cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computations Over Infinite Groups

We propose the study of a wide variety of infinite groups from a computational complexity point of view. We raise some important structural questions on these groups from a computational aspect. The purpose of this paper is to invite the attention of both the theoretical computer science community and the combinatorial group theorists that a fruitful area of cross fertilization may be offering itself. As a specific problem, we consider randomly generated groups and their isomorphism problem.
The effect of World Trade Center exposure on the latency of chronic rhinosinusitis diagnoses in New York City firefighters: 2001-2011.

Objective To assess how the effect of World Trade Center (WTC) exposure on physician-diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in firefighters changed during the decade following the attack on 9/11 (11 September 2001 to 10 September 2011). Methods We examined temporal effects on the relation between WTC exposure and the incidence of physician diagnosed CRS in firefighters changed during the decade following the attack on 9/11 (11 September 2001 to 10 September 2011). Exposure was grouped by time of arrival at the WTC site as follows: (high) morning 11 September 2001 (n=1623); (moderate) afternoon 11 September 2001 or 12 September 2001 (n=7025); or (low) 13–24 September 2001 (n=1200). Piecewise exponential survival models were used to estimate incidences by exposure group, with change points in the relative incidences estimated by maximum likelihood. Results Incidences dramatically increased after 2007 due to a programmatic change that provided free medical treatment, but increases were similar in all exposure groups. For this reason, we observed no change point during the study period, meaning the relative incidence by exposure group (high vs moderate vs low) of CRS disease did not significantly change over the study period. The relative rate of developing CRS was 1.99 (95% CI=1.64 to 2.41) for high versus low exposure, and 1.52 (95% CI=1.28 to 1.80) for moderate versus low exposure during the 10-year follow-up period. Conclusions The risk of CRS in FDNY firefighters appears increased with WTC-exposure, and has not diminished by time since exposure.
From Oppression to Outsourcing: New Opportunities for Uganda's Attorneys in Today's Flattening World

Three events prompted this article. The first was the authors' visit to Uganda in which they had the opportunity to talk to the faculty at Uganda's Law Development Centre about what the future held for the students graduating from that program. Would those students, most of whom had attended primary and secondary schools that lacked not only desks and books but also running water and electricity, be able to find law jobs in Uganda, or would they be forced to leave the country to secure employment that matched their education? The second event was a conversation with one of their own students, a student who had come to law school because his job as a software engineer had been outsourced to India. This student had just learned that the law firm to which he had applied had decided not to hire a new associate but to instead outsource some of its legal work to attorneys in India. The third event was the publication of The World is Flat, a book that discusses globalization, and more general media coverage on what appears to be a new wave of outsourcing: the offshore outsourcing of professional services. As a result of these events, this Article explores whether Ugandan attorneys could provide outsourced legal services - as Indian attorneys are doing now - to countries like the United States and what the costs and benefits of such an option might be.
Security camera resolution measurements: Horizontal TV lines versus modulation transfer function measurements.

The horizontal television lines (HTVL) metric has been the primary quantity used by division 6000 related to camera resolution for high consequence security systems. This document shows HTVL measurements are fundamen- tally insufficient as a metric to determine camera resolution, and propose a quantitative, standards based methodology by measuring the camera system modulation transfer function (MTF), the most common and accepted metric of res- olution in the optical science community. Because HTVL calculations are easily misinterpreted or poorly defined, we present several scenarios in which HTVL is frequently reported, and discuss their problems. The MTF metric is discussed, and scenarios are presented with calculations showing the application of such a metric.
High Resolution Electron Microscopy of Sputter-Deposited Zirconia-Alumina Nanolaminates

High resolution electron microscopy is employed to study the crystallography and morphology of zirconia nanocrystallites in zirconia-alumina nanolaminates and zirconia films. Unity volume fraction of tetragonal zirconia formed when the zirconia layer thickness was less than 6.2 nm, a theoretically predicted critical size for tetragonal-to-monoclinic zirconia (t -> m-ZrO 2 ) transformation. In thicker layers, monoclinic zirconia formed, accompanied by renucleation and void formation which caused roughness to the zirconia nanolayers. The average position of the voids in the layers was 6.3 nm from the growth interface, coinciding with the critical dimension for t -> m-ZrO 2 transformation.
Design of Testing System of Virtual Instrument for Pumping Station of the Hydraulic Simulator

The hydraulic pressure dynamic emulator,including the hydraulic energy equipment-pumping station by way of supplying the oil of a certain pressure and flux,is the main equipment of the hardware in-loop simulation system of underwater weapon,which can imitate the voyage depth variety of the underwater weapon.Based on the technology of virtual instrument and PXI standard bus of the modular instrumentation,this paper designs the test system of Virtual Instrument for the dynamic measuring of the hydraulic system of the hydraulic simulator.The design can achieve the inspect and analysis of pressure and flux of the hydraulic system and have powerful user-machine interaction for testing and data processing.
Preventive and Primary Care for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients

Among the minorities underserved by today׳s healthcare system, the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) population may be the least studied, and the least understood by healthcare providers. High-quality evidence is often lacking regarding optimal preventive care measures, both in medical areas that (to date) fail to identify differences in need between LGB and heterosexual patients, and in those more prevalent in or more specific (or both) to sexual minorities. Issues of substance abuse, sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases, obesity and other eating disorders, cardiovascular prevention, cancer prevention and screening, depression and other psychological disorders, social isolation and personal and intimate partner violence are all as or more important to address in LGB patients as they are in the general American population. Although many barriers to the delivery of quality healthcare to these patients exist, support from governmental, professional and private organizations can assist both patients and providers in overcoming these barriers.
Insulin Action on Membrane Components: The Glucose Transporter and the Type II Insulinlike Growth Factor Receptor

It has been known for more than three decades that a major cellular target of insulin action is glucose transport activity.(1,2) In two major target tissues—muscle and fat—insulin action on hexose transport occurs within minutes and results in up to 10-fold stimulations (for reviews, see ref. 3 and 4). The insulin-responsive glucose transport systems are of the facilitated diffusion type, while the Na+-dependent, active glucose transport systems appear not to be insulin sensitive. Interestingly, in most cell types other than muscle and fat containing glucose transporters that operate by a facilitated diffusion mechanism, insulin appears to have little or no effect on glucose transport. Nevertheless, the effect of insulin on glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue contributes significantly to the hypoglycemic effect of insulin in intact animals and man. Therefore, the underlying biochemical mechanism of insulin action on hexose transport is of clear physiological and clinical significance.
Politics of Independence and Social Change in Nigeria

To understand the nature of the state in independent Nigeria and especially the role of the state in the development process, one must analyse the nature of politics as well as the social forces that were prominent in the process in the early stage of nation-building. Politics in this period is crucial because it offered the new leaders the opportunity not only to re-evaluate the roles and functions of inherited structures and institutions and how they relate to national development, but also a chance to transform these institutions and structures to serve the development goals of the new state. It is in this regard that success or failure in the political process determines development. This vital link between the two processes is often overlooked in the analysis of development or underdevelopment in less developed societies. This chapter ventures to bridge such a gap in explaining the persistence of underdevelopment in Nigeria. In doing so, the Nigerian case will be compared with Meiji Japan’s experience which was examined in the previous chapter.
The desire for longevity: Development of the Personal Longevity Scale

ABSTRACTA new psychometrically acceptable measure of the desire to live a very long life was devised using two samples. In Study 1, initial exploratory analyses of the Personal Longevity Scale (PLS) scale revealed a two-factor structure. The Hope factor represents the hopefulness participants have with regards to their expectations about personal longevity. The second factor, Dread, represents the fear and uneasiness associated with self-perceptions of living a very long life. In Study 2, the bidimensional nature of the PLS measure was confirmed, and the scale was further refined to include a final of seven items. Four items represent Hope (α = .85), and three items represent Dread (α = .78). Theoretical rationales for the two-factor structure of personal longevity are discussed. In Study 3, the PLS was compared to three similar measures of attitudes about aging. The results indicate that the PLS has moderate levels of convergent and discriminant validity. Potential uses for the new scale are discussed.
Fabrication of highly amphiphobic paper using pulp debonder

As a biodegradable, inexpensive and universally accessible material, paper is used widely in many applications, including packaging, office supplies and household products. However, the hydrophilic and oleophilic nature of paper often limits its use in applications that involve direct contact with liquids. The main purpose of this study was to create highly amphiphobic paper for products such as low cost medical testing strips, liquid packaging, and breathable and disposable medical apparel. A three-step process was developed to create paper with contact angles greater than 150° for water and motor oil, and greater than 140° for n-hexadecane. First, a commercially available debonding agent was used to manipulate the dimensions of the fiber network through efficient fines removal and modification of inter-fiber hydrogen bonding. Then an oxygen plasma was used to create nano-scale roughness on the micrometer-sized fibers and to remove residual fines that were blocking the inter-fiber pores. Finally, the paper was immersed in a fluorosilane solution to obtain a thin, low surface energy coating. XPS, SEM, mercury porosimetry and profilometry were used to evaluate changes in the fiber network after each step. This study marks the first report that uses debonder agents specifically to modify the anti-wetting properties of paper substrates by controlling the topology of the fiber network. The processes used in this procedure are simple, cost effective and amenable to scale-up.
Distinguishing Attachment and Affiliation in Early Adolescents' Narrative Descriptions of Their Best Friendship.

This study was designed to test for specificity in the relationship between individual friendship provisions and adjustment across early adolescence. Using a narrative procedure, attachment (i.e., accessing care) and affiliation (i.e., forming cooperative partnerships) were found to be distinct functional themes organizing 293 adolescents' (Mage = 13) internal representations of their best friendship across three annual measurement occasions. Longitudinal, cross-lag analyses revealed a unique transactional relationship between friendship affiliation and greater social competence over time, controlling for friendship stability, maternal relationship quality, socioeconomic status, and gender. By contrast, friendship attachment predicted fewer subsequent internalizing symptoms from ages 14 to 15. Together, findings point to the importance of understanding individual differences in the content of adolescents' internal representations of friendship.
Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of Nok sculptures in I. P. Stanback Museum

The purpose of this research is to conduct provenance study of the Nok sculptures in the I.P. Stanback Museum via instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Several samples at different points on the sculptures were collected and then irradiated with thermal/epithermal neutrons from the PULSTAR reactor. INAA results indicate that (1) ceramic samples from the sculptures have different elemental concentrations from those of soil samples in which the sculptures may have been buried; (2) ceramic samples of the two different Nok sculptures share similar elemental concentrations; (3) ceramic firing processes cannot change the chemical composition of clay significantly.
Manipulating Metabolic Parameters to Improve Growth Rate and Milk Secretion

Several opportunities for improving animal efficiency through manipulation of metabolism are discussed. The first opportunity is through identification and selection of animals achieving close to theoretical efficiencies. Based upon differences between highly efficient and average animals, the estimated opportunity for improvement is 20%. A second opportunity for improvement is through manipulation of apparent maintenance requirements. Several contributors to differences in efficiencies are considered. One is the contribution of differences in relative organ weights to differences in apparent maintenance requirements. A potential benefit in the order of 10 to 20% through selection or manipulation seems possible. Manipulations of ion transport and protein turnover could yield maximum benefits of 30 and 15%, respectively. However, complete elimination of these processes is not feasible. Without ion transport, membrane potentials would not be maintained and, without turnover, many important regulatory processes would be affected. the limit to manipulation of these characteristics is unknown. A third opportunity for improvement of animal efficiency is through improvement of apparent biosynthetic efficiency by manipulation of patterns of nutrient utilization. If we could produce, through hormonal or other types of manipulations, an optimum pattern of nutrient use, decreases in heat increments of production in growing animals in the order of 50% might be achieved.
Pharmocology and Therapeutic Efficacy of Bleomycin Administered By Continuous Infusion

Bleomycin was isolated by Umezawa1. It has been in clinical use for more than 15 years. The initial clinical studies performed by Ichikawa, et al2 demonstrated useful activity in the squamous carcinomas. Subsequent studies have demonstrated useful therapeutic activity in lymphomas and germ cell tumors3–5.
Automating versus augmenting intelligence

This article addresses the prospects for automating intelligence versus augmenting human intelligence. The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is summarized, including contemporary AI and the...
Subrings of zero-dimensional rings

When Sarah Glaz, Bill Heinzer and the junior author of this article approached Robert with the idea of editing a book dedicated to his work, we asked him to give us a list of his work and to comment on it to the extent he felt comfortable. As usual, he was extremely thorough in his response. When the authors of this article began to consider what topic we wanted to write about, we were impressed by Robert 's comment tha t he was particularly pleased with his series of papers with Bill on the embeddability of a ring in a zero-dimensional ring. So we decided to write about tha t . Our task was complicated by the fact tha t Robert had already writ ten several excellent expository papers on the subject [8, 9, 10]. The problem is easy to state.
Self-Organization in Parallel Coordinates

Parallel coordinates has shown itself to be a powerful method of exploring and visualizing multidimensional data. However, applying this method to large datasets often introduces clutter, resulting in reduced insight of the data under investigation. We present a new technique that combines the classical parallel coordinates plot with a synthesized dimension that uses topological proximity as an indicator of similarity. We resolve the issue of over-plotting and increase the utility of the widely-used parallel coordinates visualization.
"New" food-borne pathogens of public health significance.

Recent work by epidemiologists and microbiologists has uncovered several hitherto unrecognized food-borne bacterial pathogens of public health significance. One of these, Listeria monocytogenes, has attracted considerable attention because of two major cheese-related outbreaks of listeriosis that were characterized by cases of meningitis, abortion, and perinatal septicemia. Thus far, L. monocytogenes has been responsible for well over 300 reported cases of food-borne listeriosis, including about 100 deaths, and has cost the dairy industry alone more than 66 million dollars as a result of product recalls. The ability of L. monocytogenes to grow at refrigeration temperatures, coupled with appearance of the pathogen in raw and processed meats, as well as poultry, vegetables, and seafood, makes this bacterium a serious threat to susceptible consumers and to the entire food industry. Yersinia enterocolitica, another psychrotrophic food-borne pathogen of recent concern, was linked to several outbreaks of yersiniosis associated with consumption of both raw and pasteurized milk, as well as contaminated water. Food-borne infections involving Y. enterocolitica typically result in enterocolitis, whichmay be mistaken for acute appendicitis. Unfortunately, inadvertent removal of healthy appendixes from victims of food-borne yersiniosis is all too common. Although known for many years, Campylobacter jejuni has only recently been recognized as a food-borne pathogen and a leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. Notable outbreaks of campylobacteriosis linked to consumption of raw milk, cake icing, eggs, poultry, and beef have underscored the need for thorough cooking and proper handling of raw products. Consumption of contaminated water, shrimp, crab, and oysters has recently led to sporadic cases of classic cholera and mild gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio cholerae 01 and V. cholerae non-01, respectively, with substantial financial losses being experienced by the seafood industry. Since 1982, a strain of Escherichia coli, serotype 0157:H7, has become firmly established as the causative agent of two life-threatening conditions-hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Thus far, ground beef and raw milk have been the only foods linked to this illness; however, the list of foods is likely to expand in the future as improved methods for detecting the pathogen become available. For public safety, it is imperative that appropriate precautions be taken to control the presence of viable cells of these “emerging” pathogens in our food supply, including foods offered to consumers by the institutional and commercial segments of the foodservice industry. J Am Diet Assoc 89:948-954, 1989.
National risk factors for blunt cardiac injury: Hemopneumothorax is the strongest predictor.

Abstract Background Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) can occur after chest trauma and may be associated with sternal fracture (SF). We hypothesized that injuries demonstrating a higher transmission of force to the thorax, such as thoracic aortic injury (TAI), would have a higher association with BCI. Methods We queried the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007-2015 to identify adult blunt trauma patients. Results BCI occurred in 15,976 patients (0.3%). SF had a higher association with BCI (OR = 5.52, CI = 5.32–5.73, p Conclusion SF after blunt trauma is more strongly associated with BCI compared to TAI. However, hemopneumothorax is the strongest predictor of BCI. We propose all patients presenting after blunt chest trauma with high-risk features including hemopneumothorax, sternal fracture, esophagus injury, and TAI be screened for BCI. Summary Using the National Trauma Data Bank, sternal fracture is more strongly associated with blunt cardiac injury than blunt thoracic aortic injury. However, hemopneumothorax was the strongest predictor.
Emerging Evidence for Cannabis' Role in Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract Introduction: The opioid epidemic has become an immense problem in North America, and despite decades of research on the most effective means to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), overdose d...
Reduced zinc leaching from scrap tire during pavement applications.

Abstract Large quantities of scrap tires have been generated and accumulated over the years. However, a significant amount of them are stocked due to the lack of environmentally-friendly methods for disposing of, or reusing them. Because tires contain approximately 1–2% zinc by weight, leaching of zinc from scrap tires could be an environmental concern. In this research, we investigated the leaching of zinc from tire particles that are used with asphalt for pavement applications. The effects of tire particle size and pH on zinc leaching were also examined. Our results indicated that asphalt treatment significantly reduced zinc leaching from tires, and that it was also reduced by increasing the tire particle size and pH. The leaching of zinc was quantified by using a speciation-based modeling approach. The model parameters, namely, the total leachable zinc mass and the adsorption constant, can be used to predict the leaching of zinc under different conditions. The reduction in zinc leaching from asphalt-treated tire particles was due to the physical blocking of the tire surface by the asphalt. Results also indicated that, while the leaching of zinc and other selected toxic elements from untreated tire particles using simulated acid rain was not significant compared to the drinking water regulations, asphalt treatment during the pavement application further improved the environmental performance of the tire particles.
Predicting proteome allocation, overflow metabolism, and metal requirements in a model acetogen

The unique capability of acetogens to ferment a broad range of substrates renders them ideal candidates for the biotechnological production of commodity chemicals. In particular the ability to grow with H2:CO2 or syngas (a mixture of H2/CO/CO2) makes these microorganisms ideal chassis for sustainable bioproduction. However, advanced design strategies for acetogens are currently hampered by incomplete knowledge about their physiology and our inability to accurately predict phenotypes. Here we describe the reconstruction of a novel genome-scale model of metabolism and macromolecular synthesis (ME-model) to gain new insights into the biology of the model acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii. The model represents the first ME-model of a Gram-positive bacterium and captures all major central metabolic, amino acid, nucleotide, lipid, major cofactors, and vitamin synthesis pathways as well as pathways to synthesis RNA and protein molecules necessary to catalyze these reactions, thus significantly broadens the scope and predictability. Use of the model revealed how protein allocation and media composition influence metabolic pathways and energy conservation in acetogens and accurately predicted secretion of multiple fermentation products. Predicting overflow metabolism is of particular interest since it enables new design strategies, e.g. the formation of glycerol, a novel product for C. ljungdahlii, thus broadening the metabolic capability for this model microbe. Furthermore, prediction and experimental validation of changing secretion rates based on different metal availability opens the window into fermentation optimization and provides new knowledge about the proteome utilization and carbon flux in acetogens.
Policy Adoption, Innovation, and Performance Management: The Case of Performance-funding Policies in State Postsecondary Education:

Since the 1980s, nearly every state government has implemented some form of performance management. This article turns to the context of public higher education where the use of performance managem...
Health behaviour change in cardiovascular disease prevention and management: meta-review of behaviour change techniques to affect self-regulation

Self-regulation processes assume a major role in health behaviour theory and are postulated as important mechanisms of action in behavioural interventions to improve health prevention and managemen...
Socioeconomic and environmental predictors of estuarine shoreline hard armoring

Rising sea levels and growing coastal populations are intensifying interactions at the land-sea interface. To stabilize upland and protect human developments from coastal hazards, landowners commonly emplace hard armoring structures, such as bulkheads and revetments, along estuarine shorelines. The ecological and economic consequences of shoreline armoring have garnered significant attention; however, few studies have examined the extent of hard armoring or identified drivers of hard armoring patterns at the individual landowner level across large geographical areas. This study addresses this knowledge gap by using a fine-scale census of hard armoring along the entire Georgia U.S. estuarine coastline. We develop a parsimonious statistical model that accurately predicts the probability of armoring emplacement at the parcel level based on a set of environmental and socioeconomic variables. Several interacting influences contribute to patterns of shoreline armoring; in particular, shoreline slope and the presence of armoring on a neighboring parcel are strong predictors of armoring. The model also suggests that continued sea level rise and coastal population growth could trigger future increases in armoring, emphasizing the importance of considering dynamic patterns of armoring when evaluating the potential effects of sea level rise. For example, evolving distributions of armoring should be considered in predictions of future salt marsh migration. The modeling approach developed in this study is adaptable to assessing patterns of hard armoring in other regions. With improved understanding of hard armoring distributions, sea level rise response plans can be fully informed to design more efficient scenarios for both urban development and coastal ecosystems.
Polymers as Osmotic Agents for Peritoneal Dialysis

A sustained ultrafiltration during long-dwell peritoneal dialysis exchanges cannot be obtained with rapidly absorbable small molecular weight osmotic agents. Slowly absorbable synthetic poly ions t...
Patterns of Adolescents’ Coping with Bullying and Peer Victimization: the Link to Psychosocial Maladjustment and the Role of School Bonding

Grounded in the social-ecological theory, in this study, we examined the heterogeneity in young adolescents’ self-report patterns of coping strategies in response to school bullying and peer victimization. We also examined the linkages between adolescents’ coping patterns and the patterns of psychosocial maladjustment, and to what extent such linkages were moderated by adolescents’ perceived school bonding. The latent profile analysis and the latent transition analysis were conducted with a sample of 730 Taiwanese adolescents (M age = 12.8 years, age range = 11–13 years, 49% girls) attending one middle school. The results indicated the existence of four distinctive patterns of adolescents’ coping strategies against peer victimization (i.e., disengaged, adaptive, moderate, approach with avoidant) and three patterns of psychosocial maladjustment (i.e., high, moderate, low). Across all coping patterns, the adaptive copers demonstrated the least serious psychological maladjustment, followed by moderate copers, avoidant with approach copers, and disengaged copers. Second, school bonding buffered adaptive and moderate copers from psychological maladjustment, but such a link was absent for adolescents who utilized very little coping strategies (i.e., disengaged copers) as well as those who endorsed all coping strategies including positive ones to a particularly high extent (i.e., approach with avoidant copers). The results suggest that adolescents’ coping with bullying and peer victimization should be understood as a holistic pattern instead of treated as separate strategies. Also, the positive effects of adaptive coping were canceled out if adolescents simultaneously use an excessive degree of externalizing and internalizing coping. The implications for prevention and intervention were discussed.
Depth-of-Field and Coded Aperture Imaging on XSlit Lens

Recent coded aperture imaging systems have shown great success in scene reconstruction, extended depth-of-field and light field imaging. By far nearly all solutions are built on top of commodity cameras equipped with a single spherical lens. In this paper, we explore coded aperture solutions on a special non-centric lens called the crossed-slit (XSlit) lens. An XSlit lens uses a relay of two orthogonal cylindrical lenses, each coupled with a slit-shaped aperture. Through ray geometry analysis, we first show that the XSlit lens produces a different and potentially advantageous depth-of-field than the regular spherical lens. We then present a coded aperture strategy that individually encodes each slit aperture, one with broadband code and the other with high depth discrepancy code, for scene recovery. Synthetic and real experiments validate our theory and demonstrate the advantages of XSlit coded aperture solutions over the spherical lens ones.
Specific and Aspecific Molecular Checkpoints as Potential Targets for Dismantling Tumor Hierarchy and Preventing Relapse and Metastasis Through Shielded Cytolytic Treatments

I have recently theorized that several similarities exist between the tumor process and embryo development. Starting from an initial cancer stem cell (CSC0), similar to an embryonic stem cell (ESC), after implantation in a niche, primary self-renewing CSCs (CSC1s) would arise, which then generate secondary proliferating CSCs (CSC2s). From these epithelial CSCs, tertiary mesenchymal CSCs (CSC3s) would arise, which, under favorable stereotrophic conditions, by asymmetric proliferation, would generate cancer progenitor cells (CPCs) and then cancer differentiated cells (CDCs), thus giving a defined cell heterogeneity and hierarchy. CSC1s-CSC2s-CSC3s-CPCs-CDCs would constitute a defined "tumor growth module," able to generate new tumor modules, forming a spherical avascular mass, similar to a tumor sphere. Further growth in situ of this initial tumor would require implantation in the host and vascularization through the overexpression of some aspecific checkpoint molecules, such as CD44, ID, LIF, HSP70, and HLA-G. To expand and spread in the host tissues, this vascularized tumor would then carry on a real growth strategy based on other specific checkpoint factors, such as those contained in the extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely, microRNAs, messenger RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and integrins. These EV components would be crucial in tumor progression because they can mediate intercellular communications in the surrounding microenvironment and systemically, dictating to recipient cells a new tumor-enslaved phenotype, thus determining pre-metastatic conditions. Moreover, by their induction properties, the EV contents could also frustrate in time the effects of cytolytic tumor therapies, where EVs released by killed CSCs might enter other cancer and non-cancer cells, thus giving chemoresistance, non-CSC/CSC transition (recurrence), and metastasis. Thus, antitumor cytotoxic treatments, "shielded" from the EV-specific checkpoints by suitable adjuvant agents, simultaneously targeting the aforesaid aspecific checkpoints should be necessary for dismantling the hierarchic tumor structure, avoiding recurrence and preventing metastasis.
Toward high-performance terahertz-region liquid crystals: Computational modeling of fused ring nematic and discotic mesogens

Computational methods based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) are valuable for making pre-synthesis predictions of specific molecular structural elements in liquid crystals materials that will result in enhanced performance for terahertz (THz) region applications. Our previous DFT modeling efforts demonstrated that a two-fold improvement in THz-region birefringence (Δn) over existing materials is possible by utilizing design elements that favor high π electron delocalization, low molar mass, and electromagnetic asymmetry. In this work, we apply these design principles to examine the potential of mesogens with extended polarizable electron-rich structures, such as fused-ring nematics and discotics, as high-performance materials for THz-region applications.
Stresses affecting surgical performance and learning: I. Correlation of heart rate, electrocardiogram, and operation simultaneously recorded on videotapes

Abstract Operative performance and cardiac response (heart rate and electrocardiograms) were evaluated in surgical personnel during 33 operations. These were recorded on videotapes for subsequent analysis. Fatigue and operative difficulty were associated with tachycardia in susceptible personnel. Operative performance was impaired during the former with probable impaired learning. Likewise when performance difficulties arose during surgery, the instructor joining the “scrubbed team” provided a more meaningful learning environment than did his sideline advice. This approach appears to offer a method for studying the relationship between stress, surgical performance and the learning of surgical skills.
PRIVACY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY

This paper examines the issue of privacy as it relates to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). An outline of ITS technologies is presented, followed by a look at the nature of privacy concerns about ITS. A discussion of ITS concerns regarding privacy and privacy laws potentially applicable to ITS is presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of strategies for safeguarding privacy.
Epicardial regeneration is guided by cardiac outflow tract and Hedgehog signalling

In response to cardiac damage, a mesothelial tissue layer enveloping the heart called the epicardium is activated to proliferate and accumulate at the injury site. Recent studies have implicated the epicardium in multiple aspects of cardiac repair: as a source of paracrine signals for cardiomyocyte survival or proliferation; a supply of perivascular cells and possibly other cell types such as cardiomyocytes; and as a mediator of inflammation. However, the biology and dynamism of the adult epicardium is poorly understood. To investigate this, we created a transgenic line to ablate the epicardial cell population in adult zebrafish. Here we find that genetic depletion of the epicardium after myocardial loss inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferation and delays muscle regeneration. The epicardium vigorously regenerates after its ablation, through proliferation and migration of spared epicardial cells as a sheet to cover the exposed ventricular surface in a wave from the chamber base towards its apex. By reconstituting epicardial regeneration ex vivo, we show that extirpation of the bulbous arteriosus-a distinct, smooth-muscle-rich tissue structure that distributes outflow from the ventricle-prevents epicardial regeneration. Conversely, experimental repositioning of the bulbous arteriosus by tissue recombination initiates epicardial regeneration and can govern its direction. Hedgehog (Hh) ligand is expressed in the bulbous arteriosus, and treatment with a Hh signalling antagonist arrests epicardial regeneration and blunts the epicardial response to muscle injury. Transplantation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-soaked beads at the ventricular base stimulates epicardial regeneration after bulbous arteriosus removal, indicating that Hh signalling can substitute for the influence of the outflow tract. Thus, the ventricular epicardium has pronounced regenerative capacity, regulated by the neighbouring cardiac outflow tract and Hh signalling. These findings extend our understanding of tissue interactions during regeneration and have implications for mobilizing epicardial cells for therapeutic heart repair.
A Statistical Correction to 20 years of Banding

Statistically based banding is often considered a viable method for minimizing adverse impact in test-based employment decisions. By utilizing the standard error of the difference (SED), scores are equated based on the assumption that there is substantial unreliability in any single observed score. However, based on the derivations of Dudek, the formula commonly used to calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) – a component that is typically used to calculate the SED – is incorrect. Specifically, utilizing the SEM when calculating the SED produces a band of observed scores around a true score, not a band of true scores around an observed score as would be appropriate for banding. This study compares the differences between banding-based selection decisions when the appropriate SED formula – which utilizes the standard error of estimate – is and is not applied. Overall, results suggest that utilizing the appropriate formula for calculating the SED produces substantial variations in employment decisions. The potential legal and ethical implications of these discrepancies are discussed.
COMMENTS ON JUAN RODRÍGUEZ LARRETA'S PAPER: "CONCEIVING OF SOMEONE ELSE'S PAIN ON THE MODEL OF ONE'S OWN"

Larreta’s paper is concerned with what Norman Malcolm calls the “External Argument” concerning the problem of other minds.1 This argument is extrapolated from sections 302 and 350 of Wittgenstein’s Investigations. The target of the External Argument, as I understand it, is the Argument from Analogy.2 According to the Argument from Analogy, I find correlations in my own case between certain mental states and certain kinds of bodily behavior. Then when I find similar kinds of behavior in other people, I have reason to conclude that their behavior is caused by similar kinds of mental states. For example, I have good reason to believe that other people feel pain because they behave the way I do when I feel pain. The core of the Argument from Analogy is the idea that I first learn what a sensation like pain is from my own case, and then I go on to ascribe pain to other people by supposing that they feel the same thing that I feel. According to the External Argument, if I were to learn what pain is from my own case, then I could not intelligibly ascribe pain to other people. If this argument is correct, then either we are left with an extreme form of skepticism about other minds, or we do not learn what pain is from our own case. According to the External Argument, I cannot make the transition from my own pain to other people’s pain because – in Wittgenstein’s words – in order to ascribe pain to others I would “have to imagine pain which I do not feel on the model of pain which I do feel”.3 Wittgenstein himself says little about why felt pain is not an adequate basis for understanding unfelt pain. Malcolm thinks the point is that if I learn what pain is from my own case, I have learned that pain is something that is essentially felt by me. It then does not make sense to extend this concept of pain to the case of other people, since I do not feel other people’s pain.4 Larreta thinks that Kripke gives a definitive objection to the External Argument. According to Kripke, there seems to be no reason why
Nasal Deposition of HFA-Beclomethasone, Aqueous Fluticasone Propionate and Aqueous Mometasone Furoate in Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

Abstract Background: The deposition of nasal aerosols from both aqueous formulations and propellant-based formulations has only minimally been described in rhinitis patients. This study quantified the regional nasal deposition of QNASL™ (HFA-beclomethasone, nasal aerosol), Flonase™ (fluticasone propionate, nasal spray) and Nasonex™ (mometasone furoate monohydrate, nasal spray). Methods: This study was an open label, crossover study in nine patients with allergic rhinitis. The regional nasal deposition of the three nasal products was compared and contrasted following delivery of the 99mTc-radiolabeled drug product in each product. The gamma images were merged with magnetic resonance images to quantify regional deposition within the patients. Results: The HFA propellant-based formulation (QNASL) resulted in an increased retention of drug product in the nasal cavity compared with the two aqueous formulations (Flonase and Nasonex). The aqueous based formulations resulted in increased amount of the delivered d...
A model of import demand for grain in the Soviet Union

Abstract During the 1970s, the Soviet Union moved from being a net exporter to a net importer of grain. Conventional market models are inappropriate for the analysis of this import demand, since trade in a centrally planned economy is administratively determined rather than being a market activity. This article develops a model of import demand for grain in the Soviet Union, based on Soviet perceptions of the purposes and processes of foreign trade. Behavioural aspects of import demand are emphasized in developing the model, and while it may be of some use in forecasting import demand, its prime purpose is explanatory.
The importance of physician gender in the selection of an obstetrician or a gynecologist.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of gender in the selection of an obstetrician or a gynecologist. Study Design: At a university-based hospital, 46 patients after delivery and 79 patients after gynecologic surgery who had selected their physician within the previous year were interviewed to determine the importance of physician gender in the selection of an obstetrician or gynecologist. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and the Student t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 125 women who were surveyed, 52.8% of the women preferred a female physician, 9.6% of the women preferred a male physician, and 37.6% of the women stated no gender preference, with no significant difference between the obstetric and gynecologic groups. The groups were similar with respect to ranking the importance of gender; 24.8% of the women who were interviewed considered gender to be one of the 3 most important factors in the selection of a physician. When participants were asked to choose gender over physician experience, bedside manner, or competency, gender was selected by 12%, 10.4%, and 0.8%, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: For most women, physician gender is not of primary importance in the selection of an obstetrician or gynecologist. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:926-8.)
The final triumph of the Pax Americana? Western intervention in Yugoslavia and Russia's debate on the post-Cold War order

Abstract This paper addresses the question of world order by considering how Western military actions in Yugoslavia were perceived from a different cultural perspective. It traces how the NATO-led bombing campaign during March–June of 1999 affected various visions of world order that had existed in Russia before the campaign and describes the discursive change this campaign produced. The argument is made that Russia's foreign policy elites, from Westernizers to Neo-Communists and Expansionists, perceived Western goals in Yugoslavia differently from their counterparts in the West. However, they differed in their recommendations regarding Russia's response and lessons to be drawn from the Kosovo crisis. The paper also identifies several points where the different perspectives can converge. More specifically, all Russian schools of thought viewed the NATO campaign as a dangerous precedent potentially destabilizing the existing world order. They also shared the conviction that Russia should play a larger role in world affairs and that without Russia's involvement there could be no peace and stability in the Balkans and in Europe. They point to the United Nations as the only forum for debating the legitimacy of military interventions and for preventing interventions carried out without the approval of the UN.
Patient perspective of medication information desired and barriers to asking pharmacists questions.

Abstract Objectives To identify information patients want from a community pharmacist with new and refill prescription dispensing, examine how this varies across certain patient characteristics, and identify perceived barriers to asking pharmacists' questions. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Six states (Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, Montana, and Arizona), from January 2006 to August 2008. Participants Convenience sample of 600 patients or caregivers at community pharmacies. Intervention Brief, face-to-face, structured interviews. Main outcome measures Information desired by patients when receiving new and refill prescriptions and reasons why patients would not ask pharmacists medication-related questions. Results Information most often desired at first medication dispensing was adverse effects (58.2%), basic instructions (32.6%), and drug interactions (31%). Less than 9% of patients stated no need for pharmacist-provided information or that written information sufficed. Younger ( t = 4.81, P 2 = 4.385, P = 0.036) patients were more likely to indicate a desire for adverse effect information than older or less educated patients. When asked about refills, nearly one-half reported wanting information beyond how many refills remain. Of patients, 15% wanted a review of information given when originally dispensed. A review of information was more often desired by patients with less than or equal to a high school education (χ 2 = 7.830, P 2 = 4.786, P = 0.029). Conclusion These results support revisiting current pharmacy practice and practice laws about refill counseling and risk information provision, with greater potential implications for less educated individuals.