cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aims and objectives of medical training at the University of Valparaíso

The Medical School of the University of Valparaiso was founded thirty years ago aiming to produce a physician considering the health needs of the population and with a solid humanitarian training. The epidemiological, demographic and scientific changes of the last decades prompted the introduction of modifications in the curriculum such as using problem oriented active learning, incorporation of new subjects such as geriatrics, labour medicine and trauma and training in communication skills. The curricular mesh will be modified to allow an efficient vertical integration of educational contents, which will be delivered sequentially during the different years of the career. The internship, as a crucial part of the career, has incorporated outpatient clinical practice, has emphasized preventive medicine and has stimulated active learning through research projects and active reviews of specific issues. These changes will require cultural changes of professors and students and more resources that are difficult to obtain.
p21 shapes cancer evolution

Although known to induce cellular senescence, an important tumour suppressor mechanism, mutation of CDKN1A - the gene encoding p21 (also known as WAF1 or CIP1) - is rare in human cancers. Now, a study reports a previously unappreciated oncogenic effect of p21 overexpression that shapes cancer genome evolution through induction of replication stress.
Reproductive success and genetic divergence among varieties of the rare and endangered Astragalus cremnophylax (Fabaceae) from Arizona, USA

Populations of Astragalus cremnophylax from Arizona and related A. humillimus from New Mexico were assessed for morphological, reproductive, genetic, and ecological differences. Results suggest that some of the taxa (i.e., A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus) are poor reproducers and environmental fluctuation is not likely a factor contributing to low fecundity in these species. Astragalus cremnophylax var. cremnophylax appears to have low fecundity due to inbreeding depression. Allozyme data from 18 loci show little within-population and taxon genetic variability. Most genetic variability is distributed among populations and taxa. The population of A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax from the Grand Canyon (South Rim) was genetically depauperate, indicative of the bottleneck caused by historic trampling at this viewpoint. Cape Final, a population of A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax on the Grand Canyon (North Rim) is genetically different from typical materials of this taxon (South Rim) and is more closely related to other taxa within this species complex. However, the other varieties of A. cremnophylax are more closely related to A. humillimus than the population at Cape Final, suggesting potential species status for Cape Final materials based on allozyme divergence.
An examination of brute force intelligence

We here examine the current state of brute-force chess programs. We are interested in their strong points and how these are achieved, and in their weak points and what can be done about them. We compare some excellent play by Belle, the current World Computer Chess Champion, with what expert humans would do in the same situation. These comparisons show that such programs already are capable of displaying what is usually called imagination and understanding. Finally, we examine the prospects for a brute-force program in championship level play.
Abstract 17848: Influence of Radial versus Femoral Access Site on Outcomes Following Coronary Angiography and Intervention: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The radial approach (RA) has decreased bleeding complications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as compared to the femoral approach (FA) in several large investigations. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing RA vs. FA for coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, LILACS, and major conference abstracts identified relevant studies published from January 1, 1985 to January 1, 2016. We qualitatively evaluated study methodology and risk of bias. Quantitative data were abstracted relevant to the primary endpoints of MACE (death, myocardial infarction [MI], or stroke) and major bleeding (by modified OASIS and BARC criteria), as well as secondary outcomes including vascular complications and procedural failure. Results: We identified 2,098 relevant titles, from which 52 studies with 27,784 patients contributed to the final analysis. Most studies (65%) enrolled fewer than 300 patients, and only 6 studies enrolled more than 1,000 patients. There was a significant reduction in the composite endpoint of death, MI, or stroke with RA vs. FA (risk ratio [RR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.95, I 2 = 0%) that was driven by a reduction in death (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.89, I 2 = 0%), but not MI (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81-1.04, I 2 = 0%) or stroke (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.70-1.61, I 2 = 0%). Major bleeding occurred less frequently with RA (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.45-0.67, I 2 = 1%). Vascular complications were also reduced (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25-0.57, I 2 = 74%), while procedure failure was more common with RA (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.43-2.59, I 2 = 62%), although there was significant statistical heterogeneity for both outcomes. Most studies demonstrated low risk of selection and attrition biases, but high risk for detection bias. Conclusions: The radial approach to CA and PCI reduces the risk of death, major bleeding, and vascular complications as compared to the femoral approach, but increases the risk of procedural failure.
BRCA mutations in women with inflammatory breast cancer.

Background Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often affects women at a relatively young age. To the authors' knowledge, the rate of BRCA variants among patients with IBC is not known. To determine the association between BRCA status and IBC, the authors evaluated its rate and compared the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with IBC with those of patients with other breast cancers (non-IBC). Methods Patients who presented at the study institution's cancer genetics program and who underwent BRCA genetic testing were included in the current study. The authors compared clinicopathologic data between patients with IBC and those with non-IBC using propensity score matching to identify predictors. Results A total of 1789 patients who underwent BRCA genetic testing (1684 with non-IBC and 105 with IBC) were included. BRCA pathogenic variants were found in 27.3% of patients with non-IBC and 18.1% of patients with IBC (P = .0384). After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences noted between patients with IBC and those with non-IBC, including the rate of BRCA pathogenic variants (P = .5485). However, a subgroup analysis of the 479 patients with BRCA pathogenic variants demonstrated that patients with IBC (19 patients) were diagnosed at significantly younger ages compared with patients with non-IBC (P = .0244). Conclusions There was no clear association observed between BRCA pathogenic variants and IBC. However, among patients who tested positive for BRCA pathogenic variants, those with IBC were younger at the time of diagnosis compared with those with non-IBC breast cancers. These results confirm that genetic testing is important for patients with IBC who meet the current clinical criteria for genetic testing in breast cancer. Cancer 2018;124:466-74. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Strategy variations in analogical problem solving

While it is commonly agreed that analogy is useful in human problem solving, exactly how analogy can and should be used remains an intriguing problem. VanLehn (1998) for instance argues that there are differences in how novices and experts use analogy, but the VanLehn and Jones (1993) Cascade model does not implement these differences. This paper analyzes several variations in strategies for using analogy to explore possible sources of novice/expert differences. We describe a series of ablation experiments on an expert model to examine the effects of strategy variations in using analogy in problem solving. We provide evidence that failing to use qualitative reasoning when encoding problems, being careless in validating analogical inferences, and not using multiple retrievals can degrade the efficiency of problem-solving.
Collagenous colitis, enteropathic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases: Results of a patient survey

We surveyed all patients with collagenous colitis seen at Johns Hopkins over a 4-year period, using a standardized, previously validated telephone questionnaire. Of 29 patients, 2(7%), including the index case, had monoarticular reactive arthritis. Five additional patients (17%) had a coexisting autoimmune illness. Collagenous colitis should be added to the list of causes of enteropathic arthritis. In addition, collagenous colitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea occurring in patients with known autoimmune diseases.
A Logic Generator and Validator

The on-line monitoring of a power plant (or any process plant) has three primary functions: data acquisition, data analysis, and data presentation. Relative to the second of these functions, advanced methods for generating reliable data analysis computer codes are presented. The results are illustrated for a safety parameter display system that provides operators with a computer-graphic summary of a nuclear power plant's safety status. In the conventional method of analysis code production, the systems analyst or designer generates rules by which the plant status is being evaluated, while the transcription of those rules to a computer code is done separately by a programmer. Subsequently, the analysis code produced by the programmer must be validated against the specifications prepared by the systems analyst. A logic generator and logic validator are presented to streamline these processes. The logic generator acquires the relevant specifications through a systematic dialogue with the designer and then translates them automatically into an efficient computer logic code, thus solvin the problem of a designer who is not a programmer interfacing with a programmer who is not a designer. The logic generator enhances code reliability in two ways. First, it encourages the systems analyst to produce more reliable andmore » relevant specifications because of the logical structured order in which the interactive session is being conducted. Second, because of the mass production mode b which the logic codes are being generated, proving once the correctness of the code production process ensures the accuracy of all codes to be generated in the future. In the postproduction stage, a logic validator enhances code reliability by displaying a structura overview of the data analysis code, allowing the user an additional opportunity for code evaluation.« less
Creating Access to Instruction and Tests of Achievement: Challenges and Solutions

Access is a central issue in instruction and testing of all students. Most of us can remember a testing experience, whether for low or high stakes, where the test questions covered content that we had not been taught. Many of us also have had testing experiences where the test items seemed “tricky” or poorly written, thus making it difficult to show what we had learned about the content the test was intended to measure. In both types of testing situations, one’s test performance is often negatively influenced because access to the intended knowledge and skills is limited by incomplete instruction or poor test items. In addition, it is likely that these testing situations were considered unfair and engendered negative attitudes about tests. These are not desired outcomes of instruction or testing. By improving access to instruction and tests, the results of testing can be more meaningful, and potentially positive, for all users.
Stepping Back from ‘The Ladder’: Refl ections on a Model of Participatory Work with Children

It is with some reticence that I write these comments on the ‘the ladder of children’s participation’ for this metaphor was introduced by me long ago in order to problematise an issue that now has a significant body of practice and critical reflection. But my colleagues, the editors of this volume, suggested that because the ladder is still used a great deal as a model it might be useful to stand back and make a few comments about the ways it has been interpreted. The ladder probably drew so much attention because when it was first published in Children’s Participation: From Tokenism to Citizenship by UNICEF in 1992, there was very little written of a conceptual nature on the theme of children’s participation in their programmes, projects, or organisations. The book was simply meant to stimulate a dialogue on a theme that needed to be addressed critically. But many people have chosen to use the ladder as a comprehensive tool for measuring their work with children rather than as a jumping-off point for their own reflections. This chapter tries to correct some of the misinterpretations of the ladder of children’s participation but, more importantly, it addresses the debates that the model has engendered. I hope in this way to contribute to the ongoing discussions and to encourage the development of new models. First, I discuss what types of participation are, and are not, addressed by the model. Next, in order to clarify my purpose, I recount how I came to write about the subject and to use the ladder as a metaphor. This leads to a review of some of the misunderstandings about the ladder model. I then discuss some of the more important issues that have been raised by others before adding some concerns of my own. The chapter concludes with a request for further critical reflection and the generation of new models.
Vesiculobullous and pustular diseases in newborns

This article exhibits the most common presentations of vesiculobullous diseases in newborns and reviews the clinical characteristics unique to each diagnosis. Furthermore, a schematic for the workup of neonatal vesicular disorders is presented to empower dermatology residents to execute accurate diagnoses and maximize patient care.
ASSESSING THE ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF IMPERFECT POINT CLOUDS FOR 3D INDOOR MAPPING AND MODELING

Abstract. In recent years, growing public interest in three-dimensional technology has led to the emergence of affordable platforms that can capture 3D scenes for use in a wide range of consumer applications. These platforms are often widely available, inexpensive, and can potentially find dual use in taking measurements of indoor spaces for creating indoor maps. Their affordability, however, usually comes at the cost of reduced accuracy and precision, which becomes more apparent when these instruments are pushed to their limits to scan an entire room. The point cloud measurements they produce often exhibit systematic drift and random noise that can make performing comparisons with accurate data difficult, akin to trying to compare a fuzzy trapezoid to a perfect square with sharp edges. This paper outlines a process for assessing the accuracy and precision of these imperfect point clouds in the context of indoor mapping by integrating techniques such as the extended Gaussian image, iterative closest point registration, and histogram thresholding. A case study is provided at the end to demonstrate use of this process for evaluating the performance of the Scanse Sweep 3D, an ultra-low cost panoramic laser scanner.
Predicting the decay of collective memory.

Cultural products have a life of their own: academic papers get cited and songs get downloaded. Surprisingly, public attention to these products shows a consistent pattern over time: a constant decline characterized by an inflexion point. This pattern might be due to how cultural products are discussed in the community and archived as cultural memories.
The Dot1L histone H3 methyltransferase is essential for early Mammalian development and hematopoiesis (138.15)

Histone methylation of H3 is catalyzed by at least two families of proteins, the PRMT family and the SET family. Recent studies have found a new histone H3 methyltransferase without a SET domain named Dot1L (disrupter of telomere silencing 1-like). To investigate the function of Dot1L, a Dot1L deficient mouse line was generated by injection of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells containing a gene trap into C57BL/6 female blastocysts (clone #RRR032; Bay Genomics, San Francisco, CA). Fibroblasts from Dot1L-homozygous mutant embryos were completely defective in their ability to methylate lysine 79 of histone H3. All knockout embryos died by embryonic day 13. The knockout embryos showed significant reductions in blood and blood vessel formation. Further, colony assays revealed a defect primarily in early erythropoiesis. The early erythroid precursor cells were defective in their ability to respond to erythropoietin, and the cells were more susceptible to early apoptosis after stimulation. We conclude that Dot1L plays an important role in early hematopoiesis, primarily affecting early erythroid precursor cells.
Full recovery of the Alzheimer's disease phenotype by gain of function of vacuolar protein sorting 35.

Deficit in retromer complex function secondary to lower levels of one of its major components, the vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35), has been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. VPS35 genetic reduction results in increased Aβ levels and synaptic pathology in mouse models of the disease. However, whether restoration of its levels has an effect on the AD-like phenotype which includes Aβ plaques, tau tangles and memory impairments remain unknown. In this paper, we investigated the effect of VPS35 gene delivery into the central nervous system on the development of the neuropathology and behavioral deficits of the triple transgenic (3xTg) mice. Compared with controls, animals overexpressing VPS35 had an amelioration of spatial learning and working memory, which associated with a significant reduction in Aβ levels and deposition and tau phosphorylation. Additionally, the same animals had a significant improvement of synaptic pathology and neuroinflammation. In vitro study confirmed that VPS35 up-regulation by reducing total levels of APP and results in a significant decrease in its metabolic products. Our results demonstrate for the first time that VPS35 is directly involved in the development of AD-like phenotype, and for this reason should be considered as a novel therapeutic target for AD.
100.64 Adverse Events Associated With the Use of Guide Extension Catheter During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Reports From the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database

The guide extension catheter has been increasingly used to support complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with improved procedural success rates. The publised adverse event and complication rate related to the use of extension catheter is relatively low. However, comprehensive analysis of
Archaeology and New Religious Movements

The practice of archaeology—the study of material evidence of past human activities—is not in alignment with the human drive to understand relics of the material past as touchstones of mythic origins and evidence of the sacred. New and alternative religious movements, political movements, and popular culture use archaeological artifacts and monuments as slates on which to inscribe stories of supernatural ancestors, advanced civilizations and races, and lost ancient wisdom that justify critiquing or displacing existing religious and cultural structures and knowledge. The rhetorical power of these metaphorical (and sometimes literal) texts derives from the symbolic capital of the practice and profession of archaeology even as the content and form of these texts is in conflict with archaeology. The articles in this special issue of Nova Religio examine how archaeology is used to create new sacred meanings and narratives, and how archaeologists need to engage with persons attributing these alternative meanings to archaeological artifacts.
A Boussinesq–Cerruti Solution Set for Constant and Linear Distribution of Normal and Tangential Load over a Triangular Area

Starting from the elastic solution to a concentrated load on an elastic half space, this paper derives all the required Boussinesq–Cerruti equations for constant, linear and bilinear distributions of normal and tangential load over a triangle area, and presents a solution set to the equations. The surface displacement field in both the normal and tangential direction is obtained. The evaluations of Boussinesq–Cerruti equations are achieved by using various integration techniques. This paper also suggests a composition methodology to construct the solution due to more complicated loading profiles using the principle of superposition.
The role of ancient DNA research in archaeology

In this paper I briefly introduce work on ancientDNA (aDNA) and give some examples of the impact this work has had on responses to questions in archaeology. Next, I spell out David Reich’s reasons for his optimism about the contribution aDNA research makes to archaeology. I then use Robert Chapman and Alison Wylie’s framework to offer an alternative to Reich’s view of relations between aDNA research and archaeology. Finally, I develop Steven Mithen’s point about the different questions archaeologists and geneticists ask, arguing that different disciplinary perspectives color researchers’ perceptions of “the most important questions” or the “central topics” in a field. I conclude that evidence from aDNA research cannot solve archaeological disputes without closer, mutually respectful collaboration between aDNA researchers and archaeologists. Ancient DNA data,like radiocarbon data, is not a silver bullet for problems in archaeology.
Perioperative Risk Models

Over the past 80 years, various risk models have been published attempting to aid clinical decision-making in the perioperative period. The primary goal of such models is to objectively classify risks numerically or into categories that can be readily understood by clinicians and patients. Some models have been extrapolated from nonsurgical patient populations, whereas others have been derived and validated solely in surgical cohorts. The scope of perioperative medicine is broad, and a discussion of risks surrounding the surgical period can vary from general statements noting whether patients are acceptable candidates, to detailed problem-specific discussions. We present here an outline of key preoperative models developed over time. These models relay general risk assessments as well as problem- and specialty-specific assessments.
Study on Lightning Protection of Shielding Failure for ± 500kV DC Transmission Line

To evaluate the protective performance of the side needle and negative shielding angle for overhead ground wire, the lightning protection of shielding failure of ±500kV DC transmission line is simulated in laboratory. The test results show that the side needle on the ground wire can reduce the probability of shielding failure, but the protection range is in a limited region along the line span; the negative shielding angle is better than the side needle.
Appreciation vs. apology: When and why does face covering requirement increase revisit intention?

Abstract While many retailing businesses have responded to the Covid-19 crisis by instituting various new rules, there is scant research examining how to effectively communicate such preventive measures to customers. This study investigates the joint effect of policy type (mandatory versus voluntary) and message framing (appreciation versus apology) on customers’ compliance and revisit intention. An online experiment was conducted with 201 US participants. Results suggest that when the message is framed with appreciation, a mandatory (vs. voluntary) mask-wearing policy causes less reactance, leading to higher compliance and revisit intention. However, such differences are attenuated with apologetic messaging. Practical implications for retailer-customer communications on crisis policies are discussed.
Improving VTE prophylaxis adherence among hospitalized adolescents using Human-Centered Design:

Background/problem statementVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of preventable hospital mortality in the United States; however, compliance with VTE prophylaxis is poor. Most material...
Abuse victimization and risk of breast cancer in the Black Women’s Health Study

Few studies have examined the relation between abuse victimization and breast cancer, and results have been inconclusive. Using data from 35,728 participants in the Black Women’s Health Study, we conducted multivariable Cox regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of abuse across the life span (childhood, adolescence, and adulthood) with breast cancer. Incident breast cancer diagnoses were reported during 1995–2009, and abuse histories were reported in 2005. No associations were found between abuse victimization in either childhood or adolescence and breast cancer. We found a weak positive association between abuse in adulthood and breast cancer (IRR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.34). IRRs for physical abuse only, sexual abuse only, and both physical and sexual abuse in adulthood, relative to no abuse, were 1.28 (95% CI = 1.09–1.49), 0.96 (95% CI = 0.76–1.20), and 1.22 (95% CI = 1.00–1.49), respectively. IRRs for low, intermediate, and high frequencies of physical abuse in adulthood, relative to no abuse, were 1.28 (95% CI = 1.07–1.52), 1.37 (95% CI = 1.04–1.79), and 1.24 (95% CI = 0.95–1.62), respectively. Our data suggest an increased risk of breast cancer among African-American women who reported physical abuse in adulthood, but there was little evidence of a dose–response relation. These results require confirmation in other studies.
A self-timed cyclic redundancy check (CRC) in VLSI

A self-timed approach to implement a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for the application of telecommunications is described. The approach is oriented toward multiple channel communications. The paper presents a new scheme to handle an asynchronous feedback to implement the CRC engine. This feedback scheme can also be applied to many applications like asynchronous pipelines and digital signal processing (DSP), which contains computations combining successive data values including feedback. At transistor level, differential cascade voltage switch logic (DCVSL), combined with using common transistors and grouping the gates, is exploited to obtain an efficient CRC circuit engine. The detailed simulation results of CRC encoding and decoding are performed for the verification at functional level, and the hardware is verified by SPICE simulation.
Onset of feedback howl in hearing aids

The role of acoustical feedback howl in hearing aids is discussed. The Nyquist criterion asserted that the onset of feedback howl occurs when the overall feedback gain is unity. It is observed that the size of the feedback signal depends on the amplification settings of the hearing aid. It is stated that upon meeting the conditions for feedback howl, the howl will be evident at the ear canal microphone.
A recent and abrupt decline in the East African long rains

[1] The successive failure of the East African short rains (typically October-December) and subsequent long rains (March-May) in 2010–11 plunged much of the region into severe drought, impacting millions of people and triggering a humanitarian crisis. While poor short rains in 2010 were generally anticipated given linkages with La Nina, the subsequent long rains do not exhibit similar predictability. Here we show the long rains failure in boreal spring of 2011 is consistent with a recurrent large-scale precipitation pattern that followed their abrupt decline around 1999. Using observations and climate model simulations, we show the abrupt decline in long rains precipitation is linked to similarly abrupt changes in sea surface temperatures, predominately in the tropical Pacific basin.
Fish Community Responses to the Introduction of Muskellunge into Minnesota Lakes

Abstract The popularity of sportfishing for muskellunge Esox masquinongy in Minnesota has increased substantially during the last 20 years and has resulted in a call for creating more fishing opportunities. As new waters are considered for muskellunge management, some anglers have expressed concern over the effects on other popular game fish species of adding a top-level predator. We evaluated the responses of seven fish species to muskellunge by comparing gill-net and/or trap-net catch per unit effort (CPUE) before and after muskellunge were stocked in 41 Minnesota lakes composed of 12 lake-classes. The species examined were northern pike Esox lucius, walleye Sander vitreus, yellow perch Perca flavescens, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus, white sucker Catostomus commersonii, and cisco Coregonus artedi. We found no significant decreases among the lakes in the mean CPUE of any species after muskellunge stocking, either for the stocked lakes as a whole or within lake-classe...
PCoord: network position estimation using peer-to-peer measurements

Several recently emerged Internet services make use of application-level or overlay networks. Examples of such services include overlay multicast, structured peer-to-peer lookup services, and peer-to-peer file sharing. Many of these services could benefit from enabling participating end hosts to estimate their relative network locations within the overlay. We present PCoord, a peer-to-peer network coordinate system for overlay topology discovery and distance prediction. The goal of PCoord is to allow participating peer nodes in an overlay network to collaboratively construct an accurate geometric model of the overlay network topology in a completely decentralized peer-to-peer fashion. We evaluate the PCoord approach through extensive simulations using both real network measurements and simulated topologies. Our results indicate that the constructed geometric model can give accurate pair-wise distance prediction and nearest neighbor discovery. In particular, using a simulated overlay network consisting of over 3,400 peer nodes, our results indicate that over 90% of the peers can predict their closest peers by probing only a small fraction of the global peer population.
CGRP as a neuropeptide in migraine: lessons from mice

Migraine is a neurological disorder that is far more than just a bad headache. A hallmark of migraine is altered sensory perception. A likely contributor to this altered perception is the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Over the past decade, CGRP has become firmly established as a key player in migraine. Although the mechanisms and sites of action by which CGRP might trigger migraine remain speculative, recent advances with mouse models provide some hints. This brief review focuses on how CGRP might act as both a central and peripheral neuromodulator to contribute to the migraine-like symptom of light aversive behaviour in mice.
Impacts of global electrification based upon photovoltaic technologies

Abstract The impacts of global electrification based upon photovoltaic technologies are examined and estimated from the following points of view: the number of photovoltaic systems in place, the power being delivered by them, the number of persons benefiting from the power being delivered, the total sales and economic benefits, and the number of jobs being created in manufacturing and installing them. Particular attention is given to estimated impacts on global electrification for rural (off-grid) populations in developing countries. The role of photovoltaic power technology as an enabling technology is discussed. Also, the growing impact of photovoltaic power technology as a competitive power technology for grid-connected needs is examined relative to its developing role as an alternative supplier of global electric power in competition with utility-generated power currently dominated by fossil- and nuclear-fueled electric generating plants. Finally, the positive impacts on the earth's environment as a result of generating electric power using photovoltaic technology are discussed relative to not producing carbon dioxide and other gases along with fuel wastes. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Ferret-Transmissible Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: Let Us Err on the Side of Caution

The recent experiments with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus conducted in the laboratories of Fouchier and Kawaoka have set off a debate about whether it is appropriate to publish all of the details of these experiments publicly and about how the viruses generated in these labs should now be handled. A wide range of opinions has been expressed, both for and against restrictions on publishing this work and on working with these viruses. I would like to discuss some ideas put forth as arguments against such restrictions. First, it has been suggested that H5N1 is probably not a particularly dangerous virus and that the official WHO case fatality rate (CFR) of approximately 60% is almost certainly a vast overestimate (1–3) (“likely orders of magnitude too high” [1, 3]). This claim is based on the findings of several human seroprevalence studies conducted in several East and Southeast Asian countries since the emergence of H5N1 as a zoonotic pathogen, reporting up to 9.1% prevalence of H5N1 antibodies (1, 2). The rationale would be that if up to 9% of the population in enzootic regions—many millions of people—has been infected with H5N1 and survived, whereas there have been only a few hundred fatal cases, as tallied by the WHO, then the true CFR could be vanishingly small. However, there are methodological concerns about some H5N1 seroprevalence studies; it has elsewhere been estimated from seroprevalence studies that meet WHO H5N1 serology criteria that fewer than 0.5% of the study subjects (26 out of 5,333 participants) are positive for H5N1 antibodies (4). More seroprevalence studies are clearly needed. But if the true seroprevalence is approximately 0.5%, on average, in enzootic regions, then …
TOXICITY OF PLASTICS USED IN MEDICAL PRACTICE. I. INVESTIGATION OF TISSUE RESPONSE IN ANIMALS BY CERTAIN UNIT PACKAGED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE ADMINISTRATION DEVICES.

In the past workers in our laboratory and other investigators have noted that polyvinyl chloride tubings used in medical practice, as administration or collection devices, will release one or more constituents to several types of solvent systems used in pharmacy. Since a great many formulations may be employed in manufacturing these plastic tubings, it was thought that a toxicity study might reveal if one or more of the currently used plastic administration devices might contain an ingredient which could produce a tissue response when implanted in animals. The results of the study revealed that under the experimental conditions used in this study a number of the tubings will produce tissue response while others will not.
Application of atmospheric pressure ionization techniques and tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of petroleum components

Abstract Atmospheric solid analysis probe (ASAP) and atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) are relatively new ionization techniques. In this study, we applied these two techniques to characterize complex petroleum fraction samples under atmospheric pressure. The ion formation of petroleum standards (paraffins, isoparaffins, naphthenes and aromatic hydrocarbons) in ASAP and APGC was investigated. Two primary ionization pathways were observed, nitrogen fixation (addition) and charge transfer. Paraffins and isoparaffins standards are primarily ionized by nitrogen addition. Cyclic paraffins and aromatic compounds are primarily ionized by charge transfer. ASAP was applied to analyze a saturate fraction of petroleum vacuum resid under atmospheric pressure. An expanded composition coverage was demonstrated. APGC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was demonstrated to characterize biomarkers in complex petroleum samples with high specificity, providing similar information as compared to the traditional gas chromatography electron ionization (GC–EI) under vacuum.
Lateral thinking: CaMKII uncouples kainate receptors from mossy fibre synapses

Alteration of the efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission between neurons is a critical element in the processes of learning, memory, and behaviour. Despite decades of research aimed at elucidating basic cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, new pathways and permutations continue to be discovered. Carta et al (2013) now show that activation of the calcium/calmodulin dependent kinase II (CaMKII) induces an unusual postsynaptic form of long‐term depression (LTD) at the hippocampal mossy fibre synapse by promoting lateral diffusion of kainate receptors (KARs), a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) that influence pyramidal neuron excitability. This report therefore reveals a new and mechanistically unique way of fine‐tuning synaptic plasticity at this central synapse in the hippocampus. Information transfer within the nervous system is regulated at the synaptic level by diverse cellular mechanisms. Synaptic efficacy is not static (i.e., it is ‘plastic’), and the capacity to adjust the strength of communication between neurons in a network has been shown to be a critical component of diverse aspects of brain function that include many forms of behavioural learning (Martin et al , 2000). The complex means by which neurons adjust their synaptic properties in response to changes in local and global activity in the central nervous system has been the subject of intensive investigation spanning multiple decades (Malenka and Bear, 2004; Feldman, 2009). Nonetheless, new mechanisms underlying plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission continue to be elucidated; these can vary depending on the experimental parameters for induction of plasticity, the particular type of synapse under investigation, and even the prior history of activation at the synapse. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) and LTD …
Involutions on Rectangular Jordan Pairs

Abstract Jordan triple systems are equivalent to Jordan pairs with involution. In recent work with D'Amour on triples of Clifford type we described involutions on pairs M 1, q (Δ). Generalizing these results, in this paper we describe all involutions on nondegenerate pairs of rectangular type A ( R , M , f ) J having a simple artinian coordinate algebra R or, more generally, a simple unital coordinate algebra such that the form f is unital-valued: f ( u , v ) = 1 for some u ∈ M + , v ∈ M − . The involutions are of “hermitian” type determined by an involution (anti-automorphism σ with σ 2 = 1) on the coordinate ring, “automorphism” type determined by an automorphism σ on the coordinate ring with σ 2 inner, or of “isomorphism” type determined by an isomorphism σ of the (necessarily non-artinian) coordinate ring onto a proper subring (with σ 2 somewhat inner).
Management of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis with voriconazole and caspofungin.

Purpose Voriconazole, a new generation triazole, has been shown to achieve therapeutic intraocular levels after oral administration. Caspofungin is the first approved agent from a new class of antifungals, the echinocandins. This series describes experience at two centers using these novel antifungals to treat endogenous fungal endophthalmitis. Design Retrospective review. Methods Treatment of five patients with Candida endophthalmitis are reviewed. Postmortem intraocular voriconazole concentrations on a sixth patient are presented as well. Results All patients had systemic cultures positive for Candida species. Three patients had prompt resolution of intraocular mycosis with intravenous and oral voriconazole, caspofungin, or both. The fourth patient with bilateral disease responded well to IV voriconazole and caspofungin but had a recurrence when discharged on oral voriconazole and IV caspofungin. This patient had a bowel resection with an ileostomy; therefore, absorption of oral voriconazole may have been inadequate. Bilateral amphotericin B intravitreal injection ultimately treated this patient. The fifth patient received 100 μg/0.1 ml of intravitreal voriconazole (final vitreous concentration approximately 25 μg/ml) followed by oral voriconazole and responded favorably. Our sixth patient had multisystem failure and passed away 1 week after initiating intravenous voriconazole for non-ocular candidemia. Postmortem HPLC analysis of the aqueous and vitreous revealed voriconazole concentrations of 1.52 μg/ml and 1.12 μg/ml, respectively (MIC90 of Candida albicans is 0.06 μg/ml). Conclusions Voriconazole and caspofungin appear to be powerful weapons to add to the existing armamentarium against fungal endophthalmitis. Further studies are warranted to define precisely the role of these new agents alone or in combination with other antifungals.
Interaction functions of a rigid strip bonded to saturated elastic half-space

Abstract A comprehensive analytical solution is developed to generate the interaction functions of a rigid permeable strip in contact with a saturated porous elastic half-space. Linear hysteretic damping characteristics of the medium are included in the formulation. The mixed boundary-value problem of a welded (and smooth) surface footing is reduced to a set of coupled Fredholm integral equations of the first kind and a numerical solution is provided. Frequency-dependent interaction functions (stiffnesses and radiation damping coefficients) of a medium modelling a saturated dense sand are computed and exhibited graphically to reveal the influence of pore water, permeability effects and hysteretic damping characteristics of the medium. In the horizontal mode of response and without hysteretic damping, the pore water causes the effective stiffness to increase by 50–100% while it has negligible influence on the damping coefficient. With 5% hysteretic damping, the horizontal stillness changes sign and character and there is an increase of about 25% in its magnitude compared to the corresponding dry case. For the vertical and rocking modes of response, the impact of pore water on the interaction functions (both stiffnesses and damping coefficients) is much more pronounced. Without hysteretic damping, there are changes in sign in the stiffnesses of the medium, and the magnitudes of the interaction functions, relative to the corresponding dry case, could be as large as several folds, especially for the higher values of the dimensionless frequency. At 5% damping, the effective stiffnesses are increased by about 25–50% while the damping coefficients almost double. Concerning the influence of types of contact, the interaction functions are practically identical for smooth and welded contacts over the frequency range of interest. The results are useful in determining the response of surface structures to seismic excitation, in particular, where the ground water is at a level to impact such response.
Semi-empirical study of a prototype rotaxane-based molecular shuttle

Abstract We report the results of AM1 semi-empirical electronic structure calculations on a prototype photochemically driven molecular shuttle based on a rotaxane. As inferred experimentally, the ring component of the rotaxane is shown to favor a different position about the shaft component depending on whether the shaft is in the trans or cis conformation. The calculations show that the shuttling action of the cyclodextrin ring is accompanied by the (de)formation of a kink in the shaft.
Time-resolved spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of infrared-multiphoton-excited SF6.

Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy is used as a tool for studying the vibrational energy distribution of collisionless infrared-multiphoton-excited ${\mathrm{SF}}_{6}$. A collisionless increase in Stokes and anti-Stokes signals from the strong Raman-active ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{1}$ mode is observed after infrared-multiphoton excitation by a high-power 500-ps ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$-laser pulse tuned to the infrared active ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ mode. Results are presented over a pressure range from 13 Pa (100 mTorr) to 270 Pa (2 Torr). The pressure dependence clearly proves that the increase does not depend on collisions. The effects are studied as a function of time and of the infrared energy fluence, infrared wavelength, and infrared pulse duration. The experimental data show that an intramolecular equilibrium of vibrational energy is established within the 20-ns time resolution of the experimental setup. The multiphoton excitation shows a red shift and intensity broadening. A comparison with results from photoacoustic measurements is made.
Separation and Integration in Public Health: Evidence from Organizational Structure in the States

Numerous recent studies contend that public health agencies in the U.S. are in a state of turmoil because their organizational form causes them to take on conflicting mandates. One reason is the tradeoff in design between creating stand-alone agencies for health and environment, and creating super agencies that combine the two. Using data on the organizational form of state health and environmental agencies, we assess the choice of organizational form as a problem of institutional design and employ statistical models intended to uncover the roots of these choices. Our results suggest that historical development and latent community factors can help explain the choice of combined or independent agencies. We believe that this case provides useful information about the roots of organizational design for resolving competing demands, and provides insight into concerns about the delivery of health and environmental protection in the states.
Microwave bioeffects in the erythrocyte are temperature and pO2 dependent: cation permeability and protein shedding occur at the membrane phase transition

Microwave exposure (2450 MHz, 60 mW/g, CW) of rabbit erythrocytes increases Na passive transport only at membrane phase transition temperatures (Tc) of 17-19 degrees C. This permeability effect is enhanced for relative hypoxia which is characteristic of intracellular oxygen tension (pO2 less than or equal to 5 mm Hg). Neither the permeability nor the pO2 effects are observed in temperature-matched (+/- 0.05 degrees C), sham-exposed controls. In addition, at Tc, microwave exposure is observed to induce the shedding or release of two erythrocyte proteins not seen in sham-exposed controls. Moreover, the enhanced shedding of at least seven other proteins all of molecular weight less than or equal to 28,000 D was detected in the microwave-treated samples. Using sensitive silver staining we estimate that approximately 450 fg of protein were shed per erythrocyte. These results demonstrate that temperature and pO2 are important influences on both functional and structural responses of cell membranes to microwave radiation.
Temperature-, molar ratio-and counterion-effects on the crystal growth of bipyridinium -bis (alkylcarboxylic acid)-crown ether pseudorotaxanes

Five new dicarboxylic acid-functionalized pseudorotaxanes, comprised of a bis(1,5-naphtho)-38-crown-10 ring-component and a N,N′-di(n-carboxyalkyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium dihexafluorophosphate (n = 4 or 5, alkyl = butyl or pentyl) rod-component, have been synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis and 1H-NMR spectroscopic, ESI-MS and/or X-ray crystallographic methods. Depending on the temperature of crystallization and the molar ratio between the N,N′-di(4-carboxybutyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium rod and the crown ether, three different polymorphs were obtained. In the case of the N,N′-di(5-carboxypentyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium rod, two different pseudorotaxane-structures were obtained at different temperatures and in the presence of one or two different counterions. The latter one is an unprecedented example of a pseudorotaxane in which the bipyridinium rod is not sandwiched in-between the crown ether ring’s two naphthalene units, as expected, but forms intermolecular π–π interactions with neighboring pseudorotaxanes.