cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traumatic perforation: determinants of conductive hearing loss

Background: Traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane are very common in day to day life and it may be due to direct or indirect source. The aim of this study is to evaluate the various factors which determine the degree of hearing loss in patients with traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane . Methods: A retrospective review was performed in 50 patients seen at the ENT department in our rural tertiary center over a period of two years between January 2015 to December 2016. The patients with history of ear trauma from various causes and with absolutely no previous history of any ear disease were included in our study. The data retrieved included parameters such as age, sex, side, cause of injury and presenting complaints such as hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, and vertigo. A detailed clinical and otoscopic examination was done to determine the size and location of the perforation. Hearing was assessed using pure tone audiometry (PTA) to determine the degree of hearing loss and to correlate with frequency, size and location of perforation . Results: A total of 50 patients with traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane were enrolled for the study, comprising of 32 males and 18 females patients. Age of the patients ranged from12 to 65 years of age. The results showed that the most common mode of trauma was RTA (46%). Audiometry shows that the larger the tympanic membrane perforation, the larger the air–bone gap. Hearing loss was highest at the lowest frequencies and generally decreased as the frequency increased. The results also showed that there was no difference in air bone gap with relation to location of perforation (anterior vs. posterior) . Conclusions: The conductive hearing loss resulting from a tympanic membrane perforation is frequency dependent, with the largest losses occurring at the lowest sound frequencies, hearing loss increases as size of the perforation increases and no relation with location of perforation .
DC Potential Consequences of Induced Muscle Tension : Effects on Contingent Negative Variation*

Publisher Summary The induction of muscle tension has often been used as a means of increasing general arousal levels and has been found to enhance performance on a variety of tasks and to influence visually evoked potentials and the motor potential. This chapter describes an experiment in which 13 male undergraduate students from Stanford University were used as Ss . DC recordings were made from C z and P z referentially to linked mastoids and from above and below the right eye with Grass 5P–1 preamplifiers. The S 's response terminated the IS. The PS–2 lamp was placed against the outside window of the shielded chamber and was viewed by the S through a 15 cm square aperture at eye level approximately 2 m from the S . The 40 and 50 lb weight conditions were begun later in the experiment after it was suggested that the 30 lb condition was not overly difficult; only 9 Ss were run in those conditions. Initially, 50 lb was used, but it proved excessive for the cable arrangement and was then reduced to 40 lb. Weight presentations of 0, 15, and 30 lb were counterbalanced across Ss , but because the 45 lb condition was introduced later, it was always presented last. Trials were continued until 12 of them were presented without error or excessive eye movement.
More than morphology: Differences in food ration drive physiological plasticity in echinoid larvae

Abstract Previous studies examining echinoid larval development have observed food-dependent allometric growth in morphological features related to particle capture ability. The aim of the current study was to determine if in conjunction with this morphological plasticity, there was also evidence for physiological plasticity (i.e., food-dependent differences in mass-specific rates and/or energetic efficiencies). Larvae of the Pacific sand dollar, Dendraster excentricus, were fed relatively low and high amounts of algae (1,000 and 10,000 algal cells ml− 1, respectively). Morphological plasticity was observed, with low-fed larvae possessing longer ciliated bands and postoral arms relative to midline body length and stomach length. Rates of ingestion, metabolism, and growth (protein and lipid biomass) were measured throughout larval development to investigate differences in larval energy partitioning and growth efficiencies. Mass-specific rates of ingestion and respiration were ~ 2-fold higher in high-fed larvae, indicative of significant differences in physiological state . While total energy ingested reflected the 10-fold difference in feeding concentration, partitioning of energy between growth and metabolism was significantly different. Low-fed larvae possessed higher ingestion-related efficiencies (assimilation , gross growth, and protein growth efficiencies) that decreased with age. High-fed larvae exhibited consistently greater values of net growth efficiency throughout development. This increase was driven by increasing metabolic efficiency of protein deposition . A correlative analysis between rates of ingestion and metabolism demonstrated that both low- and high-fed larvae had a similar cost of feeding of 0.29 (± 0.01; SE) μJ (algal cell ingested)− 1. These results demonstrate that larval responses to food levels are not just morphologically plastic, but also physiologically plastic. It is important to further understand these mechanisms of physiological plasticity and their potential link to morphology. Such information will result in a more comprehensive understanding of larval growth and factors that influence recruitment success.
Leidenfrost drops on micro/nanostructured surfaces

In the Leidenfrost state, the liquid drop is levitated above a hot solid surface by a vapor layer generated via evaporation from the drop. The vapor layer thermally insulates the drop from the heating surface, causing deteriorated heat transfer in a myriad of important engineering applications. Thus, it is highly desirable to suppress the Leidenfrost effect and elevate the Leidenfrost temperature. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent literature concerning the Leidenfrost drops on micro/nanostructured surfaces with an emphasis on the enhancement of the Leidenfrost temperature. The basic physical processes of the Leidenfrost effect and the key characteristics of the Leidenfrost drops were first introduced. Then, the major findings of the influence of various micro/nanoscale surface structures on the Leidenfrost temperature were presented in detail, and the underlying enhancement mechanism for each specific surface topology was also discussed. It was concluded that multiscale hierarchical surfaces hold the best promise to significantly boost the Leidenfrost temperature by combining the advantages of both micro- and nanoscale structures.
The dental water jet: a product ahead of its time

The dental water jet was invented by Dr. Gerald Moyer, a dentist, and John Mattingly, an engineer, in Ft. Collins, Colorado, in the late 1950s. The dental water jet, also known as an oral irrigator, was introduced to the dental profession in Texas during the 1962 Dallas Dental Convention. Numerous studies measuring the irrigator's efficacy in different cohorts have been published in peer-reviewed journals. The results of those studies are discussed in this article. The bulk of research has been conducted on one product (Waterpik dental water jet, Water Pik, Inc, Fort Collins, CO). This article is designed to provide dental professionals with the evidence essential to making an informed decision on the oral health benefits and expected outcomes of the dental water jet.
Cancer driver candidate genes AVL9, DENND5A and NUPL1 contribute to MDCK cystogenesis

AVL9, DENND5A and NUPL1 are among the cancer driver candidate genes previously identified via dog-human comparison, and may function in epithelial cell polarity as indicated by bioinformatics analysis. To better understand their cellular functions and roles in cancer, we knocked down each gene in MDCKII cells through shRNA and performed three-dimensional culture. Compared to the control, the knockdown clones developed significantly more abnormal cysts, e.g., cysts with the lumen harboring dead and/or live cells, or cysts having multiple lumens. Further analysis revealed that abnormalities initiated at the first cell division and persisted throughout the entire cystogenesis process. For NUPL1-knockdown cells, abnormal cytogenesis largely arose from faulty cell divisions, notably monopolar spindles or spindles with poorly separated poles. For AVL9- or DENND5A-knockdown cells, abnormalities originated from both aberrant intracellular trafficking and defective mitosis. Moreover, while all knockdown clones displayed an accelerated rate of both cell proliferation and death, only AVL9- and DENND5A-knockdowns, but not NUPL1-knockdown, promoted cell migration. These observations indicate that NUPL1 contributes to bipolar spindle formation, whereas AVL9 and DENND5A participate in both intracellular trafficking and cell cycle progression. Our study shed lights on these genes' normal cellular functions and on how their alteration contributes to carcinogenesis.
Studies of Regression/Progression of Atherosclerosis in Man

Since atherosclerosis in the experimental animal is reversible, it is possible that regression may occur in man. Epidemiologic studies provide evidence of atheroma progression through incidence data on ischemic heart disease and cerebral vascular accidents, but no information about atheroma regression. Atherosclerosis intervention trials, such as the Coronary Drug Project and Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, are based on the premise that atherosclerosis regression can occur and will lead to a lowered incidence of overt ischemic heart disease. It would be useful to have more direct evidence of atherosclerosis regression/progression in man.
Determination Of Machining Volumes From Extensible Sets Of Design Features

Abstract In a design by feature system, the database may contain features that are not known to a process planning system. Also, additional features arise from the shape and size of the workpiece from which the part is to be machined. Production rules are inadequate for dealing with these undocumented features. In order to get machining features, one must enhance and transform the design database. A volume decomposition method called minimum convex decomposition by halfspace partitioning has been developed to recognize machining features. First, the total volume to be removed by machining is obtained by subtracting the part from the stock. This volume is decomposed into minimum convex cells by halfspace partitioning at every concave edge. A method called maximum convex cell composition is developed to generate all alternative volume decompositions. The composing subvolumes are classified based on degree of freedom analysis. Manufacturing knowledge is characterized in fundamental terms, based on tool and workpiece motion (deep knowledge), by means of algebraic expressions. Inverse mapping of decomposed volumes into these expressions determines feasibility of various machining operations. The method deals effectively with feature interactions and results in alternative machining sequences.
Querying XML in Timber.

In this paper, we describe the TIMBER XML database system implemented at University of Michigan. TIMBER was one of the first native XML database systems, designed from the ground up to store and query semi-structured data. A distinctive principle of TIMBER is its algebraic underpinning. Central contributions of the TIMBER project include: (1) tree algebras that capture the structural nature of XML queries; (2) the stack-based family of algorithms to evaluate structural joins; (3) new rule-based query optimization techniques that take care of the heterogeneous nature of the intermediate results and take the schema information into consideration; (4) cost-based query optimization techniques and summary structures for result cardinality estimation; and (5) a family of structural indices for more efficient query evaluation. In this paper, we describe not only the architecture of TIMBER, its storage model, and engineering choices we made, but also present in hindsight, our retrospective on what went well and not so well with our design and engineering choices. Figure 1: TIMBER Architecture: XML documents are parsed and nodes stored individually in the back-end store. Parsed queries, from multiple supported interfaces, go through a query optimizer to the query evaluator in a relatively standard overall database system architecture. The TIMBER system [10, 16] was developed at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, beginning 1999. It was an early native XML data management system. In this retrospective, we take stock of our work over the past nine years. Figure 1 provides an overview of the major system components. Secs. 1 through 4 describe the underlying algebra, query evaluation methods, query optimization, and indices, respectively. Sec. 5 mentions aspects of TIMBER not included in this article. Sec. 6 concludes with a retrospective view. 1 Algebra Relational algebra has been a crucial foundation for relational database systems, and has played a large role in enabling their success. A corresponding XML algebra for XML query processing has been more elusive, due to the comparative complexity of XML, and its history. In the relational model, a tuple is the basic unit of operation and a relation is a set of tuples. In XML, a database is often described as a forest of rooted node-labeled trees. Hence, for the basic unit and central construct of our algebra, we chose an XML query pattern (or Copyright 2008 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE. Bulletin of the IEEE Computer Society Technical Committee on Data Engineering
Seeking salt: herbivorous prairie insects can be co‐limited by macronutrients and sodium

The canonical factors typically thought to determine herbivore community structure often explain only a small fraction of the variation in herbivore abundance and diversity. We tested how macronutrients and relatively understudied micronutrients interacted to influence the structure of insect herbivore (orthopteran) communities. We conducted a factorial fertilisation experiment manipulating macronutrients (N and P, added together) and micronutrients (Ca, Na and K) in large plots (30 × 30 m2 ) in a Texas coastal prairie. Although no single or combination of micronutrients affected herbivore communities in the absence of additional macronutrients, macronutrients and sodium added together increased herbivore abundance by 60%, richness by 15% and diversity by 20%. These results represent the first large-scale manipulation of single micronutrients and macronutrients in concert, and revealed an herbivore community co-limited by macronutrients and Na. Our work supports an emerging paradigm that Na may be important in limiting herbivore communities.
Improving the Accuracy of Teachers' Judgments of Student Learning

Abstract We examined the effect of different professional development programs on the accuracy of teachers' judgments of their students' learning during three academic years. Teachers participated in a program focused on improving (a) use of formative assessment, (b) student-centered mathematics instruction, (c) use of both formative assessment and student-centered mathematics instruction; or (d) neither—a control group. Teachers' judgment accuracy was greater for teachers who participated in professional development around improving student-centered mathematics instruction than for other groups. A multilevel analysis showed a significant positive relation between the accuracy of teachers' judgments and student achievement.
Biomonitoring an albumin adduct of the cooked meat carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in humans

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is formed in cooked meats and may be linked to dietary-associated colorectal, prostate and mammary cancers. Genotoxic N-oxidized metabolites of PhIP react with the Cys34 of albumin (Alb) to form a sulfinamide adduct, a biomarker of the biologically effective dose. We examined the kinetics of PhIP-Alb adduct formation in plasma of volunteers on a 4-week semicontrolled diet of cooked meat containing known quantities of PhIP. The adduct was below the limit of detection (LOD) (10 femtograms PhIP/mg Alb) in most subjects before the meat feeding but increased by up to 560-fold at week 4 in subjects who ate meat containing 8.0 to 11.7 μg of PhIP per 150-200 g serving. In contrast, the adduct remained below the LOD in subjects who ingested 1.2 or 3.0 μg PhIP per serving. Correlations were not seen between PhIP-Alb adduct levels and PhIP intake levels (P = 0.76), the amount of PhIP accrued in hair (P = 0.13), the amounts of N-oxidized urinary metabolites of PhIP (P = 0.66) or caffeine CYP1A2 activity (P = 0.55), a key enzyme involved in the bioactivation of PhIP. The half-life of the PhIP-Alb adduct was <2 weeks, signifying that the adduct was not stable. PhIP-Alb adduct formation is direct evidence of bioactivation of PhIP in vivo. However, the PhIP hair biomarker is a longer lived and more sensitive biomarker to assess exposure to this potential human carcinogen.
Tandem Mobility Spectrometry at Ambient Pressure

Abstract Ion mobility spectrometers operated in air at ambient pressure can be joined in series to obtain advantages of sequential processing of ions based on conventional and field-dependent mobility methods. Advantages from tandem stages or gates in selectivity, described for tandem mass spectrometry, have been obtained also with tandem mobility spectrometry using relatively low resolving power analysers in air atmospheres. Reactive stages between mobility stages allow the transformation of ions through clustering reactions or through ion fragmentation introducing further levels of selectivity based on chemical properties of analytes. These benefits are available for little additional technology, complexity, or cost and have been demonstrated with nascent methods of tandem IMS at ambient pressure. All known combinations of tandem mobility instruments at ambient pressure are described and their features and performance are critically evaluated.
Predictors of Local Recurrence for Eyelid Sebaceous Carcinoma: Questionable Value of Routine Conjunctival Map Biopsies for Detection of Pagetoid Spread.

Purpose To identify clinicopathologic factors associated with local recurrence of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma and determine whether routine conjunctival map biopsies are necessary to detect pagetoid spread. Methods The authors searched PubMed for articles on eyelid sebaceous carcinoma and pagetoid spread published in English during 1982 to 2018, and they reviewed 99 consecutive patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma who underwent surgical excision with frozen section control of margins performed by 1 author (BE) during 1999 to 2017. Results Local recurrence rates after surgery were 5% to 25% in the literature and 6% in the authors' cohort. Risk factors for local recurrence included T3b (>20 mm) or worse disease according to the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, eighth edition, pagetoid spread, diffuse growth pattern, and multicentric origin. Pagetoid spread was observed in 8.3% to 70% of patients in the literature and 31% of patients in the authors' cohort. The literature review showed that surgical excision with frozen section control is the mainstay of management of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma, with topical chemotherapy and cryotherapy used in cases with pagetoid spread. The authors found no solid evidence for added value from routine 4-quadrant conjunctival map biopsies, and some studies called into question their accuracy and yield. Conclusions In patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma, meticulous microscopic margin control is appropriate in all cases and particularly for tumors >20 mm and adjuvant topical chemotherapy should be considered for tumors with conjunctival pagetoid spread. Routine conjunctival map biopsies are not essential, but targeted map biopsies of areas with signs suggestive of pagetoid intraepithelial spread may be appropriate to guide future closer observation or adjuvant treatments.
Educating Healthcare Employees about Advance Care Planning

The objective of this descriptive article is to provide a background of current research and data on advance care planning. Additionally, a proposed and detailed education initiative for increasing completion and understanding of advance care planning documents is presented.
Exploring the accuracy of isotopic analyses in atom probe mass spectrometry.

Abstract Atom probe tomography (APT) can theoretically deliver accurate chemical and isotopic analyses at a high level of sensitivity, precision, and spatial resolution. However, empirical APT data often contain significant biases that lead to erroneous chemical concentration and isotopic abundance measurements. The present study explores the accuracy of quantitative isotopic analyses performed via atom probe mass spectrometry. A machine learning-based adaptive peak fitting algorithm was developed to provide a reproducible and mathematically defensible means to determine peak shapes and intensities in the mass spectrum for specific ion species. The isotopic abundance measurements made with the atom probe are compared directly with the known isotopic abundance values for each of the materials. Even in the presence of exceedingly high numbers of multi-hit detection events (up to 80%), and in the absence of any deadtime corrections, our approach produced isotopic abundance measurements having an accuracy consistent with values limited predominantly by counting statistics.
Incentivizing Sustainable FDI: The Authorized Sustainable Investor (激励可持续的FDI：经授权的可持续投资者*)

English Abstract: To help countries attract sustainable FDI, the authors suggest to create the category "Authorized Sustainable Investor". They outline the qualifying criteria, as well as the additional benefits that would make it worthwhile for investors to seek this status. Chinese Abstract:为了帮助各国吸引可持续的FDI，作者建议创建“合格可持续投资者”制度。制度设计需明确规定合格标准，并确保可持续投资者获得足够的额外收益，以激励投资者为符合这一目标而努力。
Do Inventory and Gross Margin Data Improve Sales Forecasts for US Public Retailers

Firm-level sales forecasts for retailers can be improved if we incorporate cost of goods sold, inventory, and gross margin (defined by us as the ratio of sales to cost of goods sold) as three endogenous variables. We construct a simultaneous equations model, estimated using public financial and non-financial data, to provide joint forecasts of annual cost of goods sold, inventory, and gross margin for retailers using historical data. We show that sales forecasts from this model are more accurate than consensus forecasts from equity analysts. Further, the residuals from this model for one fiscal year are used to predict retailers for whom the relative advantage of model forecasts over consensus forecasts would be large in the next fiscal year. Our results show that historical inventory and gross margin contain information useful to forecast sales, and that equity analysts do not fully utilize this information in their sales forecasts.
Applicability of pharmacist to technician ratio laws and regulations on non-resident pharmacies - A multistate legal review.

Abstract A challenge presents itself when a pharmacy obtains multiple non-resident pharmacy licenses and is mandated to comply with the laws and regulations of those states, including pharmacist to technician ratios. Current laws and regulations regarding ratios vary greatly amongst the states. Additionally, non-resident licensees, are at times required to comply with several different state pharmacy laws and regulations simultaneously, which often are in conflict and create a significant barrier for the pharmacy to comply. This legal analysis reveals the following. 1) Those states that have a ratio in law or regulation, and 2) of those states, which states mandate compliance with their ratio on a non-resident pharmacy. States would benefit from amending their laws and regulations to both eliminate ratios and allow pharmacies to solely follow the laws and rules of their resident state to avoid confusion and to mitigate conflict of law issues.
Giant cell tumor of the thoracic spine causing acute paraplegia-a case report

Giant cell tumors (GCT) are rare and account for approximately 5% of all primary bone tumors. GCTs in the spine make up less than 10% of all GCTs, and less than 5% of all primary spinal tumors. Less than 10% of spinal GCTs occur above the sacrum and cases involving the thoracic spine are seldom reported in the literature. In our case the patient presented with acute paraplegia of bilateral lower extremities after being seen in the emergency department a day earlier. An MRI and CT scan demonstrated near complete destruction of T8 vertebral body with a possible pathologic lesion and fracture associated with dorsal and ventral spinal cord compression and significant signal change within the spinal cord. She underwent T7-T9 laminectomy with excisional biopsy and was subsequently diagnosed with a primary GCT of the thoracic spine. She was definitively treated with resection and T4-12 fusion and 120 mg of denosumab. At four years post follow-up there has been no recurrence of the tumor to date. This is a more acute presentation than has previously been reported. Patients with GCT of the spine typically present with pain and may have further progression to neurologic deficit. This patient's rapid onset of paraplegia is more acute than has been previously reported in the literature. The authors believe that prompt surgical excision and treatment with denosumab can completely resolve GCT of the thoracic spine.
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is a core clerkship rotation and an advanced elective for medical students, particularly those interested in pursuing an OB-GYN residency. Written by medical students for medical students, this chapter covers exactly what a student should know and do to excel on the OB-GYN rotation. Obstetrics highlights include fundamentals, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecology covers both high yield inpatient and outpatient topics. Specific attention is given to pointers that empower students to shine and demonstrate their mastery of obstetrics and gynecol ogy.
Fabrication and Characterization of Porous Flow-Assembled Chitosan Membranes in Microfluidics

The aim of this research is to customize the porosity of biofabricated chitosan membrane (CM) employing co-assembled polystyrene nanoparticles (np) as a sacrificial template. CM with np (CM-np) was manufactured inside the microfluidic chip using the flow-assembly technique. Glutaraldehyde was used to crosslink the fabricated CM-np were then dissolved with dimethyl sulfoxide, leaving the porous chitosan membrane (pCM). The growth rate of CM and CM-np was investigated to determine the effects of np incorporation on the growth of the fabricated membrane. The morphology of the biofabricated CM and pCM were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The mass transport tests were also conducted to confirm the increase in pores size of pCM in comparison with pure CM. Thus, in this study, we have demonstrated the capability to manipulate the porosity of the biofabricared CM manufactured by flows inside microfluidic chips and characterized the properties of the fabricated membranes. This tuning process is promising and can enhance the applicability of biopolymer CM in biochemistry and biology researches.
A New Geophysical Model Based Algorithm to Detcet Melt Events Over the Antractic Ice Sheet Using Smap Microwave Radiometry

Low frequency microwave measurements have been used to gain insight into what happens deep inside ice sheets for some time. In this paper, the response of SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) L-band measurements to surface melting of the ice sheet from 2015 through 2019 is investigated. SMAP covers virtually the entire Antarctica ice sheet twice a day with its L-band (1.4 GHz) radiometer. The overpasses center on morning and evening hours as the satellite is on a 6 AM/6PM equator-crossing orbit. The spatial resolution of the instrument is about 40 km. We applied a newly developed geophysical model-based algorithm to detect snow wetness, which can be used as an indicator of melt extent and intensity. It is shown that the ice sheet experienced extensive surface melting during the 2015-2016 melt season (~10% melt extent), and also underwent intensive melting in the 2019-2020 season (median of 0.3% snow wetness), particularity on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Debtors’ Blocks: How Monetary Sanctions Make Between-neighborhood Racial and Economic Inequalities Worse:

Although recent scholarship has enumerated many individual-level consequences of criminal legal citations and sentences involving fines and fees, we know surprisingly little about the structural co...
Religious Rights and the Definitional Problem: What Sociological Approaches Can and Cannot Accomplish for First Amendment Jurisprudence

Amidst global interest in protecting religious minorities, many look to the United States as an exemplar of constitutionally protected religious liberty. However, the utility of the United States’ First Amendment jurisprudence is limited by conceptual ambiguity in the Supreme Court’s treatment of “religion.” The Court has generally avoided explicitly defining religion since any definition is likely to run afoul of the Establishment Clause. Nevertheless, functional definitions remain inescapable: the Court must ascertain that a case involves “religion” in order to invoke the First Amendment’s religion clauses. Recognizing the range of philosophical, psychological, and sociological conceptualizations of religion that the Court has utilized over time, this paper focuses on the last of these as among the most promising of the Supreme Court’s efforts. A sociological approach identifies “religion” by participation in a group or activity that is culturally recognized to be religious or analogous to groups or activities recognized as religious. This paper critically examines the sufficiency of such sociological conceptions for providing meaningful protections for religious rights. While analyzing cases dealing with both clauses, this paper focuses on the free exercise cases of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, during which time the sociological approach frequently appeared in the Court’s decisions. I contrast this period with the Supreme Court’s more recent use of a more individualistic psychological approach, suggesting the relative merits and liabilities of each. This paper concludes that the primary virtues of a sociological conception of religion are its tendency to provide more substantive rights-protections than psychological approaches do. Moreover, sociological understandings of religion tend to reinforce democratic norms, reflecting majoritarian judgments of what should qualify as “religion” and what should not. However, I suggest that this is also a weakness of sociological approaches, as the tendency to accept democratic judgments can result in a failure to provide meaningful rights-protections — particularly to individuals and less formally organized religious groups. Despite this, I conclude that sociological conceptualizations of religion tend to grant significantly greater constitutional rights-protections than psychological approaches.
Chemical and Immunological Composition of Surface Structures of Listeria monocytogenes

Osebold, John W. (University of California, Davis), Ole Aalund, and Clarence E. Chrisp. Chemical and immunological composition of surface structures of Listeria monocytogenes. J. Bacteriol. 89:84–88. 1965.—A proteinlike surface substance was demonstrated on Listeria monocytogenes when an explanation was sought for the inagglutinability of some somatic antigens. The serological behavior of live bacteria and organisms subjected to heat, formalin, and trypsin was compared. The agglutination-inhibiting phenomenon was most pronounced with heat-killed (100 C) antigens. Trypsinization eliminated inagglutinability and increased sensitivity. Substances released by the enzyme had an ultraviolet-absorption peak at 260 mμ and showed a spot on paper chromatograms compatible with polypeptide. Inagglutinable cells combined with antibody because they could readily absorb antibodies from serum. After reaction with anti-Listeria serum, inagglutinable cells could be agglutinated by the addition of antiglobulin serum. It was hypothesized that heat inactivation of cells denatured the proteinaceous surface layer which interferred with the formation of a visible agglutination product but did not eliminate antigen-antibody reaction.
Selective Binding of Human Interferon to Albumin Immobilized on Agarose

Abstract Human interferon binds to albumin-agarose at low ionic strength (0.15 m NaCl) and is still retained on the column at high ionic strength (1.0 m NaCl). Apparently, the binding is quite selective as (a) most of the proteins resident in interferon preparations are not retained on the column at low ionic strength (0.15 m NaCl), and (b) several other interferons show only slight retention (mouse L cell interferon) or no retention (mouse and rabbit serum interferons) at low ionic strength (0.15 m NaCl). Human interferon, induced either by rIn·rCn or virus, can be displaced with the polarity-reducing agent, ethylene glycol. The varied strength of binding of several interferons to albumin-agarose may provide an insight into their relative hydrophobicity.
Analyzing the Evolution of End User Information Technology Performance

This study examines how the budget office of a large county government designed and implemented end user information technology (IT) from personal computers (PCs) and local area networks (LANs) to an intranet and Web pages over a 15-year period. The initial issue was internal to the organizationmoving a time-consuming budget preparation process to a smoother one, where what if analysis could be completed. However, more recent end user IT challenges are less internal and shaped more by the demands and expectations of parties outside of the budget office. While the evolution of IT in this budget office was distinctive, we utilize a framework to flesh out both the unique and generalizable lessons of such IT development. A stages model from the IT literature holds promise for explaining the internal successes as well as problems that arose during implementation and transition. The stages model suggests that the proliferation of IT can be directed toward productive use by recognizing IT crises and adding management control to handle the crises. However, the stages model does not readily account for significant changes in external social facets of the techno-social environment. These changing external social facets include global competition and reinventing government. The study suggests that the stages model would benefit from incorporating social-change shocks to better understand the transitions, the nature of the stages and IT performance within each stage.
Self-aligning optics for integrated mode separation

New approaches that could be fabricated in silicon photonics allow self-aligning beam couplers to waveguides, arbitrary mode separation and mode converters for dense spatial multiplexing, and automatic configuration of arbitrary linear optics.
Polarographic reduction of aldehydes and ketones: XX. Electroreduction of benzocyclenones⋆

Summary Reduction of indanone (I), tetralone (II) and benzosuberone (III) was studied by d. c. and pulse polarography, cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis with a dropping mercury electrode in aqueous solutions containing 2% ethanol at various pH values. In acidic media the protonated form, at higher pH values the free carbonyl form is reduced. The reduction of the unprotonated form is accompanied by protonation of the radical anion formed. The behavior of all three ketones I–III in this pH region is similar and differs only in the half-wave potential values and the rates of protonation of the radical anion. The reduction of the protonated form is affected both by differences in potentials of the ketones I–III and by differences in the rates of protonation, but most significantly by the half-wave potential of the radical formed in the first electron uptake. For indanone (I) this reduction is so positive that only one two-electron step is observed. For benzosuberone (III) the half-wave potential of this reduction is sufficiently more negative than the first electron uptake and two one-electron separated waves result. For tetralone (II) the reduction of the radical occurs at so negative a potential that it is overlapped by the hydrogen evolution current. Only one one-electron wave is thus observed. The effect of ring size on potentials and protonation reactions is discussed from the point of view of ring strain, adsorbability and radical stability.
Organizational Culture and Leadership: A Dynamic View

Presents a comprehensive analysis of organizational culture - what it is, how it develops, and how it functions in relation to managerial style and organizational effectiveness.
Medicaid, Managed Care, and Kids

This policy brief talks about what managed care for Medicaid is, how it influences kids, and how it relates to the State Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It focuses on what we have learned over the last 20 years through research about cost, use, and quality. It also discusses some of the expectations we had for children covered by Medicaid managed care. Finally, it talks about the future of Medicaid managed care and the implications for CHIP.
Fire in the Ashes: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children in America

Jonathon Kozol is a pioneering researcher on the impacts of poverty on American children. His latest book, Fire in the Ashes: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children in America, offers a rare ...
Number One Country, Number One Currency?1

This paper assesses the prospects for renminbi internationalisation, arguing that the process will encounter significant challenges. Some of these are familiar: the Chinese economy, while large, remains poor; China’s financial markets lack depth and liquidity; encouraging international use of the renminbi will require substantial capital account liberalisation, in the course of which things can go wrong. In addition, I highlight a less familiar challenge: China’s political system may be an obstacle to renminbi internationalisation. Since the early nineteenth century, the leading international currency or currencies have been those of countries with democratic political systems where there are constraints on the executive, which have built durable alliances, and where creditors are well represented. This is not a prediction that China must have a Democratic Spring before the renminbi becomes a leading international and reserve currency. But it does suggest that the country will have to contemplate significant political reform.
Some Applications of Matrix Derivatives in Multivariate Analysis

Abstract It is claimed that the reasons for using matrices of derivatives, in appropriate situations, are as compelling as those for using matrices. This paper provides basic material for such use. Different types of matrix derivatives are defined and illustrated. Simple and easy techniques are then derived and are shown to be applicable to a considerable collection of matrix functions. Applications are made to such problems as establishing matrix integrals from scalar ones, determining maximum likelihood estimates for complex likelihood functions, optimizing matrix functions when there are matrices of side conditions, and evaluating the Jacobians of certain classes of transformations. The emphasis is on simplicity of derivation and on breadth of application.
Respiratory responses to inhaled small organic molecules and related agents encountered in the workplace.

Respiratory disease from inhalation of small organic molecules usually results from occupational exposure to these materials. Occupational lung diseases have been recognized for many centuries, but only recently have their pathogenesis and etiology begun to be elucidated. A major difficulty when defining the etiologic factors involved in respiratory diseases of occupational origin stems from the fact that onset of symptoms is frequently separated from the actual exposure to the agent(s) by a long latent period. Although research into this area is still in its infancy, great strides are being made that are leading to the identification of a number of causative agents and, in many cases, elucidation of the mechanisms involved. This information has aided the development of appropriate exposure standards, making the workplace a safer environment. Two main types of respiratory disease occur as a result of inhalation of low molecular weight organic material: asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also called extrinsic allergic alveolitis). It is our aim to discuss the clinical manifestations of these diseases and, using examples, to demonstrate methods of investigating both individuals and populations to determine the presence of the disease. Both organic vapors and particulates are capable of inducing respiratory disease; however, airborne particles must be respirable. In general, airborne particles exceeding 10~m diameter are filtered out in the upper respiratory tract. Smaller particles, however, are able to gain access to the trachea and larger bronchi, but, in general, only particles with a diameter of less than 5~m and greater than 0.5p, m can enter the alveoli and be retained in significant proportions. Smaller particles, althotjgh generally not retained in the lungs are still capable of causing respiratory disease. 1 The agents capable of causing respiratory disease include organic materials, such as animal and avian proteins, bacterial enzymes, chemical dusts and
In situ electron spin resonance experiments on polyacetylene during electrochemical doping

Abstract We present results obtained from in situ e.s.r. measurements on both n-type [Nay+(CH)−y]x and p-type [(CH)+y(ClO4−)y]x during electrochemical doping. For [Nay+(CH)−y]x, data were obtained over an extended concentration range out to ∼15 mol% (or well into the metallic regime); for p-type [(CH)+y(ClO4−)y]x we have succeeded in achieving doping sufficiently high in situ to observe the abrupt first-order onset of the Pauli spin susceptibility. Comparison of the results obtained from p-type and n-type electrochemical doping shows remarkable similarities between the two. For both p-type and n-type doping, at dilute concentrations charge is stored in nonmagnetic spinless charged solitons. For both p-type and n-type doping, a first-order phase transition is observed at a dopant concentration of y ∼ 0.06. For both p-type and n-type doping, there is an abrupt increase in the Pauli spin susceptibility at the transition with a corresponding increase in N(0) by a factor of more than 200 to a metallic value of N(0) ≈ 0.08 states/eV C (both signs of spin). For both p-type and n-type doping, there is a qualitative change in spin dynamics at the transition. The precise symmetry of the results obtained from n-type and p-type doping demonstrates without ambiguity the charge conjugation symmetry of trans-(CH)x. The mechanism for the first-order electronic phase transition is discussed.
Determination of moisture in crude drugs by gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract The use of gas–liquid chromatography was investigated as a means of determining the moisture content of crude drugs. Sixteen crude drugs representing a variety of plant parts and products were analyzed using this technique. Water was extracted from the crude drugs by disintegration with anhydrous methanol in a Waring blender and analyzed with a column of Teflon-6 coated with 10 percent polyethylene glycol 1500, using n-propanol as an internal standard. Peak height ratios were used to calculate the moisture content. The results obtained with the gas-liquid chromatographic procedure were quantitatively in accord with the results obtained by oven drying at 105° and toluene distillation methods. In addition, the new chromatographic procedure is simpler, more rapid, and has a very good precision (the maximum standard deviation was 0.36).
Reproductive Cycle of the American Alligator

The reproductive cycle of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis , was studied using blood and tissue samples from wild alligators, and blood samples drawn from a captive breeding stock at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. Generally the cycle commences in March as air and water temperatures increase. By early April the seminiferous tubules are full of actively dividing spermatocytes and maturing spermatids. Testis mass is greatest at this time and plasma testosterone is at a peak (>50 ng/ml), but mature spermatozoa do not appear until late April and mid May when mating takes place. Plasma testosterone levels decline rapidly in June after spermiation, and are low to nondetectable in July and August when the testes are fully regressed. A second small peak in testosterone occurs in September without any obvious changes in testicular histology. In the female a similar temperature dependent initiation of the ovarian cycle occurs in late March. Plasma estradiol levels reach a peak (>600 pg/ml) in mid April, and ovarian follicles increase from 5 mm to 45 mm in diameter at ovulation in May. Plasma testosterone is also high in preovulatory females (ca. 1.5 ng/ml). Plasma progesterone shows a periovulatory surge to levels as high as 16 ng/ml, but declines rapidly during the 3½ wk between ovulation and oviposition. During egg incubation (66 days) when the female remains close to the nest, ovarian steroids remain undetectable.
Viral transduction of c-myc gene in naturally occurring feline leukaemias

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is epidemiologically associated with induction of the majority of lymphoid tumours of the domestic cat1. However, about one-third of these tumours are devoid of exogenous virus or show evidence of virus integration only after tumour outgrowth1,2. To help define the genetic mechanisms of feline lymphomagenesis we have explored here the possibility that cellular oncogenes (c-onc genes) are rearranged in tumour cell DNA. Of 16 FeLV-positive T-cell tumours among 31 naturally occurring lymphomas, 2 showed evidence of recombinant FeLV proviruses containing myc oncogene sequences. One of the two produced a transmissible myc-containing FeLV. In both cases c-myc and its surrounding DNA appeared unaltered. We believe that the association of myc with FeLV may result in its activation and play a part in the development of a significant fraction of cat T-cell lymphomas. Our findings contrast with studies of experimental induction of chicken lymphoma, in which myc activation occurs by retrovirus promoter insertion near c-myc (refs 3–5), rather than by incorporation into virus.
Predictive Value of Testing Nasopharyngeal Samples for Respiratory Viruses in the Setting of Lower Respiratory Tract Disease

To determine the predictive value of nasopharyngeal (NP) sample testing for respiratory viruses (RVs) in suspected lower respiratory tract disease, 72 paired NP and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid specimen sets, mostly from transplant recipients or patients with hematologic malignancies, were analyzed. Overall, 31.3% of the specimens tested positive for an RV. In 19 sets (26.4%), the NP and BAL fluid specimens were both positive for an RV; in 3 sets (4.2%), the NP specimens were positive but the BAL fluid specimens were negative; and in 3 other sets, the NP specimens were negative but the BAL fluid specimens were positive. The positive and negative predictive values of the NP specimens were 86.4% and 94%, respectively.