cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sonography for Complete Evaluation of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Central Support Devices A Pilot Study

Objectives Neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit often require considerable support with endotracheal tubes, umbilical arterial and venous catheters, and peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Support device evaluation with radiography exposes neonates to ionizing radiation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sonographic localization for endotracheal tubes, umbilical arterial and venous catheters, and peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Methods This blinded prospective Institutional Review Board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study with informed consent compared sonography to radiography for endotracheal tube, umbilical arterial and venous catheter, and peripherally inserted central venous catheter localization. Participants were consecutively recruited NICU patients of any weight, gestation, and chronologic age who had an endotracheal tube, umbilical arterial catheter, umbilical venous catheter, or peripherally inserted central venous catheter placed or adjusted and had subsequent radiographic confirmation within 24 hours. Sonographic evaluation was obtained as soon as possible, without prior review of the radiograph, and results were compared. Results Thirty sonographic studies were performed in 25 patients (14 male and 11 female), for a total of 50 lines and tubes: 18 umbilical venous catheters, 12 umbilical arterial catheters, 11 peripherally inserted central venous catheters, and 9 endotracheal tubes. Forty-nine support devices (98%) were visualized with sonography, all concordant with radiography. Forty-four were correctly positioned, and 6 were malpositioned. Sonography identified the location of umbilical venous catheters in all 18 cases (100%), umbilical arterial catheters in all 12 (100%), peripherally inserted central venous catheters in 10 (91%), and endotracheal tubes in 9 (100%). Conclusions The effectiveness of sonography was excellent for evaluation of umbilical arterial and venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, and peripherally inserted central venous catheters. These results support the goal of further point-of-care training and accreditation to use sonography as a primary modality for complete evaluation of NICU support devices.
Fear Appeal Freguency and Fear Message Variation Across Product Categories

Findings from the social psychological literature on the persuasive effects of fear messages are difficult to apply to fear appeals used in advertising, since they differ in terms of fear intensity, fear type and product/topic category. A content analysis of TV ads revealed that product type is significantly related to fear appeal use. Personal care/apparel and household product advertisers tended to use fear appeals more frequently than food, institutional and hobby/toy/transportation advertisers. Findings concerning fear intensity and fear type among product categories also are discussed.
Three Puzzles about Evil

Before we can focus our attention entirely on philosophical theories of evil, I need to address a few puzzles that often arise in this context, and that threaten to undermine theoretical work on the subject. The first puzzle has to do with the connection between evil and incomprehensibility. If evil is fundamentally incomprehensible, as many assume, then how could there ever be a satisfactory theory of evil, if the point of such a theory is to help us comprehend the subject matter? According to the second puzzle, if most plausible candidates for evil are likely to suffer from some sort of mental illness or disorder (like psychopathy), then how could it be fair or accurate to condider them evil? The third puzzle concerns skepticism about the reality of moral character in general, and of evil character in particular.
Improved Apriori Algorithm Using Power Set on Hadoop

In this era of big data, a huge volume of data is produced. Storage and analysis of such data is not possible by traditional techniques. In this paper, a good method to implement the MapReduce Apriori algorithm using vertical layout of database along with power set and concept of Set Theory of Intersection have been proposed. The vertical layout has the advantage of scanning only a limited number of records for calculating the support of an item. By use of the power set concept, we are able to generate frequent item set, in just two scans of database, reducing the complexity. The concept of set intersection is used to calculate its support. The result shows good improvement over the existing MapReduce Apriori algorithm.
Extraordinary behavioral entrainment following circadian rhythm bifurcation in mice

The mammalian circadian timing system uses light to synchronize endogenously generated rhythms with the environmental day. Entrainment to schedules that deviate significantly from 24 h (T24) has been viewed as unlikely because the circadian pacemaker appears capable only of small, incremental responses to brief light exposures. Challenging this view, we demonstrate that simple manipulations of light alone induce extreme plasticity in the circadian system of mice. Firstly, exposure to dim nocturnal illumination (<0.1 lux), rather than completely dark nights, permits expression of an altered circadian waveform wherein mice in light/dark/light/dark (LDLD) cycles "bifurcate" their rhythms into two rest and activity intervals per 24 h. Secondly, this bifurcated state enables mice to adopt stable activity rhythms under 15 or 30 h days (LDLD T15/T30), well beyond conventional limits of entrainment. Continuation of dim light is unnecessary for T15/30 behavioral entrainment following bifurcation. Finally, neither dim light alone nor a shortened night is sufficient for the extraordinary entrainment observed under bifurcation. Thus, we demonstrate in a non-pharmacological, non-genetic manipulation that the circadian system is far more flexible than previously thought. These findings challenge the current conception of entrainment and its underlying principles, and reveal new potential targets for circadian interventions.
The Opportunity of National Forest Planning

As seen in the last several Chapters, conflict pervades national forest management, leading to several unfavorable consequences. Decisions are frequently not viable; they are delayed or overturned by appeals and lawsuits, leaving the decision-making process stymied. There is delay and its associated costs, particularly at the expense of on-the-ground management activities. The process is divisive; it keeps groups battling each other’s demands and precludes finding a common ground should one exist. Public trust and faith in the agency and its officials continue to decline. The morale of agency staff is eroded as their efforts are constantly besieged and seldom come to fruition. There are political ramifications when external pressures are brought to bear, at times resulting in budgetary constraints, new legislative mandates, or judicially imposed direction.
Automating Individualized Formative Feedback in Large Classes Based on a Directed Concept Graph

Abstract - Student learning outcomes within courses form the basis for course completion and time-to-graduation statistics, which are of great importance in education, particularly higher education. Budget pressures have led to large classes in which student-to-instructor interaction is very limited. Most of the current efforts to improve student progress in large classes, such as “learning analytics”, focus on the aspects of student behavior that are found in the logs of Learning Management Systems (LMS), for example, frequency of signing in, time spent on each page, and grades. These are important, but are distant from providing help to the student making insufficient progress in a course. We describe a computer analytical methodology which includes a dissection of the concepts in the course, expressed as a directed graph, that are applied to test questions, and uses performance on these questions to provide formative feedback to each student in any course format: face-to-face, blended, flipped, or online. Each student receives individualized assistance in a scalable and affordable manner. It works with any class delivery technology, textbook, and learning management system.
Modeling micelle formation and interfacial properties with iSAFT classical density functional theory

Surfactants reduce the interfacial tension between phases, making them an important additive in a number of industrial and commercial applications from enhanced oil recovery to personal care products (e.g., shampoo and detergents). To help obtain a better understanding of the dependence of surfactant properties on molecular structure, a classical density functional theory, also known as interfacial statistical associating fluid theory, has been applied to study the effects of surfactant architecture on micelle formation and interfacial properties for model nonionic surfactant/water/oil systems. In this approach, hydrogen bonding is explicitly included. To minimize the free energy, the system minimizes interactions between hydrophobic components and hydrophilic components with water molecules hydrating the surfactant head group. The theory predicts micellar structure, effects of surfactant architecture on critical micelle concentration, aggregation number, and interfacial tension isotherm of surfactant/wat...
Longitudinal fluid movements in the cochlea under normal and abnormal conditions

Solutes in the cochlear fluids are in a highly dynamic state. The rates of turnover of some ions in endolymph have been quantified using radiotracers (Konishi et al, 1978; Sterkers et al, 1982). These studies established entry half times for K+, for example, of 55 to 60 mins. However, the basic physiologic mechanisms underlying cochlear fluids turnover have been difficult to establish. The most fundamental question in this regard, is whether the fluids are secreted in volume and whether longitudinal fluid flow represents a significant fluid turnover component. In the studies summarized here, longitudinal cochlear fluid movements have been quantified in endolymphatic and perilymphatic scalae under a variety of experimental conditions.
A case for the use of the ability-in language user-in context orientation in game-based assessment

Dynamic assessments in general, and game-based assessment (GBA) specifically, compel us to rethink prevailing language testing conceptualizations of context. Context has traditionally been portrayed with a cognitive orientation, which focuses on static abilities, ignores complex interactions, devalues the role of tasks in determining scores, and makes connections to learning potential difficult. Ability-in language user-in context lays the groundwork for a new framework for use in language testing and GBA by shifting the conversation of interaction and context to a level of entanglement not yet considered in the field. The paper makes connections to concepts in other disciplines (e.g., intensive and extensive context, reciprocal interaction, and co-construction) and problematizes relevant design, measurement, and validity considerations. We identify claims in the areas of generalizability, score comparability, and dimensionality and suggest areas for future research. We end the article by inviting language testers in general, and those in the Asian language testing community in particular, to engage in GBAs.
Street Vendors in the Global City: Exploring Genoa's Informal Economy

On any given nice afternoon or early evening, it is not an uncommon site to see some Senegalese, Moroccan, or other North African street vendors on Via XX Settembre, in Piazza De Ferrari, or by the Principe train station on Via Pre or Via Del Campo in Genoa, Italy. Lined up along the sidewalk or roaming tightly confined market areas, and always on the lookout for police presence, they represent recurring actors on the complex stage of globalization in the global city. These niches in the informal economy represent a growing trend in the modern city. Who exactly are these people? How has the global city enhanced said roles? Why have these roles come about? And how do these people deal with the inevitable challenges they face? Looking at Genoa via the idiosyncratic framework of New York City’s established informal market, this study of a growing, culturally infused city in the 21st century hopes—through the use of historical context, naturalistic observations, and interviews—to humanize these individuals’ experiences and give a look into their complex lives.
Building a Case-Based Reasoner

This chapter addresses many issues that come up as a knowledge engineer is designing a case-based system. Many of the design decisions that the knowledge engineer will encounter are reviewed, and an attempt is made to give guidelines for making those decisions. Most of the systems that have been presented, for example, CHEF, CASEY, JULIA, KRITIK, have been automated problem solvers. Presented with a problem description, they go through the steps of deriving a solution, sometimes asking a person to make decisions about preferences. Automated systems have all the knowledge they need to solve a problem built into them—the means of judging similarity, adaptation heuristics, knowledge needed to make matching and adaptation procedures work, and so on. They also have built into them the set of steps they must follow to derive a solution. Case-based problem-solving systems can be fully automated or interactive, requiring the talents of both the human user and the computer. They can be used to solve problems or for training.
HeWEK: Measuring the Health Website Quality From the Perception of the African American

Unintentionally, the growth of health websites deepened health disparities between population subgroup as it considers the perception of some sub-populations and ignore the needs of others when designing health websites. This paper presents a study that aims onto considering the perception of the African American in identifying the quality attributes of health websites. Based on focus group research and two-round factor analysis, findings indicate that quality of health websites is a function of dimensions of Aesthetic Design’, ‘Website Usability’, ‘Information Quality’, ‘Information Architecture’, ‘Responsiveness’, ‘Trust’, ‘Identity’, ‘Appropriateness to Culture’, and ‘Learnability’. The paper provides useful messages for website designers, website content mangers, usability practitioners, and web-based healthcare program managers. Also, theoretical implications and limitation of the study are presented.
Studies on the Mechanism of Estradiol Uptake by Rat Uterine Cells and on Estradiol Binding to Uterine Plasma Membranes

A method for the preparation of viable uterine cell suspensions is described. Using this system the kinetics of estradiol uptake were studied in order to asses whether the steroid enters uterine cells by passive diffusion (1) or protein mediated diffusion (2). The data presented show that a) the rates of estradiol entry are nonsaturable; b) temperature dependence of uptake kinetics gives a linear Arrhenius plot; c) E2-6-CMO-BSA does not inhibit 3H-E2 uptake; d) uterine plasma membranes do not contain specific estrogen binding sites. Thus, estrogen uptake occures by passive diffusion.
Clinical trial of etoposide (VP-16) in children with recurrent malignant solid tumors. A phase II study from the Pediatric Oncology Group.

Etoposide (VP-16), 150 mg/M2, given intravenously daily for 3 days every 3 weeks resulted in 3 complete responses and 6 partial responses in 154 patients with a spectrum of recurrent malignant solid tumors. There was evidence of disease control in an additional 37 patients (27 mixed responses and 10 stable disease). These responses occurred primarily in patients with Ewing's sarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Most of the patients had every extensive prior therapy; however prior therapy with teniposide (VM-26), the congener of VP-16, did not seem to preclude responses to the latter drug. Myelosuppression was the principal form of toxicity. Neutropenia characterized by absolute neutrophil counts of 0.5 to 0.9 × 109/L occurred in one-half of the patients, and thrombopenia with platelet counts of < 25 to 49 × 109/L in one-fourth. These results demonstrate a favorable therapeutic index for VP-16 in several recurrent childhood solid tumors, supporting its use as a component of primary therapy for these diseases.
Value of Wellness Ratings and Countermovement Jumping Velocity to Monitor Performance.

This study examined the relationship between subjective ratings of overall wellness and neuromuscular performance throughout a 6-week intensive offseason strength and conditioning program. Thirty experienced NCAA Division II baseball players completed all phases of the program. A comprehensive wellness rating and 5 countermovement jumps (CMJ5) were measured and averaged for 4 phases of training. Pre- and post-testing measures of strength and speed also were evaluated. Internal consistency of the wellness rating for each phase ranged α = 0.77-0.92, and CMJ5 velocities had decent consistency (ICCα = 0.88, TE = 0.19 m·s-1, CV = 5.90%). The training program evoked significant (p 0.05), where d is the treatment effect size. Average CMJ5 velocities (m·s-1) were similar for the preparation phase (1.90 ± 0.25), eccentric phase (1.91 ± 0.28), strength & power phase (1.91 ± 0.24), and recovery phase (1.91 ± 0.30; F = 0.04, p = 0.99, η p 2 = 0.001). No significant correlations were observed for pre-or post-testing measures of wellness ratings in comparison to any performance measures, including a composite standardized score from each performance test at pre-testing (r = 0.22, p = 0.26). The CMJ5 exhibited too high of a typical error to determine a change in neuromuscular status. Additionally, the wellness rating did not reflect changes in relation to performance.
Interpretation During a School Visit to a Nature Reserve

Many teachers take students on visit to Nature Reserves or National Parks. The park management agency generally provides written information/ worksheets and an accompanying ranger to provide interpretation. Rarely are these visits subjected to formal evaluation in terms of achievement of environmental education objectives related to park conservation and management values. A pilot study of a school visit of Year 9 students to Tldbinbllla Nature Reserve (ACT) found that most students had a good background In terms of previous exposure to National Parks and environmental media, and the excursion provided both an enjoyable and an educational experience. However, there seemed to be a need for basic conservation and management values and Ideas to be continually emphasised to ensure their full appreciation and understanding by students.
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis with Sensory Deficits in Young African American Male: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a sporadic entity characterized by hypokalemia and paralysis in the setting of hyperthyroidism. TPP is most commonly described in young Asian males. Studies have shown an association with mutations affecting inward rectifying potassium channels. The pathophysiology involves Na+-K+- ATPase channel causing an increased intracellular shift of potassium ions in the hyperthyroid state and in the presence of another precipitating condition. Most cases of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis are defined in young Asian males of 20-40 years of age, here we present an interesting case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in 32-year-old African American male, who presented with sudden onset weakness in the bilateral lower extremity and left upper extremity. Interestingly, the patient also has sensory deficits, a feature not known to be associated with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.
Consumer Acceptability and Demand for Cooked Beef Sausage Formulated With Pre- and Post-Rigor Deboned Beef 1

The objective of this study was to compare consumer acceptability and demand between pre- and post-rigor cooked beef sausage. Consumers (N = 100) evaluated the appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale and formulated an independent bid for each product. Consumers preferred the aroma and flavor of pre-rigor sausage to those of post-rigor sausage (P = 0.008 and 0.029, respectively). This resulted in a greater overall acceptability of pre-rigor sausage than that of post-rigor sausage (P = 0.011). Cluster analysis revealed that 45 consumers in clusters 3 and 4 led to such greater acceptability. Average predicted unit-demand for the experiment was 1.59 kg (3.50 lbs)/(USD)$ greater for pre-rigor than for post-rigor sausage (P ≤ 0.001). Overall, the results indicated that pre-rigor processing yielded sausage with greater consumer acceptability and demand.
Web-based and mHealth interventions for intimate partner violence prevention: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), or those individuals susceptible to IPV victimisation or perpetration, may benefit from participation in primary, secondary or tertiary interventions to address or mitigate exposure to violence despite mixed evidence of IPV intervention effectiveness. However, participation in such programmes is limited by poor access, sociocultural barriers and programme cost. As the world fast approaches universal access to the internet, web-based technologies and low-cost smartphones, new avenues to provide preventive health services including mobile health (mHealth) tools, platforms and services have emerged. The objective of this systematic review is to assess current web-based and mHealth interventions, which include web-based or mobile-based delivery methods for IPV prevention. Interpersonal violence is defined as perpetration or victimisation of a physical, psychological or sexual nature among adults. Interventions may be at the primary, secondary or tertiary level of the public health model. Methods and analysis This systematic review will incorporate studies focused on any empirical prevention intervention intended for IPV victims or perpetrators of any gender where one or more components is web based or mobile based. Articles will be retrieved from the following academic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Open Grey, as well Google Scholar. Results will be limited to articles reporting primary data, published since 1998, and in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Data extraction procedures will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, a critical appraisal tool, will be used to record ratings of quality and risk of bias among studies selected for inclusion. Content analysis and between-study comparisons will be used to answer the objectives of this review. Ethics and dissemination Results from this review will be published in an open access format for the benefit of both academic and non-academic audiences, including community organisations and individuals seeking mHealth strategies to reduce and prevent IPV. Trial registration number CRD42019123006.
Single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with magnetic retraction: first experience using the SP da Vinci platform.

The purpose of this study was to describe technical considerations and first outcomes from a single-port robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSC) using the da Vinci SP platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and the Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System (San Mateo, CA, USA), a novel magnetic retraction system. Three females with pelvic organ prolapse elected to undergo RSC using the da Vinci SP platform. The supraumbilical incision length was 25 mm through which SP trocar was placed. A 12-mm assistant port was placed in the right upper quadrant. The external magnet was attached to the left side of the bed and used for bowel and bladder retraction. We then proceeded by duplicating the steps of our approach for a RSC performed using a multi-port robotic platform with necessary modifications given the SP approach. Intra-operative outcomes and peri-operative outcomes were collected and reported. The patients were women of 64, 66 and 73 years of age with BMI of 22, 25, and 34, respectively, and POP-Q stage III and IV prolapse. The RSC was performed between 198 and 247 min, estimated blood loss was 10–50 cc, and there were no complications. All patients were discharged home on post-operative day 1. All patients were doing well 1 month out with resolution of bulge symptoms. To our knowledge, this represents the first case series of robotic, magnetic-assisted sacrocolpopexies using the da Vinci SP platform and the Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System. It appears to be a safe and feasible approach, but long-term comparative studies will be necessary to assess functional outcomes.
Voltage and e-liquid composition affect nicotine deposition within the oral cavity and carbonyl formation

Introduction The diversity of e-liquids along with higher powered e-cigarette nicotine delivery devices are increasing. This study evaluated the effect of voltage and e-liquid composition on particle size, nicotine deposition in a human oral-trachea cast model and generation of carbonyls. Methods Nineteen e-liquids were evaluated for 30 common chemicals by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). E-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine (1.2%) were generated at 4 and 5 volts for assessment of particle size distribution using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), Fast Mobility Particle Size (FMPS) and an In-Tox cascade impactor and nicotine deposition by GC-MS. Carbonyl formation in aerosols was assessed by liquid chromatography tandem triple-quad mass spectrometry. Results Total chemical burden ranged from 0.35 to 14.6 mg/mL with ethyl maltol present in all e-liquids. Increasing voltage was associated with an increase in median size of aerosol particles and the deposition of nicotine in the oral cast. Two e-liquids caused a 2.5-fold to 5-fold increase in nicotine deposition independent of particle size and voltage. Increasing voltage caused an increase in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein in the presence and absence of nicotine. Most striking, aerosols from several e-liquids significantly increased levels of acetaldehyde and acrolein compared with unflavoured. Conclusions Increasing voltage and composition of e-liquid can increase the exposure of the oral pharynx and bronchial airways to carbonyls that can react with DNA to generate adducts, induce oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The elevated nicotine and carbonyls readily enter the circulation where they can also cause cardiovascular stress. The growing popularity of higher voltage e-cigarette delivery devices will likely further elevate health risks from chronic exposure to these complex aerosols.
Language Development in Context

Young children learn to communicate in the language(s) of their communities, yet the individual trajectories of language development and the particular language varieties and modes of communication...
Chaotic Loss Cones, Black Hole Fueling and the M-Sigma Relation

In classical loss cone theory, stars are supplied to a central black hole via gravitational scattering onto low angular momentum orbits. Higher feeding rates are possible if the gravitational potential near the black hole is non-axisymmetric and the orbits are chaotic. Motivated by recently published, self-consistent models, we evaluate rates of stellar capture and disruption in triaxial nuclei. Rates are found to substantially exceed those in collisionally-resupplied loss cones, as long as an appreciable fraction of the orbits are centrophilic. The mass captured by a black hole after a given time in a steep nucleus scales as the fifth power of the velocity dispersion, and the accumulated mass in 10^10 yr is of the correct order to reproduce the M-sigma relation. Triaxiality can solve the "final parsec problem" of decaying black hole binaries by increasing the flux of stars into the binary's loss cone.
Mini Cheetah, the Falling Cat: A Case Study in Machine Learning and Trajectory Optimization for Robot Acrobatics.

Seemingly in defiance of basic physics, cats consistently land on their feet after falling. In this paper, we design a controller that lands the Mini Cheetah quadruped robot on its feet as well. Specifically, we explore how trajectory optimization and machine learning can work together to enable highly dynamic bioinspired behaviors. We find that a reflex approach, in which a neural network learns entire state trajectories, outperforms a policy approach, in which a neural network learns a mapping from states to control inputs. We validate our proposed controller in both simulation and hardware experiments, and are able to land the robot on its feet from falls with initial pitch angles between -90 and 90 degrees.
Population-based estimates of geographic accessibility of medication for opioid use disorder by substance use disorder treatment facilities from 2014 to 2020

Abstract Background Understanding whether individuals have geographic accessibility to a substance use disorder treatment facility and a treatment facility that offers medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can inform efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis. Methods We used data from the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs. First, we calculate the national share of treatment facilities that offer one type of MOUD or all forms of MOUD using a novel dataset of providers. Second, we quantify the share of counties with a treatment facility offering at least one type of MOUD. Finally, we calculate the share of the national population residing within a 10-mile radius of a treatment facility. Results The share of counties with a treatment facility offering a MOUD as a form of treatment rose from 30% to 45% from 2014 to 2020 while the share of counties with facilities offering all three forms of MOUD increased from 4% to 9%. Over 83% of the population lives within 10 miles of a facility offering MOUD treatment, and 42% of the population have a treatment facility that offers all three forms of MOUD within a 10-mile radius. Much of the difference between the county- and population-based measures is explained by more population dense areas having higher rates of facilities providing MOUD. Conclusions While the share of facilities within a county offering a MOUD is relatively small, the share of the population within 10 miles of such a facility is higher.
Defining the Authenticity in Authentic Leadership

Leadership is an expansive term with many definitions and applications. Over the years, adjectives have been applied in an effort to further define and narrow its scope and application, i.e., transactional, transformational, and servant. The term authentic leadership is no different. However, what sets it apart as a field of study and method of practice is both its definition and innuendo. Defining authenticity in terms of values, ethics, and self-will delineate its meaning in terms of its application and relevance amongst contemporary theories. Furthermore, identifying it as a brand of leadership will demonstrate its value — both intrinsic and external. Authentic leadership is a generic term that connotes genuineness. That is, it conveys to the follower the leader is the real thing as compared to others. This article explores the meaning of the term authentic in terms of values and ethics and identifies it as part of a personal branding process in regard to leadership.
Interaction of Engineers and Biologists in Water Quality Management

This paper discusses the need for a closer interaction between the biologist and engineer in water quality management. Various interdisciplinary programs are reviewed which include the academic scene and the technical literature. The author gives an example of how the two disciplines need to work closely in order to meet the requirements to maintain and preserve the aquatic environment.
Advanced atomic layer deposition and epitaxy processes (Invited paper)

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) was used to grow single-crystalline epitaxial layers of high-k dielectric oxides on semiconductors with remarkably few defects or traps at the interfaces. La 2 O 3 on GaAs(111) produced record-breaking transistors with both n-and p-channels, and CMOS circuits entirely in GaAs, including inverters, logic circuits and 5-stage ring oscillators. More conventionally oriented GaAs(100) substrates with etched (111) slopes also produced working transistors. ALD also grew single-crystalline epitaxial La 2 O 3 films on Ge(111), and (Ca, Mg)O films on GaN(0001) substrates with high-quality epitaxial interfaces. These processes can be run in commercial ALD reactors using precursors produced by the Dow Chemical Company.
Gauge coupling unification in the minimal supersymmetric standard model plus five flavors

We investigate gauge coupling unification at 2-loops for theories with 5 extra vectorlike SU(5) fundamentals added to the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). This is a borderline case where unification is only predicted in certain regions of parameter space. We establish a lower bound on the scale for the masses of the extra flavors, as a function of the sparticle masses. Models far outside of the bound do not predict unification at all (but may be compatible with unification), and models outside but near the boundary cannot reliably claim to predict it with an accuracy comparable to the MSSM prediction. Models inside the boundary can work just as well as the MSSM.
Stoichiometric Binding of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Monoclonal Antibodies to Ldl Receptors in a Solid Phase Assay

Abstract The current paper describes a solid phase ligand binding assay for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor that takes advantage of the domain structure of the protein. An antibody directed against one domain, e.g. the cytoplasmic tail, is adsorbed to a microtiter well. A detergent solution containing the LDL receptor is added, and the receptor is allowed to bind to the antibody. The wells are then washed, and one of the following radioiodinated ligands is added: 125I-LDL or an 125I-labeled monoclonal antibody directed against a different domain than the antibody adsorbed to the well. Under these conditions, the human LDL receptor shows high affinity for 125I-LDL and for 125I-IgG-HL1, a monoclonal antipeptide antibody directed against a 10-amino-acid "linker" between repeats 4 and 5 in the ligand binding domain. The binding affinity is the same at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The binding of 125I-LDL and 125I-IgG-HL1 occurs with 1:1 molar stoichiometry, suggesting that the human LDL receptor binds 1 mol of LDL per mol of receptor. The acid-dependent dissociation of 125I-LDL and 125I-labeled monoclonal antibody from LDL receptors that is observed in intact cells was also shown to occur in the solid phase binding assay. We used the solid phase assay to demonstrate the secretion of LDL receptors from monkey cells that have been transfected with a cDNA encoding a truncated form of the human receptor that lacks the membrane-spanning domain. This assay may be useful in measuring the relative amounts of the intact LDL receptor in tissue extracts and the secreted receptor in transfected cells.
Physical mapping of the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis region on chromosome 17

Abstract The von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) locus has been linked to chromosome 17, and recent linkage analyses (see accompanying papers in this issue) place the gene on the proximal long arm. NF1 probably resides in 17q11.2, since two unrelated NF1 patients have been identified who possess constitutional reciprocal translocations involving 17q11.2 with chromosomes 1 and 22. We have used a somatic-cell hybrid from the t(17;22) individual, along with other hybrid cell lines, to order probes around the NF1 locus. An additional probe, 17L1, has been isolated from a NotI linking library made from flow-sorted chromosome 17 material and has been mapped to a region immediately proximal to the transloca-tion breakpoint. While neither NF1 translocation breakpoint has yet been identified by pulsed-field gel analysis, an overlap between two probes, EW206 and EW207, has been detected. Furthermore, we have identified the breakpoint in a non-NFl translocation, SP-3, on the proximal side of the NF1 locus. This breakpoint has been helpful in creating a 1,000-kb pulsed-field map, which includes the closely linked NF1 probes HHH202 and TH17.19. The combined somatic-cell hybrid and pulsed-field gel analysis we report here favors the probe order D17Z1-HHH2O2-TH17.19-CRYB1–17L1-NF1-(EW2O6, EW207, EW203, L581, L946)-(ERBB2, ERBA1). The agreement in probe ordering between linkage analysis and physical mapping is excellent, and the availability of translocation breakpoints in NF1 should now greatly assist the cloning of this locus.
Asbestos exposure in a Yale building: Analysis and resolution

Abstract The Yale University Art and Architecture building has 118,000 sq ft (10,000 m 2 ) of floor space and houses the School of Art, the School of Architecture, and the schools' library. Completed in 1963, the nine-level reinforced concrete structure is a major building on the campus and has been used by over 2000 persons each academic year. The ceiling material in the building, a spray-applied mixture of asbestos and fibrous glass, caused occupant exposure to asbestos fibers under all conditions of usual activity. The measured asbestos fiber concentrations in some situations exceeded Occupational Safety and Health Administration allowable limits for industrial exposure, and in all cases were above the ambient city levels. Many air samples indicated potentially carcinogenic asbestos exposures. To eliminate this health hazard, the asbestos was removed from the building. Building isolation, protective equipment, surfactant treated water, and decontamination procedures afforded contamination control for the workers and the surrounding community. Ninety-two tons of wet asbestos-contaminated material was removed during a 20-day operation. Over 500 air samples were obtained during surveillance, experimentation, and asbestos removal. This report presents data obtained from 200 samples examined to date and outlines procedures used in the operation.
Managing hydroclimatological risk to water supply with option contracts and reservoir index insurance

[1] This paper explores the performance of a system of economic instruments designed to facilitate the reduction of hydroclimatologic variability-induced impacts on stakeholders of shared water supply. The system is composed of bulk water option contracts between urban water suppliers and agricultural users and insurance indexed on reservoir inflows. The insurance is designed to cover the financial needs of the water supplier in situations where the option is likely to be exercised. Insurance provides the irregularly needed funds for exercising the water options. The combined option contract – reservoir index insurance system creates risk sharing between sectors that is currently lacking in many shared water situations. Contracts are designed for a shared agriculture – urban water system in Metro Manila, Philippines, using optimization and Monte Carlo analysis. Observed reservoir inflows are used to simulate contract performance. Results indicate the option – insurance design effectively smooths water supply costs of hydrologic variability for both agriculture and urban water.
Phosphosulindac (OXT-328) selectively targets breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in human breast cancer xenografts

Pharmacological targeting of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) is highly promising for the treatment of breast cancer, as the small population of CSCs appears responsible for tumor initiation and progression and also for resistance to conventional treatment. Here we report that the novel phosphosulindac (OXT-328, PS) selectively and effectively eliminates breast CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. PS reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in various breast CSCs. Breast CSCs are resistant to conventional cancer drugs but are sensitive to PS. Long-term treatment of mixtures of cultured breast CSCs and breast cancer cells with PS preferentially eliminated the CSCs. PS impaired the ability of CSCs to form mammospheres and markedly suppressed the expression of CSC-related genes. More importantly, PS prevented by half (p = .06) the formation of tumors initiated by CSCs in immunodeficient mice, and inhibited by 83% (p < .05) the growth of already formed breast cancer xenografts, reducing the proportion of CSCs in them. PS suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by stimulating the degradation of β-catenin and its relocalization to the cell membrane and also blocked the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the generation of breast CSCs. These results indicate that PS has a strong inhibitory effect against breast cancer, acting, at least in part, by targeting CSCs through a signaling mechanism involving Wnt signaling.
Connecting Teacher Unions and Teacher Union Research

Statement by the Teachers' Work/Teacher Unions Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association.
Diurnal changes in intestinal apolipoprotein A-IV and its relation to food intake and corticosterone in rats

To further investigate the role of intestinal aplipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV) in the management of daily food intake, we examined the diurnal patterns in apo A-IV gene and protein expression in freel...
Postcanine tooth size in female primates

The results of many allometric studies of postcanine tooth size in mammals have not corresponded to expectations of tooth size based on energy requirements and dental function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between postcanine occlusal surface area, body size, and the metabolic demands of pregnancy and lactation in female primates. Tooth and body sizes from 38 primate species were taken from the literature to test two hypotheses: (1) females should have relatively larger teeth than males in order to masticate additional food for the energetic costs of reproduction; (2) taxa with the largest neonatal size (a measure of average metabolic costs of pregnancy and lactation) should have females with a greater degree of relative dental enlargement. The results show that relatively large female teeth are not found consistently in primate species. Females have less occlusal surface area than expected on the basis of the male tooth and body size regression in 21% of the species, and there is no correlation between relative female tooth size and relative newborn size across higher primate taxa. The degree of female dental enlargement is most closely related to degree of sexual dimorphism in body weight. The correlation between degree of body weight dimorphism and relatively larger postcanine teeth in females than in males is 0.87 in the 38 species. Species that are monomorphic in weight tend to be monomorphic in tooth size even though females apparently require more food than males. While it may be advantageous for females of dimorphic species to have relatively larger postcanine teeth compare to males, the hypotheses about female tooth size and function for primates in general are rejected. It is concluded that dental dimorphism and postcanine tooth size in general cannot be viewed from a strict adaptationist perspective with regard to dietary volume.
Adult spermatic cord sarcomas: management and results.

Background: We present a 20-year surgical experience with spermatic cord sarcoma, describe prognostic features, and evaluate the results of surgical and adjunctive treatments. Methods: Forty-seven patients were identified from an institutional database. Disease-free survival was calculated, and prognostic factors such as tumor grade, size, extent of operation, and adjuvant therapy were analyzed. Results: The median patient age was 58 years (range, 16–83 years), and the median follow-up was 51 months (range, .5–226 months). The most common tumor types included liposarcoma (51%), leiomyosarcoma (19%), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (13%), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (11%). Twenty-nine (62%) patients had high-grade tumors, 21 (45%) were treated with adjuvant radiation, and 9 (19%) received chemotherapy. The overall 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival was 75% and 55%, respectively. No specific prognostic factors were identified for recurrence or disease-free survival. In 21 patients who underwent reoperative wide resection after a prior incomplete resection, a trend toward improved disease-free survival was noted (P < .059). Of these, six (29%) had residual viable sarcoma. We could not demonstrate a therapeutic effect of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Conclusions: We demonstrated that aggressive surgical strategies, including reoperative wide resection, significantly decrease local recurrence and may improve disease free-survival in select patients with spermatic cord sarcoma.
Disparities in access to left ventricular assist device therapy.

Background Implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life among selected patients with end-stage heart failure. We hypothesized that utilization of this complex and expensive treatment modality would be influenced by disparities in access to health care. Materials and Methods We reviewed data from the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2003. Patients were included in the study if they were admitted to the hospital with a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure or cardiogenic shock. Patients older than 85 years of age and those with contraindications to LVAD therapy due to pre-existing medical conditions were excluded from the study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of patient characteristics (age, gender, race, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, insurance status, and population density of residence) as well as hospital characteristics (academic versus private and geographic region) on LVAD implantation. Results A total of 297,866 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Only 291 of these patients underwent LVAD implantation. Factors that adversely influenced access to therapy included age >65 (OR = 0.14), female gender (OR = 0.44), black race (OR = 0.29), admission to a non-academic center (OR = 0.16), and geographic region. Conclusions LVAD implantation was significantly influenced by disparities in access to treatment. Systematic reform in the delivery of evolving medical technologies to patients is needed to eliminate these disparities.