cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Familiar Face Recognition and the Influence of Sociocultural Gender Inequality

Are gender differences in face recognition influenced by familiarity and socio-cultural factors? Previous studies have reported gender differences in processing unfamiliar faces, consistently finding a female advantage and a female own-gender bias. However, researchers have recently highlighted that unfamiliar faces are processed less efficiently than familiar faces, which have more robust, invariant representations. To-date, no study has examined whether gender differences exist for familiar face recognition. The current study addressed this by using a famous faces task in a large, web-based sample of > 2000 participants across different countries. We also sought to examine if differences varied by socio-cultural gender equality within countries. When examining raw accuracy as well when controlling for fame, the results demonstrated that there were no participant gender differences in overall famous face accuracy, in contrast to studies of unfamiliar faces. There was also a consistent own-gender bias in male but not female participants. In countries with low gender equality, including the USA, females showed significantly better recognition of famous female faces compared to male participants, whereas this difference was abolished in high gender equality countries. Together, this suggests that gender differences in recognizing unfamiliar faces can be attenuated when there is enough face learning and that sociocultural gender equality can drive gender differences in familiar face recognition.
Interstellar grains within interstellar grains

Five interstellar graphite spherules extracted from the Murchison carbonaceous meteorite are studied. The isotopic and elemental compositions of individual particles are investigated with the help of an ion microprobe, and this analysis is augmented with structural studies of ultrathin sections of the grain interiors by transmission electron microscopy. As a result, the following procedure for the formation of the interstellar graphite spherule bearing TiC crystals is inferred: (1) high-temperature nucleation and rapid growth of the graphitic carbon spherule in the atmosphere of a carbon-rich star, (2) nucleation and growth of TiC crystals during continued growth of the graphitic spherule and the accretion of TiC onto the spherule, (3) quenching of the graphite growth process by depletion of C or by isolation of the spherule before other grain types could condense. 15 refs.
Methods to Evaluate Temporal Cognitive Biases in Machine Learning Prediction Models

When asked to rank or rate a list of items, humans are often affected by cognitive biases, which may lead to inconsistent decisions over time. These inconsistencies become part of machine learning prediction algorithms trained on human judgments, leading to misalignment and consequently affecting the metrics used to evaluate their correctness. In this paper, we propose new accuracy metrics, built upon commonly used statistics- and decision support-based metrics. Each of these metrics is designed to address the varying nature of human judgment and to evaluate the importance of decisions that change over time due to cognitive biases.
2 – Computational Complexity

Publisher Summary This chapter describes that the search for fundamental distinctions in the tractability of problems constitutes the area known as complexity theory. In discrete optimization, the shortest path problem, the assignment problem, or the knapsack problem represent a whole family of specific examples. The notion of a problem in complexity theory is parallel. A problem is a collection of instances of mathematical form but differing in size and the values of numerical constants in the problem form. Thus, the problem of finding a shortest path between a specific pair of vertices in a given acyclic graph, where all arc weights are 1, can represent one instance of the general shortest path problem. Complexity theory categorizes problems in terms of the form of mathematical functions, expressing amounts of computation as a function of instance size. A Turing machine is an abstract model of a computer named for its originator, the British logician, Alan Turing. Programs for Turing machines can be included as part of the input, as they are in general purpose computers. The significance of Turing machines in complexity theory is that they provide a precise definition of time, that is, the number of steps required for a Turing device to halt.
Curl forces and their role in optics and ion trapping

The position dependent nonconservative forces are called curl forces introduced recently by M.V. Berry, P. Shukla, J. Phys. A 45, 305201 (2012). In this article, we elucidate the role of curl forces in classical and quantum optics. At first we review the work of A. Ashkin and demonstrate the existence of curl force. We then discuss the role of curl force in ion trapping theory and map it to rotating saddle potential. Finally we show the connection between the two level atom problem, curl forces and their connection to Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator.
Increased body mass index does not impact the imaging quality of focused assessment with sonography in trauma.

BACKGROUND Many clinicians believe that a patient's body mass index (BMI) affects the likelihood of obtaining high quality ultrasound images. OBJECTIVES To assess the hypothesis that increased BMI is associated with worsening focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) image quality. METHODS We conducted a retrospective single-center study of FAST examinations performed in a large academic emergency department (ED) with fellowship-trained emergency ultrasonography faculty performing quality assurance review. RESULTS Mean (SD) BMI was 28.0 (6.6) among the 302 included studies. The overall quality rating tended to decrease as BMI increased but did not achieve statistical significance in a univariable setting (P = .06) or after adjustment for age and sex (P = .06). Operators perception of image adequacy was largely unaffected by BMI, with the exception of the pericardial view. CONCLUSION This study did not identify a statistically significant difference in FAST quality with increased BMI. This result may help assuage clinician concerns about ultrasonography for patients in the ED.
Tall Buildings with Dynamic Facade Under Winds

Abstract Burgeoning growth of tall buildings in urban areas around the world is placing new demands on their performance under winds. This involves selection of the building form that minimizes wind loads and structural topologies that efficiently transfer loads. Current practice is to search for optimal shapes, but this limits buildings with static or fixed form. Aerodynamic shape tailoring that consists of modifying the external form of the building has shown great promise in reducing wind loads and associated structural motions as reflected in the design of Taipei 101 and Burj Khalifa. In these buildings, corner modifications of the cross-section and tapering along the height are introduced. An appealing alternative is to design a building that can adapt its form to the changing complex wind environment in urban areas with clusters of tall buildings, i.e., by implementing a dynamic facade. To leap beyond the static shape optimization, autonomous dynamic morphing of the building shape is advanced in this study, which is implemented through a cyber–physical system that fuses together sensing, computing, actuating, and engineering informatics. This approach will permit a building to intelligently morph its profile to minimize the source of dynamic wind load excitation, and holds the promise of revolutionizing tall buildings from conventional static to dynamic facades by taking advantage of the burgeoning advances in computational design.
Family-based Intervention for Legal System-involved Girls: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

The increased proportion of juvenile court-involved girls has spurred interest to implement and evaluate services to reduce girls' system involvement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a family-based intervention by using a dominant sequential mixed methods evaluation approach. First, we examined quantitative data using a quasi-experimental design to determine whether the family-based intervention reduced recidivism among court-involved girls. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to construct statistically equivalent groups to compare one-year recidivism outcomes for girls who received the court-run family-based intervention (n = 181) to a group of girls on probation who did not receive the intervention (n = 803). Qualitative interviews (n = 39) were conducted to contextualize the quantitative findings and highlighted the circumstances that family-focused interventions for court-involved girls. Girls who received the program had slightly lower recidivism rates following the intervention. The qualitative findings contextualized the quasi-experimental results by providing an explanation as to the girls' family circumstances and insights into the mechanisms of the intervention. Results highlighted the importance of family-focused interventions for juvenile justice-involved girls. These findings have practical and policy implications for the use interventions-beyond the individual level-with adjudicated girls and offer suggestions for ways to improve their effectiveness using a community psychology lens. In addition, this paper includes a discussion of evaluating of juvenile court programming from a community psychology perspective including strengths, challenges, and considerations for future work in this area.
Local Capacity for Emergency Births in Rural Hospitals Without Obstetrics Services.

Background Rural hospitals are closing obstetric units, and limited information is available about local emergency obstetric preparedness and capacity in rural communities where hospitals do not routinely provide this care. Objective To describe emergency obstetric capacity at rural US hospitals that do not routinely offer childbirth services. Methods Data from the 2018 American Hospital Association Annual Survey were used to identify a random sample of rural hospitals that did not offer obstetric services. A survey was developed based on World Health Organization criteria for obstetric emergencies. With data collected from 69 rural hospital emergency departments (48% response rate), we analyzed local capacity to support childbirth. Results Most responding hospitals (65%) were located 30 or more miles away from a hospital with obstetric services. Some reported having emergency room births in the past year (28%), an unanticipated adverse birth outcome (32%), and/or a delay in urgent transport for a pregnant patient (22%). More than 90% of responding hospitals had capacity for blood transfusion, intravenous antibiotics or anticonvulsants, and basic neonatal resuscitation. However, less than one-fifth had capacity to perform surgery (16%), remove retained products of delivery (17%), or had a policy for emergency cesarean (18%). Almost all respondents (80%) reported the need for additional training or resources to handle emergency obstetric situations. Conclusion Many rural hospitals do not have basic capacity to provide emergency obstetric services. Programs and policies to improve this may focus on surgical care, clinician and staff training, transportation, and coordination with nearby hospitals that provide obstetric services.
IRES-Containing VEEV Vaccine Protects Cynomolgus Macaques from IE Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Aerosol Challenge

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arbovirus endemic to the Americas that is responsible for severe, sometimes fatal, disease in humans and horses. We previously described an IRES-based VEE vaccine candidate based up the IE serotype that offers complete protection against a lethal subtype IE VEEV challenge in mice. Here we demonstrate the IRES-based vaccine’s ability to protect against febrile disease in cynomolgus macaques. Vaccination was well tolerated and elicited robust neutralizing antibody titers noticed as early as day 14. Moreover, complete protection from disease characterized by absence of viremia and characteristic fever following aerosolized IE VEEV challenge was observed in all vaccinees compared to control animals, which developed clinical disease. Together, these results highlight the safety and efficacy of IRES-based VEEV vaccine to protect against an endemic, pathogenic VEEV IE serotype.
The Future of Drug-Pricing Transparency.

The Future of Drug-Pricing Transparency A federal “Transparency in Coverage” rule requires insurers to disclose list prices and historical net prices for medications and to give patients personaliz...
Abjection incorporated: Mediating the politics of pleasure and violenceAbjection Incorporated: Mediating the Politics of Pleasure and Violence: MAGGIE HENNEFELD and NICHOLAS SAMMOND (eds.), 2020 Durham, NC, Duke University Press pp. vii + 334, illus., index, $28.95 (paper)

When it comes to adapting an effective commentary to make sense of the continually changing nature of our present political and cultural conversations, it can be difficult to at once unpack the eve...
Learning Control Units

A control unit is a group of synapses that are consistent with each other in terms of transformation parameters. We showed previously that these high-order interactions led to very fast Dynamic Link Matching (DLM) for self-organization of mappings between two patterns, as needed in various visual tasks. We present here a model to learn control units and the connection between them, from examples by generalized Hebbian plasticity. Learning examples are consistent mappings formed, for instance, by conventional DLM. Simulation results for 1D patterns showed that the learned results resemble those designed by hand, and thus were very encouraging.
Pulmonary Specialist Involvement in Critical Asthma in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: a Retrospective Review.

INTRODUCTION Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.1 There is a scarcity of published literature on critical asthma,2 considered acute asthma requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.3 The goal of this study was to describe the clinical care of children with critical asthma admitted to a single center PICU and to determine whether pulmonary medicine consultation during admission impacted outcomes. METHODS Retrospective chart review of known asthma patients aged 4 to 18 years admitted to a quaternary PICU between 01/2013 and 07/2019 for management of critical asthma. RESULTS 179 patients were enrolled with median age of 8 years. Median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 3.2 days and PICU LOS was 1.5 days. Eighty (44.7 %) patients had a pulmonary medicine consultation. In the pulmonary medicine consultation group vs. the no-pulmonary medicine consultation group, there was a significant difference in hospital LOS (4.16 vs. 2.86 days, p-value <0.0001) and PICU LOS (2.00 vs. 1.00, p-value < 0.0001), escalation of controller medication (66% vs. 21%, p-value < 0.0001), scheduled outpatient pulmonology follow-up (87.5% vs. 45.4%, p-value <0.0001), and receiving ≥ 3 courses of systemic steroids in the 12 months after discharge (32.2% vs. 14.7%). There was no difference in attendance of scheduled follow up appointments or in having ≥3 emergency room visits or admissions in the 12 months after discharge. CONCLUSION Pulmonary medicine consultation during hospital admission may impact management of critical asthma by increasing escalation of controller medication and scheduled outpatient follow up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Infant sleep position and Sudden infant death syndrome risk : a time for change

I fully support a comprehensive professional and public intervention campaign in the US to establish supine as the standard sleep position. Although other preventive health objectives can be included, the emphasis needs to be clearly focused on sleep position. Achieving the lowest possible prone prevalence rate in the US is thus the first goal of this new campaign. The second and equally important goal of the new campaign should be to utilize this opportunity to maximum advantage to enhance our knowledge regarding the epidemiological risk factors causally related to SIDS and their interactions, and the interactions between epidemiological and biological risk factors. In addition to quantifying changes in infant mortality and in infant sleep position, we will also need to characterize both the supine and the persistent prone infant groups in regard to all of the putative epidemiological risk factors for SIDS. This campaign can thus enhance our understanding of the epidemiological risk factors for SIDS as long as a significant decrease in prone prevalence can be achieved.
Dynamic Constraints Derivation and Maintenance in the Teradata RDBMS

We define a new algorithm that allows the Teradata query optimizer to automatically derive and maintain constraints between date type columns across tables that are related by referential integrity constraints. We provide a novel, quantitative measure of the usefulness of such rules. We show how the Teradata query optimizer utilizes these constraints in producing more optimal plans especially for databases that have tables that are value ordered by date. We also discuss our design for maintaining these constraints in the presence of inserts, deletes, and updates to the relevant tables. Finally, we give performance numbers for seven TPC-H queries from our prototype implementation based on the Teradata Database engine.
A universal weak method

The weak methods occur pervasively in AI systems and may form the basic methods for all intelligent systems. The purpose of this paper is to characterize the weak methods and to explain how and why they arise in intelligent systems. We propose an organization, called a universal weak method, that provides functionality of all the weak methods." A universal weak method is an organizational scheme for knowledge that produces the appropriate search behavior given the available task-domain knowledge. We present a problem solving architecture, called SOAR, in which we realize a universal weak method. We then demonstrate the universal weak method with a variety of weak methods on a set of tasks. This research was sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agencv (DOD), ARPA Order No 3597, monitored by the Air Force Avionics Laboratory Under Contract F33615*-78-C-1551 The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or the US Government. Table of
Magnetic g tensors for the I 15 ∕ 2 4 and I 13 ∕ 2 4 states of Er 3 + : Y 2 Si O 5

We present the complete Zeeman $g$ tensors for the lowest-energy $^{4}\mathrm{I}_{15∕2}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{I}_{13∕2}$ states of ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ doped into ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{5}$ for both crystallographic sites deduced from orientation-dependent optical Zeeman spectroscopy over three orthogonal crystal planes. From these data, principal axes of the $g$ tensors were determined for each crystallographic site. Along axes with maximum values, the effective $g$ factors are 14.65 (site 1) and 15.46 (site 2) for the ground state, and 12.97 (site 1) and 13.77 (site 2) for the excited state. To minimize optical decoherence and spectral diffusion in device applications and high resolution spectroscopy, special directions for applying an external magnetic field have been found for each site, for which the ground- and excited-state $g$ factors are equal. Among those directions, choices are presented that also maximize the ground-state splittings for all four magnetically inequivalent sites, thus optimizing the prospects for freezing out electron spin fluctuations and reducing decoherence and spectral diffusion significantly.
Point-Counterpoint: Cervical Cancer Screening Should Be Done by Primary Human Papillomavirus Testing with Genotyping and Reflex Cytology for Women over the Age of 25 Years

ABSTRACT Screening for cervical cancer with cytology testing has been very effective in reducing cervical cancer in the United States. For decades, the approach was an annual Pap test. In 2000, the Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomavirus (HPV) test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for screening women who have atypical squamous cells of underdetermined significance (ASCUS) detected by Pap test to determine the need for colposcopy. In 2003, the FDA approved expanding the use of the test to include screening performed in conjunction with a Pap test for women over the age of 30 years, referred to as “cotesting.” Cotesting allows women to extend the testing interval to 3 years if both tests have negative results. In April of 2014, the FDA approved the use of an HPV test (the cobas HPV test) for primary cervical cancer screening for women over the age of 25 years, without the need for a concomitant Pap test. The approval recommended either colposcopy or a Pap test for patients with specific high-risk HPV types detected by the HPV test. This was based on the results of the ATHENA trial, which included more than 40,000 women. Reaction to this decision has been mixed. Supporters point to the fact that the primary-screening algorithm found more disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse [CIN3+]) and also found it earlier than did cytology or cotesting. Moreover, the positive predictive value and positive-likelihood ratio of the primary-screening algorithm were higher than those of cytology. Opponents of the decision prefer cotesting, as this approach detects more disease than the HPV test alone. In addition, the performance of this new algorithm has not been assessed in routine clinical use. Professional organizations will need to develop guidelines that incorporate this testing algorithm. In this Point-Counterpoint, Dr. Stoler explains why he favors the primary-screening algorithm, while Drs. Austin and Zhao explain why they prefer the cotesting approach to screening for cervical cancer.
The human fibroblast growth factor receptor genes: a common structural arrangement underlies the mechanisms for generating receptor forms that differ in their third immunoglobulin domain.

Abstract To determine the mechanisms by which multiple forms of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors are generated, we have mapped the arrangement of exons and introns in the human FGF receptor 1 (FGFR 1) gene (flg). We found three alternative exons encoding a portion of the third immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain of the receptor. One of these alternatives encodes a sequence that is part of a secreted form of FGFR 1. The other two encode sequences that are likely part of transmembrane forms of FGFR 1. One of these forms has not been previously reported in published cDNAs. Also, we have determined the structural organization of a portion of the human FGFR 2 gene (bek) and found a similar arrangement of alternative exons for the third Ig-like domain. The arrangement of these genes suggests that there are conserved mechanisms governing the expression of secreted FGF receptors as well as the expression of at least two distinct membrane-spanning forms of the FGF receptors. The diverse forms appear to be generated by alternative splicing of mRNA and selective use of polyadenylation signals.
Countering Jihadi Radicals and Foreign Fighters in the United States and France: Très Similaire

This article analyzes and compares French and U.S. domestic responses to Jihadi radicalization, placing particular attention on the similarities between the two. In view of the political and cultural differences between the United States and France, the parallels between U.S. and French approaches to homegrown Jihadi radicalization are remarkable. Both countries got off to a late start when formulating counterradicalization strategies. While the underlying reasons (related to, inter alia , the notion of American exceptionalism and the French version of secularism) for this differ, the U.S. introduced its first counterradicalization strategy in 2011, followed by France in 2014. More important, so-called “soft” measures (including phone hotlines, dialogues and workshops, vocational training, targeted interventions, or counseling and exit programs), adopted by most Western democracies in an effort to prevent vulnerable individuals from radicalizing and reintegrate foreign fighters and others who have become infected with the Jihadi virus, have taken a back seat to “hard” security measures (including surveillance, arrests, and prosecutions) in the two countries. These findings have important implications for policymakers. Understanding what responses have been formulated, and also why, can facilitate international cooperation and provide useful insights on the characteristics, strengths, as well as limits of U.S. and French approaches to Jihadi radicals and foreign fighters.
Urinary measurement of transforming growth factor-β and type IV collagen as new markers of renal injury: application in diabetic nephropathy

Urinary samples were concentrated rapidly and efficiently and were used to develop several protein assays that may be of value in monitoring individuals with progressive renal disorders. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and retinol binding protein (RBP) were measured with modification of commercially available methods used to assay serum specimens; type 3 collagen (T3C) was measured with a new immunonephelometric assay. The precision characteristics of these assays are comparable with those reported for microalbuminuria. The clinical utility of measuring a panel of these markers was demonstrated in urine samples from 16 control subjects and from 46 individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) with various albumin excretion rates (AERs). TGF-β1 and T3C were used as markers of cytokine expression and of the renal fibrogenic process, whereas RBP excretion served as a marker of tubular injury or dysfunction. Compared with controls, T3C excretion was significantly increased in 18 normoalbuminuric and further increased in 13 microalbuminuric (AER 20 ≤ 200 μg/min) IDDM subjects. RBP excretion was increased in macroalbuminuric IDDM subjects (AER >200 μg/min, overt nephropathy). Significant correlations were also found between AER and RBP in all but macroalbuminuric individuals, whereas TGF-β1 correlated with T3C excretion in controls and in normoalbuminuric diabetic subjects. Urinary RBP but not AER was an excellent predictor of diabetic nephropathy as defined by serum creatinine (P = 0.0001). This underscores the importance of an early tubulopathy in the subsequent development of glomerulopathy and overt nephropathy. The data suggest that longitudinal monitoring of a panel of urinary markers such as that used in the current study may better define their relevance in progressive glomerulosclerosis and may also provide greater insight into the mechanisms underlying such process.
Teachers' Mindsets for Students with and without Disabilities.

Research suggests beliefs about the stability of ability can be dichotomized into two mindsets: fixed and growth (Dweck, 1999). Teachers’ (n = 238) beliefs regarding the stability of ability (mindset) and the stability of ability for 4 hypothetical students scenarios (mindset for scenarios) were measured. Mindset scores were related to mindset for scenario scores. Moreover teachers demonstrated increased neutral mindset scores and decreased fixed mindset scores for hypothetical student scenarios with no discernible differences for student gender or disability status.
Should Law Professors Have a Continuing Practice Experience (CPE) Requirement

This article considers whether law professors should have a Continuing Practice Experience (CPE) requirement, just as lawyers in most jurisdictions have a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirement. In the face of criticisms of legal education for failing to prepare students to be practicing lawyers and for generating scholarship that is of little to no use to practicing lawyers and judges, CPE offers one way to facilitate a connection between legal education and law practice. This article considers the potential benefits of CPE (and reasons why law professors might be resistant to CPE). The article also discusses ways in which the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Accreditation of Law Schools and the Association of American Law Schools’ Statement of Good Practices by Law Professors could be revised to adopt (or, at least, endorse) CPE. Finally, the article addresses two questions relating to the development of a CPE requirement: specifically, what types of activity should “count” as CPE and how much of such activity should law professors have to engage in?
Studies on the Intercellular Junctions of Mesothelium and Endothelium

The passage of substances across the endothelial barrier may occur—theoretically at least [1]—by two main pathways: a) Through the cells. Particles of colloidal gold [2] or molecules of ferritin [3] injected into the plasma are taken up by the pinocytic vesicles of the endothelial cells, and thereafter appear in the extravascular spaces. This and other forms of trans-cellular passage will not be dealt within this paper, b) Between the cells. Interest in the intercellular junction as a potential pathway is stimulated by physiologic studies, which indicate that traus-endothelial passage of ions and small molecules is a passive process. Dyes injected intra-arterially escape at discrete points along venules and capillaries [4], in a manner which could not be adequately explained by pinocytic transfer [1]. It has been stated that the endothelial cells are connected by “tight junctions” or zonulae occludentes [5, 6]. It has not, however, been shown that these junctions form a continuous band around each cell, and that they do indeed represent a tight seal. The zone of membrane “fusion” could represent, rather than a seal, a very fine filter permeable to water and to very small molecules [7, 8]. By electron microscopy, the passage of tracer particles along junctions which appeared to be still “closed” has been observed [9] : these studies were done in vitro, on rat hearts perfused with a saline solution containing particles of saccharated iron oxide (S.I.O.).
Lumping analysis in the presence of measurement error

A review of the analysis of our earlier paper is presented, where systems mathematics is utilized to define in a direct way the conditions for exact lumping of monomolecular first-order kinetic systems. A new extension is to show that a system that is exactly lumpable in a batch reactor will follow the same lumping in any reactor type. In addition, our new approach shows how cluster analysis provides a useful way to analyse approximate lumping. This is especially important when measurement error is present, since the implementation of a successful lumping scheme must be viewed in the context of the errors.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of protoberberine alkaloids

Quaternary protoberberine alkaloids are a class of natural dyes characterized by bright colors ranging from yellow to orange. As they present a strong fluorescence emission, their analysis by Raman spectroscopy is limited to specific techniques such as Fourier transform (FT)-Raman and spectral shift Raman techniques suchasshiftedsubtractedRamandifferencespectroscopy(SSRDS)andshiftedexcitationRamandifference spectroscopy (SERDS). In a previous article, we successfully used surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in the analysis of the alkaloid dye berberine in an ancient textile. The examination of the Raman and SERS spectra of berberine in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated a flat adsorption geometry of the molecule on the Ag surface. In this article we extend that work to the study of related protoberberine alkaloids, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and coptisine. The same adsorption geometry as in berberine was deduced. We found that the four alkaloids, although minimally different in their chemical structures, could be differentiated by the position of marker bands. Those bands are the most enhanced ones in the SERS spectra, which appear in the 700‐800 cm −1 region. Copyright  2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering the Human Thyrotropin Receptor Ectodomain from a Non-secreted Form to a Secreted, Highly Immunoreactive Glycoprotein That Neutralizes Autoantibodies in Graves' Patients' Sera

Previous attempts to generate autoantibody-reactive, secreted thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) ectodomain in mammalian cells have failed because of retention within the cell of material with immature carbohydrate. We have overcome this difficulty by performing progressive carboxyl-terminal truncations of the human TSHR ectodomain (418 amino acid residues including signal peptide). Three ectodomain variants (TSHR-261, TSHR-289, and TSHR-309) were truncated at residues 261, 289, and 309, respectively. Unlike the full ectodomain, ectodomain variants were secreted with an efficiency inversely proportional to their size. Secreted ectodomain variants contained ∼20 kDa of complex carbohydrate. TSHR-261 was chosen for further study because it was secreted very efficiently and neutralized autoantibodies in Graves' patients' sera. This ectodomain variant was partially purified using sequential lectin and nickel-chelate chromatography, permitting the first direct visualization and quantitation of the mammalian TSHR. Most important, very small (nanogram) quantities of this material neutralized 70–100% of TSHR autoantibody activity in all 18 Graves' sera studied. In summary, carboxyl-terminal truncation of the human TSHR ectodomain generates a secreted protein with complex carbohydrate that neutralizes autoantibodies in Graves' patients' sera. Antigenically active TSHR will be valuable for future studies on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and immunotherapy of Graves' disease.
The preparation of a di(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium methylene species from a phosphorane

Abstract Cp2Zr(PPh2Me)2 reacts with CH2=PPh3 to give Cp2Zr(=CH2)(PPh2Me), the first example of a Group IV metal carbene complex.
Development of pinwheel inclusions associated with sweet potato russet crack virus

Abstract Developmental changes associated with pinwheel inclusions induced by sweet potato russet crack virus in Ipomoea setosa were studied over a time course. Bundle inclusions, closely associated with plasmodesmata, were first observed apposed to the cell wall in inoculated leaves after 5 days. Pinwheel configurations appearing in the cytoplasm could be traced to the cell wall in serial section. The centers of the pinwheels were observed directly over the plasmodesmatol openings. Cytoplasmic strands with viruslike particles between the membranes were present at 5 days. Seven days after inoculation may bundles were perpendicular to the wall, but some were separated from the wall. Endoplasmic reticulum was present at the base of the bundles. Rows of filamentous particles separated by a dark-staining matrix were present in some cells. Loops and arcs were occasionally present. After 10 days many bundle inclusions were completely dissociated from the plasmalemma, and bundles were randomly oriented in the cytoplasm. Loops and circles resulting from dissociated pinwheel septa were common, and intact pinwheels were absent in some cells. The sequence of pinwheel development and maturation in systemically infected tissue was similar to the sequence of development in the inoculated leaf. Crystalline inclusions in plants sampled after 2 months were present in lower leaves. Strandlike particles, possibly virus particles, were associated with membranes in plants infected 2 and 3 months. We conclude that pinwheel inclusions induced by russet crack virus change in form and position; and a sequence of inclusion development can be observed when inoculated and systemically infected tissues are sampled at several intervals.
Outpatient education reduces emergency room use by patients with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a costly diagnosis, with emergency room (ER) visits and hospital admissions comprising a large portion of total direct cost. An educational intervention to decrease the number of ER visits was implemented on outpatients with epilepsy, using educational handouts and DVD. The number of ER visits declined significantly in the four months following intervention compared with the preceding four months. This finding supports patient education as a valuable tool to reduce ER use, which may, in turn, cut down on health-care cost.
Inter- and intramolecular interactions of α-lactalbumin V. The effect of amidination on association and aggregation☆

Abstract 1. 1. α-Lactalbumin exists as the monomeric unit at pH values alkaline to the isoelectric point (4.25-4.50). However, below pH 4.00 the protein undergoes a confirmational change which results in strong association and aggregation. To determine if hydrophobic interactions play a role in the association and aggregation, new nonpolar groups have been introduced into the protein by the amidination reaction using ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride and ethyl butyrimidate hydrochloride. 2. 2. A comparison of the properties of the modified proteins with α-lactalbumin by sedimentation velocity, ultraviolet fluorescence, optical rotatory dispersion and electrophoresis showed that they retain most of the characteristics of α-lactalbumin indicating that no major structural changes have resulted from the modification. It was found, however, that the modified proteins were much more susceptible to association and aggregation than α-lactalbumin. This was evident not only at pH 2.00 but on the alkaline side of the isoelectric point at pH 6.00 and 8.50. These observations lend support to the hypothesis that hydrophobic interactions play a role in the association and aggregation of α-lactalbumin and that the difference in behavior of the “alkaline” and “acid” forms of the protein are due to a higher density of non-polar groups at the molecular surface of the “acid” form.
Effect of force direction on femoral fracture load for two types of loading conditions.

Identifying the loading conditions under which the femur is most likely to fracture may aid the prevention of hip fracture. This study quantified the effect of force direction on fracture load, a factor inherently associated with fracture risk. Finite element (FE) models of four femora were used to determine the force directions associated with the lowest fracture loads. Force directions were varied three-dimensionally for two types of loading, one representing impact from a fall and one similar to joint loading during daily activities (atraumatic loading). For the fall configuration, the force direction with lowest fracture load corresponded to an impact onto the posterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter. For atraumatic loading, the lowest fracture loads for the force directions analyzed occurred when posterior force components were relatively large or when posterior and lateral components were both small, similar to conditions while standing on one leg or climbing stairs. When both fall and atraumatic configurations are considered, the type of loading associated with greatest fracture risk, i.e., with the greatest applied force and lowest fracture load, is impact from a fall onto the posterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter. Therefore, evaluation of hip fracture risk and development of fracture prevention technologies should focus on this high-risk loading condition.
Risk factors and outcome of ventilator associated tracheitis (VAT) in pediatric trauma patients

We sought to investigate the risk factors and outcome of Ventilator Associated Tracheitis (VAT) according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) definition in pediatric trauma patients who were ventilated for ≥ 48 hours. In a retrospective cohort study, medical records of all pediatric trauma patients admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) between April, 2002 and April, 2007 were reviewed. Medical records were reviewed for patients’ demographics, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), type of trauma, and other potential risk factors prior to the development of VAT (such as hyperglycemia, rate of re-intubation and tracheotomy, presence of chest tubes and central lines, urinary tract infection, seizures, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of total parental nutrition, transfusion, use of H2 blockers, steroids, pressors/inotropes). Medical records were also reviewed for days of mechanical ventilation, PICU length of stay, and PICU mortality. During the study period, 217 trauma patients were admitted to the PICU, 113 patients met our inclusion criteria and 21.2% (24/113) developed VAT. On average patients with VAT (in comparison to patients without VAT), had a higher TISS score on admission [38.6±16.9 vs. 24.2±10.6; respectively (p<0.01)], longer days of ventilation and PICU length of stay [11.5±6.2 vs. 3.7±2.3 days (p<0.001) and 16.4±8.3 vs. 5.4±2.8 days (p<0.001) respectively]. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. In a logistic regression model adjusting for possible confounders, the TISS score (adjusted OR 7.53; CI: 2.01–28.14; p=0.03 and use of pressors/inotropes (adjusted OR 4.64; CI: 1.28–16.86; p=0.01) were the only independent risk factors associated with VAT. We conclude that the severity of illness and use of pressors/inotropes are associated with VAT in pediatric trauma patients. We also conclude that VAT is associated with an increase in days of mechanical ventilation and PICU length of stay in pediatric trauma patients.
Immigrants' Use of Welfare After Welfare Reform: Cross-Group Comparison

ABSTRACT The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 represented a significant shift in U.S. public policy, rendering immigrants ineligible for most federal means-tested programs. We use the 1999 Current Population Survey (CPS) data set to provide the cross-sectional description of immigrants' use of public transfer programs, particularly focusing on Asian American immigrants. Little is currently known about the economic well-being of Asian immigrants and their program participation in the wake of recent welfare reform. This research contributes to the knowledge of Asian immigrants' reliance on public assistance and their socio-demographic characteristics in comparison with other racial/ethnic groups.
Development of combinatorial chemistry methods for coatings: high-throughput adhesion evaluation and scale-up of combinatorial leads.

Coupling of combinatorial chemistry methods with high-throughput (HT) performance testing and measurements of resulting properties has provided a powerful set of tools for the 10-fold accelerated discovery of new high-performance coating materials for automotive applications. Our approach replaces labor-intensive steps with automated systems for evaluation of adhesion of 8 × 6 arrays of coating elements that are discretely deposited on a single 9 × 12 cm plastic substrate. Performance of coatings is evaluated with respect to their resistance to adhesion loss, because this parameter is one of the primary considerations in end-use automotive applications. Our HT adhesion evaluation provides previously unavailable capabilities of high speed and reproducibility of testing by using a robotic automation, an expanded range of types of tested coatings by using the coating tagging strategy, and an improved quantitation by using high signal-to-noise automatic imaging. Upon testing, the coatings undergo changes that...
Clinical experience with the lateral septocutaneous superior gluteal artery perforator flap for autologous breast reconstruction.

Background: Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps are a useful adjunct for autologous microvascular breast reconstruction. However, limitations of short pedicle length, complex anatomy, and donor site deformity make it an unpopular choice. Our goals were to define the anatomic characteristics of SGAPs in cadavers, and report preliminary clinical and radiographic results of using the lateral septocutaneous perforating branches of the superior gluteal artery (LSGAP) as the basis for a modified gluteal flap. Methods: We performed 12 cadaveric dissections and retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive breast reconstruction patients with gluteal flaps (19 flaps: 9 LSGAP, 10 traditional SGAP) over a 12-month period. The LSGAP flap was converted to traditional SGAP in 53% of flaps because of dominance of a traditional intramuscular perforator. Preoperative 3D computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cadaveric dissections were used to define anatomy. Anatomic, demographic, radiographic, perioperative, and outcomes data were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 4 ± 3.4 months (range 4 weeks to 10 months). Results: Compared with the pedicle in the SGAP flap, the mean pedicle length in the LSGAP flap was 1.54 times longer by CTA, 2.05 times longer by cadaver dissection, and 2.36 times longer by intraoperative bilateral measurement. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Clinically, 100% of the flaps survived. Conclusions: LSGAP flap reconstruction is advantageous, when feasible, because of the septocutaneous pedicle dissection and gain in pedicle length that make microsurgical anastomoses easier without compromising gluteus function. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:339–347, 2010.
Effect of niobium doping on the properties of molybdenum sulfides as cathode materials

Abstract Poorly crystalline molybdenum sulfides are promising candidates as cathode materials which require good electronic and ionic conductivity. Poorly crystalline molybdenum sulfide films with a large range of sulfur contents were successfully synthesized by the activated reactive evaporation technique. Raman spectra of the poorly crystalline films showed dual structure characteristics corresponding to 2H-MoS 2 and amorphous MoS 3 . The films with the above structure demonstrated significantly improved intercalation ratios of lithium atoms, thereby enhancing the energy density of the secondary lithium batteries. However, the current density was lower because of the high electronic resistivity of the films. Niobium, acting as an acceptor, was, therefore, doped into the molybdenum sulfide films to decrease the electronic resistivity. Decrease in the resistivity by about three orders of magnitude was observed.
Advances in the Use of Inhalation Provocation Tests in Clinical Evaluation

Recent advances in the use of inhalation provocation tests in the clinical evaluation of asthma have been made with methacholine and histamine tests. The tests can be better standardized and the results more accurately interpreted. The ease of stimulation of bronchoconstriction by methacholine and histamine (bronchial responsiveness) relates closely to the presence and the degree of variable airflow obstruction that occurs spontaneously or is triggered by natural stimuli. Responsiveness can be heightened by bronchial infection and by exposure to allergens or sensitizing chemicals, such as toluene diisocyanate, and can be reduced by treatment. These observations indicate three uses of the tests in clinical practice. First, they can be used to validate the presence of hyperresponsiveness which, when spirometric study is normal, is synonymous with the presence of asthma. Second, they can be used to quantify the severity of hyperresponsiveness which relates closely to the amount of bronchodilator required to treat asthma. Finally, they can be used to measure a change in responsiveness, which is useful to document occupational asthma (defined as hyperresponsiveness caused by materials at work), and to optimize the treatment required to reverse or reduce hyperresponsiveness as much as possible.