cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of multiple reuse and resterilization cycles on the performance of a bipolar vessel sealing device (LigaSure) intended for single use.

OBJECTIVE To determine the number of use/cleaning/resterilization cycles that can be safely applied to a vessel sealing device intended for single use (LigaSure). STUDY DESIGN Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION LigaSure Small Jaw handsets (n = 6) and LigaSure Impact handsets (n = 6). METHODS Handsets underwent simulated splenectomy/cleaning/resterilization cycles until failure, defined as leaking vascular seal or blade retraction failure. Functional testing included assessment of vascular seal integrity, handset activation/tissue release, and cutting blade wear/retraction. Vascular seal failure was defined as a leak occurring at <300 mm Hg. Cycles to failure were recorded. Sealed vessels were evaluated by histology at first handset use and failure. RESULTS Vascular seals created with the Small Jaw handset failed at a mean (95% CI) of 17.2 cycles (9.6-24.8) and a minimum of 10 cycles. Vascular seals created with the Impact failed at a mean of 20 cycles (18.4-21.6) and a minimum of 17 cycles. The majority of seal failures (73%; 95% CI 39%-94%) immediate leaked during vessel filling. The rate of vascular seal failure increased after the initial failure. Failure was associated with histologic disparities in tissue apposition. CONCLUSION Repeated use and resterilization resulted in failure of the vascular seal due to inadequate tissue apposition after a minimum of 10 cycles. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Surgeons reusing and resterilizing LigaSure handsets (ForceTriad platform) should consider discarding handsets after 9 cycles for the Small Jaw and after 16 cycles for the Impact. Handsets should be immediately discarded after any intraoperative identification of vascular seal failure.
Predicting the Target in Human-Robot Manipulation Tasks

We present a novel approach for fast prediction of human reaching motion in the context of human-robot collaboration in manipulation tasks. The method trains a recurrent neural network to process the three-dimensional hand trajectory and predict the intended target along with its certainty about the position. The network then updates its estimate as it receives more observations while advantaging the positions it is more certain about. To assess the proposed algorithm, we build a library of human hand trajectories reaching targets on a fine grid. Our experiments show the advantage of our algorithm over the state of the art in terms of classification accuracy.
1.21 – Time Geography

In this review, we summarize the three roles time can play in geographical research. The notion of time is mentioned first, along with three types of data involved in time geographical research. Then we introduce several research methods starting by the classical time geography methods, as well as how traditional geographic research methods deal with temporal issues. We also demonstrate several other methods, and highlight the great potential of latent trajectory model, survival analysis, and agent-based models in dealing with temporal issues in geographical research and in enriching the toolbox of time geography. The review concludes with recommendations for future research directions in regard to span and granularity of time measurements, tight integration of space and time, development of new metrics, models/tools, and data models, and the need to better handle imprecision of time measurement.
Evading the Patronage Trap: Organizational Capacity and Demand Making in Mexico:

When do organizations broadly represent the interests of their economic sectors and when do they narrowly represent the interests of members? This article investigates how agricultural and small-bu...
The Intergenerational Transmission of Externalizing Behavior: the Importance of a Positive Romantic Partner

The current study evaluated the influence of a positive romantic partner on the intergenerational transmission of externalizing behavior across generations. The study included 213 generation one (G1) mothers and their adolescent (generation two; G2) who participated from middle adolescence through adulthood, G2’s romantic partner in adulthood, and the third-generation (G3) child between ages 3–5 years. Two steps were used to identify the role of G2’s romantic partner’s positive behavior on the transmission of externalizing behavior from G2 and G3. First, after controlling for G1 harsh parenting and G2 externalizing at Time 1, both G2 externalizing at Time 2 and G2 harsh parenting at Time 3 were associated with G3 externalizing at Time 3. Second, we found both main and interaction effects of G2 partner’s positive behavior with G2 externalizing behavior at Time 2 and G2 harsh parenting at Time 3 on G3 externalizing behavior at Time 3. Results suggest a positive romantic partner may have an important role in disrupting the negative effects of both G2 externalizing behavior and harsh parenting on their G3 child’s externalizing behavior.
Scientific Basis for Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells have a proven record of safety and efficacy over the past 50 years of research. Regenerative therapy continues to be an extremely active field of basic science and translational research with significant promise in treatment of previously untreatable pathophysiology. The fast development in epigenetics, genetic engineering technologies, and 3D printing is opening new frontiers in advancing the utility of stem cells, and minimally invasive technology provides a platform for clinical application with promising results. This chapter outlines the basic characterizations of stem cells, reviews their history and supporting evidence, and explores some of the clinical applications currently under investigation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Druggable Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders are commonly associated with a complex pattern of pathophysiological hallmarks, including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which makes their treatment challenging. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3FA) are natural products with reported neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These effects have been attributed to their incorporation into neuronal membranes or through the activation of intracellular or recently discovered cell-surface receptors (i.e., Free-Fatty Acid Receptors; FFAR). Molecular docking studies have investigated the roles of O3FA as agonists of FFAR and have led to the development of receptor-specific targeted agonists for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, novel formulation strategies for targeted delivery of O3FA to the brain have supported their development as therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the compelling evidence of the beneficial effects of O3FA for several neuroprotective functions, they are currently only available as unregulated dietary supplements, with only a single FDA-approved prescription product, indicated for triglyceride reduction. This review highlights the relative safety and efficacy of O3FA, their drug-like properties, and their capacity to be formulated in clinically viable drug delivery systems. Interestingly, the presence of cardiac conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia is associated with brain pathophysiological hallmarks of neurodegeneration, such as neuroinflammation, thereby further suggesting potential therapeutic roles of O3FA for neurodegenerative disorders. Taken together, this review article summarizes and integrates the compelling evidence regarding the feasibility of developing O3FA and their synthetic derivatives as potential drugs for neurodegenerative disorders.
Identifying De Facto Prescription Norms in a Hospital Setting: A study with antibiotics

The improper use of antimicrobials can cause serious public health problems because of mutations of bacteria into resistant strains. Given growing concerns over microbial resistance, antibiotic stewardship programs are being established in various health care settings. This paper proposes the notion of a data-driven community “norm” that can assist in the stewardship process. A norm represents the collective prescription patterns of a hospital community with regards to a class of drugs. The paper also proposes a set of desired properties of a norm and an approach to extract such norms from patient prescription records. The norm is framed as a weighted list of ICD-9 codes with higher weights indicating a greater likelihood of antibiotic prescription. We demonstrate our ideas by generating norms for antibiotic (vs non-antibiotic) prescriptions and for Fluoroquinolone, a particular class of antibiotics (vs other antibiotics). The norms, extracted from a 9-year dataset of prescription records from a large Midwestern medical center, are sensible and useful as demonstrated in three validation efforts: (1) ability to predict prescriptions for new visits, (2) consistency when norms are generated from different data subsets and (3) connections with de jure norms. For example, when predicting antibiotic prescriptions for new visits we achieve nDCG scores of around 0.95 and P@100 scores greater than 0.7. Additionally, we show the benefit of including norm based features in a traditional SVM based classifier trained to make prescription predictions. Beyond assisting with antibiotic stewardship programs the underlying data-driven algorithms may be used to extract community norms for any class of prescription and other treatment strategies. Most importantly, our algorithms allow us to address a new and important class of problems in health care informatics, that of comparing prescription norms across regions, communities, population subgroups and so on with expert guidelines.
A density dependent Drucker-Prager/Cap model for ring shear simulation of ground loblolly pine

Abstract Integrated biorefineries suffer from equipment down-time due to poor understanding of the flowability of biomass-derived feedstock. This work presents the characterization of the mechanical behavior of ground loblolly pine by combining physical experiments and numerical simulations. A modified Drucker-Prager/Cap (MDPC) model enhanced with density dependence is used for finite element modeling. Cyclic oedometer tests with increased magnitude of compressive stress and Schulze ring shear tests are performed to characterize material compressibility and shear behavior. The laboratory tests yield stress-strain curves, density-stress curves and Mohr-Coulomb shear envelopes, which are then used directly and indirectly to calibrate elasticity, as well as cap and shear failure parameters of the MDPC model. Full size 3D Schulze ring shear tests are modeled in Abaqus with calibrated model parameters, and the simulated Mohr-Coulomb envelops match well against experimental results, indicating the stress state within the shear band of the ring shear test is close to triaxial compression. The modeling results also show the MDPC model does not predict dilation followed by constant volume as observed by experiments. The mechanical behavior derived from the experiments and the methodology proposed for model calibration and stress state characterization provide a foundation for studying biomass flow behavior in material feeding and handling equipment.
Single-Cell Transcriptomes Reveal a Complex Cellular Landscape in the Middle Ear and Differential Capacities for Acute Response to Infection

Single-cell transcriptomics was used to profile cells of the normal murine middle ear. Clustering analysis of 6770 transcriptomes identified 17 cell clusters corresponding to distinct cell types: five epithelial, three stromal, three lymphocyte, two monocyte, two endothelial, one pericyte and one melanocyte cluster. Within some clusters, cell subtypes were identified. While many corresponded to those cell types known from prior studies, several novel types or subtypes were noted. The results indicate unexpected cellular diversity within the resting middle ear mucosa. The resolution of uncomplicated, acute, otitis media is too rapid for cognate immunity to play a major role. Thus innate immunity is likely responsible for normal recovery from middle ear infection. The need for rapid response to pathogens suggests that innate immune genes may be constitutively expressed by middle ear cells. We therefore assessed expression of innate immune genes across all cell types, to evaluate potential for rapid responses to middle ear infection. Resident monocytes/macrophages expressed the most such genes, including pathogen receptors, cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors. Other cell types displayed distinct innate immune gene profiles. Epithelial cells preferentially expressed pathogen receptors, bactericidal peptides and mucins. Stromal and endothelial cells expressed pathogen receptors. Pericytes expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lymphocytes expressed chemokine receptors and antimicrobials. The results suggest that tissue monocytes, including macrophages, are the master regulators of the immediate middle ear response to infection, but that virtually all cell types act in concert to mount a defense against pathogens.
Toward a data-type-based real time geospatial data stream management system

The advent of sensory and communication technologies enables the generation and consumption of large volumes of streaming data. Many of these data streams are geo-referenced. Existing spatio-temporal databases and data stream management systems are not capable of handling real time queries on spatial extents. In this thesis, we investigated several fundamental research issues toward building a data-type-based real time geospatial data stream management system. The thesis makes contributions in the following areas: geo-stream data models, aggregation, window-based nearest neighbor operators, and query optimization strategies. The proposed geo-stream data model is based on second-order logic and multi-typed algebra. Both abstract and discrete data models are proposed and exemplified. I further propose two useful geo-stream operators, namely Region By and WNN, which abstract common aggregation and nearest neighbor queries as generalized data model constructs. Finally, I propose three query optimization algorithms based on spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal constraints of geo-streams. I show the effectiveness of the data model through many query examples. The effectiveness and the efficiency of the algorithms are validated through extensive experiments on both synthetic and real data sets. This work established the fundamental building blocks toward a full-fledged geo-stream database management system and has potential impact in many applications such as hazard weather alerting and monitoring, traffic analysis, and environmental modeling.
The application of low-dimensional materials in virology and in the study of living organisms

Abstract The reach and the rate of spread of viral infectious diseases have vastly increased owing to changes in various environmental, biological, socioeconomic, and political factors as well as expansion of international travel and trade. Consequently, the need for more rapid outbreak detection and efficient monitoring of the spread of the infection to minimize the burden on global health and the economy has also become of paramount importance. Rapid isolation, identification, and full characterization of viruses from field samples are critical in the prevention of the epidemics. In this regard, nanotechnology has emerged as a significant platform for human health care and point-of-care diagnosis of interactions in the cellular and subcellular scales. This chapter presents a review of the exploration of low-dimensional materials, such as carbon nanotubes and transition metal dichalcogenides in developing lab-on-a-chip system applicable in virology as a point-of-care device for size-based virus capture and enrichment for any virus. Future prospects of these materials in epidemiology are also discussed.
Transition and Growth in Post-Communist Countries: The Ten-Year Experience

Part 1 Uneven reforms - unbalanced growth: the transition economies after ten years, Stanley Fischer and Ratna Sahay comment on Fischer and Sahay, Lajos Bokros ten years after - what is special about transition countries? Daniel Gros and Marc Suhrcke the chances of catching up with the West, Andrew M. Warner growth convergence - a comment on Warner, Stanislaw Gomulka remarks on globalization, openness, and macroeconomic stability in transition economies, David Lipton. Part 2 Financial openness and approaches to monetary integration: global integration of financial markets and its consequences for transition economies, Marek Dabrowski unilateral adoption of the euro by EU applicant countries - the macroeconomic aspects, Andrzej Bratkowski and Jacek Rostowski Central European economies in the aftermath of the Russian payments crisis, Lucjan T. Orlowski. Part 3 Reforming social safety nets: reforming welfare states in post-communist countries, Nicholas Barr welfare state reforms in post-communist countries - a comment on Barr, Stanislawa Golinowska comment on Barr, Stanislaw Wellisz restoring hope, rewarding work -pension reforms in post-communist economies, Michal Rutkowski do "winners take all"? - a comment on Rutkowski, Mikhail Dmitriev pension reforms in transition economies - remarks and open questions, Winfried Schmahl. Part 4 Reflections of political leaders: political panel - selected presentations - Jacques de Larosiere, Vaclav Klaus, Leszek Balcerowicz, Daniel Daianu, Gramoz Pashko.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy-associated graft intolerance syndrome in a failed kidney transplant recipient.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) are monoclonal antibodies against inhibitory receptors on T cells resulting in anticancer activity. In kidney transplant (KT) recipients, ICPI use has been associated with acute allograft rejection. In failed allografts, however, the effects of ICPIs are unknown. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with a history of diabetes, renal cell cancer, left native nephrectomy, and end-stage kidney disease. He received a deceased donor KT which failed after 6 years due to biopsy-proven recurrent diabetic nephrosclerosis. He was started on hemodialysis and his immunosuppression was gradually weaned off. A year later, he was diagnosed with renal cell cancer in his right native kidney requiring nephrectomy. He later developed metastasis and was started on combination ICPIs. He developed hematuria, allograft pain, and malaise consistent with graft intolerance syndrome 28 days after starting ICPIs. Urine culture and cystoscopy were normal. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen revealed an enlarged allograft with patchy enhancement. After a multidisciplinary discussion, he underwent transplant nephrectomy. Histopathology showed chronic active T cell-mediated rejection. As ICPI use becomes prevalent, practitioners need to be aware of its potential complications among KT recipients both with functioning and failed allografts.
“TRUE HEIRS TO A HEROIC RUSSIAN PAST” OR “RUSSIANS IN NAME ONLY”: SITKA CREOLES AS SEEN BY THE LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CLERGY

The paper examines the criticism levelled against the Creoles of Sitka (persons of Russian and Alaska Native descent) by the Russian Orthodox priests who came to minister among them in the late 19th-early 20th century. These clergymen accused their parishioners not only of immorality but also of not being truly Russian, as far as their language and culture were concerned. By focusing on this criticism, the paper explores the symbolic significance of Alaska’s Russian colonial and missionary history and its legacy in the conservative nationalist ideology of the Russian Orthodox clergy. Particular attention is paid to the causes to which this clergy attributed the decline of the Russian culture and devotion to Orthodoxy among the Creole population of this frontier American/Alaskan town.
Understanding what STEM mentoring ecosystems need to thrive: A STEM-ME framework

Racial and gender disparities persist in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) despite decades of mentoring interventions to improve recruitment and retention. We offer a STEM Me...
Diminishing returns: leisure and the sunk cost effect

There is a dearth of focus on the conditions that cause people to terminate participation in their formerly meaningful leisure activities. What is missing is an understanding of the psychological p...
An Ego-Network Approach to Understanding Educator and School Ties to Research: From Basic Statistics to Profiles of Capacity

Prior literature suggests a social network perspective is instructive for understanding and building research-use capacity. Although educators’ professional networks have been found to contribute the implementation of reform, professional learning, and instructional improvement, evidence about their role in supporting schools’ use of research remains thin. This chapter presents the application of network methods—specifically, ego-network methods—to understanding the flow of research-based ideas and practices into schools, drawing on the work of the Center for Research Use in Education. An ego-network approach proved useful in unpacking educators’ networks for connecting with research, including helping us to better understand the ecology of research mediation in education, to operationalize network concepts, and to develop indicators of educator and school-level capacity.
Mechanisms of Fanft/Anft Induced Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer has long been associated with exposure to chemicals. The high incidence of bladder cancer among smokers and workers in dye, rubber and chemical industries is associated with their exposure to aromatic amines (1–3). Progress in fully understanding bladder cancer is hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models.
Gauge invariance of radiative transitions of atoms: (II). The Hartree-Fock model

Abstract The problem of gauge invariance (GI) of the S -matrix element for one-photon radiative transitions of many-electron atoms is studied in the Hartree-Fock (HF) model. Use of field theory as a guide leads to the construction of a non-local effective current which enters these matrix elements, The current is significantly different from the usual local current which has hitherto been used to calculate such matrix elements, although related to it. In the non-relativistic HF theory, it has previously been obtained from the random phase approximation. The GI of the matrix elements is demonstrated. The integral equation satisfied by the non-local current naturally leads to a practical calculational prescription for its evaluation to a suitable and practicable accuracy. The effects demonstrated are not relativistic in origin. Indeed, the treatment given is a non-relativistic one.
Assessment of the ISO impact damping test for wheelchair cushions.

ABSTRACT The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a test method that characterizes the ability of a wheelchair cushion to reduce impact loading. The objectives of this project were to improve the methodology described in the ISO standard, determine the repeatability of the accelerations resulting from the ISO test method and assess the test method's ability to distinguish the impact damping performance of different cushion designs. A small cohort of cushion was identified to reflect different material constructions and included flat elastic foam, flat viscoelastic foam, Roho High Profile, and Cloud. The ISO test method was deployed after changes to the equipment were made to better insure repeatable placement of the indenter onto the cushion. Three operators tested different cushions over two days. Acceleration of the indenter was collected and used to calculate acceleration magnitudes during indenter impact and rebound. The results of a Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility a...
Protein binding microarrays (PBMs) for rapid, high-throughput characterization of the sequence specificities of DNA binding proteins

DNA binding proteins play a number of key roles in cells, in processes including transcriptional regulation, recombination, genome rearrangements, and DNA replication, repair, and modification. Of particular interest are the interactions between transcription factors and their DNA binding sites, as they are an integral part of the transcriptional regulatory networks that control gene expression. Despite their importance, the DNA binding specificities of most DNA binding proteins remain unknown, as earlier technologies aimed at characterizing DNA-protein interactions have been time consuming and not highly scalable. We have developed a new DNA microarray-based technology, termed protein binding microarrays (PBMs), that allows rapid, high-throughput characterization of the in vitro DNA binding site sequence specificities of transcription factors in a single day. The resulting DNA binding site data can be used in a number of ways, including for the prediction of the genes regulated by a given transcription factor, annotation of transcription factor function, and functional annotation of the predicted target genes.
Metabolomic signature in COPD. Plasma and lung tissue comparison identify sphingolipids as potential biomakers

Introduction: Plasma metabolic profiling of several aminoacids was reported in COPD patients and controls of the ECLIPSE cohort. However, a more comprehensive metabolomic profile and a comparative lung tissue analysis are lacking. Methods: We studied plasma metabolomic signature in a cohort of 60 COPD patients ( survivors and non survivors,follow up over 4 years) and 30 controls and compared to lung tissue metabolomic signature of 18 COPD patients (LVRS)and 12 controls (mild or no COPD). Lung function, exercise capacity and BODE index parameters were measured. Plasma/Lung metabolomics were studied using Liquid and Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectometry (LC/MS, LC/MS 2 , GC/MS). Results: Clinical parameters were worst in COPD non survivor group . Plasma (87) and lung (73) metabolites were differentially expressed in COPD patients compared to controls. Palmitoyl sphingomyelin was identified as the most plausible analyte to be associated to lung parenchyma destruction and elevation in plasma level in COPD patients. Other metabolites (8) deserve further attention. Conclusion: Metabolomic analysis is an unbiased tool to identify important pathways associated to COPD pathogenesis.
Effectiveness of Surgical Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Aortic Valve Disease

Background In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the addition of surgical ablation to aortic valve replacement (AVR) does not increase procedural morbidity or mortality. However, efficacy in this population has not been carefully evaluated. This study compared outcomes between patients undergoing stand-alone Cox-Maze IV with those undergoing surgical ablation and concomitant AVR. Methods From January 2002 to May 2014, 188 patients received a stand-alone Cox-Maze IV (n = 113) or surgical ablation with concomitant AVR (n = 75). In the concomitant AVR group, patients underwent Cox-Maze IV (n = 58), left-sided Cox-Maze IV (n = 3), or pulmonary vein isolation (n = 14). Thirty-one perioperative variables were compared. Freedoms from AF on and off antiarrhythmic drugs were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Results Follow-up was available in 97% of patients. Freedom from AF on and off antiarrhythmic drugs in patients receiving a stand-alone Cox-Maze IV versus concomitant AVR was not significantly different at any time point. The concomitant AVR group had more comorbidities, paroxysmal AF, pacemaker implantations (24% vs 5%, p = 0.002), and complications (25% vs 5%, p p = 0.001). Conclusions A Cox-Maze IV with concomitant AVR is as effective as a stand-alone Cox-Maze IV in treating AF, even in an older population with more comorbidities. Pulmonary vein isolation was not as effective and is not recommended in this population. A Cox-Maze IV should be considered in all patients undergoing AVR with a history of AF.
Biometric watermark authentication with multiple verification rule

The paper describes a biometric watermarking procedure for accurate facial signature authentication. The multiple decision rules of watermark and facial signatures are formulated to map a pattern in an overlapping region between classes to a separable disjoint one. The decision rule of the watermark signature, which is uniquely assigned to a face image, reduces uncertainty in assuming the missing patterns of unknown intruder classes. The present algorithm incorporating multiple signatures improves a recognition error rate from 2.29% to 0.07%. The watermarking approach has attained robustness to various attacks and transformation by focusing on salient facial features.
Structure and Genomic Organization of a Second Cluster of Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene Segments in the Channel Catfish

The structure, organization, and partial sequence of a 25-kb genomic region containing a second cluster of H chain gene segments in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) has been determined. Multiple VH gene segments, representing different VH families, are located upstream of a germline-joined VDJ. The VDJ segment has a split leader sequence and a single open reading consistent with that expressed in members of the VH1 family. Downstream of the germline-joined VDJ is a single JH segment and two pseudogene exons structurally similar to the Cmu1 and Cmu2 exons of the functional gene. Both pseudogene exons are multiply crippled with RNA splice sites destroyed, and open reading frames are interrupted by termination codons, insertions, and/or deletions. Sequence alignment of a 10.8-kb region within the second H chain cluster with the genomic sequence of the nine JH segments and the functional Cmu within the first H chain gene cluster indicates that the second H chain gene cluster probably arose by a massive duplication event. The JH region of the VDJ, the coding and flanking regions of the single JH segment, and the pseudogene Cmu exons were readily aligned with homologous segments in the first gene cluster. This duplication event may have extended to include the upstream VH segments. A member of the Tc1 mariner family of transposable elements is located downstream of the pseudogene Cmu2, which suggests that the transposition may have contributed to the evolution of the duplicated Cmu.
Co-operative double-blind trial of an antibiotic/ corticoid combination in impetiginized atopic dermatitis

This double-blind study of an antibiotic coritcosteroid combination, the antibiotic alone and the corticosteroid alone, compared their clinical and microbiological effect in infected atopic dermatitis. Combination therapy reduced the mean scores for infection, inflammation and overall severity to a greater extent than the antibiotic or corticosteroid alone. The clinical and microbiological date are discussed in terms of relevance to clinical use.
The Bio-Social Paradox in the Black Community: Life Gets Longer but Not Healthier

The demographic profile of American Blacks reveals, inter alia, a phenomenal rise in longevity between 1900 and 1970. However, the longer life expectancy has not been correspondingly matched by healthier living. This bio-social paradox is, in large measure, attributable to a higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders and certain cancer sites among non-whites than whites. This racial differential is statistically correlated with black peoples' place of residence, work and dietary habits.
Inflorescence development in two annual teosintes: Zea mays subsp. mexicana and Z. mays subsp. parviglumis.

The ontogeny of tassels and ears in two annual Mexican teosintes, Zea mays subsp. mexicana and Z. mays subsp. parviglumis, was examined using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Ear development in these annual teosintes follows a pattern previously described as leading to the bisexual mixed inflorescence in Z. diploperennis. Common bud primordia are initiated in the axils of distichously arranged bracts along the ear axis. These common primordia bifurcate to form paired sessile and pedicellate spikelet primordia. Development of pedicellate spikelets is arrested leaving the sessile spikelets, along with the adjoining rachis segment, to form solitary grains enclosed within cupulate fruitcases. Development of the central tassel spike is similar to that previously described in the Z. diploperennis tassel, except that the first formed axillary bud primordia form precocious tassel branches. The origin of these tassel branches suggests a possible mechanism for the transition from a distichous spike, characteristic of teosinte, to a polystichous spike, typical of maize.
Operative Treatment of Massive Hemoptysis

Abstract Fifty-five pulmonary resections have been performed at our institution for hemoptysis of 600 ml. or more in 24 hours. The overall mortality was 18% as compared with more than 75% in patients who bled 600 ml. or more in 16 hours and 54% in patients who bled 600 ml. or more in 48 hours, all of whom were managed conservatively. Mortality correlated with the rate of bleeding irrespective of the extent of resection. Nineteen patients were bleeding massively at the time of pulmonary resection and required single lung ventilation; of these, 7 (37%) died. Of the 36 patients in whom active bleeding had ceased at the time of pulmonary resection, 3 (8%) died. In 2 patients with extensive bilateral disease, cavernostomy and packing of bleeding cavities was employed. The most common cause of death was respiratory insufficiency. Our experience indicates that operative treatment of massive hemoptysis offers a reduced mortality as compared with conservative management.
Successive CMEs and complex ejecta

[1] We identified three sets of successive halo CMEs directed toward Earth (two or more CMEs observed within 1–4 days in the corona) and the corresponding flows and magnetic fields at 1 AU. Each set of successive halo CMEs was associated with complex ejecta at 1 AU. Complex ejecta were defined by Burlaga et al. [2001] as fast (>600 km/s) flows that are neither corotating flows nor magnetic clouds, which move past Earth during a day or more. They correspond to the transient flows discussed in the literature prior to the discovery of magnetic clouds. We infer that in each case the successive CMEs merged en route from the Sun to the Earth to form complex ejecta. In general, the components of the complex ejecta corresponding to individual CMEs cannot be identified, suggesting that the merging process is nonlinear and irreversible, and memory of the conditions near the sun is lost in the process. The identity of the individual CMEs is gradually lost as the interaction proceeds within 1 AU. In some cases, the interaction can result in what appears to be a single stream in the speed profile at 1 AU. Nevertheless, given observations of successive halo CMEs, one can possibly predict the arrival of complex ejecta or more complicated transient flow systems at 1 AU. In some cases, complex ejecta related to multiple CMEs can be associated with a single source region, an active region.
Hierarchical density estimation for image classification

This paper presents a novel hierarchical density estimation approach for image classification. We first build a collection of randomized decision trees in a discriminative way to split the feature space into small regions. Then for each region, class-conditional Gaussians are learnt to characterize the “local” distribution of feature vectors falling into that region. The parameters of the Gaussians are reliably estimated through hierarchical maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation and smoothed across multiple randomized trees in the forest. Compared with the widely-used Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM), our new approach not only yields more reliable parameter estimation, but also greatly reduces the computational cost at the testing stage. Experiments on scene classification demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our new approach.
Seasonal changes in serum dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone levels in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis).

The squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) has a well-defined breeding season during which adult males undergo androgen-dependent morphological changes, with acquisition of active spermatogenesis. To assess the hormonal events of this annual cycle, blood samples were obtained weekly from ten adult males, and serum was assayed for testosterone (T), androstenedione (ΔA), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). A significant seasonal variation was noted in mean serum T (P < 0.02), ΔA (P < 0.02), and DHEA (P < 0.001) concentrations. Mean ΔA concentrations increased from a nonbreeding season nadir of 91.4 ± 12.9 ng/ml (mean ± standard error) to a prebreeding concentration of 139 ± 10.5 ng/ml and breeding season peak of 167.5 ± 15.4 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Mean DHEA concentrations increased from a nonbreeding season nadir of 8.3 ± 0.8 to a breeding season peak of 14.3 ± 1.2 (P < 0.001). Mean T levels in the nonbreeding (52.2 ± 11.6 ng/ ml) and prebreeding season (48.6 ± 7.4) were similar. However, T significantly increased during the breeding season to 103.5 ± 12.8 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Progressive changes in body weight and morphology paralleled the rise in serum ΔA levels. The pattern of peripheral serum androgen concentrations throughout the year would suggest annual activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes.
MATERNAL LIFESTYLE STUDY (MLS): CENTRAL AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEMS(CNS/ANS) SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH IN UTERO EXPOSURE TO COCAINE/OPIATES (C/O). † 1523

Neonatal signs suggesting CNS/ANS involvement are reported with antenatal drug exposure. We estimated and compared the prevalence of CNS/ANS signs between neonates exposed (EXP) to C/O in utero and those non-exposed (NON). Infants (n=11,236) all gestational ages recruited from 4 MLS centers (Brown U, U Tenn Memphis, U Miami, Wayne State U) were assessed for 33 CNS/ANS signs upon enrollment by trained research staff, unaware of exposure status. Exposure was defined as positive for C/O by maternal history or GC/MS meconium analysis. Except for jitteriness, tremors and irritability, prevalence of each CNS/ANS sign was <5% whether EXP to C/O (n=1,172), cocaine (C) only(n=980), or NON (n=10,064). Shown in the table are prevalence of ANS/CNS signs and odds ratios for C/O to NON. (*p<.01, C only compared to NON) Although prevalence of above signs is increased in C/O EXP compared to NON infants, the low prevalence limits the clinical utility of neonatal CNS/ANS signs.
Rural places and the circumstances of acute chemical disasters

Abstract This paper examines the nature and pattern of acute chemical airborne disasters in rural areas of four U.S. states: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa and New York. It is argued that these unplanned or uncontrolled airborne releases of hazardous chemicals are more than isolated engineering malfunctions. They can be alternatively understood as reflections of the social, economic and political contexts in which they occur. The objective of the paper is to investigate the links between the pattern of incidents (n = 262), the amount of hazardous materials locally present and the capability of local emergency preparedness in rural counties of the four states (n = 307). Discriminant analysis is used to examine the relationship between 33 country risk-related and preparedness variables and incident frequency. The discussion focuses on a sub-set of “outlier” counties: those with fewer incidents than expected and those with more incidents than expected based on their risk-related and preparedness characteristics. The results show a close positive relationship between the number of incidents and the amount of hazardous materials and preparedness. Strongest association is found between the number of incidents and chemical manufacturing or processing facilities. Differences between the two groups of outliers in Alabama and Georgia were based on economic and demographic conditions; differences in Iowa were based on adjacency to metropolitan areas. The findings illustrate the usefulness of contextual analysis in examining the restructuring of rural life and the capacity of fiscally and socially stressed rural communities to respond to environmental change.
A DSS for Managing EEO/Affirmative Action Requirements

Abstract This paper describes the design and implementation of a microcomputer-based Decision Support System (DSS) which (i) automates the Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Information Report, (ii) provides a statistical methodology to assess progress towards EEO compliance and (iii) is capable of creating and assessing personnel policy and practice relative to EEO guidelines.
Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy During American-Style Football Participation

Background—Hypertension, a strong determinant of cardiovascular disease risk, has been documented among elite, professional American-style football (ASF) players. The risk of increased blood pressure (BP) and early adulthood hypertension among the substantially larger population of collegiate ASF athletes is not known. Methods and Results—We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study to examine BP, the incidence of hypertension, and left ventricular remodeling among collegiate ASF athletes. Resting BP and left ventricular structure were assessed before and after a single season of competitive ASF participation in 6 consecutive groups of first-year university athletes (n=113). ASF participation was associated with significant increases in systolic BP (116±8 versus 125±13 mm Hg; P<0.001) and diastolic BP (64±8 mm Hg versus 66±10 mm Hg; P<0.001). At the postseason assessment, the majority of athletes met criteria for Joint National Commission (seventh report) prehypertension (53 of 113, 47%) or stage 1 hype...
Rule of law vs. ‘Russian justice’: Nikita Mikhalkov's 12

ABSTRACTThe article analyses Nikita Mikhalkov's film 12 (2007), a remake of the classic American Twelve Angry Men by Sidney Lumet (1957). Lumet's film asserts the rule of law over illegal retaliation, chauvinism and emotional judgement. Though Mikhalkov's version uses the setting and the plot of the original production, its ultimate conclusion is that the rule of law is not always an acceptable answer to Russia's troubled society. This article explores how Mikhalkov remade the classic courtroom drama into a prequel for a revenge genre film.
The Classroom as an Extension of Our Society: Empowering Students through Technology in Service Learning to Bridge the Global Digital Divide

Abstract The rapid development of our society created a number of social issues including the global digital divide which can be encountered on international, national and local levels. My papers discusses the role and importance of engaging students in discussing, understanding and contributing to the bridging of this gap using their information technology skills in a service learning experience to help people who don’t have access to technology or the necessary computer skills to succeed in our society. Volunteering for 15 hours in centers like Julie's Family Planning, ABCD Parker Hill neighborhood center, Notre Dame Education Center, students experience firsthand the impact of the lack of technology skills and access to technology on various groups of people, and get a chance to help these people. Students keep an online blog to record and reflect on the outcome, meaning and importance of their service learning activities, such as: teaching computer classes, designing curriculum, tutoring in computer skills, database entries and cleanup in offices computer upgrades. They share in their blogs the meaning and importance of engaging in service learning to solve social problems using their own technology education. This experience expands our classroom to engage and empower students to become active and responsible members of our society, while using their formal information technology education in a practical way.
Equal rights amendment controversy: Two worlds in conflict

The Equal Rights Amendment controversy is studied as a conflict between two world views that are created by the rhetoric generated by proponents and opponents. Descriptions of the settings, actions, characters, and motivations of the opposing worlds reveal little common ground on which traditional argumentation can occur.
The Pathogenesis of Plague: I. A Study of the Correlation between Virulence and Relative Phagocytosis Resistance of some Strains of Pasteurella Pestis

Abstract : This report presents evidence that when avirulent strains of P. pestis that produce the capsular antigen Fraction I are grown under conditions that induce a high degree of phagocytosis resistance in typical virulent strains, they also acquire the same degree of resistance. Virulent strains that do not produce detectable amounts of this antigen acquire a much more limited degree of resistance to phagocytosis; in fact, they are not at all resistant to ingestion by guinea pig macrophages. It is suggested that the major factors determing the virulence of P. pestis are not associated with resistance to phagocytosis, but rather, with the intracellular survival and multiplication of the bacilli following phagocytosis.
Likelihood of Contact with AIDS Patients as a Factor in Medical Students' Residency Selections.

Results from the National Resident Matching Program for the years 1980, 1983, and 1987 were used to examine changes over time in the matches of U.S. medical students to residencies in cities with high concentrations of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to specialties in which the care of AIDS patients was most concentrated. Medical students seeking postgraduate training in categorical surgery residency programs were less likely to be matched with programs located in areas where the numbers of reported AIDS cases were high in 1987 as compared with the "pre-AIDS" years of 1980 or 1983. This trend was more pronounced for students from medical schools located in cities with high numbers of AIDS cases. There was a decline in matches to residencies in categorical internal medicine nationally, regardless of location; this decline was also greater among the students coming from medical schools in cities with high numbers of AIDS cases. The authors discuss the implications for medical educators of declines in matches to specialties in which the care of AIDS patients is most concentrated. The imperfect nature of available measures of students' exposure to AIDS patients makes the data of this study preliminary, and further studies are being undertaken. However, the finding of significant effects in spite of the imprecision of some measures suggests that future work will confirm the results of this study.
Chronotropic and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response of fetal rat heart in organ culture to isoproterenol, quinidine, and a dysrhythmogenic agent

The fetal rat heart in organ culture was used to investigate rate changes by various cardioactive agents. Concomitantly, the effect of these pharmacologically induced rate changes on steady-state cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels was determined. Isoproterenol increased the fetal rat heart rate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in a concentration-related fashion. Quinidine produced a concentration-related decrease in heart rate and no change in cyclic adenosine monophosphate level. The dysrhythmogenic agent produced concentration-related negative chronotropism in the fetal rat heart preparation and significant elevations in cyclic adenosine monophosphate at concentrations without chronotropic action. No correlation between chronotropic effect of a drug and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels was observed.
Disubstituted piperidines as potent orexin (hypocretin) receptor antagonists.

Abstract A series of orexin receptor antagonists was synthesized based on a substituted piperidine scaffold. Through traditional medicinal chemistry structure–activity relationships (SAR), installation of various groups at the 3–6-positions of the piperidine led to modest enhancement in receptor selectivity. Compounds were profiled in vivo for plasma and brain levels in order to identify candidates suitable for efficacy in a model of drug addiction.