cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why evangelical christians are supporting international family planning: A response to should evangelical christian organizations support international family planning?

The article by Monique and Jeffery Wubbenhorst asks the question—Should Evangelical Christian Organizations Support International Family Planning?1 The article’s response to this question shows a lack of understanding of the fundamentals of population dynamics in the modern world as well as of the critical role contraceptives play in preventing unintended pregnancies and abortions and promoting maternal and child health. These errors are compounded by selective citation and misrepresentation of the evidence in the scientific literature. This commentary seeks to provide a balanced view of the evidence and correct several unfounded assertions in order to document why evangelical Christians and Christian organizations are, in fact, providing family planning services around the world. Specific points addressed are as follows: fundamentals of the global demographic transition including how the contraceptive revolution has slowed world population growth; the social, economic, and cultural forces driving couples to choose to control their fertility for the welfare of their families; the critical role of contraceptive practice in preventing unintended pregnancies and abortions as well as directly promoting safe motherhood and child health; the evidence that women and couples in less-developed countries desire to control their fertility as attested by the measurement of unmet need for family planning; and the reason why failing to provide poor women and couples in less-developed countries who want to control their fertility with the information and contraceptive methods of their choice is likely to lead to unintended pregnancies and more abortions. Christian health professionals and organizations need to be in the world, working with people of all belief systems, since that is a powerful way for the world to be reached with the love of Jesus and the gospel of salvation.
Observability-Aware Post-Silicon Test Generation

Simulation is the most widely used form of validation using billions of random and pseudo-random tests in the traditional design flow. A critical problem in post-silicon debug is to generate efficient tests that both activate requisite coverage goal on the target hardware as well as produce results that are observable through a given on-chip design-for-debug architecture. Unfortunately, such tests cannot be generated directly from register-transfer level (RTL) models, both due to design complexity and due to bugs in the design itself. In this chapter, we discuss a directed test generation approach which facilities the observation of expected outputs of the generated tests using the traced signals. The proposed approach uses transaction-level models (TLM) for post-silicon test generation. The basic idea is to transform an RTL assertion as well as observability constraints to create a TLM assertion with observability constraints. The TLM assertion/property would be used to enable TLM analysis to generate post-silicon tests. Finally, the TLM test would be translated to an RTL test that is debug-friendly. In this chapter, we provide case studies from a number of different design classes to demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of the approach.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Perioperative Outcome after Intravenous Tranexamic Acid

Objectives: To determine the effect of a single intravenous dose of tranexamic acid on intraoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, and surgical field visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: Study Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital in Quezon City Participants: 10 patients aged 18-75 years old diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis and unresponsive to medical treatment, who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery from September 2016 to August 2017, were randomly allocated to treatment group and control group respectively. The “odd” numbers were assigned to the treatment group (intravenous Tranexamic acid) given 1 dose of 100mg/ml (500mg tranexamic acid per 5 ml) tranexamic acid slow intravenous drip 1 hour prior to the procedure, while the “even” numbers assigned to the control group received the same amount of normal saline solution. Results: The mean duration of surgery of the tranexamic group was 185 minutes (standard deviation, SD 55.23) and the control group was 122.6 minutes (SD 42.03) showing no significant difference (p=.08). The mean blood loss of the tranexamic group was less at 240ml (SD 108.39) compared with the control group at 290ml (SD 74.16), although there was no statistically significant difference (p=.42). Intraoperative surgical field assessed by the surgeon based on the Boezart grading scale showed that 2 (40%) of the tranexamic group had higher bleeding score compared with the placebo group. However, this was not found to be statistically significant (p=.460). Due to the small sample size, a type II error occurred with alpha level of 0.05 and estimated power of 0.0885, with not enough basis to refute that a single dose of intravenous tranexamic acid has no effect in improving surgical field visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery. No drug side effects were noted after administration until after surgery. Conclusion: Single dose intravenous tranexamic acid in functional endoscopic sinus surgery decreased mean intraoperative blood loss (but this was statistically insignificant), but its effect on surgical field visualization cannot totally be assessed due to small sample size. There was also no change in the observed duration of surgery. No untoward side effects associated were noted from administration of the drug until after the surgery finished. Keywords: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, intravenous tranexamic acid, chronic rhinosinusitis
Climate change: Projections and implications to building energy use

Changes in climate have significant impacts on built environment. Many of the potential effects of climate change on the building sector are not well known. Previous studies have used a small number of climate projection models and scenarios, with the majority only using one or two models with multiple scenarios. This study identified and analyzed twenty-three climate models with one or more scenario for each model for total of fifty-six model scenarios. Future hourly weather data between 2011 and 2099 was generated with the morphing algorithm for seven climate zones in the US. Using cooling degree day (CDD) and heating degree day (HDD) as energy impact indicators, the study revealed that different climate models (even within the same RCP scenario) yield largely different results for building energy implications. To simplify application, four reference climate models were selected to represent the full range of the fifty-six model outputs, whose accuracy was validated using historical data. The study explored the impacts of climate changes on energy use of five typical US building types in Ann Arbor, MI, as a demonstration, which presented a general trend of site energy decrease and source energy increase for this location. The research further examined the influences of humidity and found that dry bulb temperature dominates the changes in building energy consumption and relative humidity only has a relatively larger impact on extreme cases in cooling dominated climates.
Investigating experiences of the infidelity partner: Who is the “Other Man/Woman”?

Abstract Little research has explored infidelity relationships from the perspective of the infidelity partner (i.e. the other man/woman to an exclusive romantic relationship) or explored the personality profiles of these individuals. Participants ( n = 180) completed an online survey. Our findings indicate that most infidelity partners initially do not know they are engaging in infidelity but less than half ended the relationship upon learning of the infidelity. Low agreeableness appears to be a core trait to help explain why some individuals are willing to be an infidelity partner and conceal the transgression. Individuals higher on anxious attachment and an unrestricted sociosexual orientation appear to be more likely to be infidelity partners, although this finding must be cautiously interpreted. As a third party is necessary to engage in infidelity, knowing more about the infidelity partner is essential to furthering the infidelity literature.
Narratives of positive aging: seaside stories

With Narratives of Positive Aging: Seaside Stories, you enter the lives of a seaside community of men and women in their senior years. Set up as a narrative, this analysis presents a social theory ...
30 Reducing iatrogenic low blood glucose episodes during hospital management of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Background IV insulin therapy, the treatment for pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), may lead to iatrogenic low blood glucose episodes (BG Objectives We aimed to decrease the percent of DKA patients experiencing BG Methods Multiple interventions linked to key drivers were tested using plan-do-study-act cycles including a standardized DKA guideline incorporating the two-bag fluid system, order panels, frequent blood glucose monitoring, and provider and nursing education. The primary outcome was the percent of DKA patients experiencing a BG 17), and admission rates. All outcomes were analyzed on statistical process control charts. Results From January 2017 through August 2019, 334 patients had confirmed DKA (bicarbonate level Conclusions Use of QI methodology and standardized DKA management resulted in a meaningful reduction in the number of patients with a BG
Chemical interface damping for propagating surface plasmon polaritons in gold nanostripes.

Leakage radiation microscopy has been used to examine chemical interface damping (CID) for the propagating surface plasmon polariton (PSPP) modes of Au nanostripes—nanofabricated structures with heights of 40 or 50 nm, widths between 2 and 4 µm, and 100 µm lengths. Real space imaging was used to determine the propagation lengths LSPP of the leaky PSPP modes, and back focal plane measurements generated ω vs k dispersion curves, which yield the PSPP group velocities vg. The combination of these two experiments was used to calculate the PSPP lifetime via T1 = LSPP/vg. The difference in T1 times between bare and thiol coated nanostripes was used to determine the dephasing rate due to CID ΓCID for the adsorbed thiol molecules. A variety of different thiol molecules were examined, as well as nanostripes with different dimensions. The values of ΓCID are similar for the different systems and are an order-of-magnitude smaller than the typical values observed for the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of Au nanoparticles. Scaling the measured ΓCID values by the effective path length for electron-surface scattering shows that the CID effect for the PSPP modes of the nanostripes is similar to that for the LSPR modes of nanoparticles. This is somewhat surprising given that PSPPs and LSPRs have different properties: PSPPs have a well-defined momentum, whereas LSPRs do not. The magnitude of ΓCID for the nanostripes could be increased by reducing their dimensions, principally the height of the nanostructures. However, decreasing dimensions for the leaky PSPP mode increases radiation damping, which would make it challenging to accurately measure ΓCID.
Fission-fragment excitation energy sharing beyond scission

A simplified, though realistic, model describing two receding and accelerating fission fragments, due to their mutual Coulomb repulsion, shows that fission fragments share excitation energy well after they ceased to exchange nucleons. This mechanism leads to a lower total kinetic energy of the fission fragments, particularly if the pygmy resonances in the fission fragments are excited. Even though the emphasis here is on fission, similar arguments apply to fragments in heavy-ion reactions.
Evaluation of artificial intelligence-based telemedicine screening for retinopathy of prematurity

Retrospective evaluation of a deep learning–derived retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) vascular severity score in an operational ROP screening program demonstrated high diagnostic performance for detection of type 2 or worse ROP. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that evaluated the use of artificial intelligence for ROP screening and represents a proof of concept. With further prospective validation, this technology might improve the accuracy, efficiency, and objectivity of diagnosis and facilitate earlier detection of disease progression in patients with potentially blinding ROP.
The pathology of radicular involvement in angiostrongylosis as observed in experimentally infected calves and pigs.

Five calves and 5 pigs experimentally infected with larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis were killed 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after infection and histologically examined. All 5 calves and only one pig showed morphological evidence of cerebral involvement. Three days after infection, a few larvae and minute hemorrhages were found in the brain of one calf. At 7, 14, and 28 days, numerous parasites, perivascular cuffing, and granulomas were present in the brain and spinal cord. Fifty-six days after infection only a few scattered perivascular cuffs remained. Surrounding some of the spinal nerve roots, 7, 14, and 28 days post infection, epidural, intradural, and sometimes subdural inflammatory infiltrates with eosinophils and mononuclear cells were found. Their occurrence was associated with the presence of the parasites under the adjoining arachnoidea or pia mater. These periradicular infiltrates are believed to be an immune response to the antigens released by the parasites into the cerebrospinal fluid and subsequently leaking along the nerve roots. Radicular symptoms in human cases of angiostrongylosis are supposed to have similar pathogenesis.
Changes in opioid prescriptions for Medicaid-enrolled children and young adults, 2012-2016.

Objectives: To describe current trends in filled opioid prescriptions for Medicaid-enrolled children, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) from 2012 to 2016, and to identify patient characteristics and clinical settings associated with a higher probability of filled opioid prescriptions. Design: Retrospective cohort study of children and young adults enrolled in Medicaid from 2012 to 2016. Setting: 10-12 states participating in the Medicaid Marketscan claims database. Participants: Medicaid-enrolled children and young adults (0-21 years old). Exposure: Healthcare encounter(s) that could result in a new opioid prescription. Main Outcome Measure: “Opioid visits,” defined as healthcare encounters associated with a new opioid prescription filled within 7 days. Each opioid visit was assigned to the clinical provider most likely to have prescribed an opioid. Results: There were 113,068,027 visits among 4,427,838 Medicaid-enrollees and 1 percent (n = 1,130,006) of these were considered an opioid visit. Adjusted probabilities decreased from 1.2 percent to 0.8 percent from 2012 to 2016. The most frequently prescribed opioids were hydrocodone (48 percent; n = 653,011), codeine (23 percent; n = 305,644), and oxycodone (14 percent; n = 189,700); most of these were in combination with acetaminophen. The highest adjusted percentages by clinical setting were seen in dental surgery (29 percent), outpatient surgery (21 percent), and inpatient (upon discharge, 10 percent). Conclusions: Opioid prescriptions filled for Medicaid-enrolled children, adolescents, and young adults are relatively rare and adjusted probabilities decreased from 2012 to 2016. Among opioids filled, combination opioids and those with pediatric safety warnings remain commonly prescribed. Further research is critical to better understand drivers of prescribing practices and clinical indications for appropriate opioid use to inform improvements in pain management guidelines in this population.
Interoperability in Healthcare Systems: The Application of HRO Principles in New Technology Implementation in Digital Healthcare

Digital health has been a developing area of healthcare delivery in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated its expansion. One of the significant aspects of digital health is the quality of care that patients receive virtually and the impact of technology on patient safety. However, addressing patient safety in virtual, or digitally delivered, care is not yet commensurate with the rapid growth of digital health driven by COVID-19. In this study, we consider Digital Health as not a distinct modality of care, but rather as a tool to bridge gaps in existing care delivery systems. We first discuss the interoperability between and across Digital Health systems and then discuss the application of High Reliability Organizations (HRO) principles as a mechanism to reinforce weak interconnections to achieve systems interoperability and integration.
HRM’s financial value from obtaining more star performers

We assessed the financial value of human resource management (HRM) as a function of obtaining more star performers. Specifically, we implemented utility analysis procedures on 206 samples of indivi...
Noncontact Rail Monitoring by Ultrasonic Guided Waves

Recent train accidents have reaffirmed the need for developing more effective rail defect detection systems than those used today. One of the recent developments in rail inspection is the use of ultrasonic guided waves and noncontact probing techniques to target transverse-type defects. Besides the obvious advantages of noncontact probing, which include robustness and potential for large inspection speed, such a system can theoretically detect transverse defects under horizontal shelling or head checks. A rail inspection prototype based on these concepts and funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is under development at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). The first field test was carried out in March 2006. The second field test took place in April 2007. This article first presents the main aspects of ultrasonic guided-wave inspection of rails, including wave propagation modeling and noncontact ultrasound probing. The discussion then focuses on the UCSD/FRA prototype and its defect detection performance as determined in both laboratory tests and field tests. Keywords: noncontact ultrasonic testing; laser ultrasonics; damage detection; railroad tracks; signal processing
The Concept of Coercion in International Law

This project [conference and edited book] will bring together original research in various contexts where coercion is at play, and would be fruitfully explored by theoretical, doctrinal, empirical studies in PIL. We can look both to longstanding tensions that remain unresolved or underexplored within PIL scholarship, as well as to topics that are emerging as practices change. Among the former, possible topics include the “use of force” doctrine delineated in the UN Charter, “duress” as a circumstances precluding responsibility (justification or excuse) under the law of state responsibility; as well as the different treatment of agents of the state under the laws of war, diplomatic immunity, and law of treaties. Among the latter, the currency of the topic is evident in emerging coercive mechanisms and forms of regulation of coercion in the context of (1) the doctrinal and institutional “fragmentation” of international law, (2) the emergence of international criminal law (ICL), the newly formulated definition of “aggression” in the ICC, as well as the elaboration of rules of evidence and procedure therein, (3) the tension and interplay between humanitarian law of armed conflict and human rights law, (4) the expanding scope and “legislative” force of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, and (5) economic sanctions and various intersections between inter-state trade, multinational corporate activity, and public and private violence. These examples are salient ones but by no means exhaustive; a few key themes and analytics will be developed below in order to help identify a relevant range of topics for the project.
Patterns of Intracellular Calcium Fluctuation in Precursor Cells of the Neocortical Ventricular Zone

Changes in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are known to influence a variety of events in developing neurons. Although spontaneous changes of [Ca2+]i have been examined in immature cortical neurons, the calcium dynamics of cortical precursor cells have received less attention. Using an intact cortical mantle and confocal laser microscopy, we examined the spatiotemporal patterns of spontaneous [Ca2+]i fluctuations in neocortical ventricular zone (VZ) cells in situ. The majority of activity consisted of single cells that displayed independent [Ca2+]i fluctuations. These events occurred in cells throughout the depth of the VZ. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that these events occurred primarily in precursor cells rather than in postmitotic neurons. When imaging near the ventricular surface, synchronous spontaneous [Ca2+]i increases were frequently observed in pairs of adjacent cells. Cellular morphology, time-lapse imaging, and nuclear staining demonstrated that this activity occurred in mitotically active cells. A third and infrequently encountered pattern of activity consisted of coordinated spontaneous increases in [Ca2+]i in groups of neighboring VZ cells. The morphological characteristics of these cells and immunohistochemical staining suggested that the coordinated events occurred in gap junction-coupled precursor cells. All three patterns of activity were dependent on the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. These results demonstrate distinct patterns of spontaneous [Ca2+]i change in cortical precursor cells and raise the possibility that these dynamics may contribute to the regulation of neurogenesis.
Pyrolysis of drugs of abuse: a comprehensive review.

This review summarizes the literature to date relating to pyrolysis and heated vapour ingestion of drugs of abuse. In this context, heating is referred to as smoking or pyrolysis, but these are generic descriptors that encompass numerous methods of vapour generation and inhalation. Depending on the amount of drug used, diluents and contaminants present, heating conditions, and the oxidative/reductive environment, many thermal decomposition products can be formed. In addition to the recognized hazard of rapid onset of pharmacological effects of the parent drug, thermal decomposition products may be pharmacologically active as well as acutely/chronically toxic. For example, several published reports have linked heroin smoking to a form of brain encephalopathy and to the development of movement disorders. Early qualitative studies focusing on the thermal decomposition of drugs have evolved into more complex investigations employing mass spectral identification, confirmation, and elucidation of formation mechanism. In most cases, thermal decomposition begins with cleavage of the weakest bond (often C-N) to generate free radicals that then form the most stable sterically favoured products. Several reports of rearrangements at higher temperatures have been identified and hint at an underlying complexity that arises from the variety of smoking methods and conditions. Given that many designer drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids are ingested primarily through smoking, this issue has taken on new importance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Cyclic GMP-sensitive conductance in outer segment membrane of catfish cones

A cyclic GMP-sensitive conductance has recently been observed with patch-clamp recording in excised inside-out patches of plasma membrane from frog and toad rod outer segments. This conductance has properties suggesting that it is probably the light-sensitive conductance involved in visual transduction. We now report a similar conductance in the outer segment membrane of catfish cones. Cyclic GMP showed positive cooperativity in opening this conductance, with a Hill coefficient of 1.6-3.0 and a half-saturating cGMP concentration of 35-70 microM. Cyclic AMP at 1 mM, or changing Ca concentration (in the presence of Mg), had little effect on the conductance. In physiological solutions the cGMP-induced current had a reversal potential near +10 mV; the current amplitude increased roughly exponentially with membrane potential in both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing directions. Our results suggest that cGMP is also the internal transmitter for phototransduction in cones.
Biology and Reproductive Parameters of the Brown Lygodium Moth, Neomusotima conspurcatalis - A New Biological Control Agent of Old World Climbing Fern in Florida

Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren was first released in Florida as a weed biological control agent against Old World climbing fern in 2008, and readily established large field populations. A related biocontrol agent, Austromusotima camptozonale, had previously failed to establish despite several years of releases. Life history studies were conducted to determine whether aspects of the reproductive biology of N. conspurcatalis might account for these different outcomes. At 26.5°C, development from egg to adult averaged 22.2 ± 0.1 d, with 75% of larvae emerging as adults. The sex ratio averaged 1:0.8 (♂:♀), with both sexes emerging at the same time. Female moths typically mated once, on the first night after emergence, and began oviposition the next night. Females laid half their eggs on the first night and lived an average of 10.7 ± 0.8 d. Individual females maintained in cages with a male-biased sex ratio (3♂:1♀) produced significantly more larvae over their lifetime (140 ± 6.6 larvae) than individual females maintained at a ratio of 1♂:1♀ (111 ± 9.1 larvae). Sexual selection, either through ‘male-male competition’ or ‘female choice’ was likely responsible for this result, because there were no significant differences in mating frequency, duration of ovipositional period or female longevity to otherwise explain the difference. Two-fold greater lifetime reproductive output (average 127 ± 6.3 larvae) and deposition of half this output on the first night of oviposition, likely contributed to rapid field establishment of N. conspurcatalis compared with A. camptozonale.
Original paper: Hyperspectral waveband selection for internal defect detection of pickling cucumbers and whole pickles

Hyperspectral imaging under transmittance mode has shown potential for detecting internal defect, however, the technique still cannot meet the online speed requirement because of the need to acquire and analyze a large amount of image data. This study was carried out to select important wavebands for further development of an online inspection system to detect internal defect in pickling cucumbers and whole pickles. Hyperspectral transmittance/reflectance images were acquired from normal and defective cucumbers and whole pickles using a prototype hyperspectral reflectance (400-740nm)/transmittance (740-1000nm) imaging system. Up to four-waveband subsets were determined by a branch and bound algorithm combined with the k-nearest neighbor classifier. Different waveband binning operations were also compared to determine the bandwidth requirement for each waveband combination. The highest classification accuracies of 94.7 and 82.9% were achieved using the optimal four-waveband sets of 745, 805, 965, and 985nm at 20nm spectral resolution for cucumbers and of 745, 765, 885, and 965nm at 40nm spectral resolution for whole pickles, respectively. The selected waveband sets will be useful for online quality detection of pickling cucumbers and pickles.
Calculation of order ϵ dynamics for an NSFD discretization of a cube-root damped oscillator

We determine an order ϵ solution to a discrete harmonic oscillator having cube-root damping. Comparison is made to the corresponding solution of the continuous differential equation model.
The synthesis of tritium-labeled misonidazole

The3 synthesis of tritium-labelled misonidazole via the NaB H4 reduction of 1-(3-methoxy-2-oxopropyl)-2-nitro-1H-imidazole is described. Purification of labeled misonidazole was accomplished by recrystallization. The purity of the labeled compound was verified by HPLC.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor Consistent Cd34 Immunoreactivity and Occurrence in the Orbit

The distinction of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) from histologically similar neoplasms relies heavily on a characteristic microscopic appearance. No discriminating ultrastructural or immunohistochemical features are known. We evaluated 22 SFTs and 118 other tumors often considered in the differential diagnosis for immunoreactivity using a monoclonal antibody directed against the human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen, CD34. All the SFTs (22 of 22, 100%) demonstrated strong CD34 immunoreactivity, irrespective of tumor site and histologic grade. Strong and generalized CD34 positivity was also found in most dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (11 of 12, 92%) and occasional smooth-muscle tumors (leiomyomas 2 of 11, 18%; leiomyosarcomas 2 of 11, 18%). Variable numbers of CD34 positive cells were present in all neurofibromas (9 of 9, 100%) and focally present in most schwannomas (8 of 9, 89%). Some of the hemangiopericytomas (7 of 16, 44%) exhibited CD34 immunoreactivity, however, generally with weak intensity and patchy distribution. CD34 immunoreactivity was not observed in mesotheliomas (0 of 20, 0%), synovial sarcomas (0 of 13, 0%), fibrosarcomas (0 of 12, 0%), or spindle-cell thymomas (0 of 5, 0%). We conclude that CD34 immunoreactivity is a sensitive marker for SFT and, in conjunction with an appropriate immunohistochemical panel, may be useful in discriminating SFTs from other histologically similar neoplasms. The observation that some mesenchymal stromal cells and SFTs share a CD34-positive immunophenotype suggests a histogenetic relationship. The inclusion in this study of two cases of SFTs arising in the orbit establishes another site of origin for this tumor and provides further support for a mesenchymal histogenesis.
Targeting cell cycle and apoptosis for the treatment of human malignancies

Oncogenic transformation leads to cell cycle aberration and apoptosis dysregulation. Targeting cell cycle and apoptosis pathways has emerged as an attractive approach for the treatment of cancer. The activity of cdks can be modulated by targeting these kinases with small molecules that bind to the ATP binding pocket of cdks, or by altering the composition of the cdk/endogenous cdk inhibitor complexes by different mechanisms. Apoptosis can be modulated by targeting pro-apoptotic or pro-survival pathways. Several proteins relevant to oncogenic and proliferative processes, such as p53, bcl-2, AKT, ras and epidermal growth factor receptor, are also important in blocking apoptosis. Several small molecules that modulate cell cycle control and apoptosis have been approved recently and many will be approved in the near future. Several challenges remain, including finding ways of targeting these agents specifically to tumors (sparing normal cells), and the development of rationales for combining these new agents with standard therapies and for prioritizing the development of an overwhelming number of novel small molecules targeting cell cycle and apoptosis. Novel technologies such as genomics and proteomics will be instrumental in designing combinatorial regimens tailored to patients on the basis of the genetic makeup of tumors. Irrespective of all shortcomings, the future of modulation of apoptosis and cell cycle machinery for oncology therapy is quite exciting.
Persistent central nervous system effects of an adverse early environment: clinical and preclinical studies

In the search for the underlying biological causes of psychiatric disorders, primary roles for both genetics and environment have been clearly established. A family history of mood or anxiety disorders, representing the genetic component, clearly increases the risk for developing these illnesses in adulthood. The pivotal role of early environmental influences in the pathogenesis of these disorders is also supported by an abundance of both clinical and preclinical data. This review will highlight some of the preclinical and clinical literature that suggests early adverse experience may sensitize corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) circuitry. The neurobiology of depression highlighting the pathophysiological role of CRF is reviewed. Next, some of the preclinical models of early life stress are discussed; along with a review of the relevant clinical literature that suggests that the functional dysregulation of CRF circuitry in response to early life trauma may contribute to adulthood depression. The discussion will be framed in regards to a stress-diathesis model in which early adverse events result in a sensitized stress axis that predisposes individuals to develop mood disorders.
Separation of Neutral Compounds and Basic Drugs by Capillary Electrophoresis in Acidic Solution Using Laurylpoly(oxyethylene) Sulfate as an Additive.

Working at pH 2.4 with uncoated silica capillaries has the advantage that electroosmotic flow is virtually eliminated. Excellent separations of protonated organic bases were obtained when ethanesulfonic acid was added to the running electrolyte to coat the capillary surface by a dynamic equilibrium. The effect of adding a new surfactant, sulfonated Brij-30, to the acidic electrolyte was also investigated. Use of this surfactant in acidic organic−aqueous solutions changes the elution order of many organic cations and also permits the separation of neutral organic compounds. Excellent resolution of a mixture of 19 PAHs and similar compounds was obtained in 40% organic solvent in only 20 min. The largest organic compounds form the most stable association complexes with the sulfonated Brij-30 and, thus, have the shortest migration times. It is shown that the type and concentration of surfactant, as well as the composition of the aqueous−organic solution, are conditions that can be varied over a broad range to...
Medical Grade vs Off-the-Shelf Color Displays: Influence on Observer Performance and Visual Search

The goal of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of radiologists viewing clinical images on a top-of-the-line medical-grade vs a top-of-the-line commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) color display with the luminance values set to simulate a display that had been in use for 1 year. A set of 50 digital radiography chest images was selected for use in the study, half containing a solitary pulmonary nodule and half nodule-free. The images were displayed twice to each of six observers, once on each display. Eye position was recorded on a subset of the images. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference (F = 4.1496, p = 0.0471) between the medical-grade color display and the COTS color display in terms of receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values, with the medical-grade display yielding higher diagnostic accuracy. Total viewing time did not differ significantly, but eye position data revealed differences, suggesting better search and decision-making efficiency with the medical-grade display. Medical-grade color displays at 1 year old yield better diagnostic and search efficiency than COTS color displays and thus are recommended for primary reading if color displays are to be used.
Miniemulsion polymerization of vegetable oil macromonomers

Abstract The Thames Research Group developed vegetable oil macromonomer (VOMM) technology to combine the advantages of oil-modified polyesters and waterborne systems, and reduce volatile organic compounds in waterborne coatings. VOMMs offer the advantage of temporary plasticization with the potential for crosslinking after film formation. However, incorporating VOMMs into emulsions is challenging because the highly hydrophobic nature of VOMMs restricts their diffusion through the water phase. Miniemulsion polymerization has been used to incorporate highly hydrophobic monomers in waterborne systems. Diffusion limitations are avoided by polymerizing inside the monomer droplets, and to ensure this, droplet stabilization is required. In our study, a soybean oil-based VOMM was used as a copolymerizable hydrophobe in miniemulsion polymerization. Monomer droplets were stabilized prior to polymerization via catastrophic phase inversion to form stable and small droplets (100 nm). Dynamic light scattering analysis was used to confirm miniemulsion stability. A coagulum-free latex was obtained after polymerization. Surface tension studies and light scattering techniques were used to confirm that monomer droplet nucleation was the dominant mechanism. Gel content studies indicated the formation of a highly branched or crosslinked network upon film application. The miniemulsion technique permitted VOMM incorporation as high as 35 wt% into the polymer backbone.
Human skill in a computerized society: Complex skills and their acquisition

Some of the issues posed to cognitive psychologists by the computer revolution are explored. These include competition between humans and machines, destruction of apprenticeship opportunities by automation, the issue of flexibility of intelligence, and related issues. This is followed by a discussion of a program of work on the acquisition of a complex skill, radiological diagnosis. Differences and similarities of that domain to other recently studied domains are discussed. The concluding section discusses the need for longitudinal approaches to verifying theory about complex skill learning.
Fecal impaction: a cause of isolated small bowel dilatation on abdominal radiographs.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of isolated small bowel dilatation on abdominal radiographs in patients with colonic fecal impaction and also to elucidate the cause of this finding. Methods: A computerized search of radiology files revealed 515 patients with colonic fecal impaction on abdominal radiographs. The radiologic reports described isolated small bowel dilatation not related to other known causes of ileus or obstruction in 18 (3.5%) of the 515 patients. The films were reviewed to determine the distribution of fecal impaction and the degree and extent of small bowel dilatation. In 16 cases, medical records were reviewed to determine the clinical presentation, treatment, and course. Finally, follow-up radiographs were reviewed in four cases to determine the response to treatment of the impaction. Results: All 16 patients with available medical records had abdominal symptoms. The average diameter of the dilated small bowel on abdominal radiographs was 3.7 cm. Fourteen patients (78%) had a diffuse colonic fecal impaction (nine) or a predominantly right-sided fecal impaction (five) that involved the cecum, and the remaining four (22%) had a left-sided colonic fecal impaction. All 12 patients with clinical follow-up had resolution of symptoms and all four with follow-up radiographs had resolution of small bowel dilatation after treatment of the underlying impaction. Conclusion: Fecal impaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of small bowel dilatation on abdominal radiographs, as treatment of the underlying impaction usually produces a dramatic clinical response with resolution of the small bowel dilatation on follow-up radiographs.
Purification and characterization of a glycopeptide derived from phaseolus vulgaris leukoagglutinating phythohemagglutinin

A glycopeptide obtained from tryptic digestion of citraconylated leukoagglutinating (L-subunit) phytohemagglutinin was isolated and purified. The composition of its ten amino acid and seven hexose residues, when compared to a previous analysis of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence, indicated that the glycopeptide was derived from residues 11 through 20, with the oligosaccharide unit linked N-glycosidically to asparagine at the twelfth position. Structural studies involving a combination of α-mannosidase digestion, periodate oxidation, and permethylation, in conjunction with computerized mass-spectrometric and masschromatographic techniques, suggested a branched sequence of five mannose and two glucosamine residues similar to that found in many mammalian glycoproteins.
Cloud property estimates from zenith spectral measurements of scattered sunlight between 0.9 and 1.7 μm

[1] A theoretical approach is used to quantify the information available to retrieve cloud physical properties from data taken by a ground-based spectrometer measuring scattered sunlight in the near-infrared wavelength region. Three wavelength regions between 0.9 and 1.7 μm, each containing water vapor, liquid, and ice absorption features, are examined using a differential optical absorption spectroscopy optimal estimation retrieval technique. Cloud properties that can be retrieved include path-integrated liquid water path and path-integrated ice water path (PLWP and PIWP), cloud liquid and ice temperatures, and the second moment of the photon path distribution. The accuracy of these cloud property retrievals is estimated for a variety of simulated conditions, with key analysis assumptions identified. The sensitivity of the measurements in the longest wavelength region to liquid water and ice is high, allowing for accurate estimates of PLWP and PIWP under optically thin clouds, while the shorter two wavelength bands provide more information under optically thicker clouds. Observations of mixed-phase clouds over Barrow, Alaska, are used to illustrate the practicality of the technique. Retrieved LWP values (inferred from PLWP) are compared to LWP estimates from a microwave radiometer and an atmospheric emitted radiance interferometer; PIWP estimates are compared to IWP estimates from a millimeter-wave cloud radar. Cloud liquid temperature and photon path distribution information retrieved from these data are also presented. Furthermore, we suggest a technique for combining near-infrared spectral PLWP measurements with microwave radiometer observations to estimate cloud droplet effective radius.
A Perspective on the Clinical Translation of Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Scaffolds have been broadly applied within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to regenerate, replace, or augment diseased or damaged tissue. For a scaffold to perform optimally, several design considerations must be addressed, with an eye toward the eventual form, function, and tissue site. The chemical and mechanical properties of the scaffold must be tuned to optimize the interaction with cells and surrounding tissues. For complex tissue engineering, mass transport limitations, vascularization, and host tissue integration are important considerations. As the tissue architecture to be replaced becomes more complex and hierarchical, scaffold design must also match this complexity to recapitulate a functioning tissue. We outline these design constraints and highlight creative and emerging strategies to overcome limitations and modulate scaffold properties for optimal regeneration. We also highlight some of the most advanced strategies that have seen clinical application and discuss the hurdles that must be overcome for clinical use and commercialization of tissue engineering technologies. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future of scaffolds as a functional contributor to advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Sequential iterations for two diagonal preconditioners

In this paper we introduce three sequential iterations for preconditioners introduced by Tarazaga and Cuellar. We prove convergence for positive definite matrices, and simulations show that they compete very well with the Gauss-Seidel iteration.
Adult dietary intake and prostate cancer risk in Utah: a case-control study with special emphasis on aggressive tumors.

A population-based case-control study in Utah of 358 cases diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1984 and 1985, and 679 controls categorically matched by age and county of residence, were interviewed to investigate the association between dietary intake of energy (kcal), fat, protein, vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin C, zinc, cadmium, selenium, and prostate cancer. Dietary data were ascertained using a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed separately by age (45–67, 68–74) and by tumor aggressiveness. The most significant associations were seen for older males and aggressive tumors. Dietary fat was the strongest risk factor for these males, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.9 (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.0–8.4) for total fat; OR=2.2 (CI=0.7–6.6) for saturated fat; OR=3.6 (CI=1.3−9.7) for monounsaturated fat; and OR=2.7 (CI=1.1−6.8) for polyunsaturated fat. Protein and carbohydrates had positive but nonsignificant associations. Energy intake had an OR of 2.5 (CI=1.0−6.5). In these older men, no effects were seen for dietary cholesterol, body mass, or physical activity. There was little association between prostate cancer and dietary intake of zinc, cadmium, selenium, vitamin C, and β-carotene. Total vitamin A had a slight positive association with all prostate cancer (OR=1.6, CI=0.9−2.4), but not with aggressive tumors. No associations were found in younger males, with the exception of physical activity which showed active males to be at an increased but nonsignificant risk for aggressive tumors (OR=2.0, CI=0.8−5.2) and β-carotene which showed a nonsignificant protective effect (OR=0.6, CI=0.3−1.6). The findings suggest that dietary intake, especially fats, may increase risk of aggressive prostate tumors in older males.
Dynamic cluster maintenance

Abstract Partitioning of very large document databases is a necessity to reduce the space/time complexity of retrieval operations. Modern information retrieval (IR) environments demand dynamic clustering to constantly achieve this goal. In this article, a new strategy is proposed for dynamic cluster maintenance. The strategy is based on the cover coefficient (CC) concept. The maintenance performance and behavior are tested on a database consisting of 214 ACM Transactions on Database Systems abstracts, titles, and keywords. The similarity/stability characteristics, cost analysis, and retrieval effectiveness of both unclustered and reclustered documents are among the problems studied.
Behavior therapy training: Some new data and a point of view☆

Abstract A survey indicates that the availability of behavior therapy training is greater than has previously been reported. In light of the increasing number of psychology departments offering such training, a proposal is made for the adoption of a behavioral analysis of behavior therapy training programs. The procedures of contingency management are suggested as a tool in the development and maintenance of these training programs.
The epistemic value of curiosity

Abstract In this essay, Frederick Schmitt and Reza Lahroodi explore the value of curiosity for inquiry and knowledge. They defend an appetitive account of curiosity, viewing curiosity as a motivationally original desire to know that arises from having one’s attention drawn to the object and that in turn sustains one’s attention to it. Distinguishing curiosity from wonder, the authors explore several sources of the epistemic value of curiosity. First, curiosity is tenacious: curiosity whether a proposition is true leads to curiosity about related issues, thereby deepening our knowledge. Second, it is to some extent biased in favor of topics in which we already have a practical or epistemic interest. Third, and most important, curiosity is largely independent of our interests: it fixes our attention on objects in which we have no antecedent interest, thereby broadening our knowledge. Schmitt and Lahroodi elucidate the value of curiosity by outlining its role in levels of development — an approach indebted to John Dewey’s explanation of the value of curiosity. Finally, they raise some questions about the implications of their account for educational practice.
Crunodes, acnodes and phase transitions

Abstract A new description of the behaviour of thermodynamic functions near a critical point is presented. Specific examples for a magnetic system are given where the free energy is assumed to be holomorphic in H and T in a neighborhood of the critical point.