cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Dynamics and Employment Transitions: The Role of Employment Instability

Employment transitions have been shown to be an important predictor of the decision to either enter or exit the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, little is known about how the associations between losing a job and entering the program, or between obtaining a job and leaving the program differ by individuals' more long-term employment experiences. This article uses a sample from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, collected from 2001 to 2003, to examine how long-term instability in employment affects the association between employment transitions and the decision to enter and exit SNAP. Empirical models of program entry and exit are estimated for a full sample and for family subgroups of particular interest to program policy-makers. Our results provide evidence that employment changes are more strongly associated with program entry and exit for individuals who are less accustomed to experiencing fluctuations in employment than those who are more accustomed to experiencing these fluctuations. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
A Structural-functional MRI-based Disease Atlas: Application to Computer-aided-Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Different imaging modalities or protocols of a single patient may convey different types of information regarding a disease for the same anatomical organ/tissue. On the other hand, multi-modal/multi-protocol medical images from several different patients can also provide spatial statistics of the disease occurrence, which in turn can greatly aid in disease diagnosis and aid in improved, accurate biopsy and targeted treatment. It is therefore important to not only integrate medical images from multiple patients into a common coordinate frame (in the form of a population-based atlas), but also find the correlation between these multi-modal/multi-protocol data features and the disease spatial distribution in order to identify different quantitative structural and functional disease signatures. Most previous work on construction of anatomical atlases has focused on deriving a population-based atlas for the purpose of deriving the spatial statistics. Moreover, these models are typically derived from normal or healthy subjects, either explicitly or implicitly, where it is assumed that the inter-patient pathological variation is not large. These methods are not suitable for constructing a disease atlas, where significant differences between patients on account of disease related variations can be expected. In this paper, we present a novel framework for the construction of a multi-parametric MRI-based data-driven disease atlas consisting of multi-modal and multi-protocol data from across multiple patient studies. Our disease atlas contains 3 Tesla structural (T2) and functional (dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)) prostate in vivo MRI with corresponding whole mount histology specimens obtained via radical prostatectomy. Our atlas construction framework comprises 3 distinct modules: (a) determination of disease spatial extent on the multi-protocol MR imagery for each patient, (b) construction of a multi-protocol MR imaging spatial atlas which captures the geographical proclivity of the disease, and (c) feature extraction and the construction of the data-driven multi-protocol MRI based prostate cancer atlas. The marriage of data driven and spatial atlases could serve as a useful tool for clinicians to identifying structural and functional imaging disease signatures so as to make better, more informed diagnoses. Each spatial location in this atlas can be associated with a high dimensional multi-attribute quantitative feature vector. Additionally, since the feature vectors are extracted from across multiple patient studies, each spatial location in the data-driven atlas can be characterized by a feature distribution (in turn characterized by a mean and standard deviation). Preliminary investigation in quantitatively correlating the disease signatures from across the spatial and data driven atlases suggests that our quantitative atlas framework could emerge as a powerful tool for discovering prostate cancer imaging signatures.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Potassium Hexatitanates under Subcritical and Supercritical Water Conditions and Its Application in Photocatalysis

Hydrothermal synthesis of potassium hexatitanate was carried out under various subcritical and supercritical water conditions using potassium hydroxide and titanium tetraisopropoxide as starting materials. Characterization of these hydrothermally synthesized potassium hexatitanates by XRD, SEM, TEM, and thermal analysis showed that long, felted-like fibers of potassium hexatitanates were formed and these fibers are thermally stable up to 1273 K. The use of these fibers as photocatalysts in water decomposition was investigated using ruthenium oxide as the catalytic active phase. Photocatalytic activitiy in the water decomposition reaction was found to be much higher in comparison with the solid state synthesized photocatalyst. Activites of more than 13-fold were obtained for the photocatalysts synthesized under subcritical water conditions and between 27- and 59-fold for those synthesized under supercritical water conditions for water decomposition.
Constitutional revision and Japanese Religions

This study examines the role of religious organizations in the process of constitutional revision in Japan. Sōka Gakkai has influenced Kōmeitō's position on article 9, preventing the LDP from inscribing ‘collective self-defense’ into its draft for a new constitution. Since the LDP's desire to make that change was its main goal in undertaking constitutional revision at this time in the first place, Sōka Gakkai and Kōmeitō have significantly influenced the political process. In a second case, the Association of Shinto Shrines and its political arm Shinto Seiji Renmei strongly favor the LDP move to revise article 24 to eliminate specification of ‘the essential equality of the sexes’, but in spite of that support, the LDP has so far been unable to overcome the opposition of Kōmeitō and the Democratic Party of Japan.
Electronic structure and Fermi surface topology of the infinite-layered superconductor Sr1−xCaxCuO2

Abstract Superconductivity reported at 110 K, and recently at 150–170 K, in the infinite-layered (Sr x Ca 1− x )CuO 2 system is investigated by means of the full potential linear muffin-tin orbital (FLMTO) method. As in other high- T c cuprates, the electronic structure of the parent compounds, CaCuO 2 and SrCuO 2 , and of the separately calculated composition Sr 0.7 Ca 0.3 CuO 2 using the experimental lattice parameters, displays strong 2D features including a low density of states at E F (lower than in the other cuprates) and a simple 2D Fermi surface (rounded square) with strong nesting due to a single hybridized Cu d-O p band. As in La 2 CuO 4 , a major van Hove saddle-point singularity exists near E F . The drastic changes of the Fermi surface when Ca/Sr vacancies shift the Fermi energy to the van Hove singularity may have a strong influence on the superconducting properties of the compounds and indicate the need for Sr/Ca vacancies in inducing the high T c .
Direct SMT Interconnections of Large Low-CTE Interposers to Printed Wiring Board Using Copper Microwire Arrays

This paper reports compliant microwire copper arrays, in thin polymer carriers, as an innovative approach for direct surface mount technology (SMT) attach of large silicon, glass, and low coefficient of thermal expansion organic interposers to printed wiring boards (PWBs). The microwire arrays (MWAs) are prefabricated as free-standing ultrathin carriers using standard, low-cost manufacturing processes such as laser vias and copper electroplating. Such wire array carriers are then assembled in between the interposer and the PWB as a stress-relief interlayer. The MWA interconnections show low interconnection stress and strains even without the underfills. The approach is extensible to larger interposer sizes ( $20~\textrm {mm} \times 20~{\rm mm}$ ) and finer pitch (400 $\mu \text{m}$ ), making it suitable for smart mobile systems. The parallel wire arrays that form each joint result in low resistance and inductance, and therefore, do not degrade the electrical performance. The scalability of these structures allows extendibility to finer pitch and larger interposer sizes for high-performance applications. The finite-element method was used to design the MWAs to meet the thermomechanical reliability requirements. Computational models were built in 2.5-D geometries to study the reliability of 400- $\mu \text{m}$ -pitch interconnections with a 100- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick, $20~\textrm {mm} \times 20~{\rm mm}$ silicon interposer that was SMT-assembled onto an organic PWB. The warpage, equivalent plastic strain, and projected fatigue life of the MWA interconnections are compared with those of the ball grid array interconnections. A unique set of materials and processes was used to demonstrate the low-cost fabrication of the MWAs. Copper microwires with $15~\mu \text{m}$ diameter and 50 $\mu \text{m}$ height were fabricated on both sides of a 50- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick thermoplastic polymer carrier using dry-film-based photolithography and bottom-up electrolytic plating. The copper microwire interconnections were assembled between silicon interposer and FR-4 PWB with SMT-compatible processes. Thermomechanical reliability of the interconnections was characterized by thermal cycling test from −40°C to 125 °C. The initial fatigue failure in the interconnections was identified at 700 cycles, consistent with the models.
Using data sources beyond PubMed has a modest impact on the results of systematic reviews of therapeutic interventions.

Abstract Objectives Searching multiple sources when conducting systematic reviews is considered good practice. We aimed to investigate the impact of using sources beyond PubMed in systematic reviews of therapeutic interventions. Study Design and Setting We randomly selected 50 Cochrane reviews that searched the PubMed (or MEDLINE) and EMBASE databases and included a meta-analysis of ≥10 studies. We checked whether each eligible record in each review ( n = 2,700) was retrievable in PubMed and EMBASE. For the first-listed meta-analysis of ≥10 studies in each review, we examined whether excluding studies not found in PubMed affected results. Results A median of one record per review was indexed in EMBASE but not in PubMed; a median of four records per review was not indexed in PubMed or EMBASE. Meta-analyses included a median of 13.5 studies; a median of zero studies per meta-analysis was indexed in EMBASE but not in PubMed; a median of one study per meta-analysis was not indexed in PubMed or EMBASE. Meta-analysis using only PubMed-indexed vs. all available studies led to a different conclusion in a single case (on the basis of conventional criteria for statistical significance). In meta-regression analyses, effects in PubMed- vs. non–PubMed-indexed studies were statistically significantly different in a single data set. Conclusion For systematic reviews of the effects of therapeutic interventions, gains from searching sources beyond PubMed, and from searching EMBASE in particular are modest.
Realism, Punishment & Reform

Professors Donald Braman, Dan Kahan, and David Hoffman, in their article "Some Realism About Punishment Naturalism," to be published in an upcoming issue of the University of Chicago Law Review, critique a series of our articles: Concordance and Conflict in Intuitions of Justice (http://ssrn.com/abstract=932067), The Origins of Shared Intuitions of Justice (http://ssrn.com/abstract=952726), and Intuitions of Justice: Implications for Criminal Law and Justice Policy (http://ssrn.com/abstract=976026). Our reply, here, follows their article in that coming issue. As we demonstrate, they have misunderstood our views on, and thus the implications of, widespread agreement about punishing the "core" of wrongdoing. Although much of their attack is therefore misplaced, important disagreements may remain concerning: whether there is a meaningful difference between core and non-core cases; whether judgments about core cases are less malleable than judgments about non-core cases; and whether imposing punishments perceived to be unjust imposes, in turn, significant costs on the criminal justice system. Which of the disputed views is correct can have important implications for the administration of criminal justice. Far from being anti-reformists, as accused, we argue that Reform Realism is the most effective path to bringing about needed reforms.
Why count stuff? Young preschoolers do not use number for measurement in continuous dimensions

Adults routinely use numbers to make precise references to amounts of substance (e.g. 5 liters of water), but the ontogenesis of this capability is poorly understood. We developed a new method for addressing this issue. This report focuses on children’s ability to conceive of measuring substances by drawing on numerical information. Three- to 5-year-olds are unable to use even small differences of number to facilitate the quantitative comparison of small portions of sand. It is argued that children are biased to enumerate objects and to measure substances without counting.
Unilateral Aural Atresia: Current Management Issues and Results

Unilateral aural atresia (UAA) presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the clinician. The absence or stenosis of the ear canal is usually associated with aberrant middle ear morphology and a variable conductive hearing loss (CHL). While the scholastic deficits associated with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and otitis media with effusion have been well-studied, the disabilities associated with unilateral (or bilateral) aural atresia with its attendant moderate or moderate-severe CHL are less well understood. With the advent of new and more widely and easily accessible implantable hearing devices, more options are available for hearing rehabilitation in patients with unilateral or bilateral aural atresia. Preoperative tools such as high resolution computed tomography and pure tone and speech audiometry are typically used to provide some insight on the middle ear anatomy and thus predict hearing outcomes following surgical atresia repair. In this review, we explore treatment options for patients with UAA, including the use of implantable devices such as bone-anchored hearing devices and implantable middle ear devices. Predictors of success for atresia surgery will be highlighted as these may be the primary measures by which patients are counseled and ultimately choose treatment.
Arginine Transport in Catabolic Disease States

Arginine appears to be a semiessential amino acid in humans during critical illness. Catabolic disease states such as sepsis, injury, and cancer cause an increase in arginine utilization, which exceeds body production, leading to arginine depletion. This is aggravated by the reduced nutrient intake that is associated with critical illness. Arginine depletion may have negative consequences on tissue function under these circumstances. Nutritional regimens containing arginine have been shown to improve nitrogen balance and lymphocyte function, and stimulate arginine transport in the liver. We have studied the effects of stress mediators on arginine transport in vascular endothelium, liver, and gut epithelium. In vascular endothelium, endotoxin stimulates arginine uptake, an effect that is mediated by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and by the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. This TNF-alpha stimulation involves the activation of intracellular protein kinase C (PKC). A significant increase in hepatic arginine transport activity also occurs following burn injury and in rats with progressive malignant disease. Surgical removal of the growing tumor results in a normalization of the accelerated hepatic arginine transport within days. Chronic metabolic acidosis and sepsis individually augment intestinal arginine transport in rats and Caco-2 cell culture. PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinases are involved in mediating the sepsis/acidosis stimulation of arginine transport. Understanding the regulation of plasma membrane arginine transport will enhance our knowledge of nutrition and metabolism in seriously ill patients and may lead to the design of improved nutritional support formulas.
Recursive Bayesian algorithms for blind equalization

A novel blind equalization algorithm based on a suboptimum Bayesian symbol sequence estimator is presented. It is shown that a parallel bank of Kalman filters can be used to update a suboptimum Bayesian formula for the sequence possibilities. Two methods are used to reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm. First, it is shown that the Kalman filters can be replaced by simpler least-mean-square (LMS) adaptive filters. Second, the technique of reduced-state sequence estimation is adopted to reduce the number of symbol subsequences considered in the Bayesian updating, and hence the number of parallel filters required. The performance properties of the resulting algorithms are evaluated through bit error simulations, and these are compared to the bounds of optimum maximum-likelihood sequence estimation. It is shown that the Kalman filter and LMS-based algorithms achieve blind start-up and rapid convergence (within 200 iterations) for both binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) and quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation formats. >
The power of thiol-ene chemistry

As a tribute to Professor Charlie Hoyle, we take the opportunity to review the impact of thiol-ene chemistry on polymer and materials science over the past 5 years. During this time, a renaissance in thiol-ene chemistry has occurred with recent progress demonstrating its unique advantages when compared with traditional coupling and functionalization strategies. Additionally, the robust nature of thiol-ene chemistry allows for the preparation of well-defined materials with few structural limitations and synthetic requirements. To illustrate these features, the utility of thiol-ene reactions for network formation, polymer functionalization, dendrimer synthesis, and the decoration of three-dimensional objects is discussed. Also, the development of the closely related thiol-yne chemistry is described. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 743–750, 2010
Alternative variables for computing sideband pulling in atomic frequency standards

Sideband pulling has long been considered a possible source of frequency bias in atomic frequency standards. We treat a two-level system excited by coherent radiation with amplitude and phase modulation. We create alternative variables to facilitate the second-order solution of the associated time-dependent Schrodinger equation. We extend earlier work to include time-dependent excitation and initial phase dependence.
Harvest selection, genetic correlations, and evolutionary changes in recruitment: one less thing to worry about?

Harvest selection may lead to detrimental evolutionary changes in exploited populations. Few studies have considered the indirect impacts that harvest selection may have arising through genetic correlations. Using data from a long-term fishing experiment on Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia), we show that there are significant genetic cor- relations between adult length at harvest and several early life history characters known to influence recruitment suc- cess. Based on this analysis, we estimate the magnitude of the change in recruitment success that may arise indirectly from selection on adults. In contrast with studies of harvest selection on adult characteristics, we find the response of characters in the early life history to be relatively slow and that impacts on recruitment, if any, are likely to be driven by selective changes in fecundity. Resume : La selection due a la recolte peut mener a des changements evolutifs nocifs dans les populations exploitees. Peu d'etudes ont examine les effets indirects que la selection due a la recolte peut avoir par le biais des correlations genetiques. A l'aide de donnees provenant d'une experience a long terme sur les capucettes (Menidia menidia), nous demontrons qu'il existe des correlations genetiques significatives entre la longueur des adultes a la recolte et plusieurs caracteristiques des premieres etapes du cycle biologique, caracteristiques connues pour influencer le succes du recrute- ment. A partir de cette analyse, nous estimons l'importance du changement dans le succes du recrutement qui peut survenir indirectement par la selection faite sur les adultes. Contrairement aux etudes faites sur la selection due a la recolte sur les caracteristiques adultes, nous trouvons que les reactions des caracteres des premieres etapes du cycle biologique sont relativement lentes et que les impacts sur le recrutement, s'il y en a, sont vraisemblablement causes par des changements selectifs de la fecondite. (Traduit par la Redaction) Munch et al. 810
Dark Trading at the Midpoint: Does SEC Enforcement Policy Encourage Stale Quote Arbitrage?

We examine the competitive advantage enjoyed by dark venues over stock exchanges due to rules regulating the minimum price variation (MPV) for quoting equity securities. The MPV rule requires quotes above $1.00 per share to be in pennies, but it permits subpenny trades to facilitate price improvement for marketable orders. This exception to the penny quote rule benefits dark venues by allowing broker-dealers to intercept market orders by offering subpenny trading opportunities. However, a growing chorus of critics allege that (a) dark venues exploit this exception by offering little or no price improvement for market orders, and (b) allowing dark venues to intercept market orders harms the incentive to display liquidity on exchanges on which markets depend for efficient securities pricing. Using a novel regression discontinuity design and over eight trillion observations on market data from 2011-2014, we provide evidence that is inconsistent with both critiques. First, increasing the incentive to use the exception to the penny quote rule increases the rate of trading in dark venues at the midpoint of the national best bid and offer, thus offering liquidity takers price improvement in the form of the quoted half-spread. Second, while enhanced order flow to dark pools decreases price competition on exchanges, this reduction is primarily because of reduced quoting among high frequency trading (HFT) firms. Consistent with concerns about HFT, we show HFT market-making increases price volatility and that overall trading volume increases when it occurs in dark pools rather than on exchanges.
Rapid Response to Cognitive Behavior Therapy

While Tang and DeRubeis's analysis (this issue) is well taken, rapid response to cognitive behavior therapy (CUT) appears to be a general phenomenon that is not limited to the treatment of depression but occurs in other disorders such as bulimia nervosa and alcohol abuse. Rapid response to CBT has implications for theory, research, and clinical practice, It focuses renewed attention on specifying the so-called “nonspecifics” of therapy. Studies designed to identify mechanisms of change need to include early, session-by-session measures of proposed mediators. Identification of non-responders to CBT might provide therapists with guidelines for switching to potentially more effective treatments.
Exploiting missing clinical data in Bayesian network modeling for predicting medical problems

When machine learning algorithms are applied to data collected during the course of clinical care, it is generally accepted that the data has not been consistently collected. The absence of expected data elements is common and the mechanism through which a data element is missing often involves the clinical relevance of that data element in a specific patient. Therefore, the absence of data may have information value of its own. In the process of designing an application intended to support a medical problem list, we have studied whether the ''missingness'' of clinical data can provide useful information in building prediction models. In this study, we experimented with four methods of treating missing values in a clinical data set-two of them explicitly model the absence or ''missingness'' of data. Each of these data sets were used to build four different kinds of Bayesian classifiers-a naive Bayes structure, a human-composed network structure, and two networks based on structural learning algorithms. We compared the performance between groups with and without explicit models of missingness using the area under the ROC curve. The results showed that in most cases the classifiers trained using the explicit missing value treatments performed better. The result suggests that information may exist in ''missingness'' itself. Thus, when designing a decision support system, we suggest one consider explicitly representing the presence/absence of data in the underlying logic.
The effect of air bridge height on the propagation characteristics of microstrip

The air bridge is often used for lowering the effective capacitance per unit length and fabricating crossovers in monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). The static and dynamic propagation characteristics of this type of transmission line are computed by utilizing the spectral domain technique. This analysis is used to demonstrate the significant changes in the propagation characteristic as a function of the height of the air bridge. The cases of air bridged lines on 100 mu m GaAs substrate and spiral inductors are examined. It is shown that the reduction in the capacitance of the air bridge lines is quite significant, leading to a considerable improvement in the self-resonant frequency of a spiral inductor used in a MMIC design. >
Enhanced Removal of a Human Norovirus Surrogate from Fresh Vegetables and Fruits by a Combination of Surfactants and Sanitizers

Fruits and vegetables are major vehicles for transmission of food-borne enteric viruses since they are easily contaminated at pre- and postharvest stages and they undergo little or no processing. However, commonly used sanitizers are relatively ineffective for removing human norovirus surrogates from fresh produce. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effectiveness of surfactants on removal of a human norovirus surrogate, murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), from fresh produce. We showed that a panel of surfactants, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Nonidet P-40 (NP-40), Triton X-100, and polysorbates, significantly enhanced the removal of viruses from fresh fruits and vegetables. While tap water alone and chlorine solution (200 ppm) gave only <1.2-log reductions in virus titer in all fresh produce, a solution containing 50 ppm of surfactant was able to achieve a 3-log reduction in virus titer in strawberries and an approximately 2-log reduction in virus titer in lettuce, cabbage, and raspberries. Moreover, a reduction of approximately 3 logs was observed in all the tested fresh produce after sanitization with a solution containing a combination of 50 ppm of each surfactant and 200 ppm of chlorine. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the combination of a surfactant with a commonly used sanitizer enhanced the efficiency in removing viruses from fresh produce by approximately 100 times. Since SDS is an FDA-approved food additive and polysorbates are recognized by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) products, implementation of this novel sanitization strategy would be a feasible approach for efficient reduction of the virus load in fresh produce.
Towards a Secure Software Development Lifecycle with SQUARE+R

Software security has been recognized to be an important trait for future software development, yet the adoption of a secure software development lifecycle has yet to be fully integrated into current software development models. This is due to immaturities in secure software development lifecycle models and the lengthy development time imposed by security. To further exacerbate the current rampant growth of software vulnerabilities, the future direction for software is moving rapidly into the web space. With the expansive use of Web Services a new attack space is opened. As mobile code increases so will the number of software bugs and vulnerabilities; hence the need for adopting a secure software development model. The need to build a knowledge base of common coding errors is important in exposing current vulnerabilities and preventing future vulnerabilities. In this paper, a study of the current growth of software vulnerabilities, the importance of a categorization tool, the SQUARE model, the evolution of the SQUARE model combined with the Risk Management Framework to produce the SQUARE+R model, and the adaptability of the SQUARE+R model to an agile development lifecycle are presented.
Context effects on young children’s language use: The influence of conversational setting and partner:

This article reports on two studies investigating the effect of contextual variables on young children’s language use in conversation. In Study 1, 20 children between age 1;5 and 2;2 were recorded ...
Genotyping of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplant recipients adds predictive power for determining recurrence-free survival

The goal of this study was to determine whether a panel of tumor suppressor gene markers of allelic loss could serve as a representative indicator of gene damage and thereby provide further discriminative power over current staging systems for recurrence-free prognostication in patients undergoing liver transplantation in the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The paraffin blocks from 103 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were obtained, and cellular targets were selected for tissue microdissection genotyping. Tumor suppressor gene loss was based on loss of heterozygosity situated within or adjacent to specific genes of interest (APC, CDKN2A, DCC, MET, MYC1, OGG1, p34, p53, PTEN). Microdissected tissue was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with flanking oligonucleotides bearing fluorescent labels designed for GeneScan fragment analysis; PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. Normal microdissected tissue samples for each case were evaluated for informative status with respect to individual alleles for 18 microsatellites at 10 genomic loci—1p, 3p, 5q, 7q, 8q, 9p, 10q, 17p, 17q, 18q. The measure of allelic loss of heterozygosity combined with tumor number, tumor size, vascular invasion, lobar distribution, and patient gender provide a highly discriminatory model for predicting cancer recurrence after liver transplantation. Using our previously developed artificial neural network model in combination with the genotyping results, unambiguous predictions were made for 91 of the103 patients (88.3%). Of these, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 9 died recurrence-free less than 3 years posttransplantation. For the remaining 81, the combined models predicted tumor recurrence outcomes with complete accuracy. Microdissection genotyping provides powerful supplementary discriminative information for tumor-free survival. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:664-671.)
Gauging Metropolitan “High-Tech” and “I-Tech” Activity: Some Thoughts and Commentary

The purpose of this article is not only to comment on the article by Chapple, Markusen, Schrock, Yamamoto, and Yu appearing in this issue but also to suggest other measures of growth and development, human capital, inventive activity and entrepreneurship, and the method to investigate the role of high-technology (high-tech) and information technology (I-tech) industries in the employment growth of cities.
Allergens in Hymenoptera venom. XIII: Isolation and purification of protein components from three species of vespid venoms

Pure venoms were collected from individual insects of the species Dolichovespula maculata, white-faced hornet, Vespula squamosa, southern yellow jacket, and Polistes exclamans, paper wasp (one species). The venoms were first fractionated by high-resolution gel filtration on a 1.6 m column of Sephadex G-75 superfine, and the components were then purified by high-performance, ion-exchange chromatography on a Mono-S cation exchange column followed by a further gel filtration step. The isolated components were evaluated for purity by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by use of two different types of silver stains, by assays for enzyme activities, and by immunodiffusion with the use of rabbit antisera. The protein components were isolated in highly purified states by these techniques. Only three significant proteins were found in V. squamous venom: phospholipase (PL) A and B, hyaluronidase (HYAL), and antigen 5 (Ag 5). D. maculata venom contained HYAL, Ag 5, two isozymes of PL A and B, a high-molecular-weight protein, and several trace proteins. No significant amounts of proteases were found in D. maculata venom. P. exclamans venom contained HYAL, PL A and B, Ag 5, a high-molecular-weight protein, and several minor proteins. In all three venoms the PL A and B activities were found to be in the same molecule and did not separate. Trace components with apparent PL A activity were observed in the venoms. The venoms were screened for a variety of esterases, proteases, peptidases, glucosidases, and phosphatases, and none were detected in more than trace amounts. Vespid venoms do not appear to contain significant amounts of acid phosphatases as bee venoms do.
Hypomagnesemia: a clinical perspective

Although magnesium is involved in a wide spectrum of vital functions in normal human physiology, the significance of hypomagnesemia and necessity for its treatment are under-recognized and underappreciated in clinical practice. In the current review, we first present an overview of the clinical significance of hypomagnesemia and normal magnesium metabolism, with a focus on renal magnesium handling. Subsequently, we review the literature for both congenital and acquired hypomagnesemic conditions that affect the various steps in normal magnesium metabolism. Finally, we present an approach to the routine evaluation and suggested management of hypomagnesemia.
Nail polish does not significantly affect pulse oximetry measurements in mildly hypoxic subjects.

BACKGROUND: The effect of nail polish on pulse oximetry measurements in non-hypoxic subjects has been studied extensively. Some studies found that nail polish decreased pulse-oximetry (SpO2) values, whereas others found no effects from nail polish. OBJECTIVE: To determine if nail polish affects SpO2 measurements in mildly hypoxic subjects. METHODS: At high altitude, 5 investigators, whose mean oxygen saturation was 91.3% (mild hypoxia), and with 2 brands of pulse oximeter and oximetry probe, obtained SpO2 measurements from a finger with nail polish and from the matching finger on the opposite hand without nail polish. We tested 9 different nail-polish colors and made 210 pairs of SpO2 measurements. RESULTS: The mean ± SD SpO2 values from the fingers with and without nail polish, respectively, were 91.4 ± 4.1% and 91.2 ± 3.5% (difference –0.2 ± 3.2%, 95% confidence interval 0.2% to 0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: With the pulse oximeters and oximetry probes we tested, nail-polish had no significant effect on SpO2 in mildly hypoxic healthy subjects.
HOX gene expression is altered in the endometrium of women with endometriosis

HOXA10 and HOXA11 are homeobox genes that function as transcription factors essential to embryonic development. We have recently described a role for each of these two genes in regulating endometrial development in the adult during the course of a menstrual cycle. Both Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 are essential for implantation in the mouse and appear to play a similar role in women. To investigate the role of HOX genes in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, quantitative Northern blot analysis was performed on the endometrium of 40 normal cycling controls and 40 patients with documented endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis failed to show the expected mid-luteal rise in HOX gene expression as demonstrated in the controls. Aberrant HOX gene expression suggests that altered development of the endometrium at the molecular level may contribute to the aetiology of infertility in patients with endometriosis.
Anger as Experienced by the Angry Person: Responses and Consequences

Anger can be expressed in a great variety of ways. The present chapter explores the meaning and significance of some of those ways. We will begin by reviewing prior research on the everyday expression of anger, and then continue with our presentation of the results of Study I.
Terahertz Device Technology

The infrared region is a range of the electromagnetic spectrum split into three parts, the near-infrared (NIR), the mid-infrared (MIR) and the far-infrared (FIR). Previously, it was usual to refer to the terahertz (THz) range as the range of frequencies below FIR. Nowadays, the THz range is attributed to the electromagnetic spectrum which spans the FIR to the millimeter wave. This THz range of the electromagnetic spectrum starts at 1000 µm and finishes at 50 µm (0.3 THz to 6 THz). So, these wavelengths are commonly named THz, far-infrared or submillimeter wave. THz waves are located between the optical region (infrared) and the microwaves. Only a few compact, easy to use, room temperature sources are available.
Excess comorbidities associated with malignant hyperthermia diagnosis in pediatric hospital discharge records

Summary Background: Case reports have linked malignant hyperthermia (MH) to several genetic diseases. Objective/aim: The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess excess comorbidities associated with MH diagnosis in pediatric hospital discharge records. Patients and methods: Data for this study came from the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) for the years 2000, 2003, and 2006. The KID contains an 80% random sample of patients under the age of 21 discharged from short-term, non-Federal hospitals in the United States, with up to 19 diagnoses recorded for each patient. Using all pediatric inpatients as the reference, we calculated the standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for children with MH diagnosis according to major disease groups and specific medical conditions. Results: Of the 5 916 989 nonbirth-related hospital discharges studied, 175 had a recorded diagnosis of MH. Compared with the general pediatric inpatient population, children with MH diagnosis were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (SMR 5.7; 95% CI: 3.9–7.9), diseases of the circulatory system (SMR 3.3; 95% CI: 2.1–4.8), and congenital anomalies (SMR 3.2; 95% CI: 2.3–4.4). The specific diagnosis that was most strongly associated with MH was muscular dystrophies (SMR 31.3; 95% CI 12.6–64.6). Conclusions: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue are significantly associated with MH diagnosis in children. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical utility of these comorbidities in assessing MH susceptibility in children.
Variations in the atmospheric drag co-efficient due to changes in sea state

Measurements made on both sides of an atmospheric front of the neutral atmospheric drag coefficient, C_{dn} , and ocean surface wave spectra showed a large variation in C_{dn} at constant wind speed that was unexplained by conventional formulations. In our investigation, which for the first time made wave spectral measurements together with correlation flux measurements in the marine surface layer, coincident wave spectral measurements showed an unexpected increase in energy in the 6-sec wave band ( .15 \rightarrow.17 hz ), which was well correlated with the variation of C_{dn} and the surface roughness, z_{o} . We derived a relation of z_{o} to the wave spectra which reduces to Charnock's relation in situations of dynamic equilibrium between the wind field and the surface waves. In situations of disequilibrium, the relation shows a strong dependence of z_{o} on the 6-sec wave field. This relationship of z_{o} to the surface wave spectra helps explain the apparently high values of C_{dn} behind moving fronts reported in the literature.
IMAGES OF BLACK AMERICANS: Then, "Them," and Now, "Obama!"

Images of Black Americans are becoming remarkably diverse, enabling Barack Obama to defy simple-minded stereotypes and succeed. Understood through the Stereotype Content Model’s demonstrably fundamental trait dimensions of perceived warmth and competence, images of Black Americans show three relevant patterns. Stereotyping by omission allows non-Blacks to accentuate the positive, excluding any lingering negativity but implying it by its absence; specifically, describing Black Americans as gregarious and passionate suggests warmth but ignores competence and implies its lack. Obama’s credentials prevented him from being cast as incompetent, though the experience debate continued. His legendary calm and passionate charisma saved him on the warmth dimension. Social class subtypes for Black Americans differentiate dramatically between low-income Blacks and Black professionals, among both non-Black and Black samples. Obama clearly fit the moderately warm, highly competent Black-professional subtype. Finally, the campaign’s events (and nonevents) allowed voter habituation to overcome non-Blacks’ automatic emotional vigilance to Black Americans.
Not Throwing Baby Out with the Bathwater

The degradation of proteins is critical in all kingdoms of life. In bacteria and eukaryotic organelles, specific energy-dependent proteases are responsible for destroying proteins that are no longer needed or desired. This process is particularly important during stress responses, as accumulation of
Liberation from home mechanical ventilation and decannulation in children.

Summary Background The prevalence of children requiring outpatient invasive long-term mechanical ventilation is increasing. For some children, liberation from home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and decannulation is the desired outcome. This study describes our experience liberating tracheostomy and HMV (T-HMV) dependent children from respiratory technologies. Methods We reviewed charts of T-HMV dependent children who were cared for at our institution and decannulated between July 1999 and December 2011. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and important steps leading to decannulation were recorded. Results Forty-six children achieved HMV independence and decannulation. The most common indications for T-HMV were lower airway and parenchymal lung disease. The median ages at tracheotomy, initiation of HMV, initiation of tracheostomy collar (TC) trials, HMV independence, and decannulation were 3.5, 6.0, 12.0, 25.5, and 40.5 months, respectively. Twenty-five children (54%) skipped either using a speaking valve, tracheostomy capping, or both without increased likelihood of recannulation. (P = 0.03). Common procedures prior to decannulation were airway surgery, bronchoscopy, and polysomnography (n = 30, 46, and 46 children, respectively). A median of 9.5 clinic visits and 5 hospitalizations occurred from initial hospital discharge to just prior to decannulation. HMV was primarily weaned as an outpatient. Conclusion Liberation from respiratory technology is a complex, multi-step process that can be accomplished in medically complex children with varying underlying disease processes at relatively young ages. Five major steps (tracheotomy, initiation of HMV, initiation of TC trials, HMV independence, and decannulation) performed in conjunction with clinic visits, procedures, and home nursing support were integral in the successful decannulation process. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Staining technique in disc electrophoresis for disclosing absence of normal serum proteins in patients with hematologic neoplasms.

SummaryThe serum protein patterns of 55 patients with various neoplasms were compared by specially stained disc electrophoresis with patterns obtained from 29 control sera. Two control bands, repre...
Familial Clustering of Breast and Prostate Cancers and Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that cancers of the breast and prostate cluster in families and that the presence of both diseases in a family may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer. PURPOSE Our purpose was to evaluate whether 1) prostate cancer aggregates in families with postmenopausal breast cancer, 2) families with cancers of the breast and prostate are the same ones as families with cancers of the breast and ovary, and 3) a family history of prostate cancer is associated with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. METHODS We analyzed data from a large prospective cohort study of Iowa women that were (at baseline) aged 55-69 years in 1986. At the third follow-up survey in 1992, self-reported data on family history of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers in parents and siblings were provided by 30,883 women. Additional information was collected to ascertain whether the age-of-onset of breast cancer in mothers or sisters was before or after the age of 45 years. Cancer occurrence was documented using the State Health Registry of Iowa. RESULTS History of prostate cancer in their father or a brother was reported by 3384 (11.0%) of the women, and a total of 4090 women (13.2%) reported breast cancer in their mother or a sister. A positive family history of both cancers was reported by 556 women, significantly (two-sided P < .001) greater than the 457 women expected if the family histories were independent. The aggregation of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers was reported by 22 participants, greater than the 2.7 expected (two-sided P < .0001). During 6 years of follow-up, 578 breast cancers were identified in the cohort at risk. Compared with women without a family history of either cancer, women with a family history of breast cancer had a relative risk (RR) of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.79) if the affected relative had onset after the age of 45 years, and an RR of 1.71 (95% CI = 1.13-2.61) if the affected relative had onset at or before the age of 45. A family history of prostate cancer in the absence of a family history of breast cancer was associated with an RR of 1.19 (95% CI = .90-1.56). However, a family history of both breast and prostate cancers was associated with RRs of 2.06 (95% CI = 1.23-3.45) and 2.35 (95% CI = .97-5.67) for breast cancer onset in relatives of greater than 45 and less than or equal to 45 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These observations are concordant with recent reports that suggest a shared familial risk (inherited or environmental) for these hormone-dependent malignancies.
INHERITANCE OF MALE COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR, AGGRESSIVE SUCCESS, AND BODY SIZE IN DROSOPHILA SILVESTRIS.

We describe a combined phenotypic and quantitative genetic investigation of the traits that may contribute to reproductive success in the picture-winged fly, Drosophila silvestris. These were courtship behavior, aggressive success, and body size and shape. Behavioral tests were conducted on wild-caught sires and their laboratory-reared sons. Neither size, shape, nor aggressive success predicted mating success. In both generations, males that spent more time courting and in wing-vibration were more likely to mate. However, components of courtship, overall aggressive success, and overall mating success had very low and nonsignificant heritabilities. The genetic estimates did not depend on whether they were based on males reared in both environments or reared only in the laboratory.