cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying Multiple Data Collection Tools to Quantify Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Communication on Twitter

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are several vaccines that protect against strains of HPV most associated with cervical and other cancers. Thus, HPV vaccination has become an important component of adolescent preventive health care. As media evolves, more information about HPV vaccination is shifting to social media platforms such as Twitter. Health information consumed on social media may be especially influential for segments of society such as younger populations, as well as ethnic and racial minorities. Objective: The objectives of our study were to quantify HPV vaccine communication on Twitter, and to develop a novel methodology to improve the collection and analysis of Twitter data. Methods: We collected Twitter data using 10 keywords related to HPV vaccination from August 1, 2014 to July 31, 2015. Prospective data collection used the Twitter Search API and retrospective data collection used Twitter Firehose. Using a codebook to characterize tweet sentiment and content, we coded a subsample of tweets by hand to develop classification models to code the entire sample using machine learning procedures. We also documented the words in the 140-character tweet text most associated with each keyword. We used chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and nonparametric equality of medians to test for significant differences in tweet characteristic by sentiment. Results: A total of 193,379 English-language tweets were collected, classified, and analyzed. Associated words varied with each keyword, with more positive and preventive words associated with “HPV vaccine” and more negative words associated with name-brand vaccines. Positive sentiment was the largest type of sentiment in the sample, with 75,393 positive tweets (38.99% of the sample), followed by negative sentiment with 48,940 tweets (25.31% of the sample). Positive and neutral tweets constituted the largest percentage of tweets mentioning prevention or protection (20,425/75,393, 27.09% and 6477/25,110, 25.79%, respectively), compared with only 11.5% of negative tweets (5647/48,940; P<.001). Nearly one-half (22,726/48,940, 46.44%) of negative tweets mentioned side effects, compared with only 17.14% (12,921/75,393) of positive tweets and 15.08% of neutral tweets (3787/25,110; P<.001). Conclusions: Examining social media to detect health trends, as well as to communicate important health information, is a growing area of research in public health. Understanding the content and implications of conversations that form around HPV vaccination on social media can aid health organizations and health-focused Twitter users in creating a meaningful exchange of ideas and in having a significant impact on vaccine uptake. This area of research is inherently interdisciplinary, and this study supports this movement by applying public health, health communication, and data science approaches to extend methodologies across fields. [J Med Internet Res 2016;18(12):e318]
Reactivity of Cyclopentadienyl Molybdenum Compounds towards Formic Acid: Structural Characterization of CpMo(PMe3)(CO)2H, CpMo(PMe3)2(CO)H, [CpMo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2, and [Cp*Mo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2

The molecular structures of CpMo(PMe3)(CO)2H and CpMo(PMe3)2(CO)H have been determined by X-ray diffraction, thereby revealing four-legged piano-stool structures in which the hydride ligand is trans to CO. However, in view of the different nature of the four basal ligands, the geometries of CpMo(PMe3)(CO)2H and CpMo(PMe3)2(CO)H deviate from that of an idealized four-legged piano stool, such that the two ligands that are orthogonal to the trans H–Mo–CO moiety are displaced towards the hydride ligand. While CpRMo(PMe3)3–x(CO)xH (CpR = Cp, Cp*; x = 1, 2, 3) are catalysts for the release of H2 from formic acid, the carbonyl derivatives, CpRMo(CO)3H, are also observed to form dinuclear formate compounds, namely, [CpRMo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2. The nature of the Mo···Mo interactions in [CpMo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2 and [Cp*Mo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2 have been addressed computationally. In this regard, the two highest occupied molecular orbitals of [CpMo(μ-O)(μ-O2CH)]2 correspond to metal-based δ* (HOMO) and σ (HOMO–1) orbitals. The σ2δ*2...
Fractionation of the Gulf toadfish intestinal precipitate organic matrix reveals potential functions of individual proteins.

Abstract The regulatory mechanisms behind the production of CaCO 3 in the marine teleost intestine are poorly studied despite being essential for osmoregulation and responsible for a conservatively estimated 3–15% of annual oceanic CaCO 3 production. It has recently been reported that the intestinally derived precipitates produced by fish as a byproduct of their osmoregulatory strategy form in conjunction with a proteinaceous matrix containing nearly 150 unique proteins. The individual functions of these proteins have not been the subject of investigation until now. Here, organic matrix was extracted from precipitates produced by Gulf toadfish ( Opsanus beta ) and the matrix proteins were fractionated by their charge using strong anion exchange chromatography. The precipitation regulatory abilities of the individual fractions were then analyzed using a recently developed in vitro calcification assay, and the protein constituents of each fraction were determined by mass spectrometry. The different fractions were found to have differing effects on both the rate of carbonate mineral production, as well as the morphology of the crystals that form. Using data collected from the calcification assay as well as the mass spectrometry experiments, individual calcification promotional indices were calculated for each protein, giving the first insight into the functions each of these matrix proteins may play in regulating precipitation.
Biography and Borderlands: Chao Sone Bouttarobol, a Champassak Royal, and Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Although biographical and life history approaches are potentially important tools for historical geographers, biographical methodologies have rarely been used to specifically investigate borderland dynamics. In this article, I argue that biography can be useful for understanding the ways in which borders have been recognised and negotiated historically. As a case study, I examine the life of Chao Sone Bouttarobol, a member of the Champassak Royal House, who was born in 1895 and died in 1979. As his life story illustrates, the emergence of new national borders had a significant impact on Sone, although family ties and relationships allowed him to cross the national administrative borders that now exist between Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, often with relative ease. Studying one individual makes it possible to explore the ways in which he interacted and negotiated with borders that cut across the Champassak Royal House's traditional space of influence.
Weight suppression and bulimic syndrome maintenance: Preliminary findings for the mediating role of leptin

Objective Longitudinal studies support a prospective relationship between weight suppression (WS) and bulimic syndrome (BN-S) maintenance. Although biobehavioral mechanisms have been proposed to explain this link, such mechanisms have yet to be identified. Given that weight loss would reduce leptin levels which may influence eating, this study examined whether reduced leptin levels mediate the link between greater WS and longer illness duration. Method Women (N = 53), ages 18–45 years, were recruited from the community if they met criteria for a BN-S, including either DSM-5 bulimia nervosa (BN; n = 33) or purging disorder (PD: n = 20), and fell within a healthy weight range (18.5–26.5 kg/m2). Participants completed clinical assessments and provided blood samples to measure circulating leptin. Results Significant associations were found among greater WS, lower leptin concentrations, and longer duration of illness. Mediation analyses using bootstrapping procedures indicated all paths were significant and that leptin mediated the link between WS and illness duration. An alternative model in which longer illness duration contributed to leptin, via greater WS, was not supported. Discussion Longitudinal research is needed to support temporal associations and explore behavioral mechanisms linking leptin to illness trajectory.
Examining the role of healthcare professionals in the use of solitary confinement.

Cyrus Ahalt and colleagues explore the conflicting responsibilities of healthcare professionals involved in solitary confinement, a correctional practice that persists in prisons around the world despite a growing body of evidence describing its harmful effects
Effects of isoflurane anesthesia on physiological parameters in murine subcutaneous tumor allografts measured via diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) has been used in murine studies to quantify tumor perfusion and therapeutic response. These studies frequently use inhaled isoflurane anesthesia, which depresses the respiration rate and results in the desaturation of arterial oxygen saturation, potentially affecting tissue physiological parameters. However, there have been no controlled studies quantifying the effect of isoflurane anesthesia on DRS-derived physiological parameters of murine tissue. The goal of this study was to perform DRS on Balb/c mouse (n = 10) tissue under various anesthesia conditions to quantify effects on tissue physiological parameters, including total hemoglobin concentration, tissue oxygen saturation, oxyhemoglobin and reduced scattering coefficient. Two independent variables were manipulated including metabolic gas type (pure oxygen vs. medical air) and isoflurane concentration (1.5 to 4.0%). The 1.5% isoflurane and 1 L/min oxygen condition most closely mimicked a no-anesthesia condition with oxyhemoglobin concentration within 89% ± 19% of control. The time-dependent effects of isoflurane anesthesia were tested, revealing that anesthetic induction with 4.0% isoflurane can affect DRS-derived physiological parameters up to 20 minutes post-induction. Finally, spectroscopy with and without isoflurane anesthesia was compared for colon tumor Balb/c-CT26 allografts (n = 5) as a representative model of subcutaneous murine tumor allografts. Overall, isoflurane anesthesia yielded experimentally-induced depressed oxyhemoglobin, and this depression was both concentration and time dependent. Investigators should understand the dynamic effects of isoflurane on tissue physiological parameters measured by DRS. These results may guide investigators in eliminating, limiting, or managing anesthesia-induced physiological changes in DRS studies in mouse models.
Strategy to Improve Disease Resistance by Transferring “Non-Host” Disease Resistance Genes From Peas to Potatoes

Pea cultivars possessing the proper Mendelian trait for disease resistance, when challenged by a race of Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi possessing a matching avirulence factor, express resistance. The biochemistry of this incompatibility reaction is characterized as the over-expression of a group of pea genes. Many of these same “disease resistance response genes” (DRRG) are also over-expressed as peas resist Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, a “bean” pathogen which does not infect peas (nonhost resistance). We are attempting to transfer pea DRRGs to potatoes to broaden the response against the potato pathogens normally resisted by peas but not by potatoes. Successful manipulation of this resistance requires understanding the regulatory components of the pea genes. In peas the disease resistance response gene 49 (DRRG-49) controls the synthesis of a major ∼17 KD protein function. The promoter elements of a DRRG-49 genomic clone contain topoisomerase II consensus site clusters, AP-1 sites and various other features likely to influence directly or indirectly the DNA conformation and thus the transcription of the structural gene. The location of the topoisomerase II sites suggests that the structural gene 49 is on a chromosomal loop between regions of scaffold attachment, where transcription efficiency is subject to alterations in loop conformation. The promoter of DRRG-49 may be influenced by both elicitor compounds and topoisomerase II inhibition. Preliminary observations indicate that this promoter is functional when transferred to tobacco and is subject to induction by F. solani challenge.
Physiological Effects of Feeding High Levels of Magnesium to Sheep

The effects of feeding high levels of Mg to sheep on animal health, nutrient digestibility, metabolism of macro-minerals, blood and tissue mineral concentrations and hematological and histological tissue changes were evaluated. Six lambs were allotted to each of four diets supplemented with MgO to attain .2, .6, 1.2 or 2.4% Mg. Total fecal and urinary collections were made for the initial 20 d and last 10 d of a 50 d study. Diarrhea was noted in lambs fed the two highest Mg levels. Apparent digestibility of DM, ADF and CP decreased linearly (P less than .01) with increasing Mg levels. Dietary Mg levels did not affect (P greater than .05) rectal temperature, respiration rate or pulse rate. Apparent absorption and retention of Mg (g/d) were lowest in lambs fed 2.4% Mg until 15 d on trial, after which values increased linearly (P less than .01) with dietary Mg. Phosphorus absorption and retention decreased linearly (P less than .01) with increasing Mg levels. Increasing dietary Mg resulted in a linear increase (P less than .01) in serum Mg and variable increases (P less than .05) in erythrocyte Mg. Serum Ca was decreased linearly (P less than .05) and quadratically (P less than .05) by added Mg during the d 1 to 30 and 40 to 50 periods, respectively. Serum inorganic P was elevated consistently in lambs fed 2.4% Mg. A linear response to increasing dietary Mg (P less than .05) occurred in the Mg content of liver, kidney, rib bone and femur bone. Dietary Mg did not alter (P greater than .05) other criteria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of Maternal and Embryonic Genotype on Prenatal Survival in Two Selected Mouse Lines

The effect of fetal and maternal genotype on embryo survival was studied in two lines of mice from the same base population: line E, selected for high embryo survival, and line CN-, selected for small litter size. Embryos were collected at 3.5 days postcoitus from normally mated donors of both lines and were transferred to the uteri of 2.5-day pseudopregnant recipients from each line. The number of embryos recovered and the proportion of those recovered that had been fertilized were greater in line E donors than in line CN- donors (P < .05). Development into blastocysts was slower for CN- embryos. The proportion of recipient females that were pregnant was higher for line E than for line CN- after transfer of line E embryos (P < .005). The same trend was observed following transfer of line CN- embryos (P < .10). Embryos of both lines showed greater survival when transferred to line E recipients than when transferred to line CN- recipients (P < .005), and, within line E recipients, E embryos tended to survive better than did CN- embryos (P < .10). The results suggest that although the genotype of the embryo may play a role, the maternal genotype has greater influence on embryo survival in the two lines of mice.
Value of sialendoscopy-assisted transoral sublingual gland resection for a plunging ranula: case report and review.

OBJECTIVE To highlight the value of sialendoscopy during transoral resection of the sublingual gland for a plunging ranula to prevent iatrogenic injury to the submandibular duct. METHOD AND RESULTS The clinical course of a 20-year-old male with a plunging ranula was analysed. The patient underwent transoral resection of the affected sublingual gland and pseudocyst. Sialendoscopy was used to confirm patency of the submandibular duct with placement of a Marchal dilator to aid in preservation of the duct during sublingual gland dissection. The sublingual gland was successfully removed, with no injury to the submandibular duct or lingual nerve. During follow up, the patient had slight numbness to the tip of the tongue, which resolved after 2-3 days. Post-operative examination showed the submandibular duct to be intact and there was no swelling of the submandibular area. CONCLUSION Sialendoscopy-assisted transoral sublingual gland resection for a plunging ranula is a safe and effective technique. Sialendoscopy aids in skeletonisation and preservation of the submandibular duct.
The Immune System as a Sensor and Regulator of Stress: Implications in Human Development and Disease

Chronic stress can cause physiological changes that lead to long-lasting adaptations. Because one of its primary roles is to serve as a sensor for physiological stress, the immune system may be particularly useful in studying stress-induced changes throughout all stages of human development. Direct immune system manipulation or interventions secondary to stress-monitoring may enable us to intervene and prevent unwanted outcomes later in life. Studies of immune system altered responses during sleep disturbances and in patients with mood disorders have elucidated mechanisms of how physiologic stressors impact the immune system and how chronic disruptions of the normal rhythms of the immune system can contribute to disease states. However, caution should be taken when interpreting measures of immune system factors in studies of psychosocial stress because of the complex bidirectional interplay of the immune system with the neuroendocrine system. This chapter will describe how these two systems influence each other under normal circumstances and how disruptions at different points during development can lead to human disease or maladaptation.
First documentation of a greenstick fracture in the fossil record. Possible gout also noted in Arkansaurus fridayii

Examination of a cast of the newly recognised Arkansas state dinosaur, Arkansaurus fridayii, revealed abnormal pedal features. As casts do not always faithfully reproduce bony alterations and often...
An empirical study of brand microblog users’ unfollowing motivations: The perspective of push-pull-mooring model

Abstract Brand microblogs (BMs) have been increasingly utilized by companies to facilitate communication and foster deeper relationships with their customers. In addition to attracting new followers, retaining existing followers is equally, if not more, important to the success of BM operators. Drawing upon the migration theory, this study develops a push-pull-mooring (PPM) model of BM unfollowing motivations to enhance our understanding of the significant antecedents that promote BM users’ unfollowing intention. The study empirically investigates the three categories of antecedents of the BM unfollowing intention: push (dissatisfaction with information quality, dissatisfaction with service quality, and person brand unfit), pull (alternative attractiveness), and mooring (perceived unfollowing costs) effects. The results suggest that the three groups of unfollowing motivations display varying degrees of influence on BM users’ unfollowing intention. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings of this study are also discussed.
A Simulation Study of the Measurement of Queueing Delay Over End-to-End Paths

Determining the qualitative States-of-the-Internet requires an accurate knowledge of queueing delay over an end-to-end path. However, the measurement of queueing delay in a large network is still considered a complex and open problem. Existing schemes that measure queueing delay compensate for this complexity using a high infrastructural support and administrative access to the path under test even though their feasibility and accuracy on the Internet are low. In this article, we propose an active scheme, called COMPRESS: COMpound Probe compRESSion, to measure queueing delay on all routers over an end-to-end path. The proposed scheme performs per-hop measurement using UDP-based probing packets. It is both simple and self-sufficient in comparison to the existing schemes. We have implemented the proposed scheme in a simulation environment to present a controlled performance evaluation under different levels (e.g., light, moderate, and heavy) and types (e.g., symmetric and asymmetric) of queueing delays over single- and multiple-hop paths. Our simulation results show that the scheme is sensitive to the induced queueing delays and consistently produces a high measurement accuracy. Overall, the scheme has an average measurement error of around 20% or below over the simulated paths.
Comparison of 2.3-kV 4H-SiC Accumulation-Channel Planar Power MOSFETs Fabricated With Linear, Square, Hexagonal, and Octagonal Cell Topologies

The performance of four cell topologies is compared for 2.3-kV 4H-SiC power MOSFETs fabricated in a commercial 6-in foundry. The devices were simultaneously manufactured with the same channel length (0.5 $ {\mu } \text{m}$ ), JFET width (1.1 $ {\mu } \text{m}$ ), and gate oxide thickness (55 nm) for comparison. In addition, an octagonal cell design with a JFET width of 1.5 $ {\mu } \text{m}$ was included for comparison. The square and hexagonal cell designs had the lowest specific ON-resistance, but their breakdown voltage was found to be reduced below 2.3 kV due to sharp cell corners. The smallest reverse transfer capacitance and gate charge were observed for the octagonal cell design with significantly larger (~5 $\times $ ) values for the square and hexagonal designs. The high-frequency figure-of-merit HF-FOM[ ${R}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}{\ast } {C}_{\text {rss}}$ ] for the octagonal cell design was $3.5\times $ superior to the hexagonal and square cells and $1.5\times $ better than the linear cell. Its high-frequency figure-of-merit HF-FOM[ ${R}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}} {\ast } {Q}_{\text {gd}}$ ] was $1.5\times $ superior to the hexagonal and square cells and $1.2\times $ better than the linear cell. This work demonstrates that the square and hexagonal cells are the best for low-frequency applications, whereas the octagonal cell design is the most suitable for achieving the best high-frequency performance of 2.3-kV 4H-SiC power MOSFETs.
Update on the Current Status and Indications for Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair

To review the current status and indications of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. Mitral regurgitation remains a common valvular disease and can be classified as degenerative (primary) or functional (secondary). Randomized controlled trials have shown that transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with MitraClip is successful, safe, and effective in reducing mitral regurgitation. The US Food and Drug Administration approved MitraClip in 2013 for treatment of patients with primary mitral regurgitation at prohibitive surgical risk and in 2019 for secondary mitral regurgitation. Several MitraClip generations exist (NT/R, XT/R, NTW, and XTW) with unique features and considerations. Additional edge-to-edge repair, non-edge-to-edge repair, and transcatheter valve replacement systems are under investigation as stand-alone or adjunctive therapy for patients with mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation remains a significant health burden and many patients are not suitable for surgical repair or replacement. Transcatheter mitral valve therapies can be considered in selected patients and are safe and effective. More research is needed to understand how to best select devices and patients and optimize outcomes.
Surgical Management of Stage IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

There remains equipoise regarding the optimal treatment approach for patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this review is to examine the role of surgery as a modality in the management of stage IIIA NSCLC. Over the last two decades, several studies including randomized controlled trials have established the importance of multimodality therapies in the management of locally advanced NSCLC. Significant disparities exist in the reported advantages of surgery between observational and randomized controlled studies of stage IIIA patients. While some of these differences are likely due to patient selection bias, differences in the study design and treatment-related factors may also contribute to these trends. Preliminary results from studies assessing molecular therapies and immunotherapies in this population indicate a favorable adverse event and clinical response profile. As the therapeutic armamentarium for stage IIIA disease expands, continued evaluation of surgery within multimodality treatment protocols will be increasingly important.
qDKT: Question-centric Deep Knowledge Tracing.

Knowledge tracing (KT) models, e.g., the deep knowledge tracing (DKT) model, track an individual learner's acquisition of skills over time by examining the learner's performance on questions related to those skills. A practical limitation in most existing KT models is that all questions nested under a particular skill are treated as equivalent observations of a learner's ability, which is an inaccurate assumption in real-world educational scenarios. To overcome this limitation we introduce qDKT, a variant of DKT that models every learner's success probability on individual questions over time. First, qDKT incorporates graph Laplacian regularization to smooth predictions under each skill, which is particularly useful when the number of questions in the dataset is big. Second, qDKT uses an initialization scheme inspired by the fastText algorithm, which has found success in a variety of language modeling tasks. Our experiments on several real-world datasets show that qDKT achieves state-of-art performance on predicting learner outcomes. Because of this, qDKT can serve as a simple, yet tough-to-beat, baseline for new question-centric KT models.
80 is the Wrong Number, Coronavirus is Creating a Dangerous Ethical Choice for Doctors

The possibility that using age-based rationing to ratchet down care will lead to troubling outcomes is far from mere speculation.
Implementation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Smoke-Free Rule: A Socio-Ecological Qualitative Assessment of Administrator and Resident Perceptions

In July 2018, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented a mandatory smoke-free rule in public housing. This study assessed administrator and resident perceptions of rule implementation during its initial year in the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Assessment included nine focus groups (n = 69) with residents and in-depth interviews with administrators (n = 7) and residents (n = 26) from 14 DCHA communities (family = 7 and senior/disabled = 7). Semi-structured discussion guides based on the multi-level socio-ecological framework captured dialogue that was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded inductively. Emerging major themes for each socio-ecological framework level included: (1) Individual: the rule was supported due to perceived health benefits, with stronger support among non-smokers; (2) Interpersonal: limiting secondhand smoke exposure was perceived as a positive for vulnerable residents; (3) Organizational: communication, signage, and cessation support was perceived as a need; (4) Community: residents perceived mobility, disability, weather, and safety-related issues as barriers; and (5) Public Policy: lease amendments were perceived as enablers of rule implementation but expressed confusion about violations and enforcement. A majority of administrators and residents reported favorable implications of the mandated HUD rule. The novel application of a socio-ecological framework, however, detected implementation nuances that required improvements on multiple levels, including more signage, cessation support, clarification of enforcement roles, and addressing safety concerns.
TH-CD-204-01: FEATURED PRESENTATION and BEST IN PHYSICS (JOINT IMAGING-THERAPY): Novel SG-KS-4D-MRI Sequence Reduces 4D Rebinning Artifacts and Improves GTV Contouring Consistency for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Purpose: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to characterize tumor motion but real time acquisition has been limited to 2-dimensions. Methods have been developed to reconstruct four-dimensional MRI (4D-MRI) based on time-stamped 2D images or 2D K-space data. These methods suffer from anisotropic resolution and rebinning artifacts. We have developed a self-gating based K-space sorted 4D-MRI (SG-KS-4D-MRI) method to overcome these limitations and in this study apply it to monitoring organ motion of pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: Ten patients were imaged using 4D-CT, cine 2D-MRI and the SG-KS-4D-MRI method, which is a spoiled gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequence with 3D radial-sampling K-space projections and 1D projection-based self-gating. Tumor volumes were drawn at the end of exhalation phases in the 4D-MRI and 4D-CT, and mapped to the other phases using deformable registration. The tumor volumes and motion trajectories were compared. Results: An isotropic resolution of 1.6 mm was achieved in the SG-KS-4D-MRI images, which showed superior soft tissue contrast to 4D-CT and appeared to be free of rebinning artifacts. SG-KS-4D-MRI was able to detect out-of-plane tumor motion and showed good correlation with 4D-CT and cine 2D-MRI in superior-inferior direction with a correlation coefficient of 0.91±0.06 and 0.93±0.03, respectively. The average standard deviation of GTV (GTV_σ) calculated from ten breathing phases were 0.81 cc and 1.02 cc for SG-KS-4D-MRI and 4D-CT (p=0.004) respectively. Conclusion: A novel SG-KS-4D-MRI acquisition method capable of reconstructing rebinning-artifact-free high resolution 4D-MRI images was used to quantify pancreas tumor motion. The resultant pancreatic tumor motion trajectories better agreed with 2D-cine-MRI and 4D-CT in the SI direction than the other 2 directions due to smaller motions in those directions. The pancreatic tumor volumes derived using SG-KS-4D-MRI were significantly more consistent than those from the 4D-CT.This work is supported in part by NIH grant 1R03CA173273-01. This study is supported in part by NIH 1R03CA173273
Employers' Perceptions of Business Graduates From Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The research problem addressed in this study was the perceived reluctance of employers to hire business graduates from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The purpose of the study was informed by Lewin’s theoretical model of organizational change, and the research questions addressed the lived experiences of 20 hiring managers to ascertain barriers to employability of the graduates. The specific research questions were aimed at gaining a clearer understanding of employers’ perceptions relative to HBCUs, and to use the knowledge gained to inform recruitment policies and hiring practices. Primary data collection involved interviews guided by Moustakas’s framework of analysis and a supplemental quantitative survey to understand the experiences and perceptions of participants. Research findings indicated that employers perceive HBCU business graduates to (a) be competent in the business skills brought to the job but need mentors to succeed in the business community; (b) be more driven to achieve, thinking that they have a disadvantage to graduates of non-HBCUs; and (c) perceive HBCUs as producing equivalent talent as non-HBCUs for all types of organizations. However, because of a perceived HBCU stigmatization, inappropriate perceptions and bias regarding HBCUs exist among employers. The results of this study could inform leaders in HBCUs and employers how to develop a dialogue to recognize any negative perceptions and to make the appropriate adjustments in HBCUs and organizations. The results of this study could challenge employers to pursue more inclusive strategies through policy implementation. Such changes would have a positive effect on recruitment policies and hiring practices. The results of this study could provide the opportunity to improve employment opportunities in the workforce for business graduates of HBCUs and help reduce inappropriate perceptions and biases held regarding HBCUs.
IgD - A MUCOSAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN?

Simultaneous colostrum(C) and plasma samples(P) from 17 women, two to five days postpartum were assayed for IgD, albumin and IgG, the latter two by radial immunodiffusion and IgD by radio-immunoassay. Colostrum samples were assayed for IgD using a serum standard curve and a curve derived by adding known quantities of IgD to an IgD deficient colostrum. The mean colostrum/plasma ratio for IgD[0.055±0.015] exceeded the albumin C/P ratio [0.020±0.002] and the IgG C/P ratio[0.015±0.003]. For 14 of the 17 patients, the individual C/P ratio for IgD exceeded the C/P ratio for albumin and for one subject the IgD C/P ratio was greater than 10 times the albumin ratio. The data for IgG differed in that the total IgG C/P ratio was lower than the albumin C/P ratio for 16 of the 17 subjects studied. For all subjects except an IgD deficient subject, the C/P ratio for IgD exceeded that for IgG. Correlation coefficients were calculated using logarithmically transformed data. For albumin vs. IgG in colostum, r=0.865, p=0.001. This differed from the correlation for albumin vs. IgD, r=0.489, p=0.046 or IgD vs. IgG, r=0.556, p=0.020. These data indicate that IgD is enhanced in colostrum in comparison with IgG and suggest that the mechanism of entry of IgD into milk differs from that of IgG or albumin. The data support our previous finding of enhanced specific IgD antibody in colostrum and suggest a role for IgD in the secretory immune system.
Diagonally weighted and shifted criteria for minor and principal component extraction

A framework for a class of minor and principal component learning rules is presented. These rules compute multiple eigenvectors and not only a basis for a multi-dimensional eigenspace. Several MCA/PCA cost functions which are weighted or shifted by a diagonal matrix are optimized subject to orthogonal or symmetric constraints. A number of minor and principal component learning rules for symmetric matrices and matrix pencils, many of which are new, are obtained by exploiting symmetry of constrained criteria. These algorithms may be seen as the counterparts or generalization of Oja's and Xu's systems for computing multiple principal component analyzers. Procedures for converting minor component flows into principal component flows are also discussed.
Physical and chemical fractionation of dissolved organic matter and trihalomethane precursors: A review

High levels of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its potential to form disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs), during drinking water treatment raise challenges to management of source waters worldwide. Not all DOM is equally reactive in DBP formation during water disinfection and various physical and chemical fractionation techniques have been applied to identify the major reactive DBP components in DOM. In this review paper, we evaluate three commonly used fractionation techniques used in THM precursor research: XAD fractionation, ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography. Research findings from different source waters worldwide are summarized in order to understand the role of various DOM fractions in THM formation and to identify knowledge gaps. The hydrophobic fraction and the fraction with an apparent molecular weight of 1-10 kDa have been implicated as the primary source of THM precursors, but exceptions have been observed. Differences in isolation procedures, chlorination methodologies, origins of DOM and nomenclature used to describe DOM fractions may contribute to discrepancies in results among some studies. Advancement of fractionation techniques in conjunction with sensitive spectroscopic techniques (e.g. UV absorbance and fluorescence) is essential for effectively evaluating DOM quality and quantity in source waters and optimizing water treatment processes.
A low temperature expansion and ``spin wave picture'' for classical N-vector models

We obtain a convergent multi-scale expansion for a class of low temperature classical vector spin models, of the type of lattice “λ|φ|4” field theory, in dimensions d ≥ 3. With the help of this expansion we prove main statements of the so called “spin wave picture”, like the existence of a continuum of phases parametrized by vectors of the unit sphere in the space of spins φ, and the existence of Goldstone bosons, i.e. free massless decay of truncated transversal two-point correlation functions.
The generalized KaupߝBoussinesq equation: multiple soliton solutions

In this work, we investigate the generalized two-field Kaup–Boussinesq (KB) equation. The KB equation possesses the cubic nonlinearity that distinguishes it from the Boussinesq equation that contains quadratic nonlinearity. We use the simplified form of Hirota’s direct method to determine multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions for this equation. The study exhibits physical structures for a generalized water–wave model.
Clomiphene treatment of prolonged secondary amenorrhea associated with pituitary gonadotropin deficiency

Abstract Thirty-five patients with secondary amenorrhea and an associated gonadotropinestrogen deficiency were treated in 233 cycles with clomiphene, 100 mg. per day for 5 days each cycle. The pretreatment mean duration of amenorrhea was 2.4 years. Eighty per cent of the patients ovulated in one or more cycles of treatment and 35 per cent became pregnant. No correlation was found between the pretreatment Metopirone pituitary function test results and the success of clomiphene treatment. This form of therapy is discussed. (See addendum.)
Elevated plasma glucose 2 h postchallenge predicts defects in beta-cell function.

Studies were performed in subjects with no known family history of diabetes, normoglycemic subjects who have first-degree relatives with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and subject...
Irreversible electroporation ablation (IRE) of unresectable soft tissue tumors: learning curve evaluation in the first 150 patients treated.

Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technology that uses peri-target discrete probes to deliver high-voltage localized electric current to induce cell death without thermal-induced coagulative necrosis. “Learnability” and consistently effective results by novice practitioners is essential for determining acceptance of novel techniques. This multi-center prospectively-collected database study evaluates the learning curve of IRE. Methods Analysis of 150 consecutive patients over 7 institutions from 9/2010-7/2012 was performed with patients treated divided into 3 groups A (1st 50 patients treated), B (2nd 50) and C (3rd 50 patients treated) chronologically and analyzed for outcomes. Results A total of 167 IRE procedures were performed, with a majority being liver(39.5%) and pancreatic(35.5%) lesions. The three groups were similar with respect to co-morbidities and demographics. Group C had larger lesions (3.9vs3cm,p=0.001), more numerous lesions (3.2vs2.2,p=0.07), more vascular invasion(p=0.001), underwent more associated procedures(p=0.001) and had longer operative times(p<0.001). Despite this, they had similar complication and high-grade complication rates(p=0.24). Attributable morbidity rate was 13.3%(total 29.3%) and high-grade complications were seen in 4.19%(total 12.6%). Pancreatic lesions(p=0.001) and laparotomy(p=0.001) were associated with complications. Conclusion The review represents that single largest review of IRE soft tissue ablation demonstrating initial patient selection and safety. Over time, complex treatments of larger lesions and lesions with greater vascular involvement were performed without a significant increase in adverse effects or impact on local relapse free survival. This evolution demonstrates the safety profile of IRE and speed of graduation to more complex lesions, which was greater than 5 cases by institution. IRE is a safe and effective alternative to conventional ablation with a demonstrable learning curve of at least 5 cases to become proficient.
Echogenic peritoneal fluid as an isolated sonographic finding: Significance in patients at risk of ectopic pregnancy

Echogenic intraperitoneal fluid in any quantity noted on sonography is thought to indicate a very high likelihood of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in patients at risk. We retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive symptomatic patients with a positive pregnancy test in whom sonography revealed echogenic fluid as an isolated finding without evidence of intrauterine pregnancy and in whom follow-up was available. Final diagnoses were EP in seven patients (58%) and spontaneous abortion in five (42%). EP was diagnosed in all four patients with a large amount of echogenic fluid, but in only three (38%) of eight patients with a small-to-moderate amount of echogenic fluid. We conclude that a small-to-moderate amount of echogenic fluid noted as an isolated finding may not be highly predictive of EP.
Evaluation of Calcium Influx Factors from Stimulated Jurkat T-lymphocytes by Microinjection into Xenopus Oocytes

Acid extracts of thapsigargin-activated Jurkat cells have been shown to have intracellular activity in inducing a dose-dependent rapid chloride current upon microinjection in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The extracts act by elevation of calcium through calcium entry. The factor(s) responsible for this activity have been termed calcium influx factor (CIF) and have been found to be small, relatively polar molecules (
Analysis of Metastability in Pipelined ADCs

A critical issue in the design of high-speed ADCs relates to the errors that result from comparator metastability. Studied for flash architectures in the past, this phenomenon assumes new dimensions in pipelined converters, creating far more complex error mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of comparator metastability effects in pipelined ADCs and develops a method to predict the error behavior for a given input signal PDF Different error mechanisms are identified and formulated to obtain the probability of error versus the magnitude of error. An 8-bit 600 MS/s ADC fabricated in 65 nm CMOS technology has been used to assess the validity of the analytical results.
Effects of olfactory experience on the behaviour of the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus).

Abstract Male and female guinea-pigs were reared in the presence of the odours of acetophenone (Ac), or ethyl benzoate (Eb) or with no artificial odour present (N). The odour-choice behaviour and latency of approach to food in the presence of odours was modified by olfactory experience. Males were more responsive than females to the olfactory characteristics of the test situations and sex differences in responses to Ac were observed. Some responses of the males to oestrous females were also affected by odour.
Equivalence of Resonance Raman Scattering in Solids with Absorption followed by Luminescence

The method used in a recent paper by Yu, Shen, Petroff, and Falicov to analyze successfully their data on two-phonon resonance Raman scattering in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$O illustrates the principle that resonance scattering is often equivalent to absorption into a resonant state followed by luminescence from that state. It is shown explicitly for the case considered by Yu et al. that the two descriptions are the same. Other examples from the literature are discussed. It is also shown that the maximum smallness of the resonant-energy denominator is unaffected by the widths of the relevant phonon states.
What's Become of the Pandit? Rethinking the History of Sanskrit Scholars in Colonial Bengal

This essay raises a single question for which it ventures two kinds of answers, one historical and the other historiographical. On the one hand, to ask ‘What's become of the pandit?’ is to express an interest in finding out about transformations over time in the activities, experiences, and social placement of pandits—for present purposes in the context of colonial Bengal. Taken in this sense, the question reflects a desire to examine the diverse experiences of Sanskrit pandits, perhaps to inquire about the degree to which they either may or may not be illustrative of other sorts of changes taking place in colonial Indian society. On the other hand, to ask ‘What's become of the pandit?’ is to suggest that it may be worth investigating what we mean by the word ‘pandit’ and how we have come to view pandits as we do. What we're asking thus is really, ‘What's become of the pandit in modern scholarly discourse?’ In this sense, the question is a historiographical or methodological one. It suggests there may be important reasons why scholars tend to conceptualize the life and work of pandits as they do, and reminds us that becoming aware of these reasons might allow us to gain a better perspective on our own field of study.
Carbon–sulfur bond activation of thiophenes by [W(NPh){o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4}(pyridine)2]

Addition of thiophene, 2-methylthiophene, benzothiophene or 3-methylthiophene to [W(NPh){o-(Me3SiN)2C6H 4}(C5H5N)2] 1 affords the metallathiacycle complexes [{o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4 }(NPh)W(SC4H4)] 2, [{o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4 }(NPh)W(SC5H6)] 3, [{o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4 }(NPh)W(SC8H6)] 4 and [{o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4 }(NPh)W(SC5H6)] 5a and 5b, providing the first example of thiophene C–S bond activation by a W(IV) metal complex.
Duty of care involving outsourced payroll

Purpose – To review the issues surrounding the outsourcing of payroll.Design/methodology/approach – Literature review covering: the benefits of outsourcing payroll; duty of care from employer's perspective; how employers could maintain sufficient expertise and control to effectively oversee the outsourcing payroll processor; and essential tips to a successful outsourcing relationship.Findings – Many employers are aware that payroll administration is very complex and tedious; therefore, it has become one of the most common outsourced functions. In addition, outsourcing payroll offers several benefits, such as avoiding internal revenue service (IRS) penalties, reducing costs, and enabling direct deposits. However, employers should keep in mind that outsourcing payroll is not the end of their responsibility regarding payroll related issues. The IRS makes clear that employers are the ultimate responsible party even though they outsource their payroll.Practical implications – In order to succeed in outsourcing...
Physical and Analytical Aspects of a Microwave Excited Plasma

A microwave generator operated at about 100 W was used to maintain a narrow plasma (6 cm long × 0.3 mm diam) in flowing argon at atmospheric pressure. A tapered rectangular cavity was used to couple microwave power to the plasma discharge. Approximate temperature and electron density measurements of the plasma were made with and without water being nebulized; the temperature measurements indicated a lack of thermodynamic equilibrium. The plasma discharge was examined as a source of excitation in atomic emission spectrometry. An aerosol (produced by a system consisting of a pneumatic sprayer, a heated chamber, and a special condenser) was introduced into a plasma having an excitation and ionization temperature of about 5000 K and an electron density of about 1015 cm−3 at a position 0.3 mm from the center of the plasma. Limits of detection were measured for cadmium, gallium, indium, mercury, and zinc. Appreciable signals were also observed for calcium, lead, strontium, and boron, but no limits of detection were measured.