cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-antigenicity between the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, and the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

This study demonstrated that antigens of the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei (SS) cross-react with antigens of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(DP). Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CE) reaction of SS extract with rabbit anti-DP serum resulted in multiple immunoprecipitates. Reciprocal CIE reactions gave similar results. Immunoprecipitates from both reactions bound IgE in the sera of dust-mite – sensitive patients who had no history of scabies. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved protein/peptide bands of both SS and DP also bound serum IgE from dust-mite–allergic patients following immunoblotting. Non-allergic control sera gave no IgE binding to either SS or DP antigens. These results indicate that patients with atopy to dust mites exhibit circulating antibodies built to DP but that recognize determinants on SS antigens. It is highly probable that scabietic patients build antibodies to SS antigens that also recognize DP antigens. These results raise questions concerning the reported isotypic antibody responses to SS because the sensitivity of scabietic patients to house dust mites has not been previously evaluated. This cross-reactivity may play an important role in the susceptibility to scabies and its clinical manifestations.
Inactivation of the microRNA-183/96/182 cluster results in syndromic retinal degeneration

The microRNA-183/96/182 cluster is highly expressed in the retina and other sensory organs. To uncover its in vivo functions in the retina, we generated a knockout mouse model, designated “miR-183CGT/GT,” using a gene-trap embryonic stem cell clone. We provide evidence that inactivation of the cluster results in early-onset and progressive synaptic defects of the photoreceptors, leading to abnormalities of scotopic and photopic electroretinograms with decreased b-wave amplitude as the primary defect and progressive retinal degeneration. In addition, inactivation of the miR-183/96/182 cluster resulted in global changes in retinal gene expression, with enrichment of genes important for synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, photoreceptor morphogenesis, and phototransduction, suggesting that the miR-183/96/182 cluster plays important roles in postnatal functional differentiation and synaptic connectivity of photoreceptors.
Presuppositions, provisos, and probability

Theories of presupposition in the tradition associated with Karttunen, Stalnaker and Heim relate presupposition satisfaction to the content of conversational participants’ epistemic states, usually modeled as sets of worlds. However, converging evidence from recent work on modality and from other areas of cognitive science suggests that epistemic states are better thought of as having the richer structure of probability distributions. I describe an account of semantic and pragmatic presupposition which combines core ideas from dynamic semantic treatments with a probabilistic model of information states and their dynamics in conversation, and argue that it predicts the core data of the proviso problem (Geurts 1996) without invoking ad hoc mechanisms as conditional strengthening accounts typically do. The frequently cited intuition that (ir)relevance is crucial follows without stipulation, and I present new cases which suggest that irrelevance is too weak to predict all cases of unconditional presuppositions, problematizing strengthening accounts which rely on it. The proposed theory is able to account for this new data and also for semi-conditional presuppositions, a sticking point for previous theories of presupposition projection. I argue that this perspective also gives us a reasonable line on several related issues, including the divergence between presupposed conditionals and conditional presuppositions, instances of the proviso problem in counterfactuals, and the contextual variation in the difficulty of accommodation. http://dx.doi.org/10.3765/sp.5.2 BibTeX info
Structure and clinical relevance of the epidermal growth factor receptor in human cancer

Purpose To review the recent advances in the atomic-level understanding of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK). We aim to highlight the current and future importance of these studies for the understanding and treatment of malignancies where EGFR-TK is improperly activated. Methods The analysis was conducted on published crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (www.pdb.org) using the program O. Results In this review we emphasize how recent EGFR kinase domain crystal structures can explain the mechanisms of activation for L858R and other EGFR-TK mutations, and compare these distinct activating mechanisms with those recently described for the wild-type EGFR. We suggest an atomic-level mechanism for the poor efficacy of lapatinib against tumors with activating EGFR kinase domain point mutations compared with the efficacy of gefitinib and erlotinib, and demonstrate how structural insights help our understanding of acquired resistance to these agents. We also highligh...
Perturbation analysis of coupled diffusion and reaction with high-order kinetics

Abstract Asymptotic solutions for the effectiveness factor and the concentration profile are obtained for m th-order chemical reactions inside a slab catalyst pellet with Robin boundary condition at the pellet's outer surface. Using perturbation analysis in the limit of large reaction order m , the effectiveness factor and the concentration profile are explicitly determined up to O(1/ m ). Higher-order solutions can be obtained in a systematic way if desired.
Cardiomyopathy with inverted tako-tsubo pattern in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage: a series of four cases.

Background Severe subarachnoid hemorrhage may be associated with regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) in the absence of epicardial coronary occlusion. The RWMA extends beyond the distribution of a single coronary artery and may present in a typical tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy pattern. Other variants have also been recognized, including an inverted tako-tsubo pattern of severe basal hypokinesis that spares the apex. The mechanism of this cardiomyopathy is not well understood but likely involves catecholamine excess. While classic tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy from emotional stress carries a favorable prognosis, cardiac dysfunction from subarachnoid hemorrhage is a marker of overall poor prognosis.
Application of, and precautions for the use of, the Rule of additivity in phase transformation

The rule of additivity was first proposed for predicting the incubation time for nucleation of solid phases during continuous-cooling phase transformations, and has since been widely used for both the nucleation incubation and the entire process of phase transformation. While having been successfully used to calculate the transformed volume fraction during continuous cooling in many steel alloy systems, there is experimental evidence which shows that the rule of additivity is not rigorously valid for describing the incubation time for nucleation. We have recently used the classical nucleation theory to demonstrate the limits of validity of the rule of additivity. The general condition for the rule of additivity to be valid for phase transformation is that the kinetics of phase transformation be a state function independent of temperature history. In practice, the relative error caused by using the rule of additivity may be negligibly small in many cases. For better accuracy, the incubation time for nucleation should be excluded when applying the rule of additivity to phase transformation. Applications and precautions, when using the rule of additivity in nucleation incubation, phase transformation, and determination of equilibrium phase-transformation temperature, will be discussed.
Soft-tissue profile characteristics in children with beta thalassaemia major.

Objectives: To compare soft-tissue profile characteristics of patients with beta thalassaemia major (BTM) with a group of non-thalasseamic subjects with a similar skeletal pattern. Subjects and methods. The material for this cross-sectional retrospective study consisted of lateral cephalograms of 40 BTM patients (23 males, 17 females, aged 9.5 ± 0.97 years). These were compared with lateral cephalograms of a control group of 40 non-thalasseamic subjects (23 males, 17 females, aged 11.0 ± 0.87 years) who had similarities with the study group in the following cephalometric variables: SNA (°), SNB (°), ANB (°) and anterior face height (N-Me). Overall, 22 linear and angular soft-tissue cephalometric variables were measured. Results. Horizontal soft-tissue measurements, except for the thickness at B point (B-B'), were larger relative to non-thalasseamic subjects; particularly showing a statistically larger mean values for the following variables: soft-tissue thickness at Pronasale (ANS-Prn, p < 0.01), Subnasale (ANS-Sn, p < 0.01), point A (A-A′, p < 0.01) and at the Pogonion point (Pg-Pg′, p < 0.05). Compared to controls, BTM patients showed significantly larger (p < 0.05) mean values for the anterior nose length (Prn-Prn', p < 0.01) and lower nose height (Prn-Sn, p < 0.05). Variables that represented the lip profile, including the nasolabial angle, did not significantly differ from controls. The average values for the mid-face (N-ANS), posterior face height (S-Go) and the inclination of maxillary incisors to the SN plane were significantly larger (p < 0.01) in BTM patients. Conclusion: The soft-tissue profile differences in BTM patients may have implications for their future orthodontic or orthognathic management. Future studies can investigate the 3D soft-tissue changes and the possible contributing factors.
Medial prefrontal cortex subserves diverse forms of self-reflection

The ability to think about oneself--to self--reflect--is one of the defining features of the human mind. Recent research has suggested that this ability may be subserved by a particular brain region: the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). However, although humans can contemplate a variety of different aspects of themselves, including their stable personality traits, current feelings, and physical attributes, no research has directly examined the extent to which these different forms of self-reflection are subserved by common mechanisms. To address this question, participants were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while making judgments about their own personality traits, current mental states, and physical attributes as well as those of another person. Whereas some brain regions responded preferentially during only one form of self-reflection, a robust region of MPFC was engaged preferentially during self-reflection across all three types of judgment. These results suggest that--although dissociable--diverse forms of self-referential thought draw on a shared cognitive process subserved by MPFC.
Lattice dynamics of crystal surfaces

Abstract : The report is a review on surface effects in lattice dynamics. It is directed toward graduate students and research workers interested in the study of solid surfaces. Experimental and theoretical research activity directed toward a better understanding of surfaces has increased remarkably during the past few years. This review will be of interest to those concerned with the vibrational and electronic properties of solid surfaces, physical electronics, surface wave devices, and catalysis. The article surveys advances in acoustical surface waves, optical surface waves, surface wave attenuation, the scattering of particles from solid surfaces, and the effect of surfaces on vibrational contributions to thermodynamic and optical properties. (Modified author abstract)
Environmental exposure to the plasticizer 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) in US adults (2000-2012).

1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) is a complex mixture of nine carbon branched-chain isomers. It has been used in Europe since 2002 as a plasticizer to replace phthalates such as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). Urinary concentrations of the oxidative metabolites of DINCH, namely cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid-monocarboxy isooctyl ester (MCOCH); cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid-mono(oxo-isononyl) ester (MONCH); and cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid-mono(hydroxy-isononyl) ester (MHNCH), can potentially be used as DINCH exposure biomarkers. The concentrations of MCOCH, MONCH and MHNCH were measured by online solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in urine collected in 2000 (n=114), 2001 (n=57), 2007 (n=23), 2009 (n=118), 2011 (n=94) and 2012 (n=121) from convenience groups of anonymous U.S. adult volunteers with no known DINCH exposure. None of the DINCH metabolites were detected in samples collected in 2000 and 2001. Only one sample collected in 2007 had measureable concentrations of DINCH metabolites. The detection rate for all three metabolites increased from 2007 to 2012. The presence of oxidative metabolites of DINCH in urine suggests that these oxidative metabolites can be used as DINCH biomarkers for exposure assessment even at environmental exposure levels.
Robust two-qubit quantum registers

We carry out a systematic analysis of a pair of coupled qubits, each of which is subject to its own dissipative environment, and argue that a combination of the interqubit couplings which provides for the lowest possible decoherence rates corresponds to the incidence of a double spectral degeneracy in the two-qubit system. We support this general argument by the results of an evolutionary genetic algorithm which can also be used for optimizing time-dependent processes (gates) and their sequences that implement various quantum computing protocols.
Inventory levels for a hospital blood bank under the assumption of 28-day shelf life.

Tables that have previously been given for determining an appropriate inventory level for a blood type with a mean daily use of three units or less and a lifespan of 21 days have been recomputed, allowing all blood to have an additional seven days of life. These show that the longer blood life will make it easier to choose the optimal inventory level and lead to great savings in the loss due to expiry; it will also have a small beneficial effect on the frequency with which the bank is unable to meet requirements.
Spatiotemporal video deinterlacing using control grid interpolation

With the advent of progressive format display and broadcast technologies, video deinterlacing has become an important video-processing technique. Numerous approaches exist in the literature to accomplish deinterlacing. While most earlier methods were simple linear filtering-based approaches, the emergence of faster computing technologies and even dedicated video-processing hardware in display units has allowed higher quality but also more computationally intense deinterlacing algorithms to become practical. Most modern approaches analyze motion and content in video to select different deinterlacing methods for various spatio- temporal regions. We introduce a family of deinterlacers that employs spectral residue to choose between and weight control grid interpolation based spatial and temporal deinterlacing methods. The proposed approaches perform better than the prior state-of-the-art based on peak signal-to-noise ratio, other visual quality metrics, and simple perception-based subjective evaluations conducted by human viewers. We further study the advantages of using soft and hard decision thresholds on the visual performance. © 2015 SPIE and IS&T (DOI: 10.1117/1.JEI.24.2.023022)
Multiple Change-Points Estimation in Linear Regression Models via Sparse Group Lasso

We consider linear regression problems for which the underlying model undergoes multiple changes. Our goal is to estimate the number and locations of change-points that segment available data into different regions, and further produce sparse and interpretable models for each region. To address challenges of the existing approaches and to produce interpretable models, we propose a sparse group Lasso based approach for linear regression problems with change-points. Under certain mild assumptions and a properly chosen regularization term, we prove that the solution of the proposed approach is asymptotically consistent. In particular, we show that the estimation error of linear coefficients diminishes, and the locations of the estimated change-points are close to those of true change-points. We further propose a method to choose the regularization term so that the results mentioned above hold. In addition, we show that the complexity of the proposed algorithm is much smaller than those of existing approaches. Numerical examples are provided to validate the analytical results.
Molecular and functional characteristics of MAP‐2a: Ability of MAP‐2a versus MAP‐2b to induce stable microtubules in COS cells

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) is a prominent cytoskeletal protein in the mammalian nervous system. Two high-molecular-weight (HMW) MAP-2 isoforms, MAP-2a and MAP-2b, are developmentally regulated. MAP-2b is expressed through the life of the neuron, while MAP-2a expression coincides with the time of synaptic formation. MAP-2a and MAP-2b differ in size by approximately 10 kD. Attempts to differentiate MAP-2a from MAP-2b led to the identification of additional exons; exons 7A, 8, 13, and 16. The focus of the present study was to define the complete molecular composition of MAP-2a that was prerequisite for investigating the functional characteristic of the MAP-2a protein. Detailed examination of rat brain mRNA by Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR showed that MAP-2a contains only exon 8 in addition to the exons found in the MAP-2b transcript. Exons 7A, 13, and 16 are not present in the MAP-2a transcript. Antibody generated to exon 8 expressed protein, immunoprecipitated a HMW protein from adult rat brain that co-migrated with MAP-2a and was immunopositive with other MAP-2 antibodies. Comparative transfections of full-length MAP-2a and MAP-2b cDNA into COS-7 cells demonstrated that MAP-2a influenced the microtubule network differently than MAP-2b by inducing rapid and stable microtubule bundle formation even in the presence of nocodazole.
On Weaker Forms of Paracompactness, Countable Compactness, and Lindelöfness

: An ideal on a set X is a nonempty collection of subsets closed under the operations of finite union and subset. The concepts of parabounded and countably bounded subsets are defined as well as regularity with respect to an ideal I(i.e., I-regular). The bounded subsets of a topological space are characterized as the subsets which are both parabounded and countably bounded. It is shown that if (X, τ) is a Hausdorff space and I is an ideal on X such that I∩τ={O}, then (X, τ) is compact modulo I iff (X, τ) is H-closed and I-regular. Examples are given which place e-Lindelofness in the hierarchy of known properties and it is shown that para-Lindelof e-Lindelof spaces are Lindelof. It is shown that in the category of Hausdorff spaces, perfect images of e-paracompact spaces are e-paracompact. Posed as an open question is the following: What can be said about the closed continuous image of an e-paracompact space?
Intact fetal ovarian cord formation promotes mouse oocyte survival and development

Female reproductive potential, or the ability to propagate life, is limited in mammals with the majority of oocytes lost before birth. In mice, surviving perinatal oocytes are enclosed in ovarian follicles for subsequent oocyte development and function in the adult. Before birth, fetal germ cells of both sexes develop in clusters, or germline cysts, in the undifferentiated gonad. Upon sex determination of the fetal gonad, germ cell cysts become organized into testicular or ovarian cord-like structures and begin to interact with gonadal somatic cells. Although germline cysts and testicular cords are required for spermatogenesis, the role of cyst and ovarian cord formation in mammalian oocyte development and female fertility has not been determined. Here, we examine whether intact fetal ovarian germ and somatic cell cord structures are required for oocyte development using mouse gonad re-aggregation and transplantation to disrupt gonadal organization. We observed that germ cells from disrupted female gonad prior to embryonic day e13.5 completed prophase I of meiosis but did not survive following transplantation. Furthermore, re-aggregated ovaries from e13.5 to e15.5 developed with a reduced number of oocytes. Oocyte loss occurred before follicle formation and was associated with an absence of ovarian cord structure and ovary disorganization. However, disrupted ovaries from e16.5 or later were resistant to the re-aggregation impairment and supported robust oocyte survival and development in follicles. Thus, we demonstrate a critical window of oocyte development from e13.5 to e16.5 in the intact fetal mouse ovary, corresponding to the establishment of ovarian cord structure, which promotes oocyte interaction with neighboring ovarian somatic granulosa cells before birth and imparts oocytes with competence to survive and develop in follicles. Because germline cyst and ovarian cord structures are conserved in the human fetal ovary, the identification of genetic components and molecular mechanisms of pre-follicle stage germ and somatic cell structures may be important for understanding human female infertility. In addition, this work provides a foundation for development of a robust fetal ovarian niche and transplantation based system to direct stem cell-derived oocyte differentiation as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of infertility.
Counter-cleptoparasitic behaviours of species of Sphecidae (Hymenoptera) in response to miltogrammini larviposition (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Sixty-two species of primarily ground-nesting Sphercidae were studied in order to assess their counter-cleptoparasitic behaviour against nine species of associated cleptoparastic miltogrammine flies. Fly larviposition was altered or thwarted by species-specific nesting patterns and distinctive behavioural components of the wasps. Pre-larvipositional, counter-cleptoparasitic behaviours included freeze-stops, face-offs, diversionary and chasing flights, butting, stinging and male nestguarding. Post-larvipositional counter-cleptoparasitic behaviours involved the actual removal of maggots from the prey by the wasp, cell and burrow cleaning, prey and cell abandonment and maggot destruction by the larvae of progressive provisioning species.
From shale gas to renewable energy based transportation solutions.

We present an energy roadmap for the US light duty vehicle (LDV) sector that efficiently utilizes natural gas (NG) and transitions to renewable energy and carbon sources as they become economical. We use well-to-wheels (WTW) efficiency to compare alternative NG transportation pathways. If internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) remain prevalent, then compressed natural gas (CNG) is the favored fuel. Among electric powertrains, centralized electricity generation with battery electric vehicle (BEV) is more efficient than on-board generation with fuel-cell vehicles (FCV). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) balance driving range against WTW efficiency, and provide flexibility in sourcing electricity from different energy sources. Despite these efficient WTW pathways, supplying NG for the LDV sector is estimated to decrease the lifetime of current US NG reserves to about 60 years. Beyond this period, compressed methane derived from biomass can replace CNG, and utilize the would-be developed CNG infrastructure. The LDV biomass requirement depends on the biomass to methane carbon conversion and battery storage capacity of CNG PHEVs. Converting biomass to methane using solar heat/H2 leads to ~65% lower LDV biomass requirement compared to standalone processes recovering ~30% biomass carbon as methane. The resulting biomass amounts compare favorably with future US biomass supply projections.
Rejuvenating effects of 10-week underfeeding period on estrous cycles in young and old rats

Abstract The effects of providing 50% of normal feed intake for 10 weeks followed by 16 weeks of ad lib feeding on estrous cycles and mammary tumor incidence were studied in female rats initially 4 months and 15–16 months old. Initially all young rats exhibited regular or irregular estrous cycles and only about 41% of the older rats cycled regularly or irregularly; the remainder of the older rats did not cycle. During underfeeding, both the young and older rats lost body weight and ceased to cycle. After refeeding 100% of both young and old rats resumed cycling, the young rats for a much longer period than the old rats, and more of both groups continued to cycle than their ad lib-fed controls. Upon refeeding, the young and old rats reached the body weights of the ad lib-fed controls in about 3 weeks. Mammary tumors were initially present only in old rats and regressed during underfeeding; they rapidly reached control size upon refeeding. Plasma PRL levels declined during underfeeding but rebounded to higher than control values upon refeeding in both young and old rats. In young but not in old rats, plasma LH levels fell during underfeeding but returned to control values upon refeeding. These results demonstrate that a relatively short period of underfeeding, followed by refeeding, can delay the decline in reproductive cycles in young rats and reinitiate estrous cycles in older rats. These effects appear to be mediated via the neuroendocrine system.
PEDIATRIC MALIGNANCIES AND ANESTHESIA

Children are not simply "small adults." The problems facing children with cancer and their families are increasingly complex and require new strategies. Cancer in childhood has epidemiologic differences from that of adults. Nevertheless, it is the second leading cause of death in childhood (second only to accidents and trauma among children less than 15 years of age). More importantly, childhood cancers have a considerably higher cure rate with chemotherapy and radiation. Advances in surgery allow for more complete resection of certain malignancies. A major feature of childhood cancer is the frequent necessity for brief, noxious diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. These procedures produce great fear and anxiety in the child. The anesthesiologist may assist in many facets of the patient's treatment and recovery, from initial assessment to chronic pain therapy. It is important to form an alliance with pediatric oncologists, surgeons, nursing staff, and the patient's family. This article covers the role of the anesthesiologist in the care of pediatric cancer patients.
Shape Recognition through Opto-Mechanical Scanning

We explore capabilities and limits of opto-mechanical knife-edge scanning methods for the purpose of shape recognition techniques that are scale invariant. Different algorithms for corner scanning, opto-mechanical integration and symmetry based shape recognition are discussed.
Monitoring changes in gene expression in renal ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

Monitoring changes in gene expression in renal ischemia-reperfusion in the rat Background Although acute renal failure (ARF) is a relatively common disorder with major morbidity and mortality, its molecular basis remains incompletely defined. The present study examined global gene expression in the well-characterized ischemia-reperfusion model of ARF using DNA microarray technology. Methods Male Wistar rats underwent bilateral renal ischemia (30 min) or sham operation, followed by reperfusion for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days. Plasma creatinine increased approximately fivefold over baseline, peaking on day 1. Renal total RNA was used to probe cDNA microarrays. Results Alterations in expression of 18 genes were identified by microarray analysis. Nine genes were up-regulated (ADAM2, HO-1, UCP-2, and thymosin β4 in the early phase and clusterin, vanin1, fibronectin, heat-responsive protein 12 and FK506 binding protein in the established phase), whereas another nine were down-regulated (glutamine synthetase, cytochrome p450 IId6, and cyp 2d9 in the early phase and cyp 4a14, Xist gene, PPARγ, α-albumin, uromodulin, and ADH B2 in the established phase). The identities of these 18 genes were sequence-verified. Changes in gene expression of ADAM2, cyp2d6, fibronectin, HO-1 and PPARγ were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ADAM2, cyp2d6, and PPARγ have not previously been known to be involved in ARF. Conclusion Using DNA microarray technology, we identified changes in expression of 18 genes during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat. We confirmed changes in five genes (fibronectin, ADAM2, cyp 2d6, HO-1 and PPARγ) by quantitative real-time PCR. Several genes, not previously been identified as playing a role in ischemic ARF, may have importance in this disease.
Writing for adult English language learners

The reading needs of those who have not yet achieved proficiency-language learners, such as adults with normal hearing learning English as a second language and deaf adults-differ from the needs of fluent readers. The author explains how writers can use specific strategies to alleviate the difficulties these readers experience.
Dropsize correlation for cryogenic liquid-jet atomization

Momentum transfer from high velocity nitrogen gas flow to liquid-nitrogen jets was investigated. A correlation of aerodynamic and liquid-surface forces with characteristic drop diameter was obtained for cryogenic liquid-jet breakup in Mach 1 gas flow. Nitrogen gas mass-flux was varied by using three differently sized two-fluid fuel atomizers with different nozzle diameters.
Helping law students to understand US Supreme Court oral arguments: a planned experiment

The transcripts of oral arguments before the US Supreme Court provide interesting opportunities from the viewpoint of legal education. As the pinnacle of legal argumentation, they illustrate, often in dramatic fashion, a sophisticated process of concept formation and testing driven by skillful posing of hypotheticals. Yet it is not easy to get beginning law students to understand the arguments and the underlying processes of hypothesis formation and testing. We introduce a novel project with the dual aims of developing an AI model of concept formation and testing as well as an intelligent tutoring system for beginning law students. We describe a planned experiment in which we will evaluate to what extent law students' study of the Supreme Court oral arguments can be improved by providing detailed and specific self-explanation prompts. It is hypothesized that detailed prompts to explain connections between tests, rationales, dimensions, and hypotheticals will help students to induce adequate mental models of concept formation processes.
Reduced oxide charge trapping and improved hot-electron reliability in submicrometer MOS devices fabricated by titanium salicide process

The effects of the titanium salicide (self-aligned silicide) process on the reliability of very-thin-gate-oxide MOSFETs have been studied. It is shown that the titanium salicide process, as compared to the conventional poly-Si gate process, has reduced electron and hole trapping in the oxide and improved hot-electron reliability. It is shown that these phenomena are related to the reduced hydrogen content in the oxide as revealed by a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis. >
Threading the thin blue line: transition towards democratic policing and the integrity of the South African police service

Democratising the South African police became one of the key challenges in the aftermath of the apartheid regime. We explored the contours of police integrity – one of the key elements of democratic policing – within the South African national police service. In 2005, questionnaires containing hypothetical cases of police corruption were collected from 379 police officers from seven provinces and autonomous territories. Compelling evidence was found that the South African Police Service (SAPS) faces severe challenges to its integrity. A non-trivial percentage of respondents did not recognise even the most severe forms of police corruption as violations of official rules. The respondents expected relatively mild discipline to be meted out for some of the most severe violations of official rules. The empirical evidence further indicates that a substantial minority of SAPS supervisors would protect many forms of police corruption from exposure. Moreover, the respondents hired after apartheid expressed attitu...
The Precautionary Principle: A Dialectical Reconsideration

This essay examines an overlooked element of the precautionary principle: a prudent assessment of the long-range or remote catastrophes possibly associated with technological development must include the catastrophes that may take place because of the absence of such technologies. In short, this brief essay attempts to turn the precautionary principle on its head by arguing that, (1) if the long-term survival of any life form is precarious, and if the survival of the current human population is particularly precarious, especially given contemporary urban population densities, and (2) if technological innovation and progress are necessary in order rapidly to adapt humans to meet environmental threats that would otherwise be catastrophic on a large scale (e.g., pandemics of highly lethal diseases), then (3) the development of biomedical technologies in many forms, but in particular including human germ-line genetic engineering, may be required by the precautionary principle, given the prospect of the oblite...
The Role and Influence of Faith Leaders on Health-Related Issues and Programs in their Congregation

This qualitative study explored the influence of faith leaders on health-related issues within their congregation. Semi-structured interviewers with 24 faith leaders found that chronic conditions and poor health behaviors were the top health challenges facing their congregation. A majority mentioned health-related activities taking place at their church. Most believed they had influence on their congregation for issues related to health/wellness, most commonly in the form of increasing awareness. A majority talked about the importance of being a role model. It is important to understand how to most effectively capitalize on the strengths of and engage pastors in health promotion efforts.
A Discussion of Gerald Amada's “Professional Odyssey”

ABSTRACT This commentary on Gerald Amada's account of his own “Professional Odyssey” considers the masculine perspective with which Amadu reviews his career. I note that most of the authors whom Amada regards as profoundly influential were men and that Amada's efforts as social advocate to protect women in therapy with him defy the usual guidelines about the role of a psychotherapist. In so doing. I argue that while Amada's actions may be helpful, they are not within the realm of therapy and end up furthering a subtle sexism. I also suggest that context significantly effects the policies and practices that we develop in our respective colleges and universities.
Best Practices for Medical Libraries to Deliver Materials to Distance Learners

Distance education programs in the health fields are increasing. Programs are changing and expanding to allow maximum flexibility for students and to accommodate working health professionals. Additionally, as medical schools increase off-site rotation of students and residents, access to information becomes more complicated. Health sciences libraries are re-evaluating the services provided for distance learners and adapting them to meet their needs. This paper reviews the characteristics of distance learners and offers recommendations for library support of distance learning, focusing on access to information. It reports the results of a survey of current services. It also examines methods of supporting off-campus students in the Southeast region, with special emphasis on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Health Sciences Library.
Genetic evidence for an equilibrium between docked and undocked vesicles

By using the shibire mutation to block endocytosis in a temperature–dependent fashion, we have manipulated the number of synaptic vesicles in a nerve terminal and have observed a remarkable proportionality of the number of quanta released to the size of the total vesicle pool. In the experiments described below we determine that approximately 0.3% of the vesicle pool is released per stimulus. The data suggest that the pool of readily releasable docked vesicles does not represent the saturation of a limiting number of release sites, but instead represents a subset of vesicles that is in equilibrium with the larger pool of vesicles. Before presenting this data and the significance of the finding for the regulation of neurotransmission, we will briefly review the use of Drosophila genetics as a tool for dissecting synaptic transmission.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF MALE AND FEMALE SEX HORMONES ON PITUITARY GONADOTROPIC FUNCTION IN WOMEN

THE THEORETICAL and experimental foundation for the clinical use of male sex I hormone in women has been discussed in a previous paper (I). It was also Jl pointed out that the increasing application of such therapy (2, 3, 4) called for an accurate definition and understanding of the action of testosterone in the human female. Pursuant to this idea, we studied the effects of male hormone on the hypophysis, accessory reproductive organs, and the general body economy in a representative group of menopausal women, analysing separately and collectively the action of the hormone in each sphere. To further the objectivity of such observations, institutionali2ied patients with involutional psychosis were chosen, and a second group were given female sex hormone under identical conditions, thus investigating the specific action of male sex hormone by contrast and comparison with its female counterpart.
Unusual intracardiac tumor in a child: Inflammatory pseudotumor or “granulomatous” variant of myxoma?

An intracardiac tumor arising in the right atrium of a young child is reported. Morphologically, the lesion was reminiscent of “plasma cell granulomas,” but unprecedented in this location. Based on clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, histologic and ultrastructural characteristics of the mass, the speculation is put forth that this lesion may represent a cardiac myxoma with atypical structural features. An extension of this proposal is a pathogenetic sequence that would try to reconcile the complex clinical course of some myxomas with the described structural observations. Alternative choices for classification of the lesion are also given consideration.
Comparison of seasonal growth and polyamine content in shoots of orchard-grown standard and genetic dwarf apple tress

Seasonal variations in growth rate, and polyamine and arginine content were determined in shoots of standard and genetic dwarf apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) in orchard conditions. Putrescine, spermidine, spermine and arginine exhibited the same seasonal variations. Polyamine titer and arginine content were correlated. Putrescine, spermidine, spermine and arginine levels increased during March and April, reaching the maximum at the end of April. From the onset of May, they decreased gradually until they reached a steady level at the end of July and beginning August. Then the level increased until September when growth stopped. Shoots of both standard and dwarf trees started to grow in April, elongated slowly during the summer and ceased growth in September. Polyamine and arginine content of the shoots of standard apple trees were higher compared to the shoots of genetic dwarfs, but the concentration of polyamine and arginine were not correlated with the growth rate.
Neuroendocrine tumours metastatic to the uvea: diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy

Uveal metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumour is rare and can simulate other primary or metastatic uveal tumours, both clinically and cytomorphologically. We describe four cases of uveal metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumour diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Four patients were referred for evaluation of a recently detected fundus mass. Two patients had a history of malignant, non-ocular, neuroendocrine neoplasms (Merkel cell carcinoma and lung carcinoid in one patient each). The third patient had a mediastinal mass that had been biopsied inconclusively, while the last patient reported a persistent cough. Ophthalmic examination revealed an amelanotic ciliochoroidal mass in 2 cases and a lightly melanotic and a pale orange choroidal mass in 1 case each. Partial, non-rhegmatogenous, retinal detachment was present in 3 patients. Ocular ultrasonography revealed moderate to high internal reflectivity of the mass in 3 cases and low internal reflectivity in the 4th. Our differential diagnosis in all cases was metastatic carcinoma versus primary uveal melanoma. FNAB of the intraocular mass was performed in all patients to establish a pathologic diagnosis and guide subsequent management. Cytomorphology and immunohistochemical profiles of the aspirates were consistent with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms in all patients. Our final diagnosis was metastatic lung carcinoid in 2 patients and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma in 1 patient each. Immediately after FNAB, the intraocular tumour was treated by plaque radiotherapy (3 patients) or fractionated external beam radiotherapy (1 patient). All tumours treated regressed satisfactorily. Two patients expired due to widespread lung carcinoid 11 and 12 months after our initial evaluation respectively. The other two patients are still alive after 38 and 64 months respectively. Neuroendocrine tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms whose diagnosis ultimately depends on the identification of specific cell markers (e.g., neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin, synaptophysin), hormones and neurotransmitters (e.g., gastrin, serotonin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone [ACTH]). FNAB with immunohistochemical stains for neuroendocrine markers can establish a pathologic diagnosis in cases of uveal metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumour. To our knowledge, our patient with Merkel cell carcinoma is the first pathologically proven case of uveal metastasis from this primary malignancy.
Inverse backscattering in two dimensions

This article extends the authors' previous results (Commun. Math. Phys.124, 169–215 (1989) to inverse scattering in two space dimensions. The new problem in two dimensions is the behavior of the backscattering amplitude near zero energy. Generically, this has the form $$a({\xi \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\xi {\left| \xi \right|,}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left| \xi \right|,}} - {\xi \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\xi {\left| \xi \right|,\left| \xi \right|}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left| \xi \right|,\left| \xi \right|}}) = 2\pi (2\pi \beta + \ln \left| \xi \right|)^{ - 1} + b(\xi ),$$ whereb(0)=0 andb(ζ) is Holder continuous. In order to work in weighted Holder spaces as before, the constant β and the functionb(ζ) must now be interpreted as “coordinates” on the space of backscattering data. In this setting the mapping to backscattering data is again a local diffeomorphism at a dense open set in the real-valued potentials.
Noncommutative Projective Schemes

An analogue of the concept of projective scheme is defined for noncommutative N-graded algebras using the quotient category C of graded right A-modules modulo its full subcategory of torsion modules. We define proj A = (C, A, s), where A is the object corresponding to the module AA, and s is the autoequivalence defined by the shift of degrees. The triples equivalent to proj A for a right noetherian graded algebra A are characterized in terms of a condition χ on extensions.
Lower albumin levels in African Americans at colon cancer diagnosis: a potential explanation for outcome disparities between groups?

Background and aim Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA. African Americans (AA) have inferior outcomes when matched for diagnosis stage and socioeconomic situation. Nutritional status, at diagnosis and its contribution to the observed cancer outcome disparity, between AA and non-Hispanic whites (nHw) has not been evaluated to date. The aim of the investigation was to determine if differences in nutritional surrogate markers, such as serum albumin and body mass index (BMI), exist at the time of colorectal cancer diagnosis between AA and nHw.
The Symbol Digit Modalities Test is an effective cognitive screen in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (MS)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) as a tool for identifying pediatric-onset MS patients at risk for cognitive impairment. Background The SDMT is a brief measure of cognitive processing speed that is often used in adult MS patients. Approximately one-third of pediatric-onset MS patients have cognitive impairment and there is a need for an effective screening instrument. Design/methods Seventy (70) consecutive outpatients with pediatric-onset MS underwent clinical evaluations including the SDMT and were compared to those with other pediatric neurological diagnoses (OND, n = 40) and healthy controls (HC, n = 32). A subset of the MS group and all healthy controls completed neuropsychological evaluation within one year of SDMT administration. Results The MS group performed worse on the SDMT compared to the HC group (p = 0.02). Thirty-seven percent (37%) of the MS, 20% of the OND, and 9% of HC groups scored in the impaired range. For MS participants who underwent neuropsychological testing (n = 31), the SDMT showed 77% sensitivity and 81% specificity for detecting neuropsychological impairment when administered within one year and reached 100% sensitivity when the interval was under two months (n = 17). Overall, older age and increased disability predicted poorer SDMT performance (age r = − 0.26, p = 0.03) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score or EDSS (r = − 0.47, p Conclusion In this preliminary study, the SDMT was an effective brief screen for detecting cognitive impairment in pediatric-onset MS.
ADVANCED STANDING AND BRIDGE COURSES: STRUCTURES AND ISSUES

This study explores the issue of advanced standing in MSW programs in light of the new Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Advanced standing structures of MSW programs were studied using a purposive sample consisting of 203 MSW program directors with a response rate of 28% (N=58). The results indicate that slightly more than 15% of programs do not provide advanced standing to incoming students, that slightly more than 63% require a bridge course, and that bridge courses are most often used to increase the academic readiness of students. The study's findings are used to frame a discussion of the significant issues raised by the introduction of a common set of competencies for BSW and MSW students in the new EPAS.
Coherent light interactions of strongly coupled bands

Abstract The configurational interaction theory is applied to strongly coupled bands in the presence of one or more coherent optical fields, and a new approximation procedure for the calculation of optical transition amplitudes is discussed.