cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting Learning in Educational Games: Promises and Challenges.

Digital, educational games have many promises (e.g., increasing students’ content knowledge as well as competencies like problem solving, spatial skills, and persistence). However, there are challenges to overcome before using these games more broadly in educational settings. One challenge involves identifying effective, theoretically based learning supports that do not reduce the fun/engagement inherent in gameplay. In our chapter, we focus on the design, development, and testing of various types of embedded learning supports (e.g., animations, worked examples, formulas, interactive definitions, and videos). We contextualize this discussion in terms of our ongoing research with the game Physics Playground, currently being tested with middle- and high school students. We additionally elaborate on some of the challenges that we, as well as other educators and educational game designers, have faced in the design of optimal supports, concluding with ideas for future research.
The moralization of obesity.

Abstract Rationale Weight stigma is prevalent in Western society and has numerous negative effects on people with obesity. There remains a strong and currently unmet need to understand why anti-fat attitudes are tenacious and what intervention strategies might best produce lasting attitude change. Objective Many negative effects of weight stigma can be integrated by noting that people differ in the extent to which they see obesity as a moral failing. Drawing from moral psychology and weight stigma literature, we hypothesized that greater moral disapproval of obesity would be linked to greater control attributions and disgust towards obese people, stronger endorsement of discrimination, perception of greater health risks associated with obesity, resistance to attitude change, and negative perceptions of people who have bariatric surgery. Method Three studies were conducted with U.S.-based online samples in 2017–2018, and were analyzed with correlational, analysis of variance, and linear regression models. Results In Study 1, greater moralization of obesity predicted stronger belief in the controllability of obesity, greater disgust towards obese people, stronger endorsement of discrimination against obese individuals, and the perception of greater health risks associated with obesity. In Study 2, people with stronger moralized obesity attitudes rated arguments for classifying obesity as a disease as less convincing, demonstrating that moralized obesity attitudes are more resistant to persuasion than nonmoral attitudes. In Study 3, greater moralization predicted more negative responses to an individual who had bariatric surgery, even when the individual exerted strong diet and exercise-related effort to make the surgery successful. Conclusion A moral view of obesity explains why control attributions and disgust are essential components of weight stigma, and why antifat attitudes are resistant to change. We conclude with suggestions for future research and consideration of the implications of obesity moralization for other chronic health conditions.
The Changing Role of Non-Profit Organizations in the U.S. Long Term Care System

The American long-term care system has changed dramatically over the last several years as the need for care has increased steadily with the aging of the boomer generation. Arguably, the most important change has occurred in the Medicaid-funded part of the system as several states, with strong federal support, have moved toward contracting with large for-profit insurance companies to provide overall administration of Medicaid long-term care services, largely displacing the non-profit organizations that constitute the nation's Aging Network. We are concerned that the displacement of the mission-oriented model of long-term care that is administered by the Aging Network will negatively affect access, quality, and cost in state Medicaid long-term care programs.
Uniform Linked Lists Contraction.

We present a parallel algorithm (EREW PRAM algorithm) for linked lists contraction. We show that when we contract a linked list from size $n$ to size $n/c$ for a suitable constant $c$ we can pack the linked list into an array of size $n/d$ for a constant $1 < d\leq c$ in the time of 3 coloring the list. Thus for a set of linked lists with a total of $n$ elements and the longest list has $l$ elements our algorithm contracts them in $O(n\log i/p+(\log^{(i)}n+\log i )\log \log l+ \log l)$ time, for an arbitrary constructible integer $i$, with $p$ processors on the EREW PRAM, where $\log^{(1)} n =\log n$ and $\log^{(t)}n=\log \log^{(t-1)} n$ and $\log^*n=\min \{ i|\log^{(i)} n < 10\}$. When $i$ is a constant we get time $O(n/p+\log^{(i)}n\log \log l+\log l)$. Thus when $l=\Omega (\log^{(c)}n)$ for any constant $c$ we achieve $O(n/p+\log l)$ time. The previous best deterministic EREW PRAM algorithm has time $O(n/p+\log n)$ and best CRCW PRAM algorithm has time $O(n/p+\log n/\log \log n+\log l)$. Keywords: Parallel algorithms, linked list, linked list contraction, uniform linked list contraction, EREW PRAM.
Effect of the electron motion on the Compton scattering of a twisted photon

We present theoretical and numerical results on the Compton scattering of a twisted Bessel photon by a plane-wave electron with an arbitrary initial velocity. Scattering of a photon prepared in a superposition of Bessel states is also explored. Specifically, we investigate how the electron motion affects the dependence of the angular distribution and polarization of the scattered photons on the twisted photon opening angle, projection of angular momentum, and on the superposition of angular-momentum projection. The motion of the electron is found to strongly influence the dependence of these quantities on the parameters of the twisted photon. Moreover, if the speed of a properly directed electron exceeds a critical value, various distributions, such as the degree of circular polarization of the scattered photons, undergo a nearly global reversal of sign that is absent from the scattering of a plane-wave photon under identical conditions. This behavior is found to correspond to the inversion of the twisted photon momentum cone in the rest frame of the electron.
Rodent models for psychiatric disorders: problems and promises

Psychiatric disorders are a prevalent global health problem, over 900 million individuals affected by a continuum of mental and substance use disorders. Due to this high prevalence, and the substantial direct and indirect societal costs, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of these disorders to facilitate development of new and more effective treatments. Since the advent of recombinant DNA technologies in the early 1980s, genetically modified rodent models have significantly contributed to the genetic and molecular basis of psychiatric disorders. Despite significant advancements, many challenges remain after unsuccessful drug development based on rodent models. Recent human genetics show the polygenetic nature of mental disorders, identifying hundreds of allelic variants that confer increased risk. However, given the complexity of the brain, with many unique cell types, gene expression profiles, and developmental trajectories, proper animal models are needed more than ever to dissect genes and circuits in a cell type-specific manner to advance our understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. In this mini-review, we highlight current challenges and promises of using rodent models in advancing science and drug development, focusing on advanced techniques, and their applications to rodent models of psychiatric disorders.
Delayed functional independence after thrombectomy: temporal characteristics and predictors.

Background Variability in early neurological improvement after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is well documented. Understanding the temporal progression of functional independence after EVT, especially delayed functional independence in patients who do not experience early improvement, is essential for prognostication and rehabilitation. Objective To determine the incidence of early and delayed functional independence and identify associated predictors after EVT. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on patients undergoing EVT in the setting of anterior circulation LVO was performed. Demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment, and procedural information were analyzed. Incidence and predictors of early functional independence (EFI, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at discharge) and delayed functional independence (DFI, mRS score 0–2 at 90 days in non-EFI patients) were analyzed. Results Three hundred and fifty-five patients met the study criteria. 55% were women and mean age was 71±15. Mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17±6 and median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 9 (8-10). EFI was observed in 21% (73) of patients. Among non-EFI patients (282), DFI was observed in 30% (85) of patients. Shorter time to treatment (p=0.03), lower 24 hours NIHSS score (p Conclusion Approximately one-fifth of patients experience EFI and one-third of non-early improvers experience DFI. Younger age, lower 24 hours NIHSS score, and absence of parenchymal hemorrhage were independent predictors of DFI among non-early improvers. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of DFI.
Analysis of Male Sex as a Risk Factor in Older Adults With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study From the New York City Metropolitan Region

Background Advancing age and male sex have been identified as risk factors for poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is a dearth of data investigating the impact of age on the risk reported with male sex. We aimed to determine the risk associated with male sex in people of different age groups, that is, in people younger or older than 65 years of age. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study that included 370 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 12, 2020, and May 13, 2020, at a 242-bed teaching community hospital in the New York City metropolitan region. Patients were classified into younger (age =65, n=238). We calculated odds ratios for poor outcomes in men compared to women separately in these two groups. Results Among older individuals, there was no difference in the odds of poor outcomes between men and women. In contrast, among younger people, men had higher odds of severe pneumonia, need for high oxygen support, acute kidney injury and acute liver injury when compared to women. Conclusions Among people older than 65 years, sex did not impact disease severity and outcomes in COVID-19. Thus, older women were equally likely to have severe COVID-19 when compared to age-matched men. In contrast, among younger middle-aged adults (29-64 years), men had higher odds of end-organ damage from COVID-19 compared to women. Based on these observations, age is a more important driver of poor outcomes in COVID-19 than sex. Public health policies need to create awareness for the increased risk of older individuals to COVID-19, regardless of sex.
PspA Diversity, Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Invasive Pneumococcal Isolates from Paediatric Patients in Shenzhen, China.

Introduction To determine the phenotypes and genotypes of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), 108 strains were isolated from paediatric patients with invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs) in Shenzhen from 2014 to 2018. Methods Serotype profiles were defined by multiplex PCR of the capsule gene. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) classification was performed through pspA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial resistance was examined by broth microdilution. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was determined based on next-generation sequencing data. Results Eighty-one S. pneumoniae of 17 serotypes were finally collected. The coverage of the 13-conjugated polysaccharide vaccine (PCV13) was 88.9%. After the introduction of PCV13, the nonvaccine serotypes were added by serotypes 15b, 16F and 20. Vaccine serotype 3 increased by four serious cases. The pspA family 1 and pspA family 2 are predominant. The multiple drug resistance rate is 91.3%. None of the nonmeningitis isolates were resistant to penicillin, while 98.8% of all the isolates were resistant to erythromycin. Discussion This work characterizes the molecular epidemiology of invasive S. pneumoniae in Shenzhen. Continued surveillance of serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility is necessary to alert antibiotic-resistant nonvaccine serotypes and highly virulent serotypes.
EffectorO: motif-independent prediction of effectors in oomycete genomes using machine learning and lineage specificity

Abstract Oomycete plant pathogens cause a wide variety of diseases, including late blight of potato, sudden oak death, and downy mildew of many plants. These pathogens are major contributors to losses in many food crops. Oomycetes secrete “effector” proteins to manipulate their hosts to the advantage of the pathogen. Plants have evolved to recognize effectors, resulting in an evolutionary cycle of defense and counter-defense in plant–microbe interactions. This selective pressure results in highly diverse effector sequences that can be difficult to computationally identify using sequence similarity. We developed a pipeline, EffectorO, that uses two complementary approaches to predict effectors in oomycete pathogen genomes: (1) a machine learning-based pipeline that predicts effector probability based on the biochemical properties of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of a protein and is trained on experimentally verified oomycete effectors and (2) a pipeline based on lineage-specificity to find proteins that are unique to one species or genus, a sign of evolutionary divergence due to adaptation to the host. We tested EffectorO on Bremia lactucae, which causes lettuce downy mildew, and Phytophthora infestans, which causes late blight of potato and tomato, and predicted many novel effector candidates, while still recovering the majority of known effector candidates. EffectorO will be useful for discovering novel families of oomycete effectors without relying on sequence similarity to known effectors.
Differential effects of elevated nest temperature and parasitism on the gut microbiota of wild avian hosts.

BACKGROUND Changes in wild animal gut microbiotas may influence host health and fitness. While many studies have shown correlations between gut microbiota structure and external factors, few studies demonstrate causal links between environmental variables and microbiota shifts. Here, we use a fully factorial experiment to test the effects of elevated ambient temperature and natural nest parasitism by nest flies (Protocalliphora sialia) on the gut microbiotas of two species of wild birds, the eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) and the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor). RESULTS We find that bacterial communities from the nestlings of each host species show idiosyncratic responses to both heat and parasitism, with gut microbiotas of eastern bluebirds more disrupted by heat and parasitism than those of tree swallows. Thus, we find that eastern bluebirds are unable to maintain stable associations with their gut bacteria in the face of both elevated temperature and parasitism. In contrast, tree swallow gut microbiotas are not significantly impacted by either heat or nest parasitism. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that excess heat (e.g., as a result of climate change) may destabilize natural host-parasite-microbiota systems, with the potential to affect host fitness and survival in the Anthropocene.
Flatness-based Control of a Gimballed Fixed-Wing UAS

This paper derives a differential flatness model for a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS) together with a gimballed camera. The flat output is the 3D trajectory of the aircraft and the 3D trajectory of a ground target. An LQR controller is then derived so that the UAS follows the desired trajectory and the optical axis is aligned with the line-of-sight vector between the UAS and the target. A simple simulation study shows that the framework can be used to visually track and follow a ground target, maintaining the optical axis alignment to within 1.2 degrees.
Damping characteristics of friction damped braced frame and its effectiveness in the mega-sub controlled structure system

Based on energy dissipation and structural control principle, a new structural configuration, called the mega-sub controlled structure (MSCS) with friction damped braces (FDBs), is first presented. Meanwhile, to calculate the damping coefficient in the slipping state a new analytical method is proposed. The damping characteristics of one-storey friction damped braced frame (FDBF) are investigated, and the influence of the structural parameters on the energy dissipation and the practical engineering design are discussed. The nonlinear dynamic equations and the analytical model of the MSCS with FDBs are established. Three building structures with different structural configurations, which were designed with reference to the conventional mega-sub structures such as used in Tokyo City Hall, are comparatively investigated. The results illustrate that the structure presented in the paper has excellent dynamic properties and satisfactory control effectiveness.
The Design of Frequency Sampling Filters

Abstract Under certain conditions, a frequency sampling filter can implement a linear phase filter more efficiently than an equivalent filter implemented by a direct convolution structure. However, the system function of a frequency sampling filter requires pole-zero cancellations on the unit circle. For practical implementations, finite word length effects usually prevent exact pole-zero cancellation which can result in filter instability. To prevent instability, the poles and zeros on the unit circle can be moved to a circle of radius r where 0 The resulting filter is guaranteed to be stable; however, the filter’s magnitude and phase characteristics are affected by the choice of r. This chapter develops a method for determining optimal coefficients which minimizes a linear combination of the mean square error in the stopband and passband, and the sum of square error of the impulse response symmetry subject to passband and stopband constraints and a fixed value of r
Reflections on the Justice of the Present War and Some Implications for Education

September 11, 2001 will join December 7, 1941 as another day that will live in infamy in the minds of many Americans for generations to come. In the soft light of a morning of fading summer, a terroristic assault collapsed the walls separating this country from some two decades of battles fought on the soil of other nations, and the present war entered a more violent and global phase. Images too fantastic to be other than Hollywood creations seared into the public imagination the deaths of thousands of innocents. Soon, a frightened and uncomprehending President called for a crusade in retaliation, a world war of good against evil, and he ordered U.S. armed forces to reach into the hidden recesses of a shadowy network to bring the terrorists to justice. Bombardments and secret operations project U.S. military power across the globe, while terror attacks on the home front sneak in with the mail and threaten liberties as surely as lives.
Solar system upper atmospheres: Photochemistry, energetics, and dynamics

The physical modeling of most upper atmospheric processes begins with the approximation and solution of one or more of the three primary equations of conservation-mass (i.e., continuity), energy, and momentum. Here we outline the main components of these equations as they relate to the upper atmospheres of the solar system, reviewing the salient results for photochemistry, energetics, and dynamics on key terrestrial planets, jovian planets, and satellites.
A note on tame/compatible almost complex structures on four-dimensional Lie algebras☆

Four-dimensional, oriented Lie algebras g which satisfy the tame–compatible question of Donaldson for all almost complex structures J on g are completely described. As a consequence, examples are given of (non-unimodular) four-dimensional Lie algebras with almost complex structures which are tamed but not compatible with symplectic forms.
Originalism's Promise, and Its Limits

In this Symposium Essay, I summarize originalism’s promise and limits. Part II succinctly explains originalism’s promise. Part III briefly describes originalism’s limits. Part IV then suggests that originalism’s limits contribute to its promise.
Capacity building in nutrition science: revisiting the curricula for medical professionals

The current nutrition education curricula for students in U.S. medical schools, and schools of other health professions, such as nursing and oral health, do not provide enough opportunity to gain knowledge of the interactions among micro- and macronutrients, their role in maintaining optimal body functions, factors that interfere with these interactions, or, importantly, how to integrate this knowledge into medical practice. There is a need to better prepare healthcare professionals for identifying nutrition risk and managing hospitalized patients, especially those with chronic conditions, using an interprofessional, team-based approach. A major goal of this report is to revisit current nutrition training programs for physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to explore opportunities for providing healthcare providers with the essential tools of preventative and therapeutic nutrition intervention strategies. The issues addressed include whether a consensus exists on how to integrate basic and applied nutrition into the general healthcare professional curriculum, and if so, at which stages of training and at what depth should these integrations occur; how nutrition education is dealt with and achieved throughout all the health professions; and whether current nutrition education models are sufficient. To help address these issues, the report will review current nutrition education practices-their strengths and weaknesses-as well as evaluate promising new initiatives, and offer proposals for new directions for nutrition education training of future generation of medical practitioners.
Distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 messenger RNA in the developing and adult rat brain

Abstract The large number of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes suggests diverse roles in brain function, although specific distribution patterns can give clues to subtype-specific functions [Hayashi Y. et al. (1993) Nature 366 , 687–690; Nakajima Y. et al. (1993) J. biol. Chem. 268 , 11868–11873; Nomura A. et al. (1994) Cell 77 , 361–369; Ohishi H. et al. (1993) Neuroscience 53 , 1009–1018]. The metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR7 is sensitive to the agonist l -2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, a presynaptic inhibitor of neurotransmitter release. We examined the anatomic distribution of mGluR7 messenger RNA expression by in situ hybridization in the developing and adult rat central nervous system. Our results demonstrate that mGluR7 messenger RNA is among the most widely distributed of metabotropic glutamate receptors in both the developing and adult rat nervous system and that mGluR7 messenger RNA is expressed in most neuronal groups known to respond to l -2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, including mitral cells of the olfactory bulb, granule cells of the dentate gyrus and neurons of the entorhinal cortex and dorsal root ganglion. mGluR7 exhibits preferential expression in sensory afferent pathways and is highly represented in the periventricular zone of the hypothalamus, the latter implying a modulatory role for mGluR7 in neuroendocrine pathways. Most strikingly, the majority of neurons at all levels of olfactory circuitry are among the areas of highest mGluR7 messenger RNA content. The anatomic distribution of mGluR7 messenger RNA suggests that mGluR7 activation may participate in the processing of hippocampal, sensory and olfactory information.
Eidetic imagery and plasticity of perception.

Resume Cet article decrit le cas d'une etudiante universitaire qui montre une tres forte imagerie eidetique (visuelle, auditive, olfactive et tactile). Son imagerie visuelle montre bien des caracteristiques qui s'accordent avec les resultats de Jaensch. Dans le cas de ce sujet le monde de la perception visuelle peut ětre facilement supprime, ou entierement ou en partie, et remplace par l'imagerie eidetique. Son experience phenomenale montre une dependance remarquablement legere des conditions physiques de la stimulation au moment. Cette “plasticite de la perception” peut ětre attribuee, au moins dans quelques cas, a une suppression de la perception par l'imagerie. Le sujet montre nombre des caracteristiques du type “basevoide” de Jaensch, ainsi que quelques-uns des traits de son type “synesthesique.”
A hierarchical method for synthesizing relations

There are two basic approaches in the normalization theory of relational databases. One approach is the decomposition of large relation schemes into smaller relation schemes. A required criteria for a satisfactory decomposition is the lossless join property. The other approach is to synthesize a set of relation schemes from a given set of functional dependencies that are assumed to hold for a universal relation scheme. The synthesized relation schemes are easily identified once a minimal cover of the given set of functional dependencies is obtained. This paper presents another method for synthesizing relation schemes without finding a minimal cover. Starting with a given set of functional dependencies, a partial order graph can be defined. Using the partial order graph and any method for finding keys of relation schemes, a systematic method for synthesizing relation schemes is outlined. The method is easy to implement. However, no programming technique is suggested in this paper.
Abstract IA15: VEGF-targeted therapies: Biomarkers, biology, and understanding resistance

Despite major advances in the clinical development of VEGF-targeted therapy, most patients9 tumors are considered to be inherently resistant. When response is obtained, the benefit of VEGF inhibitors is transient, lasting weeks to months, in contrast to the original hypothesis that cancer would be converted to a chronic disease with this therapeutic approach. The mechanisms of action of this class of drugs vary among tumor types and therefore resistance mechanisms and biomarkers are likely to be tumor-type specific. Clinical studies have begun to uncover potential biomarkers that require validation in prospective studies. For example, data reported at the 2011 ESMO meeting suggested that circulating VEGF, as detected by a new ELISA, may be able to determine the population of patients likely to benefit from the use of bevacizumab, in some, but not all studies. In addition, several clinical studies reported this past year have shown that continued VEGF-inhibition through multiple lines of therapy may be of benefit to patients. These clinical studies suggest that resistance may be a relative term: although patients eventually progress, continued VEGF inhibition beyond initial progression may be of clinical benefit in selected patients. There is much work to be done in the field of biomarkers for VEGF-targeted therapies, but these recent clinical studies provide insights that will hopefully provide the foundation for significant improvements in patient outcomes.
Fish oil increases blood flow in the ileum during chronic feeding in rats

Benefits of enteral feeding with immune-enhancing diets (IEDs) depend on route, timing, and composition. We hypothesized that chronic enteral feeding with certain individual immunonutrients would enhance gastrointestinal blood flow. Male rats were fed a standard enteral diet supplemented with immunonutrients for 5 days before study. Groups were (1) standard rat chow, (2) liquid control diet (CD) alone (CD), (3) CD + fish oil, (4) CD + L-arginine, and (5) CD + RNA fragments. Whole organ blood flow distribution was measured by colorimetric microsphere technique in antrum, small intestine (in thirds), colon, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. Chronic feeding for 5 days with CD + fish oil increased blood flow in the distal third of the small intestine compared with CD alone, whereas feeding with CD + L-arginine decreased blood flow in the small intestine (all segments) compared with CD alone. Acute gavage of CD + L-arginine or CD + fish oil increased blood flow in the proximal and middle third of the small intestine compared with CD alone. Control diet + RNA increased blood flow in the proximal small intestine compared with CD alone. These findings support prior acute feeding studies with CD, CD + individual immunonutrients, or IED. Our current data suggest that blood flow benefits associated with fish oil persist during chronic feeding in rats. Enhanced gastrointestinal perfusion might partially explain the benefits of early enteral feeding with IEDs not seen with regular enteral diets and parenteral immunonutrient delivery.
Severity of primary sclerosing cholangitis and its impact on the clinical outcome of Crohn's disease.

Background and aim: Crohn’s disease (CD) is associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of the study was to study the association between the severity of PSC and clinical outcome of CD, comparing the course of CD in patients with PSC not needing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and those requiring OLT. Methods: A total of 41 patients with PSC and CD seen at the Cleveland Clinic between 1985 and 2011 were included in this study. Clinical and demographic variables were obtained regarding the outcome of CD in patients with and without OLT. Results: Patients with PSC–CD were divided into two groups: 20 without OLT (non-OLT) and 21 with OLT. 18 (85.7%) of patients in the OLT group had pancolitis in contrast to 14 (70%) in the non-OLT group. (p = 0.22). There were no significant differences regarding duration of CD, but the duration of PSC was longer in the OLT group [16.0 ± 7.8 vs. 10.3 ± 6.4, p = 0.01]. The OLT and non-OLT groups did not differ in the number of CD flares [0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 5), p = 0.28) and need for surgery for CD [(6 (28.6%) vs. 9 (45%), p = 0.27]. Colon carcinoma and dysplasia were similar in the non-OLT and OLT groups [(4 (20%) vs. 3 (13.2%), p = 0.52]. On Cox regression analysis, OLT for PSC [Hazards ratio (HR) 1.2 (95% confidence interval (C.I.): 0.38 – 3.7, p = 0.79] did not impact the risk of colectomy. Conclusions: In contrast to UC, severe PSC requiring OLT does not appear to impact the clinical outcome of CD. * Abbreviations: 5-ASA : 5-aminosalicylic acid CD : Crohn's disease CI : confidence interval ERCP : endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiography IBD : inflammatory bowel disease IC : indeterminate colitis MRCP : magnetic resonance pancreatocholangiography OR : odds ratio OLT : orthotropic liver transplantation PSC : primary sclerosing cholangitis UC : ulcerative colitis
A computer‐assisted method for CEC estimation and quality control in a routine soil‐test operation

Abstract Cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) of 30 Alabama soils was estimated by two different methods based or routine soil‐test results consisting of soil‐water pH, Adams‐Evans buffer pH, and Mehlich‐1 extractable cations (K, Mg, and Ca), which were obtained automatically by a computerized data acquisition system. In one method, CEC was calculated by solving a quadratic equation involving soil‐water and buffer pH's; in the other, CEC was estimated as the summation of extractable cations and exchangeable acidity. The two estimated CEC's agreed well with each other and also had the same magnitude as CEC determined by the normal NaOAc, pH 8.2 method. By averaging the two calculated values, an even closer estimation of the measured CEC was found. These calculations and comparisons can be accomplished quickly and efficiently by a minicomputer via a simple FORTRAN program. In addition, a discrepancy between the two estimated CEC's would indicate possible errors in analytical determinations and/or the inadequacy o...
Energy Transfer Dynamics in a Series of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes with Varying Chain Length

A time-resolved and steady state photophysical study of a family of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with variable chain lengths (ranging from 8 to 108 polymer repeat units per chain) is reported. The CPEs investigated are poly(phenylene ethynelene)s substituted with two carboxylate groups per polymer repeat unit to provide water and methanol soluble conjugated polyelectrolytes. Steady state and ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence and anisotropy measurements were performed to explore the role of chain lengths on the energy transfer processes. We find that the CPEs aggregate under almost all conditions, with the degree of aggregation depending on the length of the conjugated polyelectrolyte chains. These CPEs are highly rigid and planar and present a very small loss of anisotropy during their emission lifetime.
The Cathode Drop in an Electric Arc

By making the assumption that the total cathode drop occurs in a distance less than one mean free path from the cathode, Poisson's equation can be solved. If the experimental values of 4000 amperes per square centimeter, and 10 volts are used for the current density at the cathode, and the cathode drop in a mercury arc, values for the electric field existing at the surface of the cathode can be determined for varying percentages of the current carried by positive ions. If 5% of the current at the cathode is carried by positive ions, the field existing at the surface of the cathode exceeds 5×10^(5) volts per cm. This is probably sufficient to furnish the necessary electron current by "field" currents produced by this high field. The whole cathode drop occurs within a distance of approximately 2×10^(-5) centimeters, so that the original assumption is justified.
Oxidative stress may cause ITP

ITP has served as a model for autoimmune disorders with disturbances of the innate and adaptive immunity where targeted treatment with immunomodulation has proven effective. In this issue of Blood , Zhang et al report that these immune disturbances are triggered by oxydative stress.[1][1] In
Incorporating Performance Improvement Methods into a Needs Assessment: Experience with a Nutrition and Exercise Curriculum

BACKGROUND Clinical guidelines recommend that physicians counsel patients on diet and exercise; however, physician counseling remains suboptimal.
MO‐D‐303A‐05: Investigation of On‐Line Learning Methods and Software to Augment CAMPEP Residency Training Programs

Purpose: It has been estimated that the number of CAMPEP accredited therapeuticmedical physics residency programs needs to increase from 23 to approximately 100 if the ABR 2014 requirement is to be met. One hurdle for new programs is development and ongoing provision of didactic training needed to meet AAPM report 90 guidelines. A significant amount of FTE time is required to create and run courses in a traditional class room context. One solution is to create didactic training as web based modules that can be used to supplement mentored programs. This paper examines feasibility and one set of tools for creating web based training programs. Method and Materials: Educational literature was examined for the strengths and weaknesses of web based learning and to gain insight into effective techniques. Several commercial products were examined for their ease of use in a clinical environment and adaptability to medical physics needs. On‐line learning modules were created for several topics. Results: Recent studies show 1) exam scores were not impaired by use of a web based lecture series, 2) student satisfaction ratios did not differ significantly between web based and live lectures, and 3) student satisfaction ratings did not differ significantly between PowerPoint slides with audio narration and video stream. Participation by the resident in creating content for online learning modules enhanced the resident's mastery of the didactic material as well as providing training in educational practices. Conclusion: Creation and use of on‐line learning modules are an effective component of a didactic program. They fit naturally with TG133 based structured mentorship affiliated with a primary CAMPEP accredited residency. The technology makes possible creation of a library of modules by experts in particular fields that could be used in all programs.
Acknowledgement trends in the research literature of information science

Data were gathered on acknowledgements in five leading information science journals for the years 1991‐1999. The results were compared with data from two earlier studies of the same journals. Analysis of the aggregate data (1971‐1999) confirms the general impression that acknowledgement has become an institutionalised element of the scholarly communication process, reflecting the growing cognitive and structural complexity of contemporary research.
α2A‐adrenergic receptors are expressed by diverse cell types in the fetal primate cerebral wall

The cellular elements of the fetal monkey cerebral wall expressing α2A, the most common subtype of the α2 receptor class, were examined by using nonisotopic in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with double-labeling for cell type-specific markers. At the three embryonic ages examined, E70, E90, and E120, α2A receptors were expressed throughout the embryonic cerebral wall. In the E70 and E90 fetuses, α2A receptors were observed in most cells of the proliferative zones. Some α2A-positive cells also expressed a proliferation-associated antigen, Ki-67, suggesting that the receptors are present in dividing cells. Furthermore, at E90, α2A receptors were detected on fibers passing between the ventricular and subventricular proliferative zones. At all ages studied, α2A receptors were expressed by migrating neurons in the intermediate zone, characterized by a spindle-like shape, radial alignment, and close association with radial glia. α2A receptors were also expressed by postmigrational microtubule-associated protein-2-positive neurons of the intermediate and subplate zones and the cortical plate. In the marginal zone, α2A receptors were present in the Cajal-Retzius neurons. Finally, α2A receptors were seen in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells at all ages studied. In addition, dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, employed to determine the potential source of noradrenaline in the embryonic cerebral wall, revealed noradrenergic innervation in the marginal, subplate, and intermediate zones of the monkey occipital lobe as early as E70. Based on our observations and available data on α2A signal transduction pathways, we propose that these receptors are involved in regulating the generation, migration, and maturation of cerebral cortical cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 378:493–507, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Continuous-processing-related event-related potentials in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Visual information processing in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was studied using event-related potentials recorded during two versions of the Continuous Performance Task (CPT). ADHD children made more errors, and had longer reaction times than normal children on both the single- and dual-target CPT. Event-related potential waveforms were normal in the ADHD children with reference to early processing stages, i.e., contingent negative variation, P1-N1 laterality, and processing negativities, suggesting that ADHD children did not differ in their level of preparedness or their ability to mobilize resources for target identification and categorization. With respect to later processing, P3 amplitude was reduced in the ADHD group, whereas P3 latency was longer than normal. ADHD children had a diminished late frontal negative component, suggestive of reduced involvement in postdecisional processing.
The mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome: a critical re-examination.

In 1967 Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese paediatrician, described fifty infants and children with an acute febrile mucocutaneous reaction which he felt had a distinctive constellation of clinical features to constitute a new syndrome. Thus, he introduced the term‘mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome1 (Kawasaki, 1967; Kawasaki et al., 1974). A number of additional cases were reported from Japan, such that a research committee on mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome of the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare was formed in 1970 (Kawasaki et al., 1974; Editorial, 1976), By 1976 this committee felt that enough information was available to accept mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome as a nosologic entity and elected to call it by an eponym, Kawasaki disease (Editorial, 1976; Yanagawaz Shigemaisu, 1976; Morens & Nahmias, 1978). By 1976, 10,258 definite cases had been reported in Japan (Morens & Nahmias, 1978), Since 1970, cases have been described all over die world including the United States (Melish, Hicks & Larson, 1976; Morens & Nahmias, 1978; Morens & O'Brien, 1978). The purpose of this report is to re-evaluate the mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome or so-called Kawasaki disease, to determine if it is a distinct clinical entity or a heterogenous group of previously described disorders that share some similar signs and symptoms.
THE BRITISH NAVAL BLOCKADE AND U.S. TRADE, 1939–40

(1991). The British Naval Blockade and U.S. Trade, 1939–40. The Historian: Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 743-764.
Analysis of Product Hot Electron Problems by Gated Emission Microscopy

A new tool to analyze the hot electron problems at the product level is introduced. The method combines the latest night vision technology and computer image processing techniques to precisely locate the transistors most vulnerable to hot electron degradation. A dual microchannel intensifier is coupled to a solid state camera to detect and amplify the extremely faint light emitted by the transistors in saturation. Computer image processing techniques are then employed to boost the sensitivity. Time resolution of hot electron events is achieved by `gating' the intensifier. To date, we have achieved a time resolution of l5ns, spatial resolution of l?m with a sensitivity of 10nA per ?m of substrate current. At the sensitivity level of our instrument we can even detect hot electron events which cause no degradation.
Did a Strong Economy in the 1990s Affect Poverty in U.S. Metro Areas? Exploring Changes in Poverty in Metropolitan Areas Over the Last U.S. Business Cycle, 1992-2003:

This article considers whether the economic transformation in the United States during the 1990s included the reduction of poverty in metropolitan (metro) areas. The authors investigate poverty cha...
The innate cellular responses to HIV-1 invasion: emerging molecules of ancient defense mechanisms.

Along alternative protective pathways, human cells can synthesize biologically active proteins that interfere with HIV replication, but are not viral antigen specific. HIV is sensitive to several viral inhibitors of cellular origin, such as interferons or interferon-regulated proteins. With the progress of AIDS research it has become evident that the immune cells of some individuals are capable of restricting the virus by secretion of other, yet unidentified factor(s) that can be detected only by their potent antiviral activity. Research efforts to identify this inhibitor of HIV — a “magic bullet” released by our immune cells — have revealed the identity of several novel molecules and added to the knowledge of innate cellular responses to viral invasion.
The Influence of Reynolds Number and Row Position on Surface Pressure Distributions in Staggered Pin Fin Arrays

Full surface pressure distributions over the endwall and pin in a staggered pin fin array have been acquired over a ten to one range in Reynolds numbers. These pressure distributions allow us to visualize the strong inertial pressure gradients that are responsible for driving secondary flows in pin fin passages. These strong pressure gradients include endwall regions near the pin stagnation region and near the pin at 90° from the stagnation region. Pressure distributions have been acquired on pin and endwall surfaces at eight consecutive rows using conventional static pressure measurement techniques. Pressures have been taken at 380 locations per row and, assuming symmetry, provide a well resolved visualization of surface pressure. Generally, surface and pin pressure distributions vary significantly from row to row in the entrance of the array at a given Reynolds number but stay relatively consistent after row four. Dimensionless pressure distributions are quite similar for row one for all Reynolds numbers but vary significantly at a given row downstream with Reynolds number. These data are expected to enhance our understanding of pin array fluid dynamics and to compliment full surface heat transfer data presented in a future paper.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
TO BE “EMPLACED”: FUZHOUNESE MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF DESTINATION

This article offers an exploration of what it means to be “emplaced” amidst the various spatial and temporal streams currently flowing through an emigrant village in the Fuzhou countryside along the southeast coast of China. These flows include both transnational currents resulting from two decades of mass emigration via human smuggling networks to the United States and other foreign destinations as well as national and translocal currents driven in part by Post-Mao reforms for market liberalization and China’s “opening up” (kaifang). Particularly, I aim to provide a corrective to the overemphasis of displacement as an experience outside of “home” and moreover, to the mystification of “home” sites as imaginary places simply of longing and belonging. My goal is not to dismiss symbolic understandings of mythical homelands but rather to better contextualize and refine assumptions of migrant displacement in relation to imaginations of locality and belonging from the empirical and phenomenological grounds of t...
Compact low voltage four quadrant CMOS current multiplier

A new compact low voltage four quadrant current mode CMOS multiplier is presented. Post layout simulation in a CMOS 0.5 mum technology shows a linearity error lower than 0.9% for signal swings up t ...
Trophic convergence drives morphological convergence in marine tetrapods

Marine tetrapod clades (e.g. seals, whales) independently adapted to marine life through the Mesozoic and Caenozoic, and provide iconic examples of convergent evolution. Apparent morphological convergence is often explained as the result of adaptation to similar ecological niches. However, quantitative tests of this hypothesis are uncommon. We use dietary data to classify the feeding ecology of extant marine tetrapods and identify patterns in skull and tooth morphology that discriminate trophic groups across clades. Mapping these patterns onto phylogeny reveals coordinated evolutionary shifts in diet and morphology in different marine tetrapod lineages. Similarities in morphology between species with similar diets—even across large phylogenetic distances—are consistent with previous hypotheses that shared functional constraints drive convergent evolution in marine tetrapods.