cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Young students’ uses of visual composing resources in literacy classroom contexts: a cross-case analysis

In this study, the author draws upon a social semiotic framework, exploring the ways in which students can use visual semiotic resources while composing texts in literacy classroom contexts. His multi-case study involving three cases of students in primary-level classrooms focuses specifically on how several focal students created, accessed, and assembled sets of visual semiotic resources that they used while engaged in the literacy processes at hand. This study defines and develops the concept of a visual composing resource, and qualifies the range, scope, and type of visual resources that were available to the students while they engaged in literacy processes in various classroom settings. The author also illustrates how the students brought these sets of visual composing resources into a complex interaction with the semiotic assemblages that they were producing in each context, revealing important aspects of early literacy processes that incorporate visuality.
Fast Data Reduction via KDE Approximation

Many of today’s real world applications need to handle and analyze continually growing amounts of data, while the cost of collecting data decreases. As a result, the main technological hurdle is that the data is acquired faster than it can be processed. Data reduction methods are thus increasingly important, as they allow one to extract the most relevant and important information from giant data sets. We present one such method, based on compressing the description length of an estimate of the probability distribution of a set points.
Synthesis and abnormal reactions of a cholestadienyliron tricarbonyl cation

Abstract Cholesta-1,3-diene- and cholesta-2,4-dieneiron tricarbonyls each react sluggishly with triphenylmethyl tetrafluoroborate to form the same cationic complex. Treatment of the latter with a variety of nucleophiles results in elimination rather than the normally observed addition reaction.
A Reflection Principle for Proper Holomorphic Mappings of Strongly Pseudoconvex Domains and Applications

This result is proved in [5]. The techniques of [12] and [5] involve detailed computat ion of differential invariants on the boundary. Another paper, philosophically related to the above but involving more elementary techniques, is [1] in which proper holomorphic maps of B n to B, are shown to be automorphisms. More recently this result has been proved on strongly pseudoconvex domains in [2] and in [4]. In the paper [3], which is the starting point for the present work, completely elementary means are used to obtain a reflection principle for suitable maps of B,, to B k. This in turn leads to a proof of the result of [12] assuming only C 2 smoothness to the boundary. Further, detailed information is obtained about the maps even when k > n + 1. The elementary techniques of [3] may be adapted to use on strictly
The Calcemic and Phosphaturic Effects of Parathyroid Hormone in the Normal and Uremic Dog

The responsiveness of bone and kidney to highly purified bovine PTH was evaluated in normal (N) and uremic dogs. One group of uremic dogs (uremic-constant solute intake; U-CSI), maintained on a diet containing 1500 mg of phosphorus (P) daily developed the adaptive increases in phosphate excretion (FEPO4) and PTH levels characteristic of uremia. A second group of uremic dogs (uremic-proportional reduction of solute; U-PRS), in which dietary P intake was reduced in proportion to the reduction in GFR, exhibited normal FEPO4 and PTH values. During PTH infusion tubular reabsorption of phosphate per nephron mass decreased 2.5 mg100 ml in U-PRS but only 1.4 in U-CSI (p < .001) and 1.1 in N (p < .001). After PTH the calcemic response was significantly and equally decreased in both U-CSI and U-PRS compared to N. In conclusion, the blunted calcemic response to PTH in uremia does not appear to be the only or predominant factor in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism since the uremic dog treated with proportional reduction of phosphorus intake, which maintains a normal PTH level, also demonstrates this abnormality. The PTH-induced rise in phosphate excretion in the uremic nephron depends on the pre-existing degree of inhibition of renal tubular phosphate reabsorption. Finally, the uremic animals in which an adaptive phosphaturia was prevented (U-PRS) exhibited a magnified response in phosphate excretion per nephron to exogenous PTH infusion.
The b → sγ decay in supergravity with radiatively electroweak breaking

Abstract The branching ratio B ( b → sγ ) is analyzed in the context of minimal N = 1 supergravity with radiatively broken electroweak symmetry group. There is a strong dependence on supersymmetric parameters, but constraints on the charged Higgs mass in non-supersymmetric models are relaxed, because a large contribution from the chargino/up-type squark sector can interact destructively with the Standard Model and the charged Higgs contributions. Large suppressions/enhancements of the branching fraction are found for large values of tan β.
Critical Values of the Log-Normal Distribution

A COMMON statistical problem is that of testing a null hypothesis us< ing a statistic drawn from some unknown distribution. The general configuration of the probability density function is known from empirical evidence. It is suggested that for certain applications, the logarithmic-normal distribution be used to approximate the unknown distribution by equating the first three moments. It would then be convenient to have a table of critical values of the log-normal distribution, standardized for the first two moments and tabulated for various values of the skewness.
Colloid transport in unsaturated porous media: The role of water content and ionic strength on particle straining

Packed column and mathematical modeling studies were conducted to explore the influence of water saturation, pore-water ionic strength, and grain size on the transport of latex microspheres (1.1 microm) in porous media. Experiments were carried out under chemically unfavorable conditions for colloid attachment to both solid-water interfaces (SWI) and air-water interfaces (AWI) using negatively charged and hydrophilic colloids and modifying the solution chemistry with a bicarbonate buffer to pH 10. Interaction energy calculations and complementary batch experiments were conducted and demonstrated that partitioning of colloids to the SWI and AWI was insignificant across the range of the ionic strengths considered. The breakthrough curve and final deposition profile were measured in each experiment indicating colloid retention was highly dependent on the suspension ionic strength, water content, and sand grain size. In contrast to conventional filtration theory, most colloids were found deposited close to the column inlet, and hyper-exponential deposition profiles were observed. A mathematical model, accounting for time- and depth-dependent straining, produced a reasonably good fit for both the breakthrough curves and final deposition profiles. Experimental and modeling results suggest that straining--the retention of colloids in low velocity regions of porous media such as grain junctions--was the primary mechanism of colloid retention under both saturated and unsaturated conditions. The extent of stagnant regions of flow within the pore structure is enhanced with decreasing water content, leading to a greater amount of retention. Ionic strength also contributes to straining, because the number of colloids that are held in the secondary energy minimum increases with ionic strength. These weakly associated colloids are prone to be translated to stagnation regions formed at grain-grain junctions, the solid-water-air triple point, and dead-end pores and then becoming trapped.
Benefits of Colonoscopic Surveillance and Prophylactic Colectomy in Patients with Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Mutations

Background: Predisposition genetic testing is now possible for many hereditary cancer syndromes, including hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The optimal management of the elevated risk for...
Bug chasing and gift giving: the potential for HIV transmission among barebackers on the internet.

“Bug chasing” and “gift giving” are colloquial terms used by some men who have sex with men (MSM) to describe intentional unprotected anal sex (“barebacking”) with the goal of spreading HIV. There is little large–scale descriptive research that has investigated the prevalence of this phenomenon. This study analyzed the Internet profiles of MSM who self–identified as bug chasers or gift givers (n = 1,228) on a single U.S.–based barebacking–centered Web site in the fall of 2004. Most men (79%) were White, and most (70%) lived in the U.S. Six categories of bug chasing and gift giving were identified based on the HIV serostatus of men and the desired serostatus of partners they wanted to meet. Only a small portion of men were genuinely seeking partners of discordant serostatus: 1.1% of HIV-positive men and 21.3% of HIV-negative men. A larger portion were ambivalent about their partners HIV serostatus: 72% of HIV-positive men and 35% of HIV-negative men. Having identified online as a bug chaser or gift giver d...
Construction of offender profiles using fuzzy logic

Although fuzzy logic is being extensively used in electronics and mathematical sciences, it has found little or no application in the social sciences, especially criminology. As a mathematical system, fuzzy logic generalizes the Boolean logic and can be a very useful tool for the social sciences where concepts and terms involve shades of meanings. Outlines the essential mathematics behind this approach and develops a technique that could be useful in building offender profiles from fuzzy descriptions provided by witnesses. Also suggests several other possible areas of applications of this mathematical system.
Distance-Restrained Docking of Rifampicin and Rifamycin SV to RNA Polymerase Using Systematic FRET Measurements: Developing Benchmarks of Model Quality and Reliability

We are developing distance-restrained docking strategies for modeling macromolecular complexes that combine available high-resolution structures of the components and intercomponent distance restraints derived from systematic fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements. In this article, we consider the problem of docking small-molecule ligands within macromolecular complexes. Using simulated FRET data, we have generated a series of benchmarks that permit estimation of model accuracy based on the quantity and quality of FRET-derived distance restraints, including the number, random error, systematic error, distance distribution, and radial distribution of FRET-derived distance restraints. We find that expected model accuracy is 10 A or better for models based on: i), ≥20 restraints with up to 15% random error and no systematic error, or ii), ≥20 restraints with up to 15% random error, up to 10% systematic error, and a symmetric radial distribution of restraints. Model accuracies can be improved to 5 A or better by increasing the number of restraints to ≥40 and/or by optimizing the distance distribution of restraints. Using experimental FRET data, we have defined the positions of the binding sites within bacterial RNA polymerase of the small-molecule inhibitors rifampicin (Rif) and rifamycin SV (Rif SV). The inferred binding sites for Rif and Rif SV were located with accuracies of, respectively, 7 and 10 A relative to the crystallographically defined binding site for Rif. These accuracies agree with expectations from the benchmark simulations and suffice to indicate that the binding sites for Rif and Rif SV are located within the RNA polymerase active-center cleft, overlapping the binding site for the RNA-DNA hybrid.
Stratospheric composition measurements of earth and Titan using high-resolution tunable diode laser spectroscopy.

Field and laboratory measurements of species of atmospheric interest made as part of the JPL diode laser spectroscopy program are presented. Stratospheric measurements of NO2, NO, CO2, and H2O made in November 1985 using the BLISS instrument are reported, together with recent laboratory measurements of spectral line parameters of HNO3 and HO2NO2. In addition, a novel diode laser instrument concept for the in situ sensing of Titan's atmosphere is described for the Saturn Orbiter/Titan Probe (SOTP) Cassini Mission.
What anti-individualists cannot know a priori

Anti-individualism and privileged self-knowledge may be incompatible if the attempt to hold both has the absurd consequence that one could know a priori propositions that are knowable only empirically. This would be so if such an attempt entailed that one could know a priori both the contents of one's own thoughts and the anti-individualistic entailments from those thought-contents to the world. For then one could also come to know a priori (by simple deduction) the empirical conditions entailed by one's thoughts. But I shall argue that there is no construal of 'a priori knowledge' that could be used to raise an incompatibilist objection of this sort. Note first that knowledge of one's own thought-contents would not count as a priori according to the usual criteria for knowledge of this kind.1 Surely, then, incompatibilists are using this term to refer to some other, stipulatively defined, epistemic property. But could this be, as suggested by McKinsey (1991: 9), the property of being knowable 'just by thinking' or 'from the armchair'? Certainly not if these were metaphors for knowledge attainable on the basis of reason alone, since self-knowledge would fail to come out a priori in this sense. And exactly the same would happen if the property were that of being knowable by inference, since, according to a common intuition, self-knowledge is noninferential. But suppose 'a priori' were defined as the property of being knowable without experience2 where 'experience' is construed narrowly in order to get knowledge of the contents of one's thoughts to come out as nonempirical.3 Since incompatibilists would now be departing from standard construals, we might ask: How, given anti-individualism and privileged self-knowledge, could a person (say, Oscar) know nonempirically both the
Pulmonary features of Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma was initially characterized as a hemangiosarcoma of subcutaneous tissues. However, the occurrence of visceral involvement and the usual fatal outcome of the disease soon became evident. The disease is common among African blacks and individuals of Mediterranean ongin. Recently, a relation between male homosexuality and the development of Kaposi sarcoma has been documented [1 -4]. This seems to be due to acquired immunodeficiency that allows cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, Pneumocystis pneumonia, and other diseases of an opportunistic nature in previously well men. At the University of California, Los Angeles, we recently studied a homosexual man who had disseminated Kaposi sarcoma including pulmonary metastases. We present this case and review the pulmonary radiographic manifestations of Kaposi sarcoma.
Managing the hollow state

Beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing through the 1980s and into the early 1990s governments in the industrialized democracies have brought about tremendous changes in their own State structures and in the relationship between the State and society. In the United States we refer to the “Reagan revolution,” but the changes have been no less profound in other countries, including those such as France and Sweden with very large and well-respected bureaucracies. While these changes in the nature of government are well-known and well-documented, their implications for the implementation and management of the public sector have not been explored adequately, especially in comparative context.(1) To the extent that the implications have been discussed it has been primarily in the context of the “new managerialism” but the changes really extend much more deeply into the process of governing and the manner in which the State relates to society. This paper will be a step in the direction of more fully ramifying ...
Impact of liquidity risk on variations in efficiency and productivity: A panel gamma simulated maximum likelihood estimation

Abstract The objective of this study is to assess the importance of short- and long-run liquidity or debt risk on technical inefficiency and productivity. An alternative panel estimator of normal-gamma stochastic frontier model is proposed using a simulated maximum likelihood estimation technique. Empirical estimates indicate a difference in the parameter coefficients of gamma stochastic production function, and heterogeneity function variables between the pooled and the Swamy–Arora panel models. The results from this study show short and long run risk or variations in liquidity or debt-servicing ratio play an important role in explaining the variance in efficiency and productivity.
CenH3 evolution in diploids and polyploids of three angiosperm genera

Centromeric DNA sequences alone are neither necessary nor sufficient for centromere specification. The centromere specific histone, CenH3, evolves rapidly in many species, perhaps as a coevolutionary response to rapidly evolving centromeric DNA. To gain insight into CenH3 evolution, we characterized patterns of nucleotide and protein diversity among diploids and allopolyploids within three diverse angiosperm genera, Brassica, Oryza, and Gossypium (cotton), with a focus on evidence for diversifying selection in the various domains of the CenH3 gene. In addition, we compare expression profiles and alternative splicing patterns for CenH3 in representatives of each genus. All three genera retain both duplicated CenH3 copies, while Brassica and Gossypium exhibit pronounced homoeologous expression level bias. Comparisons among genera reveal shared and unique aspects of CenH3 evolution, variable levels of diversifying selection in different CenH3 domains, and that alternative splicing contributes significantly to CenH3 diversity. Since the N terminus is subject to diversifying selection but the DNA binding domains do not appear to be, rapidly evolving centromere sequences are unlikely to be the primary driver of CenH3 sequence diversification. At present, the functional explanation for the diversity generated by both conventional protein evolution in the N terminal domain, as well as alternative splicing, remains unexplained.
Notch signaling in lymphocyte development and function

Over the past few years, the crucial role of Notch signaling in multiple stages of T-cell development has become apparent. Recent studies have helped to define more precisely the functions and components of the Notch signaling pathway in T-cell development, including during the T versus B fate decision and in early CD4(-)CD8(-)double-negative thymocytes. In addition, new evidence points to a requirement for Notch2 in the development of marginal zone B cells. Finally, recent studies have provided our first glimpse into the complex and paradoxical roles of Notch signaling in the activation and differentiation of mature T cells.
Disposition of14C-labelled endotelon in humans

In order to study the disposition of ENDOTELON in humans, this compound was labelled withl4C by photosynthesis. ENDOTELON consists of a complex of procyanidolic oligomers extracted from the seeds of a variety of vine cultivated in the Bordeaux wine-growing region, and is prescribed for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and retinal lesions.
Two-D or not Two-D: gender implications of visual cognition in electronic games

Are there repercussions from 3D graphics being used in the majority of current video games? This research investigates whether the use of 2D and 3D graphics in video games affect the extent of how attracted a male is to playing an electronic game versus how attracted a female is. Published research indicates males outperform women in 3D virtual environments; this research illustrates that gender has an influence on how attracted an individual is to an electronic game. Over the course of two weeks participants took part in a study to assess whether 2D and 3D video games attract females and males differently. A multimethod (quantitative and qualitative) research design was used analogous to that of Sedig et al. [2001]. Data collection included various measures and approaches for cross-validation. Results indicate that if an electronic game is to appeal to the majority of female players, the game should be 2D, easy, and fun; if the game is to appeal to the majority of male players, the game should be 3D, challenging, and fun.
Generalized painlevé equation and superconductivity. asymptotic behavior of unbounded solutions

Consider the nonlinear scalar differential equation 1p(t)(p(t)y'(t))'=-(t)f(t,y(t),p(t)y'(t)), where p and q are positive on (0, 1), ''singular'' at t = 0. 1 and/or y = 0 and f@eC(R^+xR^+xR^+, R^+), associated to the boundary conditions x(0)=a>=0, limt->~ p(t)x'(t)=b>=0. We prove the existence of a global, positive and strictly increasing solution x = x(t) of this BVP, such that its ''derivative'' y = p(t)x(t) is also a positive and strictly decreasing map, under a natural growth in f of ''superlinear'' type. Our approach is based on the analysis of the corresponding vector field on the face-plane (x, px') and the well-known Knesser's type (continuum) technique. As an application, we study the generalized Painleve equation in a semi-infinite interval (0, +~) x''= x^2^n^+^1 - (t-c)^2^k^+^1x^2^(^n^-^k^)^-^1 which, in turn, models a superheating field attached to a semi-infinite superconductor. Namely, we prove the existence of a (global) strictly positive solution satisfying x'(0)=0, limt->~x(t)t^@b = M, andlimt->~ t^@bx' (t) = @bM, where 0 0, and n, k@eNwithk < n are arbitrary constants.
Tissue Doppler-derived diastolic myocardial velocities are abnormal in pediatric cardiac transplant recipients in the absence of endomyocardial rejection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate diastolic function in pediatric cardiac transplant recipients free of acute rejection using tissue Doppler. E′ and A′ velocities at the mitral, septal, and tricuspid annuli in 31 pediatric heart transplant recipients free of acute rejection were compared with 28 controls and with previously published pediatric normative data. E′ velocities were lower in the transplant group at the mitral (0.13 ± 0.04 vs. 0.2 ± 0.04 m/s, p < 0.0001), septal (0.1 ± 0.03 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 m/s, p = 0.001), and tricuspid annuli (0.1 ± 0.04 vs. 0.17 ± 0.04 m/s, p < 0.0001). A′ velocities were also lower in the transplant group at the septal (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 m/s, p = 0.001) and tricuspid annuli (0.06 ± 0.02 vs. 0.1 ± 0.03 m/s, p < 0.00001). E′ and A′ were abnormally low at the mitral annulus in 31% and 13%, septal annulus in 50% and 21%, and tricuspid annulus in 63% and 36% of the subjects, respectively. Abnormalities in tissue Doppler-derived diastolic myocardial velocities are common in pediatric cardiac transplant recipients free of acute rejection.
Documenting and detecting long-term precipitation trends : where we are and what should be done

A brief review of problems and achievements in documenting precipitation changes during the period of instrumental measurements is presented. Concern is expressed that without appropriate studies in the coming period of a new generation of precipitation measurements, technological progress in instrumentation may adversely and inadvertently affect our capability for monitoring and detecting future changes in terrestrial precipitation. At the same time, only a new generation of instrumentation will be capable of resolving the problems of monitoring precipitation over oceans.
Inhibitory Role of Carbon Monoxide in Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Nonalternating Ethene/Carbon Monoxide Copolymerizations and the Synthesis of Polyethene-block-poly(ethene-alt-carbon monoxide)

We report the first well-defined palladium-based system for the living homopolymerization of ethene, as well as the living copolymerization of ethene with carbon monoxide. We demonstrate this by the synthesis of polyethene-block-poly(ethene-alt-carbon monoxide). In addition, it has been possible to monitor chain growth by sequential insertions of carbon monoxide and ethene into palladium−carbon bonds. The mechanistic studies have also allowed us to pinpoint the hitherto not well-understood reason for the general failure to obtain alkene/carbon monoxide copolymers with low carbon monoxide content.
Metabolic Basis of Calcium and Strontium Discrimination Studies with Surviving Intestinal Segments

The differential movement of Ca/sup 45/ and Sr/sup 85/ across surviving intestinal segments of the rat was studied. In the duodenal segment, Ca/sup 45/ but not Sr/sup 85/ was transported against a concentration gradient from mucosa to serosa. In the ileal segment, Sr/sup 85/ but not C a/sup 45/ was transferred against a concentration granient from serosa to mucosa. Incubation of segments at 0 deg C under N/sub 2/, or in presence of metabolic inhibitors eliminated active transpont and eliminated strontium-calcium discrimination. Ca-Sr discrimination under given conditions was dependent upon a metabolically active membrane. (auth)
Reaction time to electrocutaneous onset and offset stimulation.

Reaction time to electrocutaneous stimulation confirmed as being faster to onset than to cessation of stimulation
Rape knowledge and propensity to rape

Abstract Previous research has indicated that greater knowledge about rape is not associated with reduced rape propensity. The present study differed from previous research by defining rape knowledge as knowledge about the effect of rape on the victim. Two scales were created, one measuring knowledge of rape trauma syndrome and one measuring beliefs about the aversiveness of the rape victim's experience. These scales and measures of attitudes toward rape and self-report likelihood of raping were included in questionnaires completed by 276 male and female undergraduates. Greater knowledge about rape trauma and perception of rape as more aversive were associated with fewer pro-rape attitudes and lower self-report likelihood of raping. The practical implication is that educational interventions may be effective in decreasing the incidence of rape. Theoretical implications are also considered. Specifically, the distinction between hostile and instrumental aggression frequently made in the more general aggression literature is applied to the issue of rape motivation. The pattern of results suggests that rape is more likely to be an act of instrumental aggression than an act motivated by hostility toward women.
Formalizing Type Operations Using the “Image” Type Constructor

In this paper we introduce a new approach to formalizing certain type operations in type theory. Traditionally, many type constructors in type theory are independently axiomatized and the correctness of these axioms is argued semantically. In this paper we introduce a notion of an ''image'' of a given type under a mapping that captures the spirit of many of such semantical arguments. This allows us to use the new ''image'' type to formalize within the type theory a large range of type constructors that were traditionally formalized via postulated axioms. We demonstrate the ability of the ''image'' constructor to express ''forgetful'' types by using it to formalize the ''squash'' and ''set'' type constructors. We also demonstrate its ability to handle types with non-trivial equality relations by using it to formalize the union type operator. We demonstrate the ability of the ''image'' constructor to express certain inductive types by showing how the type of lists and a higher-order abstract syntax type can be naturally formalized using the new type constructor. The work presented in this paper have been implemented in the MetaPRL proof assistant and all the derivations checked by MetaPRL.
Model-based control of a direct drive arm. I. Building models

Work on building robot models to be used in designing model-based controllers is described. Various algorithms are presented estimating the kinematic, link-inertial, and load-inertial parameters. It is shown experimentally that accurate estimates can be obtained automatically using sensor data taken during movement. The algorithms have been implemented on the MIT Serial Link Direct Drive Arm. >
Spontaneous microdeletions and microinsertions in a transgenic mouse mutation detection system: analysis of age, tissue, and sequence specificity.

A total of 3497 independent spontaneous mutations were examined using the Big Blue transgenic mouse mutation detection system. Base substitutions predominate, although 16% of somatic and germline mutations are microdeletions, microinsertions, or deletions combined with insertions. The pattern of microdeletions and microinsertions is similar in both the lacI transgene and the human p53 gene. Single-base deletions (D1) and insertions (I1) are evenly distributed in the lacI transgene, whereas microdeletions from 2 to 50 bp are clustered at two regions (bp 129-228 and 529-628). The pattern of microdeletions and microinsertions is similar between young (< or =3 months) and old (25 months) mice. Brain tissue has a paucity of deletions combined with insertions when compared with that of thymus and nine other tissues (P = 0.01). A 16-bp deletion at lacI base position 272 is a tissue-specific hotspot preferentially occurring in brain. Approximately 68 and 93% of D1 and I1, respectively, occur at mononucleotide repeats. The frequencies of D1 and I1 in mononucleotide repeats increase in an exponential manner with the length of the repeat. The lacI transgene shows similarity to the human p53 gene in the pattern of microdeletions and microinsertions and the size distribution of microdeletions.
Confirmation of the asymptotic Bethe Ansatz.

We show that the asymptotic Bethe ansatz gives the exact zero temperature values of all the integrals of motion for the classical one-dimensional system interacting by an inverse-sinh-squared pair potential, in the thermodynamic limit. It is remarkable that the asymptotic Bethe ansatz, using only the scattering data for finite numbers of particles in an unbounded volume, gives exact results for all density.
The Clinical Impact of a False-Positive Urine Cocaine Screening Result on a Patient's Pain Management

Background The urine of a patient admitted for chest and epigastric pain tested positive for cocaine using an immunoassay-based drug screening method (positive/negative cutoff concentration 150 ng/mL). Despite the patient's denial of recent cocaine use, this positive cocaine screening result in conjunction with a remote history of drug misuse impacted the patient's recommended pain therapy. Specifically, these factors prompted the clinical team to question the appropriateness of opioids and other potentially addictive therapeutics during the treatment of cancer pain from previously undetected advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Objective After pain management and clinical pathology consultation, it was decided that the positive cocaine screening result should be confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) testing. Results This more sensitive and specific analytical technique revealed that both cocaine and its primary metabolite benzoylecgonine were undetectable (i.e., less than the assay detection limit of 50 ng/mL), thus indicating that the positive urine screening result was falsely positive. With this confirmation, the pain management service team was reassured in offering intrathecal pump (ITP) therapy for pain control. ITP implantation was well tolerated, and the patient eventually achieved excellent pain relief. However, ITP therapy most likely would not have been utilized without the GC-MS confirmation testing unless alternative options failed and extensive vigilant monitoring was initiated. Conclusion As exemplified in this case, confirmatory drug testing should be performed on specimens with unexpected immunoassay-based drug screening results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a false-positive urine cocaine screening result and its impact on patient management.
Selective Visual Attention for Object Detection on a Legged Robot

Autonomous robots can use a variety of sensors, such as sonar, laser range finders, and bump sensors, to sense their environments. Visual information from an onboard camera can provide particularly rich sensor data. However, processing all the pixels in every image, even with simple operations, can be computationally taxing for robots equipped with cameras of reasonable resolution and frame rate. This paper presents a novel method for a legged robot equipped with a camera to use selective visual attention to efficiently recognize objects in its environment. The resulting attention-based approach is fully implemented and validated on an Aibo ERS-7. It effectively processes incoming images 50 times faster than a baseline approach, with no significant difference in the efficacy of its object detection.
Carsharing: Dynamic Decision-Making Problem for Vehicle Allocation

Carsharing provides members access to a fleet of shared-use vehicles in a network of locations on a short-term, as-needed basis. It allows individuals to gain the benefits of private vehicle use without the costs and responsibilities of ownership. The dynamic vehicle allocation problem is addressed in a carsharing context, that is, as a decision-making problem for vehicle fleet management in both time and space to maximize profits for the carsharing service operator. A multistage stochastic linear integer model with recourse is formulated that can account for system uncertainties such as carsharing demand variation. A stochastic optimization method based on Monte Carlo sampling is proposed to solve the carsharing dynamic vehicle allocation problem. Preliminary results are discussed and related insights are presented on the basis of a five-stage experimental network pilot study.
State Government Human Resource Professionals’ Commitment to Employment at Will

This article examines the attitudes of a key set of state government officials—state human resource (HR) professionals—toward employment at will (EAW) in state government. It presents original survey data obtained from HR professionals in four southern states: Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. Drawing on these data, the article creates an index measuring respondents’ commitment to EAW, as measured by their attitudes toward arguments used to advocate for EAW. The index is used as the dependent variable in an exploratory regression analysis indicating the importance of respondents’ experiences with the exercise of EAW discretion, years of public sector service, educational background, and state context to explaining variation in commitment to EAW. The article concludes with a discussion of the findings’ implications for the future of civil service reform in the United States.
THE BIOLOGY OF POSTEROLATERAL LUMBAR SPINAL FUSION

This article reviews the existing knowledge base concerning the biology of spinal fusion, with the understanding that the focus is weighted toward posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion because of a relative paucity of biologic information on healing of other types of fusions. The discussion focuses first on the basic science of spinal fusion healing from the standpoint of animal modeling. Next, the discussion centers on the multitude of local factors that can affect fusion healing. Finally, the numerous systemic factors known to affect fusion healing are discussed.
Is vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or elective repeat cesarean safer in women with a prior vaginal delivery

Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or elective repeat cesarean delivery is safer overall for a woman with a prior vaginal delivery. Study design This retrospective cohort study of pregnant women from 1996 to 2000 who had a prior cesarean delivery, was conducted in 17 centers. Trained nurses extracted historical and maternal outcome data on subjects by using standardized tools. This planned secondary analysis examined the subcohort that had also previously undergone a vaginal delivery, comparing those who underwent a VBAC trial with those who elected to have a repeat cesarean delivery. Outcomes included uterine rupture, bladder injury, fever, transfusion and a composite (uterine rupture, bladder injury, and artery laceration). We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results Of 6619 patients with a prior cesarean delivery who had also had a prior vaginal delivery, 5041 patients attempted a VBAC delivery and 1578 had an elective cesarean delivery. Although there was no significant difference in uterine rupture or bladder injury between the two groups, women who underwent a VBAC attempt were less likely to experience the composite adverse maternal outcome, have a fever, or require a transfusion. Conclusion Among VBAC candidates who have had a prior vaginal delivery, those who attempt a VBAC trial have decreased risk for overall major maternal morbidities, as well as maternal fever and transfusion requirement compared with women who elect repeat cesarean delivery. Physicians should make this more favorable benefit-risk ratio explicit when counseling this patient subpopulation on a trial of labor.
Inhibin and CD99 (MIC2) expression in uterine stromal neoplasms with sex-cord-like elements.

Abstract Uterine mesenchymal neoplasms with sex-cord-like elements are designated as endometrial stromal tumor with sex-cord-like elements (ESTSCLE) or uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex-cord tumor (UTROSCT), depending on the extent of sex-cord-like differentiation. Occasionally, sex-cord elements similar to those in ESTSCLE and UTROSCT occur in uterine adenosarcomas. To determine whether the sex-cord-like elements in these tumors show immunohistological evidence of sex-cord differentiation, we studied a series of uterine neoplasms for expression of inhibin, a peptide hormone expressed by normal ovarian granulosa cells and ovarian sex-cord neoplasms, and CD99, a protein also expressed by granulosa cells, Sertoli cells, and some ovarian sex-cord tumors. Thirty uterine mesenchymal neoplasms (five epithelioid or plexiform smooth muscle tumors, three endometrial stromal tumors, two mixed endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumors, 10 ESTSCLE, five UTROSCT, and five miscellaneous stromal processes) and five epithelial neoplasms were evaluated for expression of CD99 (clone 12E7) and inhibin (clone R1) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Three of 10 (30%) ESTSCLE and five of five (100%) UTROSCT were inhibin and CD99 immunoreactive. Inhibin staining was confined to the areas with sex-cord-like differentation, and staining was generally much stronger and more extensive in areas featuring prominent foam cells. There were no differences in the degree or intensity of staining for inhibin in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. CD99 expression tended to correlate with inhibin and was typically confined to similar cell types in the individual neoplasms. Weak CD99 immunoreactivity was seen in one additional epithelioid smooth muscle tumor, whereas all other mesenchymal and epithelial neoplasms studied for inhibin and CD99 were negative. These results provide further immunohistological support for true sex-cord differentiation within uterine mesenchymal proliferations and suggest that the degree of sex-cord differentiation may correlate with the expression of these markers.
Negotiating Myself The Impact of Studying Female Exotic Dancers on a Feminist Researcher

This article grows from research in the form of in-depth interviews with female exotic dancers but foregrounds the ways that the author's lived experiences were informed by the interviewees and oth...
Technological activity and survival of firms

Abstract The paper presents new evidence on the effect of technological activity on the post-entry performance of firms. By comparing firm survival across technical and non-technical products and over stages of differing technological activity, it attempts to resolve two seemingly contradictory hypotheses: that uncertainty inherent in high technological activity reduces the probability of survival and that technological activity increases the probability of entrant survival. The empirical results, in the context of the product life-cycle framework, show that entering firms enjoy a higher probability of survival in stages of high technological activity, and in products that are more technical in nature. However, the hazard function — the probability of failure conditional on age — is higher for technical products, reflecting the adverse effects of technical uncertainty and obsolescence of incumbent knowledge.
Recent Development on Silicon Raman Lasers and Amplifiers

Silicon photonics has made rapid progress in recent years achieving several key breakthroughs. Chip-scale silicon lasers and amplifiers based on stimulated Raman scattering have been successfully demonstrated. Recent development of Raman silicon lasers and amplifiers based on ring resonator architecture enables dimension scalability and monolithic integration with other photonics components.
The Changing Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease

The incidence of meningococcal disease is at an historic low in the United States, but prevention remains a priority because of the devastating outcomes and risk for outbreaks. Available vaccines are recommended routinely for persons at increased risk for disease to protect against all major serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis circulating in the United States. Although vaccination has virtually eliminated serogroup A meningococcal outbreaks from the Meningitis Belt of Africa and reduced the incidence of serogroup C disease worldwide, eradication of N meningitidis will unlikely be achieved by currently available vaccines because of the continued carriage and transmission of nonencapsulated organisms.
The role of cilia in fertility: an evaluation by selective microsurgical modification of the rabbit oviduct.

Fertility, ovum transport, and ciliary activity were examined in 35 rabbits after either unilateral microsurgical reversal or double transection (surgical controls) of 1 cm. segments of distal, middle, or proximal ampulla. Fertility was also examined following similar segmental reversal at the level of the distal and proximal isthmus in eight additional rabbits. Reversal of 1 cm. segments of distal, middle, or proximal ampulla effectively prevented pregnancy. In contrast, control animals that underwent double transection without reversal experienced unaltered fertility. Reversal of 1 cm. segments of distal or proximal isthmus was also consistent with normal fertility. Ova placed on the fimbrial surface of oviducts that had undergone ampullary segmental reversal were arrested at the distal anastomosis of the reversed segment. When mechanically displaced into the reversed segment, such ova were transported toward the ovary and were again arrested at the distal anastomosis. Transampullary transport of ova was normal in doubly transpoted controls. Ova were transported across both anastomosis sites to the ampullary isthmic junction. Studies of ciliary activity confirmed that cilia within reversed segments of ampulla beat in the ovarian direction, counter to that in the rest of the oviduct. Direction of ciliary beat remained unaltered in surgical controls. These experiments demonstrate a critical role of tubal cilia in ovum transport through the rabbit ampulla. In contrast, other mechanisms control ovum transport into and through the tubal isthmus.
Other Generalized Inverses

Given matrices A and X, subsets of the relations in (1.1) to (1.5) other than those used to define A+ and Ad provide additional types of generalized inverses. Although not unique, some of these generalized inverses exhibit the essential properties of A+ required in various applications. For example, observe that only the condition AXA = A was needed to characterize consistent systems of equations Ax = b by the relation AXb = b in (2.4). Moreover, if A and X also satisfy (XA)H = XA, then XA = A+A, by Exercise 4.10, and with A+b a particular solution of Ax = b, the general solution in Exercise 2.21 can be written as $$\text{x =}{{\text{A}}^{+}}\text{b + (I-XA)y}$$ with the orthogonal decomposition $${{\left\| \text{x} \right\|}^{2}}\text{ = }{{\left\| {{\text{A}}^{+}}\text{b} \right\|}^{2}}\text{ + }{{\left\| (\text{I-XA})\text{y} \right\|}^{2}}.$$ (Note that this is an extension of the special case of matrices with full row rank used in the proof of Theorem 2.) In this section we consider relationships among certain of these generalized inverses in terms of full rank factorizations, and illustrate the construction of such inverses with numerical examples.
CRISPR-Cas9 in gene therapy: much control on breaking, little control on repairing

Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tool have made great promises to basic and biomedical research as well as gene therapy. Efforts to make the CRISPR-Cas9 system applicable in gene therapy are largely focused on two aspects: 1) increasing the specificity of this system by eliminating off-target effects, and 2) optimizing in vivo delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9 DNA constructs to target cells and limiting the expression of Cas9 and gRNA to prevent immune responses. However, there is an unnoted but crucial consideration about the mode of DNA repair at the lesion caused by CRISPR-Cas9. In this commentary, I briefly highlight recent publications on in vivo use of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in gene therapy. I then discuss the undesired on-target DNA repair events that can occur as a result of the activity of CRISPR-Cas9. Overall, this commentary underscores the need for more study on controlled DNA repair in systems targeted with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools.
Impaired class II transactivator expression in mice lacking interferon regulatory factor-2.

Class II transactivator (CIITA) is required for both constitutive and inducible expression of MHC class II genes. IFN-γ induced expression of CIITA in various cell types is directed by CIITA type IV promoter. The two transactivators, STAT1 and IRF-1, mediate the IFN-γ activation of the type IV promoter by binding to the GAS and IRF-E of the promoter, respectively. In addition to IRF-1, IRF-2, another member of the IRF family, also activates the human CIITA type IV promoter, and IRF-2 cooperates with IRF-1 to activate the promoter in transient transfection assays. IRF-1 and IRF-2 can co-occupy the IRF-E of the human CIITA type IV promoter. To understand the effect of loss of IRF-2 on the endogenous CIITA expression, we assayed for CIITA expression in IRF-2 knock-out mice. Both basal and IFN-γ induced CIITA expression were reduced in IRF-2 knock-out mice. At least half of the amount of inducible CIITA mRNA depends on IRF-2. The reduction of IFN-γ induced CIITA mRNA in IRF-2 knock-out mice was due to the reduction of the type IV CIITA mRNA induction. The reduction of basal CIITA mRNA was apparently due to the reduction of CIITA mRNA originating from other promoters. These data indicate that IRF-2, like IRF-1, plays a critical role in the regulation of the endogenous CIITA gene. The implications in understanding the previously described phenotypes of IRF-2 defective mice are discussed.