cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pain—It's all in your head: A philosophical essay

Abstract There are three levels at which a therapist may help a patient to deal with pain. One is at the level of peripheral nerve endings, where pain is triggered by a wide variety of physical stresses which have in common the fact that living tissues begin to be damaged. The therapist needs to accept the patient's evaluation of what hurts while using objective signs to keep track of inflammation in the tissues and modifying the stresses of treatment so as to minimize pain. Higher in the nervous system, but still below consciousness there is a level defined by Melzack and Wall as the Gate, where there is a sort of triage of sensory information entering the brain. Moderate pain messages are crowded out when there is heavy traffic of other sensations. Patients who keep busy find that sensory and other distractions relieve pain. It is in the cortex, in the conscious mind, that pain is recognized as pain, and it is here that it is often made worse by fear, by anger, or by a sense of isolation. The pain may be diminished if the patient understands the cause and loses his fear. This is a great opportunity for the therapist. To be a successful pain reliever, one needs to be re-laxed, non-threatening, and open. Patients should feel free to express fears and to ask questions they were too shy to ask the doctor.
Some visual and neurochemical correlates of refractive development

Increasing evidence indicates that the retina takes part in the postnatal regulation of eye growth, functioning in this respect to minimize refractive error. The evidence derives both from clinical observations in man and from experiments in animals. The discovery that visual form deprivation leads to an axial overgrowth of the eye and to myopia has opened the way to many current research initiatives. Neurochemical and immunocytochemical experiments in chick and monkey suggest that definable retinal neurons participate in the regulatory pathway controlling eye growth. The most comprehensive data presently implicate dopaminergic amacrine cells. Other important issues to be addressed include the relevance of an intact connection to the central nervous system and the precise retinal mechanism by which eye growth is regulated.
Comment "if you ask me..."

The most successful companies of the next decade will be the ones who got a handle on the right approach to innovation. The author has identified the hotspots to watch.
A new look at glutamate and ischemia: NMDA agonist improves long-term functional outcome in a rat model of stroke.

Ischemic stroke triggers a massive, although transient, glutamate efflux and excessive activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), possibly leading to neuronal death. However, multiple clinical trials with NMDA antagonists failed to improve, or even worsened, stroke outcome. Recent findings of a persistent post-stroke decline in NMDAR density, which plays a pivotal role in plasticity and memory formation, suggest that NMDAR stimulation, rather than inhibition, may prove beneficial in the subacute period after stroke. Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of the NMDAR partial agonist D-cycloserine (DCS) on long-term structural, functional and behavioral outcomes in rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, an animal model of ischemic stroke. Materials & methods: Rats (n = 36) that were subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion were given a single injection of DCS (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline) 24 h after occlusion and followed up for 30 days. MRI (struct...
Taming Computation Skews of Block-Oriented Iterative Scientific Applications in MapReduce Systems

Nowadays, scientists are embracing big data techniques for exploring significant discoveries from large volumes of scientific data quickly. Properly partitioning workloads is essential for fully exploiting the benefit of parallelism, but is difficult for applications whose computations change iteratively. Computation skews are inevitable when executing block-oriented iterative scientific applications in MapReduce systems. This paper proposes iPart, an autonomic workload partitioning system for taming computation skews of block-oriented iterative scientific applications in MapReduce systems. iPart introduces a workload control loop into the conventional execution of MapReduce jobs. Workload estimates in terms of execution time are collected in the reduce phase and fed back to the partition phase to update partitioning plans. Computation skews are detected and addressed by adapting partitioning to computation changes iteratively. Two adaptive partitioning methods based on the binary partitioning method are presented. Experimental evaluations with two simulated applications and the synthetic and real-world data prove that iPart responds to computation changes and adapts partitioning quickly and accurately.
Proton magnetic resonance study of steric shifts of methyl group protons in ring brominated methylbenzenes

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance spectra were systematically studied for 24 methylbenzenes andcorresponding ring-brominated derivatives based on toluene, o -, m- -, and p -xylenes, mesitylene, and durene. Typical changes in the chemical shift of methyl group protons attributable to the presence of ortho , meta , and para methyl groups and bromine atoms were calculated. Chemical shifts to lower fields occurred in sterically crowded molecules. In ring perbrominated compounds PMR signals of methyl group protons occurred at lower fields 0·4 ppm relative to a predicted position. Methods are developed to estimate steric shifts.
First order formulation and geometrical interpretation of D = 11 supergravity☆

Abstract We present a first order formulation of d = 11 supergravity in terms of an elementary connection field ωμij, the vielbein eμi and gravitino ψμα. The lagrangian has a gauge invariance which mixes the base indices μ and tangent indices i, j of the spin connection ωμij. The antisymmetric tensor Aμvλ is shown to emerge as part of ωμij in the solution of its equation of motion, and to have the geometric meaning of torsion.
Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Image Differences and Clinical Features

In this study, we present a systematic method for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from magnetic resonance images (MRI) using image differences and clinical features. Early detection of MCI has pivotal importance to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Subjects were selected from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS)database and included 89 MCI subjects and 80 controls. T1 weighted MRI scans were analyzed to identify their voxel-by-voxel differences in gray matter (GM) intensity between MCI group and control group. Based on the differences, a threshold-based unseeded region growing algorithm was designed to determine multiple regions which atrophy is characteristic of MCI. A feature ranking method was then adopted to select a small number of regions that presented relatively more pronounced atrophy. Next, support vector machine (SVM) based classification was applied by using the clinical features of subjects and the features of selected regions. Our method was tested by leave-one-out cross-validation and it demonstrated high classification accuracy (90%).
Endovascular diagnosis of radiographically and intraoperatively occult insulinoma.

internal iliac artery after EVAR, the underlying AV fistula may have contributed to the persistent retrograde aneurysmal sac filling. IIAVFs have been reported in association with penetrating trauma and iatrogenic causes (4), but spontaneous cases are rare (1). Our patient had undergone a cardiac catheterization via contralateral groin access. This procedure was not thought to have caused the fistula because the puncture site would be the expected fistula location, whereas the accessed arteries were contralateral to the site of disease. Therefore, we postulate that the patient had a preexisting CIAA that developed a spontaneous IIAVF, likely from contained rupture. In summary, our experience provides an encouraging example for endovascular management of isolated CIAA and IIAVF. Although open surgery has traditionally been performed, the present case report demonstrates the possibility of performing endovascular repair for a complex case of isolated CIAA complicated by spontaneous AV fistula with the adjacent common iliac vein.
HPA axis disturbance in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract Twenty nondepressed outpatients with DSM-III obsessive-compulsive disorder entered a 10-week placebo-controlled study of clomipramine and underwent a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) at baseline; 11 had a repeat DST at the end of treatment. Nonsuppression was rare. When compared to 82 previously described outpatients with panic disorder studied in a similar fashion, OCD patients had postdexamethasone cortisol values that were substantially lower and more stable over time. Results within the OCD group closely resembled those from a group of never-ill controls.
Evaluation and lead optimization of anti-malarial acridones

Abstract With 2-methoxy-6-chloroacridone as a lead compound, we synthesized and tested acridone derivatives to develop a better understanding of the anti-malarial structure–activity relationships. Over 30 acridone derivatives were synthesized. The most potent compounds contained extended alkyl chains terminated by trifluoromethyl groups and located at the 3-position of the tricyclic system. Acridones optimized in the length of the side chain and the nature of the terminal fluorinated moiety exhibited in vitro anti-malarial IC 50 values in the low nanomolar and picomolar range and were without cytotoxic effects on the proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow progenitors or mitogen-activated murine lymphocytes at concentrations up to 100,000-fold higher. Based on a structural similarity to known anti-malarial agents it is proposed that the haloalkoxyacridones exert their anti-malarial effects through inhibition of the Plasmodium cytochrome bc 1 complex. Haloalkoxyacridones represent an extraordinarily potent novel class of chemical compounds with the potential for development as therapeutic agents to treat or prevent malaria in humans.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of the growth of polycrystalline Cu films

A kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) technique has been developed for simulating the growth of polycrystalline thin Cu films on Cu. This method consists of an impact angle-based multiple-collision method for the deposition of incident atoms from an atomic beam and surface diffusion of the surface atoms, combined with a restriction of growth within identically oriented grains to simulate the surface morphology and porosity of a polycrystalline-like material. The effect of incident angle (measured from the substrate normal) on the growth morphology and characteristics was the main focus of the study here. This simulation scheme allowed us to observe both columnar growth, at incident angles below about 60°, and dendritic porous growth, at angles above this value. A comparison was made between results from the atomic-scale KMC simulation and existing macroscopic theories to relate the morphological features of the grown film to the angle of the incident beam. We observed that the relationship between the angle of growth and the angle of incidence depends sensitively on the rules governing the sticking probability. Comparison of the roughness of the films predicted by KMC to experimental atomic force microscopy and X-ray reflectance data shows similar behavior. The predicted density of the porous films was also in good agreement with experimental results. It was demonstrated that faceting phenomena is a function not only of temperature but also the angle of incidence of the incoming beam. At grazing angles of incidence, faceting can be observed at a temperature much lower than the minimum temperature necessary in experiments conducted at normal incidence.
Britain's Persian Connection 1798-1828: Prelude to the Great Game in Asia

List of maps Notes on references Introduction: Forms of Illusion Part I. In War: Visions of Empires, 1798-1801 Double disappointment, 1802-1806 Ill-timed approaches, 1804-1808 Scares of invasions, 1807-1809 West against North-West, 1809-1810 Imperial outpost, 1810-1815 Part II. In Peace: Imperial retreat, 1813-1822 Shows of strength , 1818-1823 Transfers of power, 1822-1826 Backwards to forwards, 1826-1828 Conclusion: Symbols of status Bibliography Index.
Newton'sPrincipiaand Inverse-Square Orbits in a Resisting Medium: A Spiral of Twisted Logic☆

Abstract Proposition XV/Theorem XII in Book Two of Newton's Principia deals with the spiral path of a body attracted by an inverse-square force toward a fixed center and retarded by the medium in which it travels. This article examines the argument offered by Newton as proof of the proposition/theorem and finds it fallacious. Also presented here are accounts of how Newton's purported proof is dealt with in each of three late-20th-century publications—none of which reports detection of the fallacy. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. La Proposition XV (theoreme XI) du livre II des Principia de Newton traite de la trajectoire en forme de spirale d'un corps attire vers un centre immobile par une force d'intensite proportionnelle a l'inverse du carre de la distance, et ralenti par le milieu qu'il traverse. Cet article examine le raisonnement offert par Newton pour preuve de la proposition (du theoreme) et montre qu'il est incorrect. L'article presente aussi la facon dont la pretendue preuve de Newton a ete traitee dans trois publications de la fin du vingtieme siecle—aucune d'entres elles ne decouvre l'erreur du raisonnement. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. Proposition XV/Theorem XII der Principia Buch Zwei von Newton befast sich mit dem spiralformigen Weg eines Korpers der durch einer Kraft gemas dem inversen Quadratgesetz zu einen bestimmten Mittlepunkt, und durch das Medium verzogert wird, worin er sich bewegt. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht das von Newton vorgebrachte Argument fur den Beweis den Satzes/Theorems, und findet es durch einen Trugschlus beeintrachtigt. Auch wird hier dargelegt, wie der von Newton gegebene Beweis in jeden der drie Veroffentlichungen des spaten zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts behandelt wird—keiner von ihnen berichtet von der Entdeckung des Trugschluses. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. MSC 1991 subject classifications: 01A45, 70M20
Theoretical studies of the structure of Ti8C12+ cluster: Existence of C12 cage structure surrounded by metal atoms

The structure of Ti 8 C 12 + cluster (cationic Ti met-car) was obtained by examining a large number of possible structures, ranging from regular to distorted dodecahedron with varied interatom distances and optimizing geometry by applying the Zerner's intermediate neglect of differential overlap self-consistent field unrestricted Hartree-Fock (ZINDO SCF UHF) method. Each of the two isomers that we characterized has the same basic structure, that is, 12 carbon atoms form a closely packed hollow polygonal structure (a distorted icosahedron) surrounded by 8 titanium atoms. Recently reported photodissociation results on metcars can be well explained by these structures
Regular aerobic exercise protects against impaired fasting plasma glucose-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction with aging.

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that age-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction is exacerbated by IFG (impaired fasting plasma glucose) and that regular aerobic exercise prevents this effect. Data were analysed from a cohort of 131 non-smoking men and women without overt clinical disease. Compared with young adult controls (age=24±1 years, n=29; values are means±S.E.M.), brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation), a measure of conduit artery EDD (endothelium-dependent dilation), was 33% lower [7.93±0.33 against 5.27±0.37%Δ (% change), P 45 min/day for ≥5 days/week, 62±1 years, n=23) compared with their non-exercising peers and only slightly less than young controls (P<0.05). Most importantly, FMD was completely preserved in MA/O adults with IFG who regularly performed aerobic exercise (6.99±0.69%Δ, 65±1 years, n=16). In the pooled sample, fasting plasma glucose was inversely related to FMD (r=-0.42, P<0.01) and was the strongest independent predictor of FMD (R(2)=0.32). Group differences in FMD were not affected by other subject characteristics or brachial artery properties, including brachial artery dilation to sublingual NTG (nitroglycerine, i.e. endothelium-independent dilation). IFG exacerbates age-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction and this adverse effect is completely prevented in MA/O adults who regularly perform aerobic exercise.
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE USE OF FROZEN-THAWED WASHED RED BLOOD CELLS (FTW-RBC) TO PREVENT TRANSFUSION-ACQUIRED CMV INFECTION (TA-CMVI) IN THE NEONATE

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE USE OF FROZEN-THAWED WASHED RED BLOOD CELLS (FTW-RBC) TO PREVENT TRANSFUSION-ACQUIRED CMV INFECTION (TA-CMVI) IN THE NEONATE
An application of parametric statistical tests to well-yield data from carbonates of central Pennsylvania

Abstract Variation in productivity, yield in gallons per minute per foot of drawndown per foot of saturated thickness, of 80 water wells located in folded and faulted carbonate rocks and shales of Cambro-Ordovician age in central Pennsylvania, was related to six hydroecologic factors. Parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques were applied and results of One Factor Analysis of Variance and Student t-test are presented. Productivity values were transformed to common logarithms, and it was assumed that a log-normal model would reasonably describe the variation in productivity especially as the sample size was increased. These tests showed that the variations in number of fracture traces, rock type, dip of bedrock strata and topography were significant and variation in depth to water table was not significant in accounting for variation in well yield. Student t-test showed that anticlinal wells were significantly different from synclinal wells. However, wells in the same rock type but different structural settings were not significantly different. This shows that variations in rock type and number of fracture traces are more important than other structural variations. Both parametric and nonparametric tests gave identical results, which justifies the use of parametric tests which require normally distributed data.
Hobbes as Political Theologian

Although an orphaned subject among scholars of religion, the theology of Thomas Hobbes is now among the most contested issues in Hobbes studies and the study of early liberal political theory. This essay maps the state of the question and offers a theological appraisal of it. In so doing it attempts to critique a leading reading of Hobbes’s Leviathan by highlighting its attack on civil religion and endorsement of a biblical political theology. The relationship between Hobbes’s political and theological views in Leviathan also receives sustained attention.
Fine-grained energy profiling for power-aware application design

Significant opportunities for power optimization exist at application design stage and are not yet fully exploited by system and application designers. We describe the challenges developers face in optimizing software for energy efficiency by exploiting application-level knowledge. To address these challenges, we propose the development of automated tools that profile the energy usage of various resource components used by an application and guide the design choices accordingly. We use a preliminary version of a tool we have developed to demonstrate how automated energy profiling helps a developer choose between alternative designs in the energy-performance trade-off space.
Structural variability and compositional homology of the protamine-like components of the sperm from the bivalve molluscs

Abstract 1. 1. The nuclear protein composition of the sperm consists of a heterogeneous mixture of histones and protamine-like components. 2. 2. Independently of their somatic or sperm specific origin, the histones are always present in their full complement: H2A, H2B, H3, H4, including H1, and exhibit the same stoichiometry as that observed in the somatic-type chromatin. 3. 3. One step fractionation procedure is described for the isolation and purification of most of the protamine-like components. 4. 4. Although the number of the protamine-like components and their physical parameters are variable between and within the different orders and families studied, nevertheless, the chemical composition is very similar for most of them.
Synthesis, Structure, and Metal Complexation Behavior of a New Type of Functionalized Chiral Phenanthroline Derivative

SmI2 serves as an effective promoter for the coupling of 1,10-phenanthroline with an epoxide to generate a new class of chiral, functionalized ligands that readily form complexes with metals. Structural studies of the resulting phenanthroline derivative and two of its metal complexes are reported.
The crystal structure of di-μ-bromobis(μ-tetraphenyl-cyclobutadiene)tetracarbonyldimolybdenum(I)

Abstract The crystal structure of di-μ-bromobis(μ-tetraphenylcyclobutadiene)tetracarbonyldimolybdenum(I) has been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques using diffractometer data. The red crystals are triclinic with a = 11.306(4), b = 13.681(4), c = 17.561(10) A and α 105.58(1), β 91.14(2) and γ 108.50(5)°. The space group indicated by the intensity statistics is P 1 and, with two dimer molecules per cell, no molecular symmetry is required (Dm 1.59 g/cm3 and Dc 1.585 g/cm3). The structure was solved by the heavy atom method and refined by least-squares methods to a final R of 0.056 for 8089 observed reflections (2θ limit of 135° with copper radiation) used in the analyses. The average MoBr distance in the bromine bridged dimer is 2.637 A, with a MoMo distance of 2.954 A. The mean MoC (cyclobutadiene ring) is 2.253 A and the MoC (carbonyl) is 2.008 A. The average CC distance in the planar cyclobutadiene rings is 1.469 A.
The role of individual differences in sandbagging on selective avoidance of self-evaluative information☆

Abstract In the current experiment (N = 86), I evaluated the hypothesis that high and low sandbaggers differ in their preference for self-evaluative information. Results demonstrate that low sandbaggers sought accurate self-assessment information in private and in public, but high sandbaggers bypassed such information when it would be made public. These data support the notion that high sandbaggers are self-protective and tend to focus on social evaluation, while low sandbaggers seek accurate self-assessment regardless of the potential for social evaluation. Furthermore, data help to distinguish between sandbagging and self-handicapping. Discussion focuses on the motivation of sandbaggers, along with how this motivation differs from that of self-handicappers.
The National Gold Banks

I. The national banks on a greenback basis from 1863 to 1879, 602.—Attitude of different sections of the United States towards banking and currency in 1870, 603.—Pacific States continued on a gold basis, 604.—II. The Gold Bank Act of 1870 authorizing gold notes, 608.—Intended for foreign traders in East and to introduce national banking system into Pacific States, 609.—III. The gold banks in California, 612.—Promised success, 1872 to 1875, 613.—Panic of 1875 discredited the gold notes, 615.—Decline of the gold banks, 617.— IV. Further causes of the failure of the system, 619.—Analysis of the law and of banking under it, 620.
PARADIGMS AS IDEOLOGIES: LIBERAL VS. MARXIAN ECONOMICS*

nication. We need a simple framework to explain the Marxian totality. Communication further requires that we go beyond those (e.g., McCloskey, 1986) who see differences as primarily matters of rhetoric and "sneering." Rather, we should admit frankly that paradigms are strongly influenced by ideology, i.e., basic sociopolitical assumptions and biases. No human, despite pretensions of objectivity or scientific method, can escape the influence of her or his biography in society and the common political vocabulary, questions, and assumptions. We are, as Aristotle noted, political and social animals. Thus, neoclassical economics is seen as part of the broad liberal tradition. Though these propositions are in the Marxian tradition, this paper's method is not Marxian but idealist: neither the societal roots of liberalism, nor its internal contradictions, nor conflicts between theory and practice is
FPGA-RPI: A Novel FPGA Architecture With RRAM-Based Programmable Interconnects

In this paper we introduce a novel field programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture with resistive random access memory (RRAM)-based programmable interconnects (FPGA-RPI). Programmable interconnects are the dominant part of FPGA. We use RRAMs to build programmable interconnects, and optimize their structures by exploiting opportunities that emerge in RRAM-based circuits. FPGA-RPI can be fabricated by the existing CMOS-compatible RRAM process. Using an advanced placement and routing tool named VPR-RPI which was developed to deal with the novel architecture, a customized CAD flow is provided for FPGA-RPI. Results show that the programmable interconnects of FPGA-RR have a 96% smaller footprint, 55% higher performance, and 79% lower power consumptions compared to other FPGA counterparts.
Cholinergic neuronotrophic factors. Concurrent activities on certain nerve growth factor-responsive neurons.

: We had previously reported that in vitro survival of chick embryo ciliary ganglionic neurons can be assured by the addition to the culture medium of appropriate amounts of soluble macromolecular agents termed ciliary neuronotrophic factors. Particularly rich sources of one such factor are aqueous extracts from chick embryo intraocular tissues that include the smooth and striated musculature innervated by ciliary ganglionic neurons. We report here that this eye extract also contains agents that we term ganglionic neuronotrophic factors that support the survival of 11-day chick embryo sympathetic and neonatal mouse dorsal root ganglionic neurons, two traditional targets of nerve growth factor (NGF). Using a recently developed microassay procedure we found that these ganglionic activities are not inactivated by rabbit, rat, or guinea pig antisera raised against the 2.5S (beta) subunit of male mouse submaxillary NGF, rabbit antisera against 7S NGF, or quail antisera against cobra venom NGF. Both the ciliary and ganglionic activities can be quantitated simultaneously by using 24-h in vitro microassays, thus permitting a direct comparison of their respective properties. Both activities were found to (a) adsorb to DE52 cellulose and coelute at a similar salt concentration, (b) focus and be recovered from isoelectric polyacrylamide gels at exactly the same pH region, (c) be heat-and partially acid-labile, but base-stable, and (d) be inactivated by exposure to trypsin. These results suggest that the ciliary and ganglionic neuronotrophic activities are associated with the same protein.
The Efficiency of Logistic Regression Compared to Normal Discriminant Analysis

Abstract A random vector x arises from one of two multivariate normal distributions differing in mean but not covariance. A training set x 1, x 2, ··· x n of previous cases, along with their correct assignments, is known. These can be used to estimate Fisher's discriminant by maximum likelihood and then to assign x on the basis of the estimated discriminant, a method known as the normal discrimination procedure. Logistic regression does the same thing but with the estimation of Fisher's disriminant done conditionally on the observed values of x 1 x 2, ···, x n . This article computes the asymptotic relative efficiency of the two procedures. Typically, logistic regression is shown to be between one half and two thirds as effective as normal discrimination for statistically interesting values of the parameters.
Germanium: From its discovery to SiGe devices

Germanium, element #32, was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler. Its first broad application was in the form of point contact Schottky diodes for radar reception during WWII. The addition of a closely spaced second contact led to the first all-solid-state electronic amplifier device, the transistor. The relatively low bandgap, the lack of a stable oxide and large surface state densities relegated germanium to the number 2 position behind silicon. The discovery of the lithium drift process, which made possible the formation of p-i-n diodes with fully depletable i-regions several centimeters thick, led germanium to new prominence as the premier gamma-ray detector. The development of ultra-pure germanium yielded highly stable detectors which have remained unsurpassed in their performance. New acceptors and donors were discovered and the electrically active role of hydrogen was clearly established several years before similar findings in silicon. Lightly doped germanium has found applications as far infrared detectors and heavily neutron transmutation doped (NTD) germanium is used in thermistor devices operating at a few milliKelvin. Recently germanium has been rediscovered by the silicon device community because of its superior electron and hole mobility and its ability to induce strains when alloyed with silicon. Germanium is again a mainstream electronic material.
Educational Issues in Clinical Pharmacology: Who Are Our Audiences and What Are Their Specialized Needs? One Specialized Need: “Understanding the Role of Veterinary Medicine in Public Health”

When considering educational issues and the need to update the curriculum for clinical pharmacologists for the new millennium, a number of questions must be raised. Who are our audiences? What are the specialized needs? This educational article identifies the audience, which includes those with diverse degrees such as MDs, PhDs, PharmDs, RNs, DVMs, and other non-MD prescribers working in academia, industry, clinical research organizations, and government in multifaceted disciplines requiring a knowledge base of physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, pathology, medicine, and the drug development process of preclinical and clinical studies complete with protocols, pharmacokinetics, and statistics. One specialized current educational issue for clinical pharmacologists to understand is the impact of animal therapeutic and subtherapeutic use of antimicrobials on antibiotic use in human medicine.
The Day We Went to Auschwitz

This article reports some impressions and reflections deriving from a visit in June of 1990 to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau in southwestern Poland. Its themes are incongruity, horror, and moments when one encounters hitherto unexplored and startling terrain.
Raman microscopic characterization of proton-irradiated polycrystalline diamond films

The microstructural effects of irradiating polycrystalline diamond films with proton dosages ranging from 10(exp 15) to 10(exp 17) H(+) per square centimeter was examined. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman microscopy were used to examine the changes in the diamond crystalline lattice as a function of depth. Results indicate that the diamond lattice is retained, even at maximum irradiation levels.
Quantifying the Size of a Lidar Footprint: A Set of Generalized Equations

Light detection and ranging (lidar) technologies provide a practical solution to 3D terrain mapping through laser ranging and scanning technologies. A lidar footprint, which is the critical parameter describing the size of a laser sampling area, varies with the scanning geometry and the local topography encountered. Integrating the effects of the scanning geometry and terrain orientations, this letter analyzes the intersection geometry of a laser beam and the terrain and develops a set of rigorous generalized footprint equations on inclined terrain for both across-track and Palmer scanning systems.
Extraction and separation of Cd and Te from cadmium telluride photovoltaic manufacturing scrap

The extraction and separation of cadmium, tellurium, andcopperfrom CdTe PVmodule scrap was investigated. Several leaching technologies were assessed and the extraction of CdTe from samples ofPV modules was optimized for maximum efficiency and minimum cost. A dilute aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid was sufficient to completely leach out cadmium and tellurium from these samples. The same method successfully removed cadmium and tellurium from actual manufacturing scrap; copper was partially extracted. Subsequently, cation-exchange resins were used to separate cadmium and copper from tellurium. Complete separation (i.e., 99·99%) of Cdfrom Te was accomplished The estimated costs of these processes for 10 MW/yearprocessingare about 2 cents per W.
Multiple biomarker panels for early detection of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer mortality in women. It is diagnosed in more than 20,000 women in the USA each year and approximately 15,000 women die of the disease annually. The majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, as this deadly disease causes minimal and nonspecific symptoms until late in the course of the disease. No standardized screening test exists to reliably detect ovarian cancer. Cancer antigen (CA)-125 is a protein antigen found at abnormally high levels in the blood of many women with ovarian cancer. Most healthy women have CA-125 levels of below 35 units/microl of blood serum. However, a number of noncancerous conditions can cause elevated CA 125 levels, and many women with early-stage ovarian cancer have normal CA-125 levels. Owing to these limitations, this test is not recommended for routine screening in women who are not at high risk or who do not have specific symptoms of the disease. Currently, many researchers are focusing on simultaneous examination of multiple markers to increase sensitivity of the screening test for early detection of ovarian cancer. Analysis of the current literature shows that combining several biomarkers dramatically improves sensitivity of CA-125 in ovarian cancer patients. This article provides a comprehensive overview of existing studies in the area of multimarker panel development for the early detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer. Our literature review demonstrates that a multimarker approach for the generation of a prototype assay for early detection of ovarian cancer has a great potential to lead to the development of a screening test for this disease.
Using Conceptual Models of Nursing to Guide Nursing Research: The Case of the Neuman Systems Model

Conceptual models of nursing inform thinking and give meaning and direction to nursing research. The Neuman systems model is used to exemplify the following five steps, which provide specific direction for conceptual model-based research: (a) Develop a comprehensive understanding of the substantive content and research rules of the conceptual model, (b) review existing research guided by the conceptual model, (c) construct a conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure, (d) clearly communicate the conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure, and (e) conclude the report with an evaluation of the empirical adequacy of the middle-range theory and the credibility of the conceptual model.
Estrogen-Like Disruptive Effects of Dietary Exposure to Bisphenol A or 17α-Ethinyl Estradiol in CD1 Mice:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical that is ubiquitous in wild and built environments. Due to variability in study design, the disruptive effects of BPA have proven difficult to experimentally replicate. This study was designed to assess the disruptive actions of dietary BPA exposure, while carefully controlling for known confounders. Parental CD1 mice were acclimated to defined diet containing BPA (0.03, 0.3, 3, 30, or 300 ppm) or 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE; 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.01 ppm) and bred to produce progeny (F1) that were maintained through adulthood on the same diet as the parents. In F1 females, uterine weights were increased in all EE and the 30-ppm BPA-exposure groups, demonstrating model sensitivity and estrogen-like actions of BPA. In BPA-exposed females, no treatment-related differences were observed in parental reproductive function, or in the timing of puberty and metabolic function in female offspring. In F1 males, modest changes in body weight, adiposity and glucose to...
Fitting heterogeneous choice models with oglm

When a binary or ordinal regression model incorrectly assumes that er- ror variances are the same for all cases, the standard errors are wrong and (unlike ordinary least squares regression) the parameter estimates are biased. Hetero- geneous choice models (also known as location-scale models or heteroskedastic ordered models) explicitly specify the determinants of heteroskedasticity in an at- tempt to correct for it. Such models are also useful when the variance itself is of substantive interest. This article illustrates how the author's Stata program oglm (ordinal generalized linear models) can be used to fit heterogeneous choice and related models. It shows that two other models that have appeared in the liter- ature (Allison's model for group comparisons and Hauser and Andrew's logistic response model with proportionality constraints) are special cases of a heteroge- neous choice model and alternative parameterizations of it. The article further argues that heterogeneous choice models may sometimes be an attractive alterna- tive to other ordinal regression models, such as the generalized ordered logit model fit by gologit2. Finally, the article offers guidelines on how to interpret, test, and modify heterogeneous choice models.
Status and conservation of the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Belize

The status of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in the coastal zone of Belize was investigated from July 1996 to October 1997. Two hundred and sixty-two crocodiles were observed during spotlight surveys of 952.2 km of the survey route (0.28 crocodiles/km). Encounter rates were highest in the TurneAe Atoll, and low to moderate elsewhere. Most nesting occurs on elevated beach ridges in the TurneAe Atoll. Freshwater and brackish lagoons adjacent to nesting sites provide essential nursery habitat. Despite legal protection, populations are threatened by opportunistic killing, accidental drowning in fishing nets, and habitat destruction, especially the development of critical nesting habitat. Protection of nesting and nursery habitat is of paramount importance for the continued survival of the American crocodile in Belize. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Why the Nonexistence of Biological Races Does Not Mean the Nonexistence of Racism

Color-blind racism is an ideology that allows persons of the dominant socially defined race (European Americans) to claim that racism is no longer the central factor determining the life chances of...
Complete Genome Sequence of the Alfalfa latent virus

ABSTRACT The first complete genome sequence of the Alfalfa latent carlavirus (ALV) was obtained by primer walking and Illumina RNA sequencing. The virus differs substantially from the Czech ALV isolate and the Pea streak virus isolate from Wisconsin. The absence of a clear nucleic acid-binding protein indicates ALV divergence from other carlaviruses.
Towards Greatly Improved Efficiency of Polymer LED

Polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) show great promise of revolutionizing display technologies. The archetypical multilayer PLED heterostructure introduces numerous chemical and physical challenges to the develoment of efficient and robust devices. These layered structure are formed from solution based spin-casting or printing with subsequesnt removal of the solvent. However, solvent from the freshly deposited film may dissolve or partially dissolve the underlying layer resulting in loss of the desired structure and corresponding device functionality. Undesirable changes in the morphology and interfaces of the polymer films are another detrimental effect associated with solvent removal. Herein, we demonstrated that by embedding hole transporting materials (HTLs) in a cross-linked polymer matrix, the total luminance and external quantum efficiency were greatly improved over devices without this HTL layer.
Intensity-modulated radiation treatment for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma - The University of Iowa experience

Purpose: To review the University of Iowa experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the treatment of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods and Materials: From October 1999 to April 2004, 151 patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated with IMRT for curative intent. One patient was lost to follow-up 2 months after treatment and therefore excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 150 patients, 99 were treated with definitive IMRT, and 51 received postoperative IMRT. Sites included were nasopharynx, 5; oropharynx, 56; larynx, 33; oral cavity, 29; hypopharynx, 8; nasal cavity/paranasal sinus, 8; and unknown primary, 11. None of the patients treated with postoperative IMRT received chemotherapy. Of 99 patients who had definitive IMRT, 68 patients received concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. One patient received induction cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but no concurrent chemotherapy was given. Three clinical target volumes (CTV1, CTV2, and CTV3) were defined. The prescribed doses to CTV1, CTV2, and CTV3 in the definitive cohort were 70–74 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy, respectively. For high-risk postoperative IMRT, the prescribed doses to CTV1, CTV2, and CTV3 were 64–66 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy, respectively. For intermediate-risk postoperative IMRT, the prescribed doses to CTV1, CTV2, and CTV3 were 60 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy. Results: The median follow-up was 18 months (range, 2–60 months). All living patients were followed for at least 6 months. There were 11 local–regional failures: 7 local failures, 3 regional failures, and 1 failure both in the primary tumor and regional lymph node. There were 16 patients who failed distantly, either with distant metastasis or new lung primaries. The 2-year overall survival, local progression-free survival, locoregional progression-free survival, and distant disease-free survival rates were 85%, 94%, 92%, and 87%, respectively. The median time from treatment completion to local–regional recurrence was 4.7 months (range, 1.8 to 15.6 months). Only one marginal failure was noted in a patient who had extensive tonsil cancer with tumor extension into the orbit and cavernous sinus. Patients with oropharyngeal cancer did significantly better than patients with oral cavity and laryngeal cancer, with a 2-year local–regional control rate of 98%, compared with 78% for oral cavity cancer and 85% for laryngeal cancer ( p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in local–regional control for patients who received postoperative radiation or definitive radiation ( p = 0.339) and for patients who had chemotherapy or not ( p = 0.402). Neither T stage nor N stage had a significant effect on local–regional control ( p = 0.722 and 0.712, respectively). Conclusions: Our results have confirmed the effectiveness of IMRT in head-and-neck cancer. It offers excellent outcomes in local–regional control and overall survival. More studies are necessary to further improve the outcomes of laryngeal cancer as well as oral cavity cancer.
Beyond Products: Building Integrated Customer Experiences on Mobile Phones

With today's mobile money platforms, the value proposition for keeping money digital and driving up usage of digital payments is still thin. Mobile money is built on speed (real-time clearing) and liquidity (thousands of merchants where you can cash in and out). It’s ready-cash (an immediately accessible mobile wallet), cash-to-go (P2P money transfers, billpay). But mobile money is a flexible tool that can be expanded from PayNow to PayPlan – helping people ear-mark funds for and build up to the things they want to secure for tomorrow. PayPlan allows people to set and contribute to spending goals. They can send money over time to others (delayed P2P transfers), or simply to themselves (Me2Me). With Me2Me, farmers can use this year’s crop bounty to reserve money for inputs for the next season, and pay themselves a salary until the next crop comes in. Day laborers can build up to the amount they need for school fees, or to build a cushion for other things that will improve the quality of their lives. Traders can plan new supply purchases and loan repayments.
Status of infant at birth as related to basal metabolism of mother in pregnancy

Summary The infants of a “normal” group of mothers were divided into two groups according to the basal metabolic rates of the mothers during the ninth month of pregnancy. A similar division was made on the basis of the mothers’ B.M.R. gain during pregnancy. In each instance the infants of the high B.M.R. group were compared with the low B.M.R. group in terms of birth weight and length, weight/length cubed index, and number of ossification centers present in the extremities of the left side (at one month), together with the gains in these categories during the first six months of life. Infants of mothers in the high ninth month B.M.R. group were larger and skeletally slightly more mature than infants in the low B.M.R. group. So were infants of mothers with high B.M.R. gains during pregnancy. Infants in both high groups weighed slightly more in relation to their lengths, than did the infants of the low groups. There was some tendency for the infants of the low groups to gain slightly more rapidly in weight, height and ossification during the first six months of life.
Health disparities of Latino immigrant workers in the United States

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature pertaining to occupational health disparities experienced by Latino immigrant workers in the USA and to advance a general framework based on systems science to inform epidemiological and intervention research. Design/methodology/approach – Using papers and other sources from 2000 to the present, the authors examined the employment conditions and health outcomes of Latino immigrant workers and critically analyzed the pervasive evidence of health disparities, including causal mechanisms and associated intervention programs. Findings – The occupations, including the work environment and resultant living conditions, frequently performed by Latino immigrants in the USA represent a distinct trigger of increased injury risk and poor health outcomes. Extant intervention programs have had modest results at best and are in need of more comprehensive approaches to address the complex nature of health disparities. Practical implications –...
Addressing gender inequities: the role of an NGO school in Uttar Pradesh, India

Purpose – There has been an increase in the number of non-government organization (NGO) schools in India’s disadvantaged communities. Since these schools often serve the most marginalized populations, it is important to understand their role in addressing educational inequities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of an NGO school in Uttar Pradesh, India in improving girls’ education. Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology was utilized to identify barriers to girls’ education and ways in which the NGO school is working to minimize educational inequities. Findings – The barriers to girls’ education in this study are traditional values, lack of economic opportunities, and safety concerns. The school works to minimize these inequities by providing a rigorous curriculum, teaching the students how to be good citizens, improving school facilities, and providing free school supplies. Implications – it is through better understanding the role of the NGO sector that a more complete und...