cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Simple Method to Estimate the Time-Dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve and the Area Under the Curve With Right Censored Data

The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve is often used to study the diagnostic accuracy of a single continuous biomarker, measured at baseline, on the onset of a disease condition when the disease onset may occur at different times during the follow-up and hence may be right censored. Due to right censoring, the true disease onset status prior to the pre-specified time horizon may be unknown for some patients, which causes difficulty in calculating the time-dependent sensitivity and specificity. We propose to estimate the time-dependent sensitivity and specificity by weighting the censored data by the conditional probability of disease onset prior to the time horizon given the biomarker, the observed time to event, and the censoring indicator, with the weights calculated nonparametrically through a kernel regression on time to event. With this nonparametric weighting adjustment, we derive a novel, closed-form formula to calculate the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. We demonstrate through numerical study and theoretical arguments that the proposed method is insensitive to misspecification of the kernel bandwidth, produces unbiased and efficient estimators of time-dependent sensitivity and specificity, the area under the curve, and other estimands from the receiver operating characteristic curve, and outperforms several other published methods currently implemented in R packages.
“Cutting the Pathway in the Wilderness of Confusion”: Worker Education and the Garment Unions, 1919–1932

This chapter explores the role of worker education as a democratic counterweight to the commercialization of the Forward. First, it discusses the origins of worker education within both Jewish immigrant and middle-class Progressive traditions. Then it focuses on two leaders of the worker education movement from within the garment industry unions—J. B. S. Hardman of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) and Fannia Cohn of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). Hardman, born Jacob Salutsky, had been an editor of Di frayhayt but became frustrated with its dogmatism. While at the ACWA, he struggled to sustain a multilingual press. Cohn fostered a culture of “industrial feminism” through her role as the education secretary of the ILGWU, in opposition to male bureaucratic leadership.
U.S. Immigration Policy Regimes and Physical Disability Trajectories Among Mexico-U.S. Immigrants.

Objectives Although immigration policies have shifted dramatically over the course of U.S. history, few have examined their role as a source of health heterogeneity among immigrants. We address this gap by evaluating whether exposure to U.S. Immigration Policy Regimes (IPRs) corresponds with later-life disability disparities among Mexico-U.S. migrant women and men, and assess the degree to which observed differences may also be associated with immigration policies and occupational composition. Method We analyze 8 waves of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (3,044 individuals and 14,474 observations from 1993/1994-2013). Using hierarchical linear models, we estimate trajectories of physical disability associated with gender, occupation, and IPR. Results We find differences in disability trajectories by IPR. Associations are not different between men and women, and are not mediated by occupational composition. We also observe an additive effect for certain occupations among women, but not among men. Discussion Findings demonstrate that exposure to different IPRs is associated with disparate disability trajectories among Mexico-U.S. migrants. Future research is needed to contextualize the role of IPRs amid other mechanisms of gendered racialization that powerfully contribute to cumulative health differences across the life course.
Laparoscopic Subtotal Colectomy with Ileostomy and Hartmann’s Pouch

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with ileostomy and Hartmann’s pouch is performed for cases of fulminant colitis, ulcerative colitis, clostridium difficile colitis, or acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The laparoscopic approach is offered only if the patient is stable and can tolerate a laparoscopic approach. This chapter describes indications, essential steps, variations, and complications of this procedure. It provides a detailed template operative note for the procedure.
Hobby Lobby and Hobbs to the Rescue: Clarifying Rluipa’s Confusing Substantial Burden Test for Land-Use Cases

When Congress authored RLUIPA, it chose not to define "substantial burden" because it wanted courts to use their existing legal definition. However, though the Supreme Court has applied the substantial burden test to individuals, it has never heard a land-use case in which the substantial burden test was at issue. Absent a clear precedent, lower courts have been forced to extrapolate a substantial burden test for land use from cases where the test focused on burdens to people instead of to churches. This has created inconsistency throughout the country, because determining whether a burden exists as applied to an individual's religious practice is not easily analogous to determining whether a burden exists as applied to the religious practice of a church and its use of land. The vague substantial burden test is one reason why many commentators have concluded that RLUIPA has not entirely resolved the problem it sought to alleviate: relieving the burdens local zoning boards place on churches. This comment suggests that courts should look to the Supreme Court’s recent cases for guidance in applying the substantial burden test in land-use cases, specifically Hobby Lobby and Hobbs.
Speaking their language: The role of cultural content integration and heritage language for academic achievement among Latino children

Abstract Asset-based pedagogy (ABP) reflects teacher instructional choices that affirm students’ ethnicity and culture in the classroom and curriculum. The current study examines two key enactments of ABPs for Latino children, namely cultural content integration and heritage language (Spanish). Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, we assess mediation and moderation effects between teacher beliefs (n = 33), their ABPs, and the mathematics achievement of 568 Latino children in grades three through five. Next, we use qualitative interviews to probe teachers’ understanding and value of cultural content integration, heritage language, and how these work together in their own instructional practice. The quantitative results reveal that honoring students’ heritage language (Spanish) is the mediating element through which cultural content integration predicts mathematics achievement for Latino children. Further, the moderated mediation analysis, cross-validated by the teacher interviews, showed evidence that high teacher expectations alone may not be enough to predict teacher enactment of ABPs. Instead, critical awareness along with high expectations work together to predict enactment of culturally responsive teaching and growth in Latino students’ learning. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Weak speech reports

Indirect speech reports can be true even if they attribute to the speaker the saying of something weaker than what she in fact expressed, yet not all weakenings of what the speaker expressed yield true reports. For example, if Anna utters ‘Bob and Carla passed the exam’, we can accurately report her as having said that Carla passed the exam, but we can not accurately report her as having said that either it rains or it does not, or that either Carla passed the exam or pandas are cute. This paper offers an analysis of speech reports that distinguishes weakenings of what the speaker expressed that yield true reports from weakenings that do not. According to this analysis, speech reports are not only sensitive to the informational content of what the speaker expressed, but also to the possibilities a speaker raises in making an utterance. As I argue, this analysis has significant advantages over its most promising competitors, including views based on work by Barwise and Perry (J Philos 78(11): 668–691, 1981), views appealing to recent work on the notion of content parthood by Fine (J Philos Log 45(2):199–226, 2016) and Yablo (Aboutness. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2014), and Richard’s (Mind Lang 13(4): 605–616, 1998) proposal appealing to structured propositions.
Introduction: Children and Disasters

It is difficult to conceive of any image as compelling as a child who has become the victim of a manmade or natural disaster. How is a child to make sense of, or ever recover from, an experience so devastating and widespread that even otherwise reliable adults seem overwhelmed and powerless? The horrible aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, as well as the sudden, senseless losses in shootings or plane crashes, grab prominent media coverage with alarming frequency. Adults are profoundly moved by their exposure to such events, even with the knowledge and resources many have for understanding and coping. How much greater, and more complex, are the needs of children challenged to understand and respond to such events? In spite of this great need, the psychological literature on children and disasters has, until recently, been small in volume, diverse in quality, and difficult to access.
Severe mental illness and addictions: Assessment considerations

This article provides a selective overview of the empirical literature on substance use assessment for persons with severe mental illness. We organize the review around key questions related to three assessment goals. With regard to screening, we address what screening tools are appropriate for use in psychiatric settings, and what methodological concerns arise regarding their use in these contexts. With regard to diagnosis, we discuss why diagnosing comorbid disorders is difficult and how clinicians can enhance the reliability and validity of their diagnoses. With regard to the related goals of treatment planning and outcome evaluation, we consider what are appropriate outcome measures, and how assessment information can assist in treatment planning. Finally, we outline three promising directions for future research: (a) evaluating the psychometric properties of established substance-related measures in persons with severe mental illness, (b) identifying the conditions under which self-report information is more or less accurate, and (c) improving the population relevance of substance assessment instruments.
2D Shape Modeling using Skeletal Graphs in a Morse Theoretic Framework

Topology and geometry are the attributes that uniquely define a shape. Two objects are said to have the same topological structure if one can be morphed into the other without tearing and gluing, whereas geometry describes the relative position of points on a surface. Existing shape descriptors pay little attention to the topology of shapes and instead operate on a smaller subset, where all shapes are assumed to have a genus of one. In this chapter, we will describe a novel 2D shape modeling method that keeps track of the topology of a shape in combination with its geometry for a robust shape representation. Using a Morse theoretic approach and the 3D shape modeling technique in [2] as an inspiration, we focus on representing planar shapes of arbitrary topology. The proposed approach extends existing modeling techniques in the sense that it encompasses a larger class of shapes.
Balloon-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms with the dual-lumen Scepter XC balloon catheter: Experience at two high-volume centers.

BackgroundThe Scepter XC is a dual-lumen balloon catheter that accommodates a 0.014-inch microwire and can be used for balloon-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms. We describe our experience wit...
Can environmental governance lower toxic emissions? A panel study of U.S. high‐polluting industries

Firms have increasingly adopted environmental governance mechanisms in the form of environmental compensation and environmental board committees. The current study examines the argument that such environmental governance mechanisms contribute to lower toxic emissions in high‐polluting industries. The sample comprises firms that were part of the S&P 500 from the years 2006 to 2011 and were mandated to report toxic emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Release Inventory program. A panel regression model with propensity score matching was employed to minimize endogeneity bias. The results indicate that environmental compensation is a compelling incentive to motivate managers to invest in long‐term and highly uncertain environmental projects. Likewise, the presence of an environmental board committee appears to be significant, suggesting that directors contribute to a firm's strategy with their expertise and political influence. This research also found evidence supporting the cumulative adoption of both environmental governance mechanisms in enhancing environmental performance and the firm's legitimacy.
Feasibility Analysis Using Load Profile Modeling Scenarios of Achieving Peak Shaving Using Grid-Tied PV for a Small Utility in Boone, North Carolina

Peak demand energy costs are vastly greater than non-peak energy costs, which create unique opportunities for utility-owned, localized renewable energy development. A small, mountain utility’s energy supply contract terms have considerable impact on peak demand-related expenses, with annual savings exceeding 40% expected in an upcoming contract transition. Furthermore, utility-scale electrical peak shaving through grid-tied PV systems represent a valuable source of financial savings without necessitating costly energy storage mechanisms. Savings reaped from avoided cost premiums can, in turn, be invested in continued renewable energy development.
FTIR monitoring of methane from a local landfill

From anthropogenic sources to natural oceanic emissions, the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled in the last 200 years. Since methane represents a global warming potential 23 times an equivalent mass of carbon dioxide, monitoring this species is of great interest. In terms of anthropogenic emissions, landfills represent a significant source of atmospheric methane. We have developed an in-house algorithm for extracting methane concentrations directly from FTIR spectra for gas samples from a local landfill. In this work, we will describe the method and present some preliminary measurements.
GaN Vertical-Channel Junction Field-Effect Transistors With Regrown p-GaN by MOCVD

We report an experimental demonstration of GaN-based vertical-channel junction field-effect transistors (VC-JFETs). A p-GaN regrowth by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and a subsequent self-planarization process were developed to fabricate the GaN VC-JFETs. Fin-like channel regions were patterned by electron beam lithography (EBL) and aligned to ${m}$ -plane or ${a}$ -plane. The electrical properties of lateral and vertical p-n junctions were characterized to verify the effectiveness of the p-GaN regrowth. Both VC-JFETs with ${m}$ -plane and ${a}$ -plane channels show decent gate modulation. We further discussed important factors that may affect the device performance including interfacial impurities and nonuniform acceptor distribution. This work highlights the successful demonstration of GaN VC-JFETs and lateral p-n junctions by an etch-then-regrow process, providing valuable information and reference for the further development of GaN power electronics.
Advanced Heart Failure in Adolescents: A Challenge for A Newly Established Program in the Middle East

Introduction Management of advanced heart failure (HF) is challenging enough in the adult population and significantly more so in adolescents. Our newly established advanced HF and transplant program predominantly caters for adults. Nevertheless, being the only center in the country and one of two in the Gulf Region, we are faced with managing younger patients presenting with advanced HF. This is different from adults in many respects, including HF etiology to overall outcomes. In this case series, we highlight characteristics and outcomes of adolescent patients managed with advanced HF therapies (ventricular assist devices (VAD) and/or heart transplant (HT)). Methods We present data of 10 consecutive patients under the age of 20 who presented to our institution between July 2014 and December 2019. All patients initially required intensive cardiac care, subsequently they went on to receive advanced therapies. Donor scarcity mandated that some patients were referred abroad for HT. All VAD were implanted at our center. Results Table 1 outlines patient characteristics. Mean age at the time of advanced therapy was 15.2 years (range 11-19 years). Seventy percent were males and 40% had familial cardiomyopathy with mean follow 29.9± 24 months. Four patients required a VAD as bridge to transplant, with one of them currently on the waiting list. One patient was bridged to transplantation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. As expected with the younger population the incidence of renal dysfunction was low as was post HT biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR). One patient had donor transmitted coronary vascular disease and subsequently developed cardiac allograft vasculopathy eventually requiring surgical revascularization. One patient developed perioperative coagulopathy and subsequently anoxic brain injury as he was bridged from VAD to HT. He was later declared brain dead. There was one death due to severe graft failure secondary to non-compliance with medical therapy or follow up. Conclusion Advanced HF in the adolescent population presents a significant challenge to newly established HF programs. In addition to unique clinical aspects, issues like insight, compliance, and parent trust can contribute to delayed presentation and intervention. Our outcomes are comparable to high-volume centers in western countries. Patient and family education and involvement in therapy and decisions is imperative to long-term success with this age group.
Gut microbiota from androgen-altered donors alter pulmonary responses to ozone in female mice

In mice, both androgens and the gut microbiota modify pulmonary responses to ozone. We hypothesized that androgens affect gut microbiota and thereby impact pulmonary responses to ozone. To address this hypothesis, we transferred cecal microbiota from male castrated or sham castrated C57BL/6J mice into female germ-free recipient C57BL/6J mice. Four weeks later mice were exposed to ozone (2 ppm) or room air for 3 hr. The gut microbiomes of castrated versus sham castrated donors differed, as did those of recipients of microbiota from castrated versus sham castrated donors. In recipients, ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was not affected by donor castration status. However, compared to mice receiving microbiota from sham castrated donors, mice receiving microbiota from castrated donors had elevated numbers of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophils despite evidence of reduced lung injury as measured by BAL protein. Serum concentrations of IL-17A and G-CSF were significantly greater in recipients of castrated versus sham castrated microbiota. Furthermore, BAL neutrophils correlated with both serum IL-17A and serum G-CSF. Our data indicate that androgen-mediated effects on the gut microbiota modulate pulmonary inflammatory responses to ozone and suggest a role for circulating IL-17A and G-CSF in these events.
Call to action: breast cancer screening recommendations for Black women

African-American/Black women have more aggressive breast cancer subtypes, are diagnosed at younger ages, and have an increasing incidence rate. These disparities have resulted in Black women continuing to experience the highest mortality rate from breast cancer of any US racial or ethnic group. However, national screening mammography guidelines do not reflect the high-risk status of Black women. Here we review breast cancer screening guidelines and address the lack of inclusion of the specific needs of Black women. In order to equitably care for the health needs of Black women, high-risk designation would improve access to earlier screening and supplemental imaging including breast MRI.
A Rare Case of Cranial Nerve VII Neuropraxia Associated with Alveolar Nerve Blocks.

Author(s): Allegra, Stephen; Church, Richard; Sudireddy, Veera | Abstract: Case Presentation: A 26-year-old male presented to our emergency department for six days of right-sided facial myasthenia and parasthesias following a dental procedure using anesthetic nerve blocks.Discussion: Iatrogenic cranial nerve VII neuropraxia, a peripheral nerve injury, is an uncommon complication of alveolar nerve blocks with few documented cases specifically due to dental anesthesia. Treatment usually involves use of oral corticosteroid and/or antiviral medications along with close follow-up in clinic with a neurologist and/or otolaryngologist.
Flying too close to the sun: Navigating changes to CMS' Open Payments program.

ABSTRACT Increasingly, physician assistants (PAs), advanced practice nurses, and physicians are financially involved with healthcare product manufacturers. Although the relationships themselves might not be illegal, when the transaction influences the healthcare provider's medical decision-making, patients can be harmed and the healthcare provider and manufacturer can face accusations of violating federal and state law. In 2019, the federal government recouped $2.6 billion from healthcare fraud and abuse by healthcare stakeholders. PAs' and NPs' behaviors violating the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and False Claims Act (FCA) were partially responsible for the reported amount. To increase the transparency of the financial relationships between healthcare providers and healthcare manufacturers, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, under statutory obligation, created the Open Payments program, which will begin reporting PAs' and advanced practice nurses' financial relationships with manufacturers in 2022.
Influences of the home language and literacy environment on Spanish and English vocabulary growth among dual language learners

Little is known regarding the extent to which aspects of the home language and literacy environment (HLE) promote growth in language skills among dual language learners (DLLs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate which aspects of the HLE significantly predict growth in English and Spanish vocabulary among Spanish-speaking DLLs. 944 Spanish-speaking DLLs (51.6% female; mean age = 53.77 months) completed assessments of English and Spanish vocabulary at four time points across two academic years. Parents completed a survey of the HLE that included information on language exposure, reading exposure, and family reading habits. Results indicated that specific literacy-related practices, including availability of books in the home, language read to the child, and parental reading skills were significant predictors of growth in children's Spanish and English vocabulary knowledge, even after controlling children's initial level of language skills and family socioeconomic status.
Antithrombin nanoparticles inhibit stent thrombosis in ex vivo static and flow models

Objective Despite significant advances in intravascular stent technology, safe prevention of stent thrombosis over prolonged periods after initial deployment persists as a medical need to decrease device failure. The objective of this project was to assess the potential of perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (NP) conjugated with the direct thrombin inhibitor D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl chloromethylketone (PPACK-NP) to inhibit stent thrombosis. Methods In a static model of stent thrombosis, 3 × 3-mm pieces of stainless steel coronary stents were cut and adsorbed with thrombin to create a procoagulant surface that would facilitate thrombus development. After treatment with PPACK-NP or control NP, stents were exposed to platelet-poor plasma (PPP) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for set time points up to 60 minutes. Measurements of final clot weight in grams were used for assessing the effect of NP treatment on limiting thrombosis. Additionally, groups of stents were exposed to flowing plasma containing various treatments (saline, free PPACK, control NP, and PPACK-NP) and generated thrombi were stained and imaged to investigate the treatment effects of PPACK-NP under flow conditions. Results The static model of stent thrombosis used in this study indicated a significant reduction in thrombus deposition with PPACK-NP treatment (0.00067 ± 0.00026 g; n = 3) compared with control NP (0.0098 ± 0.0015 g; n = 3; P = .026) in PPP. Exposure to PRP demonstrated similar effects with PPACK-NP treatment (0.00033 ± 0.00012 g; n = 3) vs control NP treatment (0.0045 ± 0.00012 g; n = 3; P = .000017). In additional studies, stents were exposed to both PRP pretreated with vorapaxar and PPACK-NP, which illustrated adjunctive benefit to oral platelet inhibitors for prevention of stent thrombosis. Additionally, an in vitro model of stent thrombosis under flow conditions established that PPACK-NP treatment inhibited thrombus deposition on stents significantly. Conclusions This study demonstrates that antithrombin perfluorocarbon NPs exert marked focal antithrombin activity to prevent intravascular stent thrombosis and occlusion.
Asian Wives of U.S. Servicemen: Women in Shadows

(1977). Asian Wives of U.S. Servicemen: Women in Shadows. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 91-115.
Evolution of Human-Pathogenic Fungi: Phylogenies and Species

Our knowledge of the pattern of evolution in fungi has increased dramatically over the past 15 years due to (i) the need to know more about fungal evolution, which was created by the increase in the number of immunodeficient humans owing to the tragedy of AIDS and the promise of organ and bone marrow transplantation, (ii) the spread of cladistic theory, and (iii) the technical advances of PCR amplification of DNA and automated DNA sequencing. Some modification of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) may be needed for fungi, where sequence of housekeeping genes may lack the needed variation; microsatellites, for example, may prove more useful and lead to multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT). Two of every three described fungi are members of the Ascomycota, which is divided into three principal groups, all of which harbor pathogens: Taphrinomycotina, Saccharomycotina, and Pezizomycotina. In Pezizomycotina, pathogens are found in Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Chaetothyriomycetes, and Dothidiomycetes. In Eurotiomycetes, pathogens are found in Eurotiales and Onygenales. Basidiomycota comprise three major lineages, one with the rusts and other simple-septate basidiomycetes (Urediniomycetes), a second with the monocot smuts (Ustilaginomycetes), and a third (Hymenomycetes) with the hymenium-forming basidiomycetes, including the “jelly” fungi, bracket fungi, and mushrooms. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that neither Zygomycota nor Chytridiomycota is likely to be monophyletic.
Sexual functioning in women with chronic pelvic pain: The impact of depression, support, and abuse

Many studies have documented associations among sexual functioning, depression, experiences of childhood sexual abuse, relationship support, and chronic pelvic pain, but none have addressed the int...
SYMMETRY OF LEPTONIC WEAK INTERACTIONS AND LEPTON MASS SPECTRUM.

The invariance principle that excludes the neutral leptonic currents and uniquely determines the leptonic weak interactions is discussed. Based on symmetry considerations and the existence of two different neutrinos, we suggest that the neutrino masses are not strictly zero and there are new heavy charged leptons and their neutrinos. A possible lepton mass spectrum is obtained.
Introduction to Wintermark/González Point-Counterpoint

Controversial topics are meant to elicit strong but divergent opinions and the current edition of Point-Counterpoint continues to focus passionate debate on the challenges facing current neurointerventional practice. The imaging guidance of acute ischemic stroke treatment has been evolving both mathematically and conceptually alongside the progress in endovascular stroke treatment thanks to the sustained and dedicated research and leadership in the field of neuroradiology by Drs Wintermark and Gonzalez. Over the years the volume of material regarding brain perfusion imaging and the various ways it can be obtained and determined has certainly proved …
Growth Behavior, Lattice Expansion, Strain, and Surface Morphology of Nanocrystalline, Monoclinic HfO2 Thin Films

Nanocrystalline HfO2 films have been produced by sputter deposition under varying growth temperatures (Ts). The effect of Ts, which is varied from room temperature (RT) to 500 °C, on the structural characteristics of HfO2 films has been investigated employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicate that the monoclinic HfO2 nanocrystals are highly oriented along the (111) direction with increasing Ts. The lattice expansion increases with a reduction in grain size (L), while minimum strain energy occurs at a maximum lattice expansion. The strain factor increases linearly from 2.4 to 4% with increasing Ts from RT to 500 °C. The corresponding surface roughness also increases linearly with Ts. L values increase from ∼10 to 50 nm with increasing Ts. The L–Ts data derived from XRD and SEM are in good agreement and exhibit a relationship, which follows an Arrhenius' relation. A thermally activated growth process with an activation energ...
Interaction of Water Supply and N in Wheat

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of N nutrition and water stress on stomatal behavior and CO(2) exchange rate in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Olaf). Wheat plants were grown hydroponically with high (100 milligrams per liter) and low (10 milligrams per liter) N. When plants were 38 days old, a 24-day water stress cycle was begun. A gradual increase in nutrient solution osmotic pressure from 0.03 to 1.95 mega Pascals was achieved by incremental additions of PEG-6,000. Plants in both N treatments adjusted osmotically, although leaf water potential was consistently lower and relative water content greater for low N plants in the first half of the stress cycle. Leaf conductance of high N plants appeared greater than that of low N plants at high water potentials, but showed greater sensitivity to reductions in water potential as indicated by earlier stomatal closure during the stress cycle. The apparent greater stomatal sensitivity of high N plants was associated with a curvilinear relationship between leaf conductance and leaf water potential; low N plants exhibited more of a threshold response. Trends in [CO(2)](INT) throughout the stress cycle indicated nonstomatal effects of water stress on CO(2) exchange rate were greater in high N plants. Although estimates of [CO(2)](INT) were generally lower in high N plants, they were relatively insensitive to leaf water potential-induced changes in leaf conductance. In contrast, [CO(2)](INT) of low N plants dropped concomitantly with leaf conductance at low leaf water potentials. Oxygen response of CO(2) exchange rate for both treatments was affected less by reductions in water potential than was CO(2) exchange rate at 2.5% O(2), suggesting that CO(2) assimilation capacity of the leaves was affected more by reductions in leaf water potential than were processes related to photorespiration.
A ten-year experience treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with the CO2 laser

Between 1977 and 1987, the CO 2 laser was used to treat 4024 women who were diagnosed by cytology studies, colposcopy, and biopsy examination to have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. On the basis of specific indications, these women were treated by vaporization, excisional conization, or combination conization procedure. The evolution of methodology for each laser technique was based on specific pathophysiology and long-term observation of results. A total of 3070 patients underwent vaporization, 2881 of whom had no evidence of disease after one laser exposure (93.8%). Of the 954 patients who had laser excisional procedures, 925 (97%) had no evidence of disease. The most common complications observed were intraoperative and postoperative bleeding; however, sutures were required in only 1.34% of the latter. The risks of cervical stenosis (1.1%), incompetent cervix (0%), and pelvic infection (0.05%) were very low. This 10-year study demonstrated that the CO 2 laser was a highly effective method for treating cervical epithelial neoplasia and had the added benefit of preserving reproductive function and anatomic integrity.
Enhancing multiple classifier system performance for machine olfaction using odor-type signatures

Traditional odor classification systems used in machine olfaction devices, which are often called electronic noses, are implemented independently for each application dataset. For different types of odor samples (dissimilar odor datasets), some researchers have proposed a multiple classifier system that combines or fuses the classification outputs of individual, independent classifiers designed specifically for each dissimilar odor. However, in this approach, the classification system has to be reconstructed when new dissimilar odors are added to the machine's operation. Moreover, the multiple classifier system's performance is likely to be degraded due to the added complexity of the combined system. In this study, an approach to assign an unknown odor sample to one specific classifier in the multiple classifier set is proposed that is based on an odor-type signature derived from the sensor array's response waveforms. This novel approach enables an independent design of the classifier for each dissimilar odor, which is very useful when new odors need to be added to an existing machine olfaction system.
The Gender Gap in Delinquency: Does SES Matter?

Some researchers argue that the gender gap in delinquency will vary by socioeconomic status (SES); others argue instead for similarity in the gender gap in delinquency across SES. An important shortcoming of the existing research is the paucity of studies that disaggregate the data on delinquent outcomes to consider the possible impact of socioeconomic status on both the extent of overlap in predictors of females' and males' delinquency, and the extent to which these predictors help to explain the gender gap in delinquency. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study addresses the shortfalls in empirical research by examining the gender gap for the juvenile population as a whole as well as across specific SES groupings, focusing on these key mediators of delinquency: grades, parental attachment, and delinquent peers. Data support the argument for similarity in the gender gap across SES, though the effect of predictors varies.
Comparative growth and development of diploid and triploid coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch

Abstract This paper compares growth and gonadal development of triploid and diploid coho salmon in three treatment groups. The comparisons were made in fresh and seawater from the time of smoltification at 18 months to the onset of sexual maturity at 30 months. No differences were detected in the ability of triploids to smoltify and to successfully adapt to seawater under normal conditions. Likewise, no differences were observed in growth parameters (length, body weight or condition factor). Gonadal development in both sexes was severely retarded in all triploid groups at 30 months of age. The average gonadosomatic index (GSI) of triploid males was 35.7% of diploids, but overall male gonadal development was not far enough advanced to determine if spermiation was altered in the triploids. Triploid females showed an almost complete blockage of gonadal development and oocyte maturation. The average GSI of triploid females was 11.8% that of diploid females. Vitellogenin was undetectable in triploid females, but was present in diploid females; a correlated reduction in the hepato-somatic index was observed in triploid relative to diploid females. However, we did not detect any significant differences between levels of estradiol in the plasma of triploids and diploids at this time.
Synergistic activation of the CMV promoter by NF-κB P50 and PKG

Abstract Several DNA binding NF-κB subunits are substrates for cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) and their transactivation from cognate sites is induced by phosphorylation. This includes p50, which does not have a transcriptional activation domain and therefore needs to bind to other proteins to mediate gene expression. Here, we describe the synergistic transactivation by p50 and PKG from the CMV promoter. This is caused not only by phosphorylation of p50, leading to increased DNA binding, but also by PKG-dependent activation of CRE sites in the promoter. One of the CRE sites is located directly adjacent to a NF-κB site and is essential for p50-mediated induction of transcription. According to the binding of CREB to p50 in pull-down assays and according to the inhibition of p50-dependent transactivation by dominant-negative CREB, this reflects the formation of a transcription factor complex containing CREB and p50. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB is insufficient to distinguish among the multitude of promoters that harbor cognate recognition sites. The phosphorylation of multiple transcription factors by an upstream kinase, such as PKG, can lead to the formation of transcription factor complexes and differential transactivation from a subset of NF-κB sites. These interactions may be relevant for the activation of viral gene expression.
Alternative food security strategy: A household analysis of urban agriculture in Kampala

Abstract Farming within African cities has become an increasingly important source of food for urban populations. Yet little is understood about the forces behind urban farming or its impact at the household level. Intrahousehold dynamics and gender relations, as well as declining wages and economic informalization are all important to an understanding of urban farming. Access to land is a major constraint, and only a small fraction of urban farmers own their land. For those with access to land, urban farming is associated with higher levels of household food security and child nutrition. This paper outlines the linkages between economic strategies, access to land, and food security, and discusses the policy implications of urban farming.
Teacher-Pupil: The Changing Relationships of Mentors and Proteges.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the nature of the mentor/protege relationship of community college presidents, and likens it to that of teacher/pupil. The qualitative study focuses on how a mentoring relationship evolves and matures over time to create a learning experience that fosters the development of cognitive leadership complexity. Six strategies of the leadership learning process are analyzed: affirm (including listen, support, reflect, and mirror), motivate, evaluate, create networks, be and model, and make people aware of leadership development. Ultimately, the mentors created cognitively complex learning cultures that fostered the development of leadership.
The Electrocardiographic Features of Acute Cardiac Tamponade

To test the hypothesis that the electrocardiogram of cardiac rupture is due to acute cardiac tamponade, 27 episodes of cardiac tamponade were produced in ten open-chest dogs. During continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram and the arterial and venous pressures, 10-30 cc of autologous, heparinized blood, or one of several other solutions, were intermittently infused into the pericardial sac until no effective blood pressure was recorded. The characteristic electrocardiographic findings of acute cardiac tamponade were peaked P waves, decrease of QRS complex voltage, left axis deviation of the QRS complex, deep T wave inversions, and ST-segment change. With the appearance of electromechanical dissociation, there was a sudden, vagally-mediated bradycardia. Because these changes are similar to those observed at the time of cardiac rupture, it was concluded that the electrocardiographic manifestations of cardiac rupture could be attributed to acute cardiac tamponade.
Studies of the effects of high lipid diets on intestinal elimination. III. Unsaturated glycerides with special reference to triolein

No general conclusions can be drawn concerning the effects on intestinal elimination produced by feeding diets rich in unsaturated glycerides. Triolein, the triglyceride of the most widely distributed of all naturally occurring fatty acids, produced a laxative effect when added to the standard diet in either ten or twenty per cent concentrations. When the lower concentration of triolein was fed to the larger two dogs, more total lipids and more soap extract were present in the feces than when the higher concentration was fed. The low acid and iodine numbers of the soap extract after the diet with ten per cent triolein added indicate that the soap extract did not contain appreciable quantities of oleic acid. When the twenty per cent diet was fed to these same dogs, oleic acid was apparently present in the soaps. If the effects produced by linseed oil were caused by the rather large per cent of linoleic and linolenic acids present in its glycerides, then it might be assumed that the presence of glycerides of one of these acids or of both of them in the diet would cause constipation. Further investigations will be needed to clarify this point. However, it can be said that neither of these acids was present to any extent in the soap extract because the low iodine and acid numbers exclude such a possibility.
Curve fitting with linear programming

The classical problem of "fitting" a curve to a set of data is as follows: given a set of N data points (xj, yj) j = l,..., N, find a value for "m" (slope) and "b" (Y-intercept) such that the curve y = mx+b "best" fits the data. If each of the N data points lies on the curve y = mx+b (i.e. y = mxj+b = yj j = l,..., N), there is no "error". Otherwise, an "error" is introduced (by choosing m and b) when y = mxj+b does not equal yj. Thus "m" and "b" must be chosen such that the sum of errors in estimation or prediction (using the curve y = mx+b) is minimized.
Biphasic effects of nitric oxide on calcium influx in human platelets

Abstract In this study the effects of nitric oxide (NO) donors on intracellular free calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in human platelets was examined. Inhibition of guanylyl cyclase (GC) with either methylene blue or ODQ slightly inhibited the ability of submaximal concentrations of thrombin to increase [Ca 2+ ] i which suggests that a small portion of the thrombin mediated increase in [Ca 2+ ] i was due to an increase in NO and subsequent increase in cGMP and activation of cGMP dependent protein kinase (cGPK). Thrombin predominantly increases [Ca 2+ ] i by stimulating store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE). The NO donor GEA3162 was previously shown to stimulate SOCE in some cells. In platelets GEA3162 had no effect to increase [Ca 2+ ] i however it inhibited the ability of thrombin to increase [Ca 2+ ] i and this effect was reversed by ODQ. The addition of low concentrations (2.0 – 20 nM) of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) slightly potentiated the ability of thrombin to increase [Ca 2+ ] i whereas higher concentrations (> 200 nM) of SNP inhibited thrombin induced increases in [Ca 2+ ] i . Both of these effects of SNP were reversed by ODQ which implies that they were both mediated by cGPK. Ba 2+ influx was stimulated by low concentrations (2.0 nM) of SNP and inhibited by high concentrations (> 200 nM) of SNP and both effects were inhibited by ODQ. Previous studies showed that Ba 2+ influx was blocked by the SOCE inhibitors 2-aminoethoxydipheny borate and diethylstilbestrol. It was concluded that low levels of SNP can stimulate SOCE in platelets and this effect may account for the increased aggregation and secretion previously observed with low concentrations of NO donors. Of the proteins known to be involved in SOCE (e.g. stromal interaction molecule 1 (Stim1), Stim2 and Orai1) only Stim2 has cGPK phosphorylation sites. The possibility that Stim2 phosphorylation regulates SOCE in platelets is discussed.
Design and evaluation of face tracking user interfaces for accessibility

Some individuals have difficulty using standard hand-manipulated computer input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard effectively. However, if these users have sufficient control over their face and head movement, a robust face tracking user interface can bring significant usability benefits. Using consumer-grade computer vision devices and signal processing techniques, a robust user interface can be made readily available at low cost, and can provide a number of benefits, including non-intrusive usage. Designing and implementing this type of user interface presents many challenges particularly with regards to accuracy and usability.Continuing previously published research, we now present results based on an analysis and comparison of different options for face tracking user interfaces. Five different options are evaluated each with different architectural stages of a face tracking user interface -- namely user input, capture technology, feature retrieval, feature processing, and pointer behavior. Usability factors were also included in the evaluation. A prototype system, configured to use different options, was created and compared with existing similar solutions. Tests were designed that ran on an Internet browser and a quantitative evaluation was done. The results show which of the evaluated options performed better than the others and how the best performing prototype compares to currently available solutions. These findings can serve as a precursor to a full-scale usability study, various improvements, and future deployment for public use.
Characterization of vascular histamine receptors in the rat.

Abstract 1 In the rat the decrease in blood pressure caused by histamine involves activation of both H1- and H2-receptors. Since arterial pressure measurements alone do not permit the separation of responses into cardiac and vascular components, the following experiments were undertaken to study vascular histamine receptors. 2 Vascular responses were studied in the autoperfused hindquarters of anaesthetized rats. Intra-arterial histamine caused vasodilatation which was only partially attenuated by treatment with mepyramine, an H1-receptor antagonist. Treatment with metiamide, the H2-receptor antagonist, did not affect vasodilatation caused by histamine but did attenuate vasodilatation which persisted after mepyramine. 3 Intra-arterial 4-methylhistamine, an H2-receptor agonist, caused vasodilatation which was reduced by metiamide. The H1-receptor agonist, 2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamine also caused vasodilatation which was blocked by mepyramine. 4 It is concluded that in the rat, histamine causes vasodilatation mediated by both H1- and H2-receptors.
Quantifying glioma cell growth and invasion in vitro

A mathematical model has been developed to describe and quantify the growth and invasion of gliomas (the most common type of primary brain tumors). The model has already been shown to agree well with in vivo imaging studies of gliomas. Here we demonstrate the model's agreement with in vitro experimental data. The analysis provided in this article demonstrates that the model agrees well with published observations of growth and invasion of gliomas cells in culture. These in vitro results support the model's utility in describing the behavior of glioma cells in experimental settings but also lends credence to the applications of the model to the in vivo setting.