cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocondensation polymers: Polybenzopinacols. II. Photolytic coupling of aromatic diketones

Photolytic condensations of p,p′-dibenzoyldiphenyl sulfide, p,p′-dibenzoyldiphenyl ether, p,p′-dibenzoyldiphenylmethane, and p,p′-dibenzoyldiphenylethane with a 100-W long-wavelength ultraviolet lamp gave polypinacols having inherent viscosities ranging from 0.12 to 0.45. Treatment of the same monomers under similar conditions with a 450-W ultraviolet lamp produced polypinacols having inherent viscosities ranging from 0.04 to 0.37.
Heterogeneous integration of Polymer Porous Photonic Bandgap Structure with Xerogel based Biochemical Sensors

We report the heterogeneous integration of a multifunctional sensor based on polymer porous photonic bandgap (P3BG) structure and xerogel based luminescence sensor technology. The P3BG structure was fabricated using holographic interferometry. Initially, holographic interferometry of a photo-activated prepolymer syrup that included a volatile solvent as well as monomer, photoinitiator, and co-initiator was used to initiate photopolymerization. Subsequent UV curing resulted in well defined lamellae of the polymer separated by porous polymer regions that created a high quality photonic bandgap structure. The resulting P3BG structure was then integrated with the xerogel based luminescence element to produce a luminescence sensor with a selective narrow band reflector. The prototype xerogel based luminescence sensor element consisted of an O2 sensing material based on spin coated tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS) composite xerogel films containing tris (4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium (II) ([Ru(dpp)3]2+) luminophore. We demonstrated enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of this integrated multifunctional sensor while maintaining the same sensitivity to O2 sensing of the xerogel based element. The resulting advantages and enhanced SNR of this integrated sensor will provide a template for other luminescence based assays to support highly sensitive and cost-effective sensor systems for biomedical applications.
COMPARISON OF TENSILE STRENGTHS OF SHEET‐IRON GROUND‐COAT ENAMEL GLASSES*

The fiber method developed by Schwalbe, Badger, and Silverman for comparing the tensile strengths of glasses was used to compare the tensile strengths of sheet-iron ground-coat enamel glasses whose feldspar, borax, and quartz contents varied within workable limits. For purposes of comparison, this method uses that value of the unit stress at failure which exists in a fiber whose fractured surface shows a smooth portion constituting 1% of the total cross-section. For the enamels tested, these values of tensile strength ranged from 30.0 to 32.7 kg. per sq. mm. (42,000 to 46,000 lb. per sq. in.). An increase in quartz or feldspar tended to raise the tensile strength slightly, while an increase in borax tended to lower it slightly, although the total variation was small. From these data, it was concluded that insofar as the enamel strength was concerned mechanical failures of the enamel, such as chipping, fishscaling, or crazing, could not be aided by variations of the feldspar, borax, and quartz contents of sheet-iron ground-coat enamel glasses within workable limits.
Learning From Each Other: Creativity in East Asian and American Education

Educational systems grow from cultural expectations and ideologies. Eastern and Western educational systems are as vastly different as the cultures they spring from and are reflective of the strengths and weaknesses of those cultures. First, strengths and limitations of East Asian education are discussed. Second, strengths and limitations of American education are discussed. Finally, some suggestions to both educations are posed. All educational systems can improve. A look at the 2 contrasting systems along with the intended and unintended consequences of cultural ideals as expressed through the educational systems can bring greater insight into the successes and limitations of each system and culture.
Cis-regulatory control of the SM50 gene, an early marker of skeletogenic lineage specification in the sea urchin embryo

The SM50 gene encodes a minor matrix protein of the sea urchin embryo spicule. We carried out a detailed functional analysis of a cis-regulatory region of this gene, extending 440 bp upstream and 120 bp downstream of the transcription start site, that had been shown earlier to confer accurate skeletogenic expression of an injected expression vector. The distal portion of this fragment contains elements controlling amplitude of expression, while the region from −200 to +105 contains spatial control elements that position expression accurately in the skeletogenic lineages of the embryo. A systematic mutagenesis analysis of this region revealed four adjacent regulatory elements, viz two copies of a positively acting sequence (element D) that are positioned just upstream of the transcription start site; an indispensable spatial control element (element C) that is positioned downstream of the start site; and further downstream, a second positively acting sequence (element A). We then constructed a series of synthetic expression constructs. These contained oligonucleotides representing normal and mutated versions of elements D, C, and A, in various combinations. We also changed the promoter of the SM50 gene from a TATA-less to a canonical TATA box form, without any effect on function. Perfect spatial regulation was also produced by a final series of constructs that consisted entirely of heterologous enhancers from the CyIIIa gene, the SV40 early promoter, and synthetic D, C, and A elements. We demonstrate that element C exercises the primary spatial control function of the region we analyzed. We term this a ‘locator’ element. This differs from conventional ‘tissue-specific enhancers’ in that while it is essential for expression, it has no transcriptional activity on its own, and it requires other, separable, positive regulatory elements for activity. In the normal configuration these ancillary positive functions are mediated by elements A and D. Only positively acting control elements were observed in the SM50 regulatory domain throughout this analysis.
Decision feedback equalization in channels with signal-dependent media noise

Since maximum likelihood sequence detection in channels with media noise requires too many trellis states, it is advantageous to seek simpler detectors. This paper formulates the signal-dependent decision feedback equalizer (SD-DFE) for these channels. For the purpose of designing the feedforward equalizer, the channel is treated as linear and the noise as stationary. These assumptions guide the design of the minimum-mean-square-error feedforward equalizer. The feedback structure is derived using the autoregressive signal/noise model. In 90% jitter noise dominated channels, the SD-DFE performs as well as a 16-state signal-dependent Viterbi detector, at a fraction of the complexity. A drawback of this method is error propagation due to the feedback.
Hypertension Education: An Important and Neglected Part of the Diabetes Education Curriculum?

This review highlights the important role of hypertension education in reducing the impact of hypertension on the development and progression of diabetes-related complications. Hypertension is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and can significantly affect the progression of the complications of diabetes. Lifestyle changes similar to those recommended for diabetes management can result in a lowering of blood pressure and can be maintained on a long- term basis to benefit patients with diabetes and mild hypertension. Recently, a team approach in a hypertension clinic model similar to the team approach for diabetes treatment was shown to be effective in diabetes management. Increased awareness of hypertension education may contribute greatly to reducing the complications of diabetes. Hypertension education should be an important component of the diabetes education curriculum.
Autologous umbilical cord blood infusion followed by oral docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin D supplementation for C-peptide preservation in children with Type 1 diabetes.

Abstract We sought to determine if autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusion followed by 1 year of supplementation with vitamin D and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can preserve C-peptide in children with type 1 diabetes. We conducted an open-label, 2:1 randomized study in which 15 type 1 diabetes subjects with stimulated C-peptide > .2 pmol/mL received either (1) autologous UCB infusion, 1 year of daily oral vitamin D (2000 IU), and DHA (38 mg/kg) and intensive diabetes management or (2) intensive diabetes management alone. Primary analyses were performed 1 year after UCB infusion. Treated (N = 10) and control (N = 5) subjects had median ages of 7.2 and 6.6 years, respectively. No severe adverse events were observed. Although the absolute rate of C-peptide decline was slower in treated versus control subjects, intergroup comparisons failed to reach significance (P = .29). Area under the curve C-peptide declined and insulin use increased in both groups (P
Drug Involvement in Crimes Committed by Mentally ILL Offenders

This paper presents findings concerning crimes committed by mental patients within 24 hr. of intake of such illicit substances as amphetamines, LSD, heroin, and phencyclidine. The number of crimes committed under the influence of amphetamines and amphetamine-like substances exceeded significantly the number of crimes committed under the influence of any other single substance, a finding consistent with previous observations linking amphetamines to violent and antisocial behavior. Personality and situational factors were considered to play a significant role in the crimes associated with intake of LSD and heroin, whereas impairment of judgment rather than upsurge of violence was implicated in the crimes that involved phencyclidine abuse.
Considerations in the design of drive systems for on-the-road electric vehicles

The energy and power requirements of a class of on-the-road electric vehicles are developed, and acceleration and speed characteristics of such vehicles in urban traffic are discussed. Curves of average speed under different conditions of traffic are presented, as are curves of average power required during acceleration, average power required during cruising, and peak power required. A dc drive system for propulsion of such a vehicle and an ac drive system appropriate for such an application are described. The two kinds of system are then compared, on an economic as well as a technical basis. A procedure for designing an electric vehicle is outlined, pertinent fields in which research and development are needed are listed, and a reference list on electric vehicles is included.
The Commands skip, abort and Composition

We now define a programming notation in terms of wp. We will also indicate how each command of the programming notation is to be executed, so that the reader can relate it to statements of other conventional languages. Also, by showing how the command can be executed we establish that it really is useful. But the definition in terms of wp should be viewed as the definition of the command.
Is low frequency ocean sound increasing globally

Low frequency sound has increased in the Northeast Pacific Ocean over the past 60 yr [Ross (1993) Acoust. Bull. 18, 5–8; (2005) IEEE J. Ocean. Eng. 30, 257–261; Andrew, Howe, Mercer, and Dzieciuch (2002) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 642–651; McDonald, Hildebrand, and Wiggins (2006) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 711–717; Chapman and Price (2011) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, EL161–EL165] and in the Indian Ocean over the past decade, [Miksis-Olds, Bradley, and Niu (2013) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 3464–3475]. More recently, Andrew, Howe, and Mercer's [(2011) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 642–651] observations in the Northeast Pacific show a level or slightly decreasing trend in low frequency noise. It remains unclear what the low frequency trends are in other regions of the world. In this work, data from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization International Monitoring System was used to examine the rate and magnitude of change in low frequency sound (5–115 Hz) over the past decade in the South Atlantic and Equato...
A study of the physiologic action of human chorionic hormone; the production of pseudopregnancy in women by chorionic hormone.

Summary 1. Human chorionic hormone is luteotrophic in women and will induce a pseudopregnant condition, as evidenced by a prolongation of the functional life of the corpus luteum, the development of a decidua, and the prolonged excretion of pregnanediol. 2. The effective dose of chorionic hormone seems to be 5,000 I.U. to 10,000 L U. daily. These doses may be given without untoward reactions. 3. Until objective evidence of other gonadotrophic action in women is obtained, the use of human chorionic hormone should be directed toward the maintenance or augmentation of luteal function.
The Role of Immigration: Race/Ethnicity and San Diego Homicides Since 1970

The temporal variation in homicide is examined by studying trends in race/ethnic specific killings (e.g. Blacks, Latinos and Whites). Two substantively important issues are also addressed—a closer examination of the role community heterogeneity plays in homicide levels and the treatment of immigration as an endogenous social process. Data are reported homicides in the city of San Diego, California over the period 1960–2010. The address of each killing is geocoded into 341 census tracts. We find that neighborhoods experiencing increases in the foreign-born population tend to be less violent. White and Latino homicide victimization was reduced significantly as a product of increases in the neighborhood concentration of foreign-born individuals. Supplementary analyses did not find empirical evidence that the influx of foreign-born individuals could (or should) be considered a disruptive social process. Over the past five decennial census periods, the exponential increase in immigration in this border city is not associated with an increase in homicide victimization. When examined through a wider temporal lens than is typically employed, and accounting for the endogeneity of immigrant residential settlement, we find no support for the claims that immigration is a crime generating social process.
Iron-Based ICAR ATRP of Styrene with ppm Amounts of FeIIIBr3 and 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile)

A successful ICAR (initiators for continuous activator regeneration) ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) of styrene was conducted with iron(III) bromide and 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (ACHN) as the thermal initiator. A polymerization, started with 50 ppm of FeBr3 and 50 mol equivalents of ACHN in 33% (v/v) anisole at 90 °C, reached 70% conversion in 24 h and was well controlled, giving a polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.15). The number average molecular weight (Mn) corresponded well to theoretical values, as conversion increased. The rate of polymerization was dependent on the amount of ACHN initially added to the reaction. A polymer with a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn = 1.29 at 65% of conversion, was obtained with 5 ppm of FeBr3 and the appropriate amount of ACHN. This procedure therefore provides an efficient controlled polymerization in addition to creating a robust, cheap, and environmentally friendly catalytic system. Control o...
Salvation and Survival on Skid Row: A Comment on Rooney

The article by James F. Rooney (b) last year on skid row "rescue missions" makes an important contribution on a little-known subject in a major journal of our discipline. While it is not the first article on the subject in a prominent social science journal, it broadens the theoretical context suggested in earlier work by extending the distinctions between formal and informal goals (Blau), or official and operative goals (Perrow), to cover a logical extremity of such classical ideas in organization theory: namely, the organization that succeeds by failing.' The skid row rescue mission, as Rooney demonstrates, is a clear example of this phenomenon, but by no means the only one. One cannot fault him for his theoretical interpretation, or for any of the data offered in the lengthy ethnographic description leading up to the theoretical discussion and justification in the final third of the article. I do respectfully suggest, however, that Rooney has needlessly encumbered his article, particularly the descriptive portion of it, with an underlying theme of power inequity and superior-inferior relationships. The effect, I think, is to exaggerate greatly the perniciousness of the hapless mission leaders and preachers, while underestimating both the resourcefulness and the guile of many skid row denizens.2 Much of this unintentional distortion derives, I think, from a lack of reference in the article to any natural comparison groups in the description of the missions and their typical modus operandi. By natural comparison groups here I mean other religious enterprises (including regular churches) and other agencies dealing with a skid row clientele. The comparison Rooney does make, at the end of the article, between missions and other kinds of organizations that succeed through failure, is appropriate enough for theoretical purposes; but it has the effect also of lifting the missions out of their natural contexts to a level of abstraction that reveals only part of the existential reality. The characterizations offered under these circumstances, about what the men have too little of, or about what the missions do too much of, leaves the reader to wonder about the implied but unanswered question, "Compared to what?" Where the mission as religious organization is concerned, for exam-
Abstract A96: Trans-resveratrol decreases breast proliferation and alters mammary promoter hypermethylation in women at increased risk for breast cancer

Trans-resveratrol, present in high concentration in the skin of red grapes and red wine, has a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in vitro, prevents the formation of mammary tumors, and has been touted as a chemopreventive agent. We conducted in vitro experiments in hormone sensitive breast cancer cells and observed that trans-resveratrol downregulated DNA methyltransferase gene expression in a dose dependent fashion. Based upon this preclinical observation, we determined if transresveratrol had dose related anti-proliferative and methylation effects in humans. 16 adult women at increased breast cancer risk were randomized in double-blind fashion to placebo, 5 or 50 mg trans-resveratrol twice daily for 12 weeks. We collected serum, breast nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and mammary duct (MD) specimens from all participants at all time points. Breast specific and systemic antiproliferative effects were assessed measuring the cancer promoting prostaglandin (PG)E2 in NAF and serum as well as changes in MD cytology, while methylation assessment of three cancer related genes (p16, RASSF-1α, APC) was performed on MD specimens. Serum resveratrol increased after consuming both trans-resveratrol doses (p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A96.
READMISSION TRENDS AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN THE MEDICARE POPULATION FROM 2000-2012

Since 2000, significant changes have occurred in how hospitals manage readmissions. In addition, there have been concurrent changes in PCI. The cohort consisted of 3,250,194 patients admitted for PCI from 1/2000 through 11/2012 and were discharged. 30-day readmission rate was 15.8%. Readmission
Division of the Mid -- Upper Cambrian in Northeastern Guizhou and Its Given Name of the Formations:Shilengshui, Pingjing, Houba and Maotian

The division of the Loushanguan Group of the mid -- upper Cambrian in great detail throughout northeastern Guizhou and its given name of the formations: Gaotai, Shilengshui,Pinching, Houba, Maotian have been wide accepted and generally used up to date. In the paper, the author describes the work before and afterwards.
Structural and Functional Basis of Alternative ESCRT-0 Protein Complexes

Early endosomes represent the first sorting station for vesicular ubiquitylated cargo. Cargo transport is mediated by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Similar to the structural organization of ESCRT-0 proteins, alternative ESCRT-0 (alt-ESCRT-0) proteins, such as Tollip and Tom1, also present multiple ubiquitin-binding domains, including the C2 and CUE (Tollip) and VHS and GAT (Tom1) domains. Tollip localizes the Tollip-Tom1 complex at endosomal compartments by association with phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) through its central C2 domain. Tom1, through its GAT domain, is recruited to endosomes by binding to Tollip's Tom1-binding domain (TBD) through an unknown mechanism. Our NMR data revealed that Tollip TBD is a natively unfolded domain that partially folds at its N-terminus when bound to the first two helices of the Tom1 GAT domain through high affinity hydrophobic contacts. Furthermore, this association abrogates binding of Tollip to PtdIns(3)P by additionally targeting its C2 domain. Binding of the Tollip C2 domain is mediated by the third helix of the Tom1 GAT domain. We also show that the Tom1 GAT domain is able to bind ubiquitin and PtdIns(3)P at overlapping sites, albeit with modest affinity. We propose that association with Tom1 favors Tollip's release from endosomal membranes, allowing Tollip to commit to cargo trafficking. More recently, Tom1 has been shown to associate to signaling endosomal PtdIns(5)P through its VHS domain delaying epidermal growth factor receptor degradation in a bacterial infection model. We found that PtdIns(5)P binding of the Tom1 VHS domain is in the moderately fast-exchange regime at the NMR timescale. We propose that an incremental change in PtdIns(5)P intracellular levels sequesters Tom1 in endosomal cargo-free membrane domains, keeping the protein from its cargo sorting function.
Acidic isoferritins (leukemia-associated inhibitory activity) fail to inhibit blast proliferation in acute myelogenous leukemia

Cell-free extracts of bone marrow and blood cells from patients with leukemia contain an inhibitor of normal granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (CFU-GM) proliferation (leukemia-associated inhibitory activity, LIA) identified as acidic isoferritins. A comparison was made of the action of crude LIA prepared from frozen-thawed leukemic blood cells and purified spleen ferritin from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia, on the proliferation of blast progenitors from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and on the promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60. Crude LIA showed no inhibition of blast progenitor or HL-60 proliferation at low concentrations, but inhibited the proliferation of CFU-GM. At higher concentrations, crude LIA inhibited both blast cells and CFU-GM. Purified spleen ferritin failed to inhibit blast progenitors or HL-60 cells at any concentration tested, but inhibited both 70-day and 14-day CFU-GM. Using the thymidine "suicide" technique, the action of LIA was confirmed as being on CFU-GM in S-phase, but it failed to affect the proliferation of blast cell in S-phase. It is concluded that acidic isoferritins inhibit normal CFU-GM but not blast cells from patients with AML. Acidic isoferritins could confer a proliferative advantage of the leukemic clone over its normal counterparts.
The Comparative Performance of Fixed and Flexible Exchange-Rate Regimes

The behaviour of floating exchange rates over the past 15 years has surprised and dismayed the proponents of flexibility. Nominal exchange rates have displayed a strikingly high degree of variability. The rise in nominal exchange-rate variability has been accompanied by a rise in real exchange-rate variability. Many observers believe that the connection is causal: that nominal exchange-rate movements have been a source of costly swings in relative prices. Exchange-rate flexibility does not seem to have provided the insulation from foreign disturbances or the autonomy for domestic policy predicted by early models. The implication is that exchange-rate flexibility may have larger costs and smaller benefits than forecast in 1973.
Analysis of High-Frequency Data

Publisher Summary The introduction of widely available ultra high-frequency data sets over the past decade has spurred interest in empirical market microstructure. Intraday transaction-by-transaction dynamics of asset prices, volume, and spreads are available for analysis. Classic asset pricing research assumes only that prices eventually reach their equilibrium value; the route taken and speed of achieving equilibrium are not specified. The introduction of widely available ultra-high-frequency data sets over the past decade has spurred interest in empirical market microstructure. The black box determining equilibrium prices in financial markets has been opened up. Intraday transaction-by-transaction dynamics of asset prices, volume, and spreads are available for analysis. These vast data sets present new and interesting challenges to econometricians. While artificially discretizing the time intervals at which prices (or other marks) is a common practice in the literature, it does not come without cost. Different discretizing schemes trade of bias associated with temporally aggregating with variance. Averaging reduces the variability but blurs the timing of events.
Abstract 3954: Prospective evaluation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in head and neck cancer patients receiving definitive radiotherapy with a nanotechnology based system

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an important biomarker in cancer. There has been substantial interest in utilizing CTCs to enable personalized treatment. However, there is limited data on CTCs in patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) where there is growing data that curative treatment needs to be risk-based. The purpose of this prospective, correlative study is to investigate the clinical significance of CTCs, as measured by a highly sensitive CTC capture technology UiChip, in HNC patients undergoing definitive treatment. Methods: HNC patients (M0) undergoing definitive treatment (radiation+/- chemotherapy) were enrolled. Peripheral blood was collected prior to starting RT, at the first week, mid-point, final week of treatment, and every 4 to 12 weeks after completion. Quantification of CTCs was conducted using UiChip. The primary endpoint was change in CTCs pre- and post- RT. Results: 35 patients are included in this analysis (median age 58, 34% non-smokers, 69% HPV/p16 positive, and 17% node (-)) and 90% received chemotherapy. CTCs were detected in all patients pre-RT (100%). There was no association between pre-RT CTC level and tumor or nodal stage. Median CTCs significantly decreased from 71 CTCs/mL (range, 7-849) before RT to 32 (2-209) at completion of RT and 27 (2-78) at 4 to 12 weeks post-treatment. Ten patients had persistent disease and/or distant metastasis at a median follow-up of 10.6 months (range, 3.7-17). CTCs declined throughout treatment in patients with complete clinical and/or radiographic responses, in contrast to an elevation in CTCs at mid or post-RT in the 7 patients with pathologic residual disease/distant failures. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the novel UiChip can capture CTCs in a diverse population of head and neck cancer patients. Our pilot data suggest that individual patient CTC changes during and after treatment may be a predictive biomarker for radiotherapy response and clinical outcomes. Citation Format: Joseph M. Caster, Michael J. Eblan, Kyle Wang, Ja Hye Myung, Bhishamjit Chera, Seungpyo Hong, Andrew Z. Wang. Prospective evaluation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in head and neck cancer patients receiving definitive radiotherapy with a nanotechnology based system. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3954.
More Than Just a Toothache? N.C. Dental Leaves Medical Boards Vulnerable: A Look at Telemedicine Companies and Antitrust Challenges to Prescription Rules

Encouraged by technological advancements and favorable provisions within the Affordable Care Act, telemedicine companies that offer online doctor visits are thriving in the health care industry. Online doctor visits are a relatively new and cost-efficient method to provide medical care over long distances that do not require the patient to step outside their home. However, many state medical board scope-of-practice rules prohibit physicians from prescribing medications without an in-person physical examination of the patient, which impedes telemedicine companies from offering their online services in those states. To circumvent this barrier, telemedicine companies may have a prima facie case under § 1 of the Sherman Act to strike down those professional regulations. After the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. FTC, state medical boards composed of a majority of market participants likely do not enjoy Parker Immunity from the Sherman Act under the state action doctrine because they are active participants in the physician services market. That decision, along with the lessons learned from the district court proceedings in Teladoc v. Texas Medical Board, offers a framework for telemedicine companies to explore future Sherman Act challenges to restrictive state drug prescription rules.
Coherent stokes Raman spectroscopy of pyridine in gas-phase at low temperature

Coherent Stokes Raman spectroscopic data of pyridine in gas-phase are presented. Both time and frequency resolved (femtosecond and picosecond adaptive) coherent Raman spectroscopic technique demonstrates a measurement sensitivity reaching below 30 ppm pyridine molecules.
Comparison of Botulinum Toxin With Surgery for the Treatment of Acute-Onset Comitant Esotropia in Children

Purpose To determine whether botulinum toxin is as effective as strabismus surgery in the treatment of acute-onset comitant esotropia in children. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative clinical study. Methods Setting: Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Study Population: Forty-nine children with acute-onset comitant esotropia. Intervention: Treatment with either botulinum toxin ("chemodenervation group") or standard incisional strabismus surgery ("surgery group"). Main Outcome Measure: Success rate at 6 months (total horizontal deviation of 10 prism diopters or less and evidence of binocular single vision). Results There were 16 patients in the chemodenervation group and 33 patients in the surgery group. The success rate was not significantly different at 6 months (81% vs 61%, P = .20) or at 18 months (67% vs 58%, P = .74). The median angle of deviation and median stereoacuity were not significantly different at 6 or 18 months. The chemodenervation procedure was not inferior to incisional strabismus surgery at 6 months. The duration of general anesthesia (5 vs 71 min, P P Conclusions Botulinum toxin is at least as effective as surgery in the treatment of acute-onset comitant esotropia at 6 months while reducing the duration of general anesthesia and healthcare costs.
Coordinated 1996 HST and IRTF Imaging of Neptune and Triton: III. Neptune's Atmospheric Circulation and Cloud Structure☆

The first coordinated multispectral imaging of Neptune and Triton, using both the Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility in August 1996 (L. A. Sromovsky et al., 149, 416–434, 435–458), provides new insights into Neptune's atmospheric circulation and cloud structure. From our 1996 data we derived cloud-tracked winds for 18 features spanning latitudes from 61°S to 38°N, finding generally close agreement with the smoothed 1989 Voyager wind profile (Sromovsky et al. 1993, Icarus105, 110–141), except for features associated with a northern Great Dark Spot (GDS), which moved with the spot rather than with the local mass flow, providing another example of GDS traveling companions. In addition to finding a GDS at ∼32°N, thought to be the same one first seen in 1994 near the same latitude (Hammel et al. 1995, Science268, 1740–1742), we also found a new kind of GDS at ∼15°N, which is unusual because of its low latitude and lack of a bright companion. From blue images we determined that the dark cloud band near 60°S latitude is significantly nonaxisymmetric, as was a similar band in 1989 Voyager images, both with a wavenumber-one zonal structure and a ∼5° latitudinal variation. We also identified a persistent pattern of clouds at 45°S, which exhibit strong variations in brightness on yearly time scales. Using HST archived observations, we determined cloud-tracked winds for June and November 1994 and September 1995, confirming and extending the 1995 result of Hammel and Lockwood (1997, Icarus129, 466–481) that most winds agreed with the Voyager profile. A significant exception we found in November 1994 is the ∼100 m/s meridional motion within the transient structure identified as the “bright complex” by H. B. Hammel and G. W. Lockwood (1997, Icarus129, 466–481). The integrated brightness of this group of GDS traveling companions is sufficient to produce a hemispheric brightness asymmetry of 0.36 mag (Sromovsky et al., 149, 435–458), comparable to the 0.44 mag associated with the 1987 “outburst” maximum (Hammel et al. 1992, Icarus99, 363–367). We determined spectral differences in cloud bands using complete global mosaics of 1996 imagery. Colocation of features in HST and groundbased near-IR images enabled us to characterize spectral variations in discrete features from the visible to 2.4 μm, from which we estimated cloud heights for discrete bright features ranging from 60 to 230 mbars. We found the equatorial atmosphere that is free of bright clouds to be very dark beyond 0.7 μm, from which we derived new upper bounds of ∼0.2 and ∼0.1 at 1.27 and 1.6 μm, respectively, on the single-scattering albedo of the putative 3.8-bar H2S cloud.
A neural network based method for predicting PCB glass weave induced skew

This paper proposes the use of a neural network based tool to predict the skew factor of PCB laminate differential channel designs. A multitude of differential stripline design scenarios are 3D modelled, each with a different expected within differential pair skew factor. The modelled data is used to train a neural network. The neural network is tested using an unseen set of design data in order to evaluate the goodness of its predictions. Preliminary results show this machine learned technique to be a viable way to predict PCB glass weave skew without the need to resort to intensive 3D modelling. This method has potential to shorten design cycles and simplify analysis while still achieving good simulation accuracy.
But I'm Just an Artist!? Intersections, Identity, Meaning, and Context

This article revisits the complex intersections of identity and meaning in the context of a world in which cosmopolitanism is increasingly questioned. The role of the artist with regard to activism and cosmopolitan flows becomes difficult to navigate but important to probe. Findings drawn from fieldwork indicate that the artist is highly conflicted; often ephemerally aligned with various social movements that may or may not be related; and in a constant state of self-negotiation and identity formation that are highly dependent on local context. Intersectionality may be a useful frame to reconceptualize the artist as a relationally connected set of constantly shifting identities rather than an assumed category, as sometimes portrayed. Key to this is an appreciation of the role of the observer in this process. Singapore is envisioned as a place of intersecting identity; so, too, are the artists within it, caught between local context and global currents.
Continuous-Time Nonlinear Control of Stable Non-Minimum-Phase Processes

Abstract Nonlinear control laws are presented for stable single-input single-output processes, whether minimum-phase or non-minimum-phase. This study addresses the problem of nonlinear control of non-minimum-phase processes by exploiting the connections between model predictive control and input-output linearization. The derived control laws are continuous-time long-prediction-horizon model predictive control laws with shortest control horizon and are also approximate input-output linearizing control laws. They have one single tunable parameter with a transparent effect on the closed-loop performance, and thus they are very easy to tune. Their application and performance are illustrated and compared to those of an existing control law using numerical simulation of a non-minimum-phase chemical reactor.
The Effects of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep on Retention

The literature concerning the relationship of rapid eye movement sleep to cognitive activity in general and retention in particular is reviewed. Evidence from studies using animals and humans as Ss is included. No firm conclusions can be reached because of the lack of research in some aspects of the problems and because of methodological inadequacies in much of the research, but con-siderable evidence is at least consistent with the idea that rapid eye movement sleep is involved in long-term retention. A state-dependent learning hypothesis which accounts for some of the results is considered. Suggestions for future work in this area are included.
Applications of medical informatics in antibiotic therapy.

Effective antibiotic therapy is an essential part of hospital care.1–3 Studies show that patients with rapidly fatal and ultimately fatal underlying diseases have improved chances for survival with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.4 However, several studies show that there is considerable overuse and misuse of antibiotics.5–8 Up to two thirds of hospitalized patients who receive antibiotics have no evidence of infection. The major cause for antibiotic overuse results from unnecessary or prolonged surgical prophylaxis. Studies also show that antibiotic prophylaxis should be initiated before the operation to be beneficial.9,10 Yet, many patients who would benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis do not receive the antibiotics until after the start of the operation.11,12 The selection of therapeutic antibiotics has been found to be inconsistent with microbiology data.13,14 This usually results from physicians being unaware of relevant susceptibility results. One study found that the selection of empiric antibiotics was unacceptable 34 percent of the time.15 The physicians were misinformed about likely pathogens and/or antibiotic susceptibilities. Organisms that were susceptible to antibiotics only a few years ago are now resistant.16 Antimicrobial resistance is spawned by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
Barry, Bernie, & Hillary: Hope as a Staple of Liberal Discourse

This study analyzes mainstream liberal political discourse, specifically from Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders, to code for the usage of specific hopeful rhetorical styles that were used principally by Barack Obama in 2008 to assess if there was an increase in Hillary Clinton’s usage of these rhetorical strategies between 2008 and 2016. I studied this discourse shift using rhetorical analysis to code for instances of these hopeful rhetorical styles. By studying this, I intend to show that Hillary Clinton changed her rhetoric between these election cycles because it was successful for her challengers in the primary season. I also studied how gendered notions of political speech harmed her. To study this, I did a word count of each speech to see if Hillary Clinton, following the theory that female politicians are often derided for long speeches, had shorter speeches than her male counterparts.
A Versatile Assay for Detection of Aberrant DNA Methylation in Bladder Cancer

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies in the industrialized world, mainly caused by smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals. The favorable prognosis of early stage bladder cancer underscores the importance of early detection for the treatment of this disease. The high recurrence rate of this malignancy also highlights the need for close post-diagnosis monitoring of bladder cancer patients. As for other malignancies, aberrant DNA methylation has been shown to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of bladder cancer, and thus holds great promise as a diagnostic and prognostic biological marker. Here, we describe a protocol for a versatile DNA methylation enrichment method, the Methylated CpG Island Recovery Assay (MIRA), which enables analysis of the DNA methylation status in individual genes or across the entire genome. MIRA is based on the ability of the methyl-binding domain (MBD) proteins, the MBD2B/MBD3L1 complex, to specifically bind methylated CpG dinucleotides. This easy-to-perform method can be used to analyze the methylome of bladder cancer or urothelial cells shed in the urine to elucidate the evolution of bladder carcinogenesis and/or identify epigenetic signatures of chemicals known to cause this malignancy.
Beneficial and detrimental effects of genetic explanations for addiction.

Background:Addictions are highly stigmatized and increasingly construed as biomedical diseases caused by genes, partly to reduce stigma by deflecting blame. However, genetic explanations may have n...
Marvelous thieves: secret authors of the Arabian Nights

On the Thousand and One Nights, its history and extraordinary influence, Robert Irwin's Arabian Nights: A Companion and Marina Warner's Stranger Magic are two of those rare books I remember reading...
Robotic-Assisted Video Laparoscopic Management of Genital and Extragenital Endometriosis

Robotic-assisted video laparoscopic surgery has enabled more surgeon to perform delicate video laparoscopic surgeries, including surgery for endometriosis. Endometriosis affects approximetely 10% of all reproductive-aged women and approximately 35–50% of women with pelvic pain and infertility [6]. It involves the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrial canal of the uterus. Extragenital endometriosis is a surgical challenge for many gynecologist, with bowel endometriosis accounting for 80% of extragenital lesions [7, 8]. Deep infiltrative endometriosis can also be encountered along the urinary tract, causing bladder symptoms, or, if invading the ureter, can lead to hydronephrosis [9]. Video laparoscopic surgery with the use of robotic platform may aid in the surgical management of these pathologies.
Developmental Programming of Ovarian Functions and Dysfunctions.

Abstract The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the origin of several ovarian pathologies remain unclear. In addition to the genetic basis, developmental insults are gaining attention as a basis for the origin of these pathologies. Such early insults include maternal over or under nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental chemicals. This chapter reviews the development and physiological function of the ovary, the known ovarian pathologies, the developmental check points of ovarian differentiation impacted by developmental insults, the role played by steroidal and metabolic factors as mediaries, the epigenetic mechanisms via which these mediaries induce their effects, and the knowledge gaps for targeting future studies to ultimately aid in the development of improved treatments.
Starspot activity on short-period RS CVn stars

We have yet to understand the magnetic activity cycles of cool close binary systems of sunlike stars. Mutual tidal interactions, as well as magnetic ones, may result from a regime of dynamo models not yet tested, because these have been developed for single stars. To arrive at the basic physics, though, requires that we first examine the phenomenology of magnetic activity for binary systems. In particular, we would like to discover if such activity has a clearly-defined cycle, such as the sun exibits. Among the proxy indicators of magnetic activity are the Ca II H and K lines. Strassmeier et al. (1988) used the strength of these lines as the primary criterion for the inclusion of systems in The Catalog of Chromospherically Binary Stars. Of the RS CVn stars in the catalog, 12 have orbital periods of one day or shorter; 9 are eclipsing systems. As part of a decade-long program, we have focussed our observations and models on eight of the short-period group (Hall, 1976): XY UMa, UV Psc, SV Cam, RT And, CG Cyg, ER Vul, BH Vir, and WY Cnc. These close systems are tidally-locked in synchronous rotation and tidally-distorted into Roche lobe configurations. A few of these systems have archival observations that span decades, hence giving us the long time base to probe for cyclical activity. We can extend these time series with current observations with our CCD-camera at Capilla Peak Observatory and those data collected by other groups. We have completed work on data for SV Cam (Zeilik et al., 1988), RT And (Zeilik et al., 1989), BH Vir (Zeilik et aL, 1990a), and WY Cnc (Zeilik et al., 1990b). Most of my comments will relate to these four systems. (We note that these stars are too faint for the current generation of APTs).
Stability and Progression of Disordered Gambling: Lessons From Longitudinal Studies

Objective:Few studies have explicitly examined the stability (that is, the tendency for individuals to stay at one diagnostic level as opposed to moving to another improved or worsened level) or progression of disordered gambling; however, conventional wisdom holds that disordered gambling is intractable and escalating. The objective of this study was to examine these assumptions.Method:We reviewed 5 recent prospective studies of gambling behaviour among nontreatment samples for evidence related to the stability and progression of disordered gambling.Results:Our review found no evidence to support the assumption that individuals cannot recover from disordered gambling (that is, the persistence assumption), no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have more severe gambling problems are less likely to improve than individuals who have less severe gambling problems (that is, the selective-stability assumption), and no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have some gamblin...