cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Narrative Approach to Groups

This paper considers the ways that narratives can be used in groups to create meaning, organize the past, explain the present and consider alternatives for the future. Narratives are formats for self-creation; they can also be used to provide support or education, promote self-understanding and interpersonal effectiveness. Already familiar in self-help groups and reminiscence groups for the elderly, narrative approaches can be useful in many other formats. In this paper I discuss ways of eliciting narratives, understanding their meaning from many perspectives and using them to promote growth and healing in groups. The group leader's role is reconfigured into that of participant observer and manager of the group process. It is up to the leader to provide a context in which multiple accounts can emerge for consideration.
Activity of the immunologic doublet of lenalidomide plus obinutuzumab in relapsed follicular lymphoma: Results of a phase I/II study.

7531Background: Relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL) remains a challenge and salvage regimens are associated with toxicity and limited control. Outcomes are linked to the immune microenvironment and l...
Archival research as a feminist practice

‘I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman’s inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman’s fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all...
Supercritical Fluids as Reaction Media for Scalable Production of Carbon Nanomaterials

We have demonstrated scalable and selective synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and onion-like carbons (OLCs) in a batch reactor using supercritical fluids (SCFs) as rea...
Immune Regulation of the c-myc Oncogene in a Murine B Lymphoma

The c-myc oncogene has been implicated in a wide spectrum of B cell neoplasias (1–4) Reports of c-myc gene amplification (5), of insertion of viral elements near the c-myc promoter (1), and of point mutations within the c-myc gene (6) have appeared. However, the most frequently observed alteration is a chromosomal translocation, and usually this is to an immunoglobulin gene element (3–5). The observed amplification of the c-myc gene in some tumors led to the proposal of activation via enhanced levels of expression of c-myc RNA; however, increased transcription does not appear to be a general mechanism of activation (5). Since the first exon of the c-myc gene is often lost during translocation, it was postulated that the product of the rearranged myc gene would be different from that of the germ-line gene. However, DNA sequencing demonstrated that initiation of protein synthesis would occur within the second exon, and thus both protein products would be the same (7). Since the large majority of these modifications affect the promoter region, subtle alterations in the regulation of c-myc expression might result. Therefore we decided to examine the regulation of expression of the normal c-myc gene within a B cell system.
Imipenem/relebactam activity compared to other antimicrobials against non-MBL-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from an academic medical center.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cause significant mortality and are resistant to most antimicrobial agents. Imipenem/relebactam, a novel beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination, and 16 other antimicrobials were evaluated against non-metallo-beta-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates from a United States tertiary academic medical center. Objectives To evaluate imipenem/relebactam and other commonly utilised antimicrobial agents against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Methods Clinical isolates (n = 96) resistant to ertapenem or meropenem by BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and negative for metallo-beta-lactamase-production by an EDTA (Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Louis, MO, USA)/phenylboronic acid (Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Louis, MO, USA) disk diffusion assay were identified and collected from January 2012 to January 2017. In vitro susceptibility by broth microdilution was performed according to CLSI guidelines using CLSI susceptibility breakpoints for 17 antimicrobials (Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Louis, MO, USA). Results CRE primarily produced Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and consisted primarily of K. pneumoniae (55%) and Enterobacter spp. (25%), followed by Citrobacter spp. (10%), Escherichia coli (5%), and others (5%). CRE were most susceptible to imipenem/relebactam (100%), followed by amikacin (85%), tigecycline (82%), and polymyxin B/colistin (65%). The median reduction of imipenem minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of non-MBL-producing CRE was 16-fold but ranged from 0.5 to >512-fold. The MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range of imipenem/relebactam was 0.5/4, 1/4 and 0.06/4-1/4 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions Imipenem/relebactam exhibits excellent activity against CRE that produce KPC.
Keratinocyte Carcinoma and Risk for Another Type of Cancer: Assessment of a Dose-response Relationship.

Background/aim Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is a marker of increased risk of other cancer types. To assess if this association exhibits a dose-response relationship, a case-control study was carried out. Patients and methods This was a clinic-based study of cases with KC plus another type of cancer matched by age, race (all Caucasian), sex and histologic type to controls with KC only (n=48 matched pairs). Results Compared with the KC only group, those with KC plus another cancer had a mean number of lesions that were 43%, 35%, and 41% greater for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and total KC, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of developing another type of cancer increased from 1.0 to 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.23-5.13) to 2.12 (95%CI=0.50-9.08) according to whether the patient had zero, one, or ≥two BCC lesions; for SCC, the corresponding ORs were 1.0, 1.24 (95%CI=0.48-3.24), and 1.39 (95%CI=0.29-6.61). Conclusion A dose-response relationship seems to exist between the number of skin lesions and the risk of another type of cancer, but the lack of statistical significance weakens this evidence.
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in Portugal: Initial experience

Abstract Introduction Surgical treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is challenging. Most Portuguese patients with CTEPH have been referred to foreign institutions for treatment, with significant social and economic costs. To meet this emerging need, the cardiothoracic surgery department of Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisbon, has developed a dedicated program for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE). We hereby present the results for the first 19 patients treated. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all 19 patients who underwent PTE at Hospital de Santa Marta between 2008 and April 2019. Results Since 2008, a total of 19 patients have undergone PTE in our department. The procedure was performed with good outcomes in both survival and functional recovery. At the very beginning of the series two patients died perioperatively, before all the team underwent formal training at the Royal Papworth Hospital, UK, with no early deaths since. Postoperative complications were similar to other published series. During 11 years of follow-up, there were three late deaths, all in patients with residual pulmonary arterial hypertension. At the latest follow-up (October 2019), all surviving patients showed significant functional recovery, all in NYHA class I or II, with only one patient on vasodilator therapy with sildenafil (the first in the series, operated in 2008). Conclusions PTE is a demanding procedure, in which outcomes are related to volume and accumulated experience, however it can be performed safely and with reproducible results by a properly prepared dedicated team with a well-controlled learning curve. More patients and multidisciplinary experience will be needed to further improve and streamline results.
PSG Validation of minute-to-minute scoring for sleep and wake periods in a consumer wearable device.

Background Actigraphs are wrist-worn devices that record tri-axial accelerometry data used clinically and in research studies. The expense of research-grade actigraphs, however, limit their widespread adoption, especially in clinical settings. Tri-axial accelerometer-based consumer wearable devices have gained worldwide popularity and hold potential for a cost-effective alternative. The lack of independent validation of minute-to-minute accelerometer data with polysomnographic data or even research-grade actigraphs, as well as access to raw data has hindered the utility and acceptance of consumer-grade actigraphs. Methods Sleep clinic patients wore a consumer-grade wearable (Huami Arc) on their non-dominant wrist while undergoing an overnight polysomnography (PSG) study. The sample was split into two, 20 in a training group and 21 in a testing group. In addition to the Arc, the testing group also wore a research-grade actigraph (Philips Actiwatch Spectrum). Sleep was scored for each 60-s epoch on both devices using the Cole-Kripke algorithm. Results Based on analysis of our training group, Arc and PSG data were aligned best when a threshold of 10 units was used to examine the Arc data. Using this threshold value in our testing group, the Arc has an accuracy of 90.3%±4.3%, sleep sensitivity (or wake specificity) of 95.5%±3.5%, and sleep specificity (wake sensitivity) of 55.6%±22.7%. Compared to PSG, Actiwatch has an accuracy of 88.7%±4.5%, sleep sensitivity of 92.6%±5.2%, and sleep specificity of 60.5%±20.2%, comparable to that observed in the Arc. Conclusions An optimized sleep/wake threshold value was identified for a consumer-grade wearable Arc trained by PSG data. By applying this sleep/wake threshold value for Arc generated accelerometer data, when compared to PSG, sleep and wake estimates were adequate and comparable to those generated by a clinical-grade actigraph. As with other actigraphs, sleep specificity plateaus due to limitations in distinguishing wake without movement from sleep. Further studies are needed to evaluate the Arc's ability to differentiate between sleep and wake using other sources of data available from the Arc, such as high resolution accelerometry and photoplethysmography.
Surgical Elbow Dislocation Approach to the Distal Humerus for Apparent Capitellar and Lateral Condyle Fractures in Adults.

OBJECTIVES Access to fractures of the distal humeral capitellum, trochlea, and lateral condyle is difficult through traditional approaches due to limited anterior articular exposure for direct reduction and fixation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relative articular exposure of a surgical dislocation (SD) approach to the distal humerus compared with olecranon osteotomy (OO). METHODS Eight paired elbows from 4 cadavers underwent either SD or OO approach. Methylene blue staining demarcated visualized articular surface before disarticulation of the elbows. The main outcome measures were average visualized total distal humeral articular surface and anterior and posterior surface, and capitellar surface relative to the total surfaces was compared for each surgical approach using unpaired parametric t-tests. RESULTS Intraclass correlation between raters was 0.995. The median exposed articular surface for SD and OO approaches was 90.0% and 62.8%, respectively. The overall exposure was significantly greater for the dislocation technique (P = 0.0003). With respect to specific regions of the distal humeral articular surface, SD allowed significantly greater visualization of the anterior surface (95.9% vs. 48.9%, P < 0.0001) and capitellum (100% vs. 40.4%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The surgical elbow dislocation approach to the distal humerus permits near total exposure of the anterior articular surface and the entire capitellum. Our data support this approach for anterior articular fractures of the distal humerus, to include those fractures that extend to the medial surface of the trochlea.
Opinion: To stop the next pandemic, we need to unravel the origins of COVID-19.

We find ourselves ten months into one of the most catastrophic global health events of our lifetime and, disturbingly, we still do not know how it began. What’s even more troubling is that despite the critical importance of this question, efforts to investigate the origins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and of the associated disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have become mired in politics, poorly supported assumptions and assertions, and incomplete information. To avoid or mitigate the dire consequences of this and future pandemics (here, people in PPE bury a victim in Delhi, India in June), unraveling the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 will be essential—even though a definitive answer may be elusive, and an objective analysis means broaching some uncomfortable possibilities. Image credit: Shutterstock/PradeepGaurs. SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus whose apparent closest relatives, RaTG13 and RmYN02, are reported to have been collected from bats in 2013 and 2019, respectively, in Yunnan Province, China (1). COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 more than 1,000 miles away in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Beyond these facts, the “origin story” is missing many key details, including a plausible and suitably detailed recent evolutionary history of the virus, the identity and provenance of its most recent ancestors, and surprisingly, the place, time, and mechanism of transmission of the first human infection. Even though a definitive answer may not be forthcoming, and even though an objective analysis requires addressing some uncomfortable possibilities, it is crucial that we pursue this question. Preventing the next pandemic depends on understanding the origins of this one. There are several potential origin scenarios. First, SARS-CoV-2 may … [↵][1]1Email: relman{at}stanford.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Never Facets Alone: The Evolving Thought and Persistent Problems in Ranganathan's Theories of Classification

Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan’s theory of classification spans a number of works over a number of decades. And while he was devoted to solving many problems in the practice of librarianship, and is known as the father of library science in India (Garfield, 1984), his work in classification revolves around one central concern. His classification research addressed the problems that arose from introducing new ideas into a scheme for classification, while maintaining a meaningful hierarchical and systematically arranged order of classes. This is because hierarchical and systematically arranged classes are the defining characteristic of useful classification. To lose this order is to through the addition of new classes is to introduce confusion, if not chaos, and to move toward a useless classification – or at least one that requires complete revision. In the following chapter, I outline the stages, and the elements of those stages, in Ranganathan’s thought on classification from 1926-1972, as well as posthumous work that continues his agenda. And while facets figure prominently in all of these stages; but for Ranganathan to achieve his goal, he must continually add to this central feature of his theory of classification. I will close this chapter with an outline of persistent problems that represent research fronts for the field. Chief among these are what to do about scheme change and the open question about the rigor of information modeling in light of semantic web developments.
Genetic and Genomic Factors in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the result of a complex interaction of genetic, genomic, and environmental factors that result in the initiation and progression of malignancy. While certain germline (germinal) inherited genes have been identified that, when altered or mutated, predispose that individual to develop breast cancer and other associated malignancies such as ovarian epithelial cancer (OEC), the majority of breast cancer cases, even those occurring in women with multiple affected family members, are not associated with mutations of genes currently linked to cancer predisposition syndromes. Of interest is that women who develop breast cancer and have identified germinal gene mutations generally do not have a vastly different disease course or prognosis than those who develop sporadic breast cancer and have no detectable gene mutations. However, specific alterations of the somatic genome (i.e., the genome of the actual tumor tissue as opposed to the germinal genome found in all the nucleated cells of an individual) have been identified that better predict prognosis and the relative success or failure of specific therapeutic interventions.
Characterization and design of a viable radiation-balanced Yb-doped silica fiber laser

Radiation balancing has been suggested as a possible path for heat mitigation, especially because Yb-doped silica has been recently shown to be amenable to solid-state refrigeration. In this work, we characterize a Yb-doped silica fiber preform and extract its laser cooling related parameters. We show that a fiber drawn from this preform is suitable for designing radiation-balanced fiber lasers (RBFLs). Numerical simulations based on measured values support such an observation.
Ground Motion Intensity Measures

Ground motion is the movement of the earth’s surface from earthquakes or explosions. The earthquake ground motion is produced by waves that are generated by a sudden slip on a fault and travel through the earth and along its surface. Typical the ground motion records, such as acceleration time histories, contain a tremendous amount of information. For engineering purposes, the three main characteristics of ground motions are: (1) amplitude, (2) frequency content, (3) duration.
A Practical Exercise to Quantify Precision and Ensure Reliability of Measurements

Testing samples in a laboratory to study a design and make predictions about a population is a very common practice in engineering. Arguably almost as common is the practice of treating these measurements as gospel, ignoring the possibility that the results extracted, and the conclusions drawn, could change if a margin of error of the measurement was considered. This paper describes a statistical exercise to study and improve a measurement system error through Measurement System Analysis techniques using JMP software. It consists of a two-step procedure that enables publishing measurements along with their precision. The exercise was done on a system that measures thermal resistance of liquid-cooled cold plates. The cold plate designs were for an electronic package of a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The measurement system error was quantified, analyzed, and reduced by a factor of 2.2 times its initial value.
Climate change and chill accumulation: implications for tree fruit production in cold winter regions

Abstract Winter chill accumulation is critical for the productivity and profitability of perennial tree fruit systems. Several studies have quantified the impacts of global warming on chill accumulation in the warmer tree fruit and nut production regions of the world, where insufficient chill events are currently prevalent and the frequency of these events is increasing. In contrast, we focus on an important tree fruit production region with relatively cold winters and current absence of insufficient chill events, and quantify the potential for introduction of these risks under climate change and understand the key drivers and management implications. Our case study is the Pacific Northwest United States (PNW)- the leading apple producing region in the county. Our results identify large spatial variations in response within the PNW, with chill accumulation projected to increase in northern areas but decrease in southern areas. There is also spatial and temporal variation in the driving factors resulting in changes to chill accumulation. Our results highlight that with warming, colder regions can potentially shift from being regions where the spring phenology is primarily forcing-driven to one where the chilling and forcing processes significantly overlap and the dynamic interplay between these processes become important. These complex dynamics potentially create new production risks which have not historically been a concern and necessitate planning for management strategies such as overhead irrigation for cooling and chemical management of budbreak. Future work should focus on understanding, modelling and projecting responses across these overlapping chilling and forcing processes. Additionally, given significant spatial differences across a relatively small geographic range, it is also critical to understand and model these dynamics at a local landscape resolution for regions such as the PNW.
Polymer-capped gold nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods form binary photocatalyst on cotton fabrics: Catalytic breakdown of dye

This work reports the immobilization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cotton fabrics (CFs). The ZnO and AuNPs containing CF composite materials demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity towards degradation of the model organic dye molecule. A two-step method was used to first create zinc oxide nanorods (ZnONRs) on the CF fibers. Subsequently, these ZnONRs were decorated with cationic polymer-capped AuNPs to yield the composite materials. A one-pot synthetic route was developed to synthesize polymer-capped AuNPs. The water-soluble cationic polymers used here are polyguanidino oxanorbornenes (PGONs) at 20 kDa and polyamino oxanorbornenes (PAONs) at 20 kDa. UV—vis was utilized to monitor the composite materials’ photocatalytic activity in degrading model organic dye molecules. All the materials were characterized by FTIR, UV—visible DRS, SEM, EDX, and XRD. The composite materials exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability in the presence of UV light.
The Perfect Circle: Arbitration's Favors Become Its Flaws in an Era of Nationalization and Regulation

Litigation attorneys are ever alert for the word “lawsuit,” the sound of which makes any other person cringe. The image of a wood-paneled courtroom lorded over by a seasoned legal professional, however, has not always had such a poor reputation; it was once associated with such glorious ideas as “innocent until proven guilty” and “having a day in court.” The negative connotation linked to litigation stems from several entrenched and continuing problems, including high costs, the destruction of business relationships, and the unpredictability of the results, which are present in both domestic and foreign conflicts. Additional problems arise
Nerve pathologic features differentiate POEMS syndrome from CIDP (S42.004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the pathologic findings of nerve biopsies in patients with POEMS syndrome are different from CIDP. BACKGROUND: Both conditions can present as a demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Electrophysiologically, uniform demyelination and more severe axonal loss were described in POEMS. It is unclear which pathological features help differentiate these conditions. We hypothesize that more neovascularization and axonal degeneration but less endoneurial inflammation and onion-bulb formation may differentiate POEMS from CIDP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis (1979-2013) of nerve biopsies performed on “classic” CIDP and POEMS cases. Nerve biopsies were blinded and reviewed by two of the authors. Teased fibers, paraffin-embedded, semi-thin sections and immuno-stains were analyzed. Degree and patterns of demyelination, remyelination, onion-bulb formation, inflammation and axonal degeneration were documented. Small endoneurial and epineurial vessels were counted on sections immunostained with smooth muscle action (SMACTIN) to judge for neovascularization. Biopsies were then unblinded and results analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 61 cases (35-POEMS, 26-CIDP) were analyzed. The POEMS-group had significantly higher axonal degeneration on teased fibers and semi-thin sections. CIDP-group had significantly higher degree of endoneurial mononuclear inflammation on paraffin sections and immunostains. More frequent and larger size onion bulbs were present in CIDP. A higher degree of epineurial vessels (neovascularization) was present in the POEMS group. A total count of 120 epineurial vessels was predicted as best cutoff to differentiate both conditions (77[percnt] specific and 54[percnt] sensitive). The rates of demyelination were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve biopsies can be helpful distinguishing POEMS syndrome from CIDP with POEMS syndrome showing a higher degree of axonal degeneration and more epineurial neovascularization whereas CIDP shows more endoneurial inflammation and more onion-bulbs. These findings suggest that the underlying mechanisms in these conditions are different with POEMS having vasculopathy (associated with elevated VEGF levels) and CIDP is inflammatory demyelination. Disclosure: Dr. Piccione has nothing to disclose. Dr. Engelstad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mauermann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dispenzieri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dyck has nothing to disclose.
Evaluating the Usability of System-Generated and User- Generated Passwords of Approximately Equal Security

System-generated and user-generated text-based passwords are commonly used to authenticate access to electronic assets. Users typically have multiple web accounts ranging from banking to retail, each with a different password, creating a significant usability problem. The passwords authenticated by these applications may vary in usability and memorability depending on the type of password generation, composition and length. Researchers have compared the usability of different user-generated password composition schemes. The passwords created using different composition schemes in these studies achieved different levels of minimum security, making comparisons across them difficult. This research compares the usability and memorability of three password generation schemes that each exceed a specified minimum entropy for the sake of security.
Identification and transport of full-length amyloid precursor proteins in rat peripheral nervous system

Amyloid deposits are a characteristic feature of the senile plaques identified in the brains of aged primates, individuals with Down's syndrome, and cases of Alzheimer's disease. The beta-amyloid protein (A beta), the principal component of amyloid, is a 4 kDa peptide derived from larger amyloid precursor protein(s) (APP). Four mRNAs, generated by alternative splicing of pre-mRNA derived from a single gene, encode A beta-containing membrane glycoproteins termed APP-695, -714, -751, and -770; the latter two isoforms contain a domain homologous to Kunitz protease inhibitors (KPI). The present study uses in vitro and in vivo strategies to examine the expression of APP in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and the nature of APP transported in sciatic nerves of rats. Using quantitative in situ hybridization and semiquantitative PCR analysis, we document that mRNAs encoding APP-695 are expressed preferentially over transcripts that encode KPI-containing isoforms in rat sensory ganglia. Furthermore, we provide compelling evidence that APP-695 is the predominant isoform synthesized in sensory neurons of the rat PNS and that full-length APP-695 and, to a lesser extent, APP-751/770 are rapidly transported anterogradely in axons.
Organometallic Compounds of Group I and II Metals

The use of organometallic reagents in organic synthesis had its beginning around 1900 with the work of Victor Grignard, who discovered that alkyl and aryl halides reacted with magnesium metal to give homogeneous solutions. The “Grignard reagents” proved to be reactive carbon nucleophiles and have remained very useful synthetic reagents since that time. Organolithium reagents came into synthetic use somewhat later. In the last 25 years, the synthetic utility of reactions involving metal ions and organometallic compounds has expanded enormously. Certain of the transition metals, such as copper, palladium, and nickel, have gained important places in synthetic methodology. In addition to providing reagents for organic synthesis, the systematic study of the reactions of organic compounds with metal ions and complexes has created a large number of organometallic compounds, many having unique structures and reactivity. In this chapter, we will discuss the Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds. In Chapter 8, the role of transition metals in organic synthesis will be given attention.
Relative quantum efficiency measurements of CsI, CsBr, and CsI/CsBr coated microchannel plates

The soft X-ray quantum efficiencies of CsI and CsBr coated microchannel plates (MCPs) are described. These two materials are deposited on an MCP in quadrants. The quadrants are coated with CsI, CsBr, and a mixture of CsI and CsBr. The paper reports on the deposition techniques, background characteristics, imaging quality, and relative quantum efficiency over a selected range of X-ray energies from 0.1 KeV to 4.5 KeV.
On the selection of the most adequate radial basis function

Radial basis function (RBF) methods can provide excellent interpolants for a large number of poorly distributed data points. For any finite data set in any Euclidean space, one can construct an interpolation of the data by using RBFs. However, RBF interpolant trends between and beyond the data points depend on the RBF used and may exhibit undesirable trends using some RBFs while the trends may be desirable using other RBFs. The fact that a certain RBF is commonly used for the class of problems at hand, previous good behavior in that (or other) class of problems, and bibliography, are just some of the many valid reasons given to justify a priori selection of RBF. Even assuming that the justified choice of the RBF is most likely the correct choice, one should nonetheless confirm numerically that, in fact, the most adequate RBF for the problem at hand is the RBF chosen a priori. The main goal of this paper is to alert the analyst as to the danger of a priori selection of RBF and to present a strategy to numerically choose the most adequate RBF that better captures the trends of the given data set. The wing weight data fitting problem is used to illustrate the benefits of an adequate choice of RBF for each given data set.
Rational Use of Licit Drugs

Since most consumers have insufficient knowledge about licit medications they ingest, this article proposes ways consumers can become better informed by utilizing pharmacists and physicians as drug consultants. Through increased inquiry and assertiveness while discussing their medical regimen with health professionals patients can learn how and when to use their prescribed medication and over-the-counter drugs. Education by and cooperation with health professionals can help patients avoid compliance errors; thereby desired results of patients' medical regimens will more likely be achieved. Numerous suggestions and procedures are listed which if practiced will lead to a more rational use of licit drugs by consumers.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II Secondary to Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by severe pain and vasomotor and pseudomotor changes. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms is a recent advance in vascular surgery that has allowed repair of AAA while offering reduced intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, reduced blood loss, fewer major complications, and more rapid recovery. Pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of an EVAR procedure that may result in a wide range of complications. The present report examines CRPS type II as a novel consequence of pseudoaneurysm formation from brachial artery access in the EVAR procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CRPS type II presentation as sequelae of an EVAR procedure.
Interview with Konstantin Yatsimirskii

Abstract Konstantin Borisovich Yatsimirskii, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) is a prominent scientist in physical, inorganic, analytical and bioinorganic chemistry, the winner of the Ukraine State Prize, the USSR Academy of Science L.A. Chugaev Prize, and the NASUs L.V. Pisarzhevskii Prize. The Czechoslovak Academy of Science J. Heyrovsky Gold Medal was awarded to him. He was elected Doctor honoris causa of the Wroclaw University and is an honorary member of the Polish Chemical Society, Corresponding Member of the Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti (Messina, Italy), Honored Prof. of the International Scientific Foundation. He is the author of over 1000 academic works, including 24 monographs and handbooks. He is the founder and head of the national school of coordination chemistry in the Ukraine. Among his disciples are 16 doctors and 55 candidates of sciences.
UV free-radical polymerization for micropatterning poly(ethylene glycol)-containing films

We have developed novel techniques for the preparation of micropatterned structures from thin films prepared by the block copolymerization of monomers using UV free-radial polymerizations. The process involves polymerizing the first monomer layer in the presence of an iniferter (initator-transfer agent-terminator) with a dithiocarbamate group to make a photosensitive polymer. Upon application of the second monomer layer on the first polymer layer and irradiation, a copolymer is formed between the two layers. Patterns are created on the films by applying a mask and selectively irradiating the surface. We have successfully polymerized poy (ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto a highly crosslinked material of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate. Various patterns have been created to determine the precision that can be achieved with this method. Preliminary results show that the patterns in the second monomer layer can be from 5 micrometers to 100 micrometers thick, with feature size as small as 5 micrometers , allowing the use of this material to high aspect ratio structures for micro-fluidics. In addition, applications of this type of material are also in bioMEMS, biomaterials, and biosensors for the selective adhesion of cells and proteins.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of trait guilt on impressions of character and prescriptions of punishment and guilt.

Sttmmary.-In order to determine the effect of trait guilt on impression formation, high and low G-trait Ss read a simulated newspaper story of a student caught cheating on an examination. High and low G-trait males and females, presented with either a male or female stimulus person, indicated ratings of credibility and character, prescribed punishment and appropriate guilt for the offense, and estimated the stimulus person's and their own guilt in the cheating situation. Results indicated that high G-trait Ss prescribed significantly less severe punishment for the female stimulus person. There was also a tendency for high G-trait Ss to impute more intense guilt to the stimulus person and to estimate their own guilt for cheating to be greater than low guilt Ss. These findings and ocher trends were interpreted from a sex-typing and role-expectation perspective. The work of Richey and her associates (e.g., Richey, McClelland, & Shimkunas, 1967; Richey, Richey, & Thieman, 1972) has strongly validated the salience of negative information in impression formation. Negative information influences impressions people form of others much more strongly than does positive information. State-trait theory (Spielberger, 1966) posits that the presence of a personality trait implies a certain view of the world. In the case of trait guilt, the implication is that a wider range of behaviors are seen as more guilt-inducing by persons high on the trait. It follows logically from trait theory and the work on impression formation that high trait guilt Ss, more than low trait guilt Ss, should rate others who engage in impropriety more negatively and should, in accord, prescribe more severe punishment. In other words, the trait of guilt should further define the set of variables which affects the formation of impressions. Sex differences have been found to influence ratings of character and prescriptions of punishment in impression formation studies. JSlinger, Albaurn, and Hetherington (1964) found that both sexes were more lenient toward their own sex in judgments of dishonest behavior. Richey and Fichter (1969) hypothesized that females would make more moralistic judgments than males, that females would be condemned more than males for personal improprieties, and that both sexes would be more lenient toward their own sex in judgments of unethical behavior. Their findings indicated that males and females did not differ in character ratings for either situation but that males were lenient in prescribing punishment for females. It was the purpose of this study to investigate guilt as a variable mediating the effects of sex on impression formation. The design employed was used by
Channels and stages in human information processing: A limited analysis of theory and methodology

Abstract This article reviews the status of the theoretical construct of capacity. Four basic questions are discussed: (1) What is capacity? (2) How is capacity measured? (3) Is capacity limited? (4) If so, where is it limited? It is claimed that empirical answers to these questions have been unsatisfactory due to theoretical and methodological issues that need be resolved. Data are presented to illustrate such difficulties. The construct of capacity has become more and more vacuous and caution is required whenever capacity is invoked to explain behavior. These problems can be overcome by careful research and well-defined models. Capacity can be a soup stone, a millstone, or a touchstone, depending upon how it is used.
Short bowel syndrome-a case report in a dog and discussion of the pathophysiology of bowel resection.

An 8-year-old dog was investigated because of severe diarrhoea and weight loss following massive intestinal resection 15 months earlier. Positive contrast radiographic studies demonstrated (1) a short bowel with an increased diameter, (2) the absence of an ileo-colic sphincter, and (3) a rapid transit time. Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) and xylose absorption tests, and quantitative twenty-four hour faecal fat analysis demonstrated mildly reduced PABA absorption, marked xylose malabsorption, and steatorrhoea. Complete control of diarrhoea was achieved by the administration of a low-fat diet. An elemental diet supplement containing amino-acids, simple sugars, minerals and vitamins, and medium chain triglyceride oil were subsequently used in an attempt to improve nutrition. Oral antibiotics were prescribed in an attempt to reduce the suspected overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. The long-term effects of dietary supplements and antibiotics could not be assessed because the dog was destroyed after a sudden deterioration in condition, probably due to severe gastric ulceration observed at autopsy. The pathophysiologic changes associated with intestinal resection are discussed in relation to possible therapeutic measures.
What Do Brain Data Really Show

Abstract There is a bias in neuroscience toward localizing and modularizing brain functions. Single cell recording, imaging studies, and the study of neurological deficits all feed into the Gallian view that different brain areas do different things and the things being done are confined to particular processing streams. At the same time, there is a growing sentiment that brains probably don’t work like that after all; it is better to conceive of them as fundamentally distributed units, multi‐tasking at every level. This sentiment, however, is much less congenial to the tried‐and‐true experimental protocols available today and to theorizing about the brain in general. This essay examines the tension between current experimental methods and large‐scale views of the brain. We argue that this disconnection between experiment and what really are guiding theoretical metaphors seriously impedes progress in neuroscience.
Production of Succinic Acid by Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens

The effect of an external supply of carbon dioxide and pH on the production of succinic acid by Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens was studied. In a rich medium containing yeast extract and peptone, when the external carbon dioxide supply was provided by a 1.5M Na2CO3 solution that also was used to maintain the pH at 6.0, no additional carbon dioxide supply was needed. In fact, sparging CO2 gas into the fermenter at 0.025 L/L-min or higher rates resulted in significant decreases in both production rate and yield of succinate. Under the same conditions, the production of the main by-product acetate was not affected by sparging CO2 gas into the fermenter. The optimum pH (pH 6.0) for the production of succinic acid was found to be in agreement with results previously reported in the literature. Succinic acid production also was studied in an industrial-type inexpensive medium in which light steep water was the only source of organic nutrients. At pH 6.0 and with a CO2 gas sparge rate of 0.08 L/L-min, succinate concentration reached a maximum of 32 g/L in 27 h with a yield of 0.99 g succinate/g glucose consumed.
Ferroelectricity in an s=1/2 chain cuprate.

We report our discovery of ferroelectricity in the spiral-magnetic state in the quantum quasi-one-dimensional (1D) $S=1/2$ magnet of ${\mathrm{LiCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. Electric polarization ($P$) emerges along the $c$ direction below the spiral-magnetic order temperature, but changes from the $c$ to $a$ axis when magnetic fields ($H$) are applied along the $b$ direction. We also found that ${P}_{c}$ increases with ${H}_{c}$, and ${P}_{a}$ appears with ${H}_{a}$. ${\mathrm{LiCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ in zero field appears to be the first ferroelectric cuprate and also a prototypical example of the ``1D spiral-magnetic ferroelectrics.'' However, the unexpected behavior in $H$ may demonstrate the complexity of the ordered spin configuration, inherent in the 1D $S=1/2$ magnet of ${\mathrm{LiCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$.
Population development of both sexes of Heterodera schachtii is diminished in a beet cyst nematode-suppressive soil

Abstract The population development of females and males of Heterodera schachtii Schmidt on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla (L) cv. Large White Ribbed) in suppressive and conducive soil was monitored for two generations in a greenhouse experiment. No significant differences were detected between the number of second-stage juveniles in Swiss chard roots grown in suppressive soil and conducive soil 75 degree-days (DD) after soil infestation with beet cyst nematodes. After the first nematode generation (440 DD), the beet cyst nematode populations in the suppressive and the conducive soil were not significantly different as indicated by the number of males and cysts as well as by the number of eggs and second-stage juveniles within those cysts. However, after two beet cyst nematode generations (880 DD), the number of all monitored life stages were significantly lower in the suppressive soil than in the conducive soil. The reproduction index of H. schachtii was 33.9 in conducive soil and 1.0 in suppressive soil. After each generation, the population of soil-dwelling second-stage juveniles was significantly smaller in suppressive than in conducive soil. After both generations, more than half the cysts in the suppressive soil were colonized by fungi, while less than 25% of the cysts in the conducive soil were colonized. Egg parasitism was very low in conducive soil, and significantly more eggs were parasitized in suppressive soil after both nematode generations.
Usage of non-canonical promoter sequence by the yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

Abstract Prior work has demonstrated that a conserved nonanucleotide [5′-TATAAGTAA(+2)] promoter sequence is used by the mitochondrial [mt]1 RNA polymerase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the highly AT-rich yeast mt genome carries many other promoter-like sequences, but only a fraction of them are involved in gene-specific transcription. To examine the sequence variability of this nonanucleotide promoter motif, single or multiple nt substitutions were introduced into the canonical promoter sequence. The transcriptional activity of these altered promoter sequences was examined under the in-vitro reaction conditions. The results presented here determined that several variant promoter sequences (i.e. TA A AAGTAA, TATAAG A AA, TATAAGTA G , TATAAG A A G , TATAAG A G A, TATAAG G G A, TATAAGT G G , TA A AAGTA G ) were efficiently used by the mtRNA polymerase. However, a single (i.e. A ATAAGTAA, T T TAAGTAA, TAT T AGTAA, TATAA C TAA, TATAAG G AA, TATAAGTA T ) or multiple (TATA G G A AA, TA A AAG G AA, TATA G G G AA, TA A A G G A AA, TA A A G G G AA) nt substitution(s) in other locations drastically reduced mt promoter function. Interestingly, some of these poorly or partially active promoter variants (i.e. TATAAG G AA, TATAAGTA T , TATAAGT C A) became fully functional in the presence of sequence-specific dinucleotide primer. Since dinucleotide primer bypasses the first phosphodiester bond formation in transcription, it is suggested that the −1T→G, +1A→C and +2A→T mutations affect mt transcription at the level of initiation rather than polymerase binding.
Comparing housing affordability and quality among disability households: The United States and its regions

Two national data sets (the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Survey of Income and Program Participation) are analyzed to compare housing afford-ability and quality between U.S. disability households and other households and by region. The researchers conclude that disability households in the United States are at risk of inability to afford housing. In addition to higher housing-income ratios, these households are more likely to be older, in poverty, in poor or fair health, and on public assistance than other U.S. households. They are also more likely to carry severe housing cost burdens, to be in housing poverty, and to be receiving housing assistance. Regional differences among disability households and their housing seem to echo geographic economic and population trends, as well as regional variances in the housing stock. The data, which did not address housing accessibility, are less clear about disability households' risks relative to housing quality.
On linewidth of phonons associated to a disorder mechanism

Abstract An expression for the linewidth of phonons associated to a disorder mechanism in crystals is deduced. The linewidth of these ‘noise’ phonons is a function of the correlation time describing the statistical behavior of the disorder mechanism. A new view point to the application of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem for order-disorder crystals is presented. The relationship between the behavior of the linewidth of these phonons and phase-transitions mechanisms is discussed.