cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and characteristics of secondhand smoke and secondhand vapour exposure among youth.

Background It is well established that secondhand smoke (SHS) is harmful, and concern about the potential dangers associated with secondhand vapour (SHV) (ie, vapour from electronic vapour products, EVP) is growing. The present study examines the prevalence and characteristics associated with SHS and SHV exposure. Methods Data from youth aged 11–17 who completed the 2016 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (n=58 616) were analysed. Demographics, past 30 day SHS and SHV exposure, environmental factors, cigarette and EVP use status, SHS and SHV harm perceptions, and tobacco susceptibility were assessed. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine characteristics associated with SHS and SHV exposure, and SHS and SHV exposure with tobacco susceptibility. Results Overall, 42% of Florida youth reported SHS exposure and 29% reported SHV exposure during the past 30 days. Living in a home where tobacco use was permitted (vs not permitted) was positively associated with SHS (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.57) and SHV exposure (AOR 1.56). Perceived SHS as harmful (vs not harmful) was positively associated with SHS (AOR 1.73) and SHV exposure (AOR 1.97), while perceived SHV as harmful was negatively associated with SHS (AOR 0.86) and SHV exposure (AOR 0.56). SHS and SHV exposure was significantly associated with susceptibility to cigarette and EVP use (AOR 1.40 and 2.08, respectively). Conclusions Almost one-third of Florida youth reported SHV exposure. Factors associated with SHS and SHV exposure are somewhat similar, and exposure to SHS and SHV is associated with tobacco susceptibility in youth. Promoting tobacco-free homes is needed to protect youth from SHS and SHV exposure.
Postoperative Monitoring Following Adenotonsillectomy for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION Patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are usually admitted for observation, and many surgeons use the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation due to the risk of postsurgical airway obstruction. Given the limited resources of the pediatric ICU (PICU), there is a push to better define the patients who require postoperative monitoring in the PICU for monitoring severe OSA. METHODS Forty-five patients were evaluated. Patients who had cardiac or craniofacial comorbidities were excluded. Patients undergoing T&A for severe OSA were monitored in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) postoperatively. If patients required supplemental oxygen or developed hypoxia while in the PACU within the 3-hour monitoring period, they were admitted to the PICU. RESULTS Overall, 16 of 45 patients were admitted to the ICU for monitoring. Patients with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) >50 or with an oxygen nadir <80% were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU. The mean AHI of patients admitted to the PICU was 40.5, and the mean oxygen nadir was 69.9%. Patients younger than 2 years were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU. CONCLUSION Based on the data presented here and academy recommendations, not all patients with severe OSA require ICU monitoring.
Stakeholders' perceptions and information needs regarding research medical donation (RMD).

27Background: Issues pertinent to serious illness are more prevalent in the current medical landscape of increasing technologic sophistication. RMD, the process of human tissue extraction within hours after death benefits cancer research but data are limited regarding barriers institutions face in accruing to RMD programs. Such data are needed due to the complex RMD process, such as communicating with patients (pts) and their proxies, and procuring tissue in a timely manner that also respects end-of-life care sensitivities. Methods: We explored perceived core needs and challenges of RMD by engaging stakeholders (cancer clinicians, pts, and their caregivers) in 8 teleconference focus groups from 2017-2018. Clinicians caring for pts with breast, pancreas, and lung cancers comprised 2 groups. Each cancer separately had 2 groups for pts and their caregivers. Each group lasted 90 minutes, was audio-recorded and transcribed. Research team members (2-3) recorded their observations about key themes from each tran...
Old Serials, Dirty Data: Print Retention as an Opportunity

This article summarizes the presentation by Beverly Dowdy and Mandy Hurt at the 27th annual North Carolina Serials Conference in 2018. Dowdy described Duke University Libraries’ participation in pr...
Gun Violence, eSports, and Global Crises: A Proposed Model for Sport Crisis Communication Practitioners

On Sunday, August 26, 2018 an eSport gamer killed two competitors and injured 10 others in Jacksonville, FL. at the Madden 19 Southeast Qualifier, a competition sanctioned by the Madden Championshi...
Natural language processing of radiology reports for identification of skeletal site-specific fractures

Osteoporosis has become an important public health issue. Most of the population, particularly elderly people, are at some degree of risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Accurate identification and surveillance of patient populations with fractures has a significant impact on reduction of cost of care by preventing future fractures and its corresponding complications. In this study, we developed a rule-based natural language processing (NLP) algorithm for identification of twenty skeletal site-specific fractures from radiology reports. The rule-based NLP algorithm was based on regular expressions developed using MedTagger, an NLP tool of the Apache Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) pipeline to facilitate information extraction from clinical narratives. Radiology notes were retrieved from the Mayo Clinic electronic health records data warehouse. We developed rules for identifying each fracture type according to physicians’ knowledge and experience, and refined these rules via verification with physicians. This study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB) for human subject research. We validated the NLP algorithm using the radiology reports of a community-based cohort at Mayo Clinic with the gold standard constructed by medical experts. The micro-averaged results of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and F1-score of the proposed NLP algorithm are 0.930, 1.0, 1.0, 0.941, 0.961, respectively. The F1-score is 1.0 for 8 fractures, and above 0.9 for a total of 17 out of 20 fractures (85%). The results verified the effectiveness of the proposed rule-based NLP algorithm in automatic identification of osteoporosis-related skeletal site-specific fractures from radiology reports. The NLP algorithm could be utilized to accurately identify the patients with fractures and those who are also at high risk of future fractures due to osteoporosis. Appropriate care interventions to those patients, not only the most at-risk patients but also those with emerging risk, would significantly reduce future fractures.
Food practices and preferences of some college students.

Do food habits learned at home carry over when young people go to college? Do their food preferences change? The survey of New Mexico freshman students reported here covered these points, as well as their milk-drinking habits and intake of ascorbic acid-rich foods.
Language transfer and positional bias in English stress

This article shows that first language (L1) transfer may not be effectively maintained in the interlanguage due to confounding factors in the second language (L2). When two factors, A and B, are co...
Giant uric acid stone in the bladder.

A 45-year-old man presented with 2 weeks of dysuria and urinary frequency. He said he had to urinate 30 to 40 times a day, but only a small volume each time. He also said he drank ten 750-mL bottles of wine daily. He had no history of nephrolithiasis, genitourinary infection, or pelvic surgery. He
Development of Density Functional Tight-Binding Parameters Using Relative Energy Fitting and Particle Swarm Optimization.

We provide a strategy to optimize density functional tight-binding (DFTB) parameterization for the calculation of the structures and properties of organic molecules consisting of hydrogen, carbon, ...
Systematic Review of Interprofessional Oncology Simulation

BACKGROUND With the evolving complexity surrounding cancer care, interprofessional education through simulation must be examined as a novel pedagogy. OBJECTIVE To provide a systematic review by way of an evolutionary concept analysis of interprofessional oncology simulation to advance understanding of its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. DESIGN Rogerian evolutionary concept analysis method. DATA SOURCES A convenience sample of peer-reviewed publications were retrieved from MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO from 2002-2019. RESULTS Literature investigating interprofessional oncology simulation is growing. Findings (N=16 articles) revealed congruent antecedents, while attributes included: (1) realistic oncology care scenarios, (2) training in complex oncology care, and (3) oncology care communication. The conceptual consequences were identified as improved interprofessional team, trainee, and patient care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings advance knowledge in the growing area of interprofessional oncology simulation by providing conceptual clarification for healthcare providers. As professional organizations continue to emphasize interprofessional educational methods, additional research is critical in furthering this area of knowledge development.
Valid for who? A preliminary investigation of the validity of two sexual victimization questionnaires in men and sexual minorities.

The #MeToo movement illuminated vast numbers of people who experienced sexual violence, but the exact scope and impact, especially among under-studied populations (e.g., men and sexual minorities) is unclear, due in part to measurement issues. Our objective was to compare the validity of two measures of sexual violence victimization: The Sexual Experiences Survey – Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV) and The Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scale – Victimization (PRSPS-V). Participants were 673 college students who first completed the Rape Empathy for Victims (REM-V) and then the SES-SFV and PRSPS-V (counter-balanced). We found strong evidence of convergent validity for the PRSPS-V with correlations ranging from r = .57–88. Convergent validity correlations were strongest for sexual minority women (r = .88) and weakest for heterosexual men (r = .57). We also found evidence of differential validity for the SES-SFV and PRSPS-V. For heterosexual women, rape empathy was correlated to victimization on both questionnaires (r = .25–.29). However, for heterosexual men, only scores on the SES-SFV were correlated with rape empathy for victims (r = .19). For sexual minorities there appeared to be differences between PRSPS-V only victims and those who reported victimization on both questionnairnes in rape empathy (F = 2.65, p = .053). These results provide researchers a starting point for improving these questionnaires to collect more accurate data that helps improve the ability to detect cases of sexual victimization and thus, prevent and heal sexual victimization, especially in understudied populations such as men and sexual minorities.
Typologies of Dementia Caregiver Support Networks: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There are nearly 18 million family caregivers in the United States assisting an older adult in need of help. Identifying the caregivers in greatest need of support requires an understanding of the current social support networks available to family caregivers and whether specific groups of caregivers are at risk of having an insufficient support network. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We collected personal network data from a nationally representative sample of 66 family caregivers to persons with dementia (PWDs) in the United States aged 18 and older, including information on network members' support to the caregiver and help to the care recipient. RESULTS We found four common caregiving network types: large networks with many helpers; large networks primarily supporting caregivers; small, dense networks supporting both caregivers and care recipient; and small networks providing little help to either caregiver or care recipient. Gender, income, and geographic proximity of caregiver to the care recipient were significantly associated with caregiver network type. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study suggests that there are different types of care and support networks available to caregivers to PWDs, and that the size and structure of networks vary considerably among demographic groups. As the population ages, a better understanding of the supports available to caregivers will be crucial for ensuring that caregivers are adequately supported, and caregiving needs of families are met.
High HCV cure rates among people who inject drugs and have suboptimal adherence: A patient-centered approach to HCV models of care.

Abstract Background Though people who inject drugs (PWID) make up the majority of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, concerns about adherence often exclude PWID from receiving direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication. The most effective models of HCV care to promote sustained virologic response (SVR) and high adherence need to be evaluated. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study in three opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the Bronx, NY. Participants, in collaboration with providers, chose one of three models of onsite care: directly observed therapy (mDOT), group treatment (GT), or self-administered individual treatment (SIT). SVR12, daily adherence, and participant characteristics were compared between groups. Results Of 61 participants, the majority were male (62%) and Latino (67%), with a mean age of 53 (SD 9). Participants received DAAs via one of three models of care: mDOT (21%), GT (25%), or SIT (54%). The majority (59%) used illicit drugs during treatment. Overall, SVR12 was 98% with no differences between models of care: mDOT (100%), GT (100%), and SIT (97%) (p = 1.0). Overall, daily adherence was 73% (SD 16); 86% among those who chose mDOT compared to 71% among those who chose GT (p Conclusion Despite ongoing illicit drug use and suboptimal adherence, SVR12 was high among PWID treated onsite at an OTP using any one of three models of care. Shared decision making in real world settings may be key to choosing the appropriate model of care for PWID.
Observing Media Framing Effects through Online Social Media: A Case Study of the Debate on the Syrian Refugee Crisis Using Data from Facebook

The paper relies on framing as a lens to understand the role and effect of media on public debate over Syrians trying to resettle elsewhere. With millions of Syrians trapped in refugee camps, with no chance of pursuing a normal life within the foreseeable future, and over 10.000 people drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean since 2012, the need to revise policies regarding refugees’ access to third countries is urgent. This study seeks to provide information to better understand the role of the media regarding this issue. In particular, the thesis focuses on the use of the expressions migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, as expressions reflecting conflicting views with respect to the right of admission into third countries. Based on an overview of the content of more than 1.5 million Facebook posts, and an analysis of a subset of 878 of those posts, this study first explores variations in how newspapers across 9 countries use the different expressions to portray Syrians. Then, based on over 60.000 comments, it uses regression analysis to show the strength of the correlation between the expression chosen by the media and the expressions employed by users in comments to these articles on Facebook. In doing so, the research provides a methodology for leveraging upon publicly available data from social media to carry out framing studies, and an overview of how the media across 9 countries interpret and represent the plight of Syrians, as well as insights into how their readership reacts to the proposed frames.
A Broadband Multistatic Radar for Trajectory Identification of Multiple Small Caliber Targets

In recent years, the use of radar for remote sensing has scaled from the detection and tracking of large meter-scale feature sizes to the identification of finer objects and movements. Of particular interest in defense applications is the identification of the trajectories of small caliber projectiles during flight. We present a broadband multistatic radar system for the identification of multiple target trajectories where velocities exceed 300 ms−1. Our radar system is demonstrated at an outdoor firing range in 9-mm caliber live fire experiments. Results indicate that this radar is a promising system for the identification of multiple small, fast-moving object trajectories.
Medically important fungi respond to azole drugs: an update

The increased numbers of patients with compromised immune systems in the last three decades have increased the chances of life-threatening fungal infections. Numerous antifungal drugs have been developed in the last 20 years to treat these infections. The largest group, the azoles, inhibits the synthesis of fungal sterols. The use of these fungistatic azoles has subsequently led to the emergence of acquired azole resistance. The most common mechanisms that result in azole resistance include the overexpression or mutation of the azole target enzyme, and overexpression of drug transporters that are responsible for azole efflux from cells. Additional, less-frequent mechanisms have also been identified. Understanding azole resistance mechanisms is crucial for current antifungal treatment and for the future development of new treatment strategies.
Suicidal or Self-Harming Ideation in Military Personnel Transitioning to Civilian Life

Suicides have markedly increased among military personnel in recent years. We used path analysis to examine factors associated with suicidal/self-harming ideation among male Navy and Marine Corps personnel transitioning to civilian life. Roughly 7% of men (Sailors = 5.3%, Marines = 9.0%) reported ideation during the previous 30 days. Results suggest that combat exposure, substance abuse, and resilience are associated with suicidal ideation/self-harming thoughts through the mediation of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and/or depression symptoms. Substance abuse plays a moderating role. Resilience had a direct effect only among the Marines. Implications for improving the transition to civilian life are discussed.
Point-sets in general position with many similar copies of a pattern

For every pattern $P$, consisting of a finite set of points in the plane, $S_{P}(n,m)$ is defined as the largest number of similar copies of $P$ among sets of $n$ points in the plane without $m$ points on a line. A general construction, based on iterated Minkovski sums, is used to obtain new lower bounds for $S_{P}(n,m)$ when $P$ is an arbitrary pattern. Improved bounds are obtained when $P$ is a triangle or a regular polygon with few sides. It is also shown that $S_{P}(n,m)\geq n^{2-\epsilon}$ whenever $m(n)\to \infty$ as $n \to\infty$. Finite sets with no collinear triples and not containing the 4 vertices of any parallelogram are called \emph{parallelogram-free}. The more restricted function $S_{P} ^{\nparallel}(n)$, defined as the maximum number of similar copies of $P$ among parallelogram-free sets of $n$ points, is also studied. It is proved that $\Omega(n\log n)\leq S_{P}^{\nparallel}(n)\leq O(n^{3/2})$.
Time domain characterization of thin film head/media systems

With thin-film head/media systems, frequency-domain parametric measurements (SNR, resolution, decibel overwrite, etc.) often demonstrate poor correlation with actual disk-drive phase margin results. Superposition modeling and direct time-domain measurements are required to understand these systems better. Several techniques are discussed: time-domain quantification of individual read and media noise, aggregate noise and offset deconvolution from phase margin graphs, and time-domain writeability measurements. Applications of these techniques include characterization of phenomena unique to thin-film systems, optimization of disk-drive electronics using these systems, and the creation of improved component and drive production tests. >
Pro-Active Detection of Content Quality in TurboTax AnswerXchange

User satisfaction in social question-and-answer (Q&A) systems depends on the quality of answers typically measured by a proxy metrics of user votes on the answers. We show that user votes in TurboTax AnswerXchange (AXC) can be predicted with reasonable accuracy based on the attributes of the question alone. This provides an opportunity for "pro-active" detection of potentially high or low quality content in real time while the question is still being formulated. As a result, undesirable content can be prevented by instructing the user to re-phrase the question. We can also optimize the AXC answer queue or tweak the AXC point system to generate higher quality answers.
Direct targeting of cancer cells: a multiparameter approach.

Summary Lectins have been widely used in cell surface studies and in the development of potential anticancer drugs. Many past studies that have examined lectin toxicity have only evaluated the effects on cancer cells, not their non-cancer counterparts. In addition, few past studies have evaluated the relationship between lectin-cell binding and lectin toxicity on both cell types. Here we examine these parameters in one study: lectin-cell binding and lectin toxicity with both cancer cells and their normal counterparts. We found that the human colon cancer cell line CCL-220/Colo320DM bound to agarose beads derivatized with Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin (PHA-L) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), while the non-cancer human colon cell line CRL-1459/CCD-18Co did not. When these lectins were tested for their effects on cell viability in culture, both cell lines were affected by the lectins but at 6, 48 and 72 h incubation times, PHA-L was most toxic to the cancer cell line in a concentration dependent manner. At 48 h incubation, WGA was more toxic to the cancer cell line. The results suggest that it may be possible to develop lectin protocols that selectively target cancer cells for death. In any case, examination of both malignant cells and their non-malignant counterparts, analysis of their binding characteristics to immobilized lectins, and examination of the toxicity of free lectins in culture, provides a multiparameter model for obtaining more comprehensive information than from more limited approaches.
BREWSTER'S ANGLE PORRO PRISM : A DIFFERENT USE FOR A PELLIN-BROCA PRISM

Brewster’s angle Pellin-Broca prisms are commonly used as constant 90° deviation dispersing prisms. This note describes their use as nondispersive Brewster’s angle Porro prisms.
Loss formulas from functions of voltage angles

A NEW APPROACH in the form of remarkably simple formulas for the determination of incremental transmission losses in electric power systems has been advanced by Brownlee.1 He derived the formulas for the simplest possible transmission system of two generators connected by a single transmission line, and then showed that they were applicable to practical power systems by working out some numerical cases. Brownlee's formulas are functions of the phase angles of the generator bus voltages, so that their application is restricted to those cases where the phase angles are known, such as a-c network analyzer studies.
Protein synthesis and axonal transport in retinal ganglion cells of mice lacking visual receptors.

Abstract The retinas of mice with hereditary degeneration of visual receptor cells were compared with those of a closely related strain of mice with normal retinas. (1) The mutants had 20% fewer retinal ganglion cells and the remaining ganglion cells were reduced in size by 10–20%. (2) Tritiated amino acid incorporation into ganglion cell protein was about 35% less in the mutants than in the normals, but the labeled protein disappeared from the cells at the same rate as in the normals. (3) The rate of the fast component of axonal protein transport in the optic nerve was the same in both groups of animals, with a maximum of 190 mm/day. (4) The rate of slow transport, which was between about 1.5 and 3 mm/day in the normals, was reduced by one-third in the mutants. (5) Results obtained with proline and leucine were essentially the same, but indicated a longer lifetime for the proline-containing proteins in both the fast and slow components. The absence of visual receptors in the mutants is likely to result in a greatly reduced level of electrical activity in the ganglion cells, which is probably the basis for the observed changes. On the other hand, the unchanged rate of fast transport in the mutants indicates that this rate is independent of alterations in electrical activity, cell size or protein synthesis.
DIFFUSION VS CROSS-DIFFUSION : AN ELLIPTIC APPROACH

where 2= i=1 2 xi is the Laplace operator, 0 is a bounded smooth domain in R, 0 is the boundary of 0, and & is the outward unit normal vector on 0. The system (1.1) was proposed by Shigesada et al. [13] to model segregation of interacting species, where u and v represent the densities of two competing species, hence only non-negative u and v are of interest. The constants dj , aj , bj , and cj ( j=1, 2) are all positive, where d1 , d2 are the diffusion rates of these two species, a1 , a2 denote their intrinsic growth rates, b1 and c2 account for intra-specific competitions, and b2 and c1 are the coefficients of inter-specific competitions. The constants \12 and \21 are non-negative, and they are referred as cross-diffusion pressures. We refer to [13] for more background about (1.1). Previous work on the system (1.1) includes [2, 4 8, 15] and the references therein, and we refer to the introduction part of [4] for a more detailed description. In paper [4], we established various multidimensional existence and non-existence results on non-constant positive solutions of (1.1). Article ID jdeq.1998.3559, available online at http: www.idealibrary.com on
Theoretical cognitive differences in expert and novice outdoor leader decision making: Implications for training and development

Abstract Outdoor leader decision-making is often cited as one of the most important competencies that professionals in the field possess. However, little discussion regarding the development of decision-making ability appears in the outdoor leadership literature. Psychologists in other fields have investigated the progression from novice to expertise and the following scenario illustrates differences: expert/novice decision-making as indicated with submarine commanders and air traffic controllers as subjects. This paper attempts to make theoretical connections between research in cognitive and social psychology, and outdoor leader development, and in doing so, discusses research in expert/novice differences in decision-making, situation assessment, naturalistic decision-making, and professional development. Implications and suggestions are made for application to current training practices; these include training for ill-structured problems, for a heavy workload, time stress and high stakes, as well as mu...
Solubility of linoleic acid in aqueous solutions and its reaction with water

In a study of stable emulsions of linoleic acid in 0.1M-KH2PO4/Na2HPO4 buffer solutions prepared by sonic vibrations, the influence of linoleic acid on pH was manifested in buffer solutions of pH 8.00 and decreased gradually till it became negligible in pH 4.50. This change in pH values was due to differences in solubility of linoleic acid in the buffer solutions. Ultraviolet spectra of soluble linoleic acid in buffer solutions indicated the presence of conjugated dienes, which increased with the increasing of the pH of the system. Unbuffered aqueous emulsions of linoleic acid had a pH value which ranged between 4.69 and 5.10. Saturated aqueous solutions, obtained by high-speed centrifugation, had concentrations of 15.80 to 16.00 mg. linoleic acid per 100 ml. of D.I. water. From the solubility data and conductivity values of linoleic acid the apparent classic and thermodynamic ionization constants were calculated to be 6.974±0.023×10−6 and 6.905±0.017×10−6 at 0.7°C. and 1.730±0.009×10−5 and 1.689±0.007×10−5 at 25°C., respectively. The result of the chemical interaction of linoleic acid and water is a saturated hydroxy fatty acid. This acid gave a positive test for glycol groups with periodic acid oxidation test and appeared to be a tetrahydroxy compound with the exact structure unknown.
Confocal assessment of the corneal response to intracorneal lens insertion and laser in situ keratomileusis with flap creation using IntraLase.

Purpose To assess the response of the cornea to hydrogel intracorneal lens (ICL) insertion or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with IntraLase (IntraLase Corp.) at the cellular level. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. Methods Twenty patients (29 eyes) were evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy 1 to 6 months postoperatively: 20 eyes had LASIK with flap creation by IntraLase, and 9 eyes had ICL insertion (8 following IntraLase). Results For LASIK with IntraLase, keratocyte activation and/or interface haze was detected in 8 of 20 eyes. The remaining eyes had interface particles but no cell activation. Keratocyte activation was generally limited to a few cell layers adjacent to the interface. However, 2 patients exhibited multiple layers of activation and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) reflectivity (haze) surrounding the interface by confocal microscopy. Both patients also had clinical haze and photophobia. For ICLs, following insertion, 5 of 9 eyes had activated keratocytes adjacent to the implant surfaces. The largest amount of cell activation and ECM haze detected by confocal microscopy was in 2 patients with significant clinical haze. Structures with an epithelioid morphology were detected on some implant surfaces. Epithelial thickness was 33.3 μm ± 2.3 (SD) in the ICL eyes and 49.2 ± 6.5 μm in the LASIK with IntraLase eyes. Conclusions Both LASIK with IntraLase and ICL insertion following IntraLase induced keratocyte activation, which may underlie clinical observations of haze in some patients. Intracorneal lens implant also induced thinning of the overlying corneal epithelium.
An Experimental Study of the Vortex in the Cyclone Separator

The symmetric vortex in a cylindrical cyclone with a flat bottom was studied with the aid of smoke, and was probed for the distribution of the velocity. The smoke studies revealed a laminar regime of flow at very low velocities, the normal turbulent regime of operation, and a new periodic regime of flow in which the vortex turned and attached to the cylindrical wall of the cyclone. A curious core region apparently capable of separating tobacco smoke from the air was also found. The velocity distribution measured in the vortex showed how the flow pattern is strongly influenced by the inlet area of the cyclone.
Methods of quality control and of continuous audit procedures for controlled clinical trials

The success of any cooperative clinical trial is dependent on assuring that the data collected are of good quality. This requires that an extensive and detailed program be developed for assuring good quality performance of all participating centers. Procedures for monitoring the clinical centers and procedures for monitoring or assuring quality of data handling and processing in the coordinating center, i.e., procedures for monitoring the coordinating center, are discussed. The procedures described are based on experience in the Diabetic Retinopathy Study, which is completing data collection, and a new study, the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study, which is in the planning phase. Some of the principles will apply to any participating unit. As in all aspects of clinical trials, a quality control program requires attention to detail and careful planning and vigilance on the part of all participants.
Metaphysics as modeling: the handmaiden’s tale

Critics of contemporary metaphysics argue that it attempts to do the hard work of science from the ease of the armchair. Physics, not metaphysics, tells us about the fundamental facts of the world, and empirical psychology is best placed to reveal the content of our concepts about the world. Exploring and understanding the world through metaphysical reflection is obsolete. In this paper, I will show why this critique of metaphysics fails, arguing that metaphysical methods used to make claims about the world are similar to scientific methods used to make claims about the world, but that the subjects of metaphysics are not the subjects of science. Those who argue that metaphysics uses a problematic methodology to make claims about subjects better covered by natural science get the situation exactly the wrong way around: metaphysics has a distinctive subject matter, not a distinctive methodology. The questions metaphysicians address are different from those of scientists, but the methods employed to develop and select theories are similar. In the first section of the paper, I will describe the sort of subject matter that metaphysics tends to engage with. In the second section of the paper, I will show how metaphysical theories are classes of models and discuss the roles of experience, common sense and thought experiments in the construction and evaluation of such models. Finally, in the last section I will discuss the way these methodological points help us to understand the metaphysical project. Getting the right account of the metaphysical method allows us to better understand the relationship between science and metaphysics, to explain why doing metaphysics successfully involves having a range of different theories (instead of consensus on a single theory), to understand the role of thought experiments involving fictional worlds, and to situate metaphysical realism in a scientifically realist context.
An Analysis of B.S.E.E. Degree Completion Time at Ohio University

In response to a state mandate to consider time-to-degree, a transcript analysis was performed on BSEE graduates at Ohio University to determine the time it took them to obtain their degree. It was found that the average student took 5.15 years and 15.6 quarters to graduate. Major causes of students taking more than four years were failing, withdrawing from, and repeating courses, enrolling in an insufficient number of hours per quarter, and taking free electives. Also, it was found that hours lost when transferring institutions and changing majors, taking English as a second language (ESL) courses, and stopping out delayed some students. Students in the top quartile of GPA finished significantly sooner than other students while students with non-ESL remedial courses and students who participated in cooperative education were not delayed. Implications of these findings for Ohio University and other programs are discussed.
Topological dynamics in spike-timing dependent plastic model neural networks

Spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) is a biologically constrained unsupervised form of learning that potentiates or depresses synaptic connections based on the precise timing of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic firings. The effects of on-going STDP on the topology of evolving model neural networks were assessed in 50 unique simulations which modeled two hours of activity. After a period of stabilization, a number of global and local topological features were monitored periodically to quantify on-going changes in network structure. Global topological features included the total number of remaining synapses, average synaptic strengths, and average number of synapses per neuron (degree). Under a range of different input regimes and initial network configurations, each network maintained a robust and highly stable global structure across time. Local topology was monitored by assessing state changes of all three-neuron subgraphs (triads) present in the networks. Overall counts and the range of triad configurations varied little across the simulations; however, a substantial set of individual triads continued to undergo rapid state changes and revealed a dynamic local topology. In addition, specific small-world properties also fluctuated across time. These findings suggest that on-going STDP provides an efficient means of selecting and maintaining a stable yet flexible network organization.
The engineer as judge: engineering analysis and political economy in eighteenth century France

The eighteenth century represents a major turning point in French engineers' conception and practice of calculation. This turning point can be described as a transition between the traditional use of arithmetical and geometric tools and the introduction of a new set of mathematical instruments based on calculus. This transition takes place within the epistemological frame provided by the Enlightenment analytical approach to science and technology. It is above all inseparable from a shift in the conception of technological efficiency that presents a strong connection to emerging political and economical values. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, engineering and political economy connect. This connection enables French engineers to present themselves as impartial judges of public interest.
Microcalorimeter Q-spectroscopy for rapid isotopic analysis of trace actinide samples

Abstract We are developing superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters that are optimized for rapid isotopic analysis of trace actinide samples by Q-spectroscopy. By designing mechanically robust TESs and simplified detector assembly methods, we have developed a detector for Q-spectroscopy of actinides that can be assembled in minutes. We have characterized the effects of each simplification and present the results. Finally, we show results of isotopic analysis of plutonium samples with Q-spectroscopy detectors and compare the results to mass spectrometry.
Modulation of the functions of dengue virus-specific human CD8+ cytotoxic T cell clone by IL-2, IL-7 and IFN gamma

Lymphokines play an important role in immune responses to viruses by modulating functions of T lymphocytes. In the present study, we examined the effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-7 (IL-7), and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) on proliferation, cytotoxic activity and lymphokine production of a dengue virus-specific CD8+ human cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone. IL-2 and IL-7 induced proliferation of the CD8+ CTL clone in the presence or absence of specific antigen, while IFN gamma suppressed proliferation of the clone. IL-7 and IFN gamma augmented dengue virus-specific cytotoxic activity without inducing non-specific cytotoxic activity, and IL-2 induced non-specific cytotoxic activity. IL-2 induced IFN gamma production by the CD8+ CTL clone. IL-4 and IL-6 did not modulate the functions of the CD8+ CTL clone in these experimental conditions. These results suggest that functions of dengue virus-specific CD8+ CTL are modulated by IL-2, IL-7 and IFN gamma, and that IL-7 is a lymphokine useful to induce growth and to maintain specific cytotoxic activity of CD8+ CTL clones in vitro.
Exploring the factors associated with Web site success in the context of electronic commerce

Web sites are being widely deployed commercially. As the widespread use and dependency on Web technology increases, so does the need to assess factors associated with Web site success. The objective is to explore these factors in the context of electronic commerce (EC). The research framework was derived from information systems and marketing literature. Webmasters from Fortune 1000 companies were used as the target group for a survey. Four factors that are critical to Web site success in EC were identified: (1) information and service quality, (2) system use, (3) playfulness, and (4) system design quality. An analysis of the data provides valuable managerial implications for Web site success in the context of electronic commerce.
Role of Network Connectivity on the Mechanical Properties of Highly Cross-Linked Polymers

The effects of mixed functionality and degree of curing on the stress−strain behavior of highly cross-linked polymer networks are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The networks are made dynamically in a manner similar to epoxy network formation, and the average functionality of the cross-linker, fav, is systematically varied from 3 to 6 by mixing cross-linkers with functionalities f = 3, 4, and 6. Stress−strain curves are determined for each system from tensile pull simulations. The range of strain of the plateau region (RP) in the stress−strain curve, failure strain (ef), and failure stress (σf) for fully cured networks are found to have a power law dependence on fav as ∼ . For RP and ef, α is determined to be −1.22(3) and −1.26(4), respectively. The failure strain is equal to the strain needed to make taut the maximum of the minimal paths through the network connecting the two solid surfaces. The failure stress, however, shows two distinct regions. For ≤ 4, σf increases with increase in fav ...
Endogenous inhibitor proteins that connect Ser/Thr kinases and phosphatases in cell signaling

Protein phosphatase activity acts as a primary determinant of the extent and duration of phosphorylation of cellular proteins in response to physiological stimuli. Ser/Thr protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) belongs to the PPP superfamily, and is associated with regulatory subunits that confer substrate specificity, allosteric regulation, and subcellular compartmentalization. In addition, all eukaryotic cells contain multiple heat-stable proteins that originally were thought to inhibit phosphatase catalytic subunits released from the regulatory subunits, as a fail-safe mechanism. However, discovery of C-kinase-activated PP1 inhibitor, Mr of 17 kDa (CPI-17) required fresh thinking about the endogenous inhibitors as specific regulators of particular phosphatase complexes, acting in addition to, not instead of, regulatory subunits. The cellular actions of the endogenous inhibitors are controlled by phosphorylation, connecting them to kinase pathways. More recent progress has unveiled additional functions of PP1 inhibitor-2 (I-2), including regulation of protein kinases. Transcriptional mechanisms govern the expression levels of CPI-17 in response to stimuli. If true for other inhibitor proteins, they have the potential of being diagnostic markers for pathological conditions. We discuss specific examples of PP1 inhibitor proteins regulating particular cellular functions and the rationale for incorporating phosphatase inhibitor proteins in development of new therapeutic strategies.
10.3.1 The Producing System

This paper discusses the importance of the enabling resources (otherwise identified as enabling capacity or enabling capabilities) to the successful development of systems. It proposes the Producing System as a mechanism for planning, acquiring, deploying and managing these enabling resources as a system of interest, in addition to the delivered or required system, in the system development process.
Factors that influence African-Americans' willingness to participate in medical research studies.

BACKGROUND. The underrepresentation of African-Americans among medical research participants is receiving considerable attention because of recent government mandates for the inclusion of all racial/ethnic groups in human subject research. Therefore, there is a need to determine factors that influence minority enrollment in medical research studies. METHODS. Between 1998-1999, 91 African-American residents of the Detroit Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area participated in a mail and telephone survey designed to examine impediments to participation in medical research studies. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between race, issues related to trust in medical researchers, and the willingness to participate in medical research studies. RESULTS. African-American respondents were somewhat less willing to participate if they attributed high importance to the race of the physician when seeking routine medical care, believed that minorities or the poor bear most of the risks of medical research, and, most especially, their knowledge of the Tuskegee Study resulted in less trust in medical researchers. CONCLUSIONS. These data reiterate the need for medical researchers to build trusting relations with African-Americans and to conduct research in an ethical manner. This includes maximizing benefits, reducing risks, and assuring distributive justice to all medical research study participants.
The structure of the accessory genital mass in Aplysia californica.

Abstract The accessory genital mass in Aplysia californica is a large hemispherical organ whose main function is to coat the oocytcs and place them in a cordon directly prior to oviposition. The complex pathways through this mass have been reconstructed from serial histological sections. The first diverticulum, second diverticulum and cruciate junction are here described for the first time. The pathways taken by the living oocytes as they pass through the mass and are placed in the cordon are described. Four types of secretory cells are found in the accessory mass: (1) the metachromatic granule cell, (2) the punctate granule cell, (3) the filamentous granule cell and (4) the albumen gland cell.
All men are created equal

African Americans have faced adversity at every step in their quest to realize the ideal of the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.” The history of African Americans in the United States is marked with incidents of racially charged violence and unfair treatment. This article explores the struggle of African Americans in the United States, from their forced immigration to the present. It drives home the point that the United States must eradicate racism and racial inequality to become a nation in which all people truly are created equal.
Cloning, genomic organization and chromosomal localization of the gene encoding the murine sodium-dependent, purine-selective, concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT2).

Abstract A PCR-based strategy was used to isolate a 2653 bp cDNA encoding the mouse sodium-dependent, purine nucleoside selective, concentrative nucleoside transporter (designated mCNT2). The deduced protein sequence exhibits 93 and 80% identity to the previously cloned rat and human sodium-dependent, purine nucleoside selective, nucleoside transporters, respectively. Characterization of 3 H-nucleoside uptake by COS-1 cells transiently transfected with the cDNA demonstrated that it encoded a functional nucleoside transport activity with selectivity for purine nucleosides. The cDNA was used to screen a murine (strain 129SvJ/6) genomic library in pBeloBAC11 to identify a clone containing the mCNT2 gene. A PCR strategy was used to identify and sequence the intron–exon boundaries and to determine the approximate sizes of the introns. The mCNT2 gene spans approximately 13.7 kb and is encoded by 15 exons. The gene was mapped to mouse chromosome 2e3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Following the rules : consistency in sign

The majority of hearing-impaired students in the United States are exposed to at least one, if not several, forms of simultaneously signed and spoken English input (e.g., Seeing Essential English, ...