cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of palmar hyperhidrosis via questionnaire without physical examination

In order to determine the reliability of a self-administered instrument to diagnose excessive sweating conditions, including palmar hyperhidrosis (PH), we designed two successive questionnaires and compared responses with physical examination and sweat measurement in normal volunteers and a cohort of patients with documented PH. The reliable diagnosis of PH via questionnaire would enable molecular epidemiological studies without the need for physical examination or direct sweat measurement. Subjects self identified as either normal or affected by PH. Each completed one or both questionnaires and underwent physical examination. Sweat production from the thenar eminence and forehead was measured at rest and following mental/emotional stress. Correlation among sweat measurement, physical examination, and questionnaire score was assessed. Forty-seven subjects enrolled in the study, 29 of whom underwent sweat measurements. The participants’ perception of whether they were affected agreed with the examiner’s visual and tactile observation of PH in all cases (P < 0.0005). The mean peak sweat rate for those participants with PH was 1.59 mg/cm2/min, while that of the normal cohort was 0.37 mg/cm2/min (P = 0.001). The mean questionnaire #1 and #2 scores for those participants with PH and the normal cohort was 7.10 versus 0.36 (P = 0.0005) and 5.145 versus 0.045 (P = 0.0005), respectively. Peak sweat rate correlated with questionnaire score (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.723). Palmar hyperhidrosis can be accurately diagnosed via questionnaire. Molecular epidemiological studies of PH may be reliably conducted without the need for direct physical examination.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Wars, 2008-2009: Micro-geographies, Conflict Diffusion, and Clusters of Violence

A team of political geographers analyzes over 5,000 violent events collected from media reports for the Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts during 2008 and 2009. The violent events are geocoded to precise locations and the authors employ an exploratory spatial data analysis approach to examine the recent dynamics of the wars. By mapping the violence and examining its temporal dimensions, the authors explain its diffusion from traditional foci along the border between the two countries. While violence is still overwhelmingly concentrated in the Pashtun regions in both countries, recent policy shifts by the American and Pakistani governments in the conduct of the war are reflected in a sizeable increase in overall violence and its geographic spread to key cities. The authors identify and map the clusters (hotspots) of conflict where the violence is significantly higher than expected and examine their shifts over the two-year period. Special attention is paid to the targeting strategy of drone missile strikes...
Parathyroid hormone-related protein for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: defining the maximal tolerable dose.

Context: PTH is the only approved skeletal anabolic agent for the treatment of human osteoporosis. Unlike PTH, which is a mixed anabolic and catabolic agent, PTHrP displays features suggesting that it may be a pure anabolic agent when intermittently administered. The full dose range of PTHrP is unknown. Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to define the complete therapeutic window and dose-limiting toxicities of PTHrP. The secondary objective was to determine whether PTHrP retains a pure anabolic profile at the highest usable doses. Design: This was a single-blinded, two-part, dose-escalating clinical trial. Setting: The study was conducted in a university academic setting. Patients or Other Participants: Participants included 41 healthy postmenopausal women between the ages of 45 and 75 yr. Intervention: Interventions included PTHrP(1-36) or placebo in a dose-escalating design for 3 wk. Main Outcome Measures: Safety measures (hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, hemodynamics, flushing, miscella...
Weather satellites and the economic value of forecasts: evidence from the electric power industry

Abstract Data from weather satellites have become integral to the weather forecast process in the United States and abroad. Satellite data are used to derive improved forecasts for short-term routine weather, long-term climate change, and for predicting natural disasters. The resulting forecasts have saved lives, reduced weather-related economic losses, and improved the quality of life. Weather information routinely assists in managing resources more efficiently and reducing industrial operating costs. The electric energy industry in particular makes extensive use of weather information supplied by both government and commercial suppliers. Through direct purchases of weather data and information, and through participating in the increasing market for weather derivatives, this sector provides measurable indicators of the economic importance of weather information. Space weather in the form of magnetic disturbances caused by coronal mass ejections from the sun creates geomagnetically induced currents that disturb the electric power grid, sometimes causing significant economic impacts on electric power distribution. This paper examines the use of space-derived weather information on the U.S. electric power industry. It also explores issues that may impair the most optimum use of the information and reviews the longer-term opportunities for employing weather data acquired from satellites in future commercial and government activity.
Note on evolution in organismic theory

Abstract The possibility of applying the author's organismic theory, which centers on the so-called “principle of finite classes”, to evolutionary processes is quite briefly explored. Since any theory represents a set of propositions about properties of classes, a theory of evolution deals essentially with classes of classes: The individual members of the larger class are themselves classes, namely, the classes of taxonomy. It is emphasized here that the classes of taxonomy have extremely few (if any) properties in common with each other. This constitutes an intrinsic limitation on any theory of evolution, whether organismic or mechanistic. The bearing of limitations of this type, referring to necessary causation, is briefly discussed.
On-line analysis of aqueous aerosols by laser desorption ionization

Abstract In this work the effects of water on the laser desorption ionization mass spectra of single aerosol particles are explored. Aqueous aerosols are produced by passing dry particles through a humid environment so that they undergo deliquescent growth. Laser desorption ionization is performed at 248 nm. Water affects the mass spectra and ionization characteristics of the particles in several ways. Peaks derived from water appear and the number of cluster ions resulting from the solute decreases. In addition, aqueous particles exhibit a two- to four-fold higher threshold laser fluence, a lower total ion current at a comparable laser fluence, and less peak broadening at high laser fluences than their dry particle counterparts. Aqueous aerosols of three atmospherically important sulfur compounds are explored: methanesulfonic acid, the sodium salt of hydroxymethanesulfonate, and ammonium sulfate. These compounds can be distinguished on the basis of characteristic ions and peak area ratios.
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Liposomal Amphotericin B versus Voriconazole for Empirical Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia

Background: Liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) has demonstrated similar efficacy to conventional amphotericin B for antifungal treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia; however, it is not without toxicities and is associated with a high acquisition cost. Despite this high cost, LAmB has been shown to have a pharmacoeconomic advantage over less expensive agents. Voriconazole is a potential alternative for empirical antifungal treatment of febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to assess the economic outcomes of voriconazole versus LAmB in patients with fever and neutropenia. Methods: A decision analytical model was developed from a hospital perspective based on a 2-year (2002–2003) review of outcomes and prescribing practices in febrile neutropenic patients at a tertiary care medical centre. Literature reports and expert opinion were used to further populate the model. Sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulation enhanced the robustness of the model through variation of all probabilities and costs that populated the model. Results: Sixty-three cases were evaluated in the retrospective review. Thirty-two were initially given voriconazole and 31 were given LAmB. Patient demographic data were similar in each group. In the base case, patients initially given voriconazole displayed a 27% reduction in overall treatment cost over patients initially given LAmB ($US14 950 vs $US20 591). Sensitivity analysis determined that the cost advantage in the voriconazole arm was maintained over a wide range of costs and probabilities. Variance in the cost of nephrotoxicity and medication cost did not significantly alter results. Monte Carlo simulation determined the voriconazole arm to be the optimal path in 65% of cases. Conclusion: The decision model indicated that use of voriconazole as the preferred antifungal agent in adult haematology patients with febrile neutropenia should result in lower overall treatment costs relative to LAmB.
Seeing Like an Orientalist State: The Three Deaths of Neda Agha-Soltan

On June 20, 2009 one image became a symbol of violence, as well as a rallying cry for a movement that contested the disputed election of hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The image captured the murder of a 26 year old protester named Neda Agha-Soltan, and showed a first-hand account, in bloody detail, of the savagery of state killing. With the help of social media, the video received mass attention from news organizations in the United States by June 22, 2009. Cursory analysis of the New York Times and The Washington Post, representation of Neda’s death, reveals an Iranian government that was unafraid to violently repress a democratic movement. It is my contention here that such a construction was framed by an Orientalist discourse which helped to fabricate three distinct deaths of this murdered protester. First the lasting images of death became a symbol of freedom; Neda’s second death showed a grievable life, one that provided an emotional space for a US audience; and finally her third death which became a means of defining and (re)stabilizing Orientalized perceptions of Iran as violent and barbaric. Ultimately, these three deaths became an instrument that would help justify the call for US intervention on behalf of Western morality and humanitarian aid.
Computer-based brief motivational intervention for perinatal drug use

Computer-based brief motivational interventions may be able to reach a high proportion of at-risk individuals and thus have potential for significant population impact. The present studies were conducted to determine the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a computer-based brief motivational intervention (the motivation enhancement system, or MES). In Study 1, quantitative and qualitative feedback from 30 postpartum women and 17 women in treatment for drug use were used to modify the software. In Study 2, 50 urban postpartum women who reported drug use in the month before pregnancy completed the intervention and provided repeated within-session ratings of state motivation. In Study 3, 30 women were randomly assigned to intervention or control conditions with 1-month follow-up. Overall, women rated the MES as highly acceptable and easy to use and reported significant increases in state motivation at postintervention and at 1-month follow-up (d = .49). These preliminary results are encouraging and suggest that further work in this area is warranted.
Factors impacting all-cause mortality in prostate cancer brachytherapy patients with or without androgen deprivation therapy

Purpose Certain subsets of patients have an increased risk of all-cause mortality when androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used with definitive radiotherapy. We evaluated the relationship between pretreatment serum testosterone, age, and comorbidities on survival after prostate brachytherapy in men treated with and without ADT. Methods and Materials From October 2001 to September 2005, 803 patients underwent brachytherapy and 720 had a pretreatment serum testosterone. Comorbidities were prospectively recorded for each patient (body mass index > 30, hypertension, diabetes, current smoker). Median followup was 5.0 years. 34.2% of the patients received ADT. Focus was on subset of men who might be expected to have more significant side effects associated with ADT. Results ADT did not significantly impact overall survival (OS) in men 65 years, with one or no comorbidities, with more than one comorbidity, or with normal/high testosterone level. ADT use in men with low testosterone level was associated with decreased OS (83.6% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.01). The adverse impact of ADT in men with low testosterone level was restricted to men with low testosterone level and more than one comorbidity (OS of 71.3% vs. 92.8%, p < 0.01), with death from cardiovascular diseases accounting for almost all of the excess mortality. The subset of men with multiple comorbidities and normal/high testosterone level did not experience adverse OS with ADT. Conclusions Low pretreatment testosterone level may be a marker for men at increased risk of premature death with ADT. The combination of low pretreatment serum testosterone level and multiple preexisting comorbidities is associated with decreased OS when ADT is incorporated into treatment.
GLUCAGON TRIAL FOR PIGLET VERAPAMIL TOXICITY

Newborn swine have an increased sensitivity to verapamil induced cardiac depression. This connelates with the profound hypotension induced by verapamil in some infants, Glucagon has positive inotropic and chronotropic actions and affects cellular calcium channels. Therefore, glucagon's ability to reverse verapamil-induced hypotension in newborn swine was investigated. Fourteen piglets (<24 hrs old, mean wt 1.5 kg) had aortic catheters placed one day prior to study. Mean Aortic Pressure (MAP) was measured continuously during the study. Ionized calcium levels were drawn on all animals and then a bolus infusion of 300 ug/kg of verapamil was administered. Five control animals received no further therapy. Nine animals were given 1 mg glucagon boluses one minute following verapamil. Ionized calcium was 4.9 mg% or greater prior to the study (n1 = 4.1-5.1) in all animals. Verapamil induced hypotension in both groups. The average MAP fell from 66 to 56 mm Hg (17%) in the treatment group and from 70 to 61 (13%) the control. Heart rate (HR) also slowed both in the treatment group from a mean of 220 to 200 and in the controls from 200 to 180. Glucagon failed to reverse the hypotension in the nine treated animals (MAP 54 Treated, 63 Control). HR did not return to baseline (HR 190 Treated, 180 Control). Neither difference was statistically significant by analysis of convariance. Glucagon's cardiac effects peak at five minutes and the 1 mg dose fully saturates its receptors. Thus glucagon apparently lacks antagonism in the newborn swine for verapamil induced hypotension.
A comparison of two methods of training husbands to assist their wives with labor and delivery.

Abstract Several childbirth educators have recommended that expectant fathers engage in unstructured discussion groups during childbirth education classes. Behavioral ratings, questionnaires and structured interviews were used to compare a behaviorally explicit structured training group to an unstructured discussion group. The structured training was superior to discussion groups at helping fathers to be more able to deal with their wives' panic if it occurred during labor. Men who had structured training also thought it was more helpful and enjoyable than men who engaged in discussions. Furthermore, wives of men who had structured training felt more confident in their husbands as assistants with labor than wives of men in discussion groups. It was concluded that if childbirth educators intend to pay special attention to helping men assist their partners through labor and delivery, they should provide structured rather than unstructured training.
Lhermitte Duclos disease: a rare cause of posterior fossa mass.

A 57-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism, hysterectomy and depression presented to the emergency department (ED) with 3 months of progressive vertigo, ataxia and posterior headache. The patient denied fever, weight loss, vision difficulty or trauma. The patient was directed to the ED because of an abnormal outpatient MRI done earlier that day obtained by her family physician. The patient neither smoked nor drank alcohol. Her medications included: paroxetine, a multivitamin and thyroxine. Her family history was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed a well-developed woman in no apparent distress, alert and oriented. Her vital signs were normal, and physical examination was remarkable for: lateral nystagmus, dysdiadokokinesis and ataxia. Laboratory studies obtained in the ED including complete blood count, electrolytes and renal function were normal, and neurosurgical consultation was obtained. CT scan demonstrated a left cerebellar mass with coarse calcifications and mass effect on the fourth ventricle, with dilatation of the third and lateral ventricles. MRI demonstrated a large, minimally enhancing cerebellar mass with a striated
A Simplified Derivation of Frei's Histogram Hyperbolization for Image Enhancement

Frei has recently introduced a new technique (histogram hyperbolization) for image enhancement by the manipulation of the picture brightness levels. An alternative derivation of Frei's result, both simpler and more general, is presented.
Anatomical evidence for genetic differences in the innervation of the rat spinal cord by noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons

Pontospinal noradrenergic neurons located in the A5, A6 (locus coeruleus, LC), and A7 cell groups are the major source of the noradrenergic innervation of the spinal cord. We have recently examined the specific terminations of these three cell groups in the spinal cord and found that the LC provides the major noradrenergic innervation of the ventral horn, while the A7 and A5 cell groups innervate the dorsal horn and intermediate zone, respectively. However, the results of similar experiments from another laboratory have shown that noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus primarily innervate the dorsal horn, while the A5 and A7 innervate the intermediate zone and the ventral horn. These conflicting results may be due to fundamental genetic differences between the rats used in our experiments (Sasco Sprague-Dawley) and those used by the other laboratory (Harlan Sprague-Dawley). This possibility was examined by determining the projections of coeruleospinal neurons in these two rat substrains using the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin. The results indicate that in Sasco rats the LC neurons project through the ipsilateral ventromedial funiculus and terminate almost exclusively in the medial part of laminae VII and VIII, the motoneuron pool of lamina IX, and lamina X. In contrast, LC neurons in Harlan rats project bilaterally through the superficial dorsal horn and the dorsolateral funiculus and terminate most heavily in dorsal horn laminae I–IV. In addition, the LC neurons of Sasco rats innervate cervical spinal cord segments more densely than lumbar spinal cord segments, while in Harlan rats the lumbar spinal cord is more densely innervated than the cervical spinal cord. These results indicate that the projections of coeruleospinal neurons in Sasco rats are fundamentally different from those in Harlan rats and suggest that moradrenergic LC neurons may have different physiological functions in these two rat substrains.
Quantum Confined Stark Shift and Ground State Optical Transition Rate in [100] Laterally Biased InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots

The atomistic tight binding simulator NEMO 3-D has previously been validated against the experimental data for quantum dots, wells, and wires in the InGaAlAs and SiGe material systems. Here, we demonstrate our new capability to compute optical matrix elements and transition strengths in tight binding. Systematic multi-million atom electronic structure calculations explore the quantum confined stark shift and the ground state optical transition rate for an electric field in the lateral (100) direction. The simulations treat the strain in a ~15 million atom system and the electronic structure in a subset of ~9 million atoms. The effects of the long range strain, the optical polarization anisotropy, the interface roughness, and the non- degeneracy of the p-states which are missing in continuum methods like effective mass approximation or kp are included. A significant red shift in the emission spectra due to an applied in- plane electric field indicating a strong quantum confined stark effect (QSCE) is observed. The ground state optical transition rate rapidly decreases with the increasing electric field magnitude due to reduced spatial overlap of ground electron and hole states.
Evolution of Populus nigra (sect. Aigeiros): introgressive hybridization and the chloroplast contribution of Populus alba (sect. Populus).

Restriction site variation in chloroplast DNA and nuclear ribosomal DNA was examined in 16 accessions from the Salicaceae comprising ten species of Populus and one outgroup species of Salix. Forty-nine restriction site mutations in the chloroplast DNAs were used to generate one most parsimonious phylogenetic tree. This tree indicates that all varieties of P. nigra (black poplars of sect. Aigeiros) have a chloroplast genome, maternally inherited, derived from the clade including the white poplars (P. alba and segregate species of sect. Populus) and divergent from the American cottonwoods of their own section. Twenty-one restriction site mutations in the nuclear ribosomal DNAs generated a single most parsimonious phylogenetic tree that indicates that the nucleargenome ofP. nigra is distinct from both the white poplars and American cottonwoods. The incongruity of these independent molecular phylogenies provides evidence for an unusual origin of the black poplars. Populus alba or its immediate ancestor acted as the maternal parent in a hybridization event with the paternal lineage of P. nigra. Subsequent backcrosses to the paternal species gave rise to the extant P. nigra with a chloroplast genome of P. alba and the nuclear genome of the paternal species. These hybridization and introgression events must have pre-dated the divergence of the black poplar varieties. The biphyletic nature of the P. nigra genomes suggests that dependency on one class of molecular or morphological markers or the merging of the two kinds of data sets to derive accurate estimates of true phylogenies could be misleading in plants.
Gamma-Rays from Lithium Bombarded with Protons

In a previous letter to the Physical Review (1) we reported the production of neutrons by the bombardment of lithium chloride with hydrogen ions. The measurements were made with an ionization chamber lined with paraffin and enclosed in a lead cylinder of 5 cm wall thickness.
Sodium orthovanadate effect on outflow facility and intraocular pressure in live monkeys

Abstract Sodium orthovanadate (Na 3 VO 4 ) is reported to reduce IOP by affecting aqueous formation, but whether it also affects outflow facility (OF) is unclear. We tested the effect of Na 3 VO 4 on OF and intraocular pressure (IOP) in live cynomolgus monkeys, and on actin and cell adhesion organization in cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Total OF ( n = 12) was measured by 2-level constant pressure perfusion of the monkey anterior chamber (AC) before and after exchange with 1 mM Na 3 VO 4 or vehicle in opposite eyes. Topical 1% Na 3 VO 4 or vehicle only was given twice daily (each 2 × 20 μL drops) for 4 days to opposite eyes ( n = 8), and Goldmann IOP was measured before and hourly after treatment for 6 h on Days 1 and 4. Filamentous actin and vinculin-containing cell adhesions were examined by epifluorescence microscopy after the cells had been incubated with 1 mM Na 3 VO 4 for 24 h. A) In monkeys, Na 3 VO 4 increased OF by 29.3 ± 8.8% (mean ± s.e.m.) over the perfusion interval when adjusted for baseline and contralateral eye washout ( p = 0.01; n = 12). B) Day 1 baseline IOP was 16.2 ± 1.5 mmHg in treated eyes and 15.9 ± 1.3 mmHg in the contralateral control eyes. Following treatment on Day 1, IOP was no different ( p > 0.05) between treated eyes and control eyes at any time-point or compared to baseline. Day 4 mean IOP averaged over hours 2-6 was 13.5 ± 0.8 mmHg in treated eyes and 16.1 ± 0.2 mmHg in control eyes. Treated eye IOP was lower than its Day 4 baseline ( p p = 0.009), and lower than the Day 1 baseline ( p = 0.0000). Control eye IOP on Day 4 was not significantly different from baseline on Day 1. C) Incubation of HTM cells with 1 mM Na 3 VO 4 for 24 h caused a loss of actin stress fibers and vinculin-containing adhesions. Cell retraction and separation was also observed in vanadate-treated cultures. Reformation of actin stress fibers, vinculin-containing adhesions and confluent monolayers occurred within 24 h after Na 3 VO 4 -containing culture medium was replaced with Na 3 VO 4 -free medium. Ocular administration of Na 3 VO 4 to live monkeys significantly increases OF and reduces IOP. Na 3 VO 4 reversibly disrupts actin and cell adhesion organization and causes retraction and separation of cultured HTM cells. Na 3 VO 4 increases pressure-dependent outflow in live monkeys. Altered actin architecture in the TM may play a part in this increased OF.
TIME-TO-BUILD EFFECTS AND THE TERM STRUCTURE

This paper shows that real macroeconomic variables have power to predict movements in the term structure of interest rates. This complements recent evidence that links the term structure to expected stock returns. We find that up to 86 percent of the variation in the term premia are due to the changes in macroeconomic variables. The predictive power can be attributed to the time-to-build effect of investments.
Consequences of the Sicilian Gambit

The Sicilian Gambit states that arrhythmias are complex, having multiple causes. Further, any arrhythmia may be contributed to by a vulnerable parameter or parameters, the modification of which may prevent initiation, may terminate andlor may modify the rate of arrhythmia. It also states that the sites of the drug action include such diverse targets as channels, receptors, and second messenger systems. The Gambit is not a classification system. It stresses the complexity of drug molecules and their interactions with targets and arrhythmias, considering each drug as an individual molecule. Hence, it provides a data base of information that is readily accessible to the clinician or the investigator, thereby facilitating understanding and more enlightened decision-making with respect to therapy and drug development. The major obstacle to the Gambit's acceptance has resided in its complexity; however, this merely reflects what is a very complex field. Moreover, it is the investigators' belief that until we are ready to contend with the diverse mechanisms for arrhythmias and the ever more diverse targets for drug action we will not be able to prevent and treat arrhythmias pharmacologically in consistently satisfactory fashion.
Producing and Consuming Chemicals: The Moral Economy of the American Lawn

The burgeoning application of fertilizers and pesticides to residential lawns, which has begun to offset the gains made in reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture, represents a serious environmental hazard in the United States and elsewhere. Increased use and purchase occur specifically among a sector of consumers who explicitly and disproportionately acknowledge the risks associated with chemical deposition, moreover, and who express concern about the quality of water and human health. What drives the production of monocultural lawns in a period when environmental consciousness has encouraged “green” household action (e.g., recycling)? And why does the production of chemical externalities occur among individuals who claim to be concerned about community family and environment? In this article, we explore the interactions that condition and characterize the growth of intensive residential yard management in the United States. We argue that the peculiat growth and expansion of the moral economy of the lawn is the product of a threefold process in which (1) the lawn-chemical industry has implemented new and innovative styles of marketing that (2) help to produce an association of community, family and environmental health with intensive turf-grass aesthetics and (3) reflect an increasing local demand by consumers for anthentic experiences of community, family, and connection to the nonhuman biological world through meaningful work.
Exercise-Induced Hypertension, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Coronary Artery Disease in a Marathon Runner

Aerobic activity performed on a regular basis is 1 of several lifestyle recommendations endorsed to reduce risk of coronary disease. However, 1 potential concern of arduous aerobic activity is exercise-induced hypertension. This is the first case to our knowledge, of accelerated coronary calcification in an otherwise asymptomatic middle-aged male marathon runner devoid of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. As a consequence of exercise-induced hypertension and associated oxidative stress, improvement of endothelial dysfunction occurred after antioxidant supplementation. In conclusion, vigorous aerobic activity in susceptible individuals may promote oxidative stress and coronary atherosclerosis.
Transition to effect algebras

An account is given of the recent development of the theory of effect algebras, their connection with partially ordered abelian groups, and their use for the mathematical representation of fuzzy or unsharp events. We submit an annotated list of important open problems, appropriate research projects, and unresolved philosophical issues engendered by the developing theory.
Using Self Reports to Measure Program Impact

Abstract In order to demonstrate success, pregnancy prevention programs must show that their participants have changed their behavior. Accurately measuring levels of sexual activity and contraceptive use are important to determining program efficacy. These measures can be reliably obtained, but careful attention must be given to what is measured and how. In this paper, based on our experience conducting the National Survey of Adolescent Males, we offer several guidelines for measuring program effects on behavior. Successful evaluations should accurately describe program participants, including who is being targeted, who has participated in other programs, and who has already engaged in the behaviors that the program is intended to prevent; measure program outcomes by program logic and goals; employ research protocols that ensure strict confidentiality and the effective administration of surveys; and double-check responses to see that they correlate with other available evidence.
Lymphangioma of the kidney: A pathologic entity distinct from solitary multilocular cyst

A case of primary renal lymphangioma is reported. This represents the first documented example of such a lesion confirmed by immunocytochemical and ultrastructural studies. Whereas previously regarded as synonymous terms, the recognition of lymphangioma as a pathologic entity distinct from solitary multilocular cyst of the kidney appears warranted. Although rare, lymphangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multicystic lesions of the kidney.
Critical behavior in fluids and fluid mixtures

Abstract The presence of large fluctuations near a critical point leads to thermodynamic anomalies not present in classical, i.e., analytic equations, such as that of van der Waals. We introduce the concepts of universality, critical exponents, scaling laws, “field” and “density” variables, “strong” and “weak” directions. Experimental evidence for the presence of nonclassical critical behavior in fluids and fluid mixtures is presented. A scaled thermodynamic potential represents the thermodynamic data of steam, ethylene and isobutane accurately. It is valid up to 1.07 T c , and within ±30% from ρ c . Methods for joining it to an analytic equation are discussed. The generalization to a nonclassical description of fluid mixtures is described, and applications are given. The engineer may require the nonclassical description in custody transfer, design of supercritical power cycles and supercritical extraction. The classical approach is used here to explain peculiarities of dilute mixtures recently reported by several experimenters.
The Decline and Revival of Liberal Learning at Duke: The Focus and Gerst Programs

Small programs can make a big difference on college campuses. At Duke University, a few dedicated people, with the support of college administrators, exploited the all-too-evident liabilities of curriculum fragmentation, political correctness, and the lack of direction felt by undergraduate students to create intellectually valuable and stimulating new offerings. Russell Nieli tells how the Gerst and Focus programs have influenced that university and others across America.
Differences in apolipoproteins and low-density lipoprotein subfractions in postmenopausal women on and off estrogen therapy: results from the Framingham Offspring Study.

Abstract The use of estrogens by postmenopausal women has been associated with reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in some studies, possibly due to favorable effects of estrogens on plasma lipoproteins. In order to examine such effects, we studies 180 postmenopausal women from the Framingham Offspring Study, selected by type of menopause (natural or oophorectopic) and estrogen use. We determined fasting plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and B concentrations, as well as LDL particle size (LDL 1 to LDL 6). Apo A-I levels were significantly ( P P P P
Method for the Quantitation of Myocardial Perfusion During Myocardial Contrast Two-Dimensional Echocardiography

This article describes the hardware and software. components of two systems designed for quantitative analysis of data obtained during myocardial contrast two-dimensional echocardiography. One system is meant for off-line analysis of data, whereas the other is designed for on-line analysis, especially in the operating room. The algorithms used for data transfer, selection of appropriate frames, data alignment, derivation of time-intensity plots, and curve-fitting and parameter generation are described in some detail. It is hoped that this information will be of use to others who work in the field of myocardial perfusion imaging.
Growth rates and the salinity response of an Antarctic ice microflora community

An ice microflora community collected from the bottom of seasonal pack-ice off the Amery Ice Shelf, Antarctica, was grown at salinities which varied from 11.5‰ to 34‰. The response exhibited by the community and by individual species was characterized by an initial lag phase-adaptation period followed by a short period of exponential growth. Doubling rates based on changes in chlorophyll a had a range from 0.05 to 0.23 day-1 during the time required to reach maximum chlorophyll a concentration and a range of 0.04 to 0.42 day-1 during a period of exponential growth. Exponential growth rates of individual species ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 doublings day-1. Growth occurred at all salinities above 11.5‰. Community growth rates increased with increasing salinity, and the growth-salinity response of most species was shifted toward higher salinities suggesting that this Antarctic ice microalgal community was adapted to the ambient salinity regime: 34‰.
Natural killer cells: multifaceted players with key roles in hepatitis C immunity

Natural killer cells (NKs) are involved in every stage of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, from protection against HCV acquisition and resolution in the acute phase to treatment-induced clearance. In addition to their direct antiviral actions, NKs are involved in the induction and priming of appropriate downstream T-cell responses. In the setting of chronic HCV, overall NK cell levels are decreased, subset distribution is altered, and changes in NK receptor (NKR) expression have been demonstrated, although the contribution of individual NKRs to viral clearance or persistence remains to be clarified. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity accompanied by insufficient interferon-γ production may promote liver damage in the setting of chronic infection. Treatment-induced clearance is associated with activation of NK cells, and it will be of interest to monitor NK cell responses to triple therapy. Activated NK cells also have anti-fibrotic properties, and the same hepatic NK cell populations that are actively involved in control of HCV may also be involved in control of HCV-associated liver damage. We still have much to learn, in particular: how do liver-derived NKs influence the outcome of HCV infection? Do NK receptors recognize HCV-specific components? And, are HCV-specific memory NK populations generated?
Hands-on projects to introduce Electrical and Computer Engineering

Microcontrollers are low-cost, dedicated computer chips that are found in a wide variety of consumer products and commercial applications. With the availability of low-cost development kits with easy-to-use programming interfaces, projects were developed to provide a hands-on introduction to the hardware interfacing and software development of microcontrollers for simple applications. The intended audience of the projects is first- or second- year students with little or no experience with microcontrollers, programming, or electronics. Students construct the electronic interfaces and drivers of basic I/O devices and program a simple 8-pin microcontroller in the C programming language to control the I/O of various projects. The projects involve sequencing of lights, synthesis of sound, motor speed control, and sensor interfacing. The projects have been successfully tested over the last two years in our one-credit Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering course, taken by all first-semester Electrical and Computer Engineering sophomores; and, more recently, they are serving as the laboratory-component of our freshmen year Engineering and Programming Applications course.
APPLYING ASSOCIATION MINING TO CHANGE PROPAGATION

A software system evolves as changes are made to accommodate new features and repair defects. Software components are frequently interdependent, so changes made to one component can result in changes having to be made to other components to ensure that the system remains consistent; this is called change propagation. Accurate detection of change propagation is essential for software maintenance, which can be aided by accurate prediction of change propagation. In this paper, we study change propagation in three leading open-source software products: Linux, FreeBSD, and Apache HTTP Server. We use association rules-based data-mining techniques to detect change-propagation rules from the product version history. These rules are evaluated with respect to different training data sets and different test data sets. We discuss the applicability of using association-rule mining for change propagation, and several related issues. We find that a challenging issue in association-rule mining, concept drift, exists in software systems. Concept drift complicates the task of change-propagation prediction and requires special approaches, different from currently-used techniques for predicting change propagation.
French unemployment: A transatlantic perspective

French unemployment Why France and the USA are alike The paper compares the French and US labour markets. It shows that differences in unemployment rates are especially acute for young and old workers, but appear to be negligible for middle‐aged workers. All French workers, however, experience job flows that are quite distinct from their American counterparts as they are exposed to long spells of infrequent unemployment, which is the opposite to the US case. Critical differences across ages and skills regarding the patterns of exit from and entry into employment are also displayed. The paper dispels the view that these differences originate from the behaviour of the unemployed (or the set of institutions that guide their decisions), and that this is new to the French labour market. — Daniel Cohen, Arnaud Lefranc and Gilles Saint-Paul
“It's hard enough to deal with all the abuse issues”: Child welfare workers' experiences with intimate partner violence on their caseloads

Abstract Child welfare caseworkers (N = 19) were asked to discuss their experiences working with families experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). The workers revealed that they found these cases particularly challenging, they had a difficult time collaborating with both battered women's services and law enforcement on these cases, and they lacked the training and education that they needed to understand and intervene when IPV was present. Workers talked about their fears for their own safety and discussed how their practice is impacted when they personally know a victim and/or perpetrator of IPV. The interviews also revealed a somewhat limited understanding of the impact of child exposure to IPV. Findings have important implications for the training and education of child welfare caseworkers, and highlight the important of improved cross-system collaboration when working with multi-problem families.
Simple and convenient one-pot synthesis of cyclooctatetraene

Abstract Cyclooctatetraene is readily synthesized by the oxidation of in situ generated [Li(TMEDA)]2[C8H8] with 1,2-dibromoethane. The product is readily isolated and produced without the use of hazardous or toxic reagents.
Controlled release of bioactive transforming growth factor beta-1 from fibrin gels in vitro.

This study analyzed the ability of fibrin gels to deliver added recombinant transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) in a controlled manner and biologically active form. First, the effects of the amount of TGF-β1 on the release kinetics were analyzed using a single fibrin gel formulation (fibrinogen complex (FC) at 25 mg/mL, thrombin at 2 IU/mL). Then, the effects of FC and thrombin concentrations were analyzed. Finally, to test the biological activity of the released TGF-β1 from the gels, medium supernatants taken from gels at day 3 were used as culture medium for human mesenchymal stem cell (HMSC) monolayers. Cell proliferation was analyzed after staining with calcein dye, and changes in cell morphology were observed under fluorescence microscopy at days 1, 4, and 7. At day 7, HMSC chondrogenic differentiation was assessed by Alcian Blue staining and osteogenic differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin Red staining. Results showed that TGF-β1 added to fibrin gels was gradually rele...
Optimal Linear Fitting for Objective Determination of Ocean Mixed Layer Depth from Glider Profiles

Abstract A new optimal linear fitting method has been developed to determine mixed layer depth from profile data. This methodology includes three steps: 1) fitting the profile data from the first point near the surface to a depth using a linear polynomial, 2) computing the error ratio of absolute bias of few data points below that depth versus the root-mean-square error of data points from the surface to that depth between observed and fitted data, and 3) finding the depth (i.e., the mixed layer depth) with maximum error ratio. Temperature profiles in the western North Atlantic Ocean over 14 November–5 December 2007, collected from two gliders (Seagliders) deployed by the Naval Oceanographic Office, are used to demonstrate the capability of this method. The mean quality index (1.0 for perfect determination) for determining mixed layer depth is greater than 0.97, which is much higher than the critical value of 0.8 for well-defined mixed layer depth with that index.
“TAP-IN” to strategic and tactical intelligence in the sales and marketing functions

This article describes the results of a benchmarking study of mechanisms used in corporate CI operations to coordinate strategic and tactical intelligence for sales and marketing. The American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) sponsored the study, for which the authors served as subject-matter experts. The objective was to identify a set of mechanisms that establish a conceptual and operational integration of strategic and tactical intelligence. In-depth case studies of five best-practice companies (Amoco, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dow Chemical, Met Life, and SBC), supplemented with quantitative surveys from an additional nine firms, provided the study data. The findings show that best-practice firms use a set of five coordinating mechanisms that the authors label TAP-IN™: (1) Teams, (2) CI human-resource job design and Allocation, (3) the Planning process, (4) Interaction (dialogue), and (5) human intelligence Networks. The use of these five mechanisms in tandem provides a sophisticated means of coordinating strategic and tactical intelligence in the sales and marketing functions and throughout the firm. All of the companies in the sample used the TAP-IN mechanisms to some degree. The data reveal a relationship between the number of mechanisms used by a company and the overall effectiveness of the coordination process. For instance, Dow Chemical and Amoco used all five mechanisms. These two companies also reported they were able to achieve coordination between strategic and tactical intelligence to a very high degree. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Polarizations and assignments of transitions: The method of photoselection

Abstract An outline is given of the theory which underlies the concept of the polarization of an electronic transition. Nuclear coordinate dependent electronic functions are employed to bring out the significance of “mixed polarization” in an electronic absorption or emission band. Brief attention is given to various techniques for obtaining polarizations of transitions. A detailed discussion is reserved for the method here called photoselection. This method includes, for example, polarized emission studies and polarized photochemistry. The theory underlying the method is outlined and critically discussed. A table of ideal orientation ratios for a variety of conditions is presented. Practical application of the theory is examined and it is shown how (and under what conditions) it is possible to relate gross observations to intrinsic molecular anisotropy of absorption (or emission). Two specific examples are analyzed, one involving polarized emission, the other polarized photochemistry. Finally, it is shown how when polarization of phosphorescence and fluorescence measurements are made together, additional information can be provided with regard to anisotropy in absorption which is not available when only one of the two types of measurements is made. Comments regarding the variety of applications of photoselection are offered.