cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Change in Alcohol Use and Motivations for Drinking among Asian American College Students

Background Asian Americans are understudied in the literature on alcohol, due to data limitations and the perception that they are at low risk for alcohol misuse. Yet, certain subpopulations-such as college students-may be at higher risk. The current study examined longitudinal change in alcohol use and motivations for drinking among Asian American students. We tested for differences by nativity status, ethnic origin, and gender and examined whether motivations covaried with alcohol use. Methods Asian American first-year college students (N = 199, 45.7% female, 37.7% foreign-born) attending a US university were identified through stratified random sampling using registrar information. For 7 consecutive semesters, students completed online surveys about their behaviors and beliefs. Results Multilevel models demonstrated that alcohol use and alcohol-related motivations increased over time. US-born students consistently consumed more alcoholic drinks, reached higher peak drinking levels, and drank more frequently than foreign-born students; however, motivations did not differ by nativity status. Chinese American students consumed less alcohol, drank less, and were more motivated to avoid alcohol-related consequences than students of other/multiple heritage ethnic origins. Each motivation subscale was associated with alcohol use at the between-person level. Likewise, within-person variability in motivations was linked to variability in drinking across semesters. Controlling for other motivations, drinking for fun emerged as the strongest correlate of alcohol use variability. Conclusions Alcohol misuse was highest among US-born students and those with higher motivations for drinking. Furthermore, alcohol use varied in tandem with motivations, suggesting that motivations may be a useful intervention target among this population.
Increasing Diversity of Japanese Language Teachers: Approaches to Teaching-Related Professional Development for College Students in North America

The purpose of this article is to share approaches to raise undergraduate student awareness and understanding of Japanese foreign language (JFL) teaching careers, which might increase the number and diversity of our students who become teachers. These strategies, presented with examples from the Japanese program at , are presented in order of ease of implementation, including 1) advisement to provide a space to consider JFL teaching as a possible career and to share share accurate information about JFL teaching opportunities and qualifications 2) guest lectures by local JFL teachers, 3) instructional units related to Japanese teaching and learning, 4) a new Japanese teaching-related internship program where students can get experience helping in a JFL classroom, and 5) courses on Japanese applied linguistics, including a newly-developed course on foreign language teaching methods featuring JFL in North American and EFL in Japan.
Masking Up: A COVID-19 Face-off between Anti-Mask Laws and Mandatory Mask Orders for Black Americans

Mandatory PPE orders during COVID-19 have forced Black Americans to weigh the dangers of disease against the dangers of selective enforcement and racial profiling. In states with civil rights-era anti-mask laws, both wearing and eschewing masks could lead to police interaction. This Article argues that anti-mask laws were only superficially intended to protect Black Americans, continue to harm minorities during COVID-19, and should be repealed. It motivates this policy by empirically showing the ineffectiveness of anti-mask laws and the statistically significant relationships between PPE usage patterns and race. A revisionist legal history reveals anti-mask laws’ racist underpinnings, further motivating their repeal. https://coviddynamic.caltech.edu/ https://osf.io/wjdrf/ https://www.californialawreview.org/covid-19-mask-orders-black-americans/
The effects of kinematic hardening on thermal ratcheting and Bree diagram boundaries

Abstract Elastoplastic design of process equipment in petrochemical and power generation industries requires the consideration of thermal ratcheting. Classical Bree diagrams assuming no strain hardening have been the basis in most of today's design Codes and Standards, which can be excessively conservative. In this study, three major kinematic hardening models by Pager, Armstrong and Frederick, and Chaboche are considered for modeling detailed thermal ratcheting behaviors and establishing Bree diagrams. It is found that the linear hardening model by Prager provides a reasonable upper bound ratcheting strain estimation while the perfect plastic assumption by Bree is adequate for the design diagram construction.
A Neural Network Approach for Anomaly Detection in Genomic Signals

Structural variants (SVs) are observed differences between the sequenced genome of an individual as compared to a reference genome for that species. These differences include deletions, inversions, insertions, and duplications. Since some variations are associated with certain diseases, our work focuses on developing methods to detect such genomic anomalies. Current DNA sequencing methods may be costly and existing SV-detection techniques often rely on high quality data. We present a deep learning method to identify deletions in DNA based on genomic information of related individuals.In this paper, we implement neural networks to predict SVs as a means to reduce the false positive rates of existing methods. A neural network - a sequence of linear and nonlinear transformations - takes in training data and uses that information to learn how to classify corresponding test data. Our preliminary model incorporates the observed genomic information of two parents and an offspring to predict locations of SVs in the genome of the child. We also investigate the performance of this model under different neural network architectures using various performance metrics. With these limited features and low-quality data, we propose a generalization of our model that allows for the simultaneous prediction of SVs in all three individuals.
Enhancing the capacity for optimal social and personality function through the mediational intervention for sensitizing caregivers: A case illustration.

OBJECTIVE Based on the well-known principle that the ability to meaningfully relate to others starts in the context of early attachment relationships, the current case illustration uses a recent extension of mentalization-based theory and practice to demonstrate how caregivers can enhance the capacity for optimal social and personality function through the mediational intervention for sensitizing caregivers (MISC). METHODS Case material is presented to demonstrate the implementation of the MISC affective and cognitive components with a mother of an adopted 10-year-old girl who shows signs of affect avoidance, social isolation within and outside the family, and maladaptive personality development. RESULTS The case illustration shows how video feedback sessions facilitate the gradual use of affective and cognitive components in the daily interactions between mother and daughter, thereby scaffolding optimal social and personality development. CONCLUSIONS Affective and cognitive components of the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregiving can be effectively integrated to enhance mentalizing capacity in caregiver-child interactions.
The Calamity Form: On Poetry and Social Life: by Anahid Nersessian, U of Chicago P, 2020, 240 pp., $27.50 (paperback), ISBN: 9780226701318

Invoking both poetry and the twinned crises of capitalism and climate change, the title of Anahid Nersessian’s excellent new book, The Calamity Form: On Poetry and Social Life, leaves out its third...
The Good, the Bad, and the Deadly: Adenosinergic Mechanisms Underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

Adenosine is an inhibitory modulator of neuronal excitability. Neuronal activity results in increased adenosine release, thereby constraining excessive excitation. The exceptionally high neuronal activity of a seizure results in a surge in extracellular adenosine to concentrations many-fold higher than would be observed under normal conditions. In this review, we discuss the multifarious effects of adenosine signaling in the context of epilepsy, with emphasis on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We describe and categorize the beneficial, detrimental, and potentially deadly aspects of adenosine signaling. The good or beneficial characteristics of adenosine signaling in the context of seizures include: (1) its direct effect on seizure termination and the prevention of status epilepticus; (2) the vasodilatory effect of adenosine, potentially counteracting postictal vasoconstriction; (3) its neuroprotective effects under hypoxic conditions; and (4) its disease modifying antiepileptogenic effect. The bad or detrimental effects of adenosine signaling include: (1) its capacity to suppress breathing and contribute to peri-ictal respiratory dysfunction; (2) its contribution to postictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES); (3) the prolonged increase in extracellular adenosine following spreading depolarization waves may contribute to postictal neuronal dysfunction; (4) the excitatory effects of A2A receptor activation is thought to exacerbate seizures in some instances; and (5) its potential contributions to sleep alterations in epilepsy. Finally, the adverse effects of adenosine signaling may potentiate a deadly outcome in the form of SUDEP by suppressing breathing and arousal in the postictal period. Evidence from animal models suggests that excessive postictal adenosine signaling contributes to the pathophysiology of SUDEP. The goal of this review is to discuss the beneficial, harmful, and potentially deadly roles that adenosine plays in the context of epilepsy and to identify crucial gaps in knowledge where further investigation is necessary. By better understanding adenosine dynamics, we may gain insights into the treatment of epilepsy and the prevention of SUDEP.
Myeloid cells in retinal and brain degeneration

Retinal inflammation underlies multiple prevalent ocular and neurological diseases. Similar inflammatory processes are observed in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, posterior uveitis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. In particular, human and animal studies have demonstrated the important role microglia/macrophages play in initiating and maintaining a pro-inflammatory environment in degenerative processes impacting vision. On the other hand, microglia have also been shown to have a protective role in multiple central nervous system diseases. Identifying the mechanisms underlying cell dysfunction and death is the first step toward developing novel therapeutics for these diseases impacting the central nervous system. In addition to reviewing recent key studies defining important mediators of retinal inflammation, with an emphasis on translational studies that bridge this research from bench to bedside, we also highlight a promising therapeutic class of medications, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Finally, we propose areas where additional research is necessary to identify mechanisms that can be modulated to shift the balance from a neurotoxic to a neuroprotective retinal environment.
A comparison of antenatal prediction models for vaginal birth after caesarean section.

Introduction An antenatal scoring system for vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) categorises patients into a low or high probability of successful vaginal delivery. It enables counselling and preparation before labour starts. The current study aims to evaluate the role of Grobman nomogram and the Kalok scoring system in predicting VBAC success in Singapore. Methods This is a retrospective study on patients of gestational age 37 weeks 0 day to 41 weeks 0 day who underwent a trial of labour after 1 caesarean section between September 2016 and September 2017 was conducted. Two scoring systems were used to predict VBAC success, a nomogram by Grobman et al. in 2007 and an additive model by Kalok et al. in 2017. Results A total of 190 patients underwent a trial of labour after caesarean section, of which 103 (54.2%) were successful. The Kalok scoring system (area under curve [AUC] 0.740) was a better predictive model than Grobman nomogram (AUC 0.664). Patient's age (odds ratio [OR] 0.915, 95% CI [confidence interval] 0.844-0.992), body mass index at booking (OR 0.902, 95% CI 0.845-0.962), and history of successful VBAC (OR 4.755, 95% CI 1.248-18.120) were important factors in predicting VBAC. Conclusion Neither scoring system was perfect in predicting VBAC among local women. Further customisation of the scoring system to replace ethnicity with the 4 races of Singapore can be made to improve its sensitivity. The factors identified in this study serve as a foundation for developing a population-specific antenatal scoring system for Singapore women who wish to have a trial of VBAC.
The need to achieve

Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation overlay achievement and trophy systems onto their video games. Though these meta-game reward systems are growing in popularity, little research has examined whether players notice, use, or seek out these systems. In this study, game players participated in focus groups to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of meta-game reward systems. Participants described the value of meta-game reward systems in promoting different ways to play games, giving positive feedback about game play, and boosting self-esteem and online and offline social status. Participants discussed completionists, or gamers that want to earn all of the badges associated with the meta-game. Though self-determination theory and its subtheory cognitive evaluation theory suggest that extrinsic rewards might harm players' intrinsic motivation, our findings suggest players may see these systems as intrinsically motivating in this context. The implications of rewards systems for motivation, video game habits, and internet gaming disorder are discussed. Focus groups were conducted to explore gamer perceptions of meta-game rewards.Some gamers indicated they felt compelled to earn all of the rewards available.Social comparison emerged as a key theme related to ego maintenance and boosting.Players were divided on whether earned badges indicate skill or time.Badges are capable of disrupting engagement in the game.
International Diversification in Debt vs Equity

Can a standard open economy macro model generate realistic international diversification in debt AND equity? We address this question by solving for steady-state portfolios in a two-country, two-good DSGE endowment model with consumption home bias. We compare two different asset trading regimes. In the first, households in each country trade equity claims on their underlying stochastic endowments; in the second, households trade locally-denominated bonds. We derive locally accurate closed-form solutions for steady-state portfolios under each regime. The model can predict realistic home equity bias and bond diversification if the intratemporal elasticity of substitution between home and foreign goods is sufficiently low. However, for commonly used parameter values, the standard two-good model understates bond diversification and overstates equity diversification.
Oxyhemoglobin induces caspase-mediated cell death in cerebral endothelial cells

Damaged endothelium is one of the pathological changes of the cerebral vasospastic vessels following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our recent study shows that oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) induces apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Apoptosis generally requires the action of various classes of proteases, including a family of cysteine proteases, known collectively as the caspases. This study was undertaken to investigate the activation of caspases and the efficacy of caspase inhibitors, z-IETD-fmk and z-LEHD-fmk, for oxyhemoglobin-induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Cultured bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (passages 5–9) were used for this study. OxyHb (10 µmol/L) was added during the 24–72 h incubation with and without caspase-8 or − 9 inhibitors (z-IETD-fmk and z-LEHD-fmk). Counting surviving cells, DNA laddering, western blotting of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and measurement of caspase activities were employed to confirm the cytotoxic effects of OxyHb and the protective effects of the caspase inhibitors. OxyHb produced cell detachment in a time-dependent manner and increased caspase-8 and -9 activities in the cells. z-IETD-fmk and z-LEHD-fmk (100 µmol/L) attenuated OxyHb-induced cell loss, DNA laddering, and proteolytic cleavage of PARP, although a lower concentration (10 µmol/L) of caspase inhibitors showed partial effects. OxyHb activates caspase-8 and -9 in cultured vascular endothelial cells, and blocking the action of the caspases with the inhibitors efficiently prevents loss of vascular endothelial cells from OxyHb-induced apoptosis in vitro. These results suggest that the caspase cascade participates in OxyHb-induced apoptosis.
Adverse reactions to ant stings.

Hypersensitivity reactions to ants, particularly to the IF A, have become clinically important. In some areas of the Southeast, the IFA accounts for more insect-induced anaphylaxis than do other Hymenoptera insects. The IFA will become a greater clinical problem as they spread, as the population increases in the Sun Belt, and as land is converted to conditions favoring ant habitation. Imported fire ant venoms are sufficiently different from other Hymenoptera venoms that to draw conclusions about IFA allergy based on research done with other Hymenoptera venoms would be unwarranted. Imported fire ant WBE and venom share allergens and both appear to identify hypersensitive patients by appropriately performed skin and/or RAST testing. Although the natural course of IFA hypersensitivity is unknown, IFA WBE immunotherapy is currently recommended, based on uncontrolled reports of effectiveness, the presence of venom allergens in WBE, and the in vitro evidence of the presence in WBE of allergens that react like venom allergens when used for immunotherapy of IFA-sensitive patients.
CARBONATE STABLE ISOTOPES | Nonmarine Biogenic Carbonates

Freshwater biogenic carbonates are an important source of stable isotope data used to interpret paleo-environmental conditions and terrestrial climate change in continental interiors. Advances in micro-sampling technologies allows researchers to mill 15 to 20 μm increments from mollusk shells, fish otoliths, and other geological materials. From these micro-samples come a variety of geochemical analyses – including carbon and oxygen isotope data – at a sub-monthly temporal resolution. Use of these data is limited by the paucity of empirically derived fractionation factors and our poor understanding of physiological processes that produce biological fractionation or ‘vital effects’. Sample preservation and diagenetic alteration of Quaternary age materials is far less troubling than accurate interpretation of plant and animal physiology. As calibration studies of modern materials are needed, a review of these studies is provided.
Examining the Reuse of Open Textbooks

An important element of open educational resources (OER) is the permission to use the materials in new ways, including revising and remixing them. Prior research has shown that the revision and remix rates for OER are relatively low. In this study we examined the extent to which the openly licensed Flat World Knowledge textbooks were being revised and remixed. We found that the levels of revision and remix were similar to those of other OER collections. We discuss the possible significance and implication of these findings.
Potential Tasks and Research Issues for Mobile Robots in RoboCup Rescue

Previous work[5] has summarized our experiences working with the Hillsborough Fire Rescue Department and FEMA documents pertaining to Urban Search and Rescue. This paper discusses the lessons learned and casts them into four main categories of tasks for the physical agent portion of RoboCup-Rescue: 1) reconnaissance and site assessment, 2) rescuer safety, 3) victim detection, and 4) mapping and characterizing the structure.
Long baseline neutrino physics: From Fermilab to Kamioka

We have investigated the physics potential of very long baseline experiments designed to measure nu_mu to nu_e oscillation probabilities. The principles of our design are to tune the beam spectrum to the resonance energy for the matter effect, and to have the spectrum cut off rapidly above this energy. The matter effect amplifies the signal, and the cut-off suppresses backgrounds which feed-down from higher energy. The signal-to-noise ratio is potentially better than for any other conventional nu_mu beam experiment. We find that a beam from Fermilab aimed at the Super-K detector has excellent sensitivity to sin^2(2theta_13) and the sign of Delta M^2. If the mass hierarchy is inverted, the beam can be run in antineutrino mode with a similar signal-to-noise ratio, and event rate 55% as high as for the neutrino mode. Combining the Fermilab beam with the JHF-Kamioka proposal adds very complementary information. We find good sensitivity to maximal CP violation for values of sin^2(2theta_13) ranging from 0.001 to 0.05.
Acquiring, flaunting and destroying silk in late Anglo-Saxon England

This paper argues that silk was ubiquitous in England in the late Anglo-Saxon period. It also contends that when examined in the context of its use, it becomes clear that the deployment of silk was symbolic. People of means moved heaven and earth to get silk because it allowed them to appropriate its associated meanings for themselves. So, after establishing silk's ubiquity and its uses, the paper teases out its ideological underpinnings. Finally, the paper investigates the economics of silk. In the end it strives to prove that a whole spectrum of people acquired, displayed, and sometimes even destroyed silk, because it made others see them as they wished to be seen.
RhoC GTPase, a Novel Transforming Oncogene for Human Mammary Epithelial Cells That Partially Recapitulates the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Phenotype

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer and is phenotypically distinct from other forms of locally advanced breast cancer. In a previous study, we identified specific genetic alterations of IBC that could account for a highly invasive phenotype. RhoC GTPase was overexpressed in 90% of IBC archival tumor samples, but not in stage-matched, non-IBC tumors. To study the role of RhoC GTPase in contributing to an IBC-like phenotype, we generated stable transfectants of human mammary epithelial cells overexpressing the RhoC gene. The HME-RhoC transfectants formed large colonies under anchorage-independent growth conditions, were more motile, and were invasive. In conjunction with an increase in motility, overexpression of RhoC led to an increase in actin stress fiber and focal adhesion contact formation. Furthermore, orthotopic injection into immunocompromised mice led to tumor formation. Taken together, these data indicate that RhoC GTPase is a transforming oncogene in human mammary epithelial cells and can lead to a highly invasive phenotype, akin to that seen in IBC.
Muscle trade-offs in a power-amplified prey capture system

Should animals operating at great speeds and accelerations use fast or slow muscles? The answer hinges on a fundamental trade-off: muscles can be maximally fast or forceful, but not both. Direct lever systems offer a straightforward manifestation of this trade-off, yet the fastest organisms use power amplification, not direct lever action. Power-amplified systems typically use slow, forceful muscles to preload springs, which then rapidly release elastic potential energy to generate high speeds and accelerations. However, a fast response to a stimulus may necessitate fast spring-loading. Across 22 mantis shrimp species (Stomatopoda), this study examined how muscle anatomy correlates with spring mechanics and appendage type. We found that muscle force is maximized through physiological cross-sectional area, but not through sarcomere length. Sit-and-wait predators (spearers) had the shortest sarcomere lengths (fastest contractions) and the slowest strike speeds. The species that crush shells (smashers) had the fastest speeds, most forceful springs, and longest sarcomeres. The origin of the smasher clade yielded dazzlingly high accelerations, perhaps due to the release from fast spring-loading for evasive prey capture. This study offers a new window into the dynamics of force-speed trade-offs in muscles in the biomechanical, comparative evolutionary framework of power-amplified systems.
Isolation rearing decreases opiate receptor binding in rat brain

Abstract Male hooded rats were reared from weaning either in isolation or in groups (3–4 per cage) for 45 days. Their brains were then analyzed for opiate receptor binding. Results indicated that the isolation reared rats had a lower density of opiate receptors than those rats reared in aggregation. These finding are discussed in terms of the relevance of opiate receptor binding to the behavioral efficacy of opiate drugs.
Apheresis instrument settings influence infused absolute lymphocyte count affecting survival following autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: the need to optimize instrument setting and define a lymphocyte collection target

Autograft absolute lymphocyte count (A-ALC) is an independent prognostic factor for survival after autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Factors enhancing A-ALC collections are unknown. We hypothesize that apheresis instrument settings could affect A-ALC. Data from 127 NHL patients collected from 15 January 1999 to 30 July 2004 using a single apheresis instrument (COBE Spectra (SP), Baxter Amicus (AM), and CS3000 Plus (CS)) were analyzed. The primary end point of the study was to assess the correlation between apheresis instrument settings and A-ALC. The secondary end point was to determine the effect of apheresis instrument on survival post-APHSCT. Patients collected using SP achieved higher A-ALC compared to AM (with modified settings) or CS (P<0.05) and demonstrated superior overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P<0.03). Multivariate analysis demonstrated A-ALC and not the apheresis instrument as an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS, cancelling the prognostic effect of the apheresis instruments observed in the univariate analysis. The survival advantage observed by SP was from the higher A-ALC collected compared to AM and CS. These data suggest that apheresis instrument settings should be optimized to collect CD34+ cells as well as an A-ALC target, with direct impact on survival post-APHSCT.
The test-retest reliability of qualitative data.

The test-retest reliability of qualitative items, such as occur in achievement tests, attitude questionnaires, public opinion surveys, and elsewhere, requires a different technique of analysis from that of quantitative variables. Definitions appropriate to the qualitative case are made both for the reliability coefficient of an individual on an item and for the reliability coefficient of a population on the item. From but a single trial of a large population on the item, it is possible to compute alower bound to the group reliability coefficient. Two kinds of lower bounds are presented. From two experimentally independent trials of the population on the item, it is possible to compute anupper bound to the group reliability coefficient. Two upper bounds are presented. The computations for the lower and upper bounds are all very simple. Numerical examples are given.
Upper aerodigestive neoplasm perpetuated in the nude mouse

The ability to study and characterize squamous cell cancer of the upper aerodigestive system would be greatly facilitated by an in vivo model. The subsequent opportunity to observe cellular kinetics, membrane antigenicity and hence, potential response to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatment modalities would most likely have early and significant clinical relevance. A multidisciplinary team of basic scientists and clinicians have developed a nude mouse colony for such investigational research. Melanoma and pulmonary squamous and pulmonary adenocarcinoma have been grown and successfully transferred. In addition, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from multiple sites have also been successfully colonized. We present our experience with this interesting in vivo model and discuss problems in creating a nude mouse colony, techniques of successful tumor inoculation, ongoing maintenance of successful cell lines, and theoretical advantages for potential clinical investigations using this dynamic biologic system.
GE Intelligent Personal Radiation Locator system

The GE Intelligent Personal Radiation Locator (IPRL) system consists of multiple hand held radiation detectors and a base station. Each mobile unit has a CZT Compton camera radiation detector and can identify isotopes and determine the direction from which the radiation is detected. Using GPS and internal orientation sensors, the system continuously transforms all directional data into real-world coordinates. Detected radiation is wirelessly transmitted to the base station for system-wide analysis and situational awareness. Data can also be exchanged wirelessly between peers to enhance the overall detection efficiency of the system. The key design features and performance characteristics of the GE IPRL system are described.
Fascinating science, compelling cause.

The gut is a unique niche, favored by over 400 species of mostly benign and friendly microorganisms, and, under certain circumstances, by injectisome-wielding, toxin-producing miscreants. Judging by the crowd of up to a 100 trillion, it is a popular hangout, though one wouldn’t think so at first look. I mean, honestly, who would want to hang out in such a crowded place, jostled around by passing food and fecal material, getting stuck in mucus, attacked by antimicrobial compounds and infiltrating neutrophils, sampled by dendritic cells, and the absolute ignominy of all, being flushed out unceremoniously ever so often? And yet, many do, and what they favor is the warmth of the place, the free availability of food and water, and given some adjustments, even the ability to settle down and make a colony, a biofilm one could call home, sometimes just for a few generations.
Endoscopic and endoscope-assisted resections of inverted sinonasal papillomas.

Objective To evaluate the success of endoscopic and endoscope-assisted resection of inverted sinonasal papillomas and to assess the indications for adjunctive external procedures. Study design Retrospective chart review. Results Fifty patients were treated surgically during the 10-year study period and had greater than 1 year of follow-up care. These patients had a recurrence rate of 14% (7/50) with a mean follow-up of 31.1 months. Of these 7 patients with recurrences, 3 were treated primarily at this institution, and 4 had been treated prior to referral. Recurrence was 11% (3/27) for primary resections and 17% (4/23) for secondary resections. Average time to recurrence was 11.7 months. Of the patients, 38% (19/50) had adjunctive external procedures either during the initial resection or for the management of recurrent disease. Conclusions Endoscopic and endoscope-assisted resections of inverted papilloma are effective techniques for managing inverted papilloma. The intraoperative findings, most importantly the site(s) of tumor attachment, dictate whether an endoscopic procedure is sufficient to complete resect the inverted papilloma or whether an adjunctive external procedure is required. Appropriate patient selection and an aggressive surgical approach are necessary for the management of these neoplasms.
Excess heat capacities of binary mixtures of tetrachloromethane with some aromatic liquids at 298.15 K

Abstract A Picker flow calorimeter was used to obtain excess heat capacities at 298.15 K for mixtures of tetrachloromethane + toluene, + each of the three xylenes, + ethylbenzene, + mesitylene, and + chlorobenzene. The excess heat capacities are positive in all cases, with the exception of tetrachloromethane + mesitylene. Comparison of the results with values calculated from a “regular associated solution” model supports the view that complex formation occurs in these mixtures.
Effect of linoleic acid and dietary vitamin E supplementation on sustained conjugated linoleic acid production in milk fat from dairy cows.

Abstract Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; cis -9, trans -11 18:2), a bioactive fatty acid (FA) found in milk and dairy products, has potential human health benefits due to its anticarcinogenic and antiatherogenic properties. Conjugated linoleic acid concentrations in milk fat can be markedly increased by dietary manipulation; however, high levels of CLA are difficult to sustain as rumen biohydrogenation shifts and milk fat depression (MFD) is often induced. Our objective was to feed a typical Northeastern corn-based diet and investigate whether vitamin E and soybean oil supplementation would sustain an enhanced milk fat CLA content while avoiding MFD. Holstein cows (n=48) were assigned to a completely randomized block design with repeated measures for 28 d and received 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) control (CON), (2) 10,000IU of vitamin E/d (VE), (3) 2.5% soybean oil (SO), and (4) 2.5% soybean oil plus 10,000IU of vitamin E/d (SO-VE). A 2-wk pretreatment control diet served as the covariate. Milk fat percentage was reduced by both high-oil diets (3.53, 3.56, 2.94, and 2.92% for CON, VE, SO, and SO-VE), whereas milk yield increased significantly for the SO-VE diet only, thus partially mitigating MFD by oil feeding. Milk protein percentage was higher for cows fed the SO diet (3.04, 3.05, 3.28, and 3.03% for CON, VE, SO, and SO-VE), implying that nutrient partitioning or ruminal supply of microbial protein was altered in response to the reduction in milk fat. Milk fat concentration of CLA more than doubled in cows fed the diets supplemented with soybean oil, with concurrent increases in trans -10 18:1 and trans -11 18:1 FA. Moreover, milk fat from cows fed the 2 soybean oil diets had 39.1% less de novo synthesized FA and 33.8% more long-chain preformed FA, and vitamin E had no effect on milk fat composition. Overall, dietary supplements of soybean oil caused a reduction in milk fat percentage and a shift in FA composition characteristic of MFD. Supplementing diets with vitamin E did not overcome the oil-induced reduction in milk fat percentage or changes in FA profile, but partially mitigated the reduction in fat yield by increasing milk yield.
SIGART(Tutorial Session)

In the effort to construct intelligent computer systems, a primary consideration is how to represent large amounts of knowledge in a fashion that permits their effective use and interaction. Indeed, many researchers in the field of artificial intelligence have come to believe that knowledge representation is the fundamental issue in the attempt to understand intelligence. The presentations in this session explore this issue and describe two current important knowledge representation methodologies: frames and semantic nets.
Forgiveness and spirituality in organizational life: theory, status of research, and new ideas for discovery

Spirituality is one’s intimacy and closeness with something beyond the self that is held to be sacred (i.e. God, humankind, nature, the cosmos). Workplace conflict and lingering resultant unforgiveness disrupt individuals’ senses of spirituality in the workplace – both in their individual lives and their sense of shared spiritual closeness. Forgiveness is one important way to restore spiritual harmony. We define forgiveness, and briefly review the literature addressing forgiveness in organizations. We also present a model of relational spirituality and forgiveness that addresses how spiritual appraisals around transgressions can help or hinder forgiving and communication around transgressions. We apply this model of spirituality and forgiveness to organizations. We conclude by noting areas of future research needed in this area.
Electron Spin Resonance of Free Radicals Produced by Gamma Irradiation of Various Substances at 4.2°K

Hydrogen atoms and other free radicals have been produced by gamma irradiation of a number of substances at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Electron spin resonance was employed for detection and study of the free radicals within the solids at this temperature. It was found that strong electron spin resonance signals of H atoms could then be produced by dosages of ${10}^{6}$ r or less in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, HF, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, and C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, but no H atom signals could thus be produced in HCl, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$S, N${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$, NaH, or LiH. The spacing of the hyperfine doublet was approximately 504 gauss for the H signals observed. An anomaly in the relative intensities of the H doublet for irradiated ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O was detected and attributed to spin-spin interaction with a second free radical. It is concluded that in HF and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O the H atoms are formed from electron capture by the essentially ionic hydrogens rather than by removal of an electron from the molecule (ionization). Because this process does not require displacement of the atoms from their original sites in the lattice, it can take place in hard-frozen, rigid solids. In ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, and similar substances the production of H atoms requires the breaking of covalent bonds. This process, although initiated by ionization, appears to require also the displacement of the H from its original site in the lattice.
Spirituality and Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Among African Americans in the Arkansas Delta

African Americans (AAs) disproportionately bear the national illness burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D self-management requires healthy diet, exercise, and often prescription medication. Althoug...
Semantic Web-based geospatial knowledge transformation

Earth and space science research and applications typically involve collecting and analyzing large volumes of geospatial data much of which is derived from other existing data by applying a scientific workflow. Such a step-by-step process can be viewed as a process of geospatial knowledge transformation, which often involves hypotheses, inferences and integrations to derive user-specific data products from the knowledge of domain experts. Our research is focused on reducing the transformation effort by providing component inference and integration tools. The Semantic Web envisions a new standardized information infrastructure to enable interoperable machine-to-machine interactions and automatic or semi-automatic service chaining for deriving knowledge over networks. This paper describes a generic framework and implementation of how the Semantic Web proceeds through the life cycle of geospatial knowledge transformation, from geospatial modeling (knowledge formalization), through model instantiation (service chain) to model execution (data product). Our approach relies on semantic integrations. A number of ontologies used to capture domain knowledge are introduced in this paper as the basis of knowledge bases for describing and reasoning geospatial data and services. Also, a semantically enabled geospatial catalog service is described to enable more effective discovery, automation and integration of geospatial data and services.
Sport and Politics Major League Soccer, Constitution, and (The) Latino Audience(s)

This article offers an analysis of how sport can occupy a progressive role in contemporary culture. Contrasting the political constitution of Latino identities with the marketing strategy of Major League Soccer, readers are introduced to alternative and antagonistic constructions of Latinos. Upon examining the constitution of Latino audiences, the author argues that sport does serve a progressive function by challenging the dominant political discourse. Although clearly in pursuit of economic goals, Major League Soccer’s constitution of Latinos suggests that the ideological marginalization of minorities in the United States can, and in many instances will, be counterbalanced by popular culture’s need for minority groups as consumers.
Tracer diffusion has exaggerated CNS maps of direct preganglionic innervation of pancreas.

Abstract Small injections of True Blue (TB) into 4 different segments of the pancreas of the rat resulted in characteristic and different numbers and distributions of labeled cells within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN). Composites of these patterns of labeled cells in the DMN closely matched the distributions previously reported for more extensive injections of retrograde tracers into the pancreas. However, the application of a diffusion barrier (formed with a plastic wound spray) on the outer surface of the stomach and intestines adjacent to the pancreas segment which contained the TB injection depot prevented virtually all of the labeling of DMN cells. Similarly, applying a diffusion barrier directly to the injected pancreas segment itself prevented all or most (mean > 99%) of the DMN labeling. In contrast to this effect on DMN label, the barrier reduced more modestly the labeling of celiac ganglion somata after pancreas injections. Several additional control experiments also suggest that the absence of DMN label after the barrier application resulted from interference with tracer diffusion from the injected organ and not from neurotoxic effects. These include the following demonstrations in the presence of the barrier: (1) observation of unimpaired vagally stimulated insulin secretion. (2) uncompromised cell labeling of DMN from other organs treated with TB plus the barrier, and (3) normal hematoxylin and eosin stained pancreas tissue which had received TB injections and barrier application. It was concluded that both the number of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons that project monosynaptically to the pancreas and their distribution in the medulla may have been very significantly overestimated in previous tracer studies.
CANINE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS : GENETIC ANALYSIS OF AN ESTABLISHED BREEDING COLONY

Three breeding lines, originating from dogs with SLE, have been established. Two lines were initiated by mating a female with SLE with a normal male. The third line resulted from a mating of two affected dogs. Brother-to-sister matings have reached the third generation in each line. In addition, backcross and outcross matings were carried out. More than one-third of the autopsied dogs had thymic abnormalities. The commonest lesion was a lymphoid follicle; the thymus of one dog contained multiple granulomas, and in one animal a reticulum cell sarcoma of the thymus was found. Multiple serological abnormalities, including positive LE cell tests, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), and rheumatoid factor, were found in the progeny. The development of ANA appeared unrelated to the incidence of positive LE cell tests. About 10% of the animals had rheumatoid factor in their serum. Control populations of dogs; including house pets; two other, unrelated lines of inbred dogs; and normal dogs housed in the same facility as the SLE colony did not have these abnormalities. The incidence of positive LE cell tests in the inbred, backcross, and outcross matings was not consistent with any conventional genetic mechanism of inheritance. It is conceivable that the results can be explained by vertical transmission of an infectious agent in a genetically susceptible individual.
Some effects of freezing the rat kidney in situ.

Abstract The remaining kidneys of 300- to 500-gm uninephrectomized CFN rats were fast frozen in plastic capsules to −110 °C, with the use of liquid nitrogen, and then rapidly thawed. Postoperative urinary excretion became normal after the first 24 hours. Initial increases in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and transaminase returned to control levels by one month. Systolic blood pressure was essentially unchanged by the procedure. Initial partial necrosis and subsequent scarring was almost completely replaced by normal renal parenchyma by the third postoperative month. All animals awaiting sacrifice at one year are well, eight months postfreezing.
The Presence of Rotenone‐Sensitive NADH Dehydrogenase in the Long Slender Bloodstream and the Procyclic Forms of Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei

The mitochondrial electron-transport chain present in the procyclic and long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated by means of several experimental approaches. The oxidation of proline, glycerol and glucose in procyclic cells was inhibited 80-90% by antimycin A or cyanide, 15-19% by salicylhydroxamic acid, and 30-35% by rotenone. Cytochrom-c-reductase activity, with proline or glycerol 3-phosphate as substrate, in a mitochondrial fraction isolated from these cells was inhibited by antimycin and rotenone, but not by malonate, while cytochrome-c-reductase activity with succinate as substrate was inhibited by antimycin A and malonate, but not by rotenone. In addition, the reduction of dichloroindophenol by NADH was inhibited by rotenone but not by malonate, which suggests that rotenone-sensitive NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) is present in these mitochondria. The presence of three subunits of NADH dehydrogenase was observed in immunoblots of mitochondrial proteins with specific antibodies raised against peptides corresponding to predicted antigenic regions of these proteins, which provides further evidence for the presence of NADH dehydrogenase. In long slender bloodstream forms, the oxidation of glucose or glycerol was inhibited 100% by salicyhydroxamic acid, unaffected by cyanide or antimycin A, and inhibited 40% or 75%, respectively, by rotenone, which suggests that NADH dehydrogenase is present in these cells. In a mitochondrial fraction isolated from the bloodstream forms, oxygen uptake with glycerol 3-phosphate as substrate was inhibited 65% by rotenone. Low levels of rotenone-sensitive NADH-dependent reduction of dichloroindophenol and the presence of subunits 7 and 8 of NADH dehydrogenase provided additional evidence for the presence of NADH dehydrogenase in bloodstream forms of T. brucei.
Genome–genome interactions: bacterial communities in initial dental plaque

The usual context for genome–genome interactions is DNA–DNA interactions, but the manifestation of the genome is the cell. Here we focus on cell–cell interactions and relate them to the process of building multi-species biofilm communities. We propose that dental plaque communities originate as a result of intimate interactions between cells (genomes) of different species and not through clonal growth of genetically identical cells. Although DNA exchange might occur between cells within these communities, we limit our opinions to discussions of the spatiotemporal and metabolic relationships that exist here. We believe the multi-species interactions occurring during the early stages of biofilm formation determine the species composition and nature of the mature biofilm. The human oral cavity provides easy access to natural biofilms on a retrievable enamel chip, which is an excellent model for the study of genome–genome interactions.
Failure analysis of laser-textured surfaces

AbstractFriction/stiction behaviour of ultrahigh-density magnetic disk drives can be controlled by controlling the size and shape of the laser bumps. Tribological behaviour of laser-textured disk surfaces depends on the size and shape of the laser bumps, bump density and operating conditions. In this study, theoretical and experimental analyses have been carried out on nine different laser-textured disk surfaces. Stiction and friction experiments have been carried out on sombrero, V-type and W-type laser-textured disks and these results are compared with theoretical results. A good correlation is obtained between experimental and theoretical results. The effect of laser bump uniformity on critical number of bumps required to prevent plastic deformation and stiction has also been studied.