cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Possum and the “creating critick”: Eliot's collaboration with John Hayward

When Eliot's friend and eventual roommate of over a decade, John Hayward, signed his lengthy letter of 1 August 1941 responding to Eliot's first draft of “Little Gidding,” he chose a rather curious way of doing so: “ Love from yr. old creating critick: John ” ( CFQ 236). That self-characterization follows the lead of Eliot's essays, which conceive of the critical, editorial act as a creative one. Part of Eliot's intent in early collections like The Sacred Wood to reestablish criticism as a professional calling equal in stature to that of creative writing was motivated by the belief that the time had come to offer a counterpoint to the Romantic exaltation of the poet. But that valuation of the critical faculty also arose out of Eliot's conception of the creative process in collaborative terms. He understood that the contributions of auditors had always helped give shape to his work by providing personal encouragement and critical direction. Yet Hayward's self-representation in the 1941 letter is somewhat uncharacteristic, for he usually portrayed himself in modest terms when writing Eliot, tended to downplay his own critical faculties, and elevated the text above the personalities involved in the collaborative discussion. Even in the letter cited above, Hayward begins his comments by calling into question the usefulness of his perceptions: “whatever critical faculty I possess is momentarily distempered by the work it has [had] to do in the past fortnight” (234).
PAMSCOD: Platoon-based arterial multi-modal signal control with online data

A unified platoon-based mathematical formulation called PAMSCOD is presented to perform arterial (network) traffic signal control while considering multiple travel modes in a vehicle-to-infrastructure communications environment. First, a headway-based platoon recognition algorithm is developed to identify pseudo-platoons given probe vehicles’ online information. It is assumed that passenger vehicles constitute a significant majority of the vehicles in the network. This algorithm identifies existing queues and significant platoons approaching each intersection. Second, a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) is solved to determine future optimal signal plans based on the current traffic controller status, online platoon data and priority requests from special vehicles, such as transit buses. Deviating from the traditional common network cycle length, PAMSCOD aims to provide multi-modal dynamical progression (MDP) on the arterial based on the probe information. Microscopic simulation using VISSIM shows that PAMSCOD can easily handle two common traffic modes, transit buses and automobiles, and significantly reduce delays for both modes under both non-saturated and oversaturated traffic conditions as compared to traditional state-of-practice coordinated-actuated signal control with timings optimized by SYNCHRO.
Hyalinizing Trabecular Tumor

The hyalinizing trabecular tumor—or “adenoma,” as it originally was described by Carney in 1987, can mimic medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma. This unique tumor occurs more commonly in females and over a broad age range (27–72 years; mean, 46 years). These tumors originally were diagnosed as carcinoma, adenoma, paraganglioma, or “indeterminate.” None of the tumors in the original series metastasized during 10 years of follow-up. Additional case reports and small series followed, with a few tumors showing capsular or vascular invasion. These tumors generally are not associated with BRAF or RAS mutations, but RET alterations have been reported. Whether this is sufficient for these tumors to be regarded as variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been controversial, as RET/PTC rearrangements are not specific for PTC. Some of the hyalinizing trabecular tumors with RET rearrangements were from thyroids that also had PTCs. Also, some have reported RET/PTC rearrangements in Hashimoto thyroiditis, although this is not corroborated by others.
Handgrip strength and malnutrition (undernutrition) in hospitalized versus nonhospitalized children aged 6-14 years.

BACKGROUND Diagnosing undernutrition in hospitalized pediatric populations is crucial to provide timely nutrition interventions. Handgrip strength (HGS), a measurement of muscle function, is a reliable indicator of undernutrition. However, limited research exists on HGS in hospitalized pediatric patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine if HGS differed between hospitalized children within 48 hours of admission and nonhospitalized children. A secondary purpose was to describe the association of HGS with height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), activity level, disease severity, nutrition risk, and nutrition intervention. METHODS One hundred nine hospitalized and 110 nonhospitalized patients aged 6-14 years participated in this cross-sectional nonequivalent control group design study. Weight, height, MUAC, and HGS were measured within 48 hours of hospital admission for the hospitalized group or immediately following a well-child visit for the control group. RESULTS Based on analysis of covariance, the HGS was estimated to be 12.4 ± 0.37 kgF (mean ± SE) for hospitalized subjects and 13.1 ± 0.37 for nonhospitalized subjects ( P = .2053). HGS was associated with age ( P < .0001), height ( P < .0001), dominant hand ( P < .0001), and MUAC z scores ( P = .0462). CONCLUSION HGS was not significantly different between hospitalized and nonhospitalized participants, although anthropometric measurements were similar between groups. A strong relationship was demonstrated between HGS and BMI and MUAC z scores. Further research is needed that examines serial HGS measurements, feasibility in hospitalized patients, and the association of HGS measurements and nutrition risk.
Diabetes and morbid obesity are associated with higher reoperation rates following microvascular decompression surgery: An ACS-NSQIP analysis.

Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the preferred treatment for refractory trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Despite its high rate of success, MVD carries risk of complications. In this study, we examine outcomes following MVD and identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods A review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was performed with CPT code 61458 queried between 2007 and 2014. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and 30-day outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of reoperation and adverse events. Results Five hundred and six craniotomies were studied. Nineteen (5.5%) instances of 30-day readmission were reported, with 14 (2.8%) patients returning to the operating room. No instances of death or hemorrhage requiring operation were reported. Morbid obesity (body mass index >40) (P = 0.030) and diabetes (P = 0.017) were associated with risk of reoperation. Age, operative time, and indication for surgery were not associated with significant differences in adverse events. Conclusions MVD is a common and effective procedure with a relatively safe profile and low 30-day risk of reoperation. Advanced age is not associated with worse outcomes. Obesity and diabetes, however, are associated with increased risk of reoperation and may warrant additional precautions.
Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of Older Adults Seeking Care in Ambulatory Urgent Care Clinics

Objectives: To determine the most common clinical conditions associated with older adults visiting Urgent care centers (UCCs) and the potential need for further resource use. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study. Setting: Nonprofit academic medical center with campuses and multiple satellite offices in Ohio and Florida. Participants: Individuals aged 55 and older who visited UCCs between August 2014 and March 2015 (N = 9,445; average age 63.1 ± 10.1, 64% female). Of those, 2,445 had at least one encounter within the same healthcare system within 30 days after the index visit and were included in our final analysis. Measurements: 30-day ED visits and hospitalizations. Results: Of the 2,445 patients, 578 (23.6%) visited the emergency department (ED) or were hospitalized, 974 (39.8%) returned to the UCC, and 895 (63.4%) visited their primary care physician's office. A significantly higher proportion (38.4%, n = 68/177) of individuals aged 85 and older visited the ED or were hospitalized within 30 days (P < .010) than of those younger than 65 (20.0%, n = 273/1,367). Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.15, P < .001), coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease (OR = 2.45 CI 1.95–3.09, P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or asthma (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.23–2.01, P < .001), polypharmacy (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.18–1.78, P = .004), and cognitive impairment (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.74–4.31, P < .010) were associated with higher rates of ED visits or hospitalizations within 30 days of the UCC visit. Conclusion: Older adults (especially those aged ≥85) and those with conditions such as polypharmacy and dementia are at higher risk of being hospitalized or visit the ED after seeking care at UCCs than younger adults and those without these conditions.
Student Transfer-Out Behavior at Four-Year Institutions

While abundant studies on college student departure exist, few studies focus on student transfer-out behaviors. One may reasonably believe that transfer students leave their institutions at different times for different reasons. Coupled with the national dataset, this study longitudinally investigated transfer students who left their initial 4-year institutions. Results suggest that student characteristics, such as race and family income, had varying effects on the timing of transfer. Social integration was found to have significant effects on reducing the likelihood of transfer.
Extracting Experimental Measurables from Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Membranes

Abstract Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a powerful computational tool for probing the atomic-scale details of phospholipid bilayer structure and dynamics. Careful validation of the simulations is a critical step if the simulator is to establish productive contact with the experimentalist. The most fruitful approach is to directly compare simulated properties that correspond to primary experimental data, rather than to experimentally reported values which themselves are based upon model assumptions. For example, in the case of X-ray scattering, the most common validating criterion is to compare simulated and experimental cross-sectional areas per lipid molecule, even though that parameter is not directly obtained from the primary scattering profile. Instead, one is better off directly comparing the scattering profiles themselves, which are easily obtained from simulation via the Fourier transform of the simulated electron density profile. Here, we describe a number of important instances in the literature in which this preferred approach has been taken. In particular, we outline both the history and algorithms for the extraction of experimentally measured low- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (which reflect the overall bilayer structure and lipid chain packing, respectively) and both 13C- and 31P-NMR relaxation rates (which reflect the chain and headgroup dynamics). Finally, we discuss the exciting future role of coarse-grained MD simulations in extending the accessible phenomena that can be simulated, with a prescription for how to maintain an intimate connection to experiment by way of reverse coarse-graining algorithms.
An extensive operations and maintenance planning problem with an efficient solution method

Abstract In this paper, we extend the formulation and solution algorithm of a Flight and Maintenance Planning (FMP) problem to cover a wider range of applications. We consider a general Operations and Maintenance Planning (OMP) case where machines are shared between multiple operation schedules as well as have multiple preventive maintenance activities. In this case, machines have different usage-based intervals and the maintenance duration varies for each machine. We formulate and optimize the OMP problem to accommodate the maintenance requirements and physical characteristics of multiple stations. We evaluate the performance of the generalized solution methodology and show its effectiveness and efficiency through computational experiments.
The Status of Serotonin-Selective Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Research performed during the past 20 years has shown that serotonin (5-hydroxytrypt-amine; 5-HT) neurotransmission is related to alcohol dependence. Both theoretical and empirical research have supported the idea that alcohol dependence is a chronic disease and that, in addition, biological vulnerabilities contribute to the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence. Preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated that there is a relationship between 5-HT function and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, there is evidence building that lends support for the existence of distinct alcoholic subtypes that may be differentiated by the type or complexity of their 5-HT dysfunction. Beyond excessive drinking, behaviors that are indicators of 5-HT dysregulation are depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, and early-onset problem drinking. This chapter will discuss the usefulness of 5-HT-selective pharmacotherapy in treating alcohol dependence and will provide both historical and current perspectives on its use.
Signal Transduction Pathways Modulate Androgen Receptor Transcriptional Activity

The development and maintenance of the prostate is dependent on the proper functioning of the androgen receptor (AR) in response to the androgenic steroids testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In addition to androgens, paracrine and autocrine regulation of cell growth by peptide growth factors and cytokines contribute to prostate homeostasis. Unlike steroid hormones, growth factors regulate cellular responses through binding to membrane tyrosine kinase receptors. Growth factor or cytokine binding initiates a phosphorylation cascade that ultimately results in phosphorylation of transcription factors or transcription factor interacting proteins. In the prostate, AR is among the transcription factors whose activity is influenced by signal transduction cascades and disruption of the normal interaction between signal transduction and AR transactivation may contribute to the progression of prostate cancer.
The Lived Coping Experiences of South Mississippi and New Orleans Clergy Affected by Hurricane Katrina: An Exploratory Study

Over seventy percent of Americans identify with some faith community and use their faith as a means to cope with life experiences, especially following disasters (Weaver, Flannelly, Garbarino, Figl...
THE ACTIONS OF RESERPINE ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS AND STORAGE OF CATECHOLAMINES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the actions of reserpine on the biosynthesis and storage of catecholamines. Male albino rabbits weighing between 1.5, and 2.5 kg were injected with reserpine, and at varying times thereafter were killed by a blow on the head. H3-tyrosine is rapidly converted to dopamine and noradrenaline in cow adrenal slices. About 40% of the total dopamine formed is found in the incubation medium. Approximately 30% of the β-OH amines formed is found in the incubation fluid. This large loss of newly formed amines can only be partly explained by deterioration of the slices, because a much smaller fraction of the total amines of the system are lost from the tissue. It appears that newly formed amines are more easily lost from the tissue slice than endogenous amines, because the specific activity of the s-OH amines in the medium exceeds that of the slice. Similar results were obtained when H3-DOPA was used as the amino acid precursor, except that the amount of H3-dopamine found in the medium was much greater than that found with H3-tyrosine.
Correlates of Substance Use Among American Indian/Alaska Native Adolescents

Substance use is a significant problem among American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents, but the risk and protective factors specific to this population are less well understood. We analyzed risk and protective factors for 30-day and lifetime use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana/hashish, and inhalants in a sample of 5912 AI/AN adolescents (43.85% female; mean age = 13.95 years). Results indicated that peer and family substance use, more favorable attitudes toward substance use, greater sensation-seeking, easier access to substances, and poor school performance were associated with increased odds of substance use. Living with both biological parents was associated with lower odds of substance use. Gender, religious service attendance, peer delinquent behavior, perceived maternal warmth, school opportunities for reward and prosocial involvement, school commitment, and community support were inconsistently related to substance use. These findings highlight the importance of addressing substance use among AI/AN adolescents at the sociodemographic, cultural, and psychological levels.
A Chromatin Basis for Cell Lineage and Disease Risk in the Human Pancreas.

Summary Understanding the genomic logic that underlies cellular diversity and developmental potential in the human pancreas will accelerate the growth of cell replacement therapies and reveal genetic risk mechanisms in diabetes. Here, we identified and characterized thousands of chromatin regions governing cell-specific gene regulation in human pancreatic endocrine and exocrine lineages, including islet β cells, α cells, duct, and acinar cells. Our findings have captured cellular ontogenies at the chromatin level, identified lineage-specific regulators potentially acting on these sites, and uncovered hallmarks of regulatory plasticity between cell types that suggest mechanisms to regenerate β cells from pancreatic endocrine or exocrine cells. Our work shows that disease risk variants related to pancreas are significantly enriched in these regulatory regions and reveals previously unrecognized links between endocrine and exocrine pancreas in diabetes risk.
Slew Merging Region Propagation for Bounded Slew and Skew Clock Tree Synthesis

Building clock trees for tight skew constraints of clock delivery networks is standard in the industry. Tight slew constraints of high-performance designs require post-processing techniques to satisfy slew constraints after clock tree synthesis (CTS). Post-processing adversely impacts the power dissipation. This paper proposes slew merging region CTS (SMRcts); a novel algorithm to satisfy bounded slew and skew constraints simultaneously during synthesis. Experimental results performed on International Symposium on Physical Design (ISPD) 2010 benchmarks using a 20-nm FinFET technology show an average reduction of 15% power over a bounded skew approach. Comparison to the ISPD 2010 CTS contest solutions in the literature shows SMRcts producing a 51% improvement in a utility metric. Scalability of SMRcts is demonstrated on ISPD 2013 benchmarks with up to 100k sinks.
Moving Counselor Educators to Influential Roles as Advocates: An Ecological Systems Approach to Student-Focused Advocacy

Counselor education has served as an instrumental root of professional advocacy intertwined with the history of counselor professional identity and values of client/student advocacy and social just...
THE FUTURE IN VIRAL IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the future in viral immunology and immunopathology. The outcome of the invasion of an organism by a virus depends essentially on the direction the infection takes. In the most favorable situation, defense mechanisms of the host overwhelm the intruder and apparently eliminate it; under less favorable conditions, the virus partially or totally circumvents this defense and either establishes a persistent infection or causes the death of the host. This latter course depends on the ability and alacrity of the virus to spread from cell to cell and from tissue to tissue, on its localization in a particular organ, and on its propensity to either destroy the cell through the process of virus replication, as in poliomyelitis infection, or by causing some dysfunction of the cell by still unknown mechanisms, as in rabies. Host-specific factors include a large array of nonspecific defense mechanisms that, operating jointly with specific immunological mechanisms, can result in the localization and elimination of the virus and virus-infected cells.
Cyclic Pattern of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Transient IOP Fluctuations in Nonhuman Primates Measured with Continuous Wireless Telemetry.

Purpose: Most studies on intraocular pressure (IOP) to monitor IOP “fluctuations” in glaucoma patients have been performed with snapshot tonometry techniques that obtain IOP measurements at single ...
HIGH RATE RESISTIVE PLATE CHAMBERS: AN INEXPENSIVE, FAST, LARGE AREA DETECTOR OF ENERGETIC CHARGED PARTICLES FOR ACCELERATOR AND NON-ACCELERATOR APPLICATIONS

Resistive Plate Chambers, or RPCs, have been used until recently as large area detectors of cosmic ray muons. They are now finding use as fast large-area trigger and muon detection systems for different high energy physics detectors such the L3 Detector at LEP and future detectors to be built at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) and at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.1,2 RPC systems at these accelerators must operate with high efficiency, providing nanosecond timing resolution in particle fluences up to a few tens of kHz/cm2 - with thousands of square meters of active area. RPCs are simple and cheap to construct.
Governing AI's Professional Advice

How should we govern professional advice given by artificial intelligence (AI)? The traditional professional-client or doctor-patient relationship is governed by a specific set of legal rules that constitute the legal framework of professional advice-giving. The goal of this legal framework is to ensure the client or patient receives reliable, comprehensive, and accurate advice in order to make important life decisions. But such a regime does not exist when AI gives professional advice. This article suggests that the first step in regulating professional AI should be to turn to the existing framework that regulates professional advice-giving. In focusing on the professional-client relationship, it foregrounds the regulatory access points at which the law can achieve the goal of ensuring good advice, whether rendered by humans or AI.
Factors Associated With Return Visits at 7 Days After Hospital Discharge.

OBJECTIVE: To identify variables associated with return visits to the hospital within 7 days after discharge. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 7-day revisits and readmissions between October 2012 and September 2015 using the Pediatric Health Information System database supplemented by electronic medical record data from a tertiary-care children’s hospital. We examined factors associated with revisits among the top 10 most frequent indications for hospitalization using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: There were 736 (4.2%) revisits and 416 (2.3%) readmissions within 7 days. Predictors of 7-day revisits and readmissions included age, length of hospital stay, and presence of a chronic medical condition. In addition, insurance status was associated with risk of revisits and race was associated with risk of readmissions in the bivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified patient characteristics that may be associated with a higher risk of early return to the emergency department and/or readmissions. Early identification of this at-risk group of patients may provide opportunities for intervention and enhanced care coordination at discharge.
Modification of cellulose nanocrystal surface chemistry with diverse nucleophiles for materials integration

As environmental concerns increase, the interest in using renewable sources for the creation of new materials also grows larger. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are an abundant feedstock that is rapidly rising in popularity to address these challenges. Light-weight and reinforced materials can be obtained through the integration of CNCs, but the field of nanocellulose lacks robust methods to modify the hydrophilic surface chemistry. To increase the utility of these renewable materials, a versatile strategy to modify CNC surfaces is presented that enables a wide range of molecules to be attached through straightforward nucleophilic substitution reactions. CNCs are first modified to introduce electrophilic α-bromoesters to the surface which allows nucleophilic displacement by a wide range of molecules that vary in hydrophobicity, functionality, and complexity. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated through the conjugation of fourteen different molecules derived from four distinct nucleophilic groups to CNCs, resulting in nanocrystals with high coverage and tunable surface properties. This modification route enables facile customization of the native CNC surface in which both the hydrophilicity and the charge state can be tailored to assist in materials integration across multiple fields.
Influence of Heat Transfer on MHD Oscillatory Flow for Eyring-Powell Fluid through a Porous Medium with Varying Temperature and Concentration

The aim of this research is to study the effect of heat transfer on the oscillating flow of the hydrodynamics magnetizing Eyring-Powell fluid through a porous medium under the influence of temperature and concentration for two types of engineering conditions "Poiseuille flow and Couette flow". We used the perturbation method to obtain a clear formula for fluid motion. The results obtained are illustrated by graphs.
Terrifying laughter: interrogation in Pinter’s The Birthday Party and the CIA’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’

The interrogation scenes of Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party are often interpreted as absurd or symbolic. However, I argue that the scenes provoke recognition of complicity and theatrically posit...
Functional role of a cytoplasmic aromatic amino acid in muscarinic receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C.

The N-terminal portion of the third intracellular loop (i3) of muscarinic acetylcholine and other G protein-coupled receptors has been shown to largely determine the G protein coupling profile of a given receptor subtype. Using the rat m3 muscarinic receptor as a model system, we have recently demonstrated that a tyrosine residue (Tyr-254), located at the beginning of the i3 domain, is critically involved in muscarinic receptor-mediated stimulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis (Bluml, K., Mutschler, E., and Wess, J. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 402-405). This study was designed to investigate the functional role of this amino acid in further molecular detail. Replacement of Tyr-254 (rat m3 receptor) with alanine or exchange of its position with Ile-253 virtually abolished receptor-mediated stimulation of PI hydrolysis studied in transfected COS-7 cells. In contrast, substitution of Tyr-254 by other aromatic residues such as phenylalanine or tryptophan resulted in mutant receptors that behaved functionally similar to the wild type m3 receptor. Introduction of Tyr-254 into the corresponding position (Ser-210) of the m2 muscarinic receptor (which is only poorly coupled to PI turnover) did not result in an enhanced PI response. However, "reinsertion" of Tyr-254 into a functionally inactive chimeric m3/m2 muscarinic receptor (containing m2 receptor sequence at the N terminus of the i3 loop) yielded a mutant receptor that was able to stimulate PI hydrolysis to a similar maximum extent as the wild type m3 receptor. Taken together, our data provide strong evidence that muscarinic receptor-mediated stimulation of PI metabolism is critically dependent on the presence and proper positioning of an aromatic residue at the beginning of the i3 loop.
The Social Life of Information Systems Research: A Response to Benbasat and Zmud's Call for Returning to the IT Artifact

Benbasat and Zmud (2003) argue that there is an identity crisis within the Information Systems discipline and, as a solution to the crisis, propose a focus on “the IT artifact and its immediate nomological net” (p. 186). Using Aldrich’s (1999) articulation of organizational evolution, they note the need for greater cognitive legitimacy as a driving force for sustainability of the discipline. They recommend that researchers and journal editors set the boundaries of the field more firmly so that greater attention is given to the IT artifact rather than to structure, context, or other phenomena that lie distant from the
Building inhibitory synapses: exchange factors getting into the act?

Gephyrin is a synaptic protein that is required for clustering of glycine and GABAA receptors. Gephyrin itself may be regulated by a newly identified protein named collybistin.
Nutrient requirements and growth conditions for production of lactase enzyme by Saccharomyces fragilis.

Lactase enzyme was produced by Saccharomyces fragilis NRRL Y-1109 grown in deproteinized Cheddar cheese whey. Nutrients and growth conditions required for maximum lactase production were determined. Lactose concentration, sources of growth factors; temperature of incubation, and pH of the whey were the primary factors affecting lactase production. Increased levels of lactose in whey stimulated the yeast to produce higher levels of lactase activity per gram of dried yeast. Corn steep liquor was the best source of added growth factors. Yeast grown under optimum conditions, pH 4.0 to 4.7 and 28 C, yielded 175 units per gram of yeast and 1300 units per liter of whey.
The role of bacterial interference in upper respiratory tract infections in children

Interactions between bacteria that include antagonism (interference) and synergism maintain balance between members of the normal endogenous flora, and play a role in preventing colonization by potential pathogens. Bacteria with interference capability of potential respiratory pathogens include alpha-hemolytic streptococci, non-hemolytic streptococci, and Prevotella and Peptostreptococcus spp. The role of bacterial interference in the emergence of upper respiratory tract infections and its effect on their eradication is discussed. These infections include pharyngo-tonsillitis, otitis media, and sinusitis. Treatment with antimicrobials can affect the balance between the interfering organisms and potential pathogens. Introduction into the indigenous microflora of low virulence bacterial strains that are capable of interfering with colonization and infection with virulent organisms has been used as a means of preventing the failure of antimicrobials in the treatment of pharyngo-tonsillitis and otitis media.
APTITUDE, ANXIETY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A MODERATOR VARIABLE ANALYSIS

To study the moderating effects of anxiety on the relationship between aptitude and performance, and the moderating effects of aptitude on the relationship between anxiety and performance the Alper...
Caries Prevalence, Treatment Level, and Sealant Use Related to School Lunch Program Participation

A total of 2,753 schoolchildren (8-11 years old) from two school districts received visual-tactile examinations for caries. The school districts were approximately 15 miles apart and located in fluoride-deficient (F less than 0.3 ppm) Long Island, New York. The higher socioeconomic community (HSES) had 9.2 percent of its students enrolled in the free or reduced-payment school lunch program; the lower socioeconomic community (LSES) had 50.3 percent enrolled. The LSES community had a higher caries prevalence, more untreated lesions, fewer caries-free children, and fewer children treated with sealants. School lunch programs provide an index to identify communities for dental programs.
A Nonlinear Analysis for One-Way Buckling of a Laterally Loaded Column

Recently, the problem of the mechanical buckling of a long beam resting on a frictionless rigid foundation and subjected to a uniform lateral loading was analysed using a linear formulation. The purpose of this paper is to show that the linear analysis is not sufficient for predicting a correct post-buckling response and that a completely nonlinear formulation is needed. The problem is formulated as a variational problem with variable end-points. The resulting nonlinear boundary value problem is solved numerically using the ‘shooting method’. The nonlinear solution indicates the presence of a lower buckling load, before which the only state of equilibrium is the undeformed state.
Web-Based Knowledge Acquisition to Impute Missing Values for Classification

Machine learning is the science of building predictors from data while accounting for the predictor's accuracy on future data. Many machine learning classifiers can make accurate predictions when the data is complete. In the presence of insufficient data, statistical methods can be applied to fill in a few missing items. But these methods rely only on the available data to calculate the missing values and perform poorly if the percentage of missing values exceeds a threshold. An alternative is to fill in the missing data by an automated knowledge discovery process via mining the WWW. This novel procedure is applied by first restoring missing information and next learning the parameters of the classifier from the restored data. Using a Bayesian network as a classifier, the parameters, i.e., the probabilities associated with the causal relationships in the network, are deduced using the knowledge mined from the WWW in conjunction with the data available on hand. The method, when tested with heart disease data sets from the UC Irvine Machine Learning Repository [UCI repository of machine learning databases], gave satisfactory results.
Image processing and analysis of 3-D microscopy data

While there are many microstructural parameters that can be measured from a planar two-dimensional (2-D) section through a material, there are many measurements that require knowledge of the full three-dimensional (3-D) microstructure, such as true size and shape of individual objects, connectivity and interfacial curvatures. Serial sectioning and reconstruction can reveal the 3-D microstructure but are often considered to be time consuming and labor intensive. However, what is not often realized is that the majority of the time invested in serial sectioning is spent in the image segmentation, wherein individual objects are digitally identified. This article reviews the current state of image segmentation and novel analysis within 3-D materials science. We will also briefly discuss the future possibilities for more efficient segmentation of digital images for a broader range of materials.
The Two Faces of Age and the Resolution of Generational Conflict

The aged are often regarded as exploiters of youth, selfishly clinging to a disproportionate share of wealth, power, and resources. Paradoxically, they are also viewed as helpless victims as they fall into physical decline. These two faces of age appear in a number of literary texts, including works by Shakespeare, Balzac, and Dickens. Although these two perceptions of old age suggest unresolved conflict between youth and age, there often appear young characters in these works who mediate between these polar extremes, thus becoming instruments of generational continuity.
Non-selectivity in extinction of bivalves in the Late Cretaceous of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain of North America

It has been suggested that the biogeographic and clade-level characteristics of marine invertebrate groups important in survival through mass extinctions are different from those important in survival during normal times. The role played by ecologically important characters in survival across mass extinctions, however, has not been well-studied. We obtained information from the literature about the feeding mode and morphology, burrowing habits, size and depth below sea-level inhabited, temperature range, shell thickness, species richness and abundance of bivalve genera present in the Late Cretaceous of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain of North America. Non-parametric analysis revealed that there were no significant associations between any of these characteristics and survival across the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. This lack of selectivity may be due to varying local conditions, which favor different ecological characteristics in each area and produce no overall pattern of selectivity. It might also be indicative of the severity of this extinction on bivalves ~ differences in ecological habits may have been virtually irrelevant to survivorship through this event.
Multi-resolution isotropic strain limiting

In this paper we describe a fast strain-limiting method that allows stiff, incompliant materials to be simulated efficiently. Unlike prior approaches, which act on springs or individual strain components, this method acts on the strain tensors in a coordinate-invariant fashion allowing isotropic behavior. Our method applies to both two-and three-dimensional strains, and only requires computing the singular value decomposition of the deformation gradient, either a small 2x2 or 3x3 matrix, for each element. We demonstrate its use with triangular and tetrahedral linear-basis elements. For triangulated surfaces in three-dimensional space, we also describe a complementary edge-angle-limiting method to limit out-of-plane bending. All of the limits are enforced through an iterative, non-linear, Gauss-Seidel-like constraint procedure. To accelerate convergence, we propose a novel multi-resolution algorithm that enforces fitted limits at each level of a non-conforming hierarchy. Compared with other constraint-based techniques, our isotropic multi-resolution strain-limiting method is straightforward to implement, efficient to use, and applicable to a wide range of shell and solid materials.
Dislocation Interactions with Phonons in Sodium Chloride in the Temperature Range 70-300°K

The dislocation drag coefficient $B$ in sodium chloride has been measured in the temperature range 70-300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Use was made of a technique for measuring ultrasonic attenuation changes $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\alpha}$, at different frequencies, caused by a bias stress. The numerical values of $B$ were obtained from an analysis which does not require any knowledge of the dislocation density or of other geometrical features of the dislocation network. The experimental results agree qualitatively with theoretical predictions of the temperature dependence of $B$. The dislocation scattering cross section for phonons is deduced from these measurements and compared with theoretical treatments.
Optical measurement of tissue pH for surgical and critical care monitoring

Tissue pH is an important physiological parameter which indicates both blood flow and cell metabolic state. Continuous monitoring of tissue pH can provide an assessment of the level of anaerobic metabolism and a measure of whether organs or muscles are revivable or have died. A noninvasive, optical technique for deep tissue pH determination has been demonstrated in-vivo using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and partial least-squares (PLS) multivariate calibration. NIR reflectance spectra (700 - 1100 nm) were collected from skin covered muscle in a rabbit, canine myocardium, and swine bowel along with reference pH values measured in the same tissue using microelectrodes. Muscle and myocardial pH were varied by controlling the blood supply through vessel occlusion; bowel pH was altered through hemorrhagic shock. PLS cross- validation techniques and data preprocessing methods were used to relate the tissue pH to spectra. The standard error of prediction for each of the multivariate calibrations was less than 13% of the average pH change in each of the animal models. Optically measured tissue pH promises to provide a noninvasive monitor for ischemia during heart and plastic surgery and an early indicator of shock in the ICU patient.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use of allogeneic skin graft for the closure of large meningomyeloceles: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE To describe an alternative approach to the operative management of large meningomyeloceles, in which primary closure is not possible. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Two full-term infants presented with very large meningomyeloceles for closure after an uncomplicated delivery. TECHNIQUE An allogeneic skin graft was used in both cases to approximate the skin defect that remained after removal of the large meningomyelocele sacs. The surgical site was treated with dressing changes only during the postoperative period. CONCLUSION The independent use of allogeneic skin grafts can lead to a successful cosmetic result for the treatment of large meningomyeloceles without the use of complicated skin incisions or flap advancements.
Prenatal care among Puerto Ricans on the United States mainland

Recent public health initiatives in the USA identify the improvement of maternal and infant health outcomes among ethnic minorities as a national priority. Prenatal care is emphasized in these initiatives as a crucial intervention for reducing the risks of adverse outcomes. We investigate the barriers to prenatal care and the adequacy of prenatal care among mainland Puerto Ricans using data from a follow-back survey of a representative sample of mothers. The results show that barriers to prenatal care and the adequacy of prenatal care cannot be reduced solely to financial problems or problems associated with migration. Rather, attention to the social and the psychological circumstances surrounding the pregnancy (e.g. pregnancy wantedness) is required.
Techniques for Analysis of Paraffin Hydrocarbons and for Interpretation of Data to Assess Oil Spill Effects in Aquatic Organisms

ABSTRACT Normal paraffin hydrocarbons are one of the major groups of compounds in crude oil and petroleum products. Since these compounds can be readily separated from aquatic organisms using solvent extraction and liquid-solid chromatography and identified by gas-liquid chromatography, the normal paraffins can serve as indicators of petroleum pollution in the aquatic environment. It is necessary, however, to differentiate between natural (or biogenic) hydrocarbons and those assimilated by the organisms from pollution sources by comparing the natural hydrocarbon content and pattern (n-C14 to n-C37) of organisms from areas of pollution with those of organisms from relatively “unpolluted” areas. The paper suggests techniques for obtaining and analyzing petroleum hydrocarbon data which can lead to a standard method for detecting and following the biological uptake of oil by living organisms from the aquatic environment.
Power system restoration based-on expert system and numerical computation

Power system restoration is a very complex nonlinear problem. Because of the complexity, variability of power system restoration, the restoration task becomes more difficult. A power system restoration based-on expert system is presented in this paper. The expert system adopts layered structure in the knowledge base, in search strategy, the breadth first search strategy and the depth first search strategy are applied synthetically and the appropriate conflict resolution is used. In the restoration process, the voltages of the system are simultaneously monitored by fast numerical computation to prevent new instability. The program of the expert system has been written using C language. A practical system has been taken to test the restoration plan using digital simulation.
X-ray diffraction structure of the pentamethylcyclopentadienylruthenium complex Cp*Ru(NO)(ox)

The reaction between the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex Cp*Ru(NO)Cl2 and oxalic acid in methanolic KOH affords the corresponding oxalate compound Cp*Ru(NO)(ox) in moderate yield. The title complex has been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (1H and13C) spectroscopy, and the solid-state structure has been established by X-ray diffraction analysis, which confirmed the presence of the chelating oxalate ligand in Cp*Ru(NO)(ox). Cp*Ru(NO)(ox) crystallizes in the triclinic space group $$P\bar 1$$ ,a=7.0875(9) A,b=8.589(2) A,c=12.784(4) A, α=73.58(2)°, β=88.93(2)°, γ=66.86(2)°,V=682.7(8) A3,Z=2,d calc=1.724 g·cm−3; R=0.053, Rw=0.071 for 1561 observed reflections withI>3σ(I).
Stereopsis, accommodative and vergence facility: do they relate to dyslexia?

The relation between visual functions and reading performance has been the subject of conflicting opinion over the years. The purpose of this study is 2-fold: first, to examine factors other than visual acuity, i.e., stereopsis, accommodative facility and vergence facility, which might show a greater impact on reading achievement; and second, to utilize well defined dyslexic and normal controls to ensure that the reading deficits were not caused by overt neurological, psychological, educational, or environmental factors. Thirteen normal readers and 13 dyslexics were carefully matched by rigorous quantitative criteria. The performance of both groups on tests of visual acuity and stereopsis was similar. The dyslexic readers tended to show better accommodative facility. Dyslexics performed significantly worse than the matched normal readers on a test of vergence facility. These results, in agreement with those reported by other studies, indicate that less efficient dynamic vergence facility may contribute to reading impairment, unlike other static functions such as visual acuity and stereopsis. It may be that the vergence problems of the dyslexics are related to sequential oculo-motor abnormalities. The dyslexics' vergence problems may also be partly responsible for their large number of small eye movements.
Rules and Mention

Lewis Carroll's well-known parable ‘What the Tortoise Said to Achilles’ gives rise to a recalcitrant and general form of normative scepticism. I argue that the sceptical position inspired by the story is indeed a distinct form of scepticism, engendered by refusal to recognize that any rule reflected upon may possibly retaining its action-guiding force. I show that the sceptic's attitude builds upon the familiar fact that our reflection upon sources of psychological influence on us may loosen their grip by affording us reflective distance. I conclude by showing how the equally familiar phenomenon that reflection upon a rule does not automatically drain it of its force can be exploited in a satisfactory response to the sceptic.
Protein-Matrix Solvation Dynamics in the α Subunit of C-Phycocyanin

We have used femtosecond transient hole-burning (THB) spectroscopy to study single-chromophore dynamics at room temperature in the α subunit of C-phycocyanin, a cyanobacterial light-harvesting protein. The α subunit contains a single phycocyanobilin (open-chain tetrapyrrole) chromophore. A reasonable description of the THB spectra requires the presence of a broad excited-state absorption (ESA) line shape underlying the entire photobleaching/stimulated emission (PB/SE) region. The time evolution of the THB spectrum involves line broadening on the 100−200-fs time scale and a <100-fs time scale dynamic Stokes shift of the SE component. We suggest that the dynamic Stokes shift can be attributed to transient solvation by the protein matrix. The solvent correlation function, C(t), exhibits a sub-100-fs component that describes 90% of the total C(t) response, with the remaining 10% of response occurring on a much longer time scale than the longest delay employed in these experiments (10 ps). We assign the ultraf...