cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of a Special X-Ray Nondestructive Testing Technique for Monitoring Damage Zone Growth in Composite Laminates

A modified X-ray nondestructive testing technique was used to study matrix cracks parallel to fibers and delaminations between plies in graphite-epoxy composite material. A tetrabromoethane (TBE) opaque additive applied at the source of the damage zones enhanced the flaw image. Center-slit specimens were fabricated from Modmor II/Narmco 5208 graphite-epoxy laminates with three different ply orientations. Tensile ramp and sawtooth cyclic loadings at different levels were applied to these specimens. Periodic X-ray monitoring was conducted to observe the initiation and growth of cracks and delaminations at the slit tips. The initiation of damage zones appeared as fiber separation in the ′45-deg directions tangent to the semicircular periphery of the cutout tips. As the load level was increased, this fiber separation continued while fiber separation at other locations also appeared. Delamination first occurred at approximately the same time as fiber separation. The delaminated area was found to surround the most severe fiber separation region and grew in size as the load level was increased. Limited test results indicated a slow and an accelerated damage growth rate during ramp loading. For cyclic loading the majority of growth occurred on the first load cycle. Subsequent cyclic loading to the same level contributed little additional growth in the majority cases.
Misoprostol protects mice against severe Clostridium difficile infection and promotes recovery of the gut microbiota after antibiotic perturbation.

Abstract Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections worldwide and an urgent public health threat. Epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated an association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) exposure and enhanced susceptibility to, and severity of, CDI. NSAIDs target cyclooxygenase enzymes and inhibit the production of prostaglandins (PGs), but the therapeutic potential of exogenous introduction of PGs for the treatment of CDI has not been explored. In this study, we report that treatment with the FDA-approved stable PGE1 analogue, misoprostol, protects mice against C. difficile-associated mortality, intestinal pathology, and CDI-mediated intestinal permeability. Furthermore, we report that the effect of misoprostol on the gastrointestinal tract contributes to increased recovery of the gut microbiota following antibiotic perturbation. Together, these data implicate PGs as an important host-factor associated with recovery to C. difficile-associated disease and demonstrate the potential for misoprostol in the treatment of CDI. Further studies to explore the safety and efficacy of misoprostol treatment of CDI in humans is needed.
Effects of Colesevelam on Bowel Symptoms, Biomarkers, and Colonic Mucosal Gene Expression in Patients With Bile Acid Diarrhea in a Randomized Trial.

Background & Aims Approximately one-third of patients with IBS-diarrhea (IBS-D) have increased bile acid (BA) synthesis or excretion. An open-label study showed benefits of colesevelam on bowel functions, consistent with luminal BA sequestration by colesevelam. We compared the effects of colesevelam vs placebo on symptoms and gene expression patterns in the sigmoid colon mucosa in patients with BA diarrhea associated with IBS-D. Methods We performed a double-blind, parallel-group study of 30 adults with IBS-D and evidence of increased BA synthesis or fecal excretion, from December 2017 through December 2018 at a single center. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to groups given colesevelam (3 tablets, 625 mg each) or matching placebo, orally twice daily for 4 weeks. Stool diaries documented bowel functions for 8 days before and 28 days during colesevelam or placebo. Stool and fasting serum samples were collected for analyses of fecal BAs and serum levels of C4 and FGF19. We measured colonic transit by scintigraphy, mucosal permeability by in vivo excretion of saccharide probes, and mRNA levels in rectosigmoid biopsies. All measurements were made at baseline and on the last days of treatment. The primary endpoints were change in total fecal BA concentration and stool consistency. Results Compared with placebo, colesevelam was associated with significant changes in sequestered fecal total BA excretion (P Conclusions In a randomized trial, we found that colesevelam increases delivery of total and secondary BAs to stool, hepatic BA synthesis, and colonic mucosal expression of genes that regulate BA, farnesoid X, and GPBAR1 receptors. Larger studies are needed to determine the effects on clinical responses. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT03270085
Computational Design of Three-Dimensional Multi-Constituent Material Microstructure Sets with Prescribed Statistical Constituent and Geometric Attributes

The generation of three-dimensional (3D) microstructures with multiple constituents is an important part of multiscale computational simulation and design for a wide range of materials including heterogeneous polycrystalline metals, ceramics, composites, and energetics. Realistic 3D microstructures for multiphase materials are difficult to obtain experimentally or computationally. Challenges include generation and representation of complex constituent morphologies, topological arrangement and distribution, defect description, and statistical conformity. Here, we present a novel technique for systematically composing complex 3D statistically equivalent microstructure sample sets (SEMSS) with prescribed statistical constituents and morphological attributes. Based on large libraries of varying representations of individual constituents, the technique can be used with experimental micro computerized tomography (CT) scans to establish SEMSS that track the attributes of existing materials as well as to design SEMSS for new materials not yet in existence for computational exploration. Heterogeneous systems involving different combinations of molecular crystallites, metallic particles, oxidizer granules, and a polymeric matrix are designed and generated to track the properties of an existing material. The corresponding SEMSS are used in multiphysics simulations accounting for coupled thermal–mechanical processes or thermal–mechanical-chemically reactive processes. The results are used to quantify microstructure-induced response variations and point out the limitations of two-dimensional (2D) microstructures that are direct sections of the full 3D microstructures. The use of the SEMSS has also enabled uncertainty quantification (UQ) and the development of probabilistic characterizations for variations in macroscopic responses due to intrinsic material microstructural heterogeneities.
Interarm islands in the Milky Way - the one near the Cygnus spiral arm

This study extends to the structure of the Galaxy. Our main goal is to focus on the first spiral arm beyond the Perseus arm, often called the Cygnus arm or the Outer Norma arm, by appraising the distributions of the masers near the Cygnus arm. The method is to employ masers whose trigonometric distances were measured with accuracy. The maser data come from published literature, having been obtained via the existing networks (US VLBA, the Japanese VERA, the European VLBI, and the Australian LBA). The new results for Cygnus are split in two groups: those located near a recent CO fitted global model spiral arm, and those congregating within an interarm island located halfway between the Perseus arm and the Cygnus arm. Next, we compare this island with other similar interarm objects near other spiral arms. Thus we delineate an interarm island (6 x 2 kpc) located between the two long spiral arms (Cygnus and Perseus arms); this is reminiscent of the small Local Orion arm (4 x 2 kpc) found earlier between the Perseus and Sagittarius arms, and of the old Loop (2 x 0.5 kpc) found earlier between the Sagittarius and Scutum arms. Various arm models are compared, based on observational data (masers, HII regions, HI gas, young stars, CO gas).
Biomechanical Comparison of Suture-Button, Bioabsorbable Screw, and Metal Screw for Ankle Syndesmotic Repair: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background To compare biomechanically metal screw fixation to suture-button or bioabsorbable screw fixation for ankle syndesmotic injuries. Methods A literature search of the comparison studies in Pubmed and Google Scholar was conducted. The biomechanical outcomes of interest were syndesmotic stability in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes as well as torque and rotation at failure. Results A total of 11 cadaveric studies were included. In the suture-button group, coronal displacement (MD 1.72 mm, p = 0.02) and sagittal displacement (MD 2.65 mm, p = 0.0003) were increased relative to the metal screw group. In contrast, no difference was found with axial rotation (MD 0.35 degrees, p = 0.57). Bioabsorbable screws exhibited equivalent failure torque (MD −3.04 Nm, p = 0.53) and rotation at failure (MD 3.77 degrees, p = 0.48) in comparison to metal screws. Conclusions Suture-button provide less rigidity when compared to metal screw fixation. They afford flexible syndesmotic micromotion which may more closely resemble a physiological state and be helpful for ligament healing. Bioabsorbable screws demonstrate similar mechanical strength properties to metal screws.
Cancer clinical trial consent forms: A readability analysis.

e19075Background: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides a template for cancer clinical trial consent forms and recommends a reading grade level of eight grade or lower for such forms. This r...
Is Ultrasound Useful In Diagnosis of Pediatric Septic Hip Arthritis With Low Modified Kocher Score

Background: The pediatric patient with a painful hip can be a challenging scenario to correctly and expeditiously diagnose. Kocher et al. described an accurate prediction algorithm to aid in the differentiation of septic arthritis and transient synovitis; Caird et al. later modified this algorithm. More recently, ultrasound (US) imaging has become a widespread tool in the workup of septic hip arthritis; however, this modality cannot differentiate septic hip arthritis from transient synovitis, as both conditions may present with …
Rare Presentation of a Krukenberg Tumor

A Krukenberg tumor is a rare form of metastatic ovarian cancer. Distinctly identified by its histological appearance, a signet-ring cell, it is an uncommon and aggressive neoplasm commonly seen in pre-menopausal women. We present a rare case of a Krukenberg tumor seen in a 36-year-old Mexican female with no known past medical history. Treatment modalities for our patient included metastasectomy followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy. J Curr Surg. 2020;10(3):32-36 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcs407
Impacts of climate change on the tourism sector of a Small Island Developing State: A case study for the Bahamas.

Abstract This study examines the direct and indirect impacts of climate change to the tourism sector on the islands of New Providence and adjacent Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The assessment was carried out by conducting a geospatial analysis of tourism establishments at risk using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). We combined the geospatial analysis with publicly available databases to assess the integrated climate-related impacts pertaining to a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) economy. Our study estimated that many tourism properties currently lie in a storm surge zone and the extent of properties at risk increases with a future scenario of a 1 m rise in sea level. While sea level rise (SLR) by itself only threatens a small number of properties, when combined with weak (Category 1), moderate (Category 3) and strong (Category 5) storms the resulting coastal flooding impacts 34%, 69%, and 83% of the tourism infrastructure (hotels and resorts), respectively. In addition to flooding, properties are also susceptible to coastal erosion with 28% of the total hotels and resorts on the two islands being situated within 0–50 m and 60% of the tourism infrastructure within 0–100 m of the coastline. Considering the economic importance of the sector, the potential impacts on the tourism infrastructure will cause significant losses in revenue and employment for the two islands. Furthermore, the majority of the tourism on these islands is beach-based and visitor expenditures will decline due to their vulnerability. These losses will have far-reaching social-economic consequences for the Bahamas. Our findings reveal a need for integrated coastal zone management that incorporates tourism management strategies with adaptation measures to deal with climate change.
Undervirilized male infant with in utero exposure to maternal use of high dose antifungal therapy.

Antifungals act on fungal sterols structurally similar to human cholesterol. Ketoconazole reversibly suppresses steroidogenesis by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes and interferes with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) activity by binding to the androgen receptor. Hypospadias was reported in infants exposed to nystatin in utero. A male infant exposed to antepartum nystatin presented with severe under-undervirilization and transient adrenal corticosteroid abnormalities. He was born in USA at 31 weeks gestation to a mother treated with vaginal Polygynax capsules (nystatin-100,000 international units, neomycin sulphate-35,000 international units and polymyxin B-35,000 international units) for vaginal discharge in the Ivory Coast. She used approximately 60 capsules between the first trimester until delivery. The infant was born with micropenis, chordee, perineo-scrotal hypospadias and bifid scrotum with bilaterally palpable gonads. The karyotype was 46,XY. No Mullerian structures were seen on ultrasound. Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP) on newborn screening was high (304 ng/ml, normal < 35). Cortisol response to cosyntropin on the 3rd day of life (DOL) was 10 mcg/ml; the subnormal cortisol response may have resulted from prematurity and the predelivery treatment with betamethasone. The elevation of several adrenal corticosteroids was not consistent with any specific enzymatic defect. Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were initiated at another hospital for suspected mild glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies. Genetic screening for adrenal and gonadal developmental defects performed when transferred to our care were normal. All medications were gradually discontinued over 5–8 months. Adrenal and testicular responses to cosyntropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were normal at 8 months. We report severe undervirilization in a 46,XY infant born to a mother treated with prolonged and high dose nystatin during pregnancy. This presentation suggests that prolonged antepartum use of high dose nystatin could lead to severe but transient defects in androgen synthesis and/or action possibly by acting as an endocrine disruptor. Further studies are warranted to confirm this finding. Thus, endocrine disruptors should be considered in male newborns with atypical genitalia not explained by common pathologies.
Laser Capture Microdissection-Assisted Protein Biomarker Discovery from Coccidioides-Infected Lung Tissue.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled to label-free quantitative mass spectrometry is a viable strategy to identify biomarkers from infected tissues. In this study, LCM was employed to take a "snapshot" of proteins produced in vivo during Coccidiodies spp. infection in human lungs. Proteomic analysis of LCM lung sections revealed hundreds of hosts and Coccidioidal proteins. Twenty-seven highly abundant Coccidioides spp. proteins were identified which do not share significant sequence orthology with human proteins. Three of the 27 Coccidioidal proteins are also potential Coccidoides-specific biomarkers, as they also do not share sequence homology to any other pathogenic fungus or microbe. Gene ontology analysis of the 27 biomarker candidate proteins revealed enriched hydrolase activity and increased purine and carbohydrate metabolism functions. Finally, we provide proteomic evidence that all 27 biomarker candidates are produced by the fungus when grown in vitro in a media- and growth-phase dependent manner.
Evidence on the Trade-Off between Risk and Return for IPO and SEO Firms

Do the low long-run average returns of equity issuers reflect underperformance due to mispricing or the risk characteristics of the issuing firms? We shed new light on this question by examining how institutional lenders price loans of equity issuing firms. Accounting for standard risk factors, we find that equity issuing firms’ expected debt return is equivalent to the expected debt return of nonissuing firms, implying that institutional lenders perceive equity issuers to be as risky as similar nonissuing firms. In general, institutional lenders perceive small and high book-tomarket borrowers as systematically riskier than larger borrowers with low book-to-market ratios, consistent with the asset pricing approach in Fama and French (1993). Finally, we find that firms’ expected debt returns decline after equity offerings, consistent with recent theoretical arguments suggestingthatfirmriskshoulddeclinefollowinganequityoffering.Overall,ouranalysisprovides novel evidence consistent with risk-based explanations for the observed equity returns following IPOs and SEOs. Firms conducting initial and seasoned equity offerings have historically experienced relatively low long-run equity returns (Ritter, 1991; Loughran and Ritter, 1995). Additionally, these returns covary with firm characteristics such as size and book-to-market (Brav, Geczy, and Gompers, 2000; Eckbo and Norli, 2005). Two explanations for these phenomena have been offered. The first is predicated on rational investor behavior and argues that the low average returns are commensurate with the issuing firms’ risk characteristics, as captured, for example, by size and book-to-market. The second argues that firms are able to time their equity offerings and raise capital by selling overvalued equity. Thus, the poor long-term performance of the equity issues reflects the gradual correction of asset prices to their true fundamental value and any correlation with firm characteristics is more indicative of security mispricing, as opposed to additional dimensions of systematic risk (Krigman, Shaw, and Womack, 1999; Michaely and Womack, 1999). We shed light on this debate by examining the initial pricing of loans by institutional investors to firms that have recently issued equity. Our focus on the private debt market as a laboratory within which to study the risk of equity issuing and nonequity issuing firms is intentional. Private debt is held primarily by large financial institutions, as opposed to individuals. These institutions are more likely to mitigate informational asymmetries arising between firms and
PET/MR findings in large vessel vasculitis in children

1584 Introduction: Childhood-onset large vessel vasculitides such as Takayasu arteritis are potentially devastating inflammatory diseases that predominately affect the aorta and its major branches. Diagnosis can often be delayed due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms and clinical heterogeneity of presentation. Lack of overt clinical symptoms and the absence of currently available reliable serologic biomarkers conceivably contribute to delay in diagnosis. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer a promising approach in assessing inflammatory activity within the vasculature prior to the development of vessel damage (wall thickening, dilatation/aneurysm, stenosis, occlusion). Despite accumulating evidence supporting the role/utility of PET/MRI in characterizing disease activity, only few cases highlighting its use have been described in the pediatric literature to date. Methods: Patients who presented to PET/MR with eventual diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) from July 2019 to December 2019 were reviewed. Demographic information was collected. LVV anatomic region of involvement was documented, and visual grading was performed as follows: Grade 0: no vascular uptake ( liver uptake. Arterial wall thickening was subjectively assessed by two independent radiologists and graded as follows: Grade 1: no visible wall thickening, Grade 2: perceptible wall thickening, Grade 3: marked wall thickening. Results: Five patients (3F:2M) who presented to PET/MR with suspected large vessel vasculitis were identified (6 PET/MRI studies total). Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (range 12-16). In all but one patient PET/MRI was performed at diagnosis (n = 4), with one study performed at relapse (n =1). The most frequent pattern of vessel involvement was type V-generalized, diffuse (International TAK Conference in Tokyo 1994). One patient was noted to have involvement of the pulmonary arteries. All but one patient had evidence of disease damage (morphological vessel changes including wall thickening or luminal narrowing). One patient was a severe and refractory case: treated with two biologic agents and eventually cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy). One patient demonstrated diffuse CNS involvement. Conclusions: FDG-PET/MR is able to identify and characterize vasculitis in the pediatric population. Longitudinal prospective studies are needed to further assess the potential applications of PET/MRI in monitoring therapeutic response and guiding treatment decisions in large vessel vasculitis in children.
Anshimi: Women's Perceptions of Safety Data and the Efficacy of a Safety Application in Seoul

In this paper we examine Anshimi, a mobile safety application that hosts women's safety services. We present a case study based on qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews and a participatory design workshop with women in Seoul, South Korea. We examine women's perceptions of various kinds of safety data that Anshimi provides and collects from its users, such as GPS data, security camera footage, messages, personal information, etc. Exploring how women negotiate the tension between feeling protected and surveilled, we account for the nuanced ways in which women understand, feel, and use safety data in their daily lives. We also present scenarios for engaging with women's safety data, in the hopes of developing a guiding framework for designing women's safety applications and safety data practices.
The alpha 4(IV) chain of basement membrane collagen. Isolation of cDNAs encoding bovine alpha 4(IV) and comparison with other type IV collagens.

Abstract Renal basement membranes are believed to contain five distinct type IV collagens. An understanding of the specific roles of these collagens and the specificities of their interactions will be aided by knowledge of their comparative structures. Genes for alpha 1(IV), alpha 2(IV), alpha 3(IV), and alpha 5(IV) have been cloned and the deduced peptide sequences compared. A fifth chain, alpha 4(IV), has been identified in glomerular and other basement membranes. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy and short known peptide sequences from the noncollagenous domain (NC1), we have cloned and characterized partial bovine cDNAs of alpha 4(IV). Sequence analysis shows that this molecule has characteristic features of type IV collagens including an NH2-terminal Gly-X-Y domain which is interrupted at several points and a COOH-terminal NC1 domain with 12 cysteine residues in positions identical to those of other type IV collagens. Within the NC1 domain bovine alpha 4(IV) has 70, 59, 58, and 53% amino acid identity with human alpha 2(IV), alpha 1(IV), alpha 5(IV), and alpha 3(IV), respectively. Alignment of the peptides also shows that alpha 4(IV) is most closely related to alpha 2(IV). Nevertheless, in the extreme COOH-terminal region of the NC1 domain there are structural features that are unique to alpha 4(IV). Cloning of the region of alpha 4(IV) that encodes the NC1 domain allows comparison of all five type IV collagens and highlights certain regions that are likely to be important in the specificities of NC1-NC1 interactions and in other discriminant functions of these molecules.
Predictors of Asthma Treatment Adherence in Rural Appalachian Adults with Asthma

This descriptive, non-experimental study in a sample of 102 rural Appalachian adults with asthma evaluated relationships between treatment regimen adherence and health beliefs, attitude, behavioral intention, and age. Major predictors of adherence were health beliefs and attitude toward asthma. Findings provide partial support for the theorized relationships. Recommendations include future intervention studies designed to improve asthma care outcomes among rural Appalachian adults diagnosed with asthma.
Fully MHC-Disparate Mixed Hemopoietic Chimeras Show Specific Defects in the Control of Chronic Viral Infections

The establishment of mixed allogeneic chimerism can induce donor-specific transplantation tolerance across full MHC barriers. However, a theoretical disadvantage of this approach is the possibility that the state of mixed chimerism might negatively affect the recipient's immune competence to control pathogens. Previous studies using murine models have not supported this hypothesis, because they indicate that acute viral infections are cleared by chimeric animals with similar kinetics to that of unmanipulated controls. However, chronic or persistent viral infections often require a more complex and sustained response with cooperation between CD4 Th cells, CTL, and B cells for effective control. The current study indicates that profound defects become manifest in the control of chronic pathogenic infections in MHC-disparate mixed allogeneic chimeric mice. Furthermore, we show that ineffective priming of the donor-restricted CTL response leads to virus persistence, as well as severe T cell exhaustion. Our results further suggest that either T cell adoptive immunotherapy or selected MHC haplotype matching partially restore immune competence. These approaches may facilitate the translation of mixed chimerism therapeutic regimens.
Mothers know best

To succeed in life, animals must be able to navigate through their home ranges, acquire food, avoid predators, and interact in appropriate ways with other members of their own species. At birth, mammals are not able to do any of these things: they are completely dependent on their mothers (and, occasionally, their fathers) for nourishment, transportation, warmth, protection, and socialization. For species that live in complex social groups, as most primates do, mothers’ role in shaping the social experiences of their offspring may be especially important. For example, in some species of Old World monkeys, mothers support their immature offspring in agonistic conflicts. This eventually enables young females to outrank all females that their mothers can outrank, even those that are older, stronger, and more experienced than themselves. In PNAS, Murray et al. (1) explore another way that primate mothers shape their offsprings’ social development. Murray et al. demonstrate that mothers of infant male chimpanzees are more gregarious than mothers of infant females and hypothesize that these differences reflect an adaptive maternal response to the sex-specific socialization needs of their offspring.
An all-digital adaptive approach to combat aging effects in clock networks

In this paper, we analyze the impact of asymmetrical aging due to Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) in the clock tree segments of power efficient designs. The nonuniform aging of launch and capture clock segments could not only violate the setup timing but also result in gross hold violations. Aging in clock networks also results in pulse width compression which impacts the half-cycle paths' timing adversely. We present a reference-less alldigital technique to detect the aging effects and measure quantitatively the extent of pulse-width-distortion. The measurement results are then applied to rectify the pulse width distortion such that the clock network output is restored to a 50-50 duty cycle. The technique is validated using SPICE simulation based on 45nm industry standard library. A resolution of sub-1ps is achievable for both distortion measurement and correction circuits.
On the Source of the Gravitational Constant at the Low Energy Scale

In general relativity, gravity is attributed to the geometry of space-time. Further, it is assumed that the gravitational constant (G) originate from the Planck scale. The Compton wavelength (Planck length) L=(\h*G/C^3)^.5 is 1.61e-35 meters and this is associated with the Planck energy 1.2e22 MeV. This energy is far greater than the energy of a proton and the space surrounding each proton is far greater than the Compton wavelength. It is said that the Compton wavelength is nature’s response to geometry and mass at the quantum scale. In this paper, I will discuss the hierarchy of interactions with a focus on gravity, propose a low energy scale source of the gravitational constant, and identify a more fundamental coupling constant with the value 1/exp(90). The approach I use to model expansion is a cellular approach. A cell is the space associated with each proton and has cosmological properties that allow it to represent the universe geometrically. Each cell has an initial radius of 7.34e-14 meters and, if it expands according to WMAP history, its current value is 0.55 meters. WMAP data allows one to estimate the numbers of protons in the universe. By using this approach, it is possible to compare the kinetic energy that expands cells with potential energy. Implications for the fraction of dark energy, baryons and cold dark matter are discussed. Several examples involving the use of the value 1/exp(90) are presented that demonstrate how cellular values predict large scale observations.
Grassroots Reform: A Shared Responsibility.

chool boards across the nation are becoming increasingly concerned with teacher shortages, staff development, effective instructional practices, teacher and administration supervision and evaluation, and selection and use of instructional consultants. Boards of education are acting to give shape and direction to school reform. Higher education has been targeted for reform along with K-12, and for this reason the Cape Girardeau Public Schools and Southeast Missouri State University have begun a collaboration for school improvement that promises to have a positive effect on both institutions. Three years ago, the community relations committee of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education initiated dialogue by inviting professors to participate in a panel on how the public schools and the university could better serve each other. Participants in this meeting agreed that the two bodies face similar challenges and have different, though complementary, talents and knowledge to share. Education in the public schools has changed over the past ten years. That the university stay abreast of these changes is essential to its work in the preparation of teachers. The board committee and university faculty acknowledged that school improvements and reform would require sustained effort, and that they should not work independently of each other. At a subsequent meeting, representatives from the school board and the committee met with the superintendent of Cape schools and the dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science to appraise recommendations and focus on the collaboration.
Direct comparison of neural systems mediating conscious and unconscious skill learning

Procedural learning, such as perceptual-motor sequence learning, has been suggested to be an obligatory consequence of practiced performance and to reflect adaptive plasticity in the neural systems mediating performance. Prior neuroimaging studies, however, have found that sequence learning accompanied with awareness (declarative learning) of the sequence activates entirely different brain regions than learning without awareness of the sequence (procedural learning). Functional neuroimaging was used to assess whether declarative sequence learning prevents procedural learning in the brain. Awareness of the sequence was controlled by changing the color of the stimuli to match or differ from the color used for random sequences. This allowed direct comparison of brain activation associated with procedural and declarative memory for an identical sequence. Activation occurred in a common neural network whether initial learning had occurred with or without awareness of the sequence, and whether subjects were aware or not aware of the sequence during performance. There was widespread additional activation associated with awareness of the sequence. This supports the view that some types of unconscious procedural learning occurs in the brain whether or not it is accompanied by conscious declarative knowledge.
Celiac Disease and Occipital Epilepsy

Investigators at University of Gaziantep, Turkey, studied the frequency of celiac disease (CD) among children with occipital epilepsy.
Use of behavioral measures in anxiety research.

While behavioral-observer ratings have been routinely used in anxiety research and, in particular, to note changes as a function of treatment, mixed findings have been reported. This study attempte...
Rotating n-gon/kn-gon Vortex Configurations

We demonstrate the existence of stationary point-vortex configurations consisting ofk vortexn-gons and a vortexkn-gon. These configurations exist only for specific values of the vortex strengths; the relative vortex strengths of such a consiguration can be uniquely expressed as functions of the radii of the polygons. Thekn-gon must be oriented so as to be fixed by any reflection fixing one of then-gons; for sufficiently smallk, we show that then-gons must be oriented in such a way that the entire configuration shares the symmetries of any of then-gons. Necessary conditions for the formal stability of general stationary point-vortex configurations set conditions on the vortex strengths. We apply these conditions to then-gon/kn-gon configurations and carry out a complete linear and formal stability analysis in the casek=n=2, showing that linearly and nonlinearly orbitally stable configurations exist.
Media Usage as Health Segmentation Variables

The purpose of this research is to contrast a traditional audience segmentation model that uses demographics and health evaluations against a model that uses these same variables plus media usage variables. The goal was to determine whether media usage variables - typically not used in health segmentation studies - add predictive power in determining health behaviors and attitudes. The results of the analysis showed an increase in the ability to predict health behaviors such as aspirin use, vitamin use, diet, and exercise, and suggest that there is predictive value for including media variables as part of the segmentation process. Implications for public health education and campaign planning are discussed.
Three-beam phase-modulation technique for coherent Raman spectroscopy.

A new nonlinear optical technique is applied to coherent Raman spectroscopy of gases. Two orthogonal pump beams with relative phase modulation are generated in an electro-optic modulator and mixed with a linearly polarized probe. Shot-noise-limited detection and signals linear in either real or imaginary parts of the third-order susceptibility are demonstrated for NO and N2.
1672 NEONATAL NEUROSONOGRAPHY PREDICTORS OF CEREBRAL PALSY PRETERM INFANTS

In a prospective study, preterm infants of less than 33 weeks gestation were routinely evaluated by cranial ultrasonography at frequent intervals during their neonatal course. Thirteen survivors were found to have a spastic form of cerebral palsy at 12 to 36 months of age; two of the infants had a hemiparesis, 1 a monoparesis and 10 a diparesis. During the neonatal course of each handicapped infant, either or both of the following neurosonographic abnormalities were present: 1) frontally located periventricular porencephaly secondary to a grade IV intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), 2) extensive periventricular echodensity with subsequent cyst formation extending frontally. Ultrasound abnormalities consisting of ICH, or periventricular echodensity but without frontal porencephaly or persisting periventricular cysts were noted during the neonatal course of 49 other preterm infants who did not have cerebral palsy at age 12 to 36 months. The pathogenesis of the periventricular echodensities and subsequent cyst formation is unknown but the ultrasound studies are consistent with hemorrhagic infarction and ischemic lesions involving pyramidal tracts as they enter the internal capsule. We conclude that spastic forms of cerebral palsy are likely to develop in preterm infants if neonatal ultrasound studies demonstrate persisting destructive lesions in frontally located periventricular brain structures.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Dehydration and Recrystallization of Serpentine—II, Spectrum of Activation Energies for Recrystallization

An order of magnitude calculation is made to determine the activation energies involved in the recrystallization of serpentine to forsterite. The so-called “activation energy spectrum” showing the proportion of material with different activation energies is estimated.
Optical hole burning by superhyperfine interactions in CaF(2):Pr(3+).

Optical hole burning has been observed in the 5941-A transition of Pr(3+) in a charge-compensated tetragonal site of CaF(2) . The Pr(3+) ground state is doubly degenerate and shows a large first-order hyperfine splitting, which is clearly resolved because of the very narrow inhomogeneous linewidth of 650 MHz. The hole burning involves a new mechanism, in which optically induced spin flips of neighboring nuclei (here (19)F) shift the optical transition frequency outside its homogeneous linewidth. This mechanism was confirmed by optical rf double resonance.
Role of cardiovascular receptors on the neural regulation of renin release in normal men

Although factors influencing renin release have been studied extensively, one facet of renin release remains controversial, namely, neural regulation by arterial high-pressure receptors and cardiopulmonary low-pressure receptors. We therefore designed four studies to investigate systematically the separate and combined effects of unloading (decreased stretch) high- and low-pressure receptors on renin release in normal men. Selective unloading of cardiopulmonary receptors was induced by impeding the venous return with tourniquets around the thighs. A predominant unloading of arterial (carotid) baroreceptors was elicited with upright posture and simultaneously preventing the venous pooling in the legs. Unloading of both high- and low-pressure receptors was achieved by both upright standing and tilting. During postural experiments to predominantly unload arterial baroreceptors, the heart rate increased and the veins constricted, but renin failed to increase. The postural increase of renin occurred only if we allowed venous pooling in the legs. Selective unloading of cardiopulmonary receptors elicited substantial increases of renin. When both the cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreceptors were unloaded, renin increased more than with isolated unloading of cardiopulmonary receptors. We conclude that: 1) in intact humans it is possible to demonstrate an independent role of cardiopulmonary receptors in the control of renin release; 2) there Is evidence for interaction between the two receptor systems in renin control; but 3) an independent role for arterial baroreceptors in the control of renin release could not be demonstrated under the conditions of this experiment.
Subspace imaging compressive sensing

A new compressed image sensing approach is presented. The approach departs from conventional sensing mechanism which seeks incoherency between the sensing and representation vectors. The subspace where most energy of the image lies in is first identified (estimated). Sensing vectors are then selected in the subspace. In doing so, base vectors of discrete cosine transform are used as representation vectors, and low-frequency members of the base vectors are considered to form the subspace. Of those selected base vectors some are used as sensing vectors which are phase shifted to enhance incoherency. Experimental results prove that the new approach is significantly better than random sensing as previously used for compressed sensing.
Indications and technique of colon and jejunal interpositions for esophageal disease.

Esophageal reconstruction is often the most challenging component of an esophagectomy, and is certainly the aspect most noted and evaluated by the patient. Unfortunately, there is no replacement organ that is able to mimic the function of a healthy esophagus. Instead, all suffer from a lack of effective peristalsis and the absence of a physiologic barrier to reflux. Despite these shortcomings, available esophageal replacement organs permit most patients to eat very satisfactorily, and in patients who undergo esophagectomy for large tumors or severe strictures, swallowing is often significantly improved. The most common esophageal substitute is the stomach. Advantages of a gastric pull-up include the relative speed and ease with which the stomach can be mobilized, the need for only one anastomosis, and the generally reliable blood supply through the right gastroepiploic arcade along the greater curvature. Disadvantages of a gastric pull-up include the fact that there is often relative ischemia at the tip of the fundus, and the leak and stricture rate of a cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis can be as high as 30%. In addition, the long-term presence of acid-secreting gastric mucosa juxtaposed to acidsensitive squamous esophageal mucosa with no intervening barrier can lead to complications of reflux, including Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma [1]. Finally, in patients who have large tumors near the gastroesophageal junction, use of the stomach may compromise the oncologic resection, because the gastric staple line along the lesser curve is likely to be within a few centimeters of the neoplasm.
On the 2D modelling of horizontal CVD reactors and its limitations

Abstract In order to clarify under what conditions 2D theoretical models can realistically account for the actual growth rate distribution in horizontal CVD reactors, we have performed a systematic numerical study and compared the results with published experimental data for the MOCVD of gallium arsenide. Three models of increasing complexity were studied. It is shown that 2D models can produce realistic predictions only for reactors with large width-to-height (aspect) ratios, that are operated at subcritical Rayleigh number, i.e. under dominant forced flow conditions. But even then, depending on the carrier gas, thermal (Soret) diffusion must be included in the model. Furthermore, velocity corrections for finite aspect ratios must be made, and buoyancy effects can be significant in the entrance region. On the other hand, the results are relatively insensitive to axial diffusion, temperature dependence of transport properties (versus averaged properties), and an assumed Poiseuille velocity profile (versus a rigorous solution of the velocity field). Yet, boundary layer approximations are prone to give unrealistic results at the low Reynolds numbers typical for CVD operations.
Habitat restrictions in early benthic life: experiments on habitat selection and in situ predation with the American lobster

In shallow marine environments, many animals that eventually attain large body size and range widely are restricted to refugia early in life. A prime example is the American lobster Homarus americanus Milne Edwards. During the first few years of benthic life, lobsters are most strongly associated with shelter providing habitats (e.g., cobble) but this association is less frequent as they grow. The restricted distribution of such early benthic phase lobsters (5- ≈ 40 mm carapace length, CL) may be reinforced by predation, but experiments to quantify predators and predation rates in situ have not been reported. This study confirms previous habitat selection studies in showing that shelter-seeking behavior is likely the proximate cause of the association, but that predation probably reinforces the association until lobsters outgrow their most vulnerable size. Field predation experiments and video observation show that tethered early benthic phase lobsters were attacked by demersal fishes and crabs significantly more often when unsheltered by cobble, and that this vulnerability declines dramatically with increasing body size. Moreover, many of the species of fish and crab predators observed by video were common at the five sites censused in mid-coast Maine, and occur throughout the range of the American lobster. There is strong evidence that lobsters and their macruran (large abdomened) allies in shallow marine and aquatic environments are similarly restricted to shelter-providing habitats early in their benthic life, possibly because of their inability to avoid predators by rapidly burying themselves in sediment.
A history of spike trains as Point Processes in neural coding.

Abstract The history of viewing spike trains as point processes along time is that of the inference that spike trains participate in neural codings. A characteristic thought process, the “Conceptual Framework”, present always and with sequential components, upholds the logic of this view. Early research in the 1920’s introduced the view: experiments, though largely primitive, were designed and interpreted adequately and thus demonstrated convincingly this role. Modern research, starting around 1950, has contributed impressively. Essential was the mathematical Theory of Point Processes that permitted rigorous studies; computer implementation, though no substitute for clear thinking, was enormously helpful. Contributions, besides confirming the key inference, include wide-range train participation in neural codings, with many courses of action and formal implications involving neuronal performances individually and in networks, discharge forms, dynamic behaviors, critical Information and Communication issues, etc.
DNA methylation in development and human disease

DNA methylation is a heritable and stable epigenetic mark associated with transcriptional repression. Changes in the patterns and levels of global and regional DNA methylation regulate development and contribute directly to disease states such as cancer. Recent findings provide intriguing insights into the epigenetic crosstalk between DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small interfering RNAs in the control of cell development and carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent studies in DNA methylation primarily focusing on the interplay between different epigenetic modifications and their potential role in gene silencing in development and disease. Although the molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic crosstalk are not fully understood, unraveling their precise regulation is important not only for understanding the underpinnings of cellular development and cancer, but also for the design of clinically relevant and efficient therapeutics using stem cells and anticancer drugs that target tumor initiating cells.
Thermal requirements in future 3D processors

This paper reports on a study in which the projected thermal load of future 3D optimized embedded computers was explored. The approach taken was to project the performance, power consumption and area of a reasonably power-efficient 7 nm, 6672 core baseline conventionally packaged (“2D”) design, and 3D alternatives to this design. The 3D alternatives have improved power efficiency over the baseline 2D design, due to their reduced interconnect power consumptions and reduced processing overhead. The most efficient set of designs use more aggressive 3D-specific strategies to increase power efficiency at the expense of increased heat flux. The most efficient design is 38% more power efficient than the baseline 2D design, but has 13x the heat flux of that design. The value of that heat flux was 5.4 W/mm2. Further optimizations increase the thermal flux even further. Specifically creating architecture optimized to floating point operations, increases the heat flux to 17 W/mm2 while improving the computing efficiency by another 2x.