cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of exposure to chronic community violence on preschool behavior

Chronic community violence (CCV) is defined as the enduring exposure to acts of violence, use of weapons, or interpersonal crimes by non-intimate perpetrators. The exposure of to high levels of CCV among families who reside in inner city neighborhoods has risen as a major public health hazard associated with serious psychological and behavior consequences for both mothers and children. In many poor urban American cities, mother-child dyads may not be able to escape the witnessing of violent events, perceiving social disorder in their neighborhoods, experiencing fear of crime, or feeling under constant siege1–4. According to social disorganization theory 5–7, perceptions of social decay and disorder, danger, and fear are enduring aspects of neighborhood life in many inner city communities eroding the social order of neighborhoods, which, in turn, affect crime and delinquency rates 8–9.
Investigation of Cross Modulation for SC-FDMA Signals in Radio over Fiber Mobile Link

This paper investigates a transmission performance of the single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) signal on radio over fiber (RoF) uplink. Analog-type RoF link is promising solution for broad bandwidth, simple configuration of remote antenna site and low latency transmission. However, non-linearity property in E/O device causes distortion due to cross modulation. Although many articles have reported the cross modulation and its countermeasure, cross modulation effect has not well evaluated when the SC-FDMA signals transmitted through RoF using an external modulator. This paper evaluates transmission performance of RoF mobile link for transmitting the SC-FDMA signals in terms of its spectrum and bit error rate (BER).
Combining Accessibility and Pedagogical Effectiveness in a Hybrid Theological Education Program: A Case Study

As of 2017, the Association of Theological Schools had seen an increase in online course enrollment of 200% over ten years. It is therefore worth exploring in some depth the potential challenges and strengths of online and hybrid programs. This article describes one hybrid online-residential program, the Alternative Clergy Training at Sewanee (ACTS) program at the School of Theology at the University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee. Based on the experience of this program and contemporary research on the strengths of online and hybrid programs, it is argued that hybrid learning has significant advantages in its own right, perhaps especially for those who may be considered "hybrid clergy," the deacons and bivocational priests for whom the program was designed.
The labor of consent: affect, agency and whiteness in the age of #metoo

Using the New Yorker story Cat Person, and the babe.net story I went on a date with Aziz Ansari, it turned into the worst night of my life, we explore the possibilities of consent in a context of g...
2018: A Streaming Video Odyssey

In this case study, we reflect on our journey through a major revision of our streaming video reserve guidelines, informed by an environmental scan of comparable library services and current copyright best practices. Once the guidelines were revised, we developed an implementation plan for communicating changes and developing training materials to both instructors and internal library staff. We share our navigation strategies, obstacles faced, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges. Finally, we map out some of our future directions for improving and streamlining our services.
Systematic Review of Transgender-Related Research in Radiology Over a Decade: There Is Work to Be Done.

Abstract Purpose The ACR has established that diversity and inclusion are central to its mission of excellence in the radiologic professions; therefore, radiologists have a responsibility to serve the imaging needs of the transgender community. To understand radiologists’ current knowledge of transgender topics, the authors performed a systematic review of publications from radiology journals. Methods A lexicon of 14 transgender-related terms was created and expanded through a PubMed keyword search. From the 129 journals from the radiology, nuclear medicine, and medical imaging category of Journal Citation Reports, 106 journals met the inclusion criteria, including English translation and Scopus data for the study period. Using the Scopus advanced search feature, articles with titles, abstracts, Medical Subject Headings terms, or key words including 1 of 14 transgender terms were identified and analyzed. Results Of the more than 200,000 articles published by the 106 journals from January 2008 to July 2019, 29 relevant articles were identified. Only 14 of the 106 journals published any transgender-related topics. The volume of articles has increased over time. The largest proportion of articles was published under the “general radiology” subsection, with the majority of these being editorials (6 of 10). Most of the original research was published under “neuroradiology” (7 of 13). Use of nonpreferred language, such as “transsexual” and “natal sex” was present through 2019. Conclusions Publication on transgender-related topics was uncommon among radiology journals. It is important to encourage further research and publication on transgender topics, as well as use of respectful, accepted language in radiology journals.
Using baseball seams to alter a pitch direction: The seam shifted wake:

An experimental investigation of how seams and their orientation relative to the spin axis and flight direction can alter the formation of a wake around a baseball was conducted. Particle Image Vel...
Anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Abstract Chronic inflammation contributes to multiple diseases including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, and psychiatric conditions. Melatonin, a hormone responsible for circadian rhythm, plays a complex role within the immune system, including having an anti-inflammatory effect. While there are numerous animal studies demonstrating this effect, few human clinical trials have been conducted. This systematic review of clinical trials examined whether exogenous melatonin reduces levels of inflammatory markers in humans. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PsycINFO, and the references of the identified articles for randomized and non-randomized placebo-controlled trials. Data were extracted from the articles and meta-analyses were conducted using a random effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs, i.e., Cohen’s d). From an initial search result of 4548 references, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included involving 1517 participants. Melatonin had significant anti-inflammatory effects on interleukin (IL)-1 (SMD −1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.86, −0.43; p = 0.008), IL-6 (-3.84; −5.23, −2.46; p
Parallelizing the Slant Stack Transform with CUDA

In geophysics, the slant stack transform is a method used to align signals from different sensors. We focus on the use of the transform within passive refraction microtremor (ReMi) surveys, in order to produce high resolution slowness-frequency plots for use as samples in a machine learning model. Running on a single central processing unit (CPU) thread, this process takes approximately 45 min, 99.5% of which consists of the slant stack transform. In order to reduce the time taken to perform the transform, we use NVIDIA CUDA programming model. Using the same CPU, augmented with a GeForce RTX 2080 Ti we were able to reduce this time down to as little as 0.5 s.
Introduction to Musculoskeletal Imaging

The assessment and management of a patient with a musculoskeletal condition begin with a thorough history and physical examination. In some cases, clinical laboratory information may be helpful, and in others, neurophysiologic studies may be of value. In many cases, however, the information gained from diagnostic imaging studies is indispensable and may be central to defining the condition. Modern diagnostic imaging includes many modalities, each with its own attributes and sensitivity and specificity. Conventional radiography, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and, on occasion, vascular imaging and interventional radiology may all have a place in musculoskeletal imaging. The selection of an imaging modality depends fundamentally on the clinical question to be answered. Imaging can be expensive and, for some modalities, is not without risk, so the selection of a modality that is safe and most likely to address the clinical concern will result in a cost-effective imaging evaluation. In most cases imaging begins with conventional radiography, and, in many cases, radiography may satisfy the imaging need. In other cases, further imaging is needed for complete characterization of the process at hand.
Mapping normalcy through vernacular security-development in post-conflict North Waziristan

North Waziristan, one of the former tribal agencies of Pakistan, was brought to the spotlight largely by militancy and terrorism. After curtailing terrorism through the military offensive, the focu...
LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS OF ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TO PROPULSIVE FORCE, ANGULAR VELOCITY, AND ANGULAR ACCELERATION IN THE STANDING BROAD JUMP.

Abstract The cinematographic records of ten boys at 8, 10, and 12 years of age were used to calculate the propulsive force of the body as a whole and the angular velocity and angular acceleration of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during the performance of the standing broad jump. The propulsive force was correlated with the isometric strength measures of the lower limbs and with the distance jumped. These relationships were not significant although those between propulsive force and measured strength tended to approach significance at 10 and 12 years of age. The calculated angular measures were correlated with the isometric extensor strength of the muscles of the respective joints. There was no relationship between the calculated angular measures and isometric extensor strength at the knee and ankle joints. The relationships of isometric extensor strength to the maximal angular velocity and to the angular velocity at the point of maximal acceleration were fairly high at the hip joint. They ranged from .5...
Preservice Science Teachers and Cultural Diversity Awareness

800x600 Preservice science teachers hold a number of existing beliefs and expectations when teaching in the science classroom. Many teacher education programs provide diversity or multicultural education courses to better prepare preservice teachers for the increasingly diverse classroom. The Cultural Awareness Diversity Inventory (CDAI) was used to examine the preservice science teacher’s cultural awareness and sensitivity based on their course and field experiences. Findings suggest that preservice science teachers did acknowledge the importance of racial and ethnic sensitivity and accommodating diversity in their classroom. However, they are neutral relative to the impact their own lack of cultural knowledge has on science teaching and learning. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
The mitochondrial permeability transition in toxic, hypoxic and reperfusion injury

Opening of a non-specific, high conductance permeability transition pore or megachannel in the inner mitochondrial membrane causes onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition, which is characterized by mitochondrial swelling, depolarization and uncoupling. Inducers of the permeability transition include Ca2+, oxidant stress and a permissive pH greater than 7.0. Blockers include cyclosporin A, trifluoperazine and pH < 7. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we developed techniques to visualize onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition in situ in living cells. In untreated cells, the permeability transition pore is continuously closed and does not ‘flicker’ open. By contrast, the pore opens in liver and heart cells after exposure to oxidant chemicals, calcium ionophore, hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion, causing mitochondrial uncoupling and aggravation of ATP depletion. In injury to hepatocytes from tert-butylhydroperoxide, an analog of lipid hydroperoxides generated during oxidative stress, onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition is preceded by oxidation of mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides, mitochondrial generation of oxygen radicals and an increase of mitochondrial Ca2+, all inducers of the mitochondrial permeability transition. In ischemia, the acidosis of anaerobic metabolism protects strongly against cell death. During reperfusion, recovery of pH to normal levels is a stress that actually precipitates cell killing. Onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition may be responsible, in part, for this pH-dependent injury, or pH paradox. The mitochondrial permeability transition may also be responsible for a variety of pathological phenomena. In particular, the mitochondrial permeability transition may underlie Reye’s syndrome and Reye’s-like drug toxicities. In conclusion, multiple mechanisms contribute to cell injury after hypoxia, ischemia/reperfusion and toxic chemicals, but a common final pathway leading to acute cellular necrosis may be ATP depletion after mitochondrial failure. One important mechanism causing mitochondrial failure is the mitochondrial permeability transition, which both uncouples oxidative phosphorylation and accelerates ATP hydrolysis. Interventions that block this pH-dependent phenomenon protect against onset of cell death. (Mol Cell Biochem 174: 159–165, 1997)
The Perils of Restoration Politics: 19th Century Antecedents

The general consensus of regime cycle theorists is that George W. Bush was a “regime manager” trying to advance the political project established by Reagan. Unlike his father, however, Bush came to power after an opposition interlude, placing him in the position of restoring the Reagan agenda. This paper is part of a larger project that constitutes a comparative analysis of all “restoration presidents” – presidents from the dominant party who come to power immediately following opposition presidents – to determine the extent to which they can act as free agents or are bound by prior commitments. This paper focuses on the 19th century examples of this category – those presidents who established the pattern for leadership of which Bush is the latest exemplar. Specifically, this paper focuses attention on the Jacksonian Democrats following the Whig presidencies (Polk and Pierce) and the Republicans following the two Cleveland administrations (Harrison and McKinley). Exploring the common elements among this group of presidents will allow me to extend this study to the 20th century examples. If, then, Bush represents a “restoration” of Reagan conservatism following the Clinton interregnum, the lessons learned from similarly-placed presidents in the 19th century may help us evaluate both Bush’s performance as president and our current placement in political time.
Evaluation of a Rapid β-Lactamase Test for Detecting Ampicillin-Resistant Strains of Hemophilus influenzae Type b

Chloramphenicol is presently the drug of choice in the initial treatment of serious infections due to Hemophilus influenzae type b. Rapid detection of ampicillin resistance in clinical isolates would facilitate early discontinuation of chloramphenicol therapy in patients infected with ampicillin-sensitive bacteria. A total of 160 strains of H. influenzae type b were tested with a one-hour acidimetric microassay for beta-lactamase activity. All ampicillin-resistant strains rapidly hydrolysed the beta-lactam ring of penicillin. When isolates were encoded and tested without knowledge of their MICs, the 40 ampicillin-resistant strains (MIC greater than or equal to 2 mug/ml) were readily distinguished from 120 sensitive strains. Rapid beta-lactamase assay is therefore a reliable detector of ampicillin resistance in H. influenzae type b.
A 90 nm CMOS receiver front-end for GSM/GPRS/EDGE

A GSM/GPRS/EDGE receiver front-end realized in 90 nm CMOS technology is presented. With a low power of 46 mW, it achieved 31.5 dB gain, 2.1 dB integrated noise figure, 5 dB of noise figure under blocking condition and -9.5 dBm of inband IIP3. The measured LO leakage at the LNA input is 125 dBm. Total active area occupies 1.4 mm/sup 2/.
Value Differences and Conflict Resolution: Familiarity or Liking?

Effects of familiarity and liking on negotiating perceptions and behaviors are explored in two experiments, one focusing on prenegotiation expectations and perceptions (experiment 1), the other on negotiation processes and outcomes (experiment 2). Both experiments were embedded in the context of a simulation of conflict between groups resembling the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus. Results obtained in the two experiments showed different effects for the familiarity and liking variables: Analytically distinct effects for these variables on prenegotiation perceptions contrasted with the combined effects on negotiating behavior and postnegotiation perceptions. In experiment 1, liking influenced expected movement from initial positions, perceptions of the opponent, and types of strategies prepared for the negotiation; familiarity had its primary impact on perceptions of the situation as being conducive to agreement. Results of experiment 2 showed that reducing either liking or familiarity served to re...
On Speed: The Many Lives of Amphetamine – By Nicholas Rasmussen

Viewed as a miracle cure for depression by 1940, amphetamine was soon woven into the fabric of American society. Amphetamine drugs touched the lives of millions of people as prescriptions for depre...
Hierarchical Organization of TiO2 Nanostructures in Low‐Temperature Solution Processes

Nanostructured TiO2 thin films were prepared via a low-temperature solution processing. We have previously calculated the degree of supersaturation (s) for TiO2 precursor solution to systematically tailor the development of TiO2 nanostructures in the range of s = 70–200. In this article, we focused more on a lower supersaturation regime (s < 70), from which we were able to obtain various shapes and sizes of nanostructures of TiO2 thin films. A film consisting of “rutile” phase nanoblades was observed when the degree of supersaturation was s = 15–70. To further lower the supersaturation (s < 15), hydrothermal processing had to be used, for which a film consisting of “rutile” phase nanorods was obtained. The resulting thin films were evaluated for band gap energies and dielectric properties. The band gap energy for those rutile thin films decreased from 3.22 to 2.99 eV when the supersaturation was lowered from s = 70 to 15. The dielectric constant (k) of the rutile film processed from s = 50 showed the best performance with k~50 at 1 MHz.
The η′ propagator in quenched QCD

The calculation of the η′ hairpin diagram is carried out in the modified quenched approximation (MQA) in which the lattice artifact which causes exceptional configurations is removed by shifting observed poles at κ < κc in the quark propagators to the critical value of hopping parameter. By this method, the η′ propagator can be accurately calculated even for very light quark mass. A determination of the topological susceptibility for quenched QCD is also obtained, using the fermionic method of Smit and Vink to calculate winding numbers.
Defect-activated first order Raman scattering in boron implanted GaAs☆

Abstract We have observed first order Raman scattering from phonons with non-zero wave-vectors in boron implanted samples of GaAs. In addition to the sharp peaks due to the normally allowed TO and LO phonons at the Г-point, a continuous spectrum extending between 20 cm -1 and the LO phonon frequency (292 cm -1 ) is observed. The structures in this continuous spectrum can be closely correlated with those in the one-phonon density of states of pure GaAs, and the temperature dependence of its Raman scattering intensity shows that it is due to one phonon processes. We conclude that the observed continuous spectrum is due to defect-activated first order Raman scattering.
Factors Associated with Oral Health Status in American Indian Children

The literature reports psychosocial, environmental, and cultural factors related to early childhood caries (ECC), but few studies have included American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. AI/AN children have the highest prevalence of ECC among any population group in the USA. This study examined sociodemographic characteristics of children and their parents/caregivers and psychosocial characteristics of parents/caregivers as risk factors for baseline oral health status of preschool children in the Navajo Nation, as part of a 3-year cluster randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of trained community workers providing a fluoride varnish and oral health promotion intervention to. The study recruited 1,015 children at 52 Head Start Centers. Baseline ECC data were collected by calibrated dental hygienists for 981 of the children ages of 3–5 years, and a Basic Research Factors Questionnaire (BRFQ) was completed by their parents/caregivers. Bivariable analysis revealed that dmfs was higher in older children; in males; in children with male parents/caregivers; and when the parent/caregiver had less education and income, worse oral health behavior in caring for their children’s teeth, and higher scores for external powerful others and external chance locus of control, greater perceived susceptibility and barriers, and lower scores for community risky behavior. In a multiple linear regression model, the variables that remained statistically significant were child’s age and gender and oral health behavior score of the parent/caregiver. Intervening to improve parent/caregiver oral health behavior in caring for the teeth of children potentially could in AI/AN children.
Recent advances in the acute management of migraine and cluster headaches

I have discussed the pharmacokinetics, efficacies, and side effects of the various nonnarcotic drugs available for the treatment of patients who have headache. Sumatriptan, the newest one, is expensive but may be cost-effective for those who have failed traditional migraine treatment, who visit the ER frequently, who have potential for drug abuse, or who have to miss time from school or work due to the headache. Studies are in progress to compare sumatriptan with other available drugs such as DHE-45 and to determine its possible role in the prophylaxis of migraine. A new 5-HTID receptor agonist with more efficacy and fewer side effects may be developed in the future. When sumatriptan and DHE-45 are contraindicated due to hypertension or coronary artery disease, other drugs such as metoclopramide, ketorolac, and butorphanol can be used as alternatives.
Occupational ischemic hand syndrome

A case of occlusion of the radial artery and palmar arches with gangrene of the index finger due to occupational trauma is presented to emphasize the role of repetitive trauma in the causation of hand ischemia. The diagnosis of occupational hand ischemia should be made by eliciting an occupational history involving chronic repetitive trauma to the hand, angiographic demonstration of the lesion, and the exclusion of all other causes of hand ischemia by history, laboratory investigation, and tissue biopsy. The need for unifying various syndromes associated with traumatic ischemia of the hand is pointed out. The term occupational ischemic hand syndrome is suggested to encompass the spectrum of various clinical entities previously described in the literature.
Effect of Mode of Incorporation of Disintegrants on the Characteristics of Fluid-bed Wet-granulated Tablets

A full factorial experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of mode of disintegrant incorporation and concentration in wet-granulated paracetamol tablets manufactured by top-spray fluid-bed. Disintegrants (croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, or crospovidone) were incorporated either intragranularly, extragranularly, or distributed equally between the two phases. The results were analysed by a general quadratic equation and response surfaces generated. On examining the results for dissolution studies the combined mode resulted in significantly faster dissolution rates than did the extragranular mode which, in turn, was superior to the intragranular mode of inclusion. These results were reflected in the disintegration studies where the combined mode exhibited the shortest disintegration times for all the disintegrants. Tablet crushing strength was not affected by the mode of incorporation of concentration of the disintegrants. Main as well as interaction effects between the types, mode of incorporation and percent disintegrant employed were significant (P < 0.05) for disintegration time and percent release at 15 min. Croscarmellose sodium exhibited the shortest while crospovidone displayed significantly (P < 0.05) longer disintegration times. Formulations containing crospovidone did not meet official compendial (USP XXII) requirements of 80% in 30 min. In general, croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate were found to be less sensitive to the mode of incorporation than crospovidone.
Submarine lineated sheet flows: a unique lava morphology formed on subsiding lava ponds

Lineated sheet flows are flat-lying, glassy lava flows characterized by a regular surface pattern of parallel grooves or furrows aligned with the flow direction. They are unique to the submarine environment. We propose that the lineations are developed within the collapsed interiors of partially ponded lobate sheet flows that initially inflate and then drain out during emplacement. During lava drainout, the original lobate crust founders and a new crust begins to grow on the subsiding lava surface. Lineated flow texture is created where molten lava emerges laterally from beneath a growing crust. The lineations are formed by raking of the emerging lava surface by irregularities on the bottom edge of the crust and are preserved owing to rapid chilling by seawater. Therefore, lineated sheet flows are the product of a specific sequence of events over a short period of time during the course of a deep submarine eruption.
Creation of visible artificial optical emissions in the aurora by high-power radio waves.

The powerful radio transmitter array at the HAARP observatory near Gakona, Alaska, is designed to transmit a narrow beam of powerful radio signals into the sky. The response to this intervention reveals details of the chemistry and physics of the ionosphere. One such experiment carried out in March 2004 had an unexpected outcome, inducing artificial optical emissions bright enough to be seen as small speckles by the naked eye. This occurred not in the quiet ionosphere, but in the midst of a pulsating aurora, and represents features much smaller and brighter than ever observed previously. Generation of artificial light in the sky by means of high-power radio waves interacting with the ionospheric plasma has been envisaged since the early days of radio exploration of the upper atmosphere, with proposed applications ranging from regional night-time street lighting to atmospheric measurements1. Weak optical emissions have been produced for decades in such ionospheric ‘heating’ experiments, where they serve as key indicators of electron acceleration, thermal heating, and other effects of incompletely understood wave–particle interactions in the plasma under conditions difficult to replicate in the laboratory2. The extremely low intensities produced previously have, however, required sensitive instrumentation for detection, preventing applications beyond scientific research. Here we report observations of radio-induced optical emissions bright enough to be seen by the naked eye, and produced not in the quiet mid-latitude ionosphere, but in the midst of a pulsating natural aurora. This may open the door to visual applications of ionospheric heating technology or provide a way to probe the dynamics of the natural aurora and magnetosphere.
Fusion of gravity gradient and magnetic field data for discrimination of anomalies using deformation analysis

ABSTRACTGravity gradiometry and magnetometry methods are powerful noninvasive techniques for near-surface detection problems. Efficient integration of data from these techniques decreases the degree of nonuniqueness in geophysical interpretations. Deformation analysis is a powerful tool for comparison of two fields, which aids in this respect. We propose a fully quantitative approach, which uses the generalized theory of deformation for the geometric comparison of gravimetric and magnetic fields. The resulting deformation maps delineate regions where Poisson’s relation is violated between the two data sets and thus discriminate between air-filled cavities and other similar low-density/susceptibility geophysical sources. We present a practical corresponding algorithm that is robust in the sense that no prior knowledge of the physical properties of the subsurface is needed.
Antennas for medical applications: Ongoing research and future challenges

The development of a reliable wireless data telemetry technology is key to improving the quality of life of patients living with diseases such as diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing implantable radio frequency (RF) systems for medical applications. However, to be truly beneficial, the telemetry device must be able to communicate with an external receiver unit. To do this, the device must have an integrated antenna. Thus far, the design of such antennas has been limited to in-silico simulations. This talk will focus on the current research and future challenges on the design of antennas for medical applications.
Terahertz spectroscopy of dry, hydrated, and thermally denatured biological macromolecules

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an effective technique to probe the intermolecular and collective vibrational modes of biological macromolecules at THz frequencies. To date, the vast majority of spectroscopic studies have been performed on dehydrated biomolecular samples. Given the fact that all biochemical processes occur in aqueous environments and water is required for proper protein folding and function, we hypothesize that valuable information can be gained from spectroscopic studies performed on hydrated biomolecules in their native conformation. In this study, we used a THz-TDS system that exploits photoconductive techniques for THz pulse generation and freespace electro-optical sampling approaches for detection. We used the THz spectrometer to measure the time-dependent electric field of THz waves upon interaction with water, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and collagen gels. By comparing these waveforms with references, we simultaneously determined each sample's index of refraction (n) and absorption coefficients (μa) as a function of frequency. Our data show that the properties we measure for the water, PBS and collagen are comparable to those reported in the literature. In the future, we plan to examine the effect that both temperature and pH have on the optical properties of other biological macromolecules. Studies will also be performed to compare our results to those generated using molecular dynamics simulations.
The role of CT in professionalism: accreditation, certification and the welfare of our children

Defining, measuring and promoting professionalism in medicine, including radiology, has been increasingly emphasized by organizations such as ACGME, the ACR and ABR. It is clear that we as imaging experts have as an ultimate responsibility the welfare of our patients. This is the essence of professionalism, and major societies such as the ACR, ABR and RSNA are embracing professionalism through ongoing safety and training efforts. Some of those efforts in accreditation of equipment and certification of medical professionals will be discussed.
Depression of hypoxic ventilatory response by halothane, enflurane and isoflurane in dogs

The ventilatory responses to isocapnic hypoxia and hypercapnia were studied in six dogs each with a tracheostomy, awake and during anaesthesia with halothane, enflurane and isoflurane (1-2.5 MAC). Isocapnic hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) was expressed as the parameter A, such that the greater the value of A, the greater the hypoxic response. In the anaesthetized dogs HVR (A) was reduced significantly from the awake value of 2010 +/- 172 (mean + SEM) to 630 +/- 173 by 1 MAC halothane, 495 +/- 105 by 1 MAC enflurane and 952 +/- 157 by 1 MAC isoflurane (PL0.05). All three anaesthetic agents produced significant depression of HUR at 1 MAC, but enflurane was more depressant than isoflurane. At 1.5 MAC all three anaesthetics produced equal and significant depression of HVR at equianalgesic concentrations. Further increases in anaesthetic concentration caused no increase in depression. Hypercapnic drive, as measured by the slope of the VE/PACO2 response curve, was reduced significantly from 9.75 litre min-1 kPa-1 +/- 2.4 in awake dogs to 0.83 +/- 0.56 after 1 MAC halothane, 0.68 +/- 0.53 after 1 MAC enflurane and 1.58 +/- 0.75 after 1 MAC isoflurane. In addition, hypercapnia-induced augmentation of the hypoxic drive was abolished by 1 MAC halothane or enflurane and diminished markedly by 1 MAC isoflurane. It may be clinically significant that hypoxia and hypercapnia during anaesthesia with these agents did not produce optimal stimulation of ventilation.
Bilateral ventricular hypertrophy due to chronic pulmonary disease.

muscles. The diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy was made only when the maximal width of the wall was five millimeters or over. This standard was adopted in the year 1946 arbitrarily and with full knowledge that for adult males the normal value ascribed to the thickness of the right ventricular wall ranged from two to three millimeters. These figures are still considered to be valid.’ This presentation is restricted to cases for which the following aspects could be verified by clinical and post mortem data: 1. Presence of chronic pulmonary disease, and 2. Absence of any congenital cardiac malformation, valvular disease, coronary occlusion, myocardial infarction, nephrosclerosis, systemic hypertension, or any medical condition definitely known to cause left ventricular hypertrophy. Not excluded were cases where the histopathological investigation disclosed microscopic evidence of slight focal replacement fibrosis in the myocardium. Also included were a few records where the autopsy protocol mentioned arteriosclerotic changes of the aorta and the coronary arteries ascribable to physiologic age processes, provided the coronaries had remained patent. This limited series embraces thirty-two cases. For twenty-seven individuals electrocardiograms were obtained in the absence of digitalis therapy. For five patients electrocardiograms were either not available or had to be omitted from this study in view of a possible drug effect on the tracing. This pertains to cases 4, 5, 11, 21 and 26. Table 1 shows the age at death, body length, body weight, heart weight and the pulmonary diseases as found on necropsy. Table 2 shows the abnormal atrial findings on necropsy. Table 3 shows the thickness of the ventricular walls. Table 4 shows the left to right ratio for the thickness of the ventricular walls. Table 5 shows the percentage increase above normal for the thickness of the ventricular walls.
Some decomposition theorems and their application to non-linear potential theory and Hodge theory

The paper considers Dirichlet (or Neumann type) boundary value problems of generalized potential theory on Lipschitz manifolds with boundary. Here ϵ denotes a permissible non-linearity. The existence theory is developed in the framework of monotone operators. The approach covers a variety of applications including fluid dynamics and electro- and magneto-statics. Only fairly weak regularity assumptions are required (e.g. Lipschitz boundary, L∞-coefficients). As a by-product we obtain a non-linear Hodge theorem generalizing a result by L. M. Sibner and R. J. Sibner (‘A non-linear Hodge-DeRham theorem’, Acta Math., 125, 57–73 (1970)).
Structure of the Dimerization and β-Catenin- Binding Region of α-Catenin

In adherens junctions, alpha-catenin links the cadherin-beta-catenin complex to the actin-based cytoskeleton. alpha-catenin is a homodimer in solution, but forms a 1:1 heterodimer with beta-catenin. The crystal structure of the alpha-catenin dimerization domain, residues 82-279, shows that alpha-catenin dimerizes through formation of a four-helix bundle in which two antiparallel helices are contributed by each protomer. A slightly larger fragment, comprising residues 57-264, binds to beta-catenin. A chimera consisting of the alpha-catenin-binding region of beta-catenin linked to the amino terminus of alpha-catenin 57-264 behaves as a monomer in solution, as expected, since beta-catenin binding disrupts the alpha-catenin dimer. The crystal structure of this chimera reveals the interaction between alpha- and beta-catenin, and provides a basis for understanding adherens junction assembly.
Observations on oocyte maturation and hydration in vitro in the black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Serranidae)

Un protocole a ete developpe pour l'incubation des follicules ovariens de Centropristis striata provenant de femelles dont la ponte a eu lieu en conditions de laboratoire. Les follicules isoles ont subi la maturation apres 15-24 h d'incubation a 25°C et dans un milieu Leibovitz L-15 a 75% contenant relativement de faibles doses d'hormone chorionique humaine gonadotrope (hCG) et d'extrait pituitaire homologue (50% de reponse avec approximativement 2 IU/ml et 0,02 d'equivalent pituitaire par ml respectivement. Durant la maturation in vitro, les follicules ont subi une augmentation remarquable de volume (environ 340%), ceci est lie a la proteolyse des plus grosses proteines du vitellus de l'ovocyte. La maturation des follicules depend de leur taille entre 400 a 600 μm de diametre, avec une reaction maximum entre 530 et 600 μm. La reponse a l'hormone hCG n'est pas inhibe a des temperatures d'incubation comprises entre 15 et 28°C mais le delai necessaire aux follicules pour atteindre 50% de maturation est correle negativement avec des hausses de temperatures (r 2 = 0.97; p ≤ 0,01). Cependant les plus gros follicules (530-600 μm) ne subissent pas de maturation avec des doses fortes (1 μg/ml) de steroides connus pour induire la maturation chez les teleosteens (MISs) 17,20b-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-(17,20β) et 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-(20βS) meme apres une premiere incubation des follicules avec 10 IU/ml hCG durant 1, 3 ou 6 h. Ces observations montrent que les follicules de C. striata sont tres sensibles a l'augmentation des doses de gonadotropine et la sensibilite a cette hormone est hautement dependante de leur taille dans une gamme de tailles reduites. Ces resultats preliminaires suggerent egalement que 17,20β et 20βS ne sont pas des steroides majeurs (MIS) induisant la maturation pour cette espece.
Seven Traits for the Future

he problem of designing our descendants can be envisaged in two quite different ways: what are we to do as parents in raising our own children? Or, what may be desirable traits to engender and construct in a whole society? It is the latter question that I have chosen to answer, and hence I ask: insofar as we possess the techniques for systematically favoring or promoting in our descendants some traits and behaviors rather than others, ought we to do so, and in the interests of what ideals or goals? I am not concerned with picturing one ideal type of individual, but rather with describing traits that might be found scattered throughout a population; nor am I suggesting the desirability of any one individual possessing all of these traits, let alone that of every individual possessing them equally. The problem that I then confront turns out to be in part a political problem. For what we will be permitted to do to promote certain traits will not be determined
Automated lung segmentation for thoracic CT impact on computer-aided diagnosis.

Rationale and objectives Automated lung segmentation in thoracic computed tomography scans is essential for the development of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) methods. A core segmentation method may be developed for general application; however, modifications may be required for specific clinical tasks. Materials and methods An automated lung segmentation method has been applied (1) as preprocessing for automated lung nodule detection and (2) as the foundation for computer-assisted measurements of pleural mesothelioma tumor thickness. The core method uses gray-level thresholding to segment the lungs within each computed tomography section. The segmentation is revised through separation of right and left lungs along the anterior junction line, elimination of the trachea and main bronchi from the lung segmentation regions, and suppression of the diaphragm. Segmentation modifications required for nodule detection include a rolling ball algorithm to include juxtapleural nodules and morphologic erosion to eliminate partial volume pixels at the boundary of the segmentation regions. Results For automated lung nodule detection, 4 of 82 actual nodules (4.9%) were excluded from the lung segmentation regions when the core segmentation method was modified compared with 14 nodules (17.1%) excluded without modifications. The computer-assisted quantification of mesothelioma method achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.990 with 134 manual measurements when the core segmentation method was used alone; correlation was reduced to 0.977 when the segmentation modifications, as adapted for the lung nodule detection task, were applied to the mesothelioma measurement task. Conclusion Different CAD applications impose different requirements on the automated lung segmentation process. The specific approach to lung segmentation must be adapted to the particular CAD task.
The charge-transfer motif in crystal engineering. Self-assembly of acentric (diamondoid) networks from halide salts and carbon tetrabromide as electron-donor/acceptor synthons.

Unusual strength and directionality for the charge-transfer motif (established in solution) are shown to carry over into the solid state by the facile synthesis of a series of robust crystals of th...
Intramolecular Exchange Energy Transfer in a Bridged Bimetallic Transition Metal Complex: Calculation of Rate Constants Using Emission Spectral Fitting Parameters

The photophysical behavior of the transition metal complexes {[(bpy)2Ru]2(bphb)}(PF6)4, {[(tpy)(CN)Ru]2(bphb)}(PF6)2, and [(bpy)2Ru(bphb)Ru(tpy)(CN)](PF6)4 (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2‘,6‘,2‘‘-terpyridine, bphb = 1,4-bis(2,2‘-bipyrid-4-yl)benzene) was investigated in acetonitrile solution and low-temperature glasses. Luminescence spectra, excitation spectra, and transient absorption decays of the three complexes serve to show that intramolecular electronic energy transfer from the MLCT excited state of the [(bpy)2Ru(bphb) chromophore to the MLCT state of the tpy-containing chromophore occurs in the unsymmetric bimetallic complex. Nearly complete energy transfer from the [(bpy)2Ru(bphb)] chromophore to the tpy-containing chromophore was observed even in 4:1 ethanol:methanol glasses at 20 K. A semiclassical exchange energy transfer mechanism was used to treat the available data; the Franck−Condon weighted density of states (FCWD) was obtained using parameters determined from fits of luminescence spectr...
Syntheses and 1H NMR Spectroscopy of Rigid, Cofacially Aligned, Porphyrin−Bridge−Quinone Systems in Which the Interplanar Separations between the Porphyrin, Aromatic Bridge, and Quinone Are Less than the Sum of Their Respective van der Waals Radii

Unusually rigid π-stacked porphyrin−spacer−quinone systems have been synthesized using an approach that enables extensive control over the nature of electronic interactions between donor, aromatic spacer, and acceptor. This new class of porphyrin-based structures is distinct from related assemblies designed to probe electronic interactions between cofacial π-stacked, aromatics: the donor (D), spacer (Sp), and acceptor (A) components of the assembly are held fixed at sub van der Waals contact distances, restricting severely the range of dynamical processes that modulate typically the magnitude of inter-ring separation and the extent of the lateral shift between juxtaposed aromatic units in the condensed phase. NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrate that these structures manifest disparate shielding environments which distribute uniformly the aromatic 1H resonances for these diamagnetic D−Sp−A compounds over spectral windows that exceed 9.0 ppm.
Rendering Information Literacy Relevant: A Case-Based Pedagogy

The authors describe the use of case studies in a program of extracurricular library instruction and explain the benefits of case teaching in developing information literacy. The paper presents details of example cases and analyzes surveys to evaluate the impact of case teaching on student satisfaction.
Race, alienation, and interpersonal mistrust

A structural model is proposed that explains race differences in interpersonal trust as a function of blacks’ disadvantaged position vis a vis whites in the socioeconomic opportunity structure. This disadvantage, in turn, engenders a sense of alienation that is detrimental to the development of trustin the “generalized other.” Data basedon the 1991 General Social Survey were largely supportive of the model. Compared with whites, blacks appear to be more alienated and less trusting of others. Although race differences in alienation and trust are partially accounted for by the proposed intervening variables, blacks are still significantly more alienated and less trusting than whites even after socioeconomic status is held constant.
Alteration of nicotinic cholinergic agonist binding sites in hippocampus after fimbria transection.

Nicotinic cholinergic agonist binding sites were studied in rat hippocampus by the binding of [3H]acetylcholine in the presence of 1.5 μM atropine sulfate. Following transection of the fimbria/fornix there was a 49% increase in the binding of [3H]acetylcholine reflecting an increase in the affinity of the receptor binding site from Kd = 18.82 ± 3.6 nM in control animals to Kd = 9.06 ± 1.2 nM in experimental tissue. Chronic administration of the agonist nicotine (4 mg/kg/day) by osmotic minipumps produced an increased in the binding of 10 nM [3H]acetylcholine after 14 days (49% increase over control) and after 28 days (141% increase over controls). These data are consistent with the suggestion that [3H]acetylcholine labels a nicotinic cholinergic receptor in rat brain. Further they support the notion that some of the termination sites of the septal-cholinergic projection to the hippocampus are nicotinic.