cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Understanding and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy that involves the compression of the median nerve at the wrist and is considered the most common of all focal entrapment mononeuropathies. CTS makes up 90% of all entrapment neuropathies diagnosed in the USA and affects millions of Americans. Age and gender likely play a role in the development of CTS, but additional studies may further elucidate these associations. Of known associated risk factors, diabetes mellitus seems to have the greatest association with CTS. One of the most commonly reported symptoms in CTS is a “pins-and-needles” sensation in the first three fingers and nocturnal burning pain that is relieved with activity upon waking. Treatment for CTS is variable depending on the severity of symptoms. Conservative management of CTS is usually considered first-line therapy. In cases of severe sensory or motor deficit, injection therapy or ultimately surgery may then be considered. Still CTS is often difficult to treat and may be reoccurring. Novel treatment modalities such as laser and shockwave therapy have demonstrated variable efficacy though further studies are needed to assess for safety and effect. Given the unknown and potentially complex etiology of CTS, further studies are needed to explore combinations of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
Reclaiming Our Time: Asserting the Logic of Intersectionality in Media Studies

In our Gender and Black Freedom Movements graduate seminar, seven people sat around a conference-style table. At the front of the room, the professor prepared for lecture and class discussion, whil...
Hospitality in Silas Marner and Daniel Deronda

This article considers two works by Eliot, Silas Marner, her most provincial of novels, and Daniel Deronda, the most cosmopolitan, through the lens of hospitality. Both novels repeatedly stage scenes in which a stranger arrives, and is welcomed or excluded by their hosts. Through these scenes, both novels examine questions regarding refuge, asylum, and settlement, as well as the politics of kinship and the exclusion of women from democratic society. This enables us to read Daniel Deronda as an ‘inquiry’ into the conditions that make the act of colonial settlement seem to be inevitable.
1-Bit Sparse Gridless Super-Resolution Doa Estimation For Coprime Arrays

Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation using 1-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) offers significant cost, power, and hardware complexity reduction for sensor arrays. We propose a 1-bit sparse super-resolution DOA method for coprime arrays to achieve search-free DOA estimation, under the assumption of uncorrelated sources. The approach extends gridless DOA estimation for coprime arrays based on sparse super-resolution (SR) theory to 1-bit measurements. Using the arcsine law, a scaled version of the full precision covariance matrix can be recovered from the 1-bit data. The vectorized covariance matrix becomes the effective measurements from the coprime virtual array, and then the DOA estimation problem is expressed as an infinite-dimensional atomic norm minimization problem in the continuous angle domain. The corresponding dual problem is converted to a finite semidefinite program with linear matrix inequality constraints, that is solvable in polynomial time. Finally, the search-free DOA estimates are obtained using the unit-circle zeros of a nonnegative polynomial formed from the dual polynomial, followed by an l 1 norm minimization. The angular resolution and accuracy of the proposed method is compared to state-of-the-art approaches such as 1-bit and full-precision versions of spatially smoothed MUSIC and a discrete offgrid method, as well as the full-precision gridless SR method.
Can an Agenda for Economic Development Be Premised on an Aggressive Program Built around Microfinance

This study provides formal theoretical evidence that an agenda for economic development of a `Village' that is built around an aggressive foray into provision of Microfinance is more likely to fail, than to succeed. The Microfinance strategy fails, because any businesses formed by `Villagers' have character of gambles on future consumption. In presence of this outcome, there is little to no chance that Villagers transform into professional entrepreneurs. In equilibrium, there is not any supply-side or income multiplier effect from Microfinance, and there is not arrival at any beneficial transformation to structure of economic activities. In absence of the two stated effects, with exclusion of infrastructural development, which does not reside in purview of Microfinance, there is not arrival at any meaningful economic development. The study proffers some theoretically motivated metrics, estimates for which can be focus of empirical studies. In presence of such metrics, `impacts' of Microfinance programs around the world are more directly comparable.
Oridonin and its derivatives for cancer treatment and overcoming therapeutic resistance

Cancer is one of the diseases with high morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Chemotherapy remains the primary treatment option for most cancer patients, including patients with progressive, metastatic, and recurrent diseases. To date, hundreds of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat various cancers, however, the anti-cancer efficacy and outcomes are largely hampered by chemotherapy-associated toxicity and acquired therapeutic resistance. The natural product (NP) oridonin has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer efficacy. More recently, oridonin has been shown to overcome drug resistance through multiple mechanisms, with yet-to-be-defined bona fide targets. Hundreds of oridonin derivative analogs (oridonalogs) have been synthesized and screened for improved potency, bioavailability, and other drug properties. Particularly, many of these oridonalogs have been tested against oridonin for tumor growth inhibition, potential for overcoming therapeutic resistance, and immunity modulation. This concise review seeks to summarize the advances in this field in light of identifying clinical-trial level drug candidates with the promise for treating progressive cancers and reversing chemoresistance.
Advancing Research and Practice Through an Empirically Validated Short-Form Measure of Work Engagement

Taking a multifaceted approach toward establishing validity, we present evidence from four independent samples supporting the efficacy of a short-form (three-item) version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The measure provides a psychometrically sound instrument to facilitate both complex and longitudinal research designs on engagement, as well as in practice, where parsimony is vital. To this end, we examine the short-form measure for measurement invariance based on a large heterogeneous sample (Study 1 Sample 3), as well as temporal invariance based on six waves of data with two-week lags between assessments (Study 2). As such, to demonstrate the utility of the short measure, we provide a within-individual test of the concept of gain spirals within conservation of resources theory (Study 2) wherein we introduce the notion top-down versus bottom-up gain spirals. Collectively we present strong validity evidence for the short-form measure such that it is applicable for both practitioners and academics alike.
Congenital Blindness and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

CASE Emily is a 10-year-old girl who is in fifth grade. She has known congenital blindness secondary to septo-optic dysplasia with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and precocious puberty. Emily was referred to a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics clinic for concerns of academic, social, and language challenges.Emily was born at term gestation after an uncomplicated pregnancy. At 4 months of age, she underwent ophthalmologic evaluation because of nystagmus, reduced visual tracking and response to light, and increased startle response to touch. An magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits demonstrated bilateral hypoplastic optic nerves and the absence of posterior pituitary. Subsequent endocrinological evaluation for pituitary function was reassuring. Emily's early developmental milestones were delayed across all domains. She participated in early intervention programming including speech/language, physical, and occupational therapy with interval improvement in skills. She also received supports for low vision. In the elementary school, she received supports and services for low vision in a general education classroom. It was observed that Emily had reduced interest in her peers, a strong preference for routine, and distinctive play interests. As elementary school progressed, Emily had increasing challenges with academic achievement, despite performing well on formal testing in second grade.At a recent ophthalmology visit, Emily's best-corrected visual acuity was noted to be 20/800 in each eye.Neuropsychological testing was completed with visual accommodation and administration of measures with minimal visual requirements. Cognitive testing revealed variable verbal intellect and language skills. Academic testing revealed strong reading abilities and a relative weakness in math. Adaptive measures were notable for reduced function and highlighted social vulnerabilities. Parent measures regarding mood and behavior were not concerning.Emily's speech was noted to have a very distinctive prosody with notable response latency. Echolalia and scripting were appreciated, and Emily often asked about names and used made-up words. When excited, Emily flapped her arms and hands, jumped up and down, or clapped her hands quickly. Socially, Emily was engaged and seemed eager to please. She was able to participate in back-and-forth conversation. Although she often responded to social bids, she frequently directed the conversation to her own areas of interest. Emily looked in the direction of the examiner when talking to the examiner and when the examiner spoke. Although a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is under consideration, what special considerations are necessary in the context of congenital blindness?
Erratum for Hagan et al., "Women Are Underrepresented and Receive Differential Outcomes at ASM Journals: a Six-Year Retrospective Analysis".

Volume 11, no. 6, e01680-20, 2020, [https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01680-20][1]. The first paragraph of the Acknowledgments (PDF page 19) section should have read as follows: > We thank Nicole Broderick and Arturo Casadevall for providing their data set for genderize validation and Joel F. Plotkin (
Novel treatment options for acute hepatic porphyrias.

Purpose of review Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHP) are a group of rare diseases that are characterized by episodic acute neurovisceral pain episodes caused by abnormal accumulation of the neurotoxic porphyrin precursor delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Patient with frequent recurrent acute attacks have been difficult to treat and these patients sometimes require liver transplantation. Recent developments in small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy led to the development of an effective prophylactic treatment for patients with frequent recurrent attacks. This review will describe treatment options for AHP and highlight management in light of new treatment option. Recent findings Givosiran is a novel siRNA-based therapy targeted specifically to hepatocytes to inhibit ALA synthase 1, the first and rate-limiting step in heme biosynthesis. Patients with frequent recurrent attacks treated with givosiran had durable normalization of ALA and significantly reduced numbers of acute attacks and need for hemin treatment. The overall safety profile for givosiran was comparable with placebo and the drug was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of AHP patients. Summary Givosiran is an effective treatment for prevention of acute porphyria attacks in AHP patients with frequent recurrent attacks.
Embedding Feminist Pedagogy in Political Science Research Design with Reflections on Critical Theory and the Social Construction of Reality

When I first began teaching research methods, I did not question my discipline’s embrace of positivism. After serving as director of women and gender studies, I began to question positivists’ claims of objective, value-free social science—and to appreciate epistemology grounded in the social construction of reality. While I still teach a fairly standard research methods course, I now incorporate critical theorists’ critiques of mainstream social science research throughout the semester. My goal in doing so is not to encourage my students to reject empiricism altogether. Rather, I hope to convey that social science research should be undertaken not only with careful concern for scientific rigor, but also with concern for our collective ability to construct a more just and equitable world.
Effects of retrieval practice on tested and untested information: Cortico-hippocampal interactions and error-driven learning

Abstract Episodic memory retrieval is often viewed as a static process that enables one to re-experience past events. However, there is considerable evidence suggesting that memories can be modified, altered, or strengthened through online retrieval and reactivation during sleep. For example, recent research has demonstrated the importance of testing in learning, highlighting a phenomenon known as the testing effect. Moreover, testing can have significant effects on memory for untested items, sometimes enhancing retention and sometimes causing forgetting. This chapter reviews the relevant literature on the testing effect and the effects of testing on related untested information. We close by introducing a biologically-based computational model—TEACH—that can potentially explain a broad range of findings on the testing effect through cortico-hippocampal interactions and the principle of error-driven learning. This model makes a number of predictions at the biological and behavioral levels that can be used to guide future research.
K/π ratio from high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Abstract In an expanding fireball model, we determine the K π ratio from heavy-ion collisions at 14.5 GeV/nucleon available from the Brookhaven AGS. Assuming the formation of a quark-gluon plasma in the initial stage, we obtain ratios of ≈23% and ≈5% for K + π + and K − π − , respectively, which are comparable to the measured values. In the absence of quark-gluon plasma formation, the resulting K − π − ratio has about the same value but the K + π + ratio is about a factor of two smaller than the measured value.
Measurement of repressed inflation in China

Abstract We estimate a measure of the repression of the Chinese price level by developing a simple analytical model which derives a ‘true’ rate of inflation on the basis of the different rates of change of the stock of money in circulation and the nominal value of retail sales. This true rate of inflation is then used to explain changes in quasi-money balances. We estimate this model for the period 1979–1988 using quarterly data. The results strongly support the hypothesis of repressed inflation. The annual rate of inflation of the ‘true’ price index is approximately 12.4 percent higher than that of the official price index over the 10-year period.
Where signal and noise collide: qualitative effects of stochasticity on population fluctuations

Population cycles are usually explained as a combination of deterministic mechanisms, such as predation, that drive density-dependent dynamics and stochastic forces that disrupt the neat patterns that would otherwise result. It is often convenient to apply the signal vs. noise dichotomy in this context, where a deterministic signal is blurred by stochastic noise. In some particularly fascinating situations, however, this dichotomy is unhelpful because the “signal” is inextricable from the “noise”: stochasticity itself plays a role in shaping the overall pattern in the dynamics. In this way, stochasticity has a qualitative effect on the dynamics, such that the population fluctuations look quite different from what should result from the underlying deterministic factors alone. This creates quite a challenge: when we see patterns in ecological data, how can we tell if they were generated by mostly deterministic factors (with stochasticity simply adding some jitter) or if stochasticity played a key role in shaping the patterns themselves? This question is important, because the answer determines whether stochasticity should be included explicitly in hypotheses for the observed patterns. By studying models that can show both of these outcomes and comparing their assumptions and behaviors, I begin to dissect what allows stochasticity to have a qualitative effect and become part of the “signal”. This study suggests that developing a more nuanced understanding of how stochasticity and nonlinearity interact in ecological systems will likely be more fruitful than viewing stochastic perturbations as “noise” to be filtered out.
Minimax parameter estimation for linear systems

A new class of parameter estimation problems is introduced, where the estimated parameters are minimizing solutions to minimax problems for quadratic fit-to-data criteria.
Severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia secondary to quinidine

A case of severe thrombocytopenia and leukopenia secondary to quinidine is presented. The white cell count and platelet count returned to normal within five days after initiation of corticosteroid therapy and cessation of quinidine. Of interest is the fact that the patient had developed a purpuric rash twelve months earlier after drinking gin and tonic.
Glutamyl-tRNA reductase from Escherichia coli and Synechocystis 6803. Gene structure and expression.

In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and in the enterobacterium Escherichia coli delta-amino-levulinic acid (ALA) is formed from glutamyl-tRNA by the sequential action of two enzymes, glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR) and glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase. E. coli has two GluTR proteins with sizes of 45 kDa (GluTR45) and 85 kDa (GluTR85) (Jahn, D., Michelsen, U., and Soll, D. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 2542-2548). The hemA gene, isolated from E. coli and several other eubacteria, has been proposed to encode a structural component of GluTR. Because of the inability to overexpress this gene in E. coli, we demonstrate directly GluTR function for the E. coli hemA gene product by its expression and functional analysis in yeast, which does not form ALA from Glu-tRNA. Gel filtration experiments demonstrated definitively that the yeast-expressed HemA protein corresponded to GluTR45. Furthermore, analysis of GluTR activity in an E. coli strain with a disrupted hemA gene displayed GluTR85, but not GluTR45 activity. The hemA gene from Synechocystis 6803 was cloned by functional complementation in E. coli. DNA sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame capable of encoding a 427-amino acid polypeptide (molecular mass of 47,525 Da). The Synechocystis 6803 amino acid sequence shows significant similarity upon alignment with HemA sequences from E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Chlorobium vibrioforme but does not contain the amino acid sequence derived from the N terminus of the previously purified GluTR protein (Rieble, S., and Beale, S. I. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 9740-9745). These experiments are the first direct demonstration of GluTR activity of the HemA protein and provide further evidence for two pathways of ALA formation in prokaryotes.
First semester experiences of using the flipped classroom model in a new pharmacy school

Introduction: Marshall University School of Pharmacy (MUSOP) in Huntington, WV has adopted the flipped classroom model. This commentary is written from the perspectives of new and experienced faculty about their first semester experiences in using the flipped classroom and aims to inform other faculty members who would like to use the flipped classroom model. Description: The flipped classroom method, a type of active learning style, involves students “pre-loading” the material before class, resulting in class sessions designed to apply the material in a series of active learning exercises. Faculty members were asked to describe at least one class session, explain their experiences, and provide recommendations for improvement. Evaluation: The instructor commentaries from three, first year courses at MUSOP provide first-hand insight on how the flipped classroom model can be utilised in a school of pharmacy. Future Plans: MUSOP will continue to use the flipped classroom model and plans to evaluate student-pharmacist perceptions of this innovative method.
Impact of Lean on surgical instrument reduction: Less is more

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine whether instrument sets that are frequently used by multiple surgeons can be substantially reduced in size with consensus. Study Design Prospective quality improvement study using Lean Six Sigma for purposeful and consensual reduction of non–value-added instruments in adenotonsillectomy instrument sets. Methods Value stream mapping was utilized to determine instrumentation usage and reprocessing workflow. Preintervention instrument utilization surveys allowed consensual and intelligent set reduction. Non–value-added instruments were targeted for waste elimination by placement in a supplemental set. Times for pre- and postintervention instrument assembly, Mayo setup, and surgery were collected for adenotonsillectomies. Postintervention satisfaction surveys of surgeons and staff were conducted. Results Adenotonsillectomy sets were reduced from 52 to 24 instruments. Median assembly times were significantly reduced from 8.4 to 4.7 minutes (P .05). The supplemental set was opened in only 3.6% of cases. Satisfaction was >90% regarding the intervention. Set build cost was reduced by $1,468.99 per set. Conclusions Lean Six Sigma improves efficiency and reduces waste by empowering team members to improve their environment. Instrument set reduction is ideal for waste elimination because of tool accumulation over time and instrument obsolescence as newer technologies are adopted. Similar interventions could easily be applied to larger sinus, mastoidectomy, and spine sets. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2015
Effects of wing bend on the aerodynamic characteristics of a low aspect ratio oblique wing

Static longitudinal and lateral/directional force and moment results are presented for an elliptical oblique wing (aspect ratio 6) mounted on top of a body of revolution. The wing was tested at various sweep angles ranging from 0 to 60 deg throughout a Mach-number range of 0.6 to 1.4. Increasing the upward bend along the wing span resulted in no significant improvement in the linearity of the moment curves, but required an impractical wing pivot location to eliminate the rolling moments at low lift. Linear theory gave satisfactory predictions of the lift and moment-curve slopes at low lift.
X-Ray Diffraction Determination of Stresses in Thin Films

This paper presents the methodology employed in the determination of the stress tensor for thin crystalline films using x-ray rocking curves. Use of the same equipment for the determination of the average stress in poly- or non-crystalline thin films attached to a crystalline substrate is also discussed. In this case the lattice curvature of the substrate is determined by measurement of the shift In the Bragg peak with lateral position in the substrate. Strains in single crystal layers may be measured using Bragg diffraction from the layers and from the substrate or a reference crystal, with the highest strain sensitivity of any known technique. The difference in Bragg angles for a strained and an unstrained crystal is related to the change in d spacing of the Bragg planes, and the elastic strain is related to this angular difference. The separation of two peaks on an x-ray rocking curve is generally not equal to the difference in Bragg angles of two diffracting crystals, so diffractometer measurements must be carefully Interpreted in order to obtain x-ray strains in crystalline films (x-ray strains are strains relative to the reference crystal). The unstrained d spacings of the film and the d spacings of the reference crystal must be known to obtain the elastic strains in the film, from which the stress tensor is determined.
Channel fluctuations induced by membrane attack complex C5B-9.

Abstract The assembly of complement (C) components C5b-9 in membranes results in the formation of transmembrane lesions. The C9 component has been shown to be mainly responsible for formation of the ultrastructurally visible tubules associated with C5b-9 complexes. Several studies have disputed the role of C9 polymerization in C-mediated cytolysis on the grounds that C5b-9 lyses cells in the absence of tubular formation. Here, C5b-9 complexes were reconstituted into high-impedance planar lipid bilayers and shown to form channels which are heterogenous in size. The smallest channels had unitary conductances of 15 picoSiemens (pS) in 0.1 M NaCl. The closing of these channels showed voltage-dependence at membrane potentials exceeding 40 mV. These channels were more cation-selective, with K + ions being favored over Na + . The 15-pS channels described here are much smaller than the channels attributed previously to either C5b-9 or polymerized C9 complexes but resemble channels formed by the C9b fragment, which does not polymerize into tubules. These results indicate that C5b-9 complexes are capable of damaging membranes by forming initially small ion channels which then aggregate in the membrane to form tubular lesions with much larger conductances. Like C5b-9, C5b-8 also increased membrane permeability. However, this increase in membrane conductance could not be resolved into single channels, suggesting that C5b-8 may induce membrane leakiness by perturbing the packing of membrane lipids, whereas addition of C9 results in authentic production of ion channels.
Cutting edges cut both ways

Emphasis on “cutting edge” science is common today. This paper shows that the concept, which selects some science at any given time as epistemically preferable and therefore “better,” actually gained acceptance by the turn of this century in biology and began immediately to have consequences for what biological research was done. The result, that some research is cut out while other work is privileged, can have pernicious results. Some of what is designated as not cutting edge may, in a different — and equally defensible epistemological framework, prove just as “good” as the officially cutting edge research. Cutting edges cut both ways, and those who study science should begin exploring the implications of that fact.
Non-rigid surface detection for gestural interaction with applicable surfaces

In this work we present a novel application of non-rigid surface detection to enable gestural interaction with applicable surfaces. This method can add interactivity to traditionally passive media such as books, newspapers, restaurant menus, or anything else printed on paper. We allow a user to interact with these surfaces in a natural manner and present basic gestures based on pointing and touching. This technique was developed as part of an ongoing effort to create an assisted reading device for the visually impaired. However, it is suited to general applications and can be used as a practical mechanism for interaction with screen-less wearable devices. Our key contributions are a unique application of non-rigid surface detection, a basic gesturing paradigm, and a proof of concept system.
Bringing the Museum into the Classroom, and the Class into the Museum: An Approach for Content-Based Instruction.

Through the example of a fourth-semester course on modern German history, this article explores the application of interactive and experiential learning models inspired by museum pedagogy. In response to the ACTFL Standards and the 2007 MLA report, the teaching of culture has become a priority and educators continue to seek innovative ways to teach culture and to attain the goals of “comparisons” and “connections,” as well as translingual and transcultural competence. This article demonstrates that museum strategies can be productively transferred to content-based foreign language instruction to provide learning experiences in which students interact critically with the objects of cultural archives. Both actual and virtual museum visits, as well as the integration of primary materials in the classroom, can further students' transcultural competence and critical thinking about the interrelations of culture and language, as well as provide intellectually and aesthetically engaging learning experiences.
EPR Study of Impurity—Vacancy Aggregates in NaCl Containing Both Mn2+ and Other Divalent Cations

Several aggregation products involving divalent cation—cation vacancy complexes in NaCl have been studied using the EPR of Mn2+ which is present as a minor constituent. As the probability that the aggregation product contains more than a single Mn2+ is small, the EPR spectrum of the Mn2+ should be indicative of the symmetry of the aggregates. The principal axes of aggregates produced by an anneal were detected with EPR and compared with those calculated for possible models. Three spectra newly found were identified tentatively as a dimer with 〈100〉 symmetry, large aggregates probably in {111} planes, and a Mn2+ occupying a cubic site in a second-phase precipitate. Verschiedene Aggregationsprodukte der zweiwertigen Komplexe von Kation-Kationenleerstellen im NaCl wurden mit EPR von Mn2+-Ionen als kleiner Komponente, untersucht. Da es unwahrscheinlich ist, das das Aggregationsprodukt mehr als ein Mn2+ enthalt, wird das EPR Spektrum die Symmetrie der Aggregate charakterisieren. Die Hauptachsen der durch Temperung hervorgerufenen Aggregate wurden mit EPR bestimmt und mit Modellrechnungen verglichen. Neu gefundene Spektren werden versuchsweise Paaren mit 〈100〉-Symmetrie, grosen Aggregaten in {111}-Ebenen, und einem Mn2+-Ion auf kubischem Gitterplatz in einem Aggregat einer zweiten Phase zugeschrieben.
Wavelength dependence of the scattering loss in fluoride optical fibers.

Scattering losses as low as 0.025 dB/km at 2.55 μm have been measured in short lengths of fluoride-glass optical fibers. These measurements were made on several 5–7-cm lengths of fiber. Measurements were also made at various wavelengths to determine the wavelength dependence of the optical loss.
Screening for Psychopathy Among Incarcerated Women: Psychometric Properties and Construct Validity of the Hare P-SCAN

In this study, we explored the psychometric properties and construct validity of the Hare P-SCAN, as scored by correctional officers for 115 women incarcerated in a maximum-security prison. Using correctional officers' ratings, we present psychometric properties of the P-SCAN and the interrater agreement obtained by paired correctional officers coding the same female inmate. We explored construct validity by examining the correspondence of P-SCAN scores with the Psychopathy Checklist –Revised (PCL-R), the Structured Clinical Interview of Personality Disorders (SCID-II), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), prior criminal history, and institutional infractions. The P-SCAN demonstrated high internal consistency but moderate interrater reliability, a finding related at least in part to the limited training provided to the correctional officers in using the instrument. The P-SCAN did not correspond with psychopathy or psychopathy factor scores as measured by the PCL-R but did relate to other features, namely Cl...
An Extension of Schreier Unconditionality

The main result of the paper extends the classical result of E. Odell on Schreier unconditionality to arrays in Banach spaces. An application is given on the “multiple of the inclusion plus compact" problem which is further applied to a hereditarily indecomposable Banach space constructed by N. Dew.
Apposcopy: automated detection of Android malware (invited talk)

We present Apposcopy, a new semantics-based approach for detecting Android malware that steal private information. Apposcopy incorporates (i) a high-level language for specifying malware signatures and (ii) a static analysis for deciding if a given application matches a given signature. We have evaluated Apposcopy on a corpus of real-world Android applications and show that it can effectively pinpoint malicious applications that belong to certain malware families.
Conceptual and Empirical Perspectives on the Rorschach Assessment of Psychopathology

Conceptual and empirical perspectives on the Rorschach assessment of psychopathology are described and placed in a complementary perspective that stresses the value of conceptual formulations and the necessity of empirical data. Empiricism without concepts fails to explain adequately why Rorschach assessment yields useful information; conceptualization without empirical support fails to document adequately the psychometric soundness of Rorschach inferences. Used in tandem, explanatory concepts and supportive data enhance the scientific Stature and professional utility of Rorschach assessment.
Invest in Yourself: Is There Really Time to Care?

Key words: As we rush around attending to the essentials of our lives (family, friends, clients, employers), what is left? Nursing Forum invites readers to engage in thought and activity that may awaken an untouched place. We hope these writings will kindle your personal involement in something that was previously avoided-because of bias, fear, or uneasiness-in order to stretch your mind and spirit.
Rostral hypothalamus: a new neuroanatomical site of neurochemically-induced emesis in the cat.

Abstract The localized effect of noradrenergic agonists administered directly in the anterior hypothalamic preoptic area (AH/POA) in inducing emesis in the cat was investigated. Of the noradrenergic agonists tested, which included norepinephrine, clonidine, phenylephrine and methoxamine, only clonidine in doses of 5.0–50.0 μg was found to evoke emesis consistently when micro-injected in a volume of 1.0 μ1 into AH/POA of the unrestrained cat. The emetic response to clonidine was short-lasting, generally dose-dependent in terms of latency and frequency, and occurred in bouts of one to three episodes. The sequence of the vomiting response, beginning with licking and retching, functionally resembled a normal pattern of an emetic response. The clonidine-induced emesis was not antagonized by the following antagonists micro-injected in AH/POA just prior to clonidine: α-adrenergic blocking agents, yohimbine, RX 781094 and phentolamine; the antimuscarinic drug, atropine; the serotonin antagonist, methysergide; the opioid antagonist, naloxone; and the dopamine antagonist, chlorpromazine. There- fore, it would appear that clonidine-induced emesis is not mediated by alpha noradrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, muscarinic and opiate receptor systems within the AH/POA of the cat. Finally, the obtained results show that apart from the area postrema and a circumscribed zone of the brain-stem reticular formation, the hypothalamus is now implicated as a neuroanatomical site in the central nervous system mechanism underlying neurochemically-induced emesis.
Surface Raman spectroscopy of chemistry at the tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum/Ca interface.

Surface Raman spectroscopy in ultrahigh vacuum is used to interrogate interfaces formed between tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) and vapor-deposited Ca. Vapor deposition of Ca onto Alq3 films results in the appearance of new vibrational modes consistent with the formation of a Ca−Alq3 adduct in which Ca is bound through the O of Alq3. In addition, the graphitic carbon is observed to form with the deposition of Ca onto Alq3 films. The frequency and relative peak height ratios of graphitic D-band and G-band observed are consistent with more disordered sp3-type carbon forming upon partial decomposition of the organic film.
Visible-light-induced reversible C–C bond formation of an imidazole-derived scandium complex

Abstract An unusual [3+3] cycloaddition between two scandium complexes formed by the ring-opening of 1-methylimidazole is reported. The two C–C bond formations were found to be reversible and temperature dependent. A higher temperature favored the dissociation process, while formation of the dimer by cycloaddition was favored at ambient conditions. It was found that the cycloaddition took place only in the presence of visible light, while the reverse, dissociation reaction could be induced by UV light. The effect of solvents, Lewis acids, and Bronsted bases on the reaction was also studied.
Sites of preferred interaction between double-stranded pBR322 DNA and 7-methylpyrido[3,4-c]psoralen.

Abstract 7-Methylpyrido[3,4-c]psoralen has recently been found to photosensitize the crosslinking and cleavage of double-stranded pBR322 DNA (4361 bp) with an unusual degree of site specificity. Following cleavage of the photosensitized pBR322 with the restriction enzymes Pvu II and BamH I, the main fragments were analyzed electrophoretically. Only three possible cleavage areas on the plasmid were suggested by this analysis. They were within the ranges bounded by the positions 801–926, 3172–3303 and 4226–4310. The sensitizer also induced selective cleavage in the related plasmid pUC19 (2686 bp), but the pattern was somewhat more complicated and was not analyzed in detail.
Assessment of Aboveground and Belowground Vegetative Fragments as Propagules in the Bioenergy Crops Arundo donax and Miscanthus × giganteus

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax) are leading bioenergy crops. Both exhibit many invasive characteristics, though only giant reed is known to be invasive. Despite this, neither produces viable seed, limiting movement to vegetative propagules. Therefore, to assess vegetative fragments as potential propagules, we quantified seasonal changes in culm node viability and performance in giant miscanthus and giant reed under greenhouse conditions. Giant miscanthus culms were collected in spring, summer, fall, and winter from established fields, while giant reed culms were collected in summer, fall, and winter from feral stands. Treatments at each timing consisted of whole culms and single-node culm fragments planted in soil or placed in standing water for an 8-week period. Giant miscanthus whole culms and fragments produced shoots and roots in both soil and standing water immediately following cutting from spring to summer, but failed to produce shoots and roots after fall and winter cutting dates. All rhizome fragments survived and generated shoots and roots after burial. By comparison, giant reed produced shoots and roots in both soil and standing water throughout the year, regardless of cutting date. With giant miscanthus, precautions should be taken when living culms or rhizome fragments are harvested and transported through riparian habitats during the summer months. By comparison, giant reed showed a remarkable increase in propagule generation and productivity throughout the year and, thus, escaped propagules present a far greater risk of unintentional establishment compared to giant miscanthus.
Role of adenosine in asthma

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that adenosine contributes to asthma. Inhaled adenosine provokes bronchoconstriction in asthmatics, but not in nonasthmatics. This process appears to be mediated by mast cell activation, because it can be blocked by antihistamines and inhibitors of mast cell activation. Inhaled adenosine evokes release of mast cell mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, including histamine, prostaglandin D 2 , and tryptase, a specific mast cell marker. Also, adenosine potentiates the immunological activation of mast cells in vitro, including rat peritoneal mast cells, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, human lung mast cells, and the human mast cell line HMC-1. The receptor subtype that mediates this activation differs between mast cell type, but preliminary evidence suggests that human lung mast cells express A 2B receptors. An argument against the contribution of adenosine in asthma has been the enprofylline paradox. This xanthine (3-(n-propylyl)xanthine) is as effective an antiasthmatic as theophylline (1,3-dimethyl xanthine) but was initially thought not to be an adenosine receptor antagonist. More recent evidence has confirmed that enprofylline blocks A 2B receptors with a Ki (7 μM) similar to that of theophylline (13 μM) and well within its therapeutic plasma levels (5-25 μM). This finding, we believe, resolves the enprofylline paradox and supports the hypothesis that adenosine, through A 2B receptor activation, contributes to asthma. Preliminary evidence suggests that A 2B receptors are indeed present in human lung mast cells. A 2B receptors, therefore, may be a potential target for the development of antiasthmatic drugs.
Rapid proton fat-water spectroscopy for the characterization of non-CNS lesions in vivo.

Abstract The presence or absence of fat in lesions can have important diagnostic implications. Current MR techniques for the evaluation of fat within lesions in the body rely on indirect imaging methods. The goal of this study was to develop a rapid clinically practical proton spectroscopy procedure for the direct observation of a localized fat–water signal within the body. The technique developed reliably determined fat–water ratios in phantoms and from lesions in vivo in 6 s with single voxel sizes as small as 0.125 cc.
Exploring the Relationship between Research Funding and Science Innovation Indicators in Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are observed to have similar growth patterns in terms of the number of published journals, conference articles and patents issued. This growth is triggered mostly by funded research. In this paper, we present an analysis of the research funding towards nanotechnology at the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and its relationship to the research output in nanoscope, an application area of nanotechnology. Our paper analyzes the data collected from 1997 till 2006 and derives a definitive time lag between the allocation of research funds and issued patents and published journals. This assessment is achieved by identifying growth trends in patents, funds and publications and doing a curve-fit analysis using the Fisher-Pry model. We use linear regression analysis to show the correlation between the funding and research outputs. Alongside, non-linear programming objective function optimization technique is used to derive the time lag in years for each of the research outputs from the year of funds granted.
Chronic subanesthetic halothane exposure causes selective alterations in neurotransmitter systems in discrete brain regions.

Abstract The effects of prolonged exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of halothane on dopaminergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic neuronal systems were studied in discrete regions of the rat brain. Exposures to 0.25% halothane in air were for 8 h/day, 5 days/week during an 8-week period; control rats received only air at an equivalent flow rate. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure the animals were killed and brain, liver, muscle, and serum samples were taken for analyses. Discrete brain regions were removed by microdissection and assayed for norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate decarboxylase, choline acetyltransferase, and proteins. The remaining tissues and serum were analyzed for halothane content; however, halothane was not detected in any sample tested. Rats which were exposed to halothane exhibited a marked reduction in body weight gain and their urine volume was significantly greater than in the controls. Significant changes were observed in regions associated with the limbic system, for example, dopamine was increased in the ventral tegmental area, choline acetyltransferase was increased in the nucleus accumbens, caudate, and globus pallidus and its activity decreased in the central gray. The activity of glutamate decarboxylase was decreased in the accumbens and in the medial preoptic nuclei but increased in the lateral preoptic nucleus. There was no apparent effect on norepinephrine concentrations. We suggest that these selective changes in limbic regions may cause behavioral deficits consequent to chronic subanesthetic halothane exposure.
Understanding Community Building in Urban America

Abstract Neighborhood-based community building has been positioned as an effective strategy for combating urban poverty in America. This paper considers three predominant models of community building in America, and focuses particularly on a contemporary derivative of these–community-building initiatives that claim to address the circumstances of urban poverty through people- and place-based neighborhood revitalization. The empirical evidence shows that the impacts of community building on poverty often are left undocumented. Community-building initiatives can increase neighborhood organization, connect neighborhood actors with existing political-economic structures at the city level, enhance neighborhood-level infrastructural development, increase community surveillance of crime and provide new homeownership opportunities. Yet tensions appear to exist around economic, political and land-use issues, in part due to “consensus-based” planning that actually limits residential involvement in a variety of ways...
Pulmonary Amyloidoma and Hilar Adenopathy: Rare Manifestations of Primary Amyloidosis

Three cases of primary intrathoracic amyloidosis are reported. Two of these three patients initially had localized parenchymal pulmonary amyloid tumors (or pulmonary amyloidomas). The third patient developed bilateral enlargement of the hilar lymph nodes as a manifestation of primary amyloidosis. These rare manifestations of primary amyloidosis are illustrated, and their clinical significance is discussed. Amyloidoma should be considered in patients with unexplained pulmonary nodules or enlargement of hilar lymph nodes.
Physical illness stigma and social rejection

We use the stigma of illness as a model for uncovering which dimensions of stigmas are critical for causing social rejection. Subjects responded to 'medical case histories' representing 66 illnesses, rating the illness on a variety of dimensions (e.g. contagious/not contagious, common/rare), and a measure of social rejection. Regression analysis revealed that two dimensions predicted rejection: the severity of the illness, and whether the illness was behaviourally caused (multiple R = .68). In a second experiment, subjects responded to a case history of a fictitious disease that was either mild or severe, and was either behaviourally caused or not. Behavioural causality and severity emerged as reliable, independent sources of rejection. Diseases perceived to be severe or under personal control are most likely to lead to social rejection.
Sensitivity of the Earth's radiation budget to changes in low clouds

VARIOUS mechanisms have been suggested whereby clouds might take part in or initiate climate change, including changes in cloud amounts, liquid-water paths and droplet sizes1–11. Previous studies of the sensitivity of the Earth's radiation budget to cloud liquid-water path and droplet size were made with one-dimensional or even simpler models1–6,12,13, which cannot represent the real cloud distribution. Here I present the results of a study that uses a three-dimensional general circulation model, which should give more reliable estimates. The top-of-atmosphere radiative forcing by doubled carbdn dioxide concentrations can be balanced by modest relative increases of ∼15–20% in the amount of low clouds and 20-35% in liquid-water path, and by decreases of 15–20% in mean drop radius (depending on the version of the model). This indicates that a minimum relative accuracy of ∼5% is needed, both to simulate these quantities in climate models and to estimate climate response by monitoring them over extended periods from satellite platforms.