cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When the Clubhead Meets the Ball

One Saturday afternoon a friend told me as we were walking off the fifth tee that he was developing a habit that produced a certain aberrant flight of the ball and asked me to pinpoint his trouble. At that time, about all I could do was listen and express my sympathy. A couple of weeks later at about the same place on the course he again asked me to help him. His second request led me to do some fundamental thinking about what actually happens when the clubhead meets the ball. The action of the ball after the collision and the process during the collision must be determined by what the golfer does before the collision. The responsibility for the quality of the shot lies exactly where it belongs, with the golfer.
Street Intersection Characteristics and Their Impacts on Perceived Bicycling Safety

Safety concerns are among the main issues that deter people from bicycling in the U.S. Earlier studies have explored the associations between characteristics of intersection design and bicyclists’ ...
A Systematic Survey of 15 Years of User Studies Published in the Intelligent Virtual Agents Conference

The field of intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) has evolved immensely over the past 15 years, introducing new application opportunities in areas such as training, health care, and virtual assistants. In this survey paper, we provide a systematic review of the most influential user studies published in the IVA conference from 2001 to 2015 focusing on IVA development, human perception, and interactions. A total of 247 papers with 276 user studies have been classified and reviewed based on their contributions and impact. We identify the different areas of research and provide a summary of the papers with the highest impact. With the trends of past user studies and the current state of technology, we provide insights into future trends and research challenges.
Reduced non–rapid eye movement sleep is associated with tau pathology in early Alzheimer’s disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), deposition of insoluble amyloid-β (Aβ) is followed by intracellular aggregation of tau in the neocortex and subsequent neuronal cell loss, synaptic loss, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairment. By the time even the earliest clinical symptoms are detectable, Aβ accumulation is close to reaching its peak and neocortical tau pathology is frequently already present. The period in which AD pathology is accumulating in the absence of cognitive symptoms represents a clinically relevant time window for therapeutic intervention. Sleep is increasingly recognized as a potential marker for AD pathology and future risk of cognitive impairment. Previous studies in animal models and humans have associated decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep slow wave activity (SWA) with Aβ deposition. In this study, we analyzed cognitive performance, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers in participants enrolled in longitudinal studies of aging. In addition, we monitored their sleep using a single-channel electroencephalography (EEG) device worn on the forehead. After adjusting for multiple covariates such as age and sex, we found that NREM SWA showed an inverse relationship with AD pathology, particularly tauopathy, and that this association was most evident at the lowest frequencies of NREM SWA. Given that our study participants were predominantly cognitively normal, this suggested that changes in NREM SWA, especially at 1 to 2 Hz, might be able to discriminate tau pathology and cognitive impairment either before or at the earliest stages of symptomatic AD.
Functional profiling to improve therapy in TCL.

In this issue of Blood, Koch et al 1 demonstrate the utility of an integrated functional biomarker-driven approach for the selection of candidate drugs and combinations that may be effective in the treatment of T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) (see figure). Specifically, they combine a functional screening strategy assessing susceptibility to BH3 mimetics and BCL2 family inhibitors and conventional chemotherapy to predict sensitivity of TCLs to a combination regimen.
Food: Location, Location, Location

This article examines the question of why local food has become, for many activists and scholars, a core concept for understanding food systems and globalization and for challenging systems of inju...
Health Effects Associated With Electronic Cigarette Use: Automated Mining of Online Forums.

Background: Our previous infodemiological study was performed by manually mining health-effect data associated with electronic cigarettes (ECs) from online forums. Manual mining is time consuming and limits the number of posts that can be retrieved. Objective: Our goal in this study was to automatically extract and analyze a large number (>41,000) of online forum posts related to the health effects associated with EC use between 2008 and 2015. Methods: Data were annotated with medical concepts from the Unified Medical Language System using a modified version of the MetaMap tool. Of over 1.4 million posts, 41,216 were used to analyze symptoms (undiagnosed conditions) and disorders (physician-diagnosed terminology) associated with EC use. For each post, sentiment (positive, negative, and neutral) was also assigned. Results: Symptom and disorder data were categorized into 12 organ systems or anatomical regions. Most posts on symptoms and disorders contained negative sentiment, and affected systems were similar across all years. Health effects were reported most often in the neurological, mouth and throat, and respiratory systems. The most frequently reported symptoms and disorders were headache (n=939), coughing (n=852), malaise (n=468), asthma (n=916), dehydration (n=803), and pharyngitis (n=565). In addition, users often reported linked symptoms (eg, coughing and headache). Conclusions: Online forums are a valuable repository of data that can be used to identify positive and negative health effects associated with EC use. By automating extraction of online information, we obtained more data than in our prior study, identified new symptoms and disorders associated with EC use, determined which systems are most frequently adversely affected, identified specific symptoms and disorders most commonly reported, and tracked health effects over 7 years.
Teaching for Maunakea: Kiaʻi Perspectives

Mauna a Wākea is “ka makahiapo kapu na Wakea,” the sacred firstborn of the union of Papahānaumoku,1 She who is the foundation birthing islands, and Wākea, He who is the wide expanse of the heavens....
Comparison of C3d immunohistochemical staining to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence for diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid

Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most common autoimmune blistering disease, may be diagnostically challenging. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and recently, C3d immunohistochemistry (IHC), are used as adjuncts to diagnosis. Objective To compare C3d IHC to DIF, IIF, and ELISA testing in BP diagnosis. Methods C3d IHC was performed on skin biopsy specimens from 51 patients (27 with BP and 24 with other blistering diseases) and compared to DIF and IIF, with anti-BP180 or anti-BP230 ELISA results used as the gold standard. Results We found C3d IHC, DIF, and IIF had similar sensitivity (74.1%, 63.1%, and 70.4%), specificity (95.8%, 100%, and 100%), positive predictive value (95.2%, 100%, and 100%), and negative predictive value (76.7%, 70.6%, and 75%) for BP. Cases with positive C3d IHC, DIF, and IIF had significantly higher anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 by ELISA than cases with negative testing (P Limitations This was a single-center, retrospective study. Conclusion Our study compared C3d IHC to DIF and IIF in BP diagnosis, demonstrating C3d IHC on fixed tissue provides similar diagnostic utility to immunofluorescence and ELISA.
Silicon Based RF Reliability Challenges for 5G Communications

5G communication standards brings new promise and also new challenges. While the sub 6 GHz 5G market can leverage existing III-V front end PA solutions, the broad commercialization of CMOS based power generation at millimeter wave frequencies for 5G will chart new territory for reliable power generation. This paper hopes to lay the groundwork for charting the path to success for CMOS millimeter wave PA reliability from the lab to the fab to the field.
Soils of the Lake Ontario Coastal Zone

Lake Ontario is the smallest (18,960 km2), easternmost (76.30 W), and has lowest surface elevation (74 m) of the Great Lakes. The northern and eastern shores of Lake Ontario feature rocks derived from dolomitic limestone and sandstone; the southern shore is composed of dolomitic limestone. Whereas the north shore of Lake Ontario features temperate mixed coniferous-broadleaved forest, the north, east, and southern coastline has temperate broadleaved forest. The soils of Lake Ontario are derived from lacustrine sediments and wave-washed till from the Iroquois lake stage approximately 13 kyr BP.
Decades of Sustainability

Since 1998, educators at Wheeling Jesuit University’s Challenger Learning Center and Center for Educational Technologies have created realistic live simulations of science and medical emergencies in which students act as astronauts, scientists or doctors to solve STEM problems such as diagnosing diseases, stopping epidemics, picking a safe spacecraft landing spot, and rescuing stranded astronauts. These 90 to 120-minute simulations, e-Missions, are video-conferenced into classrooms, with companion websites providing pre-mission preparation, supplemental resources and teacher tutorials. e-Missions have been used more than 11,000 times at schools in 50 states and 22 nations. More than 310,000 elementary, middle and high school students have role-played STEM experts, and 10,000 teachers were trained to use technology and problem-based learning. Shorter live missions, e-Labs, were created to demonstrate science topics in 3-9 grade classrooms, and e-Labs Jr do the same for K-3. The simulations and e-Labs are developed with funding from agencies, foundations and corporations, and are maintained through payments by schools of $400 to $550 for each e-Mission, and $200 for e-Labs, often year after year as culminating events for relevant curricula. More than $5 million dollars have been earned over the last 20 years, supporting the sustained delivery of these innovative STEM experiences, and software and hardware updates. Evaluations have identified positive changes in e-Mission student attitudes and perceptions toward science and science careers.
Ambient air pollution and posttransplant outcomes among kidney transplant recipients

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ), a common form of air pollution which can induce systemic inflammatory response, is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are likely vulnerable to PM2.5 due to comorbidity and chronic immunosuppression. We sought to quantify the association between PM2.5 and post-KT outcomes. For adult KT recipients (1/1/2010-12/31/2016) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we estimated annual zip-code level PM2.5 concentrations at the time of KT using NASA's SEDAC Global PM2.5 Grids. We determined the associations between PM2.5 and delayed graft function (DGF) and 1-year acute rejection using logistic regression and death-censored graft failure (DCGF) and mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. All models were adjusted for sociodemographics, recipient, transplant, and ZIP code level confounders. Among 87 233 KT recipients, PM2.5 was associated with increased odds of DGF (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.48-1.71) and 1-year acute rejection (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.17-1.46) and increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23) but not DCGF (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.97-1.51). In conclusion, PM2.5 was associated with higher odds of DGF and 1-year acute rejection and elevated risk of mortality among KT recipients. Our study highlights the importance of considering environmental exposure as risk factors for post-KT outcomes.
De la « terre désolée » à la « terre impossible » : (d)écrire la Terre dans la littérature haïtienne

This study explores the relation between the poetics of the Earth and representations of Haiti in a selection of literary texts published between 1817 and 2017. Thus, it aims at questioning the slo...
Origin of the online species: ethical perspectives on copyright and the web

The online environment challenges information professionals to stretch the historical boundaries of the understanding of fair use.The authors create and maintain an academic library Web site of more than 500 pages. Recently we have encountered copies of our library instructional materials downloaded from our Web site and uploaded on another academic library's server without express permission to use or modify those materials. Grappling with these issues regarding Internet plagiarism and copyright piqued our interest in this gray area of ethical practice. We continue to struggle with questions such as those posed in the following scenarios: Is the design and format of a Web page (including tables, color schemes, forms, and organizational style) a form of expression that is protected under copyright, much like essays, drawings, dances, and speeches? Does copying the text of an online tutorial that discusses ideas and concepts in the public domain constitute a violation of copyright? Of academic integrity?
An integrated approach to automotive safety systems

In this paper, the authors present the concept of using a safety state diagram for establishing an integrated system approach to automotive safety. The paper examines the following advanced concepts: pre-crash sensing, anticipatory crash sensing, X-by-wire systems, advanced safety interiors, integrated vehicle electrical/electronics systems data networks, and telematics.
Parent-child interactions when young children have disabilities

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses parent–child interactions for young children with disabilities. A major focus of the research on parent–child interactions has been to document what characteristics of parental interactive behavior promote and enhance child developmental outcomes, both short term and long term. The primary focus in this chapter is on the studies with children with disabilities or those at risk for developmental delay. Some of the literature based on the samples of children, who are typically developing, is also included in the discussion to highlight the major themes and issues and to provide comparison groups. The chapter describes selected studies with five populations of children, those with: (a) Down syndrome or mental retardation, (b) developmental delay, (c) orthopedic or motor impairments or cerebral palsy, (d) autism, and (e) low birth weight. Also, the focus is on the studies of behavioral interactions but not on parenting beliefs or attitudes. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of intervention studies with young children with disabilities or delays aimed at promoting positive parent–child interactions.
Investigating the neural correlates of goal-oriented upper extremity movements

OBJECTIVE To understand neural correlates of upper extremity task performance (functional vs. non-functional) and to understand their influence on neuromotor control strategies. DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study, with repeated measures. SETTING Medical center 1.5T MRI clinical imaging facility. PARTICIPANTS Neurologically intact individuals, (M=14 F=5 mean age=22.94 ± 3.1 years) all right hand dominant as determined by the Edinburgh handedness survey. Subjects performed upper extremity motor tasks of reaching and grasping in a block paradigm. Whole brain fMRI data was acquired using a 1.5T MRI scanner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in fMRI area of activation and maximum activation intensity for the whole brain were evaluated among the different upper extremity motor tasks. RESULTS Our results indicate (a) Activations in brain regions are task specific. (b) ANOVA results indicate functional goal oriented movements of reaching and grasping produce higher activation intensity (p < 0.0001) in more regions of the cortex (Somatosensory motor area, primary motor cortex, and parietal region) and cerebellum (p < 0.001) as compared to nonfunctional rhythmic movements of reaching only and grasping only. (c) There is some overlap in cerebellar activations, however areas of activation in the medial cerebellum were observed for reaching-and-grasping, while the grasping-only task produced activation more laterally in the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that (a) neuromotor strategy for functional goal-oriented movements is different from rhythmic movements such as finger tapping or non-functional movements, (b) This difference can be quantified and mapped using fMRI. (c) There are some overlap with activation of movement execution however the cognitive component that mediates the specific movement is not just the linear combination of simple movements rather it is task and context specific. (d) The results support the concept of using goal-oriented tasks in the applications of rehabilitation and therapy for restoration of function.
Exosomes: improved methods to characterize their morphology, RNA content, and surface protein biomarkers

As a type of secreted membrane vesicle, exosomes are an emerging mode of cell-to-cell communication. Yet as exosome samples are commonly contaminated with other extracellular vesicles, the biological roles of exosomes in regulating immunity and promoting oncogenesis remain controversial. Wondering whether existing methods could distort our view of exosome biology, we compared two direct methods for imaging extracellular vesicles and quantified the impact of different production and storage conditions on the quality of exosome samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was compared to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as alternatives to examine the morphology of exosomes. Using SEM, we were able to distinguish exosomes from other contaminating extracellular vesicles based on the size distribution. More importantly, freezing of samples prior to SEM imaging made it more difficult to distinguish exosomes from extracellular vesicles secreted during cell death. In addition to morphology, the quality of RNA contained within the exosomes was characterized under different storage conditions, where freezing of samples also degraded RNA. Finally, we developed a new flow cytometry approach to assay transmembrane proteins on exosomes. While high-copy-number proteins could be readily detected, detecting low-copy-number proteins was improved using a lipophilic tracer that clustered exosomes. To illustrate this, we observed that exosomes derived from SKBR3 cells, a cell model for human HER2+ breast cancer, contained both HER1 and HER2 but at different levels of abundance. Collectively, these new methods will help to ensure a consistent framework to identify specific roles that exosomes play in regulating cell-to-cell communication.
Effect of feeding frequency on feedlot steer performance123

ABSTRACT Crossbred yearling steers (n = 270; mean initial BW = 318 kg) were used to determine the effect of feeding frequency on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to pens. Pens were then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: once-daily feeding (1X), twice-daily feeding (2X), or 3-times-a-day feeding (3X). Steers were fed a standard high-concentrate steam-flaked-corn based finishing ration for 170 d. Steers were housed in pens measuring 6.1 × 18.3 m. Feed was delivered to steers in fence-line (3.7 m in length) concrete bunks (0.31 m per steer). Pen served as the experimental unit, and cattle were slaughtered at a constant days on feed. Average daily gain was similar for steers fed 1X or 2X per day; however, ADG (P
Towards Green Optical/Wireless In-Building Networks: Radio-Over-Fiber

Energy efficiency has become a major paradigm in the design and operation of future telecommunication networks. Recent studies show that the aggregate power consumption of in-building IT networks (residential and office) is massive and comparable with that of data centers due to the large number of buildings. In this paper, we analyze the energy efficiency of next-generation in-building IT networks to deliver high-speed mobile access to end users via integrated optical/wireless networks using Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) technology. Based on a validated energy efficiency model, our results show that although individual point-to-point RoF links are not as energy efficient as legacy Baseband-over-Fiber links, RoF networks may actually be more energy-efficient when designed keenly with small cells sizes and when the static energy consumption of the remote units is above a particular threshold. Under the assumptions used in this paper, we show that the DRoF-based architectures can be designed to more energy efficient for cell sizes <17 m.
Control of Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity in Physarum by Polyamines

The addition of putrescine, spermidine, or spermine, to cultures of Physarum polycephalum rapidly reduced the activity of ornithine decarboxylase, with maximal inhibition, 80-90%, occurring after 90 min. This response was not due to a decrease in enzyme molecules, but rather to the rapid conversion of the active enzyme to a stable, catalytically less active form. This response to exogenous polyamines was not accompanied by the appearance of a macromolecular inhibitor (antizyme) either free, or bound to the enzyme. Physiological levels of the polyamines were also found to inhibit this enzyme in vitro both competitively and non-competitively, and to promote complete yet reversible inactivation of this enzyme in the absence of reducing agents. The data suggest that the control of this enzyme by endogenous polyamine levels may be distinct from its response to exogenous polyamines.
Operant conditioning and the orbitofrontal cortex in schizophrenic patients: unexpected evidence for intact functioning

Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies have consistently implicated dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as abnormal in schizophrenia. However, other areas of frontal cortex have received far less attention. In particular, few studies have examined orbital frontal regions with other than olfactory tests. In the present study we wished to assess the functional capability of orbital frontal cortex using a test developed by Bechara et al. (1994) that assesses a subject's capacity to acquire a preference through reward and punishment, using a gambling task that involved gains and losses of play money. Thirty normal subjects and 12 patients with schizophrenia (three undifferentiated, eight paranoid, one schizoaffective) comprised the sample in the present study. We found that patients with schizophrenia exhibited a pattern of findings similar to that of normals and dissimilar to that of patients with known orbital frontal damage. In our study, both normal subjects and schizophrenic patients chose most frequently from decks of cards in which there were frequent rewards and infrequent penalties, as might be expected on the basis of operant conditioning literature. We also found that performance on this task was not correlated with tests of working memory or long-term memory, suggesting that the development of a preference may occur implicitly. Our findings also argue against a general deficit in schizophrenia, as performance on the gambling task appeared relatively uncompromised.
Evaluation of an immunoisolation membrane formed by incorporating a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel within a microporous filter support

An immunoisolation membrane formed by incorporating a high water content polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel into a microporous polyether sulfone (PES) filter has been investigated in this study. The PVA hydrogel is formed in situ within the filter pores via glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinking under acidic conditions. The tortuous nature of the microporous filter pores securely anchors the embedded hydrogel to provide excellent structural integrity. The high void fraction of the PES filter support (>80%) and high water content of the PVA hydrogel (>85% water by weight) allow excellent solute transport rates, while an appropriate level of glutaraldehyde crosslinking supplies the required molecular size selectivity. In vitro permeability measurements made with solutes covering a wide range of molecular sizes demonstrate high transport rates for small nutrient molecules with rapidly diminishing permeabilities above a molecular weight of approximately 1,000 Dalton. Implantation experiments show that the membrane properties are not deleteriously affected by prolonged in vivo exposure or common sterilization techniques. Thus, this hybrid hydrogel/filter membrane system offers a promising approach to the immunoisolation of implanted cells.
Mathematical Description of Solute Velocities during Dissolution from a Horizontal Surface

A mathematical analysis of solute flow in a descending column following dissolution is presented. The acceleration of a solute particle from zero velocity, when it is in the solid phase, to its final equilibrium descending velocity was analyzed. The maximum velocity for N-(3-methylphenyl)acetamide developed essentially at the solidliquid interface, contradicting the postulate of a microsize diffusional layer. The possibility of a diffusional layer existing for solids of lower solubility than N-(3-methylphenyl)acetamide is discussed.
Egenine: a possible intermediate in phthalideisoquinoline biogenesis

Abstract (+)-Egenine ( 4 ), the first phthalideisoquinoline hemiacetal isolated form a natural source has been found in Fumaria vaillantii Loisel. (Fumariaceae). (+)-Egenine may act as the immediate biogenetic precursor of the accompanying alkaloid (+)-bicuculline ( 1 ).
The Connectedness Decision Paradigm: Group Decision, Negotiation and Leadership in World Problems

We discuss connectedness, a dynamic unity relation experience. The Connectedness Decision Paradigm (CDP) is a formal, general systems-spirituality framework, technology-supported, for group decision and negotiation (GDN) and leadership in making “right” decisions. A right problem/solution is validated by a spiritual rationality validation test involving connectedness. A participant (agent) may experience connectedness with purposes (intended results). Purposes for which there is reciprocated (shared) purpose connectedness across agents constitute common ground for these agents. A basic idea is to identify and expand such common ground. Even in difficult problem solving, as with polarization, where there seems to be little or no common ground, a priori there is always the ultimate purpose common ground of connectedness with One (spirituality) from which other common ground as connectedness with the “other” can arise. Common ground can lead to additional common ground and to an agreed problem solution—itself constituting common ground—that can be tested for rightness. Our focus here is on human agents considered as spiritual purposeful complex adaptive systems in multiagent environments. The ideas are applicable to other agents with lesser or greater capabilities than humans according to their capabilities. Expanding earlier work, this commentary on CDP is also based on GDN 2012, 2013 meeting remarks by the author, as well as on a lecture, “Hope on the Edge of Chaos: The New Connectedness Paradigm in World Affairs”, Hamilton Hall, Salem, Massachusetts, February 2012. In presenting CDP, this commentary is also a call for problem solving frameworks for GDN and leadership, and solutions to world problems.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the cricoid cartilage with solitary plasmacytoma of the rib.

Abstract Background Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell neoplasm of the soft tissues characterized by the presence of a single, discrete lesion without evidence of systemic disease. Extramedullary plasmacytoma may disseminate into multiple myeloma, a systemic plasma cell disease. Methods A rare case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the cricoid cartilage with solitary plasmacytoma of the rib was reviewed. Results The patient was found to have two discrete lesions; one of the cricoid cartilage and one of the lateral left fifth rib. Despite the presence of multiple tumors, the patient was not diagnosed with multiple myeloma as the bone marrow appeared normal. Conclusions Due to the rarity of these neoplasms and the unusual localization of the extramedullary plasmacytoma tumor, a definitive diagnosis was difficult to make in this case. This case may be instructive for the differential diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.
Multidimensional determinants of psychological adjustment to cancer

This study examined the relationship between psychological adjustment and illness-related, demographic, intrapersonal, family and socio-ecological variables. A total of 132 men and women receiving active cancer treatment completed a battery of instruments designed to measure global psychological functioning, depression, anxiety, coping strategies, domestic and extended family relations, social support quantity and perceived quality, and satisfaction with the health care system. Results revealed that the majority of subjects were experiencing little or no psychological distress; however, 30–35% reported experiencing clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety or global adjustment difficulties. Results further revealed that coping strategies characterized by avoidance or acceptance-resignation, family disturbance and quantity and perceived quality of social support distinguished good versus poor adjustment and were most predictive of psychological distress in this sample.
Solution synchrotron x-ray diffraction reveals structural details of lipid domains in ternary mixtures.

The influence of cholesterol on lipid bilayer structure is significant and the effect of cholesterol on lipid sorting and phase separation in lipid-raft-forming model membrane systems has been well investigated by microscopy methods on giant vesicles. An important consideration however is the influence of fluorescence illumination on the phase state of these lipids and this effect must be carefully minimized. In this paper, we show that synchrotron x-ray scattering on solution lipid mixtures is an effective alternative technique for the identification and characterization of the l o (liquid ordered) and l d (liquid disordered) phases. The high intensity of synchrotron x rays allows the observation of up to 5 orders of diffraction from the l o phase, whereas only two are clearly visible when the l d phase alone is present. This data can be collected in approximately 1 min/sample, allowing rapid generation of phase data. In this paper, we measure the lamellar spacing in both the liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases simultaneously, as a function of cholesterol concentration in two different ternary mixtures. We also observe evidence of a third gel-phaselike population at 10-12 mol % cholesterol and determine the thickness of the bilayer for this phase. Importantly we aremore » able to look at phase coexistence in the membrane independent of photoeffects.« less
Shaping Demographic Research on American Jewry

I very much appreciate the recognition given me by the Steinhardt Social Research Institute at Brandeis University and the Association for the Social Scientific Study of Jewry for my contribution to American Jewish demography. The remarks that follow are in response to an invitation extended by Leonard Saxe to share some thoughts about the evolution of Jewish demography and its present state. Let me stress first that my own efforts, in fact, represent a collaborative endeavor: I am only one among many, all of whom deserve acknowledgment. To mention only a few: Roberto Bachi and his colleague at the Hebrew University, Oscar Schmelz, both of blessed memory; Marshall Sklare and Bernard Reisman, z’l, both of Brandeis, for their inspiration and useful contributions; Bill Berman for his general support of demographic research, for his insightful questions, and for the establishment of the North American Jewish Data Bank (NAJDB); my current Israeli colleagues, Sergio DellaPergola and Uzi Rebhun, who have been and are constant sources of inspiration and stimulation; my close colleagues, Barry Kosmin, Frank Mott, and the late Egon Mayer and Viv Klaff for their continuing support at NTAC; and my lifelong collaborator, Alice. Trained as a sociologist/demographer, when I completed my PhD, I had no expectations of specializing in Jewish demography. I saw myself as a general demographer who happened to have a strong personal sense of Jewish identity and a strong commitment to the vitality of the American Jewish community and Judaism worldwide. In fact, I was early encouraged by my PhD advisor to change my name to one less Jewish and thus help expedite my professional advancement. Only in
Effects of Disturbance Frequency on Canopy Age Structure and Species Composition in a Managed Midwestern Oak Savanna

In the Midwest, the oak savanna is a unique plant community located between the western prairies and northern forests, but, once the most common plant community in Wisconsin, it is now one of the region's rarest plant communities. To assess the success of varying intensities of management practices, standard dendrochronology and vegetation surveying methods were used to determine the age structure and species composition in oak savanna sites that varied from intensely managed to unmanaged. Size and age distributions revealed that the number of distinct cohorts of oaks increased in less managed sites. Seedlings and saplings were present in high frequencies in all sites; however, management practices such as fire applications that were too frequent apparently decreased oak survivorship, as did the competition in the closed canopies of the unmanaged sites. A fire frequency of 2-3 years eliminates competition, but a frequency of 4-6 years, typical of fire-adapted forest communities, allows for slower-growing ...
Differential Detection of Deletion 22q11.2 Syndrome by Specialty and Indication

This study identified cytogenetic abnormalities in a population screened for deletion 22q11.2 syndrome (D22S) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and G-banding and correlated these abnormalities to referring specialty and submitted indications. Requests for the D22S FISH assay were retrospectively reviewed over a 29-month period in our institution. Positive test results for D22S FISH and other abnormalities found by other FISH assays and G-banding were correlated to submitting specialist and indication. Thirteen medical services ordered D22S FISH testing on 297 patients over 29 months. The detection rate for all cytogenetic aberrations was 9.4% (28 of 297) including 5.4% (16 of 297) for D22S detection by FISH and 2.7% (8 of 297) for detection of additional cytogenetic anomalies by G-banding cytogenetics. Sixty-six of 297 patients negative by D22S FISH and G-banding were screened using other FISH assays and 3 of 47 (6.4%) patients screened using subtelomeric probes were positive for deletion and 1 of 3 (33%) patients screened for Prader-Willi syndrome was positive for deletion. Pediatric geneticists requested 53.9% (160 of 297) of the tests, yielding 60.7% (17 of 28) of positive test results. Tetralogy of Fallot and developmental delay were the indications associated with the most positive test results. In our institution, pediatric geneticists identify the largest spectrum of indications with D22S and appear most aware of the association of developmental delay with D22S. Performing conventional cytogenetics and other FISH assays, in addition to FISH for D22S, is important because there is considerable overlap between D22S and the phenotype of several other syndromes.
Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a malformation syndrome associated with growth retardation, mental retardation, and immunodeficiency resulting from a hemizygous deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4, called the WHS critical region (WHSC). The WHSC1 gene is located in this region, and its loss is believed to be responsible for a number of WHS characteristics. We identified WHSC1 in a genetic screen for genes involved in responding to replication stress, linking Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome to the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we report that the WHSC1 protein is a member of the DDR pathway. WHSC1 localizes to sites of DNA damage and replication stress and is required for resistance to many DNA-damaging and replication stress-inducing agents. Through its SET domain, WHSC1 regulates the methylation status of the histone H4 K20 residue and is required for the recruitment of 53BP1 to sites of DNA damage. We propose that Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome results from a defect in the DDR.
Out of this nettle, danger, we must pluck this flower, safety.

In this issue of Blood , Greenberg and colleagues report the final results of the ECOG E1996 study, a randomized prospective clinical trial designed to assess both efficacy and safety of recombinant erythropoietin in patients with MDS.[1][1] Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) epoetin and
Can TQM be Quantified

Total quality management is a team-based approach to the improvement of processes for the continual satisfaction of customers. Thus, three core values are common to TQM efforts: continuous improvem...
EXCISE TAX STRUCTURE OF THE U.S. AIRLINE INDUSTRY: EVOLVING RATIONALE AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

New and increased excise taxes on U.S. airlines and travelers have been levied without a thorough examination of the aviation tax structure. The evolution of the tax structure and its rationale is traced, the current tax situation is described, and some implications of aviation taxes from the perspective of commercial airlines and air travelers are explored. Once considered a luxury, air travel first faced taxation to discourage its use during World War II. Rerationalized as user fees in the early 1970s, the taxes became a source of maintaining and improving the airport and airway infrastructure. In the 1990s increased aviation excise taxes have been used to reduce the federal deficit, with secondary arguments for environmental protection. Within each period, the level and scope of taxes fluctuated amidst the industry's transformation into the dominant public mode of intercity travel. Economic uncertainty, rising congestion, and the prevalence of concentration in many markets should make airlines and trav...
PHAGOCYTOSIS IS NOT REQUIRED FOR INTERLEUKIN 8 (IL-8) RELEASE BY MONOCYTES IN RESPONSE TO GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI (GBS). • 1088

PHAGOCYTOSIS IS NOT REQUIRED FOR INTERLEUKIN 8 (IL-8) RELEASE BY MONOCYTES IN RESPONSE TO GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI (GBS). • 1088
Wired for wireless: extending your network and expanding your reach

In this paper, we will review the planning, creation and use of wireless technology in campus initiatives based on our campus wireless implementations and partnership at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). We will review experience gained and share tips to making large wireless projects successful.
A Pastoral Model for Caring for Persons with Diminished Hope

An exegesis of the exchange between Jesus and the paralytic man at the pool in John 5:1-17 serves as the basis for a contemporary model for caring for persons with diminished hope.
Eigenvector Scaling for Mode Localization in Vibrating Systems

A new closed-loop mode localization technique known as eigenvector scaling is presented. Eigenvector scaling is a form of eigenstructure placement that uses feedback to alter portions of the original system eigenvectors. When properly applied, this technique restricts energy propagation in a vibrating system. Active eigenvector scaling also permits the development of an analytic solution for the closed-loop mode-localized discrete system. The ability to produce analytic solutions for both the controlled and the uncontrolled systems permits a direct comparison of the absolute displacements between the two cases. It is demonstrated that closed-loop mode localization can be used to restrict vibrations in certain regions of a discrete structure. Three examples are provided that show how this feedback control technique may be applied to multi-degree-of-freedom simple spring-mass and spring-mass- damper systems, as well as to lumped models of more complicated flexible structures. IBRATION of flexible structures is a common problem in dy- namics and controls. The relative ease with which vibrational energy may propagate through complex systems can lead to exces- sive displacements at critical locations, which in turn can lead to reduced performance or failure. It is not always necessary to control vibrations throughout an entire structure, but rather controlling cer- tain areas within the structure that contain sensitive instruments or machines may be most critical. The motivation for this work, then, is to seek vibration control methods that produce quiet areas within a vibrating system subjected to arbitrary disturbances. One way of controlling flexible structure vibration is through mode localization. Mode localization restricts motion by contain- ing vibrational energy within a small area of the total system. This phenomenon was originally described in solid state physics1 but also exists in flexible structures.2'3 Mode-localized structures exhibit ar- eas of comparatively high displacements, with amplitudes in these parts potentially several magnitudes greater than in the rest of the system. In a large number of studies, mode localization has been considered to be unfavorable, as in mistuned rotor blades.4 How- ever, some studies maintain that mode localization may be useful, since it confines system motion within a specific area, preventing the transmission of potentially harmful vibrational energy.5 Addition- ally, if vibrational energy is contained, then it may be more easily controlled with damping or cancellation. Loosely coupled, slightly mistuned flexible structures are espe- cially susceptible to mode localization.2'6'7 As a result, studies have concentrated on the passive mistuning of this type of structure. It is, however, also possible to create mode localization with active, closed-loop feedback control using a technique known as eigen- structure placement, which is the approach used in this paper.
The negative impact of global perceptions of and daily care-related family conflict on Hispanic caregivers: familism as a potential moderator.

Objectives: Using selected concepts from Pearlin's care giving stress model and incorporating a daily stress-reactivity perspective, the current study surveyed Hispanic family caregivers (HCGs) to: (a) document the occurrence of family disagreements regarding care; (b) examine the impact of family disagreements regarding care on HCGs’ emotional/physical well being; and (c) determine the moderating role of familism – whether strong familism beliefs buffer or exacerbate the negative impact of family disagreements on HCGs. Methods: Participants (n = 67) reported their daily experiences of family disagreements regarding care, depressive symptoms, feelings of burden, and physical health symptoms on eight consecutive survey days; and, in a separate survey, reported their global perceptions of family disagreements regarding care and their familism beliefs. Results: Multilevel-modeling indicated (a) a significant link between global perceptions of family disagreement regarding care and greater depressive symptoms...
Tetrahymena setifera n.sp., a member of the genus Tetrahymena with a caudal cilium

SUMMARY. A new species of Tetrahymena is described, the ninth to be allocated to this genus. Most significant morphologically and taxonomically is its possession of a single, slender caudal cilium, twice the length of the surrounding somatic ciliature. The presence of this inconspicuous organelle, quite novel to the genus, is also detectable in the infraciliature where an argentophilic “polar basal granule-complex” appears exactly at the posterior pole of the body. The diagnosis of the genus Tetrahymena is expanded to embrace species with such a caudal appendage.
Managed Care and Capitation in California: How Do Physicians at Financial Risk Control Their Own Utilization?

Objective: To describe the structure and range of utilization management methods initiated by physicians in response to capitation. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire. Setting: A large network-m...
Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: A new standard

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most lethal and treatment-resistant of human tumors. Among the therapeutic triad of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, only radiation therapy has been shown to improve survival.1 Despite 30 years of intensive efforts to find an effective chemotherapy regimen for glioblastoma multiforme, the median survival of 12 to 15 months has not changed appreciably since the introduction of radiation therapy.
Granulometric estimation of shape parameters

Assuming a random shape to be governed by a random parameter vector, a basic problem is to estimate the value of the parameter vector given some set of random features based on the random shape. The present paper considers this Bayesian estimation problem as one involving conditional densities of the random parameters conditioned by granulometric moments generated by linear granulometries. The conditional densities are interpreted as generalized functions and from these the optimal conditional-expectation estimates of the parameters given the granulometric moments are found.
Natural attenuation of arsenic by sediment sorption and oxidation

Arsenic sorption onto aquifer sediments was investigated in anaerobic laboratory batch and column uptake experiments and characterized by As, Fe, and Mn X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to estimate the extent and mechanism of abiotic sorption and oxidation of As(III). Batch experiments at pH 6 showed that the amount of As(III) or As(V) sorption from synthetic background porewater to sediments was similar as a function of total As concentration, but slightly more As(V) was sorbed than As(III) with increasing As concentrations. Column experiments with As(III) solutions in the absence and presence of dissolved Fe^2+ showed more As uptake in the presence of Fe but also more Fe desorption during flushout with As-free solutions such that net As uptake was similar to, or less than that of, the Fe-free experiment. Fits to bulk Fe X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) spectra showed no change between unreacted and reacted sediments. Manganese XANES revealed small increases in absorption in the spectral region associated with Mn(II) after reaction, indicating sediment Mn reduction. However, XANES spectra showed that Mn is not present as Mn^(IV)O_2(s) but is probably substituted into other sediment minerals as a mixture of Mn(II,III). Quantitative analyses of As XANES spectra, which indicated mixtures of As(III) and As(V) after reaction with As(III) solutions, were used to estimate a fraction of As(V) in excess of native As(V) in the sediment (0.2 mmol kg^−1) that corresponds to sorbed As(III) oxidized to As(V). The spectroscopic and solution data indicate that the aquifer sediments have a limited abiotic capacity to oxidize As(III), which did not exceed 30% of the total amount of As sorbed and was estimated in the range of 0.025−0.4 mmol kg^−1 sediment. In the presence of dissolved Fe^2+, the precipitation of Fe(III) hydrous oxide phases will be an effective mechanism for As scavenging only if there exists sufficient dissolved oxygen in groundwater to oxidize Fe. Once the aqueous oxidative capacity is exhausted, dissolved Fe^2+ may compete with As(III) for the limited abiotic oxidation supplied by sediment Mn-bearing phases.