cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemorrhagic disease with circulating inhibitors of blood clotting: anti-AHF and anti-PTC in eight cases.

In eight patients suffering from severe hemorrhagic disease it was possible to demonstrate the presence of circulating inhibitors, not heparin-like in nature. Anti-PTC was identified in two PTC deficients, anti-AHF in 5 hemophilics and both, primarily anti-AHF, in one idiopathic case. Possible etiologic factors inducing the appearance of such inhibitors included repeated transfusions of whole blood and plasma in all and a previous pregnancy in the idiopathic case. Two patients showed increases of gamma-globulin and presence of inhibitor in 25-33 per cent ammonium sulfate plasma fractions. Cortisone therapy was ineffective in two cases.
Dense dermoid cyst of the posterior fossa.

We present a case of a patient in whom CT showed a dense intracranial dermoid cyst and MR showed an unusual low signal intensity and a characteristic sinus tract
The Urban Characteristics of Street Harassment: A First Look

Street harassment is a global problem. In this paper, we seek to gain insights into the characteristics of neighborhoods in which street harassment has occurred. We analyze over 7,800 worldwide street harassment incidents, gathered by the Hollaback project [7], to study the association of street harassment with walkability scores and the number of transit routes in the area surrounding the incident. This unveils a number of key insights. First, we show that more than 50% of the incidents occur in highly walkable areas with walkability scores ranging from 90 to 100, and that nonintuitively, as the walkability score increases, the probability of street harassment events increases. The same result is obtained for areas with high transit scores. Further, the number of transit routes within one mile of the harassment incident has a negative correlation with the number of incidents. The insights gained from our study are a step towards understanding where harassment is likely to occur, which we hope can one day be used for prevention of future incidents.
The interaction of the nucleoside analogues, formycins A and B, with xanthine oxidase and hepatic aldehyde oxidase.

Formycin B, an analogue of inosine, has been found to be oxidized to oxoformycin B, the xanthosine analogue, by hepatic aldehyde oxidase (EC [1.2.3.1][1]). The Km was 2.0 x 10-4 M. Formycin B and formycin A, the adenosine analogue, are not substrates but are competitive inhibitors for the related enzyme, xanthine oxidase, with Ki values of 1.3 x 10-5 M. Neither of these enzymes has previously been known to interact with purine nucleosides or close structural analogues of nucleosides. The effects of several related purine base and nucleoside analogues on hepatic aldehyde oxidase, bovine milk xanthine oxidase (EC [1.2.3.2][1]), calf intestinal adenosine deaminase (EC [3.5.4.4][1]), and human erythrocytic purine nucleoside phosphorylase (EC ([2.4.2.1][1]) are reported. A method for purifying aldehyde oxidase from rabbit liver is described. [1]: pending:yes
Venous Thrombosis: Causes and Imaging Appearance

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is an elusive diagnosis with profound potential neurologic consequences. Although there are numerous reported predisposing conditions, by far the most common is a prothrombotic hypercoagulable state. Recent advances in MRI and computed tomography have improved diagnostic accuracy for this increasingly recognized disorder. Familiarity with imaging techniques and potential pitfalls is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of these patients.
Somatics: A Buzzword Defined

I recently traveled with a group of college students on a day trip to New Orleans, LA for an observation of social dance and culture. The students’ assignment included finding moments of spontaneou...
Reorganizing information technology services in an academic environment

Primarily due to ongoing changes in available technology and financial constraints at a four-year, private university, the Information Technology Department has gone through several iterations of organizational restructuring over the last ten years. The need for IT support for both the academic side of the University and the administrative side has been met by two different structures during this time. At times, the technology needs for the entire University have been supported by one common department that reports directly to the President. At other times, the support has been provided by two separate departments-the academic side reporting to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and the administrative side reporting to the CFO. Because of advantages and disadvantages of each of these structures and turnover of the President, CFO and CAO positions, the use of these two structures has alternated several times. The most recent president has emphasized a technology-friendly and upto- date campus as one of his primary goals. This emphasis precipitated an analysis of the existing systems with recognition of the need to keep IS strategies in line whether supported by one department or two.
Third Ventricular Cerebrospinal Fluid Cysts of Thalamic Origin: Review of Embryologic Origin, Presentation, and Management Strategies with a Case Series.

Objective Third ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cysts of thalamic origin are rare. The objective of this study is to review their possible pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management strategies with a case series describing management via an endoscopic approach with fenestration using a single burr-hole technique. Methods A systematic literature review of reported cases of thalamic cysts was conducted with further meta-analysis of CSF cysts that involve the third ventricle. The mode of presentation, pathologic analysis, surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Twenty-two studies reported between 1990 and 2013 described 42 cases of thalamic cyst. Of those cases, 13 were consistent with CSF cyst that originated in the thalamus and involved the third ventricle. Eight cases (61.5%) were treated via endoscopic fenestration, 2 cases (15.4%) were surgically drained, 2 cases (15.4%) were stereotactically aspirated, and 1 case (7.69%) was observed. The most common presenting symptoms were gait disturbance (26.3%) and headaches (26.3%) followed by tremors (15.8%) and weakness (15.8%). In our series, a single burr-hole technique was a successful definitive treatment, with an average period of 23 months. Conclusions Third ventricular CSF cysts of thalamic origin most commonly present with hydrocephalus. They can be safely definitively treated via endoscopic fenestration to the CSF circulation using a single burr-hole technique. Long-term follow-up shows lasting improvement in symptoms without reaccumulation of the cyst.
Postoperative pain and perceptions of recuperation after suture- and mesh-based apical sacrospinous ligament suspension

Objective To compare the incidence of postoperative pain after suture- or mesh-based sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS). Methods In a retrospective study, data were reviewed from patients who underwent suture- or mesh-based SSLS at a center in Skokie, IL, USA, between 2006 and 2011. The primary outcome was self-reported postoperative pain scores (range 0–10) on the day of surgery (day 0) and 1 day later (day 1). Results Overall, 90 women were included in the study: 66 underwent mesh-based SSLS and 24 underwent suture-based SSLS. Day-0 mean pain score was 4.65 ± 1.57 in the mesh group and 5.24 ± 1.44 in the suture group (adjusted P=0.159). Day-1 mean pain score was 4.06 ± 1.78 in the mesh group and 4.31 ± 1.21 in the suture group (adjusted P=0.596). Conclusion Postoperative pain did not differ between patients undergoing suture-based and those undergoing mesh-based SSLS. These observations should be considered in preoperative counseling of patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Design and Implementation of a Wide-Area Damping Controller Using High Voltage DC Modulation and Synchrophasor Feedback

Abstract This paper describes the design strategy and testing results of a control system to improve damping of inter-area oscillations in the western North American Power System (wNAPS) in order to maintain dynamic stability of the grid. Extensive simulation studies and actual test results on the wNAPS demonstrate significant improvements in damping of inter-area oscillations of most concern without reducing damping of peripheral oscillations. The design strategy of the control system features three novel attributes: (1) The feedback law for the control system is constructed using real-time measurements acquired from Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) located throughout the power grid. (2) Control actuation is delivered by the modulation of real power flow through a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line. (3) A supervisory system, integrated into the control system is in charge of determining damping effectiveness, maintaining failsafe operation, and ensuring that no harm is done to the grid.
From Probation to Accreditation: Successful Change Management

Background: In 2015 our residency program located within a regional medical campus was placed on probation. Five of the 13 citations were related to the residents’ clinic experience. The resident clinic was encased within a medical culture of chronic opiate prescription management that did not provide a sufficient or balanced ambulatory education for internal medicine residents. Objective: This paper describes our experience of moving from a residency program within a regional medical campus on probation to full accreditation status over a 19-month time period. Methods: We used a project management approach with a strong coordinating council designed to empower leaders to effect change in the residency program, and in particular, the residency clinic. Results: We were able to create and enact a plan that extricated the residency’s ambulatory clinic from managing a panel of ~700 patients requiring chronic monthly opiate prescriptions. The patients were referred to community pain management providers for these prescriptions. We established a policy of providing no chronic opiate prescriptions in the residency clinic. Residency ACGME surveys from 2015 through 2017 demonstrated improved resident satisfaction. CG-CAHPS scores demonstrated a temporary decrease in patient satisfaction scores returning to previous baseline after a year. Conclusion: We employed a project management approach to 1) get our program off probation, and 2) change the focus of our residency’s ambulatory practice and re-establish its educational mission.
Effect of Length, Diameter, Chirality, Deformation, and Strain on Contact Thermal Conductance Between Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Thermal energy transfer across physically interacting single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interconnects has been investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The role of various geometrical and structural (length, diameter, chirality) as well as external (deformation and strain) carbon nanotube (CNT) parameters has been explored to estimate total as well as area-normalized thermal conductance across cross-contact interconnects. It is shown that the CNT aspect ratio and degree of lateral as well as tensile deformation play a significant role in determining the extent of thermal energy exchange across CNT contacts, while CNT chirality has a negligible influence on thermal transport. Depending on the CNT diameter, aspect ratio, and degree of deformation at the contact interface, the thermal conductance values can vary significantly –by more than an order of magnitude for total conductance and a factor of 3 to 4 for area-normalized conductance. The observed trends are discussed from the perspective of modulation in number of low frequency out-of-plane (transverse, flexural, and radial) phonons that transmit thermal energy across the contact and govern the conductance across the interface. The established general dependencies for phonon governed thermal transport at CNT contacts are anticipated to help design and performance prediction of CNT-based flexible nanoelectronic devices, where CNT-CNT contact deformation and strain are routinely encountered during device operations.
Surgery for chronic type B dissection with aneurysmal degeneration

Open repair of descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) continues to carry a not insignificant operative risk, even in experienced hands. Over the past three decades, there has been considerable improvement in both the mortality and morbidity associated with these procedures. Herein, we describe our operative results and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic type B aortic dissections. Review of the aortic surgical database was conducted to identify all consecutive patients who underwent repair of TAAA for chronic type B dissection from May 1997 to March 2018. The primary end point was operative mortality with secondary end points as the composite of major adverse events as well as each of the individual complications. One hundred and fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria with 54.9% (84/153) having surgery on an elective basis. The mean age was 58.9 years with a majority of male gender—107/153 (69.9%). Eighty-three (54.2%) of the TAAA were extent I, while 36 (23.5%) were extent II and 34 (22.3%) extent III-IV. Operative mortality was 8.5% (13/153) with eight of the deaths in patients who presented with extent II TAAA. On Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, 87.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.9–97.1%) of the elective cohort were alive after 5 years while only 69.9% (CI 55.2–84.6%) of those in need of urgent/emergency intervention survived (p = .039). In a majority of patients with chronic type B dissections, reproducibly, excellent outcomes can be achieved with relatively low risk of mortality. In the higher risk subsets of patients with extent II TAAA, careful consideration and discussion of expected outcomes will help inform the decision-making process.
Lose like a man: body image and celebrity endorsement effects of weight loss product purchase intentions

Recent research suggests men are increasingly concerned with their body size, which has led to a corresponding increase in marketing efforts for weight loss products geared toward them. In many cas...
Civil-Military Cooperation in the Mediterranean Sea: Lessons Not Learnt

Between 2014 and 2018, several NGOs ran Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in the Mediterranean. Cooperating effectively with European naval assets, NGOs saved more than 110,000 asylum seekers and migrants from drowning at sea. Since 2017, however, European authorities grew increasingly wary of non-governmental SAR operations. As anti-immigration forces gained ground in European politics, the political imperative of stemming irregular entries into the EU led European governments to criminalise not only human smuggling, but also humanitarian activities. The criminalization of NGOs rescuing migrants undermined civil-military cooperation and dismantled an effective operation which had a critical role in reducing mortality at sea.
A qualitative inquiry on religious married men’s perceptions of relationship dynamics during everyday sickness:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate men’s perceptions of self-dynamics and partner dynamics during common everyday sickness. Five focus group interviews (N = 44) were conducted, each lasting ...
Towards Autonomous Printable Robotics: Design and Prototyping of the Mechanical Logic

New strategies for controlling printable robots are needed for inexpensive and rapid integrated electromechanical prototyping. In this work, we propose a printable, easy-to-fabricate controller—what we refer to as the mechanical logic—which contains a bistable mechanism that acts as a mechanical switch which generates an oscillating binary electrical signal. The integration of the mechanical logic with conductive actuators endows it with clocking and current switching functions; thus, powered by a constant electrical energy source, the mechanical logic is able to autonomously control a sequence of actuations. To demonstrate this technique, we designed and fabricated prototypes of the mechanical logic, whose raw materials (not including the power supply) cost approximately 40 cents. Under a constant-current (0.55 A) power source, our mechanical logic was able to induce current oscillation with an average period of around 3.8 s. This property of the mechanical logic could ultimately be incorporated into onboard controllers for printable robots and devices.
Clear Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical and Histologic Parameters and a Review of the Literature

Background: Clear cell squamous cell carcinoma (ccSCC) is an uncommon subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. This tumor subtype arises more commonly in elderly individuals and occurring greater upon sun-exposed areas of the body. Objective: To determine the age range and locations of ccSCC, and occurrence in men as compared with women. Methods: An observational study of ccSCC accessioned at a dermatopathology laboratory (Cleveland Skin Pathology, CSP) over an 18-month interval. Cases were retrieved and included based on a search of the terms “clear cell squamous cell carcinoma” in the diagnosis field of the CSP database and reviewed for accuracy and the degree of clear cell change in each lesion. Pathology requisition forms from these cases were used only to identify patients’ age, gender, and anatomic region of the ccSCC reviewed. Results: Of the 17,838 cases of in situ and invasive SCC, there were a total of 107 ccSCC, 77 in situ and 30 invasive (0.6% of total SCC). Of patients with ccSCC, 71% had a history of skin cancer, many (57.9%) in the same anatomic region. When the degree of clear cell change was evaluated there was no statistically significant increase of percentage clear cell change in tumors with age. Conclusions: Along with confirming past observations made with previous studies, our series shows that more men than women develop such tumors before 70 years of age, and more women than men after 70 years of age with men developing ccSCC on average 7 years earlier than women.
Investigation of auranofin and gold-containing analogues antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae represents an urgent public health threat due to the rapid emergence of resistance to current antibiotics and the limited number of anti-gonococcal agents currently in clinical trials. This study utilized a drug repositioning strategy to investigate FDA-approved gold-containing drugs against N. gonorrhoeae. Auranofin, sodium aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose inhibited 48 clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae including multidrug-resistant strains at a concentration as low as 0.03 µg/mL. A time-kill assay revealed that auranofin exhibited rapid bactericidal activity against N. gonorrhoeae. Moreover, both sodium aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose did not inhibit growth of vaginal protective commensal lactobacilli. Auranofin, in combination with azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefixime or tetracycline showed an additive effect against four N. gonorrhoeae strains, suggesting the possibility of using auranofin in dual therapy. Moreover, auranofin reduced the burden of intracellular N. gonorrhoeae by over 99% outperforming the drug of choice ceftriaxone. Auranofin was found superior to ceftriaxone in reducing the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 by endocervical cells infected with N. gonorrhoeae. Furthermore, auranofin exhibited a prolonged post-antibiotic effect over 10 h, as well as inability to generate resistant mutants. Overall, the current study suggests that repurposing gold-containing drugs, like auranofin, for treatment of gonorrhea warrants further investigation.
Two multivariate online change detection models

Online change point detection methods monitor changes in the distribution of a data stream. This article discusses two non-parametric online change detection methods based on the energy statistics ...
The Willingness to Pay -- Willingness to Accept Gap, the 'Endowment Effect,' Subject Misconceptions, and Experimental Procedures for Eliciting Valuations: Reply

We conduct experiments to explore the possibility that subject misconceptions, as opposed to a particular theory of preferences referred to as the "endowment effect," account for reported gaps between willingness to pay ("WTP") and willingness to accept ("WTA"). Two facts are evident in the literature. First, there is no consensus regarding the nature or robustness of the WTA-WTP gap. Secondly, while experimenters are very concerned to avoid subject misconceptions, there is no consensus about the fundamental properties of misconceptions or how they might be avoided. Instead, experimenters have revealed different conceptions of the phenomena through different types of experimental procedures and controls. Such controls involve the role of anonymity, elicitation mechanisms, practice and training applied separately or in different combinations. The resulting pattern of research leaves open the possibility that the widely differing reports of a gap between WTP and WTA could be due to an incomplete science regarding subject misconceptions. The lack of a theory of misconceptions is replaced by what we will call a revealed theory methodology in which theories implicit in experimental procedures found in the literature are at the heart of the new experimental design. Thus, the approach reported here reflects an attempt to simultaneously control for all dimensions of concern found in the literature. To this end our procedures modify the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak mechanism used in previous studies to elicit values. In addition, our procedures supplement commonly used procedures by providing extensive training on the elicitation mechanism before subjects provide WTP and WTA responses. Experiments were conducted using both lotteries and mugs, goods frequently used in endowment effect experiments. Using the modified procedures, we find no support for the hypothesis that WTA is significantly greater than WTP. In addition, we find no support that an observed gap can be convincingly interpreted as an endowment effect and conclude that further evidence is required before convincing interpretations of any observed gap can be advanced.
Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Mitochondrial Stress as a Central Hub for Spaceflight Biological Impact

A systems biology approach was implemented utilizing NASA’s GeneLab platform involving experiments from samples flown in space, human physiological data from astronauts, and confirmation from NASA Twin Study. A comprehensive multi-omics approach was implemented correlating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and methylation analysis. We found that cells have stronger overall biological response than the tissues to spaceflight, with mitochondrial activity and innate immunity pathways being heavily impacted. NASA Twin Study results are consistent with a specific alteration in mitochondrial ATP production. Our results indicate that the space environment can directly induce mitochondrial damage, with mitochondrial dysfunctions being a cause for chronic inflammation and both being involved in the development of metabolic disorders that cause changes in lipid metabolism. We also found biological changes occurring during spaceflight with cell cycle, circadian rhythm and olfactory activity pathways can also influence and be influenced by alterations on mitochondrial activity
Empirically Testing the Learning-by-Exporting Theory: An Investigation of Chinese Manufacturers’ Productivity and Globalization

The study empirically examined the learning-by-exporting effect in Chinese manufacturing firms from 2005 to 2007. The traditional view has been that exporting can lead to increased productivity by facilitating access to the global market and, thus, information and cutting-edge technologies; this process has been explained by the learning-by-exporting theory. We used a semi-parametric estimation method to measure firm-level productivity, and examined the contingent impacts of the observed firms’ exports on their productivity. On the one hand, the exporting firms exhibited significantly higher productivity and faster growth than the non-exporting firms. On the other hand, the effect of exporting on firm productivity was dependent upon the innovation outcomes. We find that the learning-by-exporting effect is contingent on a firm’s innovation capabilities. Only those sufficiently innovating firms could actually experience faster growth through exporting. For non-innovative firms, exporting could even result in decreased productivity. As a result, our paper successfully explains the mixed evidences from the existing literature towards the learning-by-exporting effect.
Chief of Endoscopy: Specific Challenges to Leading the Team and Running the Unit

Abstract Healthcare organizations have recognized the value of physician leaders in change management and achieving institutional goals. Physicians leaders are now at all levels from individual clinics to the very top of large, multi-hospital organizations. Most endoscopy units have medical directors and organizations with multiple or large, complex units often have a “Chief of Endoscopy” (CoE) or the equivalent of this to oversee and lead the teams and decisions pertaining to these units. The following review will discuss the process to become a CoE, the importance of aligning personal values and skills with organizational purpose and will give suggestions for relevant metrics to success. It will also explore the challenges faced by women in endoscopy leadership positions and will give advice to women leaders and those who support her as mentors, colleagues, or partners. Although much of the discussion is intentionally focused on high-level endoscopy leadership, the information and messages have pertinence to any organizational leadership position and to leaders at any point in their leadership pathway.
Feasibility of function-guided lung treatment planning with parametric response mapping.

PURPOSE Recent advancements in functional lung imaging have been developed to improve clinicians' knowledge of patient pulmonary condition prior to treatment. Ultimately, it may be possible to employ these functional imaging modalities to tailor radiation treatment plans to optimize patient outcome and mitigate pulmonary complications. Parametric response mapping (PRM) is a computed tomography (CT)-based functional lung imaging method that utilizes a voxel-wise image analysis technique to classify lung abnormality phenotypes, and has previously been shown to be effective at assessing lung complication risk in diagnostic applications. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the implementation of PRM guidance in radiotherapy treatment planning. METHODS AND MATERIALS A retrospective study was performed with 18 lung cancer patients to test the incorporation of PRM into a radiotherapy planning workflow. Paired inspiration/expiration pretreatment CT scans were acquired and PRM analysis was utilized to classify each voxel as normal, parenchymal disease, small airway disease, and emphysema. Density maps were generated for each PRM classification to contour high density regions of pulmonary abnormalities. Conventional volumetric-modulated arc therapy and PRM-guided treatment plans were designed for each patient. RESULTS PRM guidance was successfully implemented into the treatment planning process. The inclusion of PRM priorities resulted in statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements to the V20Gy within the PRM avoidance contours. On average, reductions of 5.4% in the V20Gy(%) were found. The PRM-guided treatment plans did not significantly increase the dose to the organs at risk or result in insufficient planning target volume coverage, but did increase plan complexity. CONCLUSIONS PRM guidance was successfully implemented into a treatment planning workflow and shown to be effective for dose redistribution within the lung. This work has provided a framework for the potential clinical implementation of PRM-guided treatment planning.
Genetic and serum markers in adult degenerative scoliosis: a literature review.

Study design Literature review. Objective Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) is becoming a more prevalent diagnosis with an increasing elderly population. Our objective is to provide a literature review of genetic and serum markers in ADS. Methods A literature review was conducted in the various databases from their inception to July 2020. Studies that reviewed any genetic or serum markers of ADS whether in detection or progression were selected. Studies that reviewed congenital scoliosis or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were excluded. Results A total of 1447 titles were identified of which 14 were included in the final review. Two papers reported on serum markers pertaining to serum cartilage metabolites and pentosidine. Twelve studies reported on genetic markers including gene polymorphisms in estrogen receptors, parathyroid hormone receptors, interleukin 6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), COL2A1, GPRIN1, TRAIL, GRIN receptor, RIMS, LBX1 as well as copy number variations. Conclusions Serum markers of osteoarthritis and sarcopenia have been found to be significantly elevated in ADS patients as well. Numerous polymorphisms have been found in a variety of genes playing key roles in bone formation and regulation. Further research is needed in validating previous studies as well as identifying other biomarkers for patients at risk for developing ADS.
Some Thoughts on Hamill, the Two Kingdoms, and the Ethics and Logic of Higher Tax Rates and Redistribution

According to Susan Hamill, Judeo-Christian ethics call on us to raise marginal tax rates. Hamill bases this on the belief that higher taxes will yield more income redistribution to the poor and make them better off. Whether or not tax policy ought to be based on religious criteria is beyond the scope of this article. What the article argues instead is that Hamill has an imperfect understanding of both ethical reasoning and of the relationship between taxes and the welfare of the poor. The problems with her ethical reasoning start out with the canard that higher taxes represent simple self-sacrifice. This fallacy allows her to blithely disregard any ethical problems associated with the coercive nature of taxes. Hamill goes on to argue that there is no conflict between her call for higher taxation in the name of Christianity and Boyd’s call for Christians to focus on their own actions rather than on amassing power to coerce others. After considering Hamills ethical reasoning, this article points out that there is no clear positive relationship between higher tax rates and the welfare of the poor in the first place. For one thing, the actual allocation of government expenditures is influenced by a number of stakeholders and is not directly tied to current tax revenues. More importantly, higher tax rates are associated with a variety of disincentives for work and production. This may in turn slow down economic growth and thus reduce the future well-being of everyone, including the poor.
A Review of “The Atlas of World Hunger”

Global food prices were at their highest in twenty years in 2008, sparking food riots in many urban areas around the world. With food prices primed to surge again in 2011, Basset and Winter-Nelson'...
Fast Ideal Artithmetic via Lazy Localization

This paper proposes a new representation for ideals of any order in an algebraic number field. This representation is compact and highly readable; for example, (95, x+65)(2216) and (7, x2+4)(95, x+46) are two ideals of Z[x]/(x4−x3+7x2−11x+5), with sum (19, x+8). Arithmetic on ideals in this form is generally much faster than arithmetic in the Z-basis or two-element representations.
RIB: a register insertion bus fiber optical local area network

The register insertion bus (RIB) access scheme, a protocol that uses a folded-bus topology such as in C-NET and D-Net but reduces overhead by using an approach similar to that used in the interface of the register insertion ring, is described. The protocol uses stations containing two buffers that allow packets in the network to be temporarily stored to avoid conflicts. Performance results based on analysis and simulation are presented. Results show the access scheme to utilize the network efficiently without requiring the overhead associated with a train-type protocol. The protocol is scalable in both transmission speed and packet length. An increase in transmission speed will result in a proportional increase in performance. This protocol serves as the basis for a protocol that uses information gathered from the network to provide a fair distributed access scheme for all loads. The control is based on incrementally increasing or decreasing the time between transmissions based on the measured network load. >
Rightsizing Done Right: The Best Way to Handle Layoffs

The economy has slowed and the boom conditions of the 1990s are over as earnings nosedive in many business sectors. All types of organizations in all industries are performing "periodic rebalancing of the workforce" without much thought to the process. Hospitals and health-care organizations are not immune from downsizing and have experienced closures and layoffs with increasing frequency. Unfortunately, this can have tremendous ramifications to employee morale, productivity, public image, market share, and customer base, i.e., the bottom line of the business. This article explores the factors in the business decision to layoff workers from the human resource perspective and offers alternatives to layoffs. These alternatives include job sharing, cross-training, attrition, hiring freezes, early retirement, or a reduction in force as a last resort. This article also examines the wrong way to conduct a layoff and the right way using professional outplacement services and a structured planned approach. A step-by-step guide to properly notifying employees is presented, plus a topical outline of content a job seeker needs to know in this volatile labor market.
Contrast Enhancement for Thermal Acoustic Breast Cancer Imaging via Resonant Stimulation

Abstract : This research focuses on developing enhanced contrast thermal acoustic imaging (TAI) technology for the detection of breast cancer by combining amplitude-modulated (AM) electromagnetic (EM) field excitation, resonant acoustic scattering, and advanced signal processing techniques. EM-induced TAI combines the merits of both EM stimulation and ultrasound imaging, while overcoming their respective limitations. While EM-induced TAI possesses great promise, the thermal acoustic signals tend to be weak. However, when the tumor is excited into resonance via EM stimulation, the effective acoustic scattering cross-section may increase by a factor in excess of 100 based on predictions for microsphere-based ultrasound contrast agents. Such an increase would truly be revolutionary, making the EM-induced TAI technology a very promising candidate for routine breast cancer screening. The image formation methods in the existing TAI systems are data-independent and have poor resolution and high sidelobe problems. We devise adaptive image formation algorithms to achieve high resolution and excellent interference and noise suppression capability.
Efficient symbolic simulation via dynamic scheduling, don't caring, and case splitting

Most computer-aided design frameworks rely upon building BDD representations from netlist descriptions. In this paper, we present efficient algorithms for building BDDs from netlists. First, we introduce a dynamic scheduling algorithm for building BDDs for gates of the netlist, using an efficient hybrid of depth- and breadth-first traversal, and constant propagation. Second, we introduce a dynamic algorithm for optimally leveraging constraints and invariants as don't-cares during the building of BDDs for intermediate gates. Third, we present an automated and complete case splitting approach which is triggered by resource bounds. Unlike prior work in case splitting which focused upon variable cofactoring, our approach leverages the full power of our don't-caring solution and intelligently selects arbitrary functions to apply as constraints to maximally reduce peak BDD size while minimizing the number of cases to be explored. While these techniques may be applied to enhance the building of BDDs for arbitrary applications, we focus on their application within cycle-based symbolic simulation. Experiments confirm the effectiveness of these synergistic approaches in enabling optimal BDD building with minimal resources.
Reappraisal of solid selective emitters

A simple model was used to calculate the efficiency of rare earth oxide emitters. Results indicate that the emission band of the selective emitter must be at relatively low energy ( >
Nutritional quality of a high carbohydrate diet as consumed by children: The Bogalusa Heart Study.

To study the nutritional adequacy of a high carbohydrate diet as consumed by children in a 24-h period, a sample of 568 10-y-old children was stratified into four levels of carbohydrate intake: 55% energy. Composition of the diet for those consuming >55% energy from carbohydrates was adequate in total energy, with 29% energy from fat, 11 % energy from saturated fatty acid, an average of 88 mg dietary cholesterol/4200 kJ and less than 10% energy from sucrose. Increased carbohydrate intake was attributed to an increased consumption of total sugars, starch and fiber. The percentage of children meeting two thirds or more of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for niacin and zinc was lower in the high carbohydrate intake group than in any of the low carbohydrate intake groups. Children with a high carbohydrate intake consumed more fruits, breads, grains, milk, desserts, candy and non-dairy beverages than those with a lower carbohydrate intake who consumed more meats. To meet current dietary recommendations for increased carbohydrate intake when meal patterns are designed, it is necessary to incorporate adequate amounts of foods from all of the food groups to maximize nutritional quality.
Managing Transitions and Placement of Caring for a Relative With Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is hallmarked by progressive cognitive impairment. As memory loss worsens and functional abilities decline, family caregivers may need additional communitybased support. In later stages of the disease, families must often consider institutional placement. Home care nurses are frequently put in the difficult position of approaching family caregivers about the need for supportive services and placement in a care facility. A better understanding of phase-based interventions will help home care nurses more effectively assist family caregivers of a relative with AD manage transitions and possible facility placement.
The Validity of Teacher Ratings in Differentiating between Two Subgroups of Attention Deficit Disordered Children with or without Hyperactivity.

A recent analysis of the intercorrelations of teacher ratings of the classroom behavior of 158 attention deficit disordered (ADD) children revealed three factors labeled Emotional Lability/Conduct, Temperament, and Attention/Concentration which in part correspond to the classifications in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III). To explore further this correspondence, 88 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD-H), and 58 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD) in accordance with DSM III criteria. When the two subgroups were compared, teachers rated ADD-H children as more problematic than their ADD counterparts. Results of discriminant analysis further indicated that teacher ratings had the potential to differentiate ADD from ADD-H groups. Findings were interpreted to corroborate the distinction between ADD with and without hyperactivity as delineated in the DSM III. Discussio...
The management of access controls/biometrics in organizations

Information Technology (IT) security has been a highlight of every organization since the inception of computer systems. We have seen the emergence of various forms of IT security or access controls from passwords to biometrics, especially biometrics. This paper is a compilation of different journals, articles and classroom discussions, where five key points have been extracted to show how to effectively manage access controls in organization. The five key points include upper level management's responsibility to (1) establish and implement a System-Specific Policy (SSP) and Access Control Policy (ACP) for access control, (2) foster an environment of trust with their employees, (3) overlap access control with risk management, (4) establish an optimum level of information security spending, and (5) have a liability or insurance policy for losses.
Electronic system design reliability

Electrical engineers designing large and complex systems require knowledge of reliability analysis. Knowledge of reliability is also essential to those engineers who operate and use equipment in the field. It is the data feedback from these operations that keep prediction methods current. >
Volumetric Behavior of Liquid Crystal N-p-Cyanobenzylidene-p-Octyloxyaniline

Abstract Using a differential dilatometer technique, we have measured the volume changes associated with the liquid crystal phase transitions in n-p-cyanobenzylidene-p-octyloxyaniline (CBOOA). A volume discontinuity is not observed at the smectic A to nematic transition, and we conclude that it is less than 10−5 ml/g. The volume behavior in a range ± 15[ddot]C about the nematic-isotropic transition has been studied. The critical exponent derived from this data is consistent with the mean field theory of the isotropic phase.
Volumetric Hall Effect Tomography — A Feasibility Study

Hall effect imaging is an ultrasound-based method of mapping spatial variations in the dielectric constants of an acoustically-uniform sample. This paper presents three-dimensional Hall effect images of phantoms obtained by scanning a single transducer across a two-dimensional grid, effectively simulating two-dimensional phased-array signal reception. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of volumetric Hall effect tomography and show the advantage of volumetric scans over planar scans. The images reflect several limitations of the current scanning method and point to directions for further hardware development. The inherent limitations of Hall effect imaging are also discussed in light of these results.
MO‐D‐BRB‐03: Using a Database of Patient Geometric and Dosimetric Information for Quantitative IMRT Plan Quality Control

Purpose: To empower IMRTtreatment planners with the ability to judge new plans against the performance of similar past plans. Method and Materials: This is accomplished by searching a database of treated patients using the geometric relationships between targets and organs at risk (OARs). We introduce the concept of a shape relationship descriptor to quantify this intuitively important relationship. The overlap volume histogram (OVH) simplifies the complex 3D relationship between a target and an OAR. The OVH is the normalized 1D histogram of the OAR volume within a distance of the target. The OVH descriptor was used to search a patient database, providing a patient specific set of dose volume histograms (DVHs). These DVHs were then presented to the planner to aid their decisions. Results: The method was applied to both parotids of 32 treated head‐and‐neck patients. The 17 parotids that promised the greatest reduction in D 50 were selected for re‐planning. These 17 parotids came from 13 patients. Our method indicated that the doses of the other nine parotids of the 13 patients could not be reduced, so they were included in the re‐planning process as controls. Re‐planning with an effort to reduce D 50 was conducted on the 26 parotids of these 13 patients. Average reductions of D 50 were 6.6Gy for the 17 improvement candidates and 1.9Gy for the controls. Originally, several parotids violated the RTOG planning goal of V(30Gy)⩽50%. Eleven of these were improvement candidates, and re‐planning reduced this number to three. Re‐planning had no impact on the five control parotids that were violating the RTOG planning goal. According to the physician reviews, re‐planning did not degrade target coverage or OAR sparing. Conclusions: Our method offers a patient specific DVH evaluation for OARs, providing an effective mechanism of quantitative IMRT plan quality control.
Differential effects of clozapine and haloperidol on dopamine receptor mRNA expression in rat striatum and cortex.

Abstract The regulation of the dopamine (DA) receptors is of considerable interest, in part because treatment with antipsychotic drugs is known to upregulate striatal D 2 -like receptors. While previous studies have focused on the regulation of striatal DA receptors, less is known about the pharmacological regulation of cortical DA receptors. The purpose of this study was to examine the regulation of DA mRNA receptor expression in the cortex compared to the striatum following treatment with antipsychotic agents. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected daily with haloperidol (2 mg/kg/day), clozapine (20 mg/kg/day) or a control vehicle for a period of 14 days. Following treatment, brains were subjected to in situ hybridization for the mRNAs encoding the five dopamine receptors; only D 1 , D 2 , and D 3 receptor mRNAs were detected in these regions. Haloperidol tended to either modestly upregulate or have no effect on dopamine receptor mRNAs detected in striatal structures, while clozapine generally downregulated these mrNAs. On the other hand, in the cortex, both drugs had striking effects on D 1 and D 2 mRNA levels. Cortical D 1 mRNA was upregulated by haloperidol, but this effect was primarily restricted to cingulate cortex; clozapine also upregulated D 1 mRNA, but primarily in parietal regions. Haloperidol downregulated D 2 mRNA in the majority of cortical regions, but most dramatically in frontal and cingulate regions; clozapine typically upregulated this mRNA, but primarily in regions other than frontal and cingulate cortex. These results indicate that clozapine and haloperidol each have regionally-specific effects, and differentially regulate dopamine receptor mRNA expression in striatal and cortical regions of the rat brain.
Multiple primary neoplasms of the upper female genital tract

Abstract Synchronous multifocal primary malignant neoplasms of the upper female reproductive system are becoming more commonplace. Although their origin is in dispute, an embryological etiology has been postulated. An unusual combination of ovarian carcinoid, ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, and uterine adenosquamous carcinoma is reported, lending support to the theory of area response of embryologically related organs in the genesis of multiple multicentric gynecological neoplasms.