cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariable analysis on factors associated with aneurysm rupture in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms

Multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIA) occur in one-third of patients with intracranial aneurysms (IA), and have been previously associated with an overall worse prognosis. Risk factors for IA formation and rupture in patients with a single IA are well-known. However, risk factors associated with rupture in patients with MIA have been less studied. We performed a retrospective search of patients with MIA identified by computed tomography angiography (CTA) within a 10-year period. Patients with > 1 saccular aneurysm with size ≥ 2.0 mm were included. The location, size, number, and rupture status of the aneurysms were recorded. Patient demographics and cerebrovascular risk factors were obtained from electronic medical records. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine the association of these factors with aneurysmal rupture. The case-fatality rate was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Of the 2957 patients with IA in our CTA database, 425 patients were diagnosed with MIA and were therefore included in our study. A total of 1082 aneurysms were identified. Predictors of increased risk of aneurysmal rupture were age (OR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), size ≥ 5 mm (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.76–7.0); and location in the anterior communicating artery complex (AcomC) (OR 2.62, 95% CI, 1.46–4.72) or posterior communicating artery (PCOM) (OR 2.66, 95% CI, 1.45–4.87). Younger age, aneurysm size ≥ 5 mm, and location in the AcomC and PCOM were independently associated with aneurysmal rupture in patients with MIA. Identifying these features could help recognize patients who might benefit from early intervention.
How Much Extra Time Do Visually Impaired People Need to Take Examinations: The Case of the SAT:

This study examined the amount of time used by blind and visually impaired examinees to take special administrations of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), in comparison to those with other types o...
Metamaterial-Assisted Photobleaching Microscopy with Nanometer Scale Axial Resolution

The past two decades have witnessed a dramatic progress in the development of novel super-resolution fluorescence microscopy technologies. Here, we report a new fluorescence imaging method, called metamaterial-assisted photobleaching microscopy (MAPM), which possesses a nanometer-scale axial resolution and is suitable for broadband operation across the entire visible spectrum. The photobleaching kinetics of fluorophores can be greatly modified via a separation-dependent energy transfer process to a nearby metamaterial. The corresponding photobleaching rate is thus linked to the distance between the fluorophores and the metamaterial layer, leading to a reconstructed image with exceptionally high axial resolution. We apply the MAPM technology to image the HeLa cell membranes tagged with fluorescent proteins and demonstrate an axial resolution of ∼2.4 nm with multiple colors. MAPM utilizes a metamaterial-coated substrate to achieve super-resolution without altering anything else in a conventional microscope, representing a simple solution for fluorescence imaging at nanometer axial resolution.
Telehealth Use in a Rural State: A Mixed‐Methods Study Using Maine's All‐Payer Claims Database

Purpose This study assesses trends in telehealth use in Maine-a rural state with comprehensive telehealth policies-across payers, services, and rurality, and identifies barriers and facilitators to the adoption and use of telehealth services. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers analyzed data from Maine's All Payer Claims Database (2008-2016) and key informant interviews with health care organization leaders to examine telehealth use and explore factors impacting telehealth adoption and implementation. Findings Despite a 14-fold increase in the use of telehealth over the 9-year study period, use remains low-0.28% of individuals used telehealth services in 2016 compared with 0.02% in 2008. Services provided via telehealth varied by rurality; speech language pathology (SLP) was the most common type of service among rural residents, while psychiatric services were most common among urban residents. Medicaid was the primary payer for over 70% of telehealth claims in both rural and urban areas of the state, driving the increase of telehealth claims over time. Issues challenging organizations seeking to deploy telehealth included provider resistance, staff turnover, provider shortages, and lack of broadband. Key informants identified inadequate and inconsistent reimbursement as barriers to comprehensive, systematic billing for telehealth services, resulting in underrepresentation of telehealth services in claims data. Conclusions Claims covered by Medicaid account for much of the observed expansion of telehealth use in Maine. Telehealth appears to be improving access to behavioral health and SLP services. Provider shortages, broadband, and Medicare and commercial coverage policies limit the use of telehealth services in rural areas.
M. STANLEY WHITLEY, Spanish/English contrasts: A course in Spanish linguistics.

(2004). M. STANLEY WHITLEY, Spanish/English contrasts: A course in Spanish linguistics.. WORD: Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 453-456.
Molecular Imaging of Brain Tumor-Associated Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common clinical manifestation and a source of significant morbidity in patients with brain tumors. Neuroimaging has a pivotal role in neuro-oncology practice, including tumor detection, differentiation, grading, treatment guidance, and posttreatment monitoring. In this review, we highlight studies demonstrating that imaging can also provide information about brain tumor-associated epileptogenicity and assist delineation of the peritumoral epileptic cortex to optimize postsurgical seizure outcome. Most studies focused on gliomas and glioneuronal tumors where positron emission tomography (PET) and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques can detect metabolic and biochemical changes associated with altered amino acid transport and metabolism, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter abnormalities in and around epileptogenic tumors. PET imaging of amino acid uptake and metabolism as well as activated microglia can detect interictal or peri-ictal cortical increased uptake (as compared to non-epileptic cortex) associated with tumor-associated epilepsy. Metabolic tumor volumes may predict seizure outcome based on objective treatment response during glioma chemotherapy. Advanced MRI, especially glutamate imaging, can detect neurotransmitter changes around epileptogenic brain tumors. Recently, developed PET radiotracers targeting specific glutamate receptor types may also identify therapeutic targets for pharmacologic seizure control. Further studies with advanced multimodal imaging approaches may facilitate development of precision treatment strategies to control brain tumor-associated epilepsy.
Introduction to Phenomenology

Introduction 1. What is intentionality and why is it important? 2. Perception of a cube as a paradigm of conscious experience 3. Three formal structures in phenomenology 4. An initial statement of what phenomenology is 5. Perception, memory, and imagination 6. Words, pictures, and symbols 7. Categorical intentions and objects 8. Phenomenology of the self 9. Temporality 10. The life-world and intersubjectivity 11. Reason, truth, and evidence 12. Eidetic intuition 13. Phenomenology defined 14. Phenomenology in the present historical context Appendix: phenomenology in the last one hundred years Select bibliography.
Elbasvir/grazoprevir administered for 12 weeks via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube achieves sustained virologic response: A case report and a review of the literature.

Enteral tubes are necessary for certain patients; however, medication absorption can be affected by this route of administration potentially resulting in decreased efficacy. All first-line treatments for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are only available as tablets and may have decreased absorption if administered via an enteral tube. This report describes the first case of a pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment-experienced patient who successfully achieved HCV cure after 12 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir administered via percutaneous gastrostomy tube. We further review the available pharmacokinetic and clinical literature regarding administration via enteral feeding tubes for all first-line direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The literature suggests that crushed administration can be considered for DAAs in patients with gastric access. However, caution should be exercised in patients with extragastric enteral tubes and in those with altered gastrointestinal tract anatomy.
Contraceptive Procedures in Internal Medicine Clinics and Resident Education: a Qualitative Study of Implementation Methods, Barriers, and Facilitators.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are highly effective and increasingly popular. Internal Medicine (IM) clinics and residency curricula do not routinely include LARCs, which can limit patient access to these methods. In response, internists are integrating LARCs into IM practices and residency training. This study examines the approaches, facilitators, and barriers reported by IM faculty to incorporating LARCs into IM clinics and resident education. We interviewed faculty who were prior or current LARC providers and/or teachers in 15 IM departments nationally. Each had implemented or attempted to implement LARC training for residents in their IM practice. Semi-structured interviews were used. Eligible participants were a convenience sample of clinicians identified as key informants at each institution. We used inductive thematic coding analysis to identify themes in the transcribed interviews. Fourteen respondents currently offered LARCs in their clinic and 12 were teaching these procedures to residents. LARC integration into IM clinics occurred in 3 models: (1) a dedicated procedure or women’s health clinic, (2) integration into existing IM clinical sessions, or (3) an interdisciplinary IM and family medicine or gynecology clinic. Balancing clinical and educational priorities was a common theme, with chosen LARC model(s) reflecting the desired priority balance at a given institution. Most programs incorporated a mix of educational modalities, with opportunities based upon resident interest and desired educational goals. Facilitators and barriers related to clinical (equipment, workflow), educational (curriculum, outcomes), or process considerations (procedural volume, credentialing). Participants reported that support from multiple stakeholders including patients, residents, leadership, and other departments was necessary for success. The model for integration of LARCs into IM clinics and resident education depends upon the clinical resources, patient needs, stakeholder support, and educational goals of the program.
Genetic counseling and testing for Asian Americans: a systematic review.

Asian Americans have been understudied in the literature on genetic and genomic services. The current study systematically identified, evaluated, and summarized findings from relevant qualitative and quantitative studies on genetic health care for Asian Americans. A search of five databases (1990 to 2018) returned 8,522 unique records. After removing duplicates, abstract/title screening, and full text review, 47 studies met inclusion criteria. Data from quantitative studies were converted into “qualitized data” and pooled together with thematic data from qualitative studies to produce a set of integrated findings. Synthesis of results revealed that (1) Asian Americans are under-referred but have high uptake for genetic services, (2) linguistic/communication challenges were common and Asian Americans expected more directive genetic counseling, and (3) Asian Americans’ family members were involved in testing decisions, but communication of results and risk information to family members was lower than other racial groups. This study identified multiple barriers to genetic counseling, testing, and care for Asian Americans, as well as gaps in the research literature. By focusing on these barriers and filling these gaps, clinical genetic approaches can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse patient groups, particularly those of Asian descent.
Imperialism and Indexing: The Case of Julius O. Kaiser's Systematic Indexing

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a time when a number of pioneering knowledge organization systems (KOSs) originated. They were also a time when various forms of imperialism influenced social, political, and economic life in the countries where these KOSs were developed. Adopting a case study approach, this paper examines the influence of imperialism on one pioneering KOS of this period – Julius Otto Kaiser’s method of Systematic Indexing (SI). The study describes the institutional milieux in which Kaiser originated SI and gave it its canonical form – the Philadelphia Commercial Museum (PCM) and the Joseph Chamberlain’s Tariff Commission (TC). Evidence is presented to show that both institutions were involved in projects of economic imperialism and that these projects affected their knowledge organization (KO) practices. Then follows an examination of the semantic content and syntactic structure of SI for traces of imperialist influence. Analysis reveals that most traces of imperialist thought in the semantic content of SI occur in its treatment of countries as subjects and that this treatment does not differ significantly from that found in other contemporary KOSs. Evidence is presented that the syntactic structure of complex subject headings in SI was influenced by KO practices at the PCM, which were animated by the economic imperialist assumptions, but that similar structures can be found in another contemporary KOS with no manifest ties to imperialism. It is concluded that the motivations for certain semantic elements of SI reflect by imperialist presuppositions but that its syntactic features are not uniquely or inherently associated with imperialist ideology. Depending upon the analytical perspective that one adopts, then, SI both is and – paradoxically – is not an imperialist KOS.
Mechanisms of Virus-Induced Alterations of Expression of Class I Genes and Their Role on Tumorigenesis

A number of years ago my collaborators and I(1) first documented the striking role that virus-induced alterations in H-2 (class I) antigen expression played in resistance to neoplasia. This fact has also been recently documented by numerous investigators.(2–6) Our early studies showed that resistance to RadLV-induced leukemia is mediated by a gene(s) in the H-2D region of the major murine histocompatibility complex (MHC).(7) These experiments indicated a role in disease resistance for changes in H-2 expression which occur immediately after virus inoculation and after tumorigenesis.(1,8) For example, elevated H-2D antigen expression occurs immediately after virus inoculation on thymocytes of resistant but not of susceptible mice.(1) Furthermore, an inverse relationship exists between expression of H2 and viral antigens.(1) After RadLV infection viral antigen expression is greater in susceptible animals, which show little if any changes in H-2 antigen expression, whereas H-2 antigen expression is maximal for virus-infected resistant mice which are subjected to rapid elimination of viral antigen-expressing cells.(1) Finally, H-2 antigens usually disappear from the surface of RadLV-transformed cells when overt leukemia develops.(1) Thus, resistance to the disease is associated with increased H-2 antigen expression, and the onset of leukemia is associated with disappearance of these antigens. (Some of these findings are diagrammed in Fig. 1.)
Contingent Features for Reinforcement Learning

Applying reinforcement learning algorithms in real-world domains is challenging because relevant state information is often embedded in a stream of high-dimensional sensor data. This paper describes a novel algorithm for learning task-relevant features through interactions with the environment. The key idea is that a feature is likely to be useful to the degree that its dynamics can be controlled by the actions of the agent. We describe an algorithm that can find such features and we demonstrate its effectiveness in an artificial domain.
Development of Neuromuscular Connections: Guidance of Motoneuron Axons to Muscles in the Embryonic Chick Hindlimb

A striking feature of the outgrowth of motor axons from the embryonic chick spinal cord is the accuracy with which they grow to correct target muscles in the limb. Studies involving the surgical manipulation of the early neural tube or limb bud have led to the conclusion that motoneurons are specified or acquire distinctive properties early in development that enable them to detect and respond to specific cues in the periphery. We have recently carried out studies to identify the cells or tissues responsible for producing these cues. Major contributors to the outgrowing axon's environment are the lumbosacral (LS) somites which give rise to limb muscle cells and the LS somatopleural mesoderm which gives rise to limb connective tissues. To determine whether the LS somites contain specific guidance information at stages when motoneurons are known to be specified, motor projections were assessed in chick embryos after early somitic tissue reversals. The finding of normal projection patterns suggests that the LS somites do not contain such information at early stages. To assess the role of the LS somatopleural mesoderm in specific axon guidance, we examined motor projections in embryos where the LS somatopleural mesoderm had been shifted anteriorly before limb bud formation. In these embryos the limb developed in an anteriorly shifted position. LS motoneuron axons entered the posterior part of the limb but then extended anteriorly along aberrant paths to innervate appropriate muscles. These observations suggest that it is the precursor of limb connective tissues that is the source of specific axon guidance cues.
SPEAKING IN TEAMS: MOTIVATING A PATTERN LANGUAGE FOR COLLABORATION

Collaborative work is increasing in frequency and importance in business, academia, and communities. The knowledge behind what makes for a successful collaboration is also increasing but is normally focused on only one aspect of collaboration theory. The understanding of how successful collaborations are built is greatly improved by the creation of a unified framework that organizes and transfers knowledge and practices. The framework proposed in this paper is the concept of a pattern language for collaboration. The notion of a pattern language was first detailed in 1979 by Christopher Alexander in his book, A Timeless Way of Building. A pattern language consists of a hierarchy of individual patterns that are used to solve problems associated with the parts in the pattern. When developed, researchers can use a pattern language for collaboration as a tool set to evaluate existing collaborations, repair unhealthy collaborations, and build future collaborations. The core concept is that the structure of an environment guides the pattern of events that occurs. A healthy collaboration is more likely to be responsive to the needs of its community and robust enough to overcome unanticipated challenges. The development and evolution of the pattern language is similar to a genetic process in that quality of the overall language emerges from the interaction of individual and complex patterns. The article applies the pattern language to the real world example of twenty eight different collaborations that are part of the Colorado Healthy Communities Initiative to illustrate the application of the pattern language in context. The article closes with recommendations for future development of the language. Classification-ACM-1998: J.4; Social and behavioral sciences - Sociology
Brittle Faulting and Permeability Evolution: Hydromechanical Measurement, Microstructural Observation, and Network Modeling

Dilatancy is universally observed as a precursor of brittle faulting in geomaterials. Laboratory data on permeability of triaxially compressed rocks indicate that its evolution during deformation can be very complex. In low-porosity crystalline rocks, permeability enhancement is generally observed during dilatancy and a positive correlation exists between permeability and porosity. In porous siliciclastic rocks, experimental data show that the permeability would actually decrease while the pore space dilates as a sample is stressed to brittle failure. With constraints from microstructural observations, percolation network models provide physical insights into the interplay of stress-induced cracking and pre-existing pore structure that induces such negative correlation between porosity and permeability changes. The laboratory data suggest that tectonic deformation in a seismogenic system located in crystalline rock can potentially induce massive fluid discharge along conduits, which may be localized in a high-permeability heterogeneity such as the damage zone. However, it is unlikely that faulting in porous rock formations and shear displacement along gouge zones can provide conduits for fluid along fault zones. To emphasize the fundamental differences between a compact and a porous rock, separate deformation-permeability maps in the stress space are proposed as conceptual models for the permeability evolution. In a region of active faulting, the loading path typically involves variations in the deviatoric stresses, as well as the mean stress and pore pressure. Laboratory data provide important insight into the interplay of deviatoric stresses, mean stress, and pore pressure in relation to permeability evolution and fluid transport. Hydromechanical parameters that control the generation and maintenance of pore pressure excess are also identified.
External Shocks and Fiscal Adjustment in Developing Countries: Experiences During 1962-82

This paper analyzes factors underlying fiscal developments in 18 developing countries during 1962-82 in relation to developments in their external sectors, which constitute one of their main revenue bases. The analysis focuses on how government expenditure was used as a policy instrument for fiscal adjustment in the face of external shocks and the consequent fiscal imbalances. The analysis indicates that fiscal policy responded to external shocks in a fairly large number of countries. In particular, fiscal policy responses to unexpected shocks were stronger than the responses to anticipated ones.
Hydrolysis of uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-D-glucosamine by embryonic cells of the hamster and rat. Determination by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract The hydrolysis of UDP N-acetylglucosamine by extracts of rat embryo cells has been compared to the hydrolysis of this sugar nucleotide by extracts of hamster embryo cells. A method utilizing high-pressure liquid chromatography was developed to separate and quantify the products of the hydrolysis. Rat embryo cells as well as hamster embryo cells hydrolyzed UDP-N-acetylglucosamine virtually completely under the experimental conditions. The principal product of the hydrolysis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine by hamster embryo cells was N-acetylglucosamine. The sugar moiety of N-acetylglucosamine, produced by hamster embryo cells, was identified by thin-layer chromatography to be glucose. By contrast, the major metabolite (60–70%) of the hydrolysis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine by rat embryo cells was identified as a phosphorylated acetylamino sugar. Only about 30–40% of the substrate was degraded to the free acetylamino sugar. Examination of the sugar moiety of the phosphorylated and of the free acetylamino sugar by thin-layer chromatography indicated that it was a mixture of glucose and of the epimers, mannose or galactose. The identity of the epimers has as yet not been established. Thus, unlike hamster embryo cells, rat embryo cells contain an active epimerase. However, the phosphohydrolase of the rat embryo cell which degrades the phosphorylated acetylamino sugars to the free acetylamino sugars seems to be less active than the enzyme in the hamster embryo cell. On the basis of the data of this study a comparison of the pattern of hydrolysis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine by normal and transformed embryonic cells of the rat and of the hamster appears feasible.
Human placental lactogen: further evidence of placental mimicry of pituitary function.

THE PRESENCE OF one or more proteins in human placental extracts which would stimulate crop sac growth in the pigeon was first demonstrated by Higashi in collaboration with Ito.“-* Somatotropic activity of extracts of the human placenta was also demonstrated earlier by Fukushima.” This note recounts the efforts to identify and purify human placental lactogen (HPL, human chorionic somatomammotropin~ in our laboratory at the Boston Lying-In Hospital and in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School. These endeavors are presented as they summarize the importance of research leadership of the chairman of a clinical department, the importance of early financial support for junior investigator, the provision of time for them to carry out such research, the availability of newer techniques at a criticai time in the development of research project, devotion of one’s research technicians, the close proximity of numerous colleagues in allied fields to help in the development of research techniques, and previous preand post-doctoral training in research meth~ology, I had received preand post-doctoral training supported by the Josiah Macy, Jr., Foundation at the Harvard Medical School, Department of Physiology, laboratory of Ernst Knob& where the species specificity of human pituitary growth hormone was discovered, Because of this background, Duncan E. Reid suggested that I embark on a search for the growth hormone-like factor
Size Matters - Revealing Small Scale Structures in Large Datasets

The size of datasets generated in the medical imaging community is increasing faster than additional processing resources are made available. Even if we can surmount the hurdles in large data handling and processing, the amount of information encoded in these datasets is overwhelming. Therefore effective visualization techniques must allow a user to identify and focus on scientifically interesting subsets of the data. We describe a system for generating high-quality renderings of large volumetric data, and discuss the importance of scalable systems in the medical community.
Lessons From Three UAW Locals

Excerpt] When plants close down, workers are usually desperate for a remedy. In these tragic circumstances, the prospect of a worker buy-out to keep the plant operating has overwhelming appeal. The role unions play can determine whether or not the rescue attempt is successful. If unions stand on the sidelines debating the merits of a buyout attempt while financiers and corporate managers put together a deal, they will pay dearly for their passivity. If they take the lead in organizing the rescue attempt, however, they can create viable enterprises that will give their members job security.
In Defense of Pure Reason: A Rationalist Account of a Priori Justification

1. Introduction: the problem of a priori justification 2. In search of moderate empiricism 3. Quine and radical empiricism 4. A moderate rationalism 5. Epistemological objections to rationalism 6. Metaphysical objections to rationalism 7. The justification of induction Appendix: non-Euclidean geometry and relativity.
Supracervical pregnancy following supravaginal hysterectomy

S UPRACERVICAL pregnancy following hysterectomy is a very rare occurrence. There are reports of 6 cases of pregnancies following hysterectomies, of which 4 were tubal, 1 extrauterine and 1 in the cul-de-sac posterior to the bladder. Two of these patients died of hemorrhage ; two had the pregnancies removed by operation ; one had a 7 months’ child delivered by laparotomy, and one had a 6 months’ child delivered from the cervix. Because of its unusual location, the following case was thought worth while reporting: ~
Predictors of Retention and Achievement in a Massive Open Online Course

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been heralded as an education revolution, but they suffer from low retention, calling into question their viability as a means of promoting education for all. In addition, numerous gaps remain in the research literature, particularly concerning predictors of retention and achievement. In this study, we used survival analysis to examine the degree to which student characteristics, relevance, prior experience with MOOCs, self-reported commitment, and learners’ implicit theory of intelligence predicted retention and achievement. We found that learners’ expected investment, including level of commitment, expected number of hours devoted to the MOOC, and intention to obtain a certificate, related to retention likelihood. Prior level of schooling and expected hours devoted to the MOOC predicted achievement.
Surface analysis using proton beams

Abstract Characteristic X-rays, back-scattered protons and Auger electrons are emitted from the surface region of solids under bombardment by protons. Energy analysis of these emitted particles yields data which permit identification of the atoms present in the surface region; in addition, quantitative surface composition information has been obtained using appropriate calibrations. Results from analyses using the techniques of (1) proton-induced X-rays (PIX), (2) Rutherford back-scattering (RBS) and (3) Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) for bombardments by mono-energetic 100–400 keV protons are collated and discussed. These previously published results are reviewed here to illustrate the types of compositional information obtainable and the advantages and disadvantages of each of the techniques with regard to elemental sensitivities, depth resolutions, reaction cross sections and complex targets. Finally, the complementary nature of the three techniques is discussed with emphasis on the possibilities for simultaneous analyses.
Path-following technique based on residual energy suppression for nonlinear finite element analysis

Abstract A new kind of path-following technique along with a new automatic load incrementation procedure is proposed. The path-following technique is based on the suppression of the residual energy in every iteration. The method not only offers a simpler procedure than the existing ones, but also enables one to update the stiffness matrix easily whenever necessary. A cylindrical type of constraint surface is provided to assist the method in passing through critical points. The proposed automatic load incrementation procedure utilizes a concept which is based on the geometry of the equilibrium path represented by a stiffness parameter. Both the path-following technique and the automatic load incrementation procedure show a good capability in tracing equilibrium paths with multiple loops in the example problems.
What Does Environmental Protection Protect

Environmental protection isn't what it used to be. During the 1960s and 1970s, environmentalists enacted a legislative agenda that seems like a dream today: statutes like the Clean Air and Clean Wa...
Toxicological analysis of limonene reaction products using an in vitro exposure system.

Epidemiological investigations suggest a link between exposure to indoor air chemicals and adverse health effects. Consumer products contain reactive chemicals which can form secondary pollutants which may contribute to these effects. The reaction of limonene and ozone is a well characterized example of this type of indoor air chemistry. The studies described here characterize an in vitro model using an epithelial cell line (A549) or differentiated epithelial tissue (MucilAir™). The model is used to investigate adverse effects following exposure to combinations of limonene and ozone. In A549 cells, exposure to both the parent compounds and reaction products resulted in alterations in inflammatory cytokine production. A one hour exposure to limonene + ozone resulted in decreased proliferation when compared to cells exposed to limonene alone. Repeated dose exposures of limonene or limonene + ozone were conducted on MucilAir™ tissue. No change in proliferation was observed but increases in cytokine production were observed for both the parent compounds and reaction products. Factors such as exposure duration, chemical concentration, and sampling time point were identified to influence result outcome. These findings suggest that exposure to reaction products may produce more severe effects compared to the parent compound.
A Multi-Wire Proportional Chamber for Nuclear Medicine Applications

We describe a xenon-filled multi-wire proportional chamber (MWPC) with delay-line readout of coordinates for nuclear medicine applications. This system, with an active area of 30.5 × 30.5 cm2, is being used to image internally administered radioisotope distributions in animals for research purposes.
Local magnetic ordering in La1−xCaxMnO3 determined by spin-polarized x-ray absorption spectroscopy

A systematic study of spin-dependent Mn K-edge x-ray absorption spectra was performed on La1−xCaxMnO3. By examining the changes in the pre-edge spectra with the temperature, a model of the excitation process is developed and used to predict the temperature dependent changes in the local magnetic ordering about Mn sites. The approach is of general applicability to perovskite systems. It can be used to determine the change in the local magnetic order (ferromagnetic versus antiferromagnetic) about a transition metal site upon going through a transition or as the result of external perturbations.
Reducing logic test set size while preserving fault detection

Logic criteria demand inputs that guarantee detection of certain faults. One such criterion, MUMCUT, is composed of three criteria, where each constituent criterion ensures the detection of specific faults. In practice, the criteria may overlap in terms of faults detected, leading to redundant tests, but due to the fact that infeasible requirements do not result in tests, all the constituent criteria are needed. The key insight of this paper is that analysis of the feasibility of the constituent criteria can reduce test set size without sacrificing fault detection for specific faults. This paper introduces a new logic criterion, Minimal-MUMCUT, and shows how it can apply to minimal DNF, minimal CNF, and general form Boolean expressions. With Minimal-MUMCUT, a determination is made of which constituent criteria are feasible, and hence necessary, at the level of individual literals and terms. An empirical study found that Minimal-MUMCUT reduces the test set size, without sacrificing fault detection, regardless of the predicate format. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigorous results on the triangular Ising model with pair and triplet interactions

Abstract It is shown that the Ising model on the triangular lattice with pair and triplet spin interactions and an external magnetic field is completely equivalent to an Ising model on the diced lattice with only nearest neighbor interactions and a staggered magnetic field. The Yang-Lee zero consideration is then used to determine regimes in the parameter space of the triangular Ising model that are free of phase transitions.
A high order finite element for completely incompressible creeping flow

A finite element method for simulating the creeping flow of an incompressible material is presented. The method allows for (1) a quadratic approximation of the velocity field, (2) material incompressibility everywhere within an element and (3) the ability to follow the flow through large changes of the material boundaries. A candle slowly bending under its own weight is simulated for illustrative purposes.
Sexual Enhancement for Young Adults.

Despite the recent development of sexual enhancement programs, young, premarital aged adults (18 to 20) have usually been excluded from participation. Few models exist that attempt to meet the needs of this age group. In an effort to bridge this gap, a sexual enhancement workshop has been developed that focuses specifically on the needs of young adults.
A method for three-dimensional particle sizing in two-phase flows

A method is devised for true three-dimensional (3D) particle sizing in two-phase systems. Based on a ray-optics approximation of the Mie scattering theory for spherical particles, and under given assumptions, the principle is applicable to intensity data from scatterers within arbitrary interrogation volumes. It requires knowledge of the particle 3D location and intensity, and of the spatial distribution of the incident light intensity throughout the measurement volume. The new methodology is particularly suited for Lagrangian measurements: we demonstrate its use with the defocusing digital particle image velocimetry technique, a 3D measurement technique that provides the location, intensity and velocity of particles in large volume domains. We provide a method to characterize the volumetric distribution of the incident illumination and we assess experimentally the size measurement uncertainty.
Survey of hemorrhoidectomy practices: Open versus closed techniques

A questionnaire was sent to members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Four hundred and forty-five (43.6%) were tabulated to establish criteria and results of surgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. The most frequent indication for surgery, was internal and external hemorrhoids with mucosal prolapse. Significant differences were found in time required for complete healing, frequency of wound dehiscence, frequency of postoperative stenosis, and frequency of postoperative infection. Results did not support opinions that the closed technique was associated with significantly less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay or earlier resumption of work.
The future of high-speed logic in MOS, bipolar, GaAs, and Josephson junction ICs

During the 80s, line widths and spaces will shrink by an order of magnitude, gate delays will decrease by a factor of 3-5, and devices per unit area will increase by at least an order of magnitude. These drastic improvements will have significant impact on systems approaches and capabilities, but will raise questions about manufacturability and product reliability. Panelists will assess approaches, projections, limitations and applications in the next decade.
Resonance peak and incommensurate response as direct manifestations of magnetism

Abstract It is argued that both the resonance peak and low-energy incommensurate response observed in high- T c cuprate superconductors have a common magnetic origin. These physical quantities represent universal signatures of an underlying incommensurate spin state both below and above the superconducting transition temperature. In this framework the resonance peak is the reflection of commensurate antiferromagnetism. Our theoretical scenario gives an account of the main universal features observed in various families of superconductors and predicts those that have not been observed yet experimentally.
Propionibacterium acnes Bacteriophages Display Limited Genetic Diversity and Broad Killing Activity against Bacterial Skin Isolates

ABSTRACT Investigation of the human microbiome has revealed diverse and complex microbial communities at distinct anatomic sites. The microbiome of the human sebaceous follicle provides a tractable model in which to study its dominant bacterial inhabitant, Propionibacterium acnes, which is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of the human disease acne. To explore the diversity of the bacteriophages that infect P. acnes, 11 P. acnes phages were isolated from the sebaceous follicles of donors with healthy skin or acne and their genomes were sequenced. Comparative genomic analysis of the P. acnes phage population, which spans a 30-year temporal period and a broad geographic range, reveals striking similarity in terms of genome length, percent GC content, nucleotide identity (>85%), and gene content. This was unexpected, given the far-ranging diversity observed in virtually all other phage populations. Although the P. acnes phages display a broad host range against clinical isolates of P. acnes, two bacterial isolates were resistant to many of these phages. Moreover, the patterns of phage resistance correlate closely with the presence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat elements in the bacteria that target a specific subset of phages, conferring a system of prokaryotic innate immunity. The limited diversity of the P. acnes bacteriophages, which may relate to the unique evolutionary constraints imposed by the lipid-rich anaerobic environment in which their bacterial hosts reside, points to the potential utility of phage-based antimicrobial therapy for acne. IMPORTANCEPropionibacterium acnes is a dominant member of the skin microflora and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne; however, little is known about the bacteriophages that coexist with and infect this bacterium. Here we present the novel genome sequences of 11 P. acnes phages, thereby substantially increasing the amount of available genomic information about this phage population. Surprisingly, we find that, unlike other well-studied bacteriophages, P. acnes phages are highly homogeneous and show a striking lack of genetic diversity, which is perhaps related to their unique and restricted habitat. They also share a broad ability to kill clinical isolates of P. acnes; phage resistance is not prevalent, but when detected, it appears to be conferred by chromosomally encoded immunity elements within the host genome. We believe that these phages display numerous features that would make them ideal candidates for the development of a phage-based therapy for acne.
Formation and migration of charged native point defects in MgH 2 : First-principles calculations

Using first-principles calculations we have investigated the possible native point defects in bulk ${\text{MgH}}_{2}$. Due to the interest in this material for hydrogen storage, we have paid particular attention to hydrogen-related defects that are likely to be involved in the absorption and release kinetics of hydrogen. We have considered neutral and charged defects and calculated formation energies as a function of Fermi-level position and hydrogen chemical potential. In the absence of impurities, we find that under extreme H-poor conditions the lowest-energy defects are positively and negatively charged hydrogen vacancies (${V}_{\text{H}}^{+}$ and ${V}_{\text{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$). Under extreme H-rich conditions, the lowest-energy defects are ${V}_{\text{H}}^{+}$, negatively charged hydrogen interstitials $({\text{H}}_{i}^{\ensuremath{-}})$, and negatively charged Mg vacancies ${V}_{\text{Mg}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$. The defects are characterized by unusually large local structural rearrangements. The hydrogen-related defects are also highly mobile, with a lowest migration barrier of less than 0.10 eV for ${\text{H}}_{i}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{2i}$, and a highest barrier of 0.63 eV for ${V}_{\text{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. By combining the calculated formation energies with migration barriers, we find that the lowest activation energy for self-diffusion is about 1.48 eV under H-poor conditions. The consequences of these results for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation kinetics are discussed.
Abstract A125: Genetic variation in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor region on chromosome 15q25 and lung cancer risk

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S and is approximately 30% higher in African‐Americans than in Caucasians. Recently, several groups including ours, using genome‐wide association study, identified and replicated a region of chromosome 15q24–25.1 that had a highly reliable and significant association with lung cancer risk. Analysis of SNPs in this region identified association with variability in expression of exons 3–5 of CHRNA5. To identify additional variation that may be associated with lung cancer risk we started to re‐sequence all of the exons and surrounding intron/exon boundaries for the genes in the region including CHRNA3, CHRNA5, PSMA4 and LOC123688, in 46 lung cancer cases and 46 control. Among these 4 genes, the first two are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Results of sequencing identified many new variants, and there were significantly more rare variants in cases than controls for CHRNA5. We evaluated 6 of these rare variants, located within the region of exon3–5 of CHRNA5 that were identified by resequencing, in a case controls study of African America population. However none of these 6 novel variants we identified were significantly more common in 467 cases than in 388 controls. In addition to these rare variants, we identified insertion/deletion variations in the promoters region of CHRNA5 and we will evaluate the association of these insertion/deletion variations with lung cancer in a large sample size of African America population. Taken together, the finding provides additional information on the association of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor region on chromosome 15q25 and lung cancer risk. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A125.
Notch sensitivity of fatigue life in a Sylramic TM/SiC composite at elevated temperature

The effects of holes and notches on the fatigue life of an advanced Sylramic TM /SiC composite at 815 � C have been examined. At this temperature, fracture occurs by an oxidative embrittlement mechanism, common to most SiC-based composites. In unnotched specimens, embrittlement is manifested at stresses above the matrix cracking limit, � mc, leading to fracture following relatively short exposure times ( � 100 h). As a consequence, a fatigue threshold is obtained at a stress, � th � � mc. This threshold is due to the absence of an easy path for oxygen ingress when matrix cracks are not present. In center-hole specimens, an analogous threshold is obtained, at a stress, � th � � mc=ke, where ke is the elastic stress concentration factor (= 2.5). That is, once the cracking limit is exceeded at the hole edge, embrittlement and fracture ensue. The threshold stress for center-notch specimens with stress concentration ke ¼ 7 is numerically similar to that of the center-hole specimens with ke ¼ 2:5, indicating some tolerance to local stress levels above the global matrix cracking limit in sharply notched geometries. Non-linear finite-element calculations of the stresses in the center-hole and center-notch specimens are used to infer the local conditions associated with the threshold. A key result is that the damage tolerance and notch insensitivity normally associated with inelastic straining cannot be exploited at temperatures at which the embrittlement mechanism operates. The implication is that composite structures with holes and notches must be designed extremely conservatively to ensure long lifetimes (> 100 h). # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stability and performance analysis of an adaptive sigma-delta modulator

This work develops an adaptive sigma-delta modulator that is based on adapting the quantizer step-size using estimates of the quantizer input rather than the modulator input. The adaptive modulator with a first-order noise shaping filter is shown to be bounded-input bounded-output stable. Moreover, an analytical expression for the signal-to-noise ratio is derived, and it is shown to be independent of the input signal strength. Simulation results confirm the signal-to-noise ratio performance and indicate considerable improvement in the dynamic range of the modulator compared to earlier structures.