cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic value of echocardiography and CT angiography in complex congenital heart disease

Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of echocardiography (UCG) and CT angiography (CTA) in complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). Method s Clinical data of 52 patients with CCHD were collected. All the patients were confirmed by surgery, and UCG and CTA were performed preoperatively. The diagnostic accuracy of UCG, CTA, and their combination were compared and analyzed. Result s 166 heart malformations were found in this group. 148 malformations were detected by UCG with the accuracy of 89.2%, and 154 malformations were detected by CTA with the accuracy of 92.8%, which was slightly higher than that of UCG, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). A total of 163 malformations were detected by UCG combined with CTA, with the accuracy of 98.2%, which was higher than that of UCG and CTA, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions UCG is simple, inexpensive, and repeatable, and can be used as the first screening method for CCHD. CTA is more intuitive in the display of great vessels and better in the detection of extracardiac structures than UCG. However, CTA has certain ionizing radiation. For patients with clinical suspicion of CCHD but UCG negative, CTA should be applied combinedly to effectively improve the preoperative detection rate. Key words: Echocardiography; Computed tomography; Complex congenital heart disease; Diagnostic accuracy
Abstract PO-043: A prospective testing SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 in cancer patients with antitumor treatment

Background: The oncology community faces unprecedented challenges in balancing a delay in cancer treatment against the risk for a potential COVID-19 infection and associated complications. An early retrospective analysis reported that cancer patients with COVID-19 infection have a much higher death rate than those infected but without a cancer diagnosis, likely because of their immunocompromised disease from cancer and treatment. Even though COVID-19 is known to have a long incubation period (~14 days), there were no clear guidelines for screening asymptomatic cancer patients who are planning to have and having antitumor treatment as of April 2020. Methods: We developed a protocol to screen asymptomatic cancer patients for COVID-19 who are scheduled to receive cancer-directed treatment (i.e., chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, anticancer monoclonal antibody, endocrine therapy, or investigational agent). The protocol was developed and activated within 2 weeks through the Cancer Center Investigator Initiated Trial Program. FDA-authorized CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel EUA kit was performed at Sinochips Diagnostics. The primary objective was to determine COVID-19 status in participants prior to initiating anticancer treatment. The secondary objective was to evaluate COVID-19 related adverse events (AEs) in recovered COVID-19-positive participants for 30 days after initiation of anticancer therapy. Results: We enrolled 507 patients and tested for COVID-19 from 4/28/20 to 5/8/20 through coordinated efforts within the CTO and Biospecimen Repository Core Facility. The research study was stopped when the KU Health System was able to test this population as standard of care. Median age was 65 years, 110 patients (22%) were aged 75 years or older, and 274 (54%) patients were female. 387 patients (76.3%) were Caucasians, 35 (6.9%) African American, 7 (1.4%) Asian, and 437 (86.2%) non-Hispanic. Based on the catchment of zip codes, 7% of tested patients came from more than 60 miles and 1.6% from more than 100 miles. Zero patients had a positive COVID-19 test. Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID19 in asymptomatic cancer patients is low, likely because of good compliance with the social distance policy. Screening for COVID19 may help reduce AEs related to COVID-19 in patients receiving cancer-directed treatment. Studying COVID-19 test results in a larger patient pool is warranted. A similar study to test asymptomatic patient-facing oncology staff is pending. Citation Format: Kathan D. Mehta, Elizabeth Wulf-Burchfield, Natalie Streeter, Anup Kasi, Adam H. AlDouri, Roy Jensen, Andrew K. Godwin, Terry Tsue, Weijing Sun. A prospective testing SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 in cancer patients with antitumor treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-043.
Beyond a coefficient: an interactive process for achieving inter-rater consistency in qualitative coding:

Though qualitative research has become more prevalent in practice over the last 30 years, there is still considerable uncertainty among researchers regarding how to ensure inter-rater consistency w...
H2Pack: High-performance H 2 Matrix Package for Kernel Matrices Using the Proxy Point Method

Dense kernel matrices represented in H2 matrix format typically require less storage and have faster matrix-vector multiplications than when these matrices are represented in the standard dense format. In this article, we present H2Pack, a high-performance, shared-memory library for constructing and operating with H2 matrix representations for kernel matrices defined by non-oscillatory, translationally invariant kernel functions. Using a hybrid analytic-algebraic compression method called the proxy point method, H2Pack can efficiently construct an H2 matrix representation with linear computational complexity. Storage and matrix-vector multiplication also have linear complexity. H2Pack also introduces the concept of “partially admissible blocks” for H2 matrices to make H2 matrix-vector multiplication mathematically identical to the fast multipole method (FMM) if analytic expansions are used. We optimize H2Pack from both the algorithm and software perspectives. Compared to existing FMM libraries, H2Pack generally has much faster H2 matrix-vector multiplications, since the proxy point method is more effective at producing block low-rank approximations than the analytic methods used in FMM. As a tradeoff, H2 matrix construction in H2Pack is typically more expensive than the setup cost in FMM libraries. Thus, H2Pack is ideal for applications that need a large number of matrix-vector multiplications for a given configuration of data points.
Extraction of radium and actinium with Pb resin and Rose Bengal

The extraction of radium and actinium with Eichrom Pb resin and Rose Bengal has been studied. Radium and actinium both show a strong affinity (k’ > 10,000) for the resin at intermediate pHs (~ 5–7) from solutions with Rose Bengal. The pH range and magnitude of uptake for both radium and actinium is significantly increased by the presence of Rose Bengal compared to basic solutions without this counter ion. Radium uptake is extremely fast from basic solutions with and without Rose Bengal; actinium uptake is slower, particularly in solutions without Rose Bengal. Column studies show that despite the similar behavior of actinium and radium in this system, separations of these two elements with Pb resin and Rose Bengal solutions are possible with reasonable yields due to the differences in uptake kinetics.
Einselection, Equilibrium and Cosmology

Our observed Universe has a very strong arrow of time rooted in its low entropy starting point. This low entropy start can be related to various "tuning puzzles" about the early state of the Universe. Here we explore the relationship between the arrow of time and the emergence of classical from quantum in the hopes of ultimately gaining insights into cosmological initial conditions. Our focus is on einselection, the process whereby interactions with an environment select preferred states for a quantum system. This process plays an essential role in the emergence of classical from quantum. Studies of einselection have so far been limited to cases that exhibit an arrow of time. Here we study the ability of equilibrium systems to exhibit einselection -- and investigate whether detailed balance prevents this -- motivated by the question of whether classicality requires an arrow of time. We present calculations in the adapted Caldeira-Leggett model which demonstrate that einselection can indeed take place in equilibrium systems, and show how this phenomenon is tied to histories which express an arrow of time, despite the global equilibrium. We discuss some interesting implications of our results for cosmology and cosmological initial conditions. We are intrigued and a bit surprised by the role the consistent histories formalism has ended up playing in our analysis.
RORγt-Expressing Pathogenic CD4+T Cells Cause Brain Inflammation During Chronic Colitis

Neurobehavioral disorders and brain abnormalities have been extensively reported in both Crohns Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) patients. However, the mechanism causing neuropathological disorders in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients remains unknown. Studies have linked the Th17 subset of CD4+T cells to brain diseases associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment, including multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic brain injury and Alzheimers disease. To better understand how CD4+T lymphocytes, contribute to brain pathology in chronic intestinal inflammation, we investigated the development of brain inflammation in the T cell transfer model of chronic colitis. Our findings demonstrate that CD4+T cells infiltrate the brain of colitic Rag1-/- mice in proportional levels to colitis severity. Colitic mice developed hypothalamic astrogliosis that correlated with neurobehavioral disorders. Moreover, the brain-infiltrating CD4+T cells expressed Th17 cell transcription factor ROR{gamma}t and displayed a pathogenic Th17 cellular phenotype similar to colonic Th17 cells. Adoptive transfer of ROR{gamma}t-deficient naive CD4+T cells failed to cause brain inflammation and neurobehavioral disorders in Rag1-/- recipients, with significantly less brain infiltration of CD4+T cells. These findings suggest that pathogenic ROR{gamma}t+CD4+T cells that aggravate colitis migrate preferentially into the brain, contributing to brain inflammation and neurobehavioral disorders, thereby linking colitis severity to neuroinflammation.
Post-Tonsillectomy Ibuprofen: Is There a Dose-Dependent Bleeding Risk?

Objectives/hypothesis Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is a potentially life-threatening complication. A recent meta-analysis suggests that ibuprofen may increase the risk of PTH. The aims of this study were to 1) re-evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on PTH given additional recent evidence and 2) to evaluate a potential dose effect of ibuprofen. Study design Meta-analysis and meta-regression; single-institution retrospective review. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of 12 studies comparing postoperative ibuprofen analgesia to non-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) controls. Next, we performed a meta-regression analysis to assess for an effect of dose, if any, on rates of PTH. Five studies specifying a dose of 5 mg/kg (828 patients, 1,411 controls) and 7 studies using 10 mg/kg (5,633 patients, 7,656 controls) were included. We then conducted a novel single-institution, retrospective review of data for 1,046 patients prescribed intermediate-dose 7.5 mg/kg ibuprofen. Results Ibuprofen was not associated with an increased rate of PTH (log odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.15, 0.57). Meta-regression showed that ibuprofen dose (5 and 10 mg/kg) did not have a statistically significant effect on PTH (OR, 1.32; 95% CI 0.30, 5.84). Uncontrolled, aggregate rates of PTH across all studies were 2.29% (N = 828) for 5 mg/kg and 4.65% (N = 5,633) for 10 mg/kg dosing. The rate of secondary hemorrhage in patients prescribed 7.5 mg/kg ibuprofen was 3.10% (N = 1,046). Conclusion We found no statistically significant increased risk of PTH when ibuprofen is prescribed at the low or high range of commonly used clinical dosages, compared to a non-ibuprofen regimen. Further studies with less heterogeneity are needed to determine if there is a clinically relevant dose-dependent difference in PTH with ibuprofen. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Application development for distributed environments

Expert advice for IS pros developing applications in new distributed environments. Table of Contents: Introduction to Distributed Environments: Overview; Understanding the Environment; Designing A Distributed Environment: Components; Issues; Designing Applications For A Distributed Environment: Design Process; Design Issues; Development, Implement, Operational: Development Issues; Implementation; Operational Issues; Application Development Tools: 4GL Tools for Distributed Environments; CASE Tools for Distributed Environments; Client/Server Tools for Distributed Environments. 75 illustrations.
On the Finite Capacity Shortest Queue Problem

We consider two parallel queues. There is one server tending to each queue and the capacity of each queue is K . The network is fed by a single Poisson arrival stream of rate λ, and the two servers are identical exponential servers working at rate µ. A new arrival is routed to the queue with the smaller number of customers. If both have the same number of customers then the arrival is routed randomly, with the probability of joining either queue being 1/2. If there are more than 2 K customers in the system, further arrivals are turned away and lost. We let ρ = λ/µ and take K →∞, and consider the cases ρ 2 and ρ − 2 = O ( K − 1 ). We shall obtain asymptotic approximations to the joint steady state distribution of ﬁnding m customers in the ﬁrst queue and n in the second. The asymptotic approximations are shown to be quite accurate numerically. We shall identify precisely for what ranges of m and n can the ﬁnite capacity model be approximated by the inﬁnite capacity one. We will also show that the marginal distribution of ﬁnding n customers in the second queue undergoes a transition when ρ = 4. Key words: Shortest queue problem; Finite capacity; Poisson arrival stream; Analytical approximations
Estimating Monetary Policy Effects When Interest Rates are Bounded at Zero

Using a nonlinear structural VAR approach, we estimate the effects of exogenous monetary impulses in the presence of a zero lower bound constraint on nominal interest rates and examine the impact of such a constraint on the effectiveness of counter-cyclical monetary policies. We find that a binding zero bound on nominal interest rates can eliminate more than 50% of the effect of an exogenous monetary impulse on output based on the data from Japan. The conditional impulse response functions allow us to isolate the effect of monetary shocks operating through the interest rate channel when other possible channels of monetary transmission are present. Moreover, we also find that the zero bound on nominal interest rates could severely limit the ability of central banks to pursue a counter-cyclical monetary policy when facing adverse macroeconomic shocks.
Bayesian networks for social modeling

This paper describes a body of work developed over the past five years. The work addresses the use of Bayesian network (BN) models for representing and predicting social/organizational behaviors. The topics covered include model construction, validation, and use. These topics show the bulk of the lifetime of such model, beginning with construction, moving to validation and other aspects of model "critiquing", and finally demonstrating how the modeling approach might be used to inform policy analysis. The primary benefits of using a well-developed computational, mathematical, and statistical modeling structure, such as BN, are 1) there are significant computational, theoretical and capability bases on which to build 2) the ability to empirically critique the model, and potentially evaluate competing models for a social/behavioral phenomenon.
Josephson plasma resonance observed in Tl/sub 2/Ba/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8/ superconducting thin films using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Summary form only given. The c-axis Josephson plasma resonance (JPR) in highly anisotropic layered cuprate superconductors originates from the interlayer tunneling of Cooper pairs. The JPR, /spl omega//sub pc/=c//spl lambda//sub c//spl radic/(/spl epsi//sub /spl infin///sup c/) is directly related to the London penetration depth along the c-axis, /spl lambda//sub c/, and is thus a fundamental probe of the superconducting state and an excellent tool to study these highly anisotropic systems. /spl epsi//sub /spl infin///sup c/ is the high frequency dielectric constant along the c-axis. For T/spl Lt/T/sub c/, the temperature dependence of /spl lambda//sub c/ is related to the symmetry of the order parameter. For T close to T. the appearance of the JPR probes the onset of interlayer phase coherence. Furthermore, the JPR spectral width is a measure of the quasiparticle scattering rate. In a magnetic field, the JPR probes the correlation of pancake vortices along the c-axis and is a tool to study the B-T phase diagram. The JPR of high-T/sub c/ superconductors with extreme anisotropy such as the bismuth, thallium, and mercury based high-T/sub c/ superconductors lies in the far-infrared and is thus amenable to study using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). We have measured the JPR in Tl/sub 2/Ba/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8/ superconducting thin films employing THz-TDS in transmission.
Neural Models of Motion Integration, Segmentation, and Probabilistic Decision-Making

What brain mechanisms carry out motion integration and segmentation processes that compute unambiguous global motion percepts from ambiguous local motion signals? Consider, for example, a deer running at variable speeds behind forest cover. The forest cover is an occluder that creates apertures through which fragments of the deer’s motion signals are intermittently experienced. The brain coherently groups these fragments into a trackable percept of the deer and its trajectory. Form and motion processes are needed to accomplish this using feedforward and feedback interactions both within and across cortical processing streams. All the cortical areas V1, V2, MT, and MST are involved in these interactions. Figure-ground processes in the form stream through V2, such as the separation of occluding boundaries of the forest cover from boundaries of the deer, select the motion signals which determine global object motion percepts in the motion stream through MT. Sparse, but unambiguous, feature tracking signals are amplified before they propagate across position and are integrated with far more numerous ambiguous motion signals. Figure-ground and integration processes together determine the global percept. A neural model predicts the processing stages that embody these form and motion interactions. Model concepts and data are summarized about motion grouping across apertures in response to a wide variety of displays, and probabilistic decision making in parietal cortex in response to random dot displays.
Social Media, Futbol, and Crisis: An exploratory case study examining the FIFA World Cup addressing player concussions

Social media strategies and practices continue to be integrated across various athletic sports, particularly futbol. One of the recent global athletic events that occurred where social media played an important role was the 2014 Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup in Brazil. While social media brings forth great opportunities for teams to engage with fans and share real-time updates, it also allows active fans to voice concerns around particular issues like player safety i.e. concussions, which could lead to a crisis situation. This particular incident in question involved futbol player Christoph Kramer, who suffered a blow to the head that left him slumped over during the Germany versus Argentina championship match. Fans are linking the lack of concern for player safety to the FIFA brand, making an outcry for protocol to be adapted to tackle the growing issue surrounding players who have suffered from concussions. The FIFA organization waited until September 9, 2014 to address the public and provide a plan for future occurrences of this kind. Based on the theoretical framework of Coombs’ Situational Crisis Communication Theory, the FIFA commission did not properly assessing the crisis at hand and actually implemented the denial posture of crisis response instead of taking proactive actions to address this situation with their stakeholders.
Swiveling and decatenation of replicating simian virus 40 genomes in vivo.

Abstract We have found that type II topoisomerase inhibitors have two effects on replicating simian virus 40 genomes in vivo: production of catenated dimers and slowed replication of the last 5% of the genome. This suggests that type II topoisomerase simultaneously decatenates and facilitates replication fork movement at this stage of DNA replication. On the basis of this observation, a detailed model is proposed for the roles of topoisomerases I and II in simian virus 40 DNA replication.
Note on the effect of weak magnetism on the mirror (ft)+(ft)− ratio

Abstract The role of weak magnetism in the mirror asymmetry of Gamow-Teller β-decay is considered. For Z = 0 the interference between weak magnetism and the chief axial term vanishes identically while for finite Z over the range of experimental interest the contribution to the mirror asymmetry does not exceed about 2 × 10 −3 against experimental effects of the order 0.13.
Postmarketing Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions to the FDA: An Overview of the 1985 FDA Guideline:

The new regulation for reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the FDA, 21 CFR 314.80, went into effect August 23, 1985. Major changes from the previous regulation include revision of the definition of a 15-Day Report, the establishment of a structured Periodic Report and reports of increased frequency of ADRs, and changes in submission requirements for foreign, literature and study reports. This article reviews the new regulation and provides an overview of the Guideline for Postmarketing Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions with regard to report sources, reporting vehicle, report types, and time frames.
Function of transected or avulsed rectus muscles following recovery using an anterior orbitotomy approach

Purpose To assess the function of muscles retrieved from a retrobulbar location using an anterior orbitotomy approach and to identify the prognostic factors favoring a good outcome. Methods The records of all patients undergoing anterior orbitotomy for the retrieval of a transected or avulsed muscle in a retrobulbar location were reviewed. Ocular motility, before and after retrieval (with ductions scaled from −4 to +4), was evaluated. Results Record review identified 11 patients who had suffered trauma to 12 muscles (5 inferior, 6 medial, and 1 lateral rectus muscle). Ductions improved from −4 ± 0.4 preoperatively to −2.7 ± 0.9 postoperatively ( P = 0.002); mean primary position deviation improved from 34 Δ ± 14 Δ -15 Δ ± 9 Δ ( P Δ ± 20 Δ -20 Δ ± 22 Δ ( P = 0.02). Ductions improved by at least two units in three patients, all of whom had medial rectus trauma. Single binocular vision in primary gaze was achieved in 6 patients. Patients with medial rectus muscle injury and patients injured by sinus surgery had the lowest likelihood of recovering single binocular vision. Conclusions Our results are similar to historical series in which muscles were not retrieved and transpositions performed; however, muscle retrieval avoids risks associated with transposition surgeries such as anterior segment ischemia. Muscle recovery via the anterior orbitotomy approach may be reasonable to consider in those cases with a reasonable possibility of having active force generation postoperatively.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF HYPO- & HYPERGLYCEMIA ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION & PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE (PP) RESPONSES

DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF HYPO- & HYPERGLYCEMIA ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION & PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE (PP) RESPONSES
What is the cause of avascular necrosis in unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis and what can be done to lower the rate

Background An unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is associated with a high rate of avascular necrosis (AVN). Etiology of the AVN is not completely known and likely multifactorial. Potential causes are a tear/anatomic disruption of the retinacular vessels to the epiphysis, kinking of the retinacular vessels, or vascular tamponade due to increased intracapsular pressure. Methods A review of the recent literature of unstable SCFE was performed to abstract various potential causes of AVN. Results The overall rate of AVN was 21% (88 of 417). Kinking of the retinacular vessels was demonstrated angiographically in 5 unstable SCFEs where the vessels did not fill in 3; in 1 the vascularity returned after reduction. Intracapsular joint pressure was measured in 13 unstable SCFEs with an average of 48 mm Hg on the unstable side compared with 23 mm Hg in the opposite normal hip. After manipulative reduction the pressures increased to 75 mm Hg, and dropped markedly to 17 mm Hg after capsulotomy and decompression. Although a complete tear of the vessels is another possibility, there are no described cases in the literature. Means to lower AVN depends upon its etiology. In 28 unstable SCFEs urgent reduction, internal fixation and decompressive arthrotomy resulted in a rate of 14% (4 of 28). Urgent open reduction through an anterior approach with smooth Kirschner wire fixation resulted in a rate of 5% (3 of 64). The modified Dunn procedure using a surgical dislocation resulted in a rate of 8% (2 of 26). Conclusions Larger and combined series will be needed to determine the best treatment to minimize the rate of AVN in the unstable SCFE. With today's present techniques, AVN in the unstable SCFE will never be a "never" event.
3D organization and function of the cell: Golgi budding and vesicle biogenesis to docking at the porosome complex.

Insights into the three-dimensional (3D) organization and function of intracellular structures at nanometer resolution, holds the key to our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cellular structure−function. Besides this fundamental understanding of the cell at the molecular level, such insights hold great promise in identifying the disease processes by their altered molecular profiles, and help determine precise therapeutic treatments. To achieve this objective, previous studies have employed electron microscopy (EM) tomography with reasonable success. However, a major hurdle in the use of EM tomography is the tedious procedures involved in fixing, high-pressure freezing, staining, serial sectioning, imaging, and finally compiling the EM images to obtain a 3D profile of sub-cellular structures. In contrast, the resolution limit of EM tomography is several nanometers, as compared to just a single or even sub-nanometer using the atomic force microscope (AFM). Although AFM has been hugely successful in 3D imaging studies at nanometer resolution and in real time involving isolated live cellular and isolated organelles, it has had limited success in similar studies involving 3D imaging at nm resolution of intracellular structure–function in situ. In the current study, using both AFM and EM on aldehyde-fixed and semi-dry mouse pancreatic acinar cells, new insights on a number of intracellular structure–function relationships and interactions were achieved. Golgi complexes, some exhibiting vesicles in the process of budding were observed, and small vesicles were caught in the act of fusing with larger vesicles, possibly representing either secretory vesicle biogenesis or vesicle refilling following discharge, or both. These results demonstrate the power and scope of the combined engagement of EM and AFM imaging of fixed semi-dry cells, capable of providing a wealth of new information on cellular structure–function and interactions.
Further validation of the multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form

A growing body of evidence is documenting the multidimensional nature of cancer-related fatigue. Although several multidimensional measures of fatigue have been developed, further validation of these scales is needed. To this end, the current study sought to evaluate the factorial and construct validity of the 30-item Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). A heterogeneous sample of 304 cancer patients (mean age 55 years) completed the MFSI-SF, along with several other measures of psychosocial functioning including the MOS-SF-36 and Fatigue Symptom Inventory, following the fourth cycle of chemotherapy treatment. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis indicated the 5-factor model provided a good fit to the data as evidenced by commonly used goodness of fit indices (CFI 0.90 and IFI 0.90). Additional evidence for the validity of the MFSI-SF was provided via correlations with other relevant instruments (range -0.21 to 0.82). In sum, the current study provides support for the MFSI-SF as a valuable tool for the multidimensional assessment of cancer-related fatigue.
Irrational Animals in Porphyry’s Logical Works: A Problem for the Consensus Interpretation of On Abstinence

AbstractIn book 3 of On Abstinence from Animal Food, Porphyry is traditionally taken to argue that animals are rational and that it is, therefore, unjust to kill them for food. Since the vast majority of scholars endorse this interpretation, I call it ‘the consensus interpretation’. Yet, strangely enough, elsewhere in his corpus Porphyry claims that the non-human animals are irrational. Jonathan Barnes notices this discrepancy and suggests that an appeal to the distinction between specific and non-specific predication can resolve the problem. This paper explains Barnes’ solution, but argues that it must ultimately be rejected. It concludes with a brief survey of other approaches to the problem, and with an outline of the proposed solution, in which the consensus interpretation of On Abstinence is rejected in favour of a dialectical reading of Book 3. Porphyry, this piece suggests, may not have believed that animals were rational after all.
Differential p53, p21, mdm2 and Rb regulation in glioma cell lines that overexpress wild-type p53

Gliomas are part of a subset of tumors in which overexpression of p53 protein in the absence of p53 gene mutation has been described. We have utilized a series of glioma cell lines to study the effects of ionizing radiation on the regulation of p53, p21, mdm2 and Rb proteins. The induction of p53 protein in glioma cell lines that overexpress wild-type p53 differs from normal control cells and glioma cell lines containing mutant p53. Alterations in the accumulation of p53 and p21 proteins are associated with diminished Rb hypophosphorylation. Gliomas that overexpress wild-type p53 also express high levels of mdm2 protein and exhibit a radiosensitivity that is intermediate between normal cells and cells with mutant p53. These findings suggest that, at least in certain glioma cell lines that over-express p53 which is wild-type in sequence, the function of p53 protein is abnormal.
Fibrate therapy and renal function

Fibrates are a class of lipid-lowering medications primarily used as second-line agents behind statins. The adverse-effect profile of fibrates has been marked by a puzzling yet reversible rise in serum creatinine values with their use. It is not known whether this finding represents a true change in renal function. One proposed explanation for this phenomenon is that fibrates increase the production of creatinine, in which case a rise in serum creatinine values would not represent a true deterioration in renal function. An alternative theory is that fibrates reduce the production of vasodilatory prostaglandins, which would lead to a true change in renal function in patients who experience a rise in serum creatinine values. Routine serum creatinine monitoring is advisable in fibrate-treated patients, particularly in those with preexisting renal disease. A 30% increase in serum creatinine values in the absence of other causes of serum creatinine change warrants discontinuation of fibrate therapy. Serum creatinine values can take several weeks to return to their baseline values following discontinuation of a fibrate.
The Haleakala Stokes polarimeter

A versatile Stokes polarimeter for solar observations has been developed. Recent improvements to the instrument include a high-resolution echelle spectrometer coupled to the telescope by optical fibers, and 128-element diode array detectors. The on-axis design on the telescope and polarimeter limit instrumental polarization to .0001, and the spectrometer detector combination provides spectral resolving power of 160,000 for any wavelength between 4000 and 11,000 A. This paper describes the Haleakala polarimeter and in particular the spectrometer with its fiber-optic coupling. Examples of Stokes line profiles observed in a sunspot are presented, together with derived vector magnetic field maps.
Optical Polishing Of Metals

A polishing model and a fixed charge lap model are presented. Optical polishing data is presented for 11 metals partially supporting the above.
The Rajahmundry Traps, Andhra Pradesh: Evaluation of their petrogenesis relative to the Deccan Traps

Geochemical and geochronological data for rocks from the Rajahmundry Traps, are evaluated for possible correlation with the main Deccan province. Lava flows are found on both banks of the Godavari River and contain an intertrappean sedimentary layer. Based on 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age data, rocks on the east bank are post K-T boundary, show normal magnetic polarity, and belong to chron 29N. Their chemistry is identical to lavas in the Mahabaleshwar Formation in the Western Ghats, 1000km away. It was suggested earlier that the genetic link between these geographically widely separated rocks resulted from lava flowing down freshly incised river canyons at 64Ma. For the west bank rocks, recent paleomagnetic work indicates lava flows below and above the intertrappean (sedimentary) layer show reversed and normal magnetic polarity, respectively. The chemical composition of the west bank flow above the intertrappean layer is identical to rocks on the east bank. The west bank lava lying below the sedimentary layer, shows chemistry similar to Ambenali Formation lava flows in the western Deccan. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating and complete chemical characterization of this flow is required to elucidate its petrogenesis with respect to the main Deccan Province.
Development and evaluation of a biomechanics concept inventory

To help instructors in evaluating innovations in biomechanics instruction, a standardised test of the key concepts taught in the introductory biomechanics course was developed. The Biomechanics Concept Inventory (BCI) consists of 24 questions that test four prerequisite competencies and eight biomechanics competencies. Three hundred and sixty seven students from ten universities throughout the United States took the test at the beginning and the end of the introductory biomechanics course. Analysis of a sub-sample of the students showed that the BCI was reliable with typical errors in internal consistency and test-retest conditions of 1.4 and 2.0 questions, respectively. Mean pre-test scores (8.5 +/- 2.0) significantly (p < 0.0001) improved to 10.5 +/- 3.2 in the posttest (n = 305). Typical biomechanics students could correctly answer half of the prerequisite questions on the pre-test. Instruction resulted in a mean normalised gain (g) of 13.0% of maximum possible improvement that was consistent with research on traditional instruction in introductory physics courses. It was concluded that the BCI could be an effective tool to evaluate the overall effect of pedagogical strategies on student learning of key biomechanical concepts in the introductory biomechanics course.
Competitive Threat, Intergroup Contact, or Both? Immigration and the Dynamics of Front National Voting in France

Research on contemporary European politics has shown that immigrant population size is strongly associated with vote totals for anti-immigrant political parties. Competitive threat theories suggest that this association should be positive, whereas intergroup contact theories imply that it should be negative. A two-level analysis of vote totals for the French Front National (FRN) suggests that the direction of this association depends critically on the level of analysis. At the department (i.e., state or regional) level, large immigrant populations are associated with higher FRN vote totals. At the commune (i.e., town or city) level, however, large immigrant populations are instead associated with lower FRN vote totals. These findings challenge the conclusions of previous analyses of populist-right voting and provide further evidence that contact and threat dynamics often operate simultaneously, albeit at different levels.
Control of submerged arc weld penetration by radiographic means

Abstract The application of real-time radiography for in-process weld quality evaluation is discussed. The advantages of this technique are on-line testing of weld penetration and the possibility of using this information for welding current control. The experimental system developed includes the arc welding unit, the welding manipulator, the real-time X-ray machine and the videorecording and computerized image processing units. In this system welding current can be remotely controlled during weld observation. The experimental results are demonstrated for the submerged arc welding process. In this process the welding pool is covered by a thick layer of welding flux and is therefore optically invisible. By using computer data on the grey levels of the weld images and their histogram distributions, the three-dimensional shape of the submerged arc pool can be recognized, image-digitized and analysed in real time at the rate of 30 frames per second. The depth of the welding pool which characterizes the weld penetration is a very important characteristic of the weld quality. This characteristic can be measured in real time and used for weld tracking and welding current control.
Sexual behavior in the female rat following removal of the vomeronasal organ.

Abstract We used female Wistar rats from which the vomeronasal organ (VNO) had been removed. The first question addressed was whether such females would show deficits in sexual behavior. The data left no doubt that removal of the VNO severely depressed lordosis as well as such proceptive behaviors as “darting” and “hopping.” We then injected estrogen and progesterone and, in still another experiment, estrogen and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Estrogen and progesterone significantly enhanced lordosis, but only estrogen and LHRH raised the lordosis quotient of VNO-ablated females to that of the control females. We discuss the results in terms of a theoretical model involving the complementary action of estrogen and LHRH in inducing lordosis in the intact female.
Performance Measures for New York State Intercity Buses

This paper examines the applicability of intracity bus performance evaluation measures to intercity performance evaluation in the state of New York. Intercity performance analysis in the state is receiving greater attention as policymakers examine the fitness of carriers, cost‐effectiveness of the existing route structure, and the fairness of the allocation of subsidies to operators on certain routes. An intercity carrier may be more efficient overall if it specializes in either a fixed route or special services, as efficiency tends to be correlated with the type of service in which the carrier gains most of its revenues. The effect of the state operating assistance program was found to sustain the financial health of carriers whose operations would be unable to recover costs otherwise. The New York State (NYS) case study illustrates the difficulties in evaluating intercity services. Only a few accepted measures of intracity bus performance could be applied to fixed‐route services operated by intercity ca...
Total fluoride intake higher in subjects of low socioeconomic status.

Original Article Franco AM, Martignon S, Saldarriaga A, Gonzalez MC, Arbelaeź MI, Ocampo A, et al. Total fluoride intake in children aged 22-35 months in four Colombian cities. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2005;33(1):1-8. Level of Evidence 3 Purpose/Question What are the levels of combined fluoride intake in children aged 22 to 35 months in 4 Colombian cities, how do they compare to the so-called “optimal” level of intake, and do they differ by socioeconomic status (SES)? Source of Funding Government Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional study
Automating the sleep laboratory: Implementation and validation of digital recording and analysis

Objectives: We report on the implementation of digital processing in a large clinical and research sleep laboratory. The system includes the digital collection, display, analysis, and repository of physiological signals collected during sleep. Methods: After describing the original analog system, the computer equipment and software necessary for the digital implementation are presented and we explain our algorithms for rapid eye movement (REM) and delta-wave detection. Finally, we describe an experiment validating the digital system of display and analyses. Conclusions: The digital processing of sleep signals saves computer operator, polysomnographic technologist, and computer time. It also saves resources such as polysomnographic paper and FM tape. The digital signals lend themselves to a large array of analysis techniques and result in improved signal quality. Automated REM and delta-wave detection via digital processing correlate highly with visual counts of rapid eye movements and delta waves.
Effective bandwidths for Markov regenerative sources

In this paper we consider the multiplexing of independent stochastic fluid sources onto a single buffer. The rate at which a source generates fluid is assumed to be modulated by a Markov regenerative process. We develop the exponential decay rates for the tails of the steady-state distribution of the buffer content. We also develop expressions for the effective bandwidths for such sources. All the results are in terms of the Perron-Frobenius eigenvalue of a matrix defined for the Markov regenerative source. As a special case we derive similar results for regenerative sources. We apply the results to video sources.
The Neural Basis of Motor-Skill Learning

Recent work indicates that motor-skill learning is supported by four processes: a strategic process that selects new goals of what to change in the environment, a perceptual-motor integration process that adjusts to new relationships between environmental stimuli and the appropriate motor response, a sequencing process that learns sequences of motor acts, and a dynamic process that learns new patterns of muscle activations. These four processes can operate in one of two modes: an unconscious mode, in which one is aware only of the goal of the movement, or a conscious mode, in which one consciously controls detailed aspects of the movement. This article provides an overview of these four processes and two modes, and describes their neural bases.
Analysis of commercial waxes using capillary supercritical fluid chromatography—mass spectrometry☆

Abstract Supercritical fluid chromatography—mass spectrometric analyses of several commercial waxes including beeswax, bayberry wax, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, and montan wax have been performed using direct introduction of the capillary column effluent into the ion source of a Hewlett-Packard 5985B mass spectrometer. The individual wax components: high-molecular-weight esters, di- and triglycerides, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes, showed good chromatographic peak shape without requiring derivatization. Methane chemical ionization mass spectrometery yielded pseudomolecular ions and characteristic fragmentation patterns which allowed individual wax components ranging in molecular weight from ca. 300 to 1000 a.m.u. to be identified.
Effect of S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide and its metabolite methyl methane thiosulphinate, both occurring naturally in brassica vegetables, on mouse genotoxicity

S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide (SMCSO) and its metabolite methyl methane thiosulphinate (MMTSO), both naturally occurring compounds present in Brassica vegetables, were investigated for their putative ability to inhibit benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced genotoxicity in ICR mice. The mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay was used as an indicator of in vivo genotoxicity. Doses of 0.5 mmol SMCSO and 0.05mmol MMTSO per kg body weight significantly inhibited the formation of B[a]P-induced micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCEs) by 31 and 33%, respectively, compared with control mice. Two higher doses of MMTSO (0.5 and 1.0 mmol/kg body weight) administered to mice displayed severe acute toxicity. The inhibition of experimental genotoxicity by these two organosulphur compounds present in Brassica may, in part, be responsible for the anticarcinogenic effect of these vegetables.
Effect of Phenylalanine Diet on Learning in the Rat

THE subject of phenylketonuria, an inborn error of metabolism, has been recently reviewed1. This defect in the homozygous individual is characterized by the lack of active phenylalanine hydroxylase and severe mental retardation. The heterozygous carrier of one defective gene is able to oxidize phenylalanine to tyrosine and is reported to appear normal. However, a slower rate of phenylalanine oxidation and slightly elevated plasma-levels of phenylalanine have been observed in these individuals. This communication reports the effect on the rate of learning of a dietary-induced heterozygous state in the rat.
Determinants of police job satisfaction: Does community matter?

Abstract Research on police job satisfaction has found that work-related factors had greater influence on job satisfaction than personal characteristics. These studies, however, tend to overlook the effects of community characteristics on officers' perception of satisfaction with their job except very limited studies (e.g. Buker and Dolu, 2010 ). The current study contributes to the literature by examining relative effects of demographic, work-related, and community characteristic factors on police officers' work satisfaction and exploring invariance of relationships among these variables across types of duty. To this end data of Korean police officers are analyzed with multilevel modeling techniques (HLM). The results indicate that neither community characteristics nor demographic characteristics have any influence on job satisfaction, while work-related variables, in particular, support from coworkers and support from supervisors significantly affect officers' satisfaction with job.
Fluid-flow monitoring using electromagnetic probing

High-frequency electromagnetic probing is used to monitor the rate and direction of flow of fluids injected into the ground. This method shows the potential for providing more detailed information than procedures presently used. The experimental technique and the test-of-concept experimental results are discussed. This technique has applications in oil-reservoir engineering and in hydrology studies concerning storage of chemical wastes.
Current controlled liquid phase epitaxial growth of Hgl−xCdxTe

Using the technique of current controlled liquid phase epitaxy we have grown crystalline layers of Hgl-xCdxTe from a Hg-melt. Best results were obtained on (111) oriented substrates. The dominant mechanism of solute transport is electromigration rather than the Peltier effect. Composition (x ≈0.1) and homogeneity across a sample surface (Δ x ≈ 0.03) was determined by the electrolyte electroreflectance method.