cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of drinking driving around entertainment areas in Nanjing city

Objective To examine the prevalence of drinking driving around an entertainment area( Number 1912 Block Area) in Nanjing city and to provide basis for intervention on drinking driving. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the roads around Number 1912 Block Area and a total of 1 063 randomly recruicted drivers were interviewed with a questionnaire after performing a roadside breath testing. Results The incidence of drinking driving( with the blood alcohol concentration [BAC]of 0 mg /100 ml) was 3. 57%; the incidence of driving under the influence of alcohol( DUI)( with the BAC of ≥20 mg /100 ml but 80 mg /100 ml) was 2. 45% and the incidence of driving while intoxicated( DWI)( with the BAC of ≥80 mg /100 ml) was 0. 47%. The drivers were more likely to drink alcohol after midnight( 6. 05%) than before midnight( 0. 43%)( χ2= 24. 029,P 0. 001). The incidence of drinking driving in motorcyclists( 23. 08%) were higher than that of in other drivers( 3. 09%)( χ2= 23. 893,P 0. 001). The incidence of drinking driving for drivers aged 18 to 30,31 to 50 and 51 to 69 years were 5. 10%,2. 49% and 1. 16%,respectively. The incidence of drinking driving for drivers who did buckle up / wore helmets and those who did not take safety measures were 3. 00% and 9. 38%. The differences in the incidence of drinking driving among different groups of drivers were significant( all P 0. 05). Conclusion The incidence of drinking driving was high around entertainment areas in Nanjing city,and the incidence was different at different times and among the driver groups driving different type of vehicles,at various age,and whether taking safe-driving measures.
Abstract B60: Identification of an ovarian tumor:stromal HH:BMP4 signaling loop critical to ovarian cancer growth and chemotherapy resistance.

The ovarian tumor microenvironment is critical to ovarian cancer growth, spread, and survival. We recently identified a novel host cell component of the tumor microenvironment, human ovarian carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). CA-MSCs are of particular interest as they are multi-potent and can differentiate to create many components of the tumor microenvironment including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and adipocytes. CA-MSCs, compared to normal MSCs, express high levels of BMP proteins and promote tumor growth by increasing numbers of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). We now define a CA-MSC BMP4: ovarian tumor cell Hedgehog (HH) positive feedback loop critical to the cancer promoting functions of CA-MSCs. We demonstrate that CA-MSC expression of BMP4 is induced by ovarian tumor cell-secreted Hedgehog (HH). Reciprocally, CA-MSC-derived BMP4 increases ovarian tumor cell HH expression creating a positive feedback loop. Interruption of this loop with either a HH pathway inhibitor (IPI-926 or LDE-225) or BMP4 blocking antibody decreases the induction of CA-MSC-derived BMP4 and tumor-derived HH. This signaling loop is critical to the pro-tumorigenic effects of CA-MSCs as HH inhibition blocked CA-MSC-mediated tumorigenesis and reduced the number of CSCs. Additionally, HH inhibition reversed CA-MSC -induced chemotherapy resistance leading to significant cisplatin response in established platinum-resistant tumors. Collectively, we define a critical positive feedback loop between CA-MSC-derived BMP4 and ovarian tumor cell-secreted HH providing further support for clinical targeting of the HH pathway, particularly in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Lan G. Coffman, Yunjung Choi, Karen Mclean, Marina Pasca di Magliano, Benjamin Allen, Ronald J. Buckanovich. Identification of an ovarian tumor:stromal HH:BMP4 signaling loop critical to ovarian cancer growth and chemotherapy resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B60.
Kernel-Based Reconstruction of Graph Signals

A number of applications in engineering, social sciences, physics, and biology involve inference over networks. In this context, graph signals are widely encountered as descriptors of vertex attributes or features in graph-structured data. Estimating such signals in all vertices given noisy observations of their values on a subset of vertices has been extensively analyzed in the literature of signal processing on graphs (SPoG). This paper advocates kernel regression as a framework generalizing popular SPoG modeling and reconstruction and expanding their capabilities. Formulating signal reconstruction as a regression task on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of graph signals permeates benefits from statistical learning, offers fresh insights, and allows for estimators that leverage richer forms of prior information than existing alternatives. A number of SPoG notions such as bandlimitedness, graph filters, and the graph Fourier transform are naturally accommodated in the kernel framework. Additionally, this paper capitalizes on the so-called representer theorem to devise simpler versions of existing Tikhonov regularized estimators, and offers a novel probabilistic interpretation of kernel methods on graphs based on graphical models. Motivated by the challenges of selecting the bandwidth parameter in SPoG estimators or the kernel map in kernel-based methods, this paper further proposes two multikernel approaches with complementary strengths. Whereas the first enables estimation of the unknown bandwidth of bandlimited signals, the second allows for efficient graph filter selection. Numerical tests with synthetic as well as real data demonstrate the merits of the proposed methods relative to state-of-the-art alternatives.
Equity in Health Reform

International sources of health statistics overwhelmingly report national average performance. And many international statements about health policy - including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) — are formulated in those terms (MDGR, 2013). Yet, in almost all nations there are subgroups who are noticeably less well-off both in their utilization of healthcare services and in their health status. And in recent years, those concerned with healthcare rights (Daniels, 2008) and the movement towards Universal Health Coverage (Rodin and de Ferranti, 2012) have called attention to such disparities and urged governments to act to decrease such differences.
The Biopsy of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Masses

Neoplasms of the liver, biliary structure, and pancreas often provide a challenge for diagnosis and management. The techniques employed currently for sampling cells or tissues preoperatively and intraoperatively can provide information to assist the surgeon in planning therapy. This article discusses the use and effectiveness of biopsy techniques.
Biosynthesis of amino acids in Clostridium pasteurianum.

1. Clostridium pasteurianum was grown on a synthetic medium with the following carbon sources: (a) 14C-labelled glucose, alone or with unlabelled aspartate or glutamate, or (b) unlabelled glucose plus 14C-labelled aspartate, glutamate, threonine, serine or glycine. The incorporation of 14C into the amino acids of the cell protein was examined. 2. In both series of experiments carbon from exogenous glutamate was incorporated into proline and arginine; carbon from aspartate was incorporated into glutamate, proline, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, glycine and serine. Incorporations from the other exogenous amino acids indicated the metabolic sequence: aspartate → threonine → glycine ⇌ serine. 3. The following activities were demonstrated in cell-free extracts of the organism: (a) the formation of aspartate by carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate or pyruvate, followed by transamination; (b) the individual reactions of the tricarboxylic acid route to 2-oxoglutarate from oxaloacetate; glutamate dehydrogenase was not detected; (c) the conversion of aspartate into threonine via homoserine; (d) the conversion of threonine into glycine by a constitutive threonine aldolase; (e) serine transaminase, phosphoserine transaminase, glycerate dehydrogenase and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. This last activity was abnormally high. 4. The combined evidence indicates that in C. pasteurianum the biosynthetic role of aspartate and glutamate is generally similar to that in aerobic and facultatively aerobic organisms, but that glycine is synthesized from glucose via aspartate and threonine.
Centip3De: A 64-core, 3D stacked, near-threshold system

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation on Centip3De, a 64-core, three dimensional (3D) stacked near-threshold system. Some of the specific topics discussed include: power management considerations with processor performance; threshold computing and design; architectural impact of near threshold computing (NTC) versis large scale 3D CMP; NTC architectures; cache timing analysis; system specifications and design of the Centip3De system; and an evaluation of 2-layer stacking processing.
Japantown: The Deglobalization of an Ethnopole

The opposite of globalization is deglobalization or perhaps unglobalization. Globalization implies the existence of its opposite, that is, non-globalized locality. In a sense, preglobalization is the first step toward globalization because it implies the recognition of locality as a site of social practices. However, preglobalization, which suggests a not-yet-globalized reality, is a different concept. Preglobalization is a passive concept, though not a static one, and deglobalization is an active state of being. The latter process presupposes an active form of delinking or deconnectedness, suggesting that the community was previously globalized and is being unglobalized.
New polymers for second-order nonlinear optics

Materials exhibiting highly nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics are currently the focus of intense scientific and technological interest. While such materials have traditionally been inorganic substances (e.g., KDP, KTP, LiNbO3), growing evidence now indicates that optical materials composed of organic π-electron chromophores hold considerable promise. In particular, polymeric NLO materials of this type would be ideally suited as the active components of numerous guided wave and integrated optics devices. The advantages of such materials include the structure/ performance tailorability inherent in organic polymeric structures and ease of processing to fabricate thin films, fibers, waveguide structures, etc. Glassy polymer systems would offer in addition high optical quality, low dielectric constants and dielectric loss, and a large synthesis/processing information base.
Correlates of Psychological Distress Among Urban Trauma-Exposed Adults: Influence of Age and Coping Preferences.

Objective This article examines direct and moderating effects of age on coping preferences for psychological distress among a sample of trauma-exposed adults to inform treatment approaches for this population. Method Using data from a community survey of trauma-exposed, urban-dwelling adults (n = 181), direct and moderating effects of coping preferences on the relationship between age and psychological distress were examined using hierarchical linear regression. Results Direct effects with distress were supported for age, gender, and coping preferences of avoidance and positive reframing. No direct effects with problem-focused coping were present; however, a significant interaction resulted with the relationship between age and level of reported distress. Discussion Problem-focused coping may provide a buffering effect on experiences with distress for older trauma-exposed adults. Findings highlight the benefits of directive and action-oriented approaches to care for aging adults. Implications for future intervention research and clinical considerations for treating trauma over the life course are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
Do Social Factors Predict Appropriate Treatment of Child Diarrheal Disease in Peru

Objectives Diarrheal disease is a significant cause of morbidity among children in Peru. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a cost-effective evidence-based approach to treat diarrhea in young children, yet many Peruvian children in poorer households do not receive this life-saving treatment. This study investigates the social determinants of care-seeking behavior and utilization of appropriate home treatment for diarrheal episodes. Methods We used the nationally-representative 2008 Peru Demographic and Health Survey to: (1) describe the burden of non-bloody diarrheal disease among children <5 years old; and (2) identify socioeconomic correlates of care-seeking behavior and utilization/appropriateness of treatment among mothers of children with recent non-bloody diarrheal episodes (N = 1365). For the former, we reported descriptive statistics; for the latter, we utilized logistic regression to generate odds ratios. Results 2-week period prevalence of diarrheal disease was almost twice as high among poor (17 %) compared with wealthier (10 %) children, higher among children aged 12-23 months old (22 %), and higher among children from households that do not have an improved source of drinking water (16 %) compared with those that have an improved source (12 %). Interestingly, rural residence was a significant predictor of seeking care for diarrhea. Furthermore, although widely available, few mothers (15 %) used appropriate treatment for a recent diarrheal episode. Water source, mother's education, and wealth were significant predictors of appropriate home treatment. Conclusions Mothers in rural areas-typically with less access to care-were more likely to seek care for diarrheal disease in their children, even when adjusting for other variables. However, this increase in care seeking behavior did not extend to appropriate home treatment. Innovative behavior change strategies to reduce barriers to access and appropriate home treatment for diarrheal disease are important, especially given effective and affordable treatment strategies. Future studies should elucidate specific barriers to seeking and utilizing ORT and other appropriate home treatments.
Relations among resources in professional learning communities and learning outcomes

AbstractThis study focused on two professional learning communities (PLCs) situated in literacy education practica courses. How four PLC resources (colleagues, facilitators, readings, and videos) were related to outcomes, including teachers’ learning, teachers’ application of this learning, and subsequent students’ learning, was examined. Participants included 18 in-service teachers and the 21 children they taught. Data included 537 teacher reports of learning, 102 lesson plans, 195 teaching session videos, and 21 reader reports, which were used to identify outcomes and the resources that supported these. A multilevel structural equation model was used for analysis. Findings highlight the unique contributions of each resource for supporting specific PLC outcomes. For example, video was the most effective resource for supporting teachers’ application of learning to their teaching, and when this occurred students were significantly more likely to learn as well. Implications for more strategically providing ...
The Dog That Didn't Bark: Preschool Education and Middle-School Attitudes in Tulsa.

To examine associations between participation in Tulsa’s preschool programs and a set of middle-school attitudes, we used propensity score weighting to compare the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) pre-K ...
PT-CFI: Transparent Backward-Edge Control Flow Violation Detection Using Intel Processor Trace

This paper presents PT-CFI, a new backward-edge control flow violation detection system based on a novel use of a recently introduced hardware feature called Intel Processor Trace (PT). Designed primarily for offline software debugging and performance analysis, PT offers the capability of tracing the entire control flow of a running program. In this paper, we explore the practicality of using PT for security applications, and propose to build a new control flow integrity (CFI) model that enforces a backward-edge CFI policy for native COTS binaries based on the traces from Intel PT. By exploring the intrinsic properties of PT with a system call based synchronization primitive and a deep inspection capability, we have addressed a number of technical challenges such as how to make sure the backward edge CFI policy is both sound and complete, how to make PT enforce our CFI policy, and how to balance the performance overhead. We have implemented PT-CFI and evaluated with a number of programs including SPEC2006 and HTTP daemons. Our experimental results show that PT-CFI can enforce a perfect backward-edge CFI with only small overhead for the protected program.
Sensory Dysfunction and Sexuality in the U.S. Population of Older Adults.

Abstract Background The sexual experience is shaped by sensory function; with aging, sensory dysfunction may interfere with sexuality and sexual behavior between partners. Specifically, older adults with age-related sensory dysfunction may have less sexual activity than those with better sensory function. In addition, since sexual desire and attraction rests in part upon sensory function, sensory dysfunction may also be associated with less sexual motivation. Aim To test the association between sexual activity and motivation in older adults and their sensory dysfunction. Methods Sensory dysfunction was measured both by global sensory impairment (a validated measure of dysfunction shared among the 5 classic senses: olfaction, vision, taste, touch, hearing) and by total sensory burden (cumulative sensory loss). Sexual activity was quantified by frequency and type of sexual behavior. Sexual motivation was measured by the frequency of sexual ideation and the importance of sex to the respondent. We used cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (aged 57–85 years) in the United States (National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, N = 3,005) in logistic regression analyses. Outcomes Sexual activity, sexual motivation, and satisfaction with the sexual relationship were self-reported. Results Older adults with sensory dysfunction were less likely to be sexually active—an association that persisted when accounting for other factors that also affected sexual activity (age, gender, partnered status, mental and physical health, and relationship satisfaction). Nonetheless, sensory dysfunction did not impair sexual motivation, nor affect the physical and emotional satisfaction with the sexual relationship. Among currently sexually active older adults, sensory dysfunction did not affect the frequency of sex or the type of sexual activity (foreplay, vaginal intercourse, or oral sex). These results were the same for 2 different measures of sensory dysfunction. Clinical Translation This is the first nationally representative study of sexuality and multisensory dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults. 4 of the 5 classic senses were measured with objective tests, and hearing was rated by interviewers in the context of their conversation. Medical and health care interventions that can reduce the burden of sensory dysfunction may improve older adults’ sexual experience. Conclusions Sensory dysfunction is associated with sexual inactivity, but not with sexual motivation. Among those who are sexually active, sensory dysfunction did not interfere with sexual expression. Improving the sexual experience of older adults requires a focus on sensory dysfunction as an impediment to sexual activity given that older adults remain sexually motivated. Zhong S, Pinto JM, Wroblewski KE, et al. Sensory Dysfunction and Sexuality in the U.S. Population of Older Adults. J Sex Med 2018;15:502–509.
Characteristics of Home Invasion by the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract The abundance and activity of brown marmorated stink bugs, Halyomorpha halys Stal, over-wintering inside a Maryland home were documented. Brown marmorated stink bugs, an invasive species, were collected daily, and their collection rate assessed with respect to outside temperature, location within the structure, and date. During the 181-day study period 26,205 adult brown marmorated stink bugs were collected inside the home. The exiting of stink bugs from hiding in the walls and other suitable areas into indoor living space was positively correlated with outside daily high temperature variation from the long-term daily high. Control measures to block exit from walls into living space reduced collection rate, but failed to halt it. This heavy infestation in a single home demonstrates the potential nuisance to millions of homes across the country if the range and population of the brown marmorated stink bug continues to expand.
Biochemistry of phagocyte chemotaxis.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the biochemistry of phagocyte chemotaxis. Chemoattractants induce profound changes in their target cells, such as increased adherence, spreading, sustained locomotion, and a markedly asymmetric morphology even in the absence of a gradient. Studies with the synthetic polypeptides suggest that certain general reactions occur during chemotaxis that underlies these phenomena. There are probably interactions between stereospecific receptors on the cell surface and the various attractants. This interaction triggers a series of reactions that amplify the signal. In the case of the migrating phagocyte, methylation reactions such as protein carboxyl-methylation of membrane proteins and alterations in the proportions of membrane phospholipids specifically stimulated by attractants may amplify chemotaxis. The respective neutralization of charge and the variation in the composition of essential components of the membrane could cause marked changes in the cell. In addition, both activation of surface proteolytic activity and changes in the availability of receptors occur, suggesting that an attractant can induce regulation of its own detection by the cell.
TICK-BORNE ILLNESS AND INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS: A RARE CASE OF TULAREMIA

Identification of an underlying etiology remains a diagnostic challenge in some cases of infective endocarditis (IE). A 58-year-old man with history of severe mitral regurgitation status post bioprosthetic valve replacement (St. Jude, 31 mm Epic) presents with a 6-week history of daily fevers and
Management of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in solid organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice address the prevention and management of Clostridium difficile infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is among the most common hospital acquired infections. In SOT recipients, the incidence of CDI varies by type and number or organs transplanted. While a meta-analysis of published literature found the prevalence of postoperative CDI in the general surgical population to be approximately 0.51%, the prevalence of CDI that is seen in the solid organ transplant population ranges from a low of 3.2% in the pancreatic transplant population to 12.7% in those receiving multiple organ transplants. There are no randomized, controlled trials evaluating the management of CDI in the SOT population. Herein is a review and summary of the currently available literature that has been synthesized into updated treatment guidelines for the management of CDI in the SOT population.
Practice what you teach: How experiencing elementary school science teaching practices helps prepare teacher candidates

Abstract The development of scientifically literate citizens begins in the elementary school. Yet the research base on the preparation of teachers finds university programs designed to prepare elementary teachers as generalists to be overall inadequate in providing both the content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge necessary to teach science effectively. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine which aspects of the curriculum and instruction teacher candidates (TCs) said helped them in developing their understanding of science content and pedagogies for teaching science in the elementary school. The analysis of TCs' evaluations of the course, curriculum, and instruction found that they learned best when they engaged in the practices they were being taught to use when teaching elementary school science.
Adverbs and Adjectives: An Abstraction for Software Defined Radio

Abstract : Many wireless network and transport protocols take advantage of the interaction between the physical and link layers to achieve reasonable performance, reliability and energy efficiency. Such "cross-layer" dependences are typically explicitly enumerated in order to cause predetermined behavior in the physical and link layers. The need for cross layer interaction will only increase as advanced physical and link interfaces are realized in software radio systems (SDRs). In order to meet the demands of large systems of heterogeneous software radios we will have to develop application and system programming interfaces that are highly flexible and portable. This paper demonstrates how a set of modifiers for the "verbs" and "nouns in communication protocols can achieve the performance, flexibility, and portability improvements required. Adverbs in our abstraction such as send locally and send reliably, are used rather than explicit directives. Modifiers like these provide freedom for each layer in the protocol stack to choose from a proven palette of cross-layer techniques. This work presents a subset of potential modifiers and their application. The promise of the abstraction is illustrated through simulation of the send locally adverb.
The Shifting Scales of Western U.S. Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers Under Climate Change

Author(s): Rhoades, AM; Jones, AD; Srivastava, A; Huang, H; O'Brien, TA; Patricola, CM; Ullrich, PA; Wehner, M; Zhou, Y | Abstract: Atmospheric rivers (ARs) can be a boon and bane to water resource managers as they have the ability to replenish water reserves, but they can also generate million-to-billion-dollar flood damages. To investigate how anthropogenic climate change may influence AR characteristics in the coastal western United States by end century, we employ a suite of novel tools such as variable resolution in the Community Earth System Model (VR-CESM), the TempestExtremes AR detection algorithm, and the Ralph, Rutz, et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0023.1) AR category scale. We show that end-century ARs primarily shift from being “mostly or primarily beneficial” to “mostly or primarily hazardous” with a concomitant sharpening and intensification of winter season precipitation totals. Changes in precipitation totals are due to a significant increase in AR (+260%) rather than non-AR (+7%) precipitation, largely through increases in the most intense category of AR events and a decrease in the interval between landfalling ARs.
Stimulation Versus Simulation: The Student Side Hustle as a Learning Innovation:

A side hustle is a small-scale business activity in addition to one’s primary job. Our learning innovation is the student side hustle (SSH), a small-scale business in addition to the student’s acad...
A History of Neuropsychology: Julien Bogousslavsky, François Boller, and Makato Iwata, eds. Basel: Karger, 2019. 236 pp. $145.00; CHF 123; €115. ISBN 9783318064629

Many approaches can be taken to writing a history of neuropsychology, the intersection of psychology, neurology, and other disciplines with a focus on higher brain functions. One might involve indi...
An Eigenmodel for Dynamic Multilayer Networks

Dynamic multilayer networks frequently represent the structure of multiple co-evolving relations; however, statistical models are not well-developed for this prevalent network type. Here, we propose a new latent space model for dynamic multilayer networks. The key feature of our model is its ability to identify common time-varying structures shared by all layers while also accounting for layer-wise variation and degree heterogeneity. We establish the identifiability of the model's parameters and develop a structured mean-field variational inference approach to estimate the model's posterior, which scales to networks previously intractable to dynamic latent space models. We demonstrate the estimation procedure's accuracy and scalability on simulated networks. We apply the model to two real-world problems: discerning regional conflicts in a data set of international relations and quantifying infectious disease spread throughout a school based on the student's daily contact patterns.
Fibromyalgianess and glucocorticoid persistence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives Over 1/3 of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit evidence of fibromyalgianess, which is associated with higher rates of disability and inadequate responsiveness to RA treatment. Patients with RA often remain on glucocorticoids long-term, despite the known risk of dose-dependent morbidity. We undertook this study to examine the relationship between fibromyalgianess and glucocorticoid persistence among RA patients. Methods We followed participants with active RA on oral prednisone for ∼3 months after initiating a new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). Fibromyalgianess was measured using the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire (FSQ), previously shown to correlate with key fibromyalgia features often superimposed upon RA. Severity of fibromyalgianess was stratified as follows: FSQ 10 high/very high. The association between baseline fibromyalgianess and glucocorticoid persistence, defined as prednisone use at three-month follow-up visit after DMARD initiation, was assessed using multiple logistic regression adjusted for baseline demographics, RA duration, serostatus, and inflammatory activity assessed using swollen joint count and C-reactive protein. Results Of the 97 participants on prednisone at baseline, 65% were still taking prednisone at follow-up. 57% of participants with low baseline fibromyalgianess had persistent glucocorticoid use, compared with 84% of participants with high or very high fibromyalgianess. After adjustment for non-inflammatory factors and inflammatory activity, participants with high/very high baseline fibromyalgianess were more likely to be taking prednisone at follow-up relative to those with low fibromyalgianess (Odds Ratio 4.99 [95% Confidence Interval 1.20-20.73]). Conclusion High fibromyalgianess is associated with persistent glucocorticoid use, independent of inflammatory activity.
Pediatric Cavernous Malformations

Pediatric cavernous malformations (CMs) are rare lesions that arise congenitally or de novo secondary to radiation therapy. Most CMs occur spontaneously, with a small portion inherited genetically. Symptomatology relates to location with supratentorial CMs more often presenting with seizures, and infratentorial presenting with neurologic deficits from a small annual hemorrhage risk. CT and MRI have high sensitivities in lesion detection, while angiography is typically negative. Management decisions should largely be based on symptoms, location, hemorrhage risk and seizure control. While a majority of seizures are controlled with medications, up to 30% remain drug-resistant. Surgical resection significantly reduces seizure burden, with about 3/4 achieving Engel Class I overall. A larger proportion experience seizure freedom with resection of the perilesional hemosiderin rim in addition to the lesion itself. Brainstem CMs incur a high complication risk; nevertheless certain attributes, such as large, exophytic lesions or those <2 mm from the pial surface, should prompt consideration for resection. Radiosurgery provides questionable benefit with significant complication and thus should be avoided. Alternative modalities such as magnetic-resonance guided focused ultrasound or laser interstitial thermal therapy hold potential as viable treatment options, although further investigation is required.
Military Might and Political, Economic, and Social Institutions: A Global Time Series Empirical Test of Terrorism

Current U.S. counter-terrorism policy deals with terrorists in a somewhat rational fashion. However, the ideology of terrorists has been characterized in a U.S. Government report as involving “oppression, violence, and hate”. These ambiguous terms share text with more specific irrational reasons for terrorist activities. In the same report, experts state that terrorists hold “a false belief that the United States is the cause of most problems affecting Muslims today, our enemies seek to expel Western power and influence from the Muslim world and establish regimes that rule according to a violent and intolerant distortion of Islam”. Furthermore, the report continues by stating “[f]or our terrorist enemies, violence is not only justified, it is necessary and even glorified – judged the only means to achieve a world vision darkened by hate, fear and oppression”. Moreover, they describe terrorists as having a “distorted and violent view of the world”
Black-on-white polymer-stabilized cholesteric formulations

Recent research by Doane, Yang, and Chien demonstrated the use of cholesteric liquid crystals in multiplexed, high resolution, reflective diplays. These materials utilize the bistability of the cholesteric planar and focal conic states for displays with a colored image on a black background. Many commercial applications of these materials, such as electronic books and newspapers, portable faxes and personal data assistants, require, or at least prefer, black-on- white images. We report on relatively high polymer content (equalsV 20% by weight) dispersions of cholesteric liquid crystals that produce a white, reflecting, planar state. The polymer network appears to form cholesteric domains with varying pitch lengths resulting in planar states that reflect in the red, green, and blue portions of the spectrum. Utilizing a black absorbing layer behind a display using these materials offers white images on a black background, or vice-versa.
Play Environments for Visually Impaired Children

The author compared the motor activities and environmental interactions of sighted and visually impaired children during unstructured play in their natural play environments to: 1) assess motor pro...
Overtraining Does Not Mitigate Contextual Fear Conditioning Deficits Produced by Neurotoxic Lesions of the Basolateral Amygdala

The influence of overtraining on the magnitude of fear-conditioning deficits produced by neurotoxic lesions of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) was examined. Either 1 d before or 1 week after the administration of neurotoxic BLA lesions, rats received either 1 or 25 conditioning trials consisting of the delivery of unsignaled foot shock in a novel observation chamber; freezing served as the measure of conditional fear. In this conditioning paradigm, asymptotic performance is reached in five conditioning trials, and 25 conditioning trials constitutes an overtraining procedure. The results revealed that overtraining does not affect the magnitude of the contextual freezing deficits produced by post-training BLA lesions. Similarly, overtraining did not influence the level of reacquisition obtained by rats with post-training BLA lesions after 10 reacquisition trials. A similar pattern of results was observed in rats with pretraining BLA lesions. Neurotoxic BLA lesions did not alter either motor activity or shock reactivity. These results indicate that overtraining does not limit the important role of the BLA in the acquisition and expression of contextual fear conditioning.
The straw that broke the camel's back: African American women's strategies for disengaging from abusive relationships

Abstract In this ethnographic study, a womanist framework was used to investigate the disengaging-terminating process used by Black women (N= 21) who had survived intimate male partner abuse. Data interpretation revealed three stages of disengaging described by the survivors: (a) defining moments: rejecting the violence and exiting the relationship; (b) moving away: distancing the self; and (c) moving on: finding affirmation and support. This process is representative of individual and collective acts of resistance. Suggestions for therapeutic interventions are offered for each stage of the disengagement process.
A new species of Anolis lizard (Squamata, Iguania) from Panama

A new species of Anolis is described from western Panama and eastern Costa Rica. Populations of the new form were previously allocated to A. chocorum. However, the new species differs from A. chocorum in characters of color pattern, scalation and proportion.
Encephalomyocarditis Virus Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase Associated with 150S Cytoplasmic Particles

Abstract Cytoplasmic particles which sedimented at 150S were the smallest structures containing detectable viral ribonucleic acid polymerase in mouse cells infected with encephalomyocarditis virus.
Redefining Loyalty: Motivational Strategies and Employee Loyalty in an Era of Downsizing

Retaining employee loyalty after restructuring is a problem for all types of businesses. The major issue concerns how management and employees can establish a new, mutually acceptable "psychological contract" which ensures employee loyalty but not lifelong employment. Eighteen small businesses in Fairfield County, Connecticut were surveyed to investigate loyalty and motivation after downsizing. A significant correlation was found between loyalty and motivation. Furthermore, several motivational techniques employed were inconsistent with employee needs. Suggestions are offered on how to retain employee loyalty.
The receptors and coding logic for bitter taste

The sense of taste provides animals with valuable information about the nature and quality of food. Bitter taste detection functions as an important sensory input to warn against the ingestion of toxic and noxious substances. T2Rs are a family of approximately 30 highly divergent G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are selectively expressed in the tongue and palate epithelium and are implicated in bitter taste sensing. Here we demonstrate, using a combination of genetic, behavioural and physiological studies, that T2R receptors are necessary and sufficient for the detection and perception of bitter compounds, and show that differences in T2Rs between species (human and mouse) can determine the selectivity of bitter taste responses. In addition, we show that mice engineered to express a bitter taste receptor in 'sweet cells' become strongly attracted to its cognate bitter tastants, whereas expression of the same receptor (or even a novel GPCR) in T2R-expressing cells resulted in mice that are averse to the respective compounds. Together these results illustrate the fundamental principle of bitter taste coding at the periphery: dedicated cells act as broadly tuned bitter sensors that are wired to mediate behavioural aversion.
On the structure of high-energy two-body non-diffractive reactions

We consider the structure of two-body scattering amplitudes, concentrating on those reactions in which the "internal" quantum numbers exchanged correspond to the quantum numbers of a single particle, different from those of the vacuum. We compare conventional Regge-pole models (in which dips as a function of t are caused by "nonsense" factors) with our strong-cut model (in which dips are caused by a diffractive mechanism). In the conventional models, the systematics of the angular structure are determined by the nature of the exchange, as well as by the helicity structure and factorization. In the strong-cut model, the systematics of the angular structure are determined exclusively by the helicity structure of the amplitude (except for slight modification in the case of pion exchange, due to the proximity of the pion pole to the physical region); most important is the net helici- ty flip of the amplitude. We examine experimental data, particularly with regard to dips near -t (or -u) ~ 0.2 or 0.6, and near t = 0. It is found that whenever a distinction can be made, the strong-cut model is favored over the conventional models (even including cuts determined by cenventienal absorption models). Fur- ther experimental tests are proposed. Double-particle exchange processes, ener- gy dependence, effects of t-channel unitarity and duality are discussed.
Gastrointestinal infections and the development of irritable bowel syndrome.

Purpose of review Approximately 10% of the millions of persons with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGDs) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had their illness onset following an acute bout of infectious diarrhea and are referred to as having postinfectious (PI) FGD or PI-IBS. Recent studies have helped to identify the pathogenesis and natural history of these disorders. Recent findings Groups of patients with acute diarrhea or dysentery (passage of grossly bloody stools) are being followed for development of PI-IBS. Persistent mucosal inflammation, air trapping in the gut, and alteration of intestinal motility contribute to the disease symptoms in genetically susceptible persons. The prognosis of postinfectious forms of IBS is more favorable compared with people with idiopathic forms of the disorder. Summary With full characterization of postdiarrhea forms of FGDs, we should be able to define the mechanisms of disease early in the course of chronic illness and to better understand the more common idiopathic forms of the disease. We are likely to identify specific alteration of gut pathophysiology in postinfectious FGDs and to then classify them not as a poorly characterized group of functional disorders but as specific gastrointestinal disorders.
Natural organic matter stabilizes carbon nanotubes in the aqueous phase

This study investigates the aqueous stability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). MWNTs were readily dispersed as an aqueous suspension in both model NOM (Suwannee River NOM (SR-NOM)) solutions and natural surface water (actual Suwannee River water with unaltered NOM background), which remained stable for over 1 month. Microscopic analyses suggested that the suspension consisted primarily of individually dispersed MWNTs. Concentrations of MWNTs suspended in the aqueous phase, quantified using thermal optical transmittance analysis (TOT), ranged from 0.6 to 6.9 mg/L as initial concentrations of MWNT and SR-NOM were varied from 50 to 500 mg/L and 10 to 100 mg/L, respectively. Suwannee River water showed a similar MWNT stabilizing capacity as compared to the model SR-NOM solutions. For the same initial MWNT concentrations, the concentrations of suspended MWNT in SR-NOM solutions and Suwannee River water were considerably higher than that in a solution of ...
Monte Carlo simulations of electron transport in bulk GaN and AlGaN-GaN heterostructures

Calculations of the electronic mobility and drift velocity have been carried out for bulk GaN and AlGaN-GaN heterojunctions based on a Monte Carlo approach. The bulk calculations were intended to serve as a validity check of the simulation model and yielded a set of best-fit transport parameters. Wurtzite GaN has been shown to have superior steady state drift velocity characteristics over both GaAs and the zinc blende phase of GaN. Electron mobility in HFET structures has ben analyzed taking account of polarization effects, degeneracy and interface roughness scattering. Degeneracy is shown to play an important role, especially at large gate bias values. Very good agreement with available experiments has been obtained. Our results underscored the dominance of interface roughness scattering, and demonstrated that a parameterized model based on a weak- perturbation, Born approximation theory can yield sufficiently accurate results.
Introducing ethics across the curriculum at South Dakota school of mines and technology

This paper describes how the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has chosen to integrate ethics into their curriculum. All university freshmen engineering students are introduced to ethics through the presentation of ethical dilemmas. During this exercise, students are forced to argue both sides (‘for’ and ‘against’) of a hypothetical ethical engineering dilemma. It provides a setting for great discussion with the desired outcome that they learn to carefully analyze a situation before they draw conclusions. In the sophomore year, students are introduced to methods to use the fundamental principles, the fundamental canons, and the suggested guidelines for use with the fundamental canons of ethics when analyzing appropriate action to be taken when confronted with ethical dilemmas. We currently use the ‘sophomore’ method for seniors because the sequencing is just beginning. Next year the seniors will do more indepth analysis of ethical case studies.
Laser radar point-target localization at high photon efficiency

Minimum error-probability laser radar point-target localization is analyzed, including the effects of dark counts, background counts, and target speckle. Results from preliminary table-top experiments are reported.
The extent and persistence of binding to respiratory mucosal DNA by inhaled tritiated propylene oxide

In order to investigate some of the mechanisms underlying the carcinogenicity of inhaled propylene oxide (PO), the deposition and persistence of inhaled tritiated PO in the DNA of the nasal cavities, tracheae and lungs of rats were investigated. The results of dose/response exposure protocols revealed clear gradients for binding throughout the respiratory mucosa; the highest levels of binding were in the nasal mucosa and the lowest were in the lungs. Gradients became steeper as exposure concentrations were lowered. The persistence studies revealed that bound tritium declined in nasal mucosal DNA with apparent bi-exponential kinetics while clearance from the tracheal and pulmonary DNA was much slower and occurred with apparent mono-exponential kinetics. Consequently, although the initial levels of binding of inhaled PO are lower in the trachea and lungs than in the nasal cavity, the slow clearance of PO from the DNA in these organs could increase the chances of a mutational event.
A Study of the Silurian Section at Lo Jo Ping, I Chang District, W. Hupeh§

(Abstract) The specimen is collected from a small outcrop near the Lolo village of Mao Mao Kou, some 30 km. N.N.W. of Hui Li district in S. Szechuan, on the N. slope of Lung Tsao Shan, a prominant mountain some 8,000 feet above the sea, entirely covered by a basaltic lava of Permian age. The latter weathers into a residual red clay which covers the lower slopes. The contact of the syenite with the Lung Tsao Shan lava was not observed owing to the thick cover. East of the occurrence a series of steep dipping red shales appears. The exact relation of this series with the syenite is not clear, but it is probable that they are in actual contact. Further east the red shale series is thrown into contact with a coal series containing Rhaetic plant fossils—probably by an overthrust as the whole coal series is highly folded.