiation, has been identified as a component of a vascular cell signaling pathway activated by low physiologic levels of H 2 O 2 . The expression of hnRNP-C in human arteries has not previously been assessed. Methods Segments of human proximal internal carotid arteries were evaluated for the expression of hnRNP-C by immunohistochemistry. Results In normal proximal internal carotid arteries, hnRNP-C is expressed predominantly by the endothelium, with significantly lower expression by medial smooth muscle. In preatherosclerotic intimal hyperplasia, hnRNP-C is up-regulated in the artery wall, due to the robust expression by the intimal smooth muscle cells, without up-regulation in the medial smooth muscle cells. In arteries with atherosclerotic lesions, there is strong expression of hnRNP-C not only by intimal cells but also by medial smooth muscle cells. Conclusions The H 2 O 2 responsive pre-mRNA binding protein hnRNP-C is up-regulated in atherosclerosis and in preatherosclerotic intimal hyperplasia in humans, supporting the hypothesis that H 2 O 2 is a regulator of vascular cell proliferation in these conditions. These data also suggest that hnRNP-C may be useful as a marker of vascular cell activation.
Germans and ‘others’: Racism, xenophobia, or ‘legitimate conservatism'?

Drawing on data from various sources, the article assesses the extent of xenophobia and the potential support base for right‐wing extremism in the united Germany. The data shows that West Germany displayed a considerable level of xenophobia before unification, and that at present, Germans in east and west display strikingly similar patterns of hostility towards foreigners. In comparison to their European neighbours, however, the Germans are not markedly different. In addition to levels of education, and placement on a Left‐Right scale, the driving force behind xenophobic attitudes ‐ both in Germany and in other European Community states ‐ are economic and social fears and a perception of relative deprivation.
State Policy and the French Glass Industry, 1640–1789

Development of the different branches of the industry during the period, 430. — I. Classification of establishments, 433. — II. Analysis of charters granted, 435. —III. The control of competition, 437. — Encouragement of new industries, 437. — IV. Later changes in the state's attitude toward monopoly privileges, 439. — V. Regulations not stipulated in charters, 443. — VI. Restrictions on procurement of raw materials, 444. — VII. Maintenance of order between employers and employees, 446. — Special privileges of glass workers, 447. — VIII. Marketing of finished glassware, 449. — IX. Tariffs, excises, etc., 451. — X. Conclusions, 452. —
Microfluidic system for measuring neutrophil migratory responses to fast switches of chemical gradients

Experimental systems that provide temporal and spatial control of chemical gradients are required for probing into the complex mechanisms of eukaryotic cell chemotaxis. However, no current technique can simultaneously generate stable chemical gradients and allow fast gradient changes. We developed a microfluidic system with microstructured membranes for exposing neutrophils to fast and precise changes between stable, linear gradients of the known chemoattractant Interleukin-8 (IL-8). We observed that rapidly lowering the average concentration of IL-8 within a gradient, while preserving the direction of the gradient, resulted in temporary neutrophil depolarization. Fast reversal of the gradient direction while increasing or decreasing the average concentration also resulted in temporary depolarization. Neutrophils adapted and maintained their directional motility, only when the average gradient concentration was increased and the direction of the gradient preserved. Based on these observations we propose a two-component temporal sensing mechanism that uses variations of chemokine concentration averaged over the entire cell surface and localized at the leading edge, respectively, and directs neutrophil responses to changes in their chemical microenvironment.
High-/spl kappa//metal-gate stack and its MOSFET characteristics

We show experimental evidence of surface phonon scattering in the high-/spl kappa/ dielectric being the primary cause of channel electron mobility degradation. Next, we show that midgap TiN metal-gate electrode is effective in screening phonon scattering in the high-/spl kappa/ dielectric from coupling to the channel under inversion conditions, resulting in improved channel electron mobility. We then show that other metal-gate electrodes, such as the ones with n+ and p+ work functions, are also effective in improving channel mobilities to close to those of the conventional SiO/sub 2//poly-Si stack. Finally, we demonstrate this mobility degradation recovery translates directly into high drive performance on high-/spl kappa//metal-gate CMOS transistors with desirable threshold voltages.
FISH AGGREGATION RESULTS IN INVERSELY DENSITY-DEPENDENT PREDATION ON CONTINUOUS CORAL REEFS

Spatially density-dependent predation is a leading hypothesis describing mechanisms of population regulation in coral reef fish. However, studies supporting this hypothesis predominantly have been conducted on small, isolated patch reefs. Here, we searched for evidence of spatially density-dependent predation on the continuous reefs of the Netherlands Antilles in a study of a dominant planktivore, the blue chromis (Chromis cyanea). Across space, we quantified both the patterns of loss from site-attached aggregations of C. cyanea through time and the behavioral reaction of predators to these aggregations. Looking across C. cyanea densities, we found that loss from aggregations was not characteristic of direct density dependence, but instead was commonly inversely related to density. Individual C. cyanea in larger aggregations were less likely to be lost from the group than were individuals in smaller aggregations. Thus, the observed density dependence increased spatial heterogeneity of C. cyanea. Predators showed behaviors that were consistent with these demographic patterns. Using remote videography, we quantified predator visitation and strike rates across a range of C. cyanea aggregation sizes. Predators consistently visited and struck at individuals in C. cyanea aggregations in a pattern that was strongly inversely density dependent, suggesting that aggregation is an effective means of minimizing per capita risk of predation for prey reef fish. Differences in spatial distribution of resources for predators (i.e., prey fish) between continuous and patch reef habitats may explain the difference between these results and those of previous studies on patch reefs.
Chicken manure increased concentration of organic sulfur compounds in field-grown onions.

A field study was conducted at Kentucky State University (KSU) Research Farm. The soil in five plots was mixed with sewage sludge, five plots were mixed with yard waste compost, five plots were mixed with laying hen manure each at 15 t acre−1, and five unamended plots that never received soil amendments were used for comparison purposes. Plots were planted with onion, Allium cepa L. var. Super Star-F1. The objectives of this investigation were to: 1) determine the concentrations of two organosulfur compounds (dipropyl disulfide and dipropyl trisulfide) in onion bulbs and 2) investigate the effect of mixing soil with three amendments (sewage sludge, yard waste, and chicken manure) on the concentration of dipropyl disulfide and dipropyl trisulfide in onion bulbs. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses of onion oil in chloroform extracts revealed the presence of two major fragment ions that correspond to dipropyl disulfide and – trisulfide. Concentration of these two organic sulfur compounds...