cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal reproducibility of spectral domain optical coherence tomography in children with physiologic cupping and stable glaucoma.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether Spectralis (Heidelberg, Germany) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements are reproducible over time in children with physiologic cupping and stable glaucoma. Methods Subjects were identified from a subset of participants in an earlier retrospective study conducted by our group and included children ( Results A total of 35 eyes of 35 children were included: 15 eyes had physiologic cupping; 20 eyes, PCG. Mean ages at initial SD-OCT were 11.2 ± 3.3 years and 9.7 ± 3.3, respectively; mean intervals between first and last imaging were 2.2 ± 1.1 and 3.0 ± 1.4 years, respectively. ICCs across three visits for both groups for average and sectoral pRNFL thicknesses were 0.887-0.997 and for segmented retinal volumes were 0.806-0.993. ICCs for total retinal volume for physiologic cupping and PCG were 0.993 and 0.954, respectively. COVs for average pRNFL thickness were 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively. For all other measurements, COVs ranged from 0.3% to 5.4%. Conclusions Reproducibility of longitudinal SD-OCT measurements for average pRNFL thickness in children with stable glaucoma over about 2 years is comparable to short-term reproducibility (COV) in normal children (1.16%) and normal and glaucoma adults (1.62%-3.4%).
Real-world Comparison of Afirma GEC and GSC for the Assessment of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules.

CONTEXT Molecular tests have improved the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules. The Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) was developed to improve the specificity of the Gene Expression Classifier (GEC). Independent studies are needed to assess the performance of GSC. OBJECTIVE The aim was to compare the performance of GEC and GSC in the assessment of indeterminate nodules. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective analysis of Bethesda III and IV nodules tested with GEC or GSC in an academic center between December 2011 and September 2018. Benign call rates (BCRs) and surgical outcomes were compared. Histopathologic data were collected on nodules that were surgically resected to calculate measures of test performance. RESULTS The BCR was 41% (73/178) for GEC and 67.8% (82/121) for GSC (P < .001). Among specimens with dominant Hurthle cell cytology, the BCR was 22% (6/27) for GEC and 63.2% (12/19) for GSC (P = .005). The overall surgery rate decreased from 47.8% in the GEC group to 34.7% in the GSC group (P = .025). One GEC-benign and 3 GSC-benign nodules proved to be malignant on surgical excision. GSC had a statistically significant higher specificity (94% vs 60%, P < .001) and positive predictive value (PPV) (85.3% vs 40%, P < .001) than GEC. While sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) dropped with GSC (97.0% vs 90.6% and 98.6% vs 96.3%, respectively), these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS GSC reclassified more indeterminate nodules as benign and improved the specificity and PPV of the test. These enhancements appear to be resulting in fewer diagnostic surgeries.
So you want your supply chain to adopt sustainable and green practices: how complicated could that be?

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the strategic tensions involved in persuading a supply chain to adopt sustainable practices, with a particular emphasis on the apparel industry and green chemistry. These tensions arise from the conflict between a firm's potential desire to use sustainable practices to improve its competitive positioning (e.g., by creating a brand that is uniquely the greenest brand on the market) and the reality that adopting sustainable practices (e.g., green chemistry) will require the firm to cooperate with its supply chain and potentially with competitors in ways that may undercut the opportunity for an enhanced competitive position (e.g., if everyone adopts the same green practices, it is difficult for any individual firm to claim it is uniquely the greenest firm). To some extent, this tension can be overcome by cooperation in ways that expand the market overall (e.g., take sales away from substitute products), while striving for competitive advantage against direct competitors (i.e., collectively this concept is called coopetition, which is described in the last section).
Foldamer-templated catalysis of macrocycle formation

Macrocycles, compounds containing a ring of 12 or more atoms, find use in human medicine, fragrances, and biological ion sensing. The efficient preparation of macrocycles is a fundamental challenge in synthetic organic chemistry because the high entropic cost of large-ring closure allows undesired intermolecular reactions to compete. Here, we present a bioinspired strategy for macrocycle formation through carbon–carbon bond formation. The process relies on a catalytic oligomer containing α- and β-amino acid residues to template the ring-closing process. The α/β-peptide foldamer adopts a helical conformation that displays a catalytic primary amine–secondary amine diad in a specific three-dimensional arrangement. This catalyst promotes aldol reactions that form rings containing 14 to 22 atoms. Utility is demonstrated in the synthesis of the natural product robustol.
Intrinsic Bayesian estimation of linear time series models

Intrinsic loss functions (such as the Kullback–Leibler divergence, i.e. the entropy loss) have been used extensively in place of conventional loss functions for independent samples. But application...
Protamine use in transcarotid artery revascularization is associated with lower risk of bleeding complications without higher risk of thromboembolic events

Abstract Objective Recent studies have found that transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is associated with lower risk of stroke or death compared with transfemoral carotid artery stenting but higher risk of bleeding complications, presumably associated with the need for an incision. Heparin anticoagulation is universally used during TCAR, so protamine use may reduce bleeding complications. However, the safety and effectiveness of protamine use in TCAR are unknown. We therefore evaluated the impact of protamine use on perioperative outcomes after TCAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative TCAR Surveillance Project. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing TCAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative TCAR Surveillance Project from September 2016 to April 2019. We assessed in-hospital outcomes using propensity score-matched cohorts of patients who did and did not receive protamine. The primary efficacy end point was access site bleeding complications, and the primary safety end point was in-hospital stroke or death. Secondary end points included the individual end points of stroke, death, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure exacerbation, and hemodynamic instability. Results Of the 5144 patients undergoing TCAR, all patients received heparin and 4072 (79%) patients received protamine. We identified 944 matched pairs of patients who did and did not receive protamine. Protamine use was associated with a significantly lower risk of bleeding complications (2.8% vs 8.3%; relative risk [RR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.52; P Conclusions Protamine can be safely used in TCAR to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding complications without increasing the risk of thrombotic events.
Knowledge That Changes Social Work Practice: An Exploration of its Sources and Content

There is continuing interest in the relationship between knowledge and practice in social work. Overly narrow conceptualizations of the EBP model deepened the gap between practice knowledge and formal research evidence in the profession. While much has been written about the dissemination and adaptation of research findings to practice, much less is known about the actual sources of knowledge social workers draw on in their practice. This paper reports findings from an exploratory survey about the sources and content of knowledge that changed professional practice among social work field instructors (n=250) in St. Louis. An analysis of open-ended responses revealed that co-workers and continuing education programs are the most important sources for knowledge and information that influence practice. While academic journals are perceived by practitioners to be relatively unimportant sources for such knowledge, research findings on the background and effectiveness of interventions, make up the primary content that appears to affect social work practice. The findings suggest that formal research knowledge is important but that it is primarily accessed through professional networks and training programs instead of directly from peer-reviewed journals. Social media platforms seemed to be insignificant sources for professional knowledge. These insights raise important questions about how social workers use social media and the role of occupational networks and associations for the dissemination of research findings. Finally, our findings suggest that agencies and researchers think more purposefully about the infusion of knowledge into practice through opportunities for professional socialization, the use of research briefs, and open-access, peer-reviewed journals.
Severe Methemoglobinemia and Death From Intentional Sodium Nitrite Ingestions.

Abstract Background Sodium nitrite is known to induce methemoglobinemia and hypotension when ingested, but reports of intentional ingestion remain rare. Case Series We report five cases of severe methemoglobinemia secondary to large sodium nitrite ingestion that were reported to and managed by the California Poison Control System in 2019, resulting in three fatalities. The estimated doses ingested ranged from 15 grams to 113 grams, with one patient surviving after an ingestion of 60 grams. The highest documented methemoglobin level was 73%. The 2 patients who survived received methylene blue early in their clinical course. One patient required higher doses of methylene blue compared with other cases of nitrite-associated methemoglobinemia. In the patients who survived, all symptoms resolved within 24 h. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? These cases highlight the severe toxicity associated with intentional large sodium nitrite ingestion. In management, consideration should be given to administering higher initial or more frequent doses of methylene blue compared with standard practice. Given that sodium nitrite is readily accessible through online vendors, and is being circulated through various suicide forums, it has the potential to be more commonly encountered in the emergency department.
Error Bounds for a Matrix-Vector Product Approximation with Deep ReLU Neural Networks

Abstract—Inspired by the depth and breadth of developments on the theory of deep learning, we pose these fundamental questions: can we accurately approximate an arbitrary matrix-vector product using deep rectified linear unit (ReLU) feedforward neural networks (FNNs)? If so, can we bound the resulting approximation error? Attempting to answer these questions, we derive error bounds in Lebesgue and Sobolev norms for a matrix-vector product approximation with deep ReLU FNNs. Since a matrix-vector product models several problems in wireless communications and signal processing; network science and graph signal processing; and network neuroscience and brain physics, we discuss various applications that are motivated by an accurate matrix-vector product approximation with deep ReLU FNNs. Toward this end, the derived error bounds offer a theoretical insight and guarantee in the development of algorithms based on deep ReLU FNNs.
Mechanistic Insight into Lignin Slow Pyrolysis by Linking Pyrolysis Chemistry and Carbon Material Properties

As a highly abundant renewable carbon source, lignin can be converted to a variety of advanced carbon materials with tailorable properties through slow pyrolysis. In this study, slow pyrolysis of kraft lignin, for the first time, was investigated with a commercial pyrolysis–gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) system through evolved gas analysis-MS (EGA-MS) and heart-cutting-GC-MS (HC-GC-MS) analyses. These analyses allow recovery and examination of the multi-phased gas products generated from thermal decomposition of lignin during slow pyrolysis over long time course thus making it possible to link pyrolysis chemistry and carbon material properties. The overall product distributions, including volatiles and solid product were quantitatively tracked at different heating rates (2, 20, 40 ℃/min) and different temperature regions (100-200, 200-300 and 300-600 ℃). Solid residues were further characterized using a suite of analytical tools, in correlation with the investigation of formation mechanisms of volatiles to reveal the reaction chemistry of lignin during slow pyrolysis, and to determine the morphology, pore structure, and interfacial chemical properties. This study provides critical insights into the slow pyrolysis chemistry of lignin and the properties of the resulting carbon material. These results will facilitate a better design and control of the lignin slow pyrolysis process for synthesizing functional carbon materials.
Private Representation in Public Diplomacy: Ukraine, the Logan Act, and the Appointments Clause

The use of private agents by Presidents is a historical practice as old as the country itself. Presidents have used these shadow diplomats to engage in a wide variety of strategic engagements deemed inappropriate for official diplomatic actors. President Trump was no exception. He primarily used his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, for a number of these diplomatic engagements. However, this note focuses on only one: Giuliani’s activities in Ukraine. President Trump ordered Giuliani, acting in his capacity as the President’s personal attorney, to lead a U.S. government negotiation effort with the Ukrainian government, with the goal of, inter alia, convincing the Ukrainians to relaunch their investigation into Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company with ties to the Biden family. During the course of these negotiations, Giuliani bore no government credentials and acted as a private agent of the President. As part of his pressure campaign against the Ukrainian government, Giuliani conditioned U.S. aid to Ukraine on the relaunch of the Ukrainian investigation into Burisma. President Trump signed this aid into law in 2018. Subsequently, the Trump administration withheld this aid to Ukraine for slightly over two months. This withholding violated the Take Care Clause of the Constitution as well as the Impoundment Control Act. Therefore, this note argues, the President violated his substantive article II responsibilities. Although private agents of the President may act under the President’s substantive constitutional powers, by assisting the President in violating the Take Care Clause, Giuliani acted without the President’s substantive constitutional authority. This note submits that in doing so, he violated the Logan Act. In addition, by acting as a de facto government officer without any government appointment, Giuliani also violated the Appointments Clause, which serves as a tool for congressional oversight over executive officials.
Preparing Teachers to Be Culturally Multidimensional: Designing and Implementing Teacher Preparation Programs for Pedagogical Relevance, Responsiveness, and Sustenance

In this article, I suggest four key principles that are foundational for guiding the design and implementation of teacher education programs that prepare teachers who are culturally multidimensiona...
Dietary Phytoestrogens Ameliorate Hydrochloric Acid-Induced Chronic Lung Injury and Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

We previously reported that female mice exhibit protection against chemically induced pulmonary fibrosis and suggested a potential role of estrogen. Phytoestrogens act, at least in part, via stimulation of estrogen receptors; furthermore, compared to residents of Western countries, residents of East Asian countries consume higher amounts of phytoestrogens and exhibit lower rates of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that dietary phytoestrogens ameliorate the severity of experimentally induced pulmonary fibrosis. Male mice placed on either regular soybean diet or phytoestrogen-free diet were instilled with 0.1 N HCl to provoke pulmonary fibrosis. Thirty days later, lung mechanics were measured as indices of lung function and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were analyzed for biomarkers of fibrosis. Mice on phytoestrogen-free diet demonstrated increased mortality and stronger signs of chronic lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, as reflected in the expression of collagen, extracellular matrix deposition, histology, and lung mechanics, compared to mice on regular diet. We conclude that dietary phytoestrogens play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and suggest that phytoestrogens (e.g., genistein) may be useful as part of a therapeutic regimen against hydrochloric acid-induced lung fibrosis and chronic lung dysfunction.
Model Applications to Predict Ultrasonic Signals from Honeycomb Panels

The engine fan ducts used in the F100 fighter are titanium alloy structures consisting of inner and outer plates (“skins”) and intervening interior “side” walls that connect the two plates and are arranged in a “honeycomb” fashion. The panels are ultrasonically inspected in immersion in pulse-echo or through-transmission modes to look for common defect conditions: interior water in the honeycomb cells, disbonds between the skins and side walls, and tears in the honeycomb side walls. In such C-scan inspections, focussed transducers are used with the beam(s) normal to the inner and outer skins.
The power of talk: How words change our lives, by Briscoe, F., Arriaza, G., and Henze, R.C.

Instructors looking for readings to use in teacher education courses on language issues in education are frequently frustrated by the lack of academic material that applies directly to teachers' ne...
Long-Range Attraction in the Collisions of Free-Molecular and Transition Regime Aerosol Particles

Rigorously speaking, an aerosol* is a nonequilibrium condition of matter. Given any nontrivial initial or boundary conditions, an aerosol ultimately evolves to a state of lower internal energy due to collisions among the particles and their thermodynamically irreversible coagulation. Estimation of these collision rates is the question to which the subjects discussed in this paper make their contributions.
Botany and Anatomy

The basic unit of biological classification is the species. Although each individual of a sexual population is genetically unique, each species is a closed gene pool, an assemblage of organisms that does not normally exchange genes with other species. This chapter provides a brief overview of the botanical classification of grapevines, starting with the domain at the top of the hierarchy and finishing with a selection of species at the base. The advent of DNA fingerprinting has led to its adoption for the identification of selections in grape collections and is increasingly being used to uncover the historical origins and genetic relationships of grapevines. The evolution of complex multicellular structures from single-celled ancestors required the simultaneous development of innovative solutions to solve the problem of communication between the cells forming a tissue, between different tissues within an organ, between the diverse organs of the plant body, and among plants of a community.
Crossed-beam DC slice imaging of fluorine atom reactions with linear alkanes

We report the reaction dynamics of F atom with selected alkanes studied by crossed beam scattering with DC slice ion imaging. The target alkanes are propane, n-butane, and n-pentane. The product alkyl radicals are probed by 157 nm single photon ionization following reaction at a collision energy of ∼10 kcal mol−1. The analyzed data are compared with the corresponding theoretical studies. Reduced translational energy distributions for each system show similar trends with little of the reaction exoergicity appearing in translation. However, the pentane reaction shows a somewhat smaller fraction of available energy in translation than the other two, suggesting greater energy channeled into pentyl internal degrees of freedom. The center-of-mass angular distributions all show backscattering as well as sharp forward scattering that decreases in relative intensity with the size of the molecule. Possible reasons for these trends are discussed.
Problem drinking in the family and youth suicide.

Drawing from the work of Danigelis (1983), the present research put forth a theory of chronic stress to further our understanding of the processes related to suicide among 10- to 14-year-olds. Specifically, the relationship between problematic drinking in the home and youth suicide rates was examined. The hypothesis that chronic stress, as measured by problem drinking in the home, is related to youth suicide was supported. Language: en
The Parathyroid Hormone‐Related Protein and Indian Hedgehog Feedback Loop in the Growth Plate

Abstract Normal development of the growth plate requires coordinated proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. In previous work, we have shown that Indian hedgehog (IHH), produced by prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes, stimulates production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) by perichondrial and early chondrocytic cells. PTHrP then maintains chondrocytes in a proliferative, less differentiated state. Because this less differentiated state delays the production of IHH, IHH and PTHrP may participate in a negative feedback loop that synchronizes and determines the pace of differentiation of chondrocytes in the growth plate. To establish the roles of physiological levels of PTHrP and IHH, we have now injected PTH/PTHrP receptor (-/-) embryonic stem (ES) cells into normal blastocysts to generate mice with chimeric growth plates. The PTH/PTHrP receptor cells leave the proliferative cycle and differentiate prematurely in the middle of the normal proliferative columns. The columns of wild-type cells are longer than normal and the adjacent bone collar is also longer than normal. Patterns of gene expression and the use of chimeras using PTH/PTHrP receptor (-/-); IHH (-/-) ES cells suggest that modified patterns of IHH and PTHrP synthesis explain these abnormalities. Thus, IHH is a master regulator of both chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation.
Role of superoxide dismutases and alkyl hydroperoxidases in pathogenesis of Pseudomonas syringae (741.1)

Plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, release reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and hydroxyl ion as a defense mechanism when they are infected with micro...
Foundations of medical decision-making for older adults with cardiovascular disease

In order to help older adults with cardiovascular disease navigate complex decisions, clinicians must know tenets of medical ethics and have good communication skills. The elements of decision making capacity and informed consent are reviewed, using relevant clinical examples to illustrate the basic concepts. The shared decision making model, by which clinician and patient work together to determine the plan of care, is described. Useful communication techniques to implement shared decision making are suggested.
ELF-SP - evolutionary algorithm for non-slicing floorplans with soft modules

We present an evolutionary strategy based algorithm which generates a topology for a non-slicing floorplan, represented as a sequence pair. Our search procedure uses large population of solutions to simultaneously explore multiple solution regions. Lagrangian relaxation is used only once on the final hard-module placements to adjust aspect ratios for the soft modules. Our soft-module results on MCNC benchmarks surpass other recently published results.
Impacts of environmental heterogeneity on alternative mating tactics in the threadtail damselfly

Environmental heterogeneity, including variation in the physical environment, may be key to understanding the evolution and maintenance of alternative mating tactics, but its influence is rarely examined. Males of the threadtail damselfly Protoneura amatoria reversibly use two alternative mating tactics (perching vs. hovering) and have previously been found to modulate their use of these tactics in response to variation in both light conditions and the density of ovipositing females. Here, I show that mating success payoffs of the two tactics are differentially influenced by these factors. The payoff of the perching tactic was greater than that of the hovering tactic under low light conditions and at low densities of ovipositing females. The payoff of the hovering tactic was greater under high light conditions and higher densities of ovipositing females. The differential success of the two mating tactics in response to light conditions is discussed in light of flight dynamics, vision, and predation.
Examining Interpersonal Relationship Predictors Of Delinquency Across Ethnic and Racial Samples

This study examined the associations between self-reported delinquency and elements of control theory. The subjects used for this study were adolescent males participating in an intervention program for youth at risk for alcohol and drug use. This study included quantitative measures of adolescents’ self-reports and referring agencies’ reports, which were administered during intake interviews. A regression analysis was used to determine whether elements of control theory predict self-reported delinquency. The measure was also utilized to explore whether the predictors are consistent across ethnic and racial sub-groups. The results support other empirical studies that suggest there is a statistically positive relationship between interpersonal relationships and delinquency.
Synthesis of (E)-5-oxo-2-(3-α and 3β-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-1-(4-N-pyrrolidine-2-butynyl)pyrrolidine

The synthesis of an oxotremorine analog, (E-5-oxo-2-(3α and 3β-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-1-(4-N-pyrrolidino-2-butynyl)pyrrolidine, is reported.
Growth of ultra-long sodium tungsten oxide and tungsten oxide nanowires: Effects of impurity and residue deposition

Abstract Ultra-long nanowires of sodium tungsten oxide and tungsten oxide were synthesized by simply heating tungsten source under a low oxygen pressure environment. The nanowires have diameters of ~40 to 500 nm and lengths from tens to several hundred microns. The majority of the nanowires were found to be triclinic Na 5 W 14 O 44 with small amount of monoclinic WO 3 . Triclinic Na 2 W 4 O 13 microplates with a rectangular shape grown together with the nanowires were also identified. The formation of ultra-long nanowires is explained by the vapor–solid (VS) growth mechanism. Effects of impurity and residue deposition have been thoroughly investigated. With a low concentration even smaller than 10 ppm (parts per million), the sodium impurity in the tungsten source could result in the formation of sodium tungsten phases. The growth of nanowires could be enhanced with the presence of residue deposition and the enhancement was attributed to the production of local vapor pressure from the residue deposition.
Fatal cytomegalovirus disease in a high-risk renal transplant recipient

The incidence of CMV infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients has increased as immunosuppression levels deepen following the use of newer immunosuppressive agents. It has been thought that 3–5 months of anti-CMV prophylaxis offers sufficient protection for these patients. We present a case of late-onset fatal CMV disease in a pediatric renal transplant recipient who received prolonged anti-CMV prophylaxis while on ”quadruple” immunosuppression with daclizumab, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and prednisone. Our case has prompted us to reassess CMV surveillance, prophylaxis, and immunosuppression levels in our pediatric renal transplant patients.
Stability of Lipid Films Formed on γ-Aminopropyl Monolayers

The stability of supported lipid membranes (SLMs) deposited on planar substrates derivatized with (γ-aminopropyl)silane (GAPS) was examined. Ellipsometry, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force ...
Paramagnetic resonance of a hydrazine-like defect in irradiated ammonium chloride crystals

Abstract A radiation induced paramagnetic defect center in ammonium chloride has been characterized by hyperfine interaction with two nitrogen nuclei and four hydrogen nuclei. The nuclei were identified by observing the changes of the EPR spectra caused by isotopic substitutions. Previously this EPR spectrum had been thought to be due to an electron trapped at a negative ion vacancy ( F -center).
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyanionic Materials for Testing of Antitumor Activity. I-The 1:2 Cyclocopolymer of Citraconic Anhydride and Divinyl Ether

The cyclopolymer of citraconic anhydride and divinyl ether was resynthesized for the purpose of optimizing its antitumor activity with respect to molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Thus, the cyclocopolymer was syn thesized under a variety of conditions which included use of chain-transfer agents, and the samples were fractionated. Evaluation of the various fractions against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia cells showed that the effectiveness of the material is highly dependent on both molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. An optimum sample resulted in an increase in survival times of treated vs. control animals of 267%.
The Effect of Voting Technology on Voter Turnout: Do Computers Scare the Elderly?

In the aftermath of the Florida debacle in the 2000 Presidential election, there has been an emphasis on replacing voting equipment perceived as inferior (e.g., punch card ballots) with more technologically advanced voting methods. It is possible, however, that not all voters will be comfortable with high-tech voting devices. Elderly voters, for example, might be familiar with the old voting machines but apprehensive about computerized voting. If this is the case, the fear of new voting technology might cause the turnout of elderly voters to decrease. We test for this effect by analyzing the change in voter turnout across Georgia counties in the two most recent gubernatorial elections, as it relates to the share of the counties’ populations that is over the age of 65 years. Consistent with the hypothesis that computers scare the elderly, we find a significantly negative relationship between the change in voter turnout and the elderly share of the population. An additional 1% of the population that is elderly is associated with a 0.3–0.4% decrease in turnout. The hypothesis that elderly voters were apprehensive about the change in voting technology is also supported by the increase in absentee balloting.
A sociobioeconomic model: The Texas inshore shrimp fishery

A sociobioeconomic model (SBM) of the Texas inshore shrimp fishery is developed an an extension of a General Bioeconomic Fisheries Simulation Model (GBFSM) for annual crop fisheries. The SBM is a heuristic model which redefines the traditional concept of a vessel class to include social and cultural variables that describe the vessel operators. Sociocultural variables that are hypothesized to affect harvesting capability of fishermen, or relative fishing power (rfp) of the vessels that they operate, are identified and referred to as Fishing Advantage variables. Fishing Advantage variables, age of operator, years of experience, and innovativeness, are quantified and incorporated into the GBFSM through modification of an equation which calculates rfp of different SBM vessel classes. Sociocultural variables hypothesized to affect decisions of vessel operators to exert fishing effort, or nominal days fished (ndf), are identified and referred to as Motivational variables. These include deferred gratification orientation, work orientation, and vessel ownership status of the vessel operator. A method using decision trees to direct decision-making based on Motivational variables and economic feedback is incorporated into the GBFSM to adjust ndj by different vessel classes. Five idealized inshore vessel classes representing different types of Texas inshore shrimp vessels, whose operators differ in Fishing Advantage and Motivation, are included in the SBM. SBM predictions of landings, effort, revenue, and rent under baseline and two different inshore management policies, an open season inshore policy and a closed season inshore policy, are (1) compared with GBFSM predictions under the same conditions, (2) compared across management policies, and (3) compared between each inshore vessel class. Predictions of inshore landings, effort, revenue, and rent were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between models under any policy conditions. SBM predictions of inshore landings, effort, revenue, and rent were significantly different (P < 0.05) between policies. Under an open inshore policy total inshore landings and effort increased relative to baseline, resulting in a 38% increase in rent to the inshore fishery. Under a closed inshore policy total inshore landings and effort decreased, resulting in a 92% decrease in rent to the inshore fishery Examination of the performance of individual inshore vessel classes indicated that policy changes have different economic impacts on different groups of fishermen, with revenue and rent of the lowest producers being most sensitive to policy changes. Explicit representation of sociocultural variables in bioeconomic models of commercial fisheries differentiates performance of different fishermen. It thereby illustrates effects of different management policies on those fishermen more clearly than is possible using models in which only the ‘average’ fisherman is represented.
PACS Displays: How to Select the Right Display Technology

The medical imaging display is a precision instrument with many features not found in commercial-grade displays. The more one understands what these features are and their corresponding clinical value, the better one can make a purchase decision. None of these displays maintain themselves for 5 years or more without some degree of automatic or manual performance testing. Routine calibration conformance checks are beginning to be mandated by the departments of health of many states. Most manufacturers provide mechanisms to perform these checks and keep track of their results, some more easily than others. A consistent display brightness of about 400 cd/m 2 and close conformance to the DICOM curve are the key components of a successful check. Displays are typically characterized by the number of pixels they contain, usually 2, 3, or 5 megapixels, but this is the least useful determinant of image quality. What matters most is the size of the pixels and the size of the whole display, which should be selected on the basis of the typical viewing distance. The farther one's eyes are from the display, the larger the pixels and the overall display size can be while still feeding the eye as much information as it can see. Care should be taken to use the appropriate display in a given setting for the clinical purpose at hand.
FPGA Architecture for Real-Time Video Noise Estimation

This paper proposes a hardware architecture of a video noise estimation algorithm capable of real-time processing. The objectives consist of adapting a computationally demanding noise estimation algorithm to a synthesizable VHDL implementation and achieving realtime performance. This structure-oriented noise estimation method considers image structure to find intensity-homogeneous blocks. Subsequently, these blocks are included in the averaging process to estimate the noise variance. Generating worst-case estimation error of 3 dB, this spatial noise reduction method is reliable for highly noisy and textured images. The proposed architecture provides a satisfactory compromise between area and processing speed. Furthermore, parameterization of the architecture allows additional flexibility with the scaling of mask sizes that can operate on 3×3 or 5×5 blocks of pixels. The proposed design is targeted to an FPGA device and estimates the noise variance over an interlaced PAL video sequence.
Effect of increase of intensity of illumination on acuity, and intensity of illumination of test charts

Abstract The results of experiment with various intensities of illumination upon the normal eyes of four observers are here recorded in graphs and tables. The practical bearing of such variations in illumination of test charts is discussed.
This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War – By James McPherson

James McPherson brings his considerable expertise on all things Civil War to bear in this far‐ranging collection of sixteen essays. The result is a compact but very useful introduction to the curre...
A YAC-, P1-, and cosmid-based physical Map of the BRCA1 region on chromosome 17q21

Abstract A familial early-onset breast cancer gene (BRCA1) has been localized to chromosome 17q21. To characterize this region and to aid in the identification of the BRCA1 gene, a physical map of a region of 1.0–1.5 Mb between the EDH17B1 and the PPY loci on chromosome 17q21 was generated. The physical map is composed of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) and P1 phage contig with one gap. The majority of the interval has also been converted to a cosmid contig. Twenty-three PCR-based sequence-tagged sites (STSs) were mapped to these contigs, thereby confirming the order and overlap of individual clones. This complex physical map of the BRCA1 region was used to isolate genes by a number of gene identification techniques and to generate transcript maps of the region, as presented in the three accompanying manuscripts of Brody et al. (1995), Osborne-Lawrence et al. (1995), and Friedman et al. (1995).
The Electoral Consequences of Party Switching by Incumbent Members of Congress, 1947–2000

What are the electoral consequences of switching parties for incumbent members of Congress? Do incumbents who switch fare better or worse after their switch? Aldrich (1995) and Aldrich and Bianco (1992) present a model of party affiliation for all candidates. We empirically extend this model for incumbent legislators who have switched parties. Specifically, we look at the universe of incumbent representatives who have run for Congress under more than one party label since World War II. We find that the primary and general election vote shares for party switchers are not as high after the switch as before. Additionally, we learn that party switching causes the primaries in the switcher's party and in the the opposing party (the switcher's �old� party) to become more competitive in the short run. Over the long run, however, primaries in the switcher's new party are less competitive than those in the old party before the switch.
Hyperemic stress test in diagnosis of vasculogenic impotence

Abstract A hyperemic stress test was used to determine vasculogenic impotence in 100 men (50 potent, 50 impotent). Normal potent males had a resting penile: brachial index ratio of 0. 75 and uniformly demonstrated a hyperemic response to the cuff occlusion stress test with a mean of 20 per cent increase in penile pressure. Penile blood pressure did not increase in impotent men, and often it decreased in response to the stress test.
The role of the epididymis in descensus testis and the topographical relationship between the testis and epididymis from the sixth month of pregnancy until immediately after birth

The position of the testis, the relationship between the epididymis and the testis, as well as the development and regression of the gubernaculum were investigated in 18 testicles of children from the 26th week of pregnancy until a few weeks after birth. The most important role in descensus testiculorum is ascribed to the differentiation of the epididymis and the ductus deferens. It is androgen dependent. The testis descends in the processus vaginalis, being attached to its dorsal wall.
Why Thais write to other Thais in English

: This study, incorporating survey and interview data, investigates the English writing habits of graduates of a bachelor's degree program in English at a public university in Thailand. Survey data show that the majority of the former students who responded (N = 104) write in English regularly, and they correspond with people in Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circle countries − but more of them write in English to other Thais than to people of any other nationality. Half of the interviewees (N = 14) said one reason they write to other Thais in English rather than in Thai is that their computers or software programs are not compatible with Thai; other reasons given were that they cannot type in Thai, their writing would be read by both Thais and people who could not read Thai, that they can express themselves more directly in English, and that they simply want to make use of their English ability. The interviewees were divided in their feelings about whether they felt more comfortable writing in English to other Thais or to people who are not Thai. The data support claims about the importance and widespread use of English among users in contexts, both international and intranational, that lie beyond the Inner Circle.
Reversible azoospermia: anabolic steroids may profoundly affect human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive men undergoing assisted reproduction.

Abstract Background In vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has recently been offered to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–serodiscordant couples where the man is seropositive and the woman seronegative to achieve pregnancy while minimizing the risk of HIV transmission. Anabolic steroids are commonly prescribed medications for adjunctive treatment of HIV disease to prevent muscle wasting. Case An HIV-serodiscordant couple presented for fertility care and evaluation. The man was found to be azoospermic. Further evaluation attributed his azoospermia to his treatment with testosterone and oxandrolone. After these agents were discontinued, his azoospermia resolved within 3 months. Normal sperm were then cryopreserved for future use, and his medications were resumed. Later the couple conceived by IVF-ICSI using the cryopreserved sperm. Conclusion The popular use of anabolic steroids in HIV-infected men may predispose them to abnormal sperm production.
Presence of a Peritrophic Membrane in Diplopods

The presence of a peritrophic membrane has been reported in the midgut of the following classes of mandibulate Arthropoda: Onycophora, Crustacea, Insecta and Chilopoda1. It has not been reported in the Diplopoda, although Randow2 stated that the brush border of the midgut epithelial cells may slough off. We have dissected tubular membranes giving a positive chitosan reaction3 from the midguts of the following British millipedes: Tachypodoiulus niger, Ophyiulus pilosus, Iulus scandinavius, Cylindroiulus punctatus (Iulidae), Glomeris marginata (Glomeridae), Polydesmus angustus (Polydesmidae), Polymicrodon polydesmoides (Craspedosomidae) and Choneiulus palmatus (Blaniulidae). The presence of a similar membrane has been inferred from paraffin sections of the midgut of Polyxenus lagurus (Polyxenidae). In none of these is there an œsophageal valve; it is therefore inferred that the peritrophic membrane arises by delamination of the brush border from the midgut epithelial cells. A delaminating brush border has been observed in O. pilosus, C. punctatus, G. marginata, P. polydesmoides and C. palmatus. Furthermore, in G. marginata, P. angustus, T. niger, I. scandinavius, C. punctatus and P. polydesmoides concentric peritrophic membranes were seen in sections, a phenomenon often observed when membranes are formed by delamination4.
Uniplanar deformation of isotactic polypropylene: 2. Phase structure

Abstract The phase structures of uniplanar-drawn isotactic polypropylene (iPP) have been investigated. Three phases (α-crystal, smectic and amorphous) are found to coexist in the uniaxially compressed samples. From thermal analyses and density measurements, the fractions and densities of these phases have been evaluated. At a compression draw temperature of 50°C Ts, decrystallization without smectic phase stability proceeded during the deformation. No draw-induced crystallization was observed. At all deformation temperatures, the density of the amorphous phase increased in the initial stage of deformation reaching a limit on further draw.
A Simple Formula for Calculating the Optimal Frequency for Cleaning Concentrating Solar Collectors

A simple and practical formula is derived for optimal interval between cleanings, assuming that they are regularly scheduled and that the cost and effectiveness of cleaning is independent of how dirty the surface has become or how long it has been since the last cleaning. The formula requires no computer analysis. Its economics are based on the replacement value of the energy produced rather than on an artificial value based on the solar energy system's initial cost. Its key assumption is a reasonable model for the dependence of reflectance on time. Results apply to both thermal and electric power systems and, with slight modification, to flat plate collectors. Studies of reflectance degradation at solar industrial heat project sites indicate that the rate of oil accumulation can be so high that a regular cleaning program might be necessary.
Characterization of protein glycosylation by mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization, a natural interface with microbore and capillary high-pressure liquid chromatography, has become the method of choice for the reliable structural characterization of protein glycosylation by mass spectrometry at the picomole level. Its advantages include inherent sensitivity in the femtomole range, compatibility with collisional activation methods that both permit the detection and monitoring of structurally specific ions and enable the induction of glycopeptide fragmentation that facilitates determination of glycoform sequence and branching. Developments in high-performance electrospray mass spectrometry include sample introduction at nanoliter flow rates, tandem magnetic sector/orthogonal time-of-flight instruments, Fourier transform instruments, and new ion optical strategies, including ion traps. Although a sensitive and important complementary technique, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry suffers from matrix-dependent deposition of excess internal energies, which produce extensive metastable fragmentation and (photo)adduct formation. These metastable fragments may be focused into a mass spectrum by employing an ion mirror (reflectron) in time-of-flight instrumentation. In favorable cases, structural information may be obtained.
When local processing increases the appeal of healthy options

Abstract People often encounter self-control challenges in complex everyday environments in which objects that promote a given goal (e.g., to eat healthily) are mixed together with objects that obstruct that goal. For example, healthy and unhealthy food choices are often mixed together in restaurant menus. Because local processing facilitates attention to low-level details, we expect that it may play an important role in these complex situations. In the present studies, we test the hypothesis that local processing supports self-control when goal items and temptations are contextually paired. As predicted, our findings revealed that local processing (relative to global processing) increased evaluations of healthy items when those items were presented together with unhealthy items. As hypothesized, this effect of local processing only occurred when healthy and unhealthy foods were presented as complementary – not competing – options, suggesting that local processing may increase evaluations of healthy options by decreasing the extent to which individuals accept environmental cues that healthy and unhealthy foods belong together. These findings support recent research demonstrating that despite strong evidence of the advantages of global processing for self-control, local processing may also support self-control efforts in some important everyday situations.