cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of depression treatment on health-related quality of life among adults with cancer and depression: a population-level analysis.

Cancer diagnosis in adults is often accompanied by negative impacts, which increase the risk of depression thereby lowering health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We examined the association between depression treatment and HRQoL among US adults with cancer and depression. Patients age 18 and above, with self-reported cancer and depression diagnoses were identified from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey database for 2006–2013. Baseline depression treatment was categorized as antidepressants only, psychotherapy with or without antidepressant use, and no reported use of antidepressants or psychotherapy. HRQoL was measured using SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Adjusted ordinary least squares regressions estimated the association between type of depression treatment and HRQoL. Out of 450 (weighted per calendar year: 2.1 million) cancer adults included in the study, 51% received antidepressants only, while 16% received psychotherapy with or without antidepressants. In bivariate analyses, the mean MCS score was lowest among those who received psychotherapy with or without antidepressants compared to those receiving antidepressants only and those with no reported use of either modality, p < 0.05. In multivariate analyses, there was no significant difference in HRQoL by type of depression treatment. Despite treatment for depression, HRQoL did not improve during the measurement timeframe. Quality of life is a priority health outcome in cancer treatment, yet our findings suggest that current clinical approaches to ameliorate depression in cancer patients appear to be suboptimal. Adults with cancer and comorbid depression should receive appropriate depression care in order to improve their HRQoL.
Welcome to the New Taylorism! Teacher Education Meets Itinerant Curriculum Theory

The scholarly, discursive work of Joao Paraskeva goes deep into theory and broad into curriculum study, so broad that in fact it becomes necessary to anchor to shore his sweeping articulation of “Itinerant Curriculum Theory (ICT)” to make meaning. Allowing “progressive curriculum scholars” the chance to come out from the “critical curriculum river” where they have long traveled, Paraskeva’s (2011) germinal volume, Conflicts in Curriculum Theory , attempts a radical departure, and most assuredly sets forth a political agenda. Taken at face value, Paraskeva brazenly advances the idea to decanonize and deterritorialize the curriculum studies field as a whole. My purpose and political agenda is to advance Paraskeva’s work through this book review, and in the effort, make ICT more accessible and perhaps even plausible, by specifically calling for curricularists to unbridle curriculum study from teacher education institutions. Todd Alan Price is Director of Policy Studies and Chair of Educational Foundations and Inquiry in the National College of Education, National Louis University. He has authored and co-authored several books, chapters, and articles concerning curriculum study, teacher education, educational policy, technology in education, service learning pedagogy and civic engagement curriculum. He is a contributing member to the American Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies (AAACS), working in 2015-16 as nominations chair and currently as the conference program chair, 2018-20. Price is a steady and enthusiastic contributor to the Internationalization of Curriculum Studies Taskforce. He has lectured internationally in Northern Cyprus (2016), Adana, Turkey (2015-16); Ottawa, Canada (2015); Braga, Portugal (2013); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2012); Hanzhou, P.R.C. (2014), Beijing, P.R.C. (2006, 10), Shanghai, P.R.C. (2005, 06), Chifeng, P.R.C. (2010), and Qingdao, P.R.C. (2010), Hanoi, Vietnam (2010); Oxford, Great Britain (2006, 10); Tutzing, Germany (2003); and Miramar/Havana, Cuba (2003).
Translation initiation factors and their relevance in cancer

Deregulation of several translation initiation factors occurs in numerous types of cancers. Translation initiation factors are not merely ancillary players in cancer development and progression, but rather, they are key participants in cellular transformation and tumor development. In fact, the altered expression of translation initiation factors is involved in cancer cell survival, metastasis and tumor angiogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms remain to be fully characterized, translation initiation factors comprise novel targets for pharmacologic intervention. Here we review the most recently established roles of initiation factors in cancer development and progression, as well as unique methods used to study translational regulation.
On causal estimation using $U$-statistics

Summary We introduce a general class of causal estimands which extends the familiar notion of average treatment effect. The class is defined by a contrast function, prespecified to quantify the relative favourability of one outcome over another, averaged over the marginal distributions of two potential outcomes. Natural estimators arise in the form of $U$-statistics. We derive both a naive inverse propensity score weighted estimator and a class of locally efficient and doubly robust estimators. The usefulness of our theory is illustrated by two examples, one for causal estimation with ordinal outcomes, and the other for causal tests that are robust with respect to outliers.
Assistive Devices for the Elderly

This article presents a review of assistive technology as it applies to elderly hearing-impaired people living independently and in group environments. Listening systems for personal communication and large area amplification, telephone, and television use are described. Visual systems that can be used to meet the communication needs of elderly persons and alerting systems are included. Issues that must be considered in the selection of personal and large area listening systems are discussed.
RNA Oncoimmune Phenotyping of HPV-Positive p16-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Nodal Status

Importance Clinical trials that deintensify treatment for patients with suspected human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) use p16 expression to identify HPV-mediated tumors and guide treatment. While p16 staining has a strong correlation with good outcomes, approximately 12% of p16-positive patients have recurrent disease. Biomarkers that reveal tumor-specific characteristics, such as nodal involvement, may change therapy decisions. Objective To assess whether if a tumor-specific genetic signature exists for node-negative vs node-positive HPV 16–positive/p16-positive OPSCCs. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cohort study with randomized case selection for p16 OPSCCs undertaken at a university-based, tertiary care cancer center. Samples were collected from patients with p16-positive OPSCC. A total of 21 HPV 16/p16–positive tumors were used in this study. Main Outcomes and Measures Gene expression profiles of node-negative vs node-positive tumor samples were evaluated using a differential expression analysis approach and the sensitivity and specificity of a molecular signature was determined. Results Among the 21 patients in the study (3 women, 18 men; mean [SD] age, 54.6 [9.6] years), 6 had node-negative disease and 15 had node-positive disease. Using differential expression analysis, we found 146 genes that were significantly different in patients with node-negative disease vs those with node-positive disease, of which 15 genes were used to create a genetic signature that could distinguish node-negative–like from node-positive–like disease. The resultant molecular signature has a sensitivity of 88.2% (95% CI, 63.6%-98.5%) and specificity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1%-99.6%). The positive likelihood ratio of this signature was 6.1 (95% CI, 1.0-38.2) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.1 (95% CI, 0.04-0.5). Given this population’s prevalence of node-positive disease of 70.8%, the positive- and negative-predicative values for this gene signature were 93.7% (95% CI, 70.8%-98.9%) and 75.0% (95% CI, 44.1%-92.0%), respectively. In addition, we developed a gene signature using agnostic, machine learning software that identified a 40-gene profile that predicts node-negative disease from node-positive disease (area under the curve, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.63-1.00). Conclusions and Relevance Many HPV-16 and p16-positive tumors are treated as “lower-risk,” but they do not have similar genetic compositions at the biological level. The identification of subgroups with unique expression patterns, such as those with nodal metastases, may guide physicians toward alternative or more aggressive therapies. In our study, unguided clustering suggested that that the larger biological characteristics of a tumor could be a better prognostic biomarker.
Crowdsourcing in the document processing practice

The processing of scanned documents calls for automatic recognition of the text by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) computer programs, followed by human validation and correction. Crowdsourcing of these essential manual tasks is a good option, provided one can take care of some key challenges, so that the quality level expected by the customer is met. We show how tools for efficient validation and correction are adapted and enhanced to address issues associated with crowdsourcing, such as data privacy, quality control, crowd monitoring, and job quality assurance. We started to implement these ideas and technologies in our COoperative eNgine for Correction of ExtRacted Text (CONCERT), which is used in book digitization projects.
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma.

Summary:Acinar cell carcinomas (ACCs) are rare neoplasms that represent less than 2% of all exocrine tumors of the pancreas. Although they occur more often in adults between the 5th and 7th decades of life, a few cases have been reported in children. Histologically, ACCs can resemble islet cell tumo
Forced Calorie Restrictions in the Clinical Setting.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity. Obesity contributes to other illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, ...
Complexity of Intercalation in MXenes: Destabilization of Urea by Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide.

MXenes are a new class of two-dimensional materials with properties that make them important for applications that include batteries, capacitive energy storage, and electrocatalysis. These materials can be exfoliated and delaminated to create high surface areas with interlayers accessibility. Intercalation is known to be possible, and it is critical for many applications including electrochemical energy storage, water purification, and sensing. However, little is known about the nature of the intercalant and bonding interactions between the intercalant within the MXene. We have investigated urea interaction within a titanium carbide based MXene using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) to probe the state of intercalated species. By comparison with reference materials, we find that under intercalation conditions urea decomposes readily, leading to intercalation of ammonium cations observable by INS and evolving carbon dioxide detected by infrared spectroscopy. Reactive molecular dynamics calculations were c...
A Tipping Point in Listening Effort: Effects of Linguistic Complexity and Age-Related Hearing Loss on Sentence Comprehension.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between effort and performance. Early formulations implied that, as the challenge of a task increases, individuals will exert ...
A decomposition scheme for parallelization of system optimal dynamic traffic assignment on urban networks with multiple origins and destinations

Abstract This paper presents a decomposition scheme to find near‐optimal solutions to a cell transmission model‐based system optimal dynamic traffic assignment problem with multiple origin‐destinat...
Interstrand DNA Cross-Links Derived from Reaction of a 2-Aminopurine Residue with an Abasic Site

Efficient methods for the site-specific installation of structurally defined interstrand cross-links in duplex DNA may be useful in a wide variety of fields. The work described here developed a hig...
A rapid assessment method for ground layer coastal vegetation

We aim to test a rapid ecological assessment method to monitor regenerating coastal vegetation without sacrificing accuracy. We estimated species frequency in vegetation plots using traditional point intercept methods. We also tested a rapid, digital method to take high-resolution digital photographs of plots. We navigated among plot locations using a sub-meter Differential Global Positioning System instead of using permanent plot markers, and analyzed plot photographs in a point intercept manner (i.e., grid) in Geographic Information Systems software. We assessed species frequency in 52 permanent plots using traditional and digital methods. Traditional methods required 39.2 min per plot and digital methods required 4.6 min per plot. Estimates of frequency from traditional methods were substantially higher than those from digital methods for permanent plots, so we used an independent assessment of vegetation coverage to calibrate the utility of digital methods. A logistic regression equation can be used to compare historical traditional estimates to those collected digitally. Digital point intercept methods were successfully used for rapid ecological assessment. The primary advantages of digital methods include overwhelming efficiency compared to traditional methods, a resultant increase in sample size, and the ability to recover more accurate estimates of species frequency. Disadvantages of digital methods include a restriction of use for ground layer vegetation and positional inaccuracies introduced through sub-meter navigation. While traditional methods are less accurate in estimating species frequency, they are ideal for capturing accurate temporal trends in vegetation growth since they rely upon the use of permanent plot markers.
An Authentication System using Neurological Responses to Music

As attacks against password-based authentication increase, the need for robust biometrics becomes apparent. Currently, two of the most popular biometric authentication systems are fingerprint and facial recognition. However, both of these biometrics become unusable once compromised. Also, an attacker might coerce the user to force authentication. Therefore, we propose an authentication mechanism that depends on the participant’s neurological responses to chosen pieces of music measured using electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. The current study proposes an authentication system that uses neurological responses to music for classification. Participants listened to individually selected music and music selected by other participants during an EEG reading. The change in the Alpha and Beta band frequencies across seven electrodes served as the input to a user specific K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). The classifier attempts to determine if we can identify a user based on their EEG response to music. Our pilot data collection and analysis has shown promise of this authentication system with an accuracy rate between 76.4%-92.3%.
The Habitat of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are found in porous and permeable rocks, usually sandstones and limestones, in close proximity to source rocks, usually shales, that have an abundance of organic material. This material has been converted over millions of years to oil and gas under the intense pressure and high temperature encountered deep in the earth.
Why Is Happiness Adaptation to Poverty Limited

The happiness literature shows that people’s subjective well-being adapts to various life events, but there is no adaptation to poverty. This study finds that poverty entry means a transition from a situation where individuals have sufficient income to support their living standard to a situation of insufficient income. Thus, both financial satisfaction (FS) and life satisfaction (LS) significantly decrease. In the long run, those who remain in poverty are trapped in the situation of insufficient income. Both FS and LS thus have limited, if any, adaptation. Implications are discussed for economics and psychology theories and policies.
Altered cleavage plane orientation with increased genomic aneuploidy produced by receptor-mediated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling in mouse cerebral cortical neural progenitor cells

The brain is composed of cells having distinct genomic DNA sequences that arise post-zygotically, known as somatic genomic mosaicism (SGM). One form of SGM is aneuploidy—the gain and/or loss of chromosomes—which is associated with mitotic spindle defects. The mitotic spindle orientation determines cleavage plane positioning and, therefore, neural progenitor cell (NPC) fate during cerebral cortical development. Here we report receptor-mediated signaling by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as a novel extracellular signal that influences cleavage plane orientation and produces alterations in SGM by inducing aneuploidy during murine cortical neurogenesis. LPA is a bioactive lipid whose actions are mediated by six G protein-coupled receptors, LPA1–LPA6. RNAscope and qPCR assessment of all six LPA receptor genes, and exogenous LPA exposure in LPA receptor (Lpar)-null mice, revealed involvement of Lpar1 and Lpar2 in the orientation of the mitotic spindle. Lpar1 signaling increased non-vertical cleavage in vivo by disrupting cell–cell adhesion, leading to breakdown of the ependymal cell layer. In addition, genomic alterations were significantly increased after LPA exposure, through production of chromosomal aneuploidy in NPCs. These results identify LPA as a receptor-mediated signal that alters both NPC fate and genomes during cortical neurogenesis, thus representing an extracellular signaling mechanism that can produce stable genomic changes in NPCs and their progeny. Normal LPA signaling in early life could therefore influence both the developing and adult brain, whereas its pathological disruption could contribute to a range of neurological and psychiatric diseases, via long-lasting somatic genomic alterations.
National Hazards Vulnerability and the Remediation, Restoration and Revitalization of Contaminated Sites—1. Superfund

Natural hazards can be prominent and powerful mechanisms that impact the remediation and restoration of contaminated sites and the revitalization of communities associated with these sites. The potential for hazardous material releases following a natural disaster can exacerbate the impact of contaminated sites by causing the release of toxic or hazardous materials and inhibiting the restoration of the site as well as altering the long-term sustainable revitalization of adjacent communities. Disaster-related hazardous releases, particularly in population-dense areas, can create problems as difficult as the original site clean-up. Similarly, exposure of contaminated sites to natural hazards can enhance the probability of future issues associated with the site. This manuscript addresses the co-occurrence of 12 natural hazards (singly and in combination) and individual Superfund sites.
Cross-linguistic syntactic priming in Korean learners of English

This study investigates whether L2 learners develop and share an abstract syntactic representation between an L1 and L2 with different word orders and, if so, whether one language’s unique syntactic features affect the shared representation. Korean (SOV) and English (SVO) have equivalent dative alternations; however, because Korean allows word-order scrambling, several dative structures are available in Korean that do not have English counterparts. In this study’s cross-linguistic syntactic priming experiment, intermediate and advanced Korean learners of English described pictures in English after reading various types of Korean dative sentences. The study found evidence of cross-linguistic syntactic priming between Korean and English, regardless of L2 proficiency, but only when prime and target structures shared identical functional assignments, information structures, and order of thematic roles. These results suggest that, within limits created by language-specific features, L2 learners can develop and share abstract representations between two languages with different word orders.
Perceived organizational support: A meaningful contributor to expatriate development professionals’ psychological well-being

Abstract Expatriate health care and humanitarian aid professionals ( N = 159) who were currently deployed internationally participated in this study. We used organizational support theory to guide our examination of the associations between sociocultural adaptation difficulty, perceived organizational support (from organizational headquarters [home] and its foreign subsidiary [host]), and expatriates’ psychological well-being while deployed. Snowball and social networking techniques were used to recruit globally dispersed participants. Participants were mostly female (59%), represented 26 nationalities, and nearly all (99%) were actively working within 53 international settings. Multiple regression analyses indicated that sociocultural adaptation and perceived organizational support from the host and home organizations made significant contributions to expatriates’ psychological well-being. Perceived organizational support from host organization was most strongly associated with expatriates’ psychological well-being while deployed ( R 2 = .28, p = .000; β [host] = .39, p = .000; β [home] = .12, p = .10). We suggest that host and home organizations employing expatriates work collaboratively to monitor their expatriates’ psychological well-being, perception of the adequacy of support provided, and communicate to provide integrated resources in response to expatriates’ dynamic needs.
Fragile X Syndrome: Scientific Background and Screening Technologies

Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation with a prevalence of 1 in 4000 for males and 1 in 5000 to 8000 for females. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has recommended diagnostic testing for fragile X in symptomatic persons, women with ovarian dysfunction, and persons with tremor/ataxia syndrome. Although medical and scientific professionals do not currently recommend screening nonsymptomatic populations, improvements in current treatment approaches and ongoing clinical trials have generated growing interest in screening for fragile X. Here, we briefly review the relevant molecular basis of fragile X and fragile X testing and compare three different molecular technologies available for fragile X screening in both males and females. These technologic approaches include destabilizing the CGG-repeat region with betaine and using chimeric CGG-targeted PCR primers, using heat pulses to destabilize C-G bonds in the PCR extension step, and using melting curve analysis to differentiate expanded CGG repeats from normals. The first two-step method performed with high sensitivity and specificity. The second method provided agarose gel images that allow identification of males with expanded CGG repeats and females with expanded CGG-repeat bands which are sometimes faint. The third melting curve analysis method would require controls in each run to correct for shifting optimal cutoff values.
Removal of Dissolved Organic Matter by Magnetic Ion Exchange Resin

This article provides a state-of-the-art review on the uses of magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin in drinking water and wastewater treatment, with emphasis on removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from drinking water and wastewater, regeneration efficiency, removal of inorganic and synthetic organic chemicals, comparison with other anion exchange resins, and integration with other physical-chemical processes. Through laboratory jar tests, pilot plant tests, and full-scale installations for a variety of drinking water sources, MIEX resin can achieve 30–80 % removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which is often higher than alum or ferric coagulation. In addition, MIEX resin has been shown to remove hydrophilic, transphilic, and hydrophobic fractions of DOM and a wide range of molecular weight fractions of DOM. As a result, MIEX pretreatment results in substantial reductions in the formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids upon chlorination. MIEX resin can achieve bromide removal in the range of 10–50 %, with higher bromide removal in waters with low DOC, low alkalinity, and low sulfate. However, there are commercially available anion exchange resins that are more selective for bromide than MIEX resin. MIEX resin has been investigated in combination with coagulation, activated carbon adsorption, membrane separation, lime softening, and ozonation. MIEX pretreatment has been shown to reduce downstream chemical requirements and improve the operation of downstream processes. This is most evident for coagulation and ozonation where the coagulant dose can be reduced by 50–75 % and the ozone concentration can be increased by 40–65 %. In general, MIEX pretreatment shows minor reductions in membrane fouling. Future research should continue to investigate the integration of MIEX treatment with other processes.
Cambodia’s Victim Zero: Global and National Responses to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Cambodia’s experience with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since the disease was discovered on a farm outside Phnom Penh in January 2004 reveals important aspects of how a developing country with limited resources and capabilities has responded to a crisis that has global public health implications and, vice-versa, how this global response in turn affected Cambodia. Augmented by a survey sent to individuals deeply involved in HPAI work in Cambodia, this study uses a qualitative research methodology consisting of mostly one-on-one semi-structured interviews across government, the private sector, and the non-governmental sector. Measures have been taken to cope with HPAI such as public awareness campaign ‘Super Moan’ (Super Chicken) and Pandemic Preparedness; border control over the movement of poultry with neighboring countries, particularly Vietnam and Thailand; culling of poultry; and case-based secret compensation. The study provides a background to Cambodian political and modern history, sets the context of aid dependence and tourism, and presents the livestock sector and poultry sub-sector in particular. It then proceeds in three parts, from beginning, middle, to end to show how HPAI evolved, providing a narrative time line of the key policy moments/phases between the first outbreak and to date (December 2008). Three narratives are explored: (1) culling without compensation; (2) the shift to health; and (3) the role of poverty and livelihoods. The study then discusses three key themes that define the political economy of the policy process. These are: (a) Donors and NGOs; (b) Beyond Aid: Other Sources of Revenue and the Importance of Tourism; and (c) Media Spin. The overall analysis of the political economy of HPAI in Cambodia reveals key challenges, obstacles and opportunities for responding to HPAI - and potentially other global epidemics.
Hydrogen ion-induced reversible inactivation and dissociation of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase.

Abstract Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase undergoes inactivation at pH values below 7. Inactivation is accompanied by both the dissociation of the tetramer into monomers and the exposure of aromatic amino acids to the solvent. The rate of inactivation is a function of pH. This rate and the rate of exposure of tryptophan residues to the aqueous environment follow first order kinetics. After prolonged incubation under acidic conditions the monomers are still capable of reassociating to form tetramers but the tetramers produced have a reduced catalytic activity. The alterations in enzyme structure and function which occur during inactivation are reversed following an elevation of pH. The return of enzymic activity is accompanied by both the reassociation of monomers and the burying of exposed tryptophan residues. The rate of reactivation and the rate of burying of tryptophan follow first order kinetics. The first order rate constant for reactivation varies as a function of temperature, and the heat of activation calculated from the linear Arrhenius plot is 20.1 kcal per mole. The free energy of activation and entropy of activation at 25° have values of 21 kcal per mole and -3 e.u., respectively. A mechanism in which the rate-limiting step for reactivation is a conformational change of the monomer that occurs prior to reassociation is consistent with the experimental observations. Both the rate and extent of reactivation increase as the pH is raised from 6 to 7.9. The data suggest that reactivation is dependent on the deprotonation of histidine residues. The presence of an optimum concentration of sulfate enhances both the rate and extent of reactivation at pH values between 6 and 7. The presence of a thiol compound during inactivation and reactivation is required to achieve a maximum restoration of enzymic activity. It is suggested that the monomer is unstable in the absence of a thiol and is converted to other monomer forms possibly as a result of oxidation of sulfhydryl groups. These monomer forms are not converted to the active tetramer under the conditions used. The extent of reactivation is dependent upon protein concentration. The optimum protein concentration depends on the pH at which reactivation is performed. As the pH of reactivation is lowered toward pH 6, the concentration of protein required to achieve reactivation increases. These results are explained by assuming that an equilibrium exists between monomer and tetramer, and that the production of the monomer which is capable of reassociating to form the active tetramer results from a conformational change caused by a protonation of a residue with a pKa of about 6.0.
Big Data and Large Sample Size: A Cautionary Note on the Potential for Bias

A number of commentaries have suggested that large studies are more reliable than smaller studies and there is a growing interest in the analysis of “big data” that integrates information from many thousands of persons and/or different data sources. We consider a variety of biases that are likely in the era of big data, including sampling error, measurement error, multiple comparisons errors, aggregation error, and errors associated with the systematic exclusion of information. Using examples from epidemiology, health services research, studies on determinants of health, and clinical trials, we conclude that it is necessary to exercise greater caution to be sure that big sample size does not lead to big inferential errors. Despite the advantages of big studies, large sample size can magnify the bias associated with error resulting from sampling or study design. Clin Trans Sci 2014; Volume #: 1–5
The structure of quantum conformal superspace

For a compact connected orientable n-manifold M, n≥3, we study the structure of classical superspace S≡M/D, quantum superspace S 0≡M/D0, classical conformal superspace C≡M/P/D, and quantum conformal superspace C 0≡M/P/D0. The study of the structure of these spaces is motivated by questions involving reduction of the canonical Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity to a non-degenerate Hamiltonian formulation, and to questions involving both linearization stability and quantization of the gravitational field. We show that if the degree of symmetry of M is zero, then S, S 0, C, and C 0 are ilh-orbifolds. The case of most importance for general relativity is dimension n=3. In this case, for a broad class of 3-manifolds for which deg M=0, we show that quantum superspace S 0 and quantum conformal superspace C 0 are in fact ilh-manifolds. If M is a Haken 3-manifold with deg M=0, then quantum superspace and quantum conformal superspace are contractible ilh-manifolds. Under these circumstances, there are no Gribov ambiguities for the configuration spaces S 0 and C 0. Our results are also applicable to the problem of reduction of Einstein's vacuum equations, to linearization stability, and to the problem of quantization of the gravitational field. Our results can be used to reduce the canonical Hamiltonian formulation, together with its constraint equations, to an unconstrained Hamiltonian system. On the reduced phase space the canonical variables are free, or unconstrained, and carry complete information about the true degrees of freedom of the gravitational field. The structure of the reduced phase space is also of importance in understanding certain questions involving linearization stability and quantization of the gravitational field. For questions regarding linearization stability, the cotangent bundle of C plays a role in understanding the symplectic structure of the space of true degrees of freedom of the gravitational field. For questions regarding quantization, the space C 0 plays the role of the reduced configuration space for quantum gravity.
Direct optical detection of current induced spin accumulation in metals by magnetization-induced second harmonic generation

Strong spin-orbit coupling in non-magnetic heavy metals has been shown to lead to large spin currents flowing transverse to a charge current in such a metal wire. This in turn leads to the buildup of a net spin accumulation at the lateral surfaces of the wire. Spin-orbit torque effects enable the use of the accumulated spins to exert useful magnetic torques on adjacent magnetic layers in spintronic devices. We report the direct detection of spin accumulation at the free surface of nonmagnetic metal films using magnetization-induced optical surface second harmonic generation. The technique is applied to probe the current induced surface spin accumulation in various heavy metals such as Pt, β-Ta, and Au with high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the technique enables us to measure the time dynamics on a sub-ns time scale of the spin accumulation arising from a short current pulse. The ability of optical surface second harmonic generation to probe interfaces suggests that this technique will also be useful for studying the dynamics of spin accumulation and transport across interfaces between non-magnetic and ferromagnetic materials, where spin-orbit torque effects are of considerable interest.
Nitric oxide inhibits chondrocyte response to IGF-I: inhibition of IGF-IRβ tyrosine phosphorylation

Chondrocytes in arthritic cartilage respond poorly to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Studies with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout mice suggest that NO is responsible for part of the cartilage insensitivity to IGF-I. These studies characterize the relationship between NO and chondrocyte responses to IGF-I in vitro, and define a mechanism by which NO decreases IGF-I stimulation of chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis. Lapine cartilage slices, chondrocytes, and cartilage from osteoarthritic (OA) human knees were exposed to NO from the donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) or (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1- ium-1, 2-diolate] (DETA NONOate), by transduction with adenoviral transfer of iNOS (Ad-iNOS), or by activation with interleukin-1 (IL-1). NO synthesis was estimated from medium nitrite, and proteoglycan synthesis was measured as incorporation of (35)SO(4). IGF-I receptor phosphorylation was evaluated with Western analysis. SNAP, DETA NONOate, endogenously synthesized NO in Ad-iNOS-transduced cells, or IL-1 activation decreased IGF-I-stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage and monolayer cultures of chondrocytes. OA cartilage responded poorly to IGF-I; however, the response to IGF-I was restored by culture with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMA). IGF-I receptor phosphotyrosine was diminished in chondrocytes exposed to NO. These studies show that NO is responsible for part of arthritic cartilage/chondrocyte insensitivity to anabolic actions of IGF-I; inhibition of receptor autophosphorylation is potentially responsible for this effect.
Review of triggered-lightning experiments at the ICLRT at Camp Blanding, Florida

Triggered-lightning experiments at Camp Blanding, Florida, with emphasis on the lightning interaction with power distribution systems, are reviewed. Both overhead lines and underground cables are considered. The principal results are discussed.
Comparing microstructural and macrostructural development of the cerebral cortex in premature newborns: Diffusion tensor imaging versus cortical gyration

This study assessed microstructural development in four regions of the human cerebral cortex during preterm maturation using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), compared to the macrostructural development of cortical gyration evaluated using three-dimensional volumetric T1-weighted MR imaging. Thirty-seven premature infants of estimated gestational age (EGA) ranging from 25 to 38 weeks were prospectively enrolled and imaged in an MR-compatible neonatal incubator with a high-sensitivity neonatal head coil. Cortical gyration was measured quantitatively as the ratio of gyral height to width on the volumetric MR images in four regions bilaterally (superior frontal, superior occipital, precentral, and postcentral gyri). Mean diffusivity (D(av)), fractional anisotropy (FA-the fraction of D(av) that is anisotropic), and the three DTI eigenvalues (components of diffusivity radial and tangential to the pial surface of cortex) were measured in the same cortical regions. Cortical gyration scores, FA, and radial diffusivity were all significantly correlated with EGA (P 0.05) was found between DTI parameters and cortical gyration beyond their common association with estimated gestational age. Pre- and postcentral gyri had significantly lower anisotropy than the superior occipital and superior frontal gyri (P 0.05).
Albendazole: placebo-controlled study in 870 patients with intestinal helminthiasis

A total of 870 patients, both males and females, from 3 to 79 years old, received either albendazole or a placebo for the treatment of nematode and cestode infections. Each patient was interviewed and underwent a complete physical examination on the initial visit. In addition, complete blood count, clinical blood chemistry values and routine urinalysis were performed before and at least 24 hours after the last treatment. Stool examinations were performed before, 7 and 21 days after treatment. Direct examination, an egg count using the Kato technique and faecal concentration were carried out for each patient. In ancylostomiasis and strongyloidiasis, faeces were cultured by the Harada-Mori technique. Albendazole, as a single 400 mg oral dose, was highly effective against Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura; efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis was observed after three consecutive days of treatment at the same daily dose level. Efficacy against Hymenolepis nana was fair. Based on both clinical signs and biological values, albendazole did not produce any significant side effects.
Socioeconomic Indicators and the Risk of Acute Coronary Heart Disease Events: Comparison of Population-Based Data from the United States and Finland

Purpose We wished to determine whether a gradient of association of low socioeconomic status with incidence of coronary heart disease was present in two population-based cohorts, one from United States and the other from Finland. Methods Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort and the Finnish FINRISK cohort, we estimated, with Cox proportional hazard regression models, incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), non-sudden cardiac death (NSCD), and non-fatal myocardial infarction (NFMI) for strata of income and education (follow-up: 1987–2001). In both cohorts, incidence rates of the three outcomes increased across all socioeconomic status exposure categories. Results Low education was associated with increased hazard of NFMI in both cohorts and with increased risk of SCD among ARIC women. Low income was significantly associated with increased hazard of all three outcomes among ARIC women and with increased hazard of cardiac death among ARIC men. In FINRISK, low income was significantly associated with increased risk of SCD only. Risk of SCD in the low income categories was similar for both cohorts. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and race (ARIC only) did not appreciably alter effect estimates in either cohort. Conclusions Indices of low SES show similar associations with increased risk of cardiac events in Finland and in United States.
Salivary gland apyrase in black flies (Simulium vittatum)

Abstract Apyrase enzyme activity was demonstrated in the salivary glands of a colonized strain of Simulium vittatum . Activity was maximum (8.5 ± 0.7 mU/pair of gland equivalents) at pH 8.0, with ADP as substrate and Ca 2+ as the divalent cation. Activity was minimal in newly emerged females (1.6 ± 0.5 mU/pair of gland equivalents) but increased by 48 h. Activity in male salivary glands was marginally detectable (0.7 ± 0.8 mU/pair of gland equivalents), even 72 h after emergence. When newly emerged females were maintained at 4°C, salivary apyrase activity accumulated at a slow rate. Transferring females to warmer temperatures increased the rate of apyrase accumulation, but 27°C did not yield greater activity than 20°C. Apyrase activity was decreased when females engorged on whole bovine blood or on a simulated blood meal. Activity remained low 6 h after feeding, but increased to prefeeding levels by 48 h. During the second, anautogenous gonotrophic cycle, apyrase activity was not greater than during the first, autogenous gonotrophic cycle. Apyrase activity was not related to long term colonization as total salivary gland apyrase activity and pH profile in wild S. vittatum was not different from colonized S. vittatum .
The effects of crack tip plastic flow directions upon microscopic dimple shapes

Precision matching of fracture surfaces formed by microvoid coalescence has shown that mating dimples seldom have identical shapes. The differences in shapes has been used to indicate the differences in plastic flow on either side of the crack tip during crack growth, and this in turn has been used to give preliminary indications of the stress directions and relative magnitudes at the crack tip. The differences in dimple shapes caused by fracture Modes I, IIand combinations of these are discussed. Eight modes of microvoid coalescence have been found. Two new modes are introduced. Six more are predicted.
Diagnostic criteria for Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Purpose To propose criteria for the diagnosis of Graves' ophthalmopathy. Methods We reviewed the evolution of nomenclature describing Graves' ophthalmopathy and the diagnostic schema used in key published reports. Results A laboratory test or clinical finding pathognomonic for Graves' ophthalmopathy currently is not available or recognized. Extant diagnostic criteria may exclude appropriate cases. Conclusions Graves' ophthalmopathy is considered to be present if eyelid retraction occurs in association with objective evidence of thyroid dysfunction or abnormal regulation, exophthalmos, optic nerve dysfunction, or extraocular muscle involvement. The ophthalmic signs may be unilateral or bilateral, and confounding causes must be excluded. If eyelid retraction is absent, then Graves' ophthalmopathy may be diagnosed only if exophthalmos, optic nerve involvement, or restrictive extraocular myopathy is associated with thyroid dysfunction or abnormal regulation and if no other cause for the ophthalmic feature is apparent.
Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals light shutter driven by surface acoustic wave

We present the realization of an optical shutter based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) and surface acoustic wave (SAW). The SAW is used to induce acoustic streaming within the PDLC sample to re-orientate the LC molecules inside the LC droplets perpendicular to the substrate from radial alignment. This reversible reorientation will change the light transmission through the sample. Experimental results show that such acoustic based reorientation is the main factor for the optical shutter effect. The optimized switching-on and switching-off times are 14 s and 5 s respectively, under the applied acoustic power of 36dBm.
Myoglobin extraction from mammalian skeletal muscle and oxygen affinity determination under physiological conditions

An accurate determination of myoglobin (Mb) oxygen affinity (P50) can be difficult due to hemoglobin (Hb) contamination and autoxidation of Mb to metMb which is incapable of binding oxygen. To reduce Mb autoxidation, P50 is often measured at refrigerated temperatures. However, the temperature dependent shift in Mb oxygen affinity results in a greater oxygen affinity (lower P50) at colder temperatures than occurs at physiological temperature (ca. 37-39°C) for birds and mammals. Utilizing the temperature dependent pH shift of Tris buffer, we developed novel methods to extract Mb from vertebrate muscle samples and remove Hb contamination while minimizing globin autoxidation. Cow (Bos taurus) muscle tissue (n=5) was homogenized in buffer to form a Mb solution, and Hb contamination was removed using anion exchange chromatography. A TCS Hemox Blood Analyzer was then used to quickly generate an oxygen dissociation curve for the extracted Mb. The oxygen affinity of extracted bovine Mb was compared to commercially available horse heart Mb. The oxygen affinity of extracted cow Mb (P50=3.72±0.16 mmHg) was not statistically different from commercially prepared horse heart Mb (P50=3.71±0.10 mmHg). With high yield Mb extraction and fast generation of an oxygen dissociation curve, it was possible to consistently determine Mb P50 under physiologically relevant conditions for endothermic vertebrates.
Seasonal and Depth Distribution of Limnocalanus Macrurus at a Site on Western Lake Superior

The life history stages of the relict calanoid, Limnocalanus macrurus Sars, were investigated relative to their seasonal occurrences and depth distribution at a site off the northern shore of Lake Superior in 1971. The copepodid stages most numerous were: I through IV prior to July, V in July, and VI in August and September. The male to female ratios of stages V and VI were 1:1.1 and 1:2.7 respectively. The length-weight regression for L. macrurus was: Log10 dry weight (μg) = 0.98 length (mm) – 0.79. As long as zooplankton samples were collected around midday, the majority of the L. macrurus copepodids of a specific stage preferred a particular depth and this depth increased as the stages matured. The contribution of L. macrurus to the crustacean zooplankton biomass varied according to depth. The zooplankton biomass reached its maximum volume at 5 meters in August and September. L. macrurus contributed little to the biomass at 5 meters, but played an increasingly greater role as depth increased. It was frequently found to be the most important component of the zooplankton at 40 and 50 meters.
DISTAL INTUSSUSCEPTION OF PROCESSUS VAGINALIS: A CAUSE OF ACUTE HYDROCELE

Acute obstruction of a patent processus vaginalis occurred in two boys, mimicking incarceration of an inguinal hernia. In fact, obstruction was caused by an in- tussusception of the processus vaginalis forming an intussuscipiens that occluded the hernia sac. This lesion, described previously in 1896 and in 1974, is one of the mecha- nisms by which an asymptomatic hernia or hydrocele becomes acutely symptomatic.