cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated estimation of food type and amount consumed from body-worn audio and motion sensors

Determining when an individual is eating can be useful for tracking behavior and identifying patterns, but to create nutrition logs automatically or provide real-time feedback to people with chronic disease, we need to identify both what they are consuming and in what quantity. However, food type and amount have mainly been estimated using image data (requiring user involvement) or acoustic sensors (tested with a restricted set of foods rather than representative meals). As a result, there is not yet a highly accurate automated nutrition monitoring method that can be used with a variety of foods. We propose that multi-modal sensing (in-ear audio plus head and wrist motion) can be used to more accurately classify food type, as audio and motion features provide complementary information. Further, we propose that knowing food type is critical for estimating amount consumed in combination with sensor data. To test this we use data from people wearing audio and motion sensors, with ground truth annotated from video and continuous scale data. With data from 40 unique foods we achieve a classification accuracy of 82.7% with a combination of sensors (versus 67.8% for audio alone and 76.2% for head and wrist motion). Weight estimation error was reduced from a baseline of 127.3% to 35.4% absolute relative error. Ultimately, our estimates of food type and amount can be linked to food databases to provide automated calorie estimates from continuously-collected data.
Ingredients of Creativity: Originality and More

In spite of voluminous research into the nature of creativity, the definition of the term is still highly controversial. Much of the work in this area has focused on the questions of what, and how many, factors should form the definition. This study took an empirical approach to the question considering the various perspectives such as the standard definition of creativity, the US Patent Office definition, and the Creative Product Analysis Model. Subsequently, the usefulness of four major factors of creativity—originality, value, surprise, and aesthetics in the context of 3 types of outputs (ideas, everyday products, and socially recognized products) were investigated. The major focus of the study was to reveal which of these 4 factors are most crucial to creativity. The analyses were also extended to the concept of innovation. Data collected from both experts and nonexperts indicated that originality was the strongest correlate of both creativity and innovation. Surprise explained a significant amount of...
Automatic Estimation of Verified Floating-Point Round-Off Errors via Static Analysis

This paper introduces a static analysis technique for computing formally verified round-off error bounds of floating-point functional expressions. The technique is based on a denotational semantics that computes a symbolic estimation of floating-point round-off errors along with a proof certificate that ensures its correctness. The symbolic estimation can be evaluated on concrete inputs using rigorous enclosure methods to produce formally verified numerical error bounds. The proposed technique is implemented in the prototype research tool PRECiSA (Program Round-off Error Certifier via Static Analysis) and used in the verification of floating-point programs of interest to NASA.
Class Actions in the Era of Trump: Trends and Developments in Class Certification and Related Issues

In this memorandum prepared for the Annual ABA National Institute on Class Actions, Professors Coffee and Lahav review and assess developments in class certification over recent years, and track trends in approaches to certification. Special attention is given to securities litigation, the use of confidential witnesses, ascertainability, attorney's fees, standing, mootness, statutes of repose, and the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions, including Halliburton II and Spokeo.
Handgun waiting periods reduce gun deaths.

Handgun waiting periods are laws that impose a delay between the initiation of a purchase and final acquisition of a firearm. We show that waiting periods, which create a “cooling off” period among buyers, significantly reduce the incidence of gun violence. We estimate the impact of waiting periods on gun deaths, exploiting all changes to state-level policies in the Unites States since 1970. We find that waiting periods reduce gun homicides by roughly 17%. We provide further support for the causal impact of waiting periods on homicides by exploiting a natural experiment resulting from a federal law in 1994 that imposed a temporary waiting period on a subset of states.
The Legal Regulation of Self-Serving Bias

This paper considers two questions about the role of self-serving biases in legal conflict: when are they a problem worth worrying about, and what can the law do to ameliorate them? With respect to the first question, the paper argues that not all self-serving biases are of equal concern. We should distinguish between self-serving predictions, which have the potential to create significant inefficiencies, and self-serving judgments of fairness, which have a more complicated normative standing and in some instances may not be problematic at all. Second, once a bias is found objectionable there are a number of possible strategies for dealing with it; the paper proposes a distinction between personal and structural strategies. Personal strategies are attempts to take people likely to be in the throes of self-serving biases and "debias" them. Structural strategies are attempts to put distance between biased parties and decisions their biases might affect. There are practical strategies that fit each of those descriptions, and others that fall between them; the paper suggests that structural strategies tend to be preferable to personal strategies, but also more expensive, and that the law may already be taking most steps that would be optimal to reduce disputants' problematic self-serving biases and their impact.
Consciousness and the Anthropic Questions

By the anthropic questions I mean the following three queries: 1. Why are the laws of nature so well tuned to support the biological structures we find here on earth, including our own human bodies and brains? 2. Why, given the fact that the physically described structure of my body and brain has the form that it has, are certain activities of that physically described system accompanied by my stream of conscious experiences, which convey the pervasive impression that elements of this stream of experiences causally affect the way my body behaves? 3. Are idea-like qualities primordial? Or do they emerge from a world completely devoid of all mind-like qualities?
Patient characteristics associated with hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in South Carolina.

Background Data for this study came from South Carolina 1995 Hospital Inpatient Encounter Data Base. The population figures were 1995 South Carolina population estimates. Methods We examined patient sociodemographic characteristics and costs associated with adult and pediatric ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC) hospitalization in South Carolina. Bivariate statistical comparisons were done to test the differences between ACSC and non-ACSC groups in specific sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression determined the relative significance of individual characteristics to hospitalizations for ACSC. Cost/charge ratios were used to estimate costs associated with ACSC hospitalizations. Results Nonwhites, low-income individuals, and those residing in more rural areas had significantly more ACSC hospitalizations than their respective counterparts (i.e., whites, high-income individuals, and those residing in metropolitan statistical areas). Individuals without a primary care physician were more likely to be hospitalized with ACSC. Ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalization charges were 12% of total hospital charges for adults and 20% for children. The average cost per ACSC hospitalization was $3,929 for adults and $1,818 for children. Conclusion Providers can rapidly assess needs and barriers faced by vulnerable population groups by using regularly collected hospital discharge data at the national, state, and community level.
The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica

Abstract. The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) is the first continental-scale digital elevation model (DEM) at a resolution of less than 10 m. REMA is created from stereophotogrammetry with submeter resolution optical, commercial satellite imagery. The higher spatial and radiometric resolutions of this imagery enable high-quality surface extraction over the low-contrast ice sheet surface. The DEMs are registered to satellite radar and laser altimetry and are mosaicked to provide a continuous surface covering nearly 95 % the entire continent. The mosaic includes an error estimate and a time stamp, enabling change measurement. Typical elevation errors are less than 1 m, as validated by the comparison to airborne laser altimetry. REMA provides a powerful new resource for Antarctic science and provides a proof of concept for generating accurate high-resolution repeat topography at continental scales.
Depressive Symptoms Predict Incident Dementia in a Community Sample of Older Adults: Results From the Einstein Aging Study

Background:There is increasing evidence that depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. In current study, we aimed to investigate t...
Preservice teachers’ Web 2.0 experiences and perceptions on Web 2.0 as a personal learning environment

To explore students’ use of Web 2.0 tools and their perceptions of using Web 2.0 as a personal learning environment (PLE), quantitative surveys (n = 113) and interviews (n = 12) were conducted. In the survey, we identified that students already have familiarity with using Web 2.0 tools, as well as a positive attitude toward using Web 2.0 for learning. However, in the interview, students referenced challenges with using Web 2.0 in their PLE. The results imply that there are gaps between students’ perceived comfort and familiarity with using Web 2.0 tools and their readiness to be an active and successful designer for Web 2.0-based PLEs. This research also identified that there may be other factors influencing students’ building PLEs with Web 2.0 tools including the knowledge of different tools, the abilities of identifying learning objectives and learning styles, access to the tools, motivation, and knowing how to locate the correct information through students’ interviews.
Non-smooth homoclinic bifurcation in a conceptual climate model

Collision of equilibria with a splitting manifold has been locally studied, but might also be a contributing factor to global bifurcations. In particular, a boundary collision can be coincident with collision of a virtual equilibrium with a periodic orbit, giving an analogue to a homoclinic bifurcation. This type of bifurcation is demonstrated in a non-smooth climate application. Here, we describe the non-smooth bifurcation structure, as well as the smooth bifurcation structure for which the non-smooth homoclinic bifurcation is a limiting case.
ESRA19-0302 Bridge over troubled water? Utility of paravertebral blockade in myocardial bridge unroofing

Background and aims Myocardial bridges are bands of myocardium overlapping coronary arteries. Symptomatic bands require cardiothoracic surgery with sterno- or thoracotomy due to their potential of morbidity. The incidence of chronic pain after thoracotomy and sternotomy are up to 33 and 56%, respectively. Paravertebral blockade (PVB) provides effective analgesia in cardiothoracic surgery. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the utility in our study population with respect to healthcare resource utilization. Methods Case series of 98 patients undergoing myocardial bridge unroofing: 72 patients (73.5%) sternotomy and 26 (26.5%) thoracotomy. 38 of the sternotomy patients received no block and 29 received bilateral PVBs, 5 were excluded. In the thoracotomy group, 19 patients received an unilateral PVB, 6 received no blocks, 1 patient was excluded after receiving liposomal Bupivacaine. For data analysis, sternotomy and thoracotomy groups were separated. Study was approved by the IRB of Stanford University. Results There were no statistically significant demographic differences. Sternotomy patients receiving PVBs had a significantly shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (1.37±0.82 days vs 1.60±0.82 days (p=0.02), while total length of stay was unaffected (4.25±0.5 vs 4.6±1.13 days, p 0.07). Thoracotomy patients receiving PVBs had shorter ICU admissions (1.21±0.71 vs 2.2±0.74, p=0.02) and hospitalizations than patients not receiving blocks (3.73±0. vs 4.16±0.75p=0.002). Pain scores and opioid requirement were similar in all groups throughout. Conclusions Paravertebral blocks are of potential utility in cardiothoracic surgery for myocardial bridge unroofing. Depending on the surgical approach, they facilitate either shorter ICU admissions or shorter ICU and hospital stays and decrease health care resource utilization.
Disseminated Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus: Simplex Can Be Very Complex!

Neonatal Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is an uncommon but highly morbid condition occurring in about 13/100,000 births. A high proportion of survivors have permanent neurologic issues. A majority of neonatal cases happen during birth via preexisting maternal infection. This should be distinguished from congenital herpes, which is transmitted in utero.
Wellness for the Future: Cultural and Systems‐based Challenges and Solutions

The goal of the 2019 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference was to explore the current cultural and systemic issues in emergency medicine that impact the individual well-being of every emergency physician and to make recommendations for future study. Burnout is epidemic in emergency medicine. Physician wellness is required to enhance patient clinical outcomes as well as to ensure professional satisfaction and longevity. For conference preparation, a consensus steering committee was created, and a decision was made to use the groundbreaking model of the National Academy of Medicine's "Factors Affecting Clinician Well-Being and Resilience" to further identify areas of needed study. On May 14, 2019, the Wellness Consensus Conference was attended by over 50 faculty physicians from across the United States. These attendees discussed key concepts and prior research presented by content experts. Groups of participants engaged in crowdsourcing techniques to consolidate ideas derived from those discussions. These consensus concepts were recorded and are presented within this article. A repetitive theme noted at the conference was the overwhelming effect of the system and organization factors on individual physician well-being. The concept of ongoing assessment of professional fulfillment over the life span of the emergency physician was felt to be crucial in guiding wellness and resilience interventions in a timely manner. Examining ways to enable physicians to flourish rather than experience burnout are strong future directions for study.
Vertical Differentiation, Branding, and Product Confusion

The decision whether a multi-product firm offers its goods under a joint or separate brands is essential for its success. When selling vertically differentiated products, it needs to consider pricing, cannibalization, and---when branding jointly---product confusion, i.e., consumers associating characteristics with the wrong product. The extent of product confusion crucially depends on the accuracy of available information. In this paper, we study the branding and pricing problem of a firm selling vertically differentiated products to a mix of naive and sophisticated consumers. The analysis accounts for the spillover arising from product confusion. Our findings suggest that joint branding is optimal when the spillover is either high or low but not in between. When low, firms jointly brand to save the cost of erecting a second brand. In contrast, when spillover effects are high, the firm brands jointly since it is inherently more profitable even if building additional brands is free. In between, firms opt for separate branding despite the additional cost of building more brands. We also find that a higher fraction of sophisticated consumers does not necessarily push the firm towards joint branding. Moreover, firms are inclined to jointly brand more similar products, and, if doing so, decrease price dispersion. Similarly vertically differentiated firms choose different branding regimes under competition, while low-end (high-end) strategic competition pushes a multi-product line firm towards joint branding. Finally, we investigate when firms want to provide consumers voluntarily with accurate information about the quality of its products.
“I know how it is when nobody sees you”: oral-history performance methods for staging trauma

In this essay, I argue that, in a society oversaturated with images and narratives of racial trauma, creating theatre for social change requires more than staging minoritarian bodies with the aim o...
Elevated MCOLN1 Expression in p53-Deficient Bladder Cancer is Necessary for Oncogene-Induced Cell proliferation, Inflammation, and Invasion

Inhibition of the endolysosomal cation channel, TRPML1, which is encoded by MCOLN1, deters the proliferation of cancer cells with augmented TFEB activity. Here, we report that the tumor suppressor, p53, antagonizes TFEB-driven MCOLN1 expression in bladder cancer. Not only was the constitutive loss of p53 in bladder cancer cells associated with higher MCOLN1 mRNA, knockdown of TP53 in lines with wild type alleles of the tumor suppressor increased MCOLN1 expression. Elevated TRPML1 abundance in p53-deficient cancer cells, although not sufficient for bolstering proliferation, was necessary for the effects of oncogenic HRAS on cell division, cytokine production, and invasion. These data demonstrate that hyperactivation of the TFEB- MCOLN1 transcriptional axis in urothelial cells lacking p53 permits tumorigenesis stemming from HRAS mutations. Furthermore, the insight that loss of p53 predicts addiction to TRPML1 informs an actionable therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.
Local Access to Sparse Connected Subgraphs Via Edge Sampling.

We contribute an approach to the problem of locally computing sparse connected subgraphs of dense graphs. In this setting, given an edge in a connected graph $G = (V, E)$, an algorithm locally decides its membership in a sparse connected subgraph $G^* = (V, E^*)$, where $E^* \subseteq E$ and $|E^*| = o(|E|)$. Such an approach to subgraph construction is useful when dealing with massive graphs, where reading in the graph's full network description is impractical. While most prior results in this area require assumptions on $G$ or that $|E'| \le (1+\epsilon)|V|$ for some $\epsilon > 0$, we relax these assumptions. Given a general graph and a parameter $T$, we provide membership queries to a subgraph with $O(|V|T)$ edges using $\widetilde{O}(|E|/T)$ probes. This is the first algorithm to work on general graphs and allow for a tradeoff between its probe complexity and the number of edges in the resulting subgraph. We achieve this result with ideas motivated from edge sparsification techniques that were previously unused in this problem. We believe these techniques will motivate new algorithms for this problem and related ones. Additionally, we describe an efficient method to access any node's neighbor set in a sparsified version of $G$ where each edge is deleted with some i.i.d. probability.
Generation of Beams of Refractory Metal Clusters

Interest in the physical and chemical properties of small metal clusters has recently stimulated the development of sources for the generation of molecular beams of metal clusters, since the collision-free environment of a beam has the advantage of permitting in-flight study of isolated species free of interference from surroundings. For example, spectroscopic studies utilizing tunable lasers may be performed in the molecular beam environment. The objectives of our research program are the elucidation of the physical and chemical properties of clusters of refractory metal atoms, in particular those of the catalytically active transition metals. For these purposes we have built and tested two sources suitable for generation of cluster beams of refractory metals, one for continuous beams and the other for pulsed beams.
Abstract 3496: Breast cancer and obesity impact the lipid composition of breast adipose tissue: a preliminary study using shotgun lipidomics

Obesity, an established risk factor for breast and other cancers, is associated with systemic inflammation and increased visceral adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is a normal constituent of the breast; however, the role of breast adipose tissue in breast cancer development, especially in the context of obesity, has not been addressed before. There is no information on the lipid composition of different fat depots in the body, especially in the context of obesity, and even less among obese tumor hosts. The study of the lipid composition of breast adipose tissue in diet-induced obese (DIO) tumor-bearing and normal mice and its impact in breast cancer progression is novel and has not been previously examined. New profiling methods employing shotgun lipidomics, a technique employed in mass spectrometric analysis using the direct loading of crude lipid extracts into an electrospray ionization source for intrasource separation and identification of numerous lipids, allow for extensive cellular lipid profiles of different tissues being accrued with relative ease. We studied the lipidomic profiles of the breast adipose tissue in lean and DIO normal and tumor bearing mice. Lipidomics analyses were performed using an electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TSQ quantum Access Max) and class specific parent-ion or neutral loss scan in positive and negative ion mode with appropriate collision energy. The ratiometic quantification of lipids was done using class specific lipid standards. The phospholipid classes quantified were phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Our results for the PC class reveal an association between the total carbon chain of the lipids and the lipid concentrations based on four conditions: lean control, obese control, lean tumor bearers, and obese tumor bearers. The highest total carbon chain length is associated with the obese tumor condition. The next highest total carbon chain length is associated with lean tumor condition. This demonstrates that both the presence of the tumor as well as obesity play a role in contributing to a higher number of total carbons in the lipid chains. The other lipid classes analyzed express similar patterns from the data gathered when compared to the PC lipid class. Characterizing a particular lipid signature relevant to breast cancer and obesity may allow its targeting with therapeutic purposes. Citation Format: Osvaldo Perez, Michael Margolis, Ana M. Santander, Mitchell Martinez, Sanjoy Bhattacharya, Marta Torroella-Kouri. Breast cancer and obesity impact the lipid composition of breast adipose tissue: a preliminary study using shotgun lipidomics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3496. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3496
NMDA receptor upregulation: molecular studies in cultured mouse cortical neurons after chronic antagonist exposure

We examined the possibility of changes in gene expression of the NMDA receptor subunits after chronic antagonist treatment. Exposure of neurons to the NMDA antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5) produced an increase in the levels of the R2B mRNA subunit. Concomitant exposure of neurons to AP-5 and NMDA reversed the upregulation. Chronic AP-5 treatment increased the R1 polypeptide, whereas no change was observed in the levels of mRNA encoding the R1 subunit. A more pronounced increase was observed in the R2A/B polypeptides. These data demonstrate that chronic treatment with NMDA antagonists selectively upregulates the NMDA receptor mRNAs and polypeptides. Furthermore, antagonist treatment produced a differential regulation of the R1, R2A, and R2B subunits in cortical neurons.
Adding capacity to an existing electric power distribution network using a solid state transformer system

In this paper, an approach to add capacity to an existing line-frequency transformer (LFT) in distribution networks using solid state transformers (SSTs) is proposed. This new concept facilitates capacity addition without significant increase in footprint and complexity. A closed loop control is proposed to regulate power sharing. The proportion of power handled by the SST and LFT is decided based on load conditions. Further, an AC-AC multi-level buck converter can be incorporated in the concept to adapt to different distribution voltage levels. This paper discusses the operation, modeling and design of the proposed topology for a target load of 100 kVA and 0.9 power factor. Simulation results demonstrate that the topology can control the amount of power handled by the SST. A scaled-down laboratory prototype was designed and experimental results prove the main functionality of the topology.
Nebulizer Delivery of Micafungin Aerosols

Study Objectives. To determine the optimal nebulization system for aerosolizing micafungin and to further assess the physiochemical properties of aerosolized micafungin. Design. In vitro experiment. Setting. University research center. Nebulizers. Pari LC Star, Hudson Updraft, Small Volume Nebulizer, and Aeroclipse II. Measurements and Main Results. Using a commercially available cascade impactor, the four nebulizers were tested for their ability to deliver micafungin to the lungs. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and fine particle fraction (FPF) percent less than 3.3 μm (FPF3.3) and less than 5.8 μm (FPF5.8) were determined during two sampling periods for each of three trials of all nebulizers. The mean ± standard error of the mean MMAD for the nebulizers ranged from 1.93 ± 0.09 to 2.49 ± 0.25 μm; FPF3.3 and FPF5.8 were approximately 50% and 90%, respectively, for all nebulizers. Conclusion. Although all nebulizers appeared acceptable to deliver micafungin to the lungs, the Pari LC Star had the smallest MMAD and highest FPF3.3 and FPF5.8. These properties of the Pari LC Star should result in greater delivery of the aerosol to the lungs. Additional research on pulmonary delivery and clinical tolerability is warranted.
Thermotropic and Lyotropic Copolymers of Bis(Dioxyphenyl) Silanes

Abstract Novel inorganic polymers are synthesized from two-component and three-component solutions of bis(1,2-dioxyphenyl) silane, bis(4-t-butyl-1,2-dioxyphenyl) silane and 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (hydroquinone). Molecular modeling predicts that these polymers have extended, linear conformations. Thermotropic nematic liquid crystalline phases are identified by transmitted polarized light microscopy. Additionally, lyotropic nematic phases are formed by polymers dissolved in xylene. Further characterization by diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry is described.
Transition-state structure for a conformation change of ribonuclease

Abstract The rate constants k12n for isomerization of the E1H isomer (pKa 8 in H2O) of ribonuclease-A to the E2H isomer (pKa = 6.1 in H2O), determined from proton-uptake measurements by the temperature-jump technique, in mixtures of protium and deuterium oxides (atom fraction of deuterium n), are described by the equation k12n = (733 ± 16)(1 − n + [0.46 ± 0.04]n)(1 − n + 0.69n)2sec−1 at 25°C. On the basis of the absolute magnitude of the rate constant, the magnitude of the solvent isotope effect and the proton inventory, it appears that the rate-determining step is proton transfer to a water molecule from the imidazolium form of a histidine residue, with a product-like activated complex resembling a hydronium ion. The subsequent motion of the protein structure to generate the new isomer (conformation change) must then occur in a time approaching a vibrational period. Alternative but less likely mechanisms include rate-limiting protein reorganization concerted with proton transfer to water, rate-limiting diffusion of hydronium ion away from the enzyme, or “solvation catalysis” of protein reorganization.
A comparative case study of sustaining quality as a competitive advantage

Many organizations have achieved high levels of quality performance only to lose it later on. These firms that were once quality leaders can no longer compete on the quality of their products or services. This research develops a theoretical understanding of how organizations can sustain a quality advantage. It offers a conceptual definition of sustaining a quality advantage which involves not only sustaining a high level of quality performance, but also sustaining a high consistency of quality performance. A comparative case study provides evidence of three capabilities that distinguish firms with different levels of sustaining quality. These capabilities include: (1) meta-learning, (2) sensing weak signals, and (3) resilience to quality disruptions. The case analysis argues that meta-learning helps sustain a high level of quality performance, while sensing weak signals and resilience improves the consistency of quality performance. This study offers a dynamic capability-based strategy that explains how to sustain a competitive advantage in quality, which may also have implications for sustaining other operational competitive advantages.
The endothelial cell cytoskeleton modulates extravascular polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulations in vivo.

Actin microfilaments, key elements in the endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeleton, have been noted in in vitro studies to play a modulating role in the diapedesis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The role of the cytoskeleton in PMN diapedesis in vivo was the subject of this study. Small skin abrasions were produced in rabbits. Cytoskeletal manipulation was accomplished by local application of phalloidin which promotes microfilament assembly or cytochalasin B which causes their disassembly, prior to addition of a chemotaxin. When the initial treatment to the abrasion site was saline, the secondary addition of more saline resulted in PMN accumulations, expressed as PMN/mm3 of 36 ± 19, while 10−4 M cytochalasin B led to 91 ± 32 (P < 0.05). Secondary addition of chemotaxins or histamine also led to significant PMN accumulations of 169 ± 54 with 10−8 M leukotriene (LT) B4, 318 ± 85 with zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP), and 158 ± 48 with 10−4 M histamine. When the initial treatment was 10−8 M phalloidin, PMN accumulations were reduced to 31 ± 22 with cytochalasin B (P < 0.05 relative to saline as initial treatment); 63 ± 43 with LTB4 (P < 0.05); 137 ± 48 with ZAP (P < 0.05); and 51 ± 35 with histamine (P < 0.05). In contrast, initial blister treatment with cytochalasin B rather than saline increased PMN accumulations in response to LTB4, 291 ± 71 (P < 0.05), and histamine, 270 ± 56 (P < 0.05). On the other hand, secondary treatment with phalloidin reduced the effect of cytochalasin and led to 50 ± 18 PMN/mm3 (P < 0.05). These data support an active role for the EC cytoskeleton in modulating extravascular PMN accumulation in vivo.
A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of intravenous acetaminophen vs. Intravenous placebo for the treatment of fever

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the antipyretic effect and safety of intravenous (i.v.) acetaminophen using an endotoxin-induced fever model. Subjects exhibiting sufficient fever response following administration of reference standard endotoxin (RSE) were randomly assigned to receive i.v. acetaminophen 1,000 mg (n = 31) or matching placebo (n = 29). The primary efficacy end point was the weighted sum of temperature differences from baseline through 6 h. Relative to placebo, i.v. acetaminophen administration produced a rapid decrease in temperature that persisted throughout the 6-h study period. The primary end point favored i.v. acetaminophen over placebo (P < 0.001). Temperature differences from baseline reached statistical significance at T30 min after endotoxin administration (15 min after completing the study medication infusion). Acetaminophen administered i.v. was well tolerated, and the frequency of adverse events was comparable to that after administration of i.v. placebo. This study shows that i.v. acetaminophen in a single 1,000-mg dose is safe and effective in reducing fever.
Kinematic constraints to the key inflationary observables

The observables $T/S$ and $n\ensuremath{-}1$ are key to testing and understanding inflation. $(T,$ S, and $n\ensuremath{-}1$ respectively quantify the gravity-wave and density-perturbation contributions to CMB anisotropy and the deviation of the density perturbations from the scale-invariant form.) Absent a standard model, there is no definite prediction for, or relation between, $T/S$ and $n\ensuremath{-}1.$ By reformulating the equations for slow-roll inflation, we show that in the $T/S\ensuremath{-}(n\ensuremath{-}1)$ plane there are excluded regions, regions in which the density perturbations are not well approximated by a power law, and regions in which models with a ``featureless'' potential must lie.
Effect of Biological Seed Treatment with Cylindrocarpon olidum var. olidum on Control of Common Bunt (Tilletia laevis) of Wheat

The goals of the present study were to determine ifCylindrocarpon olidum var.olidum exerts antibiotic activity on teliospore germination ofTilletia laevis in vitro and to evaluate the efficacy of a seed treatment with this antagonist against artificial seedborne infection in the field under natural cropping conditions. Germination of bunt teliospores was completely inhibitedin vitro on water agar medium supplemented with the antagonist’s culture filtrate. In field experiments seed application reduced the incidence of common bunt from 82.9% to 40.4%, and from 81.4% to 42.0% in 1995/1996 and 1997/1998, respectively.C. olidum var.olidum may have a potential againstT. laevis and is worthy of further research on its use as a biocontrol agent for common bunt.
Radiofrequency ablation for oral and maxillofacial pathologies: A description of the technique

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) refers to a high-frequency current that heats and coagulates tissue. In the standard RFA setup, three components are used: a generator, an active electrode, and a dispersive electrode. RFA has garnered support in many of the surgical fields as an alternative to traditional procedures used in tumor removal. Other methods can prove to be more invasive and disfiguring to the patient, in addition to the unwarranted side effects; however, RFA provides a more localized treatment, resulting in decreased co-morbidity to the patient. Currently, its use in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery is limited, as its technology has not reached our field. By describing its limited use to the optics community, we hope to expand its uses and provide patients with one more alternative treatment option. Methods and Uses: We will describe the use of RFA on three types of pathology: lymphangioma, rhabdomyoscarcoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and neoplastic osseous metastasis. The majority of treatments geared towards these pathologies involve surgical resection, followed by reconstruction. However, damage to vital structures coupled with esthetic disfigurement makes RFA a more valuable alternative. In many of the cases, the tumors were successfully removed without recurrence. Conclusion: While the use of RFA has been scarce in our field, we believe that with more exposure it can gain momentum as an alternative to current treatment options. However, there are improvements that we feel can be made, helping to maximize its effectiveness.
Relationship between Velocity-Dependent Potentials and Hard-Core Potentials

>It is shown that, outside the range of the velocity dependence, the two- body wave function resulting from a repulsive velocity-dependent force is exactly the same as that produced by an angular-momentum dependent potential outside a hard core, (auth)
Patterns of Gene Expression Differentially Regulated by Platelet-derived Growth Factor and Hypertrophic Stimuli in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells MARKERS FOR PHENOTYPIC MODULATION AND RESPONSE TO INJURY

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) suppresses expression of multiple smooth muscle contractile proteins, useful markers of differentiation. Conversely, hypertrophic agents induce expression of these genes. The goal of this study was to employ genomic approaches to identify classes of genes differentially regulated by PDGF and hypertrophic stimuli. Changes in gene expression were determined using Affymetrix RAE-230 GeneChips in rat aortic VSMC stimulated with PDGF. For comparison with a model hypertrophic stimulus, a microarray was performed with VSMC stably expressing constitutively active Gα16, which strongly induces smooth muscle marker expression. We identified 75 genes whose expression was increased by exposure to PDGF and decreased by expression of Gα16 and 97 genes whose expression was decreased by PDGF and increased by Gα16. These genes included many smooth muscle-specific proteins; several extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal, and chemotaxis-related proteins; cell signaling molecules; and transcription factors. Changes in gene expression for many of these were confirmed by PCR or immunoblotting. The contribution of signaling pathways activated by PDGF to the gene expression profile was examined in VSMC stably expressing gain-of-function H-Ras or myristoylated Akt. Among the genes that were confirmed to be differentially regulated were CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein δ, versican, and nexilin. All of these genes also had altered expression in injured aortas, consistent with a role for PDGF in the response of injured VSMC. These data indicate that genes that are differentially regulated by PDGF and hypertrophic stimuli may represent families of genes and potentially be biomarkers for vascular injury.
Diploid arrhenotoky and automictic thelytoky in soft scale insects (Lecaniidae: Coccoidea: Homoptera)

Parthenogenesis is reported in three soft scales with 2n=16. In the unfertilized eggs of all three, oogenesis is normal and diploidy is restored by the fusion of the division products of the haploid female pronucleus. In Lecanium putmani Phillips 12 of 13 uninseminated females collected in the wild produced only males. The 21 inseminated females produced 15% males. The males were diploid but contained one euchromatic (E) and one heterochromatic (H) chromosome set. Most of the eggs produced by the inseminated females contained sperm but a few did not. It was concluded, therefore, that females develop from fertilized eggs and males from unfertilized eggs and that the species was diploid arrhenotokous. In L. cerasifex Fitch only 18 of 56 females collected in the wild had been inseminated. The frequency of males among their embryos was 22%. The males were again diploid with one E and one H set of chromosomes. Among the 38 uninseminated females, 27 produced only males, and 10 produced only females. All the female producers contained needle-like bacterial symbionts. Most of the male producers, and most of the inseminated females contained no symbionts; the rest contained rod-like symbionts. It was concluded, therefore, that the females of L. cerasifex studied belonged to two races, a diploid arrhenotokous race and an obligate automictic thelytokous race. Eucalymantus tessellatus (Signoret) is obligate automictic thelytokous. All the females examined were uninseminated and produced only females.
Origins of Parasitic Emissions from 353 nm AlGaN-based UV LEDs over SiC Substrates

The effects of p-GaN capping layers and p-type carrier-blocking layers on the occurrence of parasitic emissions from 353 nm AlGaN-based LEDs have been investigated. LEDs without a p-type Al0.25Ga0.75N carrier-blocking layer showed a shoulder peak at ~370 nm due to electron overflow into the p-Al0.10Ga0.90N cladding layer and subsequent electron-hole recombination in the acceptor levels. Broad emission between 380 and 450 nm from LEDs having a p-GaN capping layer was caused by 420 nm luminescence from the p-GaN capping layer, which was optically pumped by 353 nm UV emission from the quantum wells. Broad, defect-related luminescence at ~520 nm was emitted from the AlGaN layers within the quantum wells.
Simple gate-to-drain overlapped MOSFETs using poly spacers for high immunity to channel hot-electron degradation

Short n-channel MOSFETs with permanent poly spacers over the lightly doped drain (LDD) region are demonstrated to be effective in increasing the resistance to channel hot-electron-induced degradation. The hot-electron lifetime of the poly-spacer devices is two to three orders of magnitude longer than that of a conventional oxide-spacer device. This improvement is entirely due to the reduced electron trapping in the gate oxide under the sidewall spacer. The disadvantages of the poly-spacer devices, higher gate-to-drain overlap capacitance and weaker gate oxide integrity, can both be minimized to within 20% of those of the oxide-spacer device by a short oxidation before the formation of the poly spacer. >
Cocaine increases EEG beta: A replication and extension of Hans Berger's historic experiments

The effects of cocaine by two routes of administration were studied on the resting, awake human EEG during a 2 min sequential subtraction task. Fifty subjects were given 1 of 3 intravenous cocaine doses (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg). Thirty-three subjects received 1 of 3 oral doses of cocaine (2, 3 and 4 mg/kg). The EEG was analyzed as spectral power for delta, theta, alpha and beta bands. At each dose for both routes of administration, cocaine increased beta power. The increase was observed at the 5 min post-drug test session for the subjects given intravenous cocaine and at both 45 and 75 min test sessions for subjects given oral doses. In addition, a decrease in delta power was found at the 5 min test for the intravenous group and theta power was decreased at the 45 min test session. The increase in beta power was correlated with the area under the cocaine plasma versus time curve, but not with the cardiovascular effects of cocaine. The increased beta activity observed with cocaine may be a consequence of the direct stimulation of a central noradrenergic arousal system.
Impacts of internal and interorganizational information systems on the outsourcing of manufacturing

Drawing on transaction cost economics, this paper looks at the relationship of IT use to the outsourcing of manufacturing using survey data from US manufacturers. We find that greater use of interorganizational systems (IOS) is associated with greater outsourcing, but we do not find any main effects between internal IT and outsourcing. A negative interaction effect is found between measures of internal IT and IOS, suggesting that the two may be substitutes rather than complements. This distinction between internal IT and IOS, and the relationship of the two, offers scholars a more nuanced understanding of the nature and impacts of IT. It provides managers insight into how different types of IT can support different sourcing options.
Sensitivity of indocyanine green (ICG) half-life changes relative to circulatory shock state.

Abstract Alterations in the half-life of indocyanine green (ICG) with hypovolemic shock are described in this experiment. In moderate hemorrhage the change in ICG half-life reflects the hemodynamic changes in total hepatic blood flow. This is true even in severe hemorrhagic shock that is nonfatal. The hemodynamic changes are in and of themselves interesting in that the selective preservation of hepatic arterial flow (HAF) correlates well with survival, a fact that many observers of hepatic perfusion have made heretofore. In our experiment we found that a rapid increase in ICG half-life correlates particularly well with a severe decrease in HAF and death. As an indicator of hepatic perfusion, the ICG half-life is indeed of qualitative value. Its quantitative usefulness remains to be elucidated.
Quantification of Myocardial Perfusion: MRI

Rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, during the first pass of an injected contrast bolus is routinely used to detect hypoperfused myocardium, both at rest, and during vasodilator stress. Adapting this approach for quantitative perfusion imaging has been successfully tested and validated over more than 15 years in experimental models and clinical studies, yielding quantitative estimates of the perfusion reserve to detect epicardial stenoses and microvascular dysfunction, and to quantify absolute myocardial blood flow (in mL/minute/g of myocardial tissue). This review presents an overview of the most common approaches used in contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI for quantification of myocardial perfusion, and identifies some critical areas of current research. In its present state, cardiac MRI is a viable, diagnostically valuable alternative to other cardiac imaging modalities for the quantification of myocardial perfusion.
Plato, Apology 29d3–4: A Note on the Grammar of Obedience

In 1979, A. D. Woozley proposed an interpretation of Apology 29c–d which was intended to alleviate the well-known tension between the Apology and Crito on the citizen's obligation to obey the law. According to his interpretation, the court's hypothetical offer – to release Socrates on the condition that he will be put to death if he does not give up philosophy – is not an order, but a warning as to what would happen should he accept their acquittal and yet continue to philosophize. Obviously, if this is the spirit of the words he puts into the court's mouth, Socrates would not be guilty of disobedience should he refuse the offer, or even if he should accept it and then disregard the warning. To support this interpretation, Woozley suggested a novel construal of the words in which Socrates makes his refusal – πe⋯σομαι δ⋯ μ⋯γγον τῷ θeῷ ἢ ὑμῖν (29d3–4):
Transparent lithium-6 based polymer scintillation films containing a polymerizable fluor for neutron detection

Abstract A novel transparent polymer neutron scintillation material poly[styrene- co -lithium maleate- co -2-phenyl-5-(4-vinylphenyl)oxazole] has been synthesized and characterized for thermal neutron detection and neutron/gamma-ray discrimination. The terpolymer was synthesized using solution-based free radical polymerization and had a composition by mass of 60.64% styrene, 31.64% maleic anhydride, and 7.72% 2-phenyl-5-(4-vinylphenyl)oxazole. The maleic anhydride groups were hydrolyzed and titrated with 6 LiOH to form the lithiated terpolymer, resulting in a 6 Li content of 2.96% by mass. Monomer and polymer synthesis, film fabrication protocols, photoluminescence, and scintillation responses of this new scintillation material are reported. This approach demonstrates a novel method by which mechanically robust and transparent 6 Li-based polymer films can be produced.