cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of vaping‐related lung injuries with rates of e‐cigarette and cannabis use across US states

Background and aims Responses to the 2019 US outbreak of 'e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury' (EVALI) ranged from temporary restrictions on nicotine e-cigarette sales to critiques of state cannabis policies. However, if either mass-marketed nicotine e-cigarettes or cannabis use per se drove this outbreak, as opposed to an additive in regionally available black-market e-liquids, states' rates of vaping and/or cannabis use should predict their EVALI prevalence. This study tests that relationship. Design Observational study of EVALI data from US states' health departments SETTING: United States. Participants All US states (n = 50). Measurements The outcome of interest was each state's total EVALI cases per 12-64-year-old resident-an age group covering most EVALI patients-as reported in the second week of January 2020. Predictors are 2017-18 rates of adult e-cigarette use and past-month cannabis use by state. Findings The average state EVALI prevalence was 1.4 cases per 100 000 12-64-year-olds. Maps suggest a high-prevalence cluster comprising seven contiguous states in the northern Midwest. EVALI cases per capita were negatively associated with rates of vaping and past-month cannabis use, with the preferred specification's coefficients at -0.239 [95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.441, -0.037; P = 0.02] and -0.086 (95% CI = -0.141, -0.031; P = 0.003), respectively. Robustness checks supported this finding. Conclusions In the United States, states with higher rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use prior to the 2019 'e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury' (EVALI) outbreak had lower EVALI prevalence. These results suggest that EVALI cases did not arise from e-cigarette or cannabis use per se, but rather from locally distributed e-liquids or additives most prevalent in the affected areas.
Hotdog as Metaphor: (Co)Developing Stories of Learning through Photo-Cued Interviewing.

Background/ContextPhotos are a powerful tool for eliciting stories that may otherwise go untold in traditional interview formats. Photo-elicitation type methods vary widely in their ontological, ep...
Periureteral Marginal Zone Lymphoma Resulting in Hydronephrosis and Flank Pain in the Absence of Disseminated Disease: Case Report of Two Patients Presenting with Rare But Important Differential.

Background: Extrinsic compression of the ureter can result from multiple different malignancies, typically in the presence of known or disseminated disease. Rarely, hydroureteronephrosis and flank ...
Surgical Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

This review presents the current evidence and recommendations regarding surgical management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In particular, we discuss the emerging minimally invasive surgical techniques and provide a surgical decision-making algorithm based on current evidence for the practicing clinician. Recent findings Hematoma evacuation is an attractive strategy to relieve mass effect, reduce intracranial pressure, and prevent secondary ongoing tissue injury and thereby reduce mortality and improve outcome. Enthusiasm for open surgical techniques such as craniotomy with clot evacuation waned after two large pragmatic trials failed to demonstrate superiority for good functional outcome. Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) strategies such as endoscopic evacuation and stereotactic aspiration ± thrombolysis are safe, have less operative morbidity, and probably have a mortality benefit but clear evidence of functional benefit has not been shown yet. In the last decade, the advent of newer minimally invasive devices in combination with novel imaging and navigation tools has facilitated several ongoing randomized trials to answer this elusive question. With careful patient selection and ongoing advances in MIS, it is anticipated that in the next few years, one or more of the MIS techniques will become the standard for surgical management of both lobar and deep ICH.
Determination of lead in blood by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction: Improving a well-established method to support a lower blood lead reference value for children

Abstract Lead is ubiquitous in the environment and exposure can have adverse health effects even at low concentrations, particularly in young children. Blood Pb levels are the best indicator of recent Pb exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently lowered the blood Pb reference value from 5 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL, based on data calculated from the 97.5th percentile of children 1–5 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The established method for determining Pb in blood by GFAAS has an estimated detection limit (LOD) of ≈1 μg/dL. This presents an analytical challenge for its clinical use in the US, given that the current population mean blood Pb level is 0.82 μg/dL. Accuracy and precision may be insufficient to quantitate low blood Pb levels in the 1–5 μg/dL range, which is essential now that the CDC blood Pb reference value is 3.5 μg/dL. The original GFAAS method for blood Pb published in 1993 has been significantly improved to achieve a lower LOD of 0.2 μg/dL, with the ability to quantitate blood Pb levels down to 1 μg/dL. This method is fit for the purpose of detecting blood Pb levels currently, with excellent accuracy and precision in the 1–5 μg/dL range. Results from analyzing SRMs, PT materials and human blood samples were in good agreement between two different GFAAS platforms, as well as with results obtained by ICP-MS. The improvements provide evidence of an GFAAS method capable of achieving lower LODs with improved accuracy and precision at lower blood Pb levels, which can support the lower blood Pb reference value for children at 3.5 μg/dL.
Towards an effective wireless security policy for sensitive organizations

Wireless networks are becoming increasingly popular with organizations and corporations around the world. With the prospect of increased productivity and convenience at a reduced cost through the use of wireless, many organizations have introduced wireless networks into their infrastructures in a hope to reap its benefits. However, the adoption of wireless technologies brings with it new security concerns. The possibility that the signals from a wireless local area network (WLAN) being transmitted beyond the physical boundaries of an office make it easier for cyber criminals to monitor network traffic, disrupt data flows, and break into networks. The prospect of a breach of security becomes even more dangerous given that 70 percent of the data transmitted through wireless access points is unencrypted. These risks have elevated the importance of wireless security. With this increased concern for wireless security issues, a well thought-out and implemented wireless security policy is paramount. The goal of this work is to make the reader aware of the weakness in current wireless security models and to lay a framework of a reliable wireless security policy for sensitive organizations. We also examine a case study, the Department of Defense, of real world implementation of wireless security policies, analyzing their deficiencies based on our proposed framework.
Microbial dynamics of an epilithic mat community in a high alpine stream.

Abstract Studies were conducted to examine interrelationships between the heterotrophic and phototrophic populations within an epilithic community in the outlet stream of a high alpine lake. Levels of nitrates, phosphates, and total organic compounds in the lake were consistently near the lower limits of detectability. Microscopic examination of the community by phase-contrast light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed diatoms, filamentous algae, and bacteria embedded within a dense gelatinous matrix. Chlorophyll a and primary productivity measurements had peak values in early August, with subsequent declines. Bacterial heterotrophic activity, as measured by Vmax, turnover rate, and relative activity, increased significantly as the phototrophic community declined. This trend in heterotrophic activity was not accompanied by an increase in total bacterial numbers as determined by epi-illuminated fluorescence microscopy. These results suggest that the phototrophic community responded to changes in, or interactions among, various chemical and physical factors throughout the study period. The catabolic activity of the sessile bacteria appeared to be positively influenced by changes in the mat environment resulting from the decline of the phototrophic populations.
Complex system governance: Theory to practice challenges for system of systems engineering

This paper explores challenges in moving Complex System Governance (CSG) from the theoretical/conceptual formulation to practice. CSG is an emerging field with potential to complement and extend System of Systems Engineering (SoSE). We begin with a brief introduction to CSG and the nature of the problem domain of interest for this field. Next, the nature of the CSG field is developed in light of SoSE. Focus is then turned to the spectrum of challenges faced for deployment of CSG. Finally, a path forward to addressing these challenges is explored. The paper concludes with several contributions that CSG can offer to SoSE in the struggle to deal with increasingly complex systems and their associated problems.
The genetics of phenotypic plasticity. X. Variation versus uncertainty

Despite the apparent advantages of adaptive plasticity, it is not common. We examined the effects of variation and uncertainty on selection for plasticity using an individual-based computer simulation model. In the model, the environment consisted of a linear gradient of 50 demes with dispersal occurring either before or after selection. Individuals consisted of multiple loci whose phenotypic expression either are affected (plastic) or are not affected (nonplastic) by the environment. Typically, evolution occurred first as genetic differentiation, which was then replaced by the evolution of adaptive plasticity, opposite to the evolutionary trend that is often assumed. Increasing dispersal rates selected for plasticity, if selection occurred before dispersal. If selection occurred after dispersal, the highest plasticity was at intermediate dispersal rates. Temporal variation in the environment occurring after development, but before selection, favored the evolution of plasticity. With dispersal before selection, such temporal variation resulted in hyperplasticity, with a reaction norm much steeper than the optimum. This effect was enhanced with negative temporal autocorrelation and can be interpreted as representing a form of bet hedging. As the number of nonplastic loci increased, plasticity was disfavored due to an increase in the uncertainty of the genomic environment. This effect was reversed with temporal variation. Thus, variation and uncertainty affect whether or not plasticity is favored with different sources of variation—arising from the amount and timing of dispersal, from temporal variation, and even from the genetic architecture underlying the phenotype—having contrasting, interacting, and at times unexpected effects.
Group Rights and Democracy

The problem set for republicans by groups is: which group or aggregation of citizens should count in pursuit of the common good? The relevant collective for the first republic, in Rome, was all Roman citizens, each of whom enjoyed “liberty” (“libertas”), by which the Romans meant equal freedom from arbitrary interference or coercion by others, including officers of the state.1 Republican legal theory depends on aggregating citizens into a group (the “people” or “populus”) who act together to construct a sense of justice and the common good amongst themselves.2 Rome began as a small village with few inhabitants and extensive rights for all citizens. As the Roman empire grew, the rights of Roman citizens diminished, until nearly everyone in the Mediterranean world enjoyed Roman “citizenship” under an arbitrary central government in Rome. The common good gave way to the emperor’s whim, leading many to conclude that size had ruined liberty in Rome, and that only small republics can survive.3
New AC–DC Power Factor Correction Architecture Suitable for High-Frequency Operation

This paper presents a novel ac–dc power factor correction (PFC) power conversion architecture for a single-phase grid interface. The proposed architecture has significant advantages for achieving high efficiency, good power factor, and converter miniaturization, especially in low-to-medium power applications. The architecture enables twice-line-frequency energy to be buffered at high voltage with a large voltage swing, enabling reduction in the energy buffer capacitor size and the elimination of electrolytic capacitors. While this architecture can be beneficial with a variety of converter topologies, it is especially suited for the system miniaturization by enabling designs that operate at high frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz). Moreover, we introduce circuit implementations that provide efficient operation in this range. The proposed approach is demonstrated for an LED driver converter operating at a (variable) HF switching frequency (3–10 MHz) from 120 V $_{\mathrm{\rm ac}}$ , and supplying a 35 V $_{\mathrm{dc}}$ output at up to 30 W. The prototype converter achieves high efficiency (92%) and power factor (0.89), and maintains a good performance over a wide load range. Owing to the architecture and HF operation, the prototype achieves a high “box” power density of 50 W/in $^3$ (“displacement” power density of 130 W/in $^3$ ), with miniaturized inductors, ceramic energy buffer capacitors, and a small-volume EMI filter.
Factorization for Hard Exclusive Electroproduction

This talk summarized the proof of hard-scattering factorization for hard exclusive electroproduction processes: deeply virtual Compton scattering and exclusive meson production.
Violent Media Effects: Theory and Evidence

Technological advancement has given rise to unprecedented access to television shows, movies, and video games. Naturally, scientists have dedicated much attention on how media, particularly violent media, influences viewers and players. The current article summarizes findings on the influence of such media on several outcomes including aggression, prosocial behavior, stereotyping, risk taking, and others. Special attention is paid to the theoretical processes through which these outcomes occur.
The Forgotten Farmworkers of Apopka, Florida: Prospects for Collaborative Research and Activism to Assist African American Former Farmworkers

Summary Anthropology's crisis of representation of the 1980s has given way to a millennial crisis of involvement. As neoliberal policies proliferate and intensify wealth and social inequalities, anthropologists have considered ways to conduct engaged research that can contribute to social justice. One possibility is the prospect of collaboration between anthropologists and activists. In this article we examine our own collaborative research with an anthropologist and activist organization. We highlight benefits of long-term community engagement projects for activist-oriented community partners and students.
Feasibility study on a prototype of vestibular implant using MEMS gyroscopes

This paper presents a feasibility study on an MEMS-based implantable vestibular prosthesis. Our end-goal is to design a prosthesis that will replace the function of the damaged vestibular end-organ by providing an MEMS chip that will accurately sense, extract, and transmit 3-dimensional motion information for people who have permanently lost peripheral vestibular function. The prosthesis prototype includes orthogonal triads of accelerometers and gyroscopes on-a-single fingernail sized chip. Based on physiological data on perceptual thresholds of linear acceleration and angular velocity in humans, we conclude that the MEMS technology is a viable candidate for such an implant. Functional architecture for the vestibular prosthesis is introduced.
SU-C-108-02: Dosimetric Impact of VMAT Delivery and Target Motion: MIP-Based ITV Vs. ITV From Contoured Phases of 4DCT

Purpose: It has been a concern that the interplay effect in dynamic radiation treatments of moving targets may compromise dose coverage. In this work we study the interplay-induced dosimetric impact to moving targets in VMAT delivery. Methods: A new patient-specific QA system with ArcCHECK/3DVH v3 (Sun Nuclear Corp) was utilized to estimate “true” dose to a moving target during VMAT delivery. A set of 4DCT scans was acquired for an SBRT lung patient and a VMAT plan was generated using an in-house TPS with ITV (internal-target-volume) generated from the MIPs (maximum-intensity-projections) of 4DCT. The prescribed dose to the PTV (ITV+5mm) was 45Gy in 5 fractions. The motion trajectory was obtained based on the GTVs (gross-tumor-volume) from the 10 phases of 4DCT. The QA system was first used to measure the dose distribution delivered according to the plan. Then, the motion trajectory was incorporated into the QA algorithm to derive the “true” dose coverage, with the virtual motion simulation. Results: The MIP-based ITV had measurable difference from the ITV generated with contoured phases of 4DCT. The dose differences for targets and critical structures between measurements and TPS were: −1.9%, PTV(D95); −3.5%, ITV(D95); 3.0%, max cord; −1%, mean heart; −1.2%, mean esophagus; 1.6%, mean right lung; −0.9%, mean left lung. After accounting for the statistical mean of motion-simulated dose for 5 fractions, the dose differences for the ITV(D95) became −4.1%. However, the dose coverage of the moving GTV itself is nearly unchanged from the plan PTV coverage (<0.2%), indicating that the 5mm margin was adequate to compensate for dose perturbation due to motion. Conclusion: The interplay between organ motion and dynamic radiation delivery leads to dose coverage differences between treatment delivery and the static ITV based treatment plan. The new patient-specific QA device may be a useful tool to estimate the differences.
Resistivity Changes due to Formation of G. P. Zones (Clusters rich in Solute)

AN anomalous increase in resistivity has been observed during formation of G. P. zones (clusters rich in solute) in several aluminium alloys1,2. Mott3 suggested that this effect may be due to a critical scattering of the conduction electrons when the zone grows to dimensions of the wave-length of the conduction electrons. Matyas4 showed on theoretical grounds that a maximum should occur for the resistivity change during zone formation.
Anticardiolipin antibodies as markers of physiologic stress: a case study of idiopathic stroke in a young adult

Although elevated anticardiolipin antibodies have been associated with idiopathic thromboembolic events, the disorder is not well understood. A case study of stroke in an otherwise healthy young adult spanning 6 years is presented. In this case, there was a correlation between increased serum concentrations of the antibodies, symptoms and periods of physiologic or emotional stress. Stress free intervals were accompanied by normal serum concentrations. The author proposes that anticardiolipin antibodies and their subtypes may be stress-induced markers and fluctuations in levels may correlate with periods of physiologic stress.
Appointment “no-shows” are an independent predictor of subsequent quality of care and resource utilization outcomes

BACKGROUND Identifying individuals at high risk for suboptimal outcomes is an important goal of healthcare delivery systems. Appointment no-shows may be an important risk predictor.
1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D3 Is an Autocrine Regulator of Extracellular Matrix Turnover and Growth Factor Release via ERp60-Activated Matrix Vesicle Matrix Metalloproteinases

As growth plate chondrocytes mature and hypertrophy, they reorganize their proteoglycan-rich type II collagen extracellular matrix (ECM), involving 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and 72-kD gelatinase (MMP-2) are found in extracellular matrix vesicles (MVs) and release and activate ECM-bound latent TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, respectively. 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates incorporation of MMP-2 and MMP-3 into MVs and release of these enzymes in the ECM. Plasma membranes (PMs) and MVs contain the 1α,25(OH)2D3 membrane receptor ERp60 (protein disulfide isomerase A3), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), PLA2-activating protein, the nuclear vitamin D receptor and caveolin-1. 1,25(OH)2D3 secreted by chondrocytes binds MV ERp60, activating PLA2. Resulting lysophospholipids destabilize MV membranes, releasing active MMPs. We examined 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent activation of latent TGF-β1 stored in cartilage ECM. Interestingly, TGF-β1 regulates 1,25(OH)2D3 production. 1α,25(OH)2D3 activates PM protein kinase C (PKC)-α via ERp60-dependent PLA2-signaling, lysophospholipid production and phospholipase C-γ. It also regulates distribution of phospholipids and PKC isoforms between MVs and PMs, enriching MVs in PKC-ζ. Direct activation of MV MMP-3 requires ERp60 based on blocking antibodies and PKC based on inhibitor studies. However, treatment of MVs with 1,25(OH)2D3 decreases MV PKC-ζ activity, suggesting more complex feedback mechanisms, potentially involving MV lipid signaling. Our observations indicate that one role of MVs is to provide MMPs at sites distant from the cells. Chondrocytes secrete 1,25(OH)2D3, which acts directly on MV-membranes via ERp60, releasing MMPs. MMP-specific ECM components are hydrolyzed, resulting in release and activation of growth factors that can act back on the cells.
Duration of wood preweathering : Effect on the service life of subsequently applied paint

Previous studies of the effect of preweathering of wood (weathering of wood prior to painting) on subsequent paint performance have not linked short periods of preweathering (weeks) to paint service life. To examine the link between preweathering and paint service life, we analyzed paint performance (cracking and flaking) after 14 years outside on boards that were preweathered for various amounts of time. We then compared our results with previous results from paint adhesion tests of similar boards that were also preweathered for the same amount of time. There was a direct correlation between the amount of time the siding was preweathered and the long-term performance of paint. Paint on wood preweathered for 16 weeks began to fail after just three years. Paint on wood preweathered for shorter periods lasted longer, but even those boards that were preweathered for as little as one week showed paint failure earlier than boards that were not preweathered. There was also good correlation between paint adhesive strength results from the previous study and outdoor paint performance results from this study, showing that loss of paint adhesion may be linked to paint performance in outdoor field tests.
The Origin and Spread of Early-Ripening Champa Rice: It’s Impact on Song Dynasty China

Often overlooked is the importance of early-maturing rice varieties with their ability to escape droughts, avoid floods, and in some localities, open up the opportunity for double cropping. Most varieties grown in the tropics until the last half century matured in 150 to 180 days or longer and were photoperiod sensitive. However, non-photoperiod sensitive one-hundred-day varieties were grown in the Champa Kingdom in what is now Central Vietnam centuries ago. How these varieties moved into Song Dynasty China and the impact of the early-ripening rice on population growth in South China is well documented. However, the origin of the Champa varieties is less clear. According to a recent DNA test (see below), the Champa varieties belong to the aus sub-population. The aus have the characteristics of both indica and japonica and originated in the hill areas of what are now Eastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Because the Champa Kingdom adopted the Indian language and religion, at least in the higher courts, it seems logical that the Champa rice must have been disseminated from the hilly areas in the Indian sub-continent to Central Vietnam and eventually to China—first Fujian and later to the Yangtze region during the Song Dynasty in the eleventh century.
CELL AGGREGATION OF THE CYANOBACTERIUM SYNECHOCOCCUS ELONGATUS: ROLE OF THE ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN.

Cell aggregation, the formation of irregular clusters of individual cells or filaments, is frequently observed in many cyanobacterial species. The mechanism(s) and potential causes of cell aggregation were studied in a thermophilic strain of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus Nag. We found that cell aggregation occured as the natural response of a healthy, well-growing culture to a sudden increase in irradiance. We propose that aggregation represents a fast (time scale in minutes), light-adapting mechanism, affected by both light quality and the presence of substances altering photosynthetic electron transfer. Our data suggest an involvement of electron transfer downstream of PSI, with reactive oxygen species triggering the signal. Aggregation was an ATP-independent process and did not require de novo protein synthesis. We suggest a specific role of glutathione in this process based on its ability to induce aggregation in the dark.
NIH guidelines for research involving recombinant DNA molecules.

The National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) specifies practices for constructing and handling: (1) recombinant DNA molecules, and (2) organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules.
Relationship Between Brain and Cognitive Processes in Down Syndrome

We investigated regional grey matter (GM) density in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) compared to age-matched controls and correlated MRI data with neuropsychological measures in the DS group. Inter-group comparisons documented several GM concentration abnormalities in the participants with DS compared to controls. In the adolescents with DS, intra-group results also showed associations between regional GM density and the neuropsychological measures considered. In particular, GM density of the cerebellum and middle and inferior temporal gyrus was associated with linguistic measures. Short-term memory performances were correlated with the inferior parietal lobule, insula, superior temporal gyrus, medial occipital lobe, and cerebellum. Long-term memory abilities were correlated with GM density in the orbitofrontal cortex, lateral and medial temporal lobe regions, and anterior cingulum and visuo-perceptual abilities with GM density the left middle frontal gyrus. Results of this preliminary study are consistent with a not always efficient brain organization in DS.
On concurrency improvements in enterprise SOA middleware

SOA is becoming prevalent in enterprise IT environments. As a result, component middleware are adding support for composite web services. Till recent past, most of these middleware were employed in tiered architectures. However, nature of call graphs differs in SOA. In this paper we revisit concurrency and deadlock issues that appear due to hosting SOA applications on middleware with prevalent thread allocation schemes. We propose a novel thread allocation scheme which performs an off-line analysis of web services call graphs and equips containers with essential information. At run-time, containers use this information and do not consult any central point or each other for thread allocation decisions. This makes our approach practical and scalable. We demonstrate, through simulations, that our approach can provide significant throughput improvements when compared with traditional thread allocation schemes.
Few-layer molybdenum disulfide transistors and circuits for high-speed flexible electronics

Molybdenum disulfide holds great potential for advanced flexible electronic devices. Here, using a transferred gate technique, the authors fabricate molybdenum disulfide-based transistors with optimized device geometry and contact, improving device speed and demonstrating gigahertz circuits with voltage gain.
Stability constant studies on some new thioether carboxylic acid chelating agents II: Derivatives of β-mercaptopropionic acid

Abstract Stability constants have been determined for several metal ions and chelating agents prepared by the condensation of dialdehydes and β-mercaptopropionic acid. For each of the four chelating agents examined, a pronounced selectivity for Hg(II) was observed. This is apparently due to the fact that Hg(II) is one of the relatively few coordination centers that forms stable bonds with thioethers in an aqueous environment. A number of solid complexes formulated as M2Y · xH2O are also reported.
Hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformations during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Previous hemorrhage, deep venous drainage, and deep location are established risk factors for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage. Although pregnancy is an assumed risk factor, there is a relative paucity of data to support this neurosurgical tenet. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the hemorrhage rate of AVMs during pregnancy. METHODS We reviewed the records of 54 women with an angiographic diagnosis of an AVM at our institution. Annual hemorrhage rates were calculated as the ratio of the number of bleeds to total number of patient-years of follow-up. Patient-years of follow-up were tallied assuming lesion presence from birth until AVM obliteration. The Cox proportional hazards model for hemorrhage with pregnancy as the time-dependent variable was used to calculate the hazard ratio. RESULTS Five hemorrhages in 4 patients occurred over 62 pregnancies, yielding a hemorrhage rate of 8.1% per pregnancy or 10.8% per year. Over the remaining 2461.3 patient-years of follow-up, only 28 hemorrhages occurred, yielding an annual hemorrhage rate of 1.1%. The hazard ratio for hemorrhage during pregnancy was 7.91 (P = 2.23 × 10(-4)), increasing to 18.12 (P = 7.31 × 10(-5)) when limiting the analysis to patient follow-up up to age 40. CONCLUSION Because of the increased risk of hemorrhage from AVMs during pregnancy, we recommend intervention in women who desire to bear children, particularly if the AVM has bled. If the AVM is discovered during pregnancy, we recommend early intervention if it has ruptured; if it is unruptured, we recommend comprehensive counseling, weighing risks of intervention against continuation of pregnancy without intervention.
Set-size and chromatic uncertainty in an accuracy visual search task.

Abstract Thresholds for chromatic differences were measured in a simple visual search task in which the target differed from the distractors in chromaticity only. In Experiment 1, the spatial separation between stimulus elements was varied. Slopes of threshold versus set-size (2–16) for elements in close proximity were somewhat elevated, suggesting non-independence of the stimulus elements. In Experiment 2, chromatic uncertainty was introduced to increase the attentional load beyond that accomplished with the set-size manipulation. The results were accounted for by a model assuming no limit in attention capacity. Furthermore, chromatic uncertainty was successfully modeled as a simple increase in the number of monitored signals.
Size, Shape, and Function in Industrial Organizations

There has been a great deal of discussion, in recent years, of the growth of very large business and of the problems that this makes for the national economy, as well as for the political and social organization of the country. There has also been some suggestion that this bigness in itself is evil, although the nature of the evil is never made very clear, nor is it clearly stated at what point in growth the size becomes bad. From the point of view of management's problem, there seems to be no necessary liability in simple size, but there are special problems connected with it, and it is well to look at the implications of growth in an industrial organization for its shape and function.
A High Performance CCM PFC Circuit Using a SiC Schottky Diode and a Si SuperFETTM Switch

SuperFETTM MOSFETs and silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes are applied to continuous conduction mode active power factor correction pre-regulators. SuperFETTM MOSFETs can reduce power losses dramatically with their extremely low RDS(ON) and fast switching. The SiC Schottky diode has virtually zero reverse recovery current and high thermal conductivity, and is close to an ideal diode for a CCM PFC circuit. Due to these outstanding switching characteristics, frequency can be increased. In this paper, the SiC Schottky diode’s and SuperFETTM MOSFET’s performance have been verified in a CCM PFC boost converter. These products can reduce the total power losses and enhance the system efficiency.
Diffusion of ion implanted helium in vanadium and niobium

Abstract Helium ion implantation at 200 keV has been carried out of targets on pure vanadium and niobium held at elevated temperatures up to 1064 K. Helium concentration versus depth profiles were then measured for these targets using the method of nuclear reaction analysis. For target temperatures below about 800 K there appears to be little migration of the implanted helium from the end of the ion range. At higher temperatures significant migration of the implanted helium is evident. The migration of the helium during the implantation was analyzed by assuming that each implanted helium atom became trapped in a vacancy created by the implantation process. The subsequent migration rate was then dependent upon the mechanism for detrapping from such vacant sites. Of the two mechanisms investigated, i.e., substitutional diffusion and dissociative diffusion by thermal detrapping, the data favored the dissociative mechanism. A similar conclusion was drawn for previously published data on titanium, iron, nickel, and zirconium.
Implementation and evaluation of a web-based communication skills learning tool for training internal medicine interns in patient-doctor communication

AbstractDoc.com© is the American Academy of Communication in Healthcare's web-based resource for learning core communication skills. To date, very few doc.com© modules have been evaluated formally. This study sought to assess four modules' effectiveness at improving internal medicine interns' communication skills knowledge. Interns were asked to complete four modules early in internship and complete web-based five-item pre/post multiple choice tests and a satisfaction survery for each module. The participation rate was 97 per cent (31 of 32 interns). Knowledge improved significantly with module completion (average pre-test score 89 per cent versus post-test 95 per cent, p = 0.006). Most (86 per cent) felt that the modules were clearly presented and met stated learning objectives, 67 per cent felt that completing the modules would improve their out-patient communication skills, and 62 per cent their inpatient skills. However, only 16 per cent indicated that the modules should replace faculty-led communicat...
KIT Gene Deletions at the Intron 10−Exon 11 Boundary in GI Stromal Tumors

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) harbor oncogenic mutations in the KIT gene, and the majority of these mutations affect the juxtamembrane domain of the kinase encoded by exon 11. Screening GISTs for KIT gene mutations is important for translational research studies and for providing prognostic information on the likelihood of tumor response to treatment with the kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec). In a series of GISTs analyzed in our laboratory by a combination of denaturing HPLC and direct DNA sequencing, we identified 19 cases with KIT exon 11 deletions that included from 1 to 14 bp of intron 10 sequence and resulted in loss of the normal splice acceptor site at the beginning of exon 11. Predicted use of the next potential splice-acceptor site was confirmed by cDNA sequencing in 4 cases. Thus, the resulting mutant isoform, deletion KPMYEVQWK 550–558, was the same in all 19 cases. Only two other examples of deletions across the intron 10–exon 11 boundary have been reported, yet among 722 GISTs analyzed in our laboratories these deletions were not uncommon, accounting for 3.9% of exon 11 mutations and 2.6% of all tumors. Loss of KIT intron 10 sequences may be under-recognized if the forward primer is too close to exon 11, or if cases are examined exclusively at the cDNA level. Laboratories that offer clinical screening for KIT mutations in GI stromal tumors should be aware of this class of mutations.
Photomechanical effects in PZT

A photomechanical effect has been observed in the piezoelectric sonar transducer ceramic, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in which the material becomes measurably softer when illuminated with visible light. The phenomenon has been studied by stress relaxation techniques and attempts have been made to analyze the data in terms of a thermal activation analysis that had been successfully applied to PZT in the absence of illumination. The effect of light intensity on the stress relaxation was determined. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of illumination on the migration of non-180 degree domain boundaries.
A molded deep‐UV portable conformable masking system

A second-generation capped deep-UV portable conformable masking system Is described. Two major improvements of this system are; (1) The replacement of the PMMA bottom layer with the PMMA-MA-MAN terpolymer which has a higher thermal stability and a higher deep-UV sensitivity. (2) The application of the mold hardening process to eliminate the “wings” protruding from the novolac-terpolymer interface, to facilitate a better choice of developers for the bottom layer, and to provide a better refractive index match between the novolac image lines.
Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling has a dominant negative effect on IL-12 production by macrophages infected with Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes

Infection of macrophages with Leishmania parasites does not result in the production of IL-12. In addition, infection with Leishmania suppresses IL-12 production elicited by otherwise potent activators of IL-12. We provide evidence that engagement of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling during Leishmania amazonensis infection leads to the prevention of IL-12 p70 production at the level of transcription of its p40 subunit in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMΦ). Inhibition of PI3K signaling with specific inhibitors of PI3K or the downstream kinase Akt, reverses the IL-12 blockade. Although the MAP kinase ERK (p44 and p42) was transiently activated by infection with L. amazonensis, inhibition of MEK, the kinase upstream of ERK, with PD98059, did not reverse the blockade of IL-12. Furthermore, inhibition of the other MAP kinases JNK and p38 as well as treatment of cells with pertussis toxin that blocks G protein mediated signaling, did not reverse the prevention of IL-12 production by Leishmania infection. Interestingly, activation of PI3K/Akt signaling had differential effects on ERK and p38 activation. Taken together we propose that infection of BMDMΦ with Leishmania promastigotes activates both positive and negative signaling pathways that control IL-12 production. PI3K signaling activated by the infection is the negative signaling pathway that prevents IL-12 production.
Stable isotope tracer marking of individual boll weevils

Stable isotope markers have been used to study animal nutrition for several decades and more recently to study the foraging and cultural habits of imported fire ants. In this work, we have extended that effort to evaluate the potential for marking boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with the rare earth element samarium to aid in studies of insect invasion and pest eradication protocols. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was performed on the marked boll weevils as well as plant material from the cotton squares on which the insects were fed. Samarium levels in non-dosed insects average about 20 ng/g or about 100 pg total element per insect. Our computed average determination limit was 36 pg samarium/weevil. The determination limit for cotton plant squares and leaves averaged 3.5 ng/g and 8.2 ng/g, respectively. These initial results indicate the NAA method is capable of identifying individual marked insects which have assimilated 1 ng of samarium, a ten-fold increase in content over average blank values.
Hysteresis in the force-calcium relation in muscle

Calcium ions activate muscle contraction. The mechanism depends on the calcium sensitivity of the proteins that regulate contraction. Evidence is presented for the reverse phenomenon, where contraction modulates calcium sensitivity. Increasing the force level increased calcium sensitivity in intact fibers showing that the relation between force and calcium is not unique. A particular calcium concentration can maintain a higher force level than it can create. The results were confirmed in skinned fiber experiments. Transient reduction of the force led to a transient reduction in calcium binding, suggesting a simple mechanism for the hysteresis.
Thermal Penalty of an Immersed Heat Exchanger in Integral Collector Storage Systems

The use of a heat exchanger in solar water heating systems reduces the overall system efficiency, In this paper, we derive a simple penalty factor that gives the fractional reduction in thermal efficiency imposed by a heat exchanger immersed in an isothermal integral collector storage (ICS) system. The penalty factor depends only on the effectiveness of the heat exchanger, the capacitance of the hot water delivered, and the product of the loss coefficient and aperture area of the ICS. This factor allows the designer to select an appropriate heat exchanger without extensive simulation or experiments. Application of the penalty factor for a load-side (or on-demand) heat exchanger, which operates intermittently at varying flow rates, is discussed and illustrated through example.
RESPONSE OF CYPERUS ROTUNDUS L. TO FIVE MOISTURE LEVELS.

Cyperus rotundus L. is a field weed known in all the Southern States as nut grass. The plant produces rhizomes, tubers, basal bulbs and fibrous roots below ground, and rosettes of leaves, scapes, and umbels above ground. The response of nut grass to moisture is an important factor in field eradication and studies were started in the greenhouse to determine the levels at which the plant showed differential response to soil moisture. The results reported herein constitute part of the data collected. Pear, corn, and lemon plants have been shown to respond to differences in moisture well above the so-called wilting point by Aldrich, Work, and Lewis (1), Davis (2), Loomis (4), and Furr and Taylor (3). The distance from the plant to moisture was also shown by Aldrich et al., Davis, and Furr and Taylor to be a factor in the availability of soil moisture for plant growth. In the experiments cited, growth was measured as the soil moisture was reduced, but because of mechanical difficulties the soil could not be maintained at any one moisture level.
Fractography of highly crosslinked polymers

The fracture surfaces of highly crosslinked polymers sometimes include regions in which regular arrays of features are disposed along tracks running in the direction of crack propagation. Generally the features appear to be fibres but in some cases there is evidence that they are curls of rolled-up film. The features may remain attached to the tracks, be partially detached, or entirely missing. Such effects are illustrated by reproduction of results for a phenol-formaldehyde resin in Fig. 1 [1, 2]. Subsequently, similar effects were observed in other highly crosslinked polymers [3] such as polyesters [4], epoxy resins [5] and poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) [6]. The purpose of the present letter is to suggest adoption of a mechanism proposed long ago by Preston to account for "stries" formation in silicate glasses, igneous rocks, and bitumen [7]. This mechanism dealt with the consequences of fracture in an ideal brittle material but, in order to account for the cylindrical shapes of the features actually observed in organic networks, it is necessary to invoke, additionally, the occurrence of localized plastic deformation. Preston's analysis made repeated use of the acceptable premise that crack propagation always proceeds in a direction at right angles to the principle tensile stress in the immediate neighbourhood of the crack tip. He then accounted for "stries" formation by analysis of the consequences of a sudden change in orientation of the principle tensile stress. This was illustrated by reference to a continuous crack front which may be imagined as moving upwards through a glass block (Fig. 2a). Suppose now that the front suddenly moves into an uncracked region in which the tensile stress is at a slightly different orientation. The entire crack
The Life of a Police Officer: A Developmental Perspective

Recent research in developmental psychology has shown that most middle class adults pass through a series of psychosocial stages as they mature. Since no one has studied the adult development of policemen, we wondered if their development would be exceptional because of the unusual amount of stress inherent in police work. The purpose of our study was to (1) describe the adult development of our subjects, and (2) discuss the practical implications of our findings.
Understanding and Using Customer Loyalty and Customer Value

Abstract Loyalty and customer value are defined and we propose a model that relates the two concepts to each other and to firm performance. We survey applications of the concepts and discuss how they are measured. We derive aggregate-level estimates of CLV for the contractual setting, maximum likelihood estimates of retention rates, and give an example for a non-contractual setting. Strategies for increasing loyalty and customer value are also discussed.
Object-oriented software design utilizing Quality Function Deployment

This paper puts forward Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique as an effective tool for requirements acquisition and design analysis of a ground software intensive project. The paper shows how QFD focused our effort to produce a product for customers with diverse needs and also how to tailor the technique for use with modern Object-Oriented Design (OOD) software technology. The results show that the QFD process enabled us to capture requirements and produce specifications and designs that are efficient, robust, and consistent. Requirements captured with QFD were faster compared with other classical methods by a factor of 50%; more robust by a factor of 60% with respect to identification of conflicting requirements or protential bottlenecks; and more consistent by a factor of 70%.
A theory of steady-state activity in nerve-fiber networks: IV.N circuits with a common synapse

Conditions under which either of two distinct activity patterns may arise from the same stimulus pattern are deduced for the case of a net-work which consists ofN simple circuits all jointed at a common synapse. If the product of the activity parameters of all the fibers in any circuit is called the activity parameter of the circuit, or, more briefly, the circuit parameter, then the condition for the existence of such mutually consistent activity patterns is that there be a sum of circuit paramaters which is not less than unity.
Television as Lover, Part II: Doing Auto[Erotic]Ethnography

This article seeks to demonstrate how to engage with television in an ecstatic mode. Toward that end, it undertakes an auto[erotic]ethnography of the author's television viewing practices. The conclusion reflects on the implications of viewing in this mode for the practice of criticism.
Reactions coupled to palladium

You would be forgiven if you thought the most important element in an organic transformation was carbon. Matthew Hartings argues that, for just over half a century in many of chemistry's most renowned organic reactions, it has actually been palladium.