cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-Ray Scattering from Highly Distorted Lattices Undergoing Phase Separation

Calculations by Krivogtaz {xc[1]} dealing with quasiline formation in highly distorted lattices undergoing phase separation have been extended for randomly arranged particles. Qualitative experimental evidence from powder patterns, already in the literature for Cu-Be,Ni-Be,Cu-Ti and Nimonic alloys[2-5], have demonstrated the existence of quasilines. This extended calculation deals with ellipsoids of revolution and allows one to examine different shapes and transformation strains in an anisotropic medium. it is shown that the precipitate transformation strains play a very important role in shaping the Bragg-like profiles. This is most obvious in the intermediate stage which includes Bragg scattering from the lattice, regular static diffuse scattering and the quasiline. For precipitate sizes associated with maximum age hardening, all three normally become scrambled into a broad assymetrically shaped Bragg-like peak. However, a comparison of the theoretical calculations with experimental data from an age hardened Cu-Be alloy shows qualitative agreement, which we believe is due to the non-random nature of precipitation in this system.
Testicular feminization syndrome: A review and report of 6 cases

Testicular feminization is a hereditary variant of male pseudo hermaphroditism manifested in a phenotypically normal female with sparse or absent pubic and axillary hair, the absence of the uterus, and the presence of gonads that are histologically like undescended testes. These patients have a normal male chromosomal karyotype and negative sex chromatin. This disorder appears to be inherited on the basis of either a sex-linked recessive or a sex-limited autosomal dominant gene. In these patients, the testicular Miillerian inhibitor factor may be present normally, whereas the testicular Wolfan duct stimulator may be totally lacking. The failure of masculine development in utero, plus the failure to virilize at puberty, is currently believed to be due to an inherent inability of the end organ to respond to androgen. Six cases of testicular feminization are summarized.
The Life and Death of Four Bears

By any standard, Mato Tope, second chief of the Mandans, was a remarkable man. Known to the whites as Four Bears, he was the most prominent Indian of his day on the upper Missouri River. He was without peer as a warrior, but he was also a husband, father, artist, and ceremonial leader. The American artist George Catlin described him as an “extraordinary man,” handsome, generous, and brave, “the most popular man in the nation.”1 The life of Four Bears, as recorded by himself and by visiting artists, and his death, as recorded by fur trader Francis Chardon, illustrate the warrior culture of the Plains Indians and the sudden collapse of an entire society amid the horrors of a smallpox epidemic.
Finite Element Modeling of Ultrasonic Inspection of Weldments

High performance weldments for critical service applications require 100% inspection. Balanced against the adaptability of the ultrasonic method for automated inspection are the difficulties encountered with nonhomogeneous and anisotropic materials. This research utilizes crystals and bicrystals of nickel to model austenitic weld metal, where the anisotropy produces scattering and mode conversion, making detection and measurement of actual defects difficult.
Targeting RNA for processing or destruction by the eukaryotic RNA exosome and its cofactors

The eukaryotic RNA exosome is an essential and conserved protein complex that can degrade or process RNA substrates in the 3'-to-5' direction. Since its discovery nearly two decades ago, studies have focused on determining how the exosome, along with associated cofactors, achieves the demanding task of targeting particular RNAs for degradation and/or processing in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated roles for the RNA exosome and its cofactors in specific biological pathways, alongside studies that attempted to dissect these activities through structural and biochemical characterization of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA exosome complexes.
Evaluation of breast tissue with confocal strip-mosaicking microscopy: a test approach emulating pathology-like examination

Confocal microscopy is an emerging technology for rapid imaging of freshly excised tissue without the need for frozen- or fixed-section processing. Initial studies have described imaging of breast tissue using fluorescence confocal microscopy with small regions of interest, typically 750×750 μm2. We present exploration with a microscope, termed confocal strip-mosaicking microscope (CSM microscope), which images an area of 2×2 cm2 of tissue with cellular-level resolution in 10 min of excision. Using the CSM microscope, we imaged 34 fresh, human, large breast tissue specimens from 18 patients, blindly analyzed by a board-certified pathologist and subsequently correlated with the corresponding standard fixed histopathology. Invasive tumors and benign tissue were clearly identified in CSM strip-mosaic images. Thirty specimens were concordant for image-to-histopathology correlation while four were discordant.
On the Structural and the Abstract in My Compositional Work

From 1959 to 1969 I composed music as most others do and have done—by direct transference from the imagination to a musical instrument (in my case the piano) and from there to a written score. During this period, I found myself relying increasingly on traditionally structured techniques such as canon, fugue, dodecaphony, serialism and electronics. In 1970 I was struck for the first time by a mathematical rule-based idea for an ensemble piece, which necessitated my learning to program a computer. Since then I have composed over fifty works (half my total output) with computer help—works for piano, organ, chamber ensemble, orchestra and electronics. Of these fifty-odd pieces, about half are partially and sometimes wholly based on abstract mathematical principles. This paper describes eight of these pieces or relevant sections of them in varying detail.
Designing thin films

The design of thin films for optical purposes has benefited enormously from the microcomputer but is still a combination of skill, experience and computing. In the future, aspects of the design operation are likely to be integrated into the coating operation itself.
Challenges and Opportunities in Analog and Mixed Signal (AMS) Integrated Circuit (IC) Security

In the last decade and so, a large amount of research has been done to secure hardware. Security features such as physically unclonable function (PUF), hardware metering, and obfuscation have been developed to protect hardware from threats. Detection and avoidance techniques for IC counterfeiting and hardware Trojan have been introduced to protect the IC supply chain. Till now, research has focused on digital ICs, but analog and mixed signal (AMS) ICs which hold the highest share in the market have been neglected. The solutions developed in digital domain for digital ICs do not extend well to AMS ICs. Thus, a major portion of the IC market remains unsecured. In this paper, we described the challenges and limitations associated with AMS IC security research focusing on three major sections: AMS-enabled security, counterfeiting, and AMS hardware Trojans. We also express a vision for AMS security research.
Early growth interactions between a mangrove and an herbaceous salt marsh species are not affected by elevated CO2 or drought

Abstract Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are likely to influence future distributions of plants and plant community structure in many regions of the world through effects on photosynthetic rates. In recent decades the encroachment of woody mangrove species into herbaceous marshes has been documented along the U.S. northern Gulf of Mexico coast. These species shifts have been attributed primarily to rising sea levels and warming winter temperatures, but the role of elevated CO2 and water availability may become more prominent drivers of species interactions under future climate conditions. Drought has been implicated as a major factor contributing to salt marsh vegetation dieback in this region. In this greenhouse study we examined the effects of CO2 concentration (∼380 ppm, ∼700 ppm) and water regime (drought, saturated, flooded) on early growth of Avicennia germinans, a C3 mangrove species, and Spartina alterniflora, a C4 grass. Plants were grown in monocultures and in a mixed-species assemblage. We found that neither species responded to elevated CO2 over the 10-month duration of the experiment, and there were few interactions between experimental factors. Two effects of water regime were documented: lower A. germinans pneumatophore biomass under drought conditions, and lower belowground biomass under flooded conditions regardless of planting assemblage. Evidence of interspecific interactions was noted. Competition for aboveground resources (e.g., light) was indicated by lower S. alterniflora stem biomass in mixed-species assemblage compared to biomass in S. alterniflora monocultures. Pneumatophore biomass of A. germinans was reduced when grown in monoculture compared to the mixed-species assemblage, indicating competition for belowground resources. These interactions provide insight into how these species may respond following major disturbance events that lead to vegetation dieback. Site variation in propagule availability and physico-chemical conditions will determine plant community composition and structure following such disturbances when these two species co-occur.
Mechanism of dent initiated flaking and bearing life enhancement technology under contaminated lubrication condition: Part I: Effect of tangential force on dent initiated flaking

In this paper, we have clarified experimentally the mechanism of dent initiated flaking as observed in rolling element bearings operating under contaminated lubrication conditions. A characteristic of dent initiated flaking is the initiation of cracks on the trailing edge of dents relative to the rolling direction. Based on the results of twin-disk testing and ball-on-rod rolling contact fatigue (RCF) testing conducted, we have confirmed that the crack initiation at the edge of a dent is strong influenced by the tangential force. The tangential force leads to the generation of a large tensile stress at the trailing edge of dents, which in turn leads to crack initiation.
Advances in Probes and Methods for Clinical EPR Oximetry

EPR oximetry, which enables reliable, accurate, and repeated measurements of the partial pressure of oxygen in tissues, provides a unique opportunity to investigate the role of oxygen in the pathogenesis and treatment of several diseases including cancer, stroke, and heart failure. Building on significant advances in the in vivo application of EPR oximetry for small animal models of disease, we are developing suitable probes and instrumentation required for use in human subjects. Our laboratory has established the feasibility of clinical EPR oximetry in cancer patients using India ink, the only material presently approved for clinical use. We now are developing the next generation of probes, which are both superior in terms of oxygen sensitivity and biocompatibility including an excellent safety profile for use in humans. Further advances include the development of implantable oxygen sensors linked to an external coupling loop for measurements of deep-tissue oxygenations at any depth, overcoming the current limitation of 10 mm. This paper presents an overview of recent developments in our ability to make meaningful measurements of oxygen partial pressures in human subjects under clinical settings.
Popper vs Inductivism

To my knowledge, the large literature on the rivalry between the Popperian and inductivist methodologies has not come to grips with some of the crucial issues on which the appraisal of their conflicting theses turns. And I wish to issue a new challenge to the cardinal arguments on which Popper rests his indictment of inductivism.
Accessibility impact of future high speed rail corridor on the piedmont Atlantic megaregion

Abstract This study evaluates the accessibility impact of future high speed rail (HSR) corridor on the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion (PAM) in the United States. A geographic information system (GIS) tool is used to conduct the accessibility assessment. The door-to-door approach is adopted to evaluate the multimodal (including roadways and HSR) travel time. Three accessibility indicators are selected, including the weighted average travel time (WATT), daily accessibility (DA), and potential accessibility (PA). The selected accessibility indicators are calculated by using the estimated travel time at the geographical level. The average accessibility scores of the counties in the PAM during peak and off-peak hours are estimated and compared. The results indicate that the building of the HSR corridor within the PAM will improve the accessibility at the megaregional level. However, the coefficient of variation results indicate that the inequality will also increase due to the new HSR corridor. The relationships between megaregional accessibility scores (i.e., WATT) and HSR services (such as headway and speed) are explored. Several policy implications are drawn in terms of enhancing the megaregional accessibility.
Susceptibility of Stress Mindset in Response to Stress [University of West Florida]

Stress is often regarded as negative and debilitating to mental and physical health, but an alternative view is that stress can have a positive influence. These views are known as stress mindsets, and it can affect an individual’s quality of life. Crum et al.’s (2013) study successfully manipulated mindset by showing the participants short videos depicting stress as either negative or positive. Based on Crum et al.’s (2013) results, our research lab examined the effects of manipulated stress mindset, using these videos, on objective cognitive performance in Study 1. In Study 1, the effect of stress mindset on cognitive performance was examined after stress induction. In Study 2, we will examine if stress mindset is easily influenced after stress induction, relative to no stress induction. We will evaluate the participants’ mindset change by comparing their baseline measurements to their measurements after mindset manipulation. The procedure will begin with measuring mindset with the Stress Control Mindset Measure and an implicit association test, and measuring stress with a current stress level scale and pulse oximeter. Cognitive performance will be measured with the Stroop task and Trail Making Task. The mindset manipulation will be implemented by randomly assigning either the positive, stress-is-enhancing video or the negative, stress-is-debilitating video. Then we will have the participants take the stress mindset measures and cognitive tasks again. We will compare these results with the results from Study 1. We hypothesize that participants who are not stressed (Study 2) will have an easier time changing their mindset after mindset manipulation, whereas participants who are stressed (Study 1) will have a harder time changing their mindset after mindset manipulation. Data collection has been completed and further statistical analysis will be conducted before April 2019.
Understanding political−economic development in the American South

We propose an empirical strategy to adjudicate between competing explanations of political–economic development in the American South. This strategy evaluates the dynamic relationship between partisan control of representative institutions and economic performance, both before and after major partisan realignment forces and economic conditions had structurally transformed the American South. The political–economic development of low‐capacity Southern states since the early 1980s reflects a “virtuous cycle” of rising income growth and partisan balance of state legislatures mutually reinforcing one another. These findings reconcile conflicting claims regarding the catalytic nature of political–economic development coevolution in the American South and have broader implications for the study of comparative political–economic development.
Comparison of the 4-Digit Code, Canadian 2015, Australian 2016 and Hoyme 2016 fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic guidelines

Background: As clinicians strive to achieve consensus worldwide on how best to diagnose fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the most recent FASD diagnostic systems show convergence and divergence. Applying these systems to a single clinical population illustrates the contrasts between them, but validation studies are ultimately required to identify the best system. Methods: The 4-Digit-Code, Hoyme 2016, Canadian 2015 and Australian 2016 FASD diagnostic systems were applied to 1,392 patient records evaluated for FASD at the University of Washington. The diagnostic criteria and tools, the prevalence and concordance of diagnostic outcomes, and validity measures were compared between the systems. Results: The proportion diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and FASD varied significantly (4-Digit-Code 2.1%, <79%; Hoyme 6.4%, 44%, Australian 1.8%, 29%; Canadian 1.8%, 16%). Eighty-two percent were diagnosed FASD by at least one system; only 11% by all four systems. Key factors contributing to discordance include: requiring high alcohol exposure; excluding growth deficiency; relaxing the facial criteria; requiring brain criteria that prevent diagnosis of infants/toddlers; and excluding moderate dysfunction from the spectrum. Primate research confirms moderate dysfunction (1-2 domains <-2 standard deviations) is the most prevalent outcome caused by PAE (FAS 5%, severe dysfunction 31%, moderate dysfunction 59%). Only the 4-Digit-Code replicated this diagnostic pattern. Conclusion: The needs of individuals with FASD are best met when diagnostic systems provide accurate, validated diagnoses across the lifespan, the full spectrum of outcome, the full continuum of alcohol exposure; and utilize diagnostic nomenclature that accurately reflects the association between outcome and alcohol exposure.
Advanced TCAD Simulation and Calibration of Gallium Oxide Vertical Transistor

In this paper, advanced β-Ga2O3 TCAD simulation parameters and methodologies are presented by calibrating simulation setup to vertical junctionless multi-gate transistor experimental data. Through careful calibration, several important β-Ga2O3 device physics are identified. The effects of compensation doping and incomplete ionization of dopants are investigated. Electron Philips unified carrier mobility (PhuMob) model, which can capture the temperature effect, is used. We also show that interfacial traps possibly play no role on the non-ideal sub-threshold slope (SS) and short channel effect is the major cause of SS degradation. The breakdown mechanism of the junctionless Ga2O3 transistor is also discussed and is shown to be limited by channel punch-through in off-state. The calibrated models match experimental Capacitance-Voltage (CV) and Current-Voltage (IV) well and can be used to predict the electrical performance of novel β-Ga2O3 devices.
The Impact of Combined Risk-Reducing Gynecological Surgeries on Outcomes in DIEP Flap and Tissue-Expander Breast Reconstruction:

Introduction:In addition to prophylactic mastectomies, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are increasingly choosing to undergo risk-reducing procedures such as hysterectomies and salpingo-oophorecto...
Is Digital Inequality a Part of Preservice Teachers’ Reasoning About Technology Integration Decisions?:

Teachers’ ability to design meaningful uses of technology for all learners in any classrooms has a potential to narrow digital gaps among K-12 students. However, we know little about whether teache...
Training-induced cognitive and neural changes in musicians: implications for healthy aging

Abstract Mounting evidence supports training-induced brain changes from extended musical practice that can translate into cognitive and neural reserve in advanced age with potential to reduce cognitive decline. We will review current evidence supporting structural and functional changes from music training in the neural networks common to music, skilled movements, and auditory processing. The literature comparing professional and amateur musicians with nonmusicians will be considered in terms of innate and training-induced changes with potential to enhance cognitive and neural functions. The impact of instrumental musical practice on general cognition will be discussed with respect to neural network changes stimulated by task-specific cognitive enrichment. There will be a primary focus on how the timing of musical engagement and the years of musical activity influence cognitive and neural reserve. This theoretical framework will be considered in the context of modifiable lifestyle factors that delay expression of brain pathology. Models of environmental enrichment that can enhance neuroplasticity through multisensory stimulation are critical for development of compensatory neural networks that allow for adaptation of age-related cognitive declines.
Islam in Europhone African Literature

The chapter begins with a survey of the history of Islam in Senegal to illustrate the complexity of the relationship between Islam and African Muslims. It then proposes a reading of Cheikh Hamidou Kane’s L’Aventure ambigue and Mariama Bâ’s Une si longue lettre, within an Islamic framework, to illustrate how African authors have looked at Islam from a marginal position in their attempt to search for ways to illustrate shifts in identity and identification among African Muslims. It shows, among other things, how the faces of Islam that African authors portray in their texts are influenced by local beliefs and interpretations of Islamic texts.
A Coordinate-Descent Algorithm for Tracking Solutions in Time-Varying Optimal Power Flows

Consider a polynomial optimisation problem, whose instances vary continuously over time. We propose to use a coordinate-descent algorithm for solving such time-varying optimisation problems. In particular, we focus on relaxations of transmission-constrained problems in power systems. On the example of the alternating-current optimal power flows (ACOPF), we bound the difference between the current approximate optimal cost generated by our algorithm and the optimal cost for a relaxation using the most recent data from above by a function of the properties of the instance and the rate of change to the instance over time. We also bound the number of floating-point operations that need to be performed between two updates in order to guarantee the error is bounded from above by a given constant.
Maternal morbidity associated with skin incision type at cesarean delivery in obese patients: a systematic review

Aim: To describe the relationship between cesarean skin incision type and postoperative wound complications (WCs) in obese pregnant patients. Materials & methods: MEDLINE (PubMed and OVID), Embase,...
Portable framework to deploy deep learning segmentation models for medical images

Purpose This work presents a framework for deployment of deep learning image segmentation models for medical images across different operating systems and programming languages. Methods Computational Environment for Radiological Research (CERR) platform was extended for deploying deep learning-based segmentation models to leverage CERR’s existing functionality for radiological data import, transformation, management, and visualization. The framework is compatible with MATLAB as well as GNU Octave and Python for license-free use. Pre and post processing configurations including parameters for pre-processing images, population of channels, and post-processing segmentations was standardized using JSON format. CPU and GPU implementations of pre-trained deep learning segmentation models were packaged using Singularity containers for use in Linux and Conda environment archives for Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. The framework accepts images in various formats including DICOM and CERR’s planC and outputs segmentation in various formats including DICOM RTSTRUCT and planC objects. The ability to access the results readily in planC format enables visualization as well as radiomics and dosimetric analysis. The framework can be readily deployed in clinical software such as MIM via their extensions. Results The open-source, GPL copyrighted framework developed in this work has been successfully used to deploy Deep Learning based segmentation models for five in-house developed and published models. These models span various treatment sites (H&N, Lung and Prostate) and modalities (CT, MR). Documentation for their usage and demo workflow is provided at https://github.com/cerr/CERR/wiki/Auto-Segmentation-models. The framework has also been used in clinical workflow for segmenting images for treatment planning and for segmenting publicly available large datasets for outcomes studies. Conclusions This work presented a comprehensive, open-source framework for deploying deep learning-based medical image segmentation models. The framework was used to translate the developed models to clinic as well as reproducible and consistent image segmentation across institutions, facilitating multi-institutional outcomes modeling studies.
Proceedings of the 2nd ACM/IEEE-CS joint conference on Digital libraries

Welcome to JCDL 2002! This is the second in a series of ACM/IEEE-CS joint conferences on research and development in digital libraries. JCDL 2002 is a major international forum for research reports and discussion on digital libraries and associated technical, practical, and social issues. The conference takes a broad view of digital libraries as both extensions and augmentations of physical libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions. The program captured in these proceedings represents a snapshot of the current state of digital library research and development and provides glimmers into the future of what digital libraries may become.This year's conference attracted 240 submissions from researchers in 18 countries. All full and short papers were reviewed by at least three members of the program committee and those accepted were revised for inclusion in these proceedings. Thirty-three of 99 full papers and 36 of 73 short papers were accepted this year. In addition to the papers, demonstrations, posters, and panels add to the mix of theory and practice and two keynote addresses will stimulate thought and discussion on intellectual property issues and trends in digital library practice. Eight tutorials and seven workshops bookend the conference to provide in-depth treatments of specific topics and issues. As in past years, the Vannevar Bush Award for best paper will be awarded in honor of Dr. Bush, the founder of the National Science Foundation and proposer of the Memex. This award was initiated by Robert Akscyn, President of Knowledge Systems, Inc. A subcommittee of the program committee (Lois Delcambre, Sue Dumais, Linda Hill, Gary Marchionini, Michael Nelson, and Rebecca Wesley) reviewed the seven highest rated papers to select a winner. This year's award goes to Donna Bergmark for her paper "Collection Synthesis.
Taking the Politics Out of Satellite and Space-Based Communications Protocols

After many years of studies, experimentation, and deployment, large amounts of misinformation and misconceptions remain regarding applicability of various communications protocols for use in satellite and space-based networks. This paper attempts to remove much of the politics, misconceptions, and misinformation that have plagued spacebased communications protocol development and deployment. This paper provides a common vocabulary for communications; a general discussion of the requirements for various communication environments; an evaluation of tradeoffs between circuit and packet-switching technologies, and the pros and cons of various link, network, transport, application, and security protocols. Included is the applicability of protocol enhancing proxies to NASA, Department of Defense (DOD), and commercial space communication systems.
Understanding the value of students doing projects

This investigation focused on building a view of the value of doing projects which emerged from student descriptions of their project work in an innovative high school science and mathematics curriculum. Qualitative coding methods yielded rules to describe student impressions of doing projects. These rules and their instances represent ways of understanding the efforts and achievements of students doing projects. These efforts and achievements are diverse in nature and their assessment cannot be separated from the context of performance, which includes interests, resources, skill at collaboration, and prior knowledge and skill. Five metafunctions are described as a potential beginning point for building an assessment model of student-centered projects. The metafunctions are resourcefulness, reflection, authentic, extension, and connectedness.
Single-Molecule Spectroscopy Comes of Age

In their Perspective, Kelley et al . report from a recent symposium on single-molecule spectroscopy. The symposium demonstrates that the field has matured and is now providing unprecedented insights in biology and materials science.
Deep H-Band Galaxy Counts and Half-Light Radii from Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS Parallel Observations

We present deep galaxy counts and half-light radii from F160W (λ_c=1.6 μm) images obtained with the Near-Infrared Camera and Multiobject Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. Nearly 9 arcmin^2 have been imaged with camera 3, with 3 σ depths ranging from H=24.3 to 25.5 in a 0."6 diameter aperture. The slope of the counts fainter than H = 20 is 0.31, and the integrated surface density to H ≤ 24.75 is 4×10^5 galaxies deg^(-2). The half-light radii of the galaxies decline steeply with apparent magnitude. At H = 24, we are limited by both the delivered FWHM and the detection threshold of the images.
Predicting Longitudinal Growth Curves of Height and Weight Using Ecological Factors for Children with and without Early Growth Deficiency

Growth curve models were used to examine the effect of genetic and ecological factors on changes in height and weight of 225 children from low income, urban families who were assessed up to eight times in the first 6 y of life. Children with early growth deficiency [failure to thrive (FTT)] (n = 127) and a community sample of children without growth deficiency (n = 98) were examined to evaluate how genetic, child and family characteristics influenced growth. Children of taller and heavier parents, who were recruited at younger ages and did not have a history of growth deficiency, had accelerated growth from recruitment through age 6 y. In addition, increases in height were associated with better health, less difficult temperament, nurturant mothers and female gender; increases in weight were associated with better health. Children with a history of growth deficiency demonstrated slower rates of growth than children in the community group without a history of growth deficiency. In the community group, changes in children's height and weight were related to maternal perceptions of health and temperament and maternal nurturance during feeding, whereas in the FTT group, maternal perceptions and behavior were not in synchrony with children's growth. These findings suggest that, in addition to genetic factors, growth is dependent on a nurturant and sensitive caregiving system. Interventions to promote growth should consider child and family characteristics, including maternal perceptions of children's health and temperament and maternal mealtime behavior.
Cyberdermatoethics II: a case-based approach to teledermatology ethics

Teledermatology is the use of telecommunication for medical diagnosis and patient care in dermatology. The visual nature of diagnosis in dermatology makes it particularly well suited to the practice of telemedicine. The differences between the two basic types of teledermatology, real-time and store-and-forward, are reviewed. Case scenarios are used to examine some of the ethical and clinical issues that can occur, such as the nature of the doctor-patient relationship, follow-up of incidental diagnoses, limitations of telemedicine, privacy issues, and licensing. Guidelines for the use of telemedicine in dermatology are reviewed.
Prevalence and Incidence of Entamoeba histolytica Infection in South Africa and Egypt

There are little data on the true prevalence and incidence of Entamoeba histolytica infection in Africa. This is due to the inability, historically, to differentiate Entamoeba histolytica from the more common, but non-pathogenic, Entamoeba dispar. In addition, newer studies have demonstrated that the previous gold standard, culture with zymodeme analysis, is insensitive in detecting the presence of infection, especially when compared to PCR. Recent published articles as well as data from the authors' previous work are reviewed and summarized to elucidate what is known about prevalence and incidence of Entamoeba histolytica in Africa. The majority of data on asymptomatic infection are published from South Africa, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire. Egypt has high rates of asymptomatic infection detected in the stool (>21%), whereas South Africa and Cote d'Ivoire rates range between 0 and 2%. Seroprevalence estimates the rate of recent infection, because anti-amebic antibodies generally persist for <5 years. Seropositivity rates (IgG, IgA) range from approximately 10 to 20%, indicating recent infection in this proportion of the population. Entamoeba histolytica infects a significant proportion of many populations of Africa; however, little data are currently available to indicate true prevalence and incidence. Further studies are needed to determine the burden of infection and disease in Africa.
Endometrioma involving the perianal tissues: report of a case.

Endometriosis may involve the uterine cavity (internal) or ectopic areas outside the uterus (external). The usual sites of external endometriosis are within the pelvic cavity. They include the ovary, peritoneal surface of the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, cul de sac, peritoneum, uterovesical peritoneum, the rectovaginal septum, the rectum, all parts of the colon, the appendix, and the ileum. Less common locations for ectopic endometriosis include the umbilicus, abdominal wall scars, the vulva, and the perineum. Endometriosis involving the perianal tissues is rare, and when found it is ussually located in the perineum at the site of previous episiotomy scars. The generally accepted explanation for the pathogenesis of external endometriosis is a combination of Sampson's6 retrograde-flow theory and the theory of metaplasia expounded by Gruenwald.3
NO-SSRIs: Nitric Oxide Chimera Drugs Incorporating a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Hybrid nitrate drugs have been reported to provide NO bioactivity to ameliorate side effects or to provide ancillary therapeutic activity. Hybrid nitrate selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NO-SSRIs) were prepared to improve the therapeutic profile of this drug class. A synthetic strategy for use of a thiocarbamate linker was developed, which in the case of NO-fluoxetine facilitated hydrolysis to fluoxetine at pH 7.4 within 7 hours. In cell culture, NO-SSRIs were weak inhibitors of the serotonin transporter, however, in the forced swimming task (FST) in rats, NO-fluoxetine demonstrated classical antidepressant activity. Comparison of NO-fluoxetine, with fluoxetine, and an NO-chimera nitrate developed for Alzheimer's disease (GT-1061), was made in the step through passive avoidance (STPA) test of learning and memory in rats treated with scopolamine as an amnesic agent. Fluoxetine was inactive, whereas NO-fluoxetine and GT-1061 both restored long-term memory. GT-1061 also produced antidepressant behavior in FST. These data support the potential for NO-SSRIs to overcome the lag in onset of therapeutic action and provide co-therapy of neuropathologies concomitant with depression.
Evaluation of diagnostic tests and argatroban or lepirudin therapy in patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Study Objective. To evaluate diagnostic tests for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious drug reaction that can occur in patients receiving heparin, and to evaluate treatment with direct thrombin inhibitors—the only initial drug therapy that decreases the risk of thromboembolism associated with immune-mediated HIT. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. University teaching hospital. Subjects. Patients with HIT treated with argatroban or lepirudin between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003. Measurements and Main Results. Patients were assessed for dosage and duration of argatroban or lepirudin therapy, HIT diagnostic tests, and clinically significant adverse events. Thirty-four patients received argatroban, 42 received lepirudin. Mean ± SD doses of argatroban and lepirudin were 1.2 ± 0.9 μg/kg/minute and 0.09 ± 0.11 mg/kg/hour, respectively; both were 40% lower than the recommended doses. Mean duration of therapy was 10 ± 9 days. Supratherapeutic activated partial thromboplastin times were observed in 30 (39%), 10 (13%), and six (8%) of 76 patients on days 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.0001). Clinically significant bleeding occurred in 6% of patients receiving argatroban and in 5% of those receiving lepirudin (p=0.99); all patients had an activated partial thromboplastin time of longer than 100 seconds. Although platelet-aggregation tests were ordered in 55 (72%) of 76 patients, they were not useful in 16 (29%) because of equivocal or contradictory results. Conclusion. Due to supratherapeutic activated partial thromboplastin times, our patients often required doses of argatroban and lepirudin lower than those usually recommended. Thus, direct thrombin inhibitors should be started at low initial doses and titrated to target activated partial thromboplastin times to achieve appropriate efficacy and to avoid increasing the risk of bleeding. Platelet-aggregation tests were least useful for evaluating HIT. Appropriate diagnostic strategies should be used to avoid unnecessary drug use.
Modeling and optimization of vertical-cavity semiconductor laser amplifiers

We present detailed yet largely analytical models for gain, optical bandwidth, and saturation power of vertical-cavity laser amplifiers (VCLAs) in reflection and transmission mode. VCLAs are potential low-cost alternatives to in-plane laser amplifiers and they have the inherent advantage of polarization insensitivity, high fiber coupling efficiency, and low noise figure. Simple formulas for the optical gain-bandwidth product are derived which are valid for any type of Fabry-Perot amplifier. Our saturation model is based on rate equations for electrons and holes. It considers a sub-linear material gain, gain enhancement by the standing wave effect, Auger recombination, defect recombination, and spontaneous emission. Common linear approximations are avoided to correctly predict performance limits. Excellent agreement with measurements on novel 1.3-micron VCLAs is obtained. The models are used to analyze device performance and to investigate optimization options. With reduced top mirror reflectivity and increased pump efficiency, substantial and simultaneous improvements of optical bandwidth and saturation power are predicted without sacrificing gain. Parameter plots are given which allow for an easy exploration of the VCLA design space, matching desired performance goals with the required mirror reflectivity and pump current.
Comments on Clark's “The language-as-fixed-effect fallacy”

Clark's arguments for treating language materials as random rather than fixed effects are examined, and the problems with random effects designs and approximate statistical tests (quasiF-ratios) are reviewed. In view of the difficulties with Clark's recommended procedures and the present lack of knowledge regarding approximate tests, it is suggested that researchers use fixed factors, which are better understood statistically, and seek nonstatistical generality by means of replication.
Extension phenomena in multidimensional complex analysis: correction of the historical record

Even though Bochner should not be credited with the proof of any version of theCR extension theorem, his 1943 paper remains a landmark in the history of the Hartogs extension phenomenon. His vision to enlarge his horizon from holomorphic functions to certain harmonic functions set the stage for further generalizations by himself (for example [Bochner 1954]) as well as for Ehrenpreis’s investigations on related problems for solutions of more general elliptic partial-differential operators.
Deep Terms in the Spectra of Sc VIII and Sc IX

Twenty-three lines in the scandium spectrum have been identified as radiations connecting higher terms with the ground states of Sc VIII and Sc IX.
Stretched X-coefficients

Abstract The simplifications that occur in the expressions for the X -coefficient when one or more of the triangles comprising it are stretched are considered. Older results are presented with the new ones for completeness and comparison.
reproduction, ritual, and power

In a cross-cultural study, female pollution-avoidance ritual and male ritual associated with the female reproductive cycle are viewed as devices for maximizing and minimizing, respectively, sex differences. Ritual differences can be accounted for by regularly occurring differences in nonritual phenomena. These nonritual phenomena, in turn, are interrelated: females tend to share power and prestige with males in simply organized societies where females contribute significantly to subsistence and males contribute to child care.
Influence of recall on reliability of perception of the autokinetic illusion.

Summary.-An autokinetic test was given to 76 female subjects who were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups of 19 subjects each. Two groups were retested after 1 and 6 wk., respectively. The other rwo groups were asked to recall their initial experience after 1 and 6 wk., respectively. Intertrial correlations of the measures were generally higher for the recall conditions than for the retest conditions. The results were discussed in terms of the potential influence that recall may have on the test-retest reliability of autokinesis. Autokinetic perception, an illusory movement phenomenon, has shown high test-retest reliability (Schwartz & Shagass, 1960; A. C. Voth, 1941, 1947; H. M. Voth & Mayman, 1963), even under varying conditions, including different experimental rooms, light sources, experimenters, and intertrial intervals (Haines, Santos, & Farrow, 1965). A descriptive analysis using photographs of similar and dissimilar sets of drawings of autokinetic movement illustrated rather dramatic intra-observer consistency of both style and pattern of movement (Santos, Farrow, & Haines, 1965). Previous studies have not determined the extent of influence of the observer's prior experience with the autokinetic movement phenomenon. Indeed, the recall of previous experience of such movement may influence performance (Hanawalt, 1937 ) . The present smdy represents an attempt to determine the extent to which subjects can recall a previously experienced pattern of autokinetic movement. The extent of recall is assumed to be an indicator of the maximum influence of recall on reliability. This is not to say that recall is the only factor operative in this situation. Rather, there is more likely an interaction between the recall of prior experience of autokinesis and perception of the ongoing retest situation.
Linear combinations of nonlinear models for predicting human–machine interface forces

This study presents a computational framework that capitalizes on known human neuromechanical characteristics during limb movements in order to predict human–machine interactions. A parallel–distributed approach, the mixture of nonlinear models, fits the relationship between the measured kinematics and kinetics at the handle of a robot. Each element of the mixture represented the arm and its controller as a feedforward nonlinear model of inverse dynamics plus a linear approximation of musculotendonous impedance. We evaluated this approach with data from experiments where subjects held the handle of a planar manipulandum robot and attempted to make point-to-point reaching movements. We compared the performance to the more conventional approach of a constrained, nonlinear optimization of the parameters. The mixture of nonlinear models accounted for 79±11% (mean ±SD) of the variance in measured force, and force errors were 0.73 ± 0.20% of the maximum exerted force. Solutions were acquired in half the time with a significantly better fit. However, both approaches suffered equally from the simplifying assumptions, namely that the human neuromechanical system consisted of a feedforward controller coupled with linear impedances and a moving state equilibrium. Hence, predictability was best limited to the first half of the movement. The mixture of nonlinear models may be useful in human–machine tasks such as in telerobotics, fly-by-wire vehicles, robotic training, and rehabilitation.
An analysis of the association of trauma centers with per capita hospitalizations and death rates from injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study used population-based data bases to assess the association of trauma centers with per capita county hospitalization and trauma death rates in the State of North Carolina. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The current study extended previous work using two North Carolina data bases to assess the association of the presence of a trauma center with per capita county trauma death rates. METHODS: Data on per capita county trauma hospitalizations and deaths were obtained from the state hospital discharge data base and the North Carolina Medical Examiner's data base. Bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used. The dependent variables of interest were prehospital, hospital, and total trauma death rates and hospitalization rates for injury. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis identified a number of factors associated with per capita county hospitalizations and trauma death rates. These included the per cent unemployment, racial distribution, county alcohol tax receipts, and advanced life support certified emergency medical services providers. The per capita trauma death rates were significantly lower in counties with trauma centers compared with those without trauma centers (4.0 +/- 0.5 and 5.0 +/- 1.1 deaths per 10,000 population, p = 0.0001, respectively). The per capita hospitalizations for trauma were also lower in counties with trauma centers. Multivariate modeling showed that the presence of a trauma center and advanced life support providers were the best predictors of decreased per capita county trauma death rates. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the presence of a trauma center and advanced life support training were the two medical system factors that were the best predictors of the per capita county prehospital and total trauma death rates. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that trauma centers are associated with a decrease in trauma death rates.