cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instructor Presence in Video Lectures: The Role of Dynamic Drawings, Eye Contact, and Instructor Visibility.

This study tested 3 instructor presence features in learning from video lectures: dynamic drawings, eye contact with the camera, and instructor visibility. In 2 experiments, college students watched a video lecture about the human kidney, which consisted of a series of drawings and a spoken explanation from the instructor, and then took a written posttest assessing retention and transfer. In Experiment 1, students viewed a lesson consisting of a spoken explanation coordinated with static, already-produced drawings (static drawings group) or with drawings dynamically created by the instructor (dynamic drawings group), both without the instructor visible. In support of the dynamic drawings hypothesis, a t test indicated the dynamic drawings group significantly outperformed the static drawings group on the posttest (d = .54). In Experiment 2, students viewed 2 new versions of the kidney lesson, in which the instructor was visible on the screen and either did not provide eye contact with the camera (conventional whiteboard group) or did provide eye contact (transparent whiteboard group). In support of the social agency hypothesis, a t test indicated the transparent whiteboard group significantly outperformed the conventional whiteboard group on the posttest (d = .54). Finally, consistent with the instructor visibility hypothesis, analyses comparing the dynamic drawings group and the transparent whiteboard group indicated no significant differences in posttest performance. Overall, these findings suggest that learning from video lectures is enhanced by specific instructor presence features, such as instructor dynamic drawing and instructor eye contact, rather than by merely having the instructor visible on the screen. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Safety of 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine administration among pregnant women: Adverse event reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 2014-2017.

Abstract Introduction 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (9vHPV) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2014. 9vHPV is not recommended during pregnancy, but some women of childbearing age may be inadvertently exposed. This study aims to evaluate reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) of pregnant women exposed to 9vHPV. Methods We searched the VAERS database, a national post-licensure vaccine safety surveillance system, for reports of pregnant women vaccinated with 9vHPV in the United States between December 10, 2014 and December 31, 2017. Disproportionate reporting of adverse events (AEs) was assessed using proportional reporting ratios (PRRs). Results A total of 82 pregnancy reports were identified. Sixty reports (73.2%) did not describe an AE and were submitted only to report the vaccine exposure during pregnancy. The most frequently reported pregnancy-specific AE was spontaneous abortion (n = 3; 3.7%), followed by vaginal bleeding (n = 2; 2.4%). Among non-pregnancy-specific AEs, injection site reaction (n = 3; 3.7%) was most common. No disproportionate reporting of any AE was found. Discussion No unexpected AEs were observed among these pregnancy reports.
Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology & Critical Care (SNACC) Neuroanesthesiology Education Milestones for Resident Education

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has introduced competency-based assessments (milestones) for resident education. However, the existing milestones for Anesthesiology are not specific to Neuroanesthesiology. The Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology & Critical Care (SNACC) commissioned a task force to adapt the ACGME anesthesiology milestones for use in Neuroanesthesiology training, and to provide recommendations for implementing milestones. Methods A 7-member expert task force supported by an advisory committee developed the initial milestones by consensus. Written permission was given by the ACGME. The milestones were refined following 3-month pilot use in 14 departments across the United States and inputs from SNACC members. Final milestones were approved by the SNACC Board of Directors. Results Twelve Neuroanesthesiology-specific milestones in 5 major ACGME domains are recommended; these were identified as most pertinent to this subspecialty rotation. These pertain to patient care (7 milestones), medical knowledge (2 milestones), practice-based learning and improvement (1 milestone), and interpersonal and communication skills (2 milestones). Each milestone was described in detail, with clear outline of expectations at various levels of training. Conclusions The SNACC Neuroanesthesiology milestones provide a framework for reviewing resident performance and are expected to facilitate improved use of ACGME milestones during Neuroanesthesiology subspecialty training. The task force recommends that the target should be to accomplish level 4 or higher milestones by the end of residency training. Individual programs should decide the implications of a resident not meeting the expected milestones.
Interventional Radiology's Role in the Treatment of Pediatric Thoracic Disease.

Abstract The emergence of minimally invasive procedures has rapidly changed the management of many pediatric thoracic diseases. Previous paradigms of treatment, which often required surgical intervention, are now managed through percutaneous, image-guided procedures. In addition, as skillset, quality and availability of ultrasound and cone-beam tomography increase, previously necessary radiation from conventional CT for image-guided procedures of the thorax can be reduced. The integration of the interventionalist's approach into multi-disciplinary care teams requires IRs to be facile in the multi-modality treatment of these ailments. Clinically, the proceduralist must be aware of trends in practice, common complications and technical details to provide a well-rounded consultation to both patients and referring physicians. This article reviews common pediatric thoracic diseases, including lung masses, empyema, chylous effusions, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, and bronchiectasis, in which pediatric interventional radiologists play a key role in multi-disciplinary management.
Adjuvant low-dose rituximab and plasma exchange for acquired TTP

TO THE EDITOR: The introduction of plasmapheresis with plasma exchange has increased survival in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from <10% to 80%.[1][1] More than 30% of patients with TTP have at least 1 relapse within 2 years.[2][2] Treatment with rituximab normalizes
Scaling up single-cell mechanics to multicellular tissues - the role of the intermediate filament-desmosome network.

ABSTRACT Cells and tissues sense, respond to and translate mechanical forces into biochemical signals through mechanotransduction, which governs individual cell responses that drive gene expression, metabolic pathways and cell motility, and determines how cells work together in tissues. Mechanotransduction often depends on cytoskeletal networks and their attachment sites that physically couple cells to each other and to the extracellular matrix. One way that cells associate with each other is through Ca2+-dependent adhesion molecules called cadherins, which mediate cell–cell interactions through adherens junctions, thereby anchoring and organizing the cortical actin cytoskeleton. This actin-based network confers dynamic properties to cell sheets and developing organisms. However, these contractile networks do not work alone but in concert with other cytoarchitectural elements, including a diverse network of intermediate filaments. This Review takes a close look at the intermediate filament network and its associated intercellular junctions, desmosomes. We provide evidence that this system not only ensures tissue integrity, but also cooperates with other networks to create more complex tissues with emerging properties in sensing and responding to increasingly stressful environments. We will also draw attention to how defects in intermediate filament and desmosome networks result in both chronic and acquired diseases.
Child tobacco smoke exposure and healthcare resource utilization patterns.

Background The objective was to examine the relationship between healthcare resource utilization patterns in tobacco smoke-exposed children (TSE group) compared with unexposed children (non-TSE group). Methods We matched 380 children in the TSE group with 1140 children in the non-TSE group based on child age, sex, race, and ethnicity using propensity scores. Healthcare resource utilization variables included respiratory-related procedures, diagnostic testing, disposition, and medications. Logistic and linear regression models were built. Results Child mean age was 4.9 (SD = 0.1) years, 50.5% were female, 55.5% black, and 73.2% had public insurance/self-pay. Compared to the non-TSE group, the TSE group was at increased odds to have the following performed/obtained: nasal bulb suctioning, infectious diagnostic tests, laboratory tests, and radiologic tests. The TSE group was more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and more likely to receive steroids and intravenous fluids during their visit. Among asthmatics, the TSE group was more likely to receive steroids, albuterol, or ipratropium alone, or a combination of all three medications during their visit, and be prescribed albuterol alone or steroids and albuterol. Conclusion Tobacco smoke-exposed children are more likely to have higher resource utilization patterns, highlighting the importance of screening and providing TSE prevention and remediation interventions. Impact Tobacco smoke exposure may affect the healthcare resource utilization patterns of children.Evidence is lacking concerning these associations among the highly vulnerable pediatric emergency department patient population.This study examined the association between tobacco smoke exposure and healthcare resource utilization patterns among pediatric emergency department patients.Tobacco smoke exposure increased the risk of pediatric patients having respiratory-related procedures, respiratory-related and non-respiratory-related testing, medications administered during the pediatric emergency department visit, and medications prescribed for home administration.Tobacco smoke-exposed patients were more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to unexposed patients.
Association of Isolated Congenital Heart Disease with Fetal Brain Maturation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain MRI of newborns with congenital heart disease show signs of immaturity relative to healthy controls. Our aim was to determine whether the semiquantitative fetal total maturation score can detect abnormalities in brain maturation in fetuses with congenital heart disease in the second and third trimesters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospective study of fetuses with and without congenital heart disease who underwent fetal MR imaging at 25–35 weeks’ gestation. Two independent neuroradiologists blinded to the clinical data reviewed and scored all images using the fetal total maturation score. Interrater reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient using the individual reader scores, which were also used to calculate an average score for each subject. Comparisons of the average and individual reader scores between affected and control fetuses and relationships with clinical variables were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Data from 69 subjects (48 cardiac, 21 controls) were included. High concordance was observed between readers with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97–0.99). The affected group had significantly lower fetal total maturation scores than the control group (β-estimate, –0.9 [95% CI, –1.5 to –0.4], P = .002), adjusting for gestational age and sex. Averaged fetal total maturation, germinal matrix, myelination, and superior temporal sulcus scores were significantly delayed in fetuses with congenital heart disease versus controls (P CONCLUSIONS: The fetal total maturation score is sensitive to differences in brain maturation between fetuses with isolated congenital heart disease and healthy controls.
Uncertain Policy Implementation with Public Information

Politicians' policy proposals are often vetted by the media, academics, and non-partisan organizations. This paper explores the effects of this policy vetting, modeled as a public signal about the expected outcome of the policy, on a politician's incentive to implement the policies she proposes. In my model, the voter and the politician are uncertain about the competence of the politician and the suitability of her proposed policy. Because more competent politicians are more likely to propose good policies, the voter can use the policy signal to update her beliefs about the politician. This updating creates a perverse reputational incentive for the politician to implement her policy proposal if and only if its expected outcome is sufficiently low. When the results of vetting are shown only to the politician, she implements her policy only when its expected outcome is sufficiently high, because her policy information does not directly affect the voter's beliefs about her.
The impact of SCHIP enrollment on adolescent-provider communication

Purpose Effective communication between physicians and adolescents is critical to convey health information, provide counseling and identify emerging health problems. This article addressed two questions: (a) After an adolescent enrolls in a State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), is there a change reported in communication between the adolescent and his/her health care provider; and (b) Is there a relationship between respondent’s characteristics and change observed within specific content areas? Methods Adolescent preventive care guidelines developed by national organizations provided the study framework. Surveys were mailed to 3472 12–19-year-olds in a SCHIP; 1689 responded (response rate = 49%). Frequencies described the study population, chi-square analysis explored differences in adolescent-provider communication before and after enrollment, and multiple linear regressions were used to determine relationships between respondents’ characteristics and provider communication topics. Results There were substantial increases after enrollment in SCHIP in the general area of communication between adolescents and their health care providers. Specifically, the presence of a special health care need had a significant influence on most communication areas. Further, females were more likely than males to talk about sexual health ( p = .049) and diet and exercise ( p = .001); older more likely than younger to discuss sexual health ( p = .026) and mental health feelings ( p = .023); and white more likely than nonwhite to have better overall communication with the provider after enrollment ( p = .029) but Whites also were more likely to experience more negative mental health feelings after enrollment in SCHIP ( p = .029). Conclusions Practice guidelines define the content of preventive services; but, it appears that many adolescents do not receive adequate guidance from their physicians. For the group of adolescents in this study who had recently enrolled in SCHIP, there was a reported increase in their communication with their health care provider. The positive changes in communication suggest that encouraging providers and adolescents to discuss risky behaviors is a feasible, achievable goal.
THE HOMING TRIAL: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF PERSONALIZED BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE, DIETARY SUPPLEMENT AND NUTRITION CARE PLANS FOR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

The objective of the Hormones, Oxidative stress, Methylation, Inflammation and Gene expression (HOMING) trial was to assess the efficacy of personalized bio identical hormone, dietary supplement and nutritional care plans on dry and wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) outcomes. We evaluated 220 Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) patients that followed a personalized clinical care plan for up to 9 months. The care plans consisted of bio identical hormones, dietary supplements and nutrition recommendations with the objective to improve lab and clinical measurements linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and gene expression. Serum concentrations of CRP, HbA1c and homocysteine responded favorably to the HOMING protocol with full program compliance. Sixty percent (42/70) of wet AMD patients reported improvement in visual acuity and/or a reduction in the frequency of anti-VEGF injections during the study period. Forty eight percent (44/92) of dry AMD patients reported improvement in visual acuity during the study period. Nine percent (4/45) patients reported improvement in visual acuity in the dry AMD control group and no (0/13) wet AMD patients in the control group reported improvement. Six percent (4/70) of wet AMD patients reported that their vision declined and/or that their F frequency increased during the study period. Five percent (4/92) of dry AMD patients reported that their vision was worse. Keywords: Bio identical Hormones, Oxidative stress, Methylation, Inflammation, Gene Expression, Nutrition and AMD.
Inhibitory Proteins Block Substrate Access to the Active Site of Bacillus subtilis Intramembrane Metalloprotease SpoIVFB

Intramembrane proteases of diverse signaling pathways use membrane-embedded active sites to cleave membrane-associated substrates. Interactions of intramembrane metalloproteases with modulators are poorly understood. Inhibition of Bacillus subtilis intramembrane metalloprotease SpoIVFB requires BofA and SpoIVFA, which transiently prevent cleavage of Pro-{sigma}K during endosporulation. Three conserved BofA residues (N48, N61, T64) in or near predicted transmembrane segment (TMS) 2 were found to be required for SpoIVFB inhibition. Disulfide cross-linking indicated that BofA TMS2 occupies the SpoIVFB active site region. BofA and SpoIVFA neither prevented SpoIVFB from interacting with Pro-{sigma}K in co-purification assays nor interfered with cross-linking between the C-terminal regions of Pro-{sigma}K and SpoIVFB. However, BofA and SpoIVFA did interfere with cross-linking between the N-terminal Proregion of Pro-{sigma}K and the SpoIVFB active site region and interdomain linker. A BofA variant lacking predicted TMS1, in combination with SpoIVFA, was less effective at interfering with some of the cross-links and slightly less effective at inhibiting cleavage of Pro-{sigma}K by SpoIVFB. A structural model was built of SpoIVFB in complex with BofA and parts of SpoIVFA and Pro-{sigma}K, using partial homology and constraints from cross-linking and co-evolutionary analyses. The model predicts that N48 in BofA TMS2 interacts with T64 (and possibly N61) of BofA to stabilize a membrane-embedded C-terminal region. SpoIVFA is predicted to bridge the BofA C-terminal region and SpoIVFB. Thus, the two inhibitory proteins block access of the Pro-{sigma}K N-terminal region to the SpoIVFB active site region. Our findings may inform efforts to develop selective inhibitors of intramembrane metalloproteases. SignificanceIntramembrane metalloproteases (IMMPs) function in numerous signaling processes that impact health. For example, IMMPs function in pathways regulating human cholesterol levels and bacterial pathogenesis. Knowledge of IMMP interactions with modulators could inform design of therapeutics, but structures of complexes have not been reported. We found that a transmembrane segment of BofA occupies the active site region to inhibit SpoIVFB, an IMMP crucial for endosporulation of Bacillus subtilis. Because endosporulation enhances persistence of related pathogenic bacteria, our structural model of SpoIVFB in complex with BofA and parts of its other inhibitory protein SpoIVFA and its substrate Pro-{sigma}K, may lead to strategies to control endosporulation. More broadly, insights from the SpoIVFB inhibition mechanism could guide efforts to develop inhibitors of other IMMPs.
Biomarkers of Coagulation and Hemostatic Activation in the Post-Acute Period Effectively Rule Out Hypercoagulable States in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (2154)

Objective: The objective of our study was to identify independent predictors of malignancy, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and hypercoagulable states in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) patients. Background: We previously reported that markers of coagulation and hemostatic activation (MOCHA) have been associated with malignancy, VTE, and hypercoagulable states in ESUS patients. Design/Methods: Consecutive ESUS patients seen at the Emory Clinic from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 underwent a MOCHA profile (d-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrin monomer) and were followed prospectively for new diagnoses of malignancy, VTE, other defined hypercoagulable states, and the composite outcome. Abnormal MOCHA was defined as ≥ 2 elevated markers. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of the composite outcome. Results: Of 188 patients (mean age 63 ±16 years, 59% female, 50% Caucasian) included in the study period, 25 (13%) had the composite outcome. The median time between ESUS to MOCHA testing was 45 days (IQR 23–88). Abnormal MOCHA profile was the only independent predictor of the composite outcome (OR 2.34, 1.64–3.32, p Conclusions: This study confirms that a normal MOCHA profile in the post-acute time period can rule out ESUS patients with malignancy, VTE, or other underlying hypercoagulable states. Disclosure: Dr. Liu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rangaraju has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ellis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Duncan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Belagaje has nothing to disclose. Dr. Belair has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bamford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nahab has nothing to disclose.
Total Femoral Replacement for Complicated Echinococcus Infection: Sixteen-Year Follow-up.

CASE Osseous hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus is rare, especially in long bones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third femoral hydatidosis case with successful osseous eradication through total femoral resection and total femoral megaprosthesis. Unlike the previous 2 cases, we uniquely illustrate recurrent soft-tissue hydatidosis episodes requiring additional hydatid resections for local control with no evidence of disease at final 16-year follow-up, the longest follow-up period of the 3 reported cases. CONCLUSION Despite radical bone resection for osseous hydatidosis eradication, additional complex surgical interventions may be needed to locally control soft-tissue disease.
Electron Microscopy of Formed Elements of Normal Human Blood

The history of the development of practicable electron microscope technics for examination of the formed elements of the blood was reviewed. A method found to yield good reproductions of ultrathin sections of blood cells was presented in considerable detail. The various phases of the technic were critically evaluated. The morphologic characteristics of the various formed elements of normal peripheral blood were defined in association with sample electron micrographs. Ultramicroscopic detail of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets and erythrocytes was discussed.
Hyperfine-Structure Separations and Magnetic Moments of Cs 127 , Cs 129 , Cs 130 , and Cs 132

ABS>The atomic hyperfine-structure separations and mag netic moments of four neutron-deficient cesium isotopes were measured by an atomic-beam magnetic- resonance method. Results are given for Cs/sup 127/, Cs/sup 129/, Cs/sup 130/, and Cs/sup 132/. (auth)
Robustness analysis of input-shaped model reference control on a double-pendulum crane

This paper analyzes the robustness of input-shaped model reference control when applied to a double-pendulum crane using a linear single-pendulum crane as the reference model. The single- and double-pendulum crane dynamics are derived and then used to develop the input-shaped model reference control scheme. The robustness of the controller is enhanced to handle both parameter variations and the system order difference between the reference model and the plant. The natural frequencies of the cranes are calculated and utilized to design a three-mode zero-vibration input shaper. A Lyapunov control law using only the states associated with the first mode is derived. The robustness of the proposed controller in state tracking and oscillation suppression performances are analyzed and verified via numerical simulations and experiments. The controller has good robustness to the parameter estimation errors and the fundamental system order difference between the reference model and the plant.
On the Fault-Tolerance of Quasi-Minimal Cayley Networks

In this paper, we study the fault-tolerance of a large class of networks, whose underlying communication topology is a quasi-minimal Cayley graph, by studying their connectivity. Many “benchmark” parallel networks are included in this class, such as hypercube networks, butterfly networks, cube-connected cycles networks, double ring networks and star networks. Our main result is a proof that all quasi-minimal Cayley graphs have connectivity equal to their degree. This theorem generalizes results of Godsil [Go] and Akers and Krishnamurthy [AK]. We employ a proof technique which differs substantially from previous ones used to study the connectivity of highly symmetric graphs and, in particular, our method constitutes a more constructive approach to the problem. Based on our results, we are also led to suggest a hierarchical method for the packaging of a parallel network that provides the network with a high degree of fault-tolerance.
The longitudinal study of surgical residents, 1994 to 1996.

Abstract Background: The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has conducted a detailed annual survey of residents enrolled in surgical graduate medical education (GME) programs since 1982 and has regularly published the resulting data as the Longitudinal Study of Surgical Residents. This report documents surgical resident enrollment and graduation for the academic years 1994–95 and 1995–96. Study Design: The Medical Education Research and Information Database of the American Medical Association was supplemented by the existing ACS Resident Masterfile and by personal contact with program directors and their staffs to verify accuracy and completeness of reporting. Each resident was tracked individually through surgical GME. Results: The total number of surgical residents graduating from surgical GME in 1995 and 1996 has not changed since 1982. Most graduates of surgical residency programs are in obstetrics and gynecology, followed by general surgery; demographic analysis of the graduating cohort shows that most are Caucasian male graduates of US or Canadian medical schools, and that their age at graduation is 33 to 35 years. International medical graduates (IMG) make up 8.9% of entering surgical residents and 6% of graduates. Osteopathic medical school graduates account for 1.2% to 1.3% of entering and graduating surgical residents. Women represent 27% of entering and 23% to 24% of graduates of surgical GME. The largest number and proportion of women in surgical GME are enrolled in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, where they make up the majority of entering and graduating classes. When all other surgical residency program enrollments are considered together, women make up 17% and 16% of entering residents in 1994 and 1995, respectively, and 13% and 14% of graduates in those years. Conclusions: Surgical GME enrollment and graduation is stable. Few women and ethnic minorities are enrolled in surgical residency programs. IMG enrollment and graduation in surgical GME is low.
FABRICATION OF SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS WITH A THIN (LA0.9SR0.1)0.98(GA0.8MG0.2)O3-delta ELECTROLYTE ON A SR0.8LA0.2TIO3 SUPPORT

This paper describes Sr0.8La0.2TiO3 (SLT)-supported solid oxide fuel cells with a thin (La0.9Sr0.1)0.98Ga0.8Mg0.2O3–δ (LSGM) electrolyte and porous LSGM anode functional layer (AFL). Optimized processing for the SLT support bisque firing, LSGM electrolyte layer co-firing, and LSGM AFL colloidal composition is presented. Cells without a functional layer yielded a power density of 228 mW cm–2 at 650 °C, while cells with a porous LSGM functional layer yielded a power density of 434 mW cm–2 at 650 °C. Cells with an AFL yielded a higher open circuit voltage, possibly due to reduced Ti diffusion into the electrolyte. Infiltration produced Ni nanoparticles within the support and AFL, which proved crucial for the electrochemical activity of the anode. Power densities increased with increasing Ni loadings, reaching 514 mW cm–2 at 650 °C for 5.1 vol.% Ni loading. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated that the cell resistance was dominated by the cathode and electrolyte resistance with the anode resistance being relatively small.
ELECTRIC BUS DESIGNS FOR URBAN TRANSPORTATION

The characteristics of present-day U.S. buses are reviewed, with emphasis on the excessive weight unbalance, cost, noise, and exhaust of the bus combustion engine. Possibilities in electric bus designs that eliminate the engine and its irritants are presented. A vehicle system is selected that consists of a filobus powered from the roadway over the central city part of the route and running from batteries on the remaining suburban portion. The design and cost features of this all-electric bus system are discussed in view of current and developing battery technologies.
Time optimal discrete regulator gains

Given a discrete time system ( A, B ) where B has full rank, does there exist a gain matrix G such that (A + BG)^{k}x = 0 for every state x that can be driven to the origin in time k? If so, how does one compute G? Complete answers to these questions are given, and errors in a previous correspondence are corrected.
Packing three copies of a tree into a complete graph

Abstract A three T of order n is said to be 3-placeable if there are three edge-disjoint copies of T in Kn. In this paper we characterize all the trees T such that T is 3-placeable.
Prigg v. Pennsylvania: Slavery, the Supreme Court, and the Ambivalent Constitution

Though H. Robert Baker's Prigg v. Pennsylvania focuses on the historically significant Supreme Court case from 1842, this slim volume can also be read as a concise study of the legal battles that r...
Reliability Optimization With Mixed Continuous-Discrete Random Variables and Parameters

Engineering design problems frequently involve a mix of both continuous and discrete random variables and parameters. However, most methods in the literature deal with only the continuous or the discrete type, but not both. In particular, no method has yet addressed problems for which the random components (variables and/or parameters) are categorically discrete. This paper develops an efficient optimization method for problems involving mixed continuous-discrete random variables and parameters. The method reduces the number of function evaluations performed by systematically filtering the discrete combinations used for estimating reliability based on their importance. This importance is assessed using the spatial distance from the feasible boundary and the probability of the discrete components. The method is demonstrated in examples and is shown to be very efficient with only small errors.
Forward and inverse electroencephalographic modeling in health and in acute traumatic brain injury

Objective EEG source localization is demonstrated in three cases of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) with progressive lesion loads using anatomically faithful models of the head which account for pathology.
Myocardial Infarction and Risk Region Relationships: Evaluation by Direct and Noninvasive Methods

Optimal quantitation of myocardial infarction requires resolution of the three-dimensional geometry of the ischemic region at a time that progression of tissue necrosis has been completed and can be sharply delineated from noninfarcted myocardium but before significant remodeling of the ventricular chamber. Although this can be achieved at two to three days after coronary occlusion by histologic techniques, a variety of technologies including two-dimensional echo, CTT, SPECT, PET, and NMR have demonstrated potential for providing noninvasive quantitative measurements of the extent of myocardial infarction. Additional studies are needed to clarify the utility of these technologies for resolving the highly variable transmural distribution of infarction that is present in the clinical setting. Assessment of the region at risk for infarction, the ischemic zone, requires quantitative measurements of the degree of ischemia as well as the size of the ischemic region. Although the above technologies may provide quantitative measurements of the dimensions of the ischemic zone, the utility for resolving the highly variable transmural distribution of regional myocardial blood flow using clinically applicable methodologies has not been convincingly established at present. It is possible that cine CT, new generation PET, and NMR technologies may eventually provide noninvasive quantitative measurements of regional myocardial blood flow.
U.S. Farmer's attitudes towards microcomputer uses

Abstract U.S. farmer's attitudes towards microcomputer uses were assessed using an analysis of survey results. A survey of 2000 farmers and ranchers was conducted to determine the structure of their opinions and attitudes towards microcomputing. The primary purpose of the survey was to present the results of the survey and to derive the implications for the development of Extension microcomputer education activities.
Cd underpotential deposition (upd) from a sulfate electrolyte on Au(1 1 1): studies by in situ STM and UHV-EC

Abstract Cd underpotential deposition (upd) on Au(1 1 1), from a sulfate electrolyte, has been investigated using electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), ultra-high-vacuum emersion techniques and electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry (EQCM). A number of atomically resolved adlattices were imaged with EC-STM and structures are proposed. Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) patterns observed after Cd upd consistently indicated a (√3×√3)R30° unit cell, which is closely related to those observed with in situ STM. Comparisons of the EC-STM structures with the LEED results suggest that some change occurred upon emersion of the crystal from solution. EC-STM suggests that the Au(1 1 1)-(1×23) reconstruction was not lifted by Cd upd. Additionally, the morphology of the reconstruction dictated the structures formed by the adlayer on the surface. Specially, two structures were observed on the reconstructed surface, while others were observed in its absence. EQCM results suggest a large increase in mass upon Cd upd, which appears to result from co-adsorbed anions and possibly the formation of a CdSO 4 bilayer. There was evidence that Cd upd results in a surface alloy. Near −0.5 V, small alloy nanoclusters appeared, distributed randomly across the surface in the absences of the reconstruction, and at domain walls in the presences of the reconstruction.
Software-based dynamic thermal management for Linux systems

Temperature control is an important requirement for modern computer systems, especially for laptops and small form-factor desktops with limited choices for active cooling. Hardware approaches to thermal management include the use of clock gating and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling. However, the indiscriminate use of these techniques can hamper performance of all processes running on a system regardless of their individual contributions to the thermal output. A modification to the Linux kernel that applies these techniques only when non-interactive processes are running is investigated and shown to provide effective dynamic thermal management with no performance impact on interactive processes. Pentium-M processors with the Enhanced SpeedStep feature are attractive platforms for this type of software-based approach because of their support for multiple paired frequency/voltage points which allow for multiple levels of temperature control.
Alteration of the erythrocyte membrane via enzymatic degradation of ankyrin (band 2.1): subcellular surgery characterized by EPR spectroscopy

A fraction of band 3 protein, the major transmembrane protein of erythrocyte membranes is held to the cytoskeletal protein spectrin via noncovalent interactions with the protein ankyrin (band 2.1). In this study, trypsin was used under defined conditions to selectively proteolyze ankyrin and thereby destroy the band 3-ankyrin linkage on the cytoplasmic side of erythrocyte ghost membranes. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, in conjunction with selective spin labeling methods, was used to monitor conformational changes occurring in cytoskeletal proteins or cell-surface carbohydrates as a result of this treatment. Treatment of RBC ghosts with TPCK-trypsin for 5 s at 0°C caused an approx. 56% increase in the relevant EPR parameter of a maleimide spin label bound to spectrin (P < 0.004), indicative of increased segmental motion of the spin label and decreased protein-protein interactions. Analysis of the apparent rotational correlation time parameter τ of a spin label covalently and selectively bound to terminal sialic acid residues of glycophorin showed no significant effect from trypsin treatment. However, τ of spin label covalently and specifically bound to terminal galactose residues of cell-surface glycoconjugates of band 3 and other transmembrane glycoproteins significantly decreased with tryptic uncoupling of the ankyrin linkage (P < 0.005). These results suggest a marked conformational alteration in both cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins as a result of uncoupling from ankyrin. Spermine (N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)tetramethylenediamine), a naturally occuring polyamine known to strenghten cytoskeletal protein-protein interactions (Wysc and Butterfield (1988) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 941, 141–149), was used to partially reverse the trypsin-induced cytoskeletal alterations. Addition of 2 mM spermine to ghosts previously treated with trypsin increased cytoskeletal protein-protein interactions as indicated by EPR (P < 0.002). SDS-PAGE was used to confirm the integrity of spectrin, band 3, and band 4.1 in all experiments. The results are discussed with reference to transmembrane signaling mechanisms and membrane-associated pathologies.
Internal conversion measurements in 207Pb using a combination magnetic-Si(Li) spectrometer

Abstract The relative intensities of fifteen internal conversion lines associated with the 5 electromagnetic transitions in 207Pb, following the decay of 207Bi, have been measured. The following internal conversion coefficients have been determined: αK(897) = =(1.81 ± 0.25) × 10−2, αK(1063) = (9.43 ± 0.47) × 10 −2, αK(1442) = = (2.7 ± 0.4) × 10−3 and αK(1770) = (3.0 ± 0.5) × 10−3. The results are consistent with prior multipolarity assignments of Ml for the 897.3 keV transition and E2 for the 1442.0 keV transition and are also consistent with earlier assignments of Ml for the 1769.7 keV transition. The value of αK(1063) is several percent lower than earlier reported values. The power of this technique for investigating very weak lines is clearly demonstrated by the results obtained for the 897.3 and 1442.0 keV transitions.
The Women Founders of the Social Sciences

"This is a daring and exciting book that will be much more controversial than any usual history of ideas. McDonald shows that women like Florence Nightingale, Harriet Martineau and Beatrice Webb, while well-known historical figures, have been overlooked as founders of social science history. Nightingale was neither a romantic nor an hysteric, but an originator of applied statistics; Webb was the first social scientist to use participant observation; and Martineau wrote the first book on how to conduct sociological research. Feminists today, in their rejection of empiricism, are rejecting the very tools which were developed by women in the past to expose bias and prejudice". Marjorie Griffin Cohen Simon Frasier University Throw out those dated books on the white, male founders of the social sciences! Lynn McDonald documents the ideas and lives of the brilliant, early women in the social sciences, while also lucidly explaining why patriarchs and many feminists stubbornly fail to acknowledge our female founders. Mary Jo Deegan University of Nebraska
Evidence for collateral innervation of the cervical and lumbar enlargements of the spinal cord by single reticular and raphe neurons. Studies using fluorescent markers in double-labeling experiments on the North American opossum

Abstract The use of fluorescent markers in double-labeling experiments reveals the presence of reticular and raphe neurons in the opossum's brainstem which innervate both the cervical and lumbar enlargements of the spinal cord by way of axonal collaterals. Such neurons were mixed with those innervating either the cervical or lumbar enlargement alone and were found within the nuclei reticularis medullae oblongatae dorsalis and ventralis, the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis, the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars ventralis, the nucleus reticularis pontis and the nuclei obscurus and magnus raphae. In some nuclei over 50% of the neurons projecting to the cervical enlargement also innervate lumbar levels.
Self-Disclosure in Adult Friendship: Gender and Marital Status Differences:

This research examined whether self-disclosure in adult friendship differs according to gender and marital status. Sixty-seven women and fifty-three men were asked about intimate and non-intimate self-disclosure to closest same-sex friends. Disclosure to spouse among married respondents was also assessed. The intimate disclosure of married men to friends was lower than that of unmarried men, married women and unmarried women; the intimate disclosure of these last three groups was similar. Married people's non-intimate disclosure to friends was lower than that of unmarried people, regardless of gender. Married people's intimate disclosure to their spouses was high regardless of gender; in comparison, married men's intimate disclosure to their friends was low, while married women's disclosure to their friends was moderate or even as high as disclosure to their spouses. The results suggest that sex roles are not the only determinant of gender differences in disclosure to friends. Marital status appears to ha...
Real-time fluorescence polarization measurements: interaction of phospholipase A2 with a fluorescent lecithin derivative.

We have modified an SLM 4800 fluorometer to allow continuous measurement of fluorescence polarization. The modifications included construction of simple mechanical and electronic accessories which allowed polarizer position to be program-controlled by an HP 9815 calculator. With these modifications we were able to follow the interaction of the fluorescent lipid analog 1-acyl-2-(N-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole)-aminododecanoyl phosphatidylcholine (I) with Naja-naja venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) (E.C.3.1.1.4). Upon addition of aliquots of PLA2 containing up to 85 ng protein to a cuvette containing 1-2 microM I, the total measured polarization decreased linearly with time for at least 1000 s. Concomitant analyses of equivalent incubation mixtures and analyses of the contents of the cuvette after incubation and collection of fluorescence data revealed time-dependent formation of N-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-aminododecanoic acid (II). The decrease in total measured polarization was accelerated by Ca2+ and inhibited by EDTA. These data suggest that PLA2 activity in Naja-naja venom can be measured rapidly at low concentrations of both enzyme (0.01 microgram protein) and substrate (1 microM). Since this technique can be used to collect polarization data over time intervals as short as 4 s, it should be possible to measure the early changes in polarization during the interaction of fluorescent probes with proteins or membranes.
High-speed imaging spectrometry

We present results of a field demonstration of the computed tomography imaging spectrometer (CTIS). The CTIS was used to collect a sequence of image cubes of a missile in flight. This instrument is based on computed-tomography concepts and operates in the visible spectrum. Raw image data was recorded at video frame rate and an integration time of 2 msec. An iterative reconstruction of the spatial and spectral scene information from each raw image took 10 seconds. We present representative missile tracking-by- spectrum results.
Treating Cotton with Cellulases and Pectinases: Effects on Cuticle and Fiber Properties

Cellulases and pectinases are used to treat raw cotton fibers and unscoured cotton fabrics. The structural changes in the surfaces of cotton caused by the enzymatic treat ments and resulting properties are the main focus of this study. Both staining tests and microscopy observations confirm that the cuticle is removed by the pectinases and cellulases. All evidence of fiber weight loss and fabric water absorbency shows that significant changes in cotton fiber and fabric properties occur with mild treatment conditions. Physical changes in the cotton surfaces are clearly revealed by scanning electron micrographs. All fiber weight loss values stemming from the enzymatic treat ments are smaller than or near the cotton cuticle weight. Sufficient water absorbency for textile processing is obtained with mild enzymatic treatments, corresponding to a small but statistically significant fiber weight loss.
Earth monitoring: vigilance is not enough.

Global surveillance is key to tracking potential pandemic viruses such as H5N1. But we need to share samples more rapidly, increase testing in endemic areas and track more than one virus, argues Walter Boyce.
Nontraumatic Atlantoaxial Subluxation (Grisel Syndrome): A Rare Complication of Otolaryngological Procedures

Objective At the conclusion of the report, the readers should be able to recognize the rare complication of adenotonsillectomy of Grisel syndrome, discuss its pathogenesis, and provide early, effective treatment. Study Design Analysis of the clinical presentation, plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans of a child with Grisel syndrome after adenotonsillectomy. Methods Retrospective study of the case record and a review of the literature regarding the pathogenesis, treatment modalities, outcome, and prognosis after early and delayed treatment of Grisel syndrome. Results Pathophysiology of atlantoaxial subluxation revolves around the periodontoid vascular plexus that drains the posterosuperior pharyngeal region. Infectious and inflammatory emboli cause synovial engorgement, weakening paraspinal ligaments. Radiological studies play an important role in diagnosis. Treatment consists of cervical immobilization, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and antibiotics. Full resolution is expected with early conservative management. Failure to recognize the syndrome can lead to catastrophic results. Conclusions Recognition of Grisel syndrome in addition to other rare complications of adenotonsillectomy requires a high index of suspicion. Early intervention is the critical factor for a positive outcome. However, delayed diagnosis is common and can result in catastrophic consequences, including neurological deficits, cosmetic deformity and, in rare instances, paralysis and death in the short term.