cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
We Tell These Stories to Survive: Towards Abolition in Computer Science Education

Computer science (CS) education finds itself at a pivotal moment to reckon with what it means to accept, use, and create technologies, with the continued recruitment of minoritized students into the field. In this paper, we build on the oral traditions of educating with stories, and take the reader on two journeys. We begin with a story that leads us in thinking about where computer science education is, in the wake of slavery, under the New Jim Code. Within a BlackCrit framework, we shake the grounds of the computer science field, where technologies are often promoted as objective, but reflect and reproduce existing inequalities. In tune with maintaining current systems of power, efforts to broaden participation in computer science have been heavily driven by industry, government, and military interests. These interests ultimately push us farther away from sustainable relations with the earth and with each other, and risk the very lives of the same communities the field claims to help. However, we can rewrite the narratives of the role of technology in our lives. We present a second story in which we place abolitionist theories and practices in conversation with computer science education. In this paper we explore (1) In what ways does computing education support systems that enable Black death? and (2) How might integrating an abolitionist framework into computer science open up possibilities for world-building and dreaming in the name of Black Life? We imagine a different future where computer science is used as a tool in life-affirming, world-building projects. We invite readers to engage with this piece as a part of an active dialogue towards combating anti-Black logics in the field of computer science education.
Retrospective comparison of emergent versus scheduled peripartum hysterectomies: a single institution experience

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare outcomes between scheduled and emergent peripartum hysterectomies at our institution, particularly those completed for abnormal placentation, to provide insight for perioperative optimization. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all peripartum hysterectomies completed at a single center over a five-year period. Antepartum, intraoperative, and post-operative courses were reviewed. Patients were categorized based on whether surgery was performed urgently/emergently or scheduled. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare demographic, pre-, intra-, and post-operative outcomes between urgent/emergent and scheduled hysterectomy groups. Results: Among 49 peripartum hysterectomies completed between 2015-2019, 13 (26.5%) were emergent and 36 (73.5%) were scheduled. All were completed following a cesarean delivery. Baseline demographic characteristics were not different between the groups. Surgical indication included abnormal placentation (86.1%) and carcinoma (11.1%) for scheduled cases and abnormal placentation (46.2%), uterine atony (30.7%), uterine rupture (7.7%), and surgical complication (23.1%) for emergent cases. A gynecologic oncologist was involved in 34 cases (69.4%) with their presence significantly more common in scheduled cases (80.7% vs 38.5%, p=0.005). Of cases completed for abnormal placentation, 30 were scheduled and 5 were emergent. Rate of gynecologic oncology involvement was similar between these two groups (80.0% vs 60.0%, p=0.57). Thirty-four (97%) of these cases were complicated by intra-operative hemorrhage with emergent cases having higher average blood loss (7.2L vs 3.0L, p=0.30). There were two bladder injuries and one vascular injury (all occurred in scheduled cases). There were no ureteral of bowel injuries. Emergent cases had higher rates of ICU stay (80.0% vs 55.2%, p=0.38), while scheduled cases had higher rates of post-operative transfusion (30% vs 0%, p=0.30) and immediate postoperative complications (26.7% vs 0%, p=0.32, Table 1). Six-week post-operative complication rates were similar between the two groups (36.7% vs 40.0%). Download : Download high-res image (60KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Scheduled peripartum hysterectomies are more common than emergent peripartum hysterectomies at our institution. Involvement of a gynecologic oncologist is common, particularly for scheduled and abnormal placentation cases. Amongst abnormal placentation cases, we observed high rates of intra-operative and post-operative complications. Abnormal placentation cases completed in an emergent setting had intra-operative blood loos as well as need for ICU stay. Implementation of multidisciplinary protocols, particularly in the emergent setting, may help to address these differences and minimize morbidity.
The suitability of nichrome for measurement of gas-liquid interfacial tension by the wilhelmy method

Abstract Determination of surface tension by the Wilhelmy method is facilitated by having a zero contact angle between the Wilhelmy plate and the liquid phase. Compared to filter paper or platinum, nichrome was shown to exhibit minimal hysteresis between advancing and receding contact angles under several experimental conditions. Calibration with a series of solvents of known surface tension indicates that the receding contact angle is zero. Comparison of equilibrium spreading pressures for several lipids measured by the Wilhelmy and Langmuir methods showed proportionality with a slope near 1.0. Thus, nichrome is superior to other commonly used materials for measurements of surface tension at the gas-liquid interface.
Variations in thickness of layer 3 dominate oceanic crustal structure

Abstract Seismic refraction studies have determined that, while much of the crust underlying the world's oceans is about 7 km thick, it also occurs in lesser and considerably greater thicknesses. Here we show that vastly different thicknesses of oceanic crust (formed at ridges by seafloor spreading) are generally characterized by the two-gradient velocity structure recognized as typical of 6–7 km thick oceanic crust. Adopting a standard, we study ninety published seismic velocity structures of oceanic crust ranging in thickness from 2 to 37 km. Several structures formed in midplate settings (ocean islands and seamounts) are also considered for comparison. Regardless of origin (ridge or midplate) we find that the percentage of the whole crust formed by Layer 2 systematically decreases with increasing total crustal thickness. While the average velocity of Layer 2 varies widely for all crust, the average velocity of Layer 3 increases systematically with increases in the average whole crustal thickness and velocity. Crust formed in midplate settings differs in that the thickness of Layer 2 velocity crust is generally two to three times that of crust formed at ridges. Residual depths were calculated for oceanic crust by removing the effects of sediment loading and subsidence due to lithospheric cooling. Most of the data fall close to a model whereby different crustal thicknesses result from different extents of partial melting of oceanic upper mantle. The crustal sections were restored to ‘zero-age’, assuming the average depth of emplacement for 7 km thick oceanic crust is 2.5 km below sea level. From this restoration it appears that the depth to the top of Layer 3 at the time it was formed is 4.25 (± 1.25) km below sea level regardless of whole crustal thickness or spreading rate. These results suggest that the mechanism of construction of oceanic crust is, in many ways, remarkably uniform despite very large changes in the total thickness of the crust produced. Very basic questions remain. It is, for instance not at all clear why Layer 2 and Layer 3 exist in the proportions they do. While neutral buoyancy or melt trapping at the base of a brittle lid may account for local properties of the Layer 2/3 boundary, they do not seem adequate to account for the global phenomenon.
First record of the Palaeocene primate Chiromyoides from North America.

PALAEOCENE fossil primates are known only from the European and North American continents. Fourteen genera and numerous species from North America have been described1,2, and four genera (Plesiadapis, Chiromyoides, Berruvius, Saxonella) are recorded from Europe3. Only one primate genus, Plesiadapis, was previously known from the Palaeocene of both continents; the new species of Chiromyoides described below extends the range of this genus to North America. Addition of Chiromyoides brings to seven the number of mammalian genera known from the Palaeocene of both Europe and North America.
Age-Related Changes in the Fertility of Hippelates pusio, H. bishoppi, and H. pallipes (Diptera: Chloropidae)

The age-related changes in the fertility (measured by egg hatchability) of Hippelates pusio Loew, H. bishoppi Sabrosky, and H. pallipes (Loew) adults were determined in laboratory experiments. The hatchability of H. pusio eggs at 27°C was not affected by parental age, that of H. bishoppi decreased linearly only with maternal age, and that of H. pallipes seemed to decline with the age of both parents. Egg hatchability of all 3 species declined rapidly when females were deprived of males. The decline was more rapid in H. bishoppi and H. pallipes than in H. pusio . At least one copulation for each gonotrophic cycle was required for females to maintain sufficient viable sperm to fertilize all of their viable eggs. Males of the 3 species, at 27°C, produced viable sperm throughout their lives. At 33°C, the adults of H. pallipes deposited eggs with much lower hatchabiiity than at 27°C. The difference in hatchability of H. pusio eggs was less extreme but was significantly lower at 33°C than at 27°C. At 33°C, H. bishoppi deposited eggs at the beginning of their lives with no significant difference in hatchability from those at 27°C. However, over the entire life span the decline in hatchability at 33°C was slightly greater than at 27°C.
POST-TRIAL INJECTIONS OF AN ANTI-CHOLINESTERASE DRUG AND MAZE LEARNING IN TWO STRAINS OF RATS.

Tyron maze bright and maze dull rats were injected with physostigmine salycilate, an anti-cholinesterase drug, after daily trials in a Lashley III maze. The lowest dosage of the drug had no significant effect on learning but as the amount of the injection increased, learning improved and was significantly better than that of control animals. The optimal dosage for maze dulls was higher than for maze brights. The highest dosages used resulted in a disruption of performance.
Culture Clash: Some Notes on Flemish Theatre and its Critical Reception in New York City

The history of theatrical exchange between Belgium and the United States, and more notably between Flanders and America's cultural capital, New York City, dates back to Maurice Maeterlinck, who was...
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in signalling pathways leading to the activation of gelatinase A: activation of gelatinase A by treatment with the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate

Fibroblasts in monolayer culture secrete gelatinase A (MMP2; 72 kDa type IV collagenase) only in its proenzyme form. Unlike other secreted matrix metalloproteinases, progelatinase A is refractory to activation by serine proteinases. Disparate agents, including monensin, cytochalasin D, and concanavalin A, have been found to mediate the activation of gelatinase A zymogen secreted by fibroblast monolayers. Our finding that monensin-mediated activation can be reversed by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (Li et al., Experimental Cell Research 232 (1997) 332) prompted us to investigate the effect of the specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases, sodium orthovanadate, on progelatinase A activation. Treatment of fibroblast monolayers with orthovanadate also results in the secretion of activated gelatinase A. This activation is dose- and time-dependent, requires protein synthesis, and is associated with cell membranes. Vanadate-mediated activation does not occur in the presence of herbimycin A, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. As with progelatinase activation mediated by monensin, concanavalin A, and cytochalasin D, orthovanadate treatment results in increased synthesis of the membrane proteinase MT1-MMP, that can catalyze the activation of progelatinase A. Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors are able to prevent the increase of MT1-MMP mRNA, as shown by Northern blot and RT-PCR. In addition, orthovanadate potentiates the effects of monensin and concanavalin A. While treatment with monensin or concanavalin A result only in an increase of the putative activator MT1-MMP, orthovanadate also reduces the production of the specific inhibitor TIMP-2. These experiments implicate protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the signal transduction pathways which lead to the activation of progelatinase A.
Code Verification for Energetic Structural Material Simulations

Current investigations of energetic structural materials involve shock-induced and shock-assisted chemical reactions in which complex physical processes are only elucidated by computational models of gas gun experiments at the present time. Physics models that describe the equation of state, material strength, heat transfer, and chemical reaction for energetic structural materials must be calibrated with experimental data to obtain material constants. Numerical solutions introduce errors that are difficult to quantify. This paper introduces a verification procedure of a code appropriate for simulation of gas gun experiments with energetic structural materials. Simulated gas gun experiments involving the Ni + Al mixture are used to illustrate the proposed verification procedure. The physics models together with the conservations of mass, momentum, and energy are explicitly solved using a second order finite volume scheme.
An ethological analysis of open-field behavior in rats and mice

Abstract In our view open-field testing entails both a predatory encounter, which occurs as a consequence of handling and placement of subjects into the testing apparatus, and sudden social separation from conspecifics. We hypothesize, therefore, that open-field behavior represents a compromise between responses aimed at minimizing detectability as a predator evasion tactic, and those which are motivated by attempts to reinstate contact with companions. Six experiments were conducted using rats and mice to test various implications of this model. Pretest shock and the presence of a human observer each retarded the appearance of social reinstatement behaviors and enhanced responses which minimize detectability in both species. Likewise, because of diminished reinstatement tendencies animals tested in pairs froze longer than those tested individually. The applicability of this model to other aspects of open-field behavior in rodents was examined, and the contrast between this view and the general emotionality hypothesis was briefly discussed.
Biomass and lipid productivities of Chlorella vulgaris under autotrophic, heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth conditions.

Biomass and lipid productivities of Chlorella vulgaris under different growth conditions were investigated. While autotrophic growth did provide higher cellular lipid content (38%), the lipid productivity was much lower compared with those from heterotrophic growth with acetate, glucose, or glycerol. Optimal cell growth (2 g l−1) and lipid productivity (54 mg l−1 day−1) were attained using glucose at 1% (w/v) whereas higher concentrations were inhibitory. Growth of C. vulgaris on glycerol had a similar dose effects as those from glucose. Overall, C. vulgaris is mixotrophic.
The cryptochrome family of blue/UV-A photoreceptors

The structural and functional properties of cryptochrome blue light receptors ofArabidopsis thaliana are described. Cryptochromes from ferns and algae, as well as a cryptochrome-like sequences from mammals, are discussed.
Vector-Valued Polynomials and a Matrix Weight Function with B2-Action

The structure of orthogonal polynomials on R 2 with the weight functionjx 2 x 2 j 2k0jx1x2j 2k1e (x 2 1+x 2 2)=2 is based on the Dunkl operators of type B 2. This refers to the full symmetry group of the square, generated by reflections in the lines x1 = 0 and x1 x2 = 0. The weight function is integrable if k0;k1;k0 +k1 > 1 . Dunkl operators can be defined for polynomials taking values in a module of the associated reflection group, that is, a vector space on which the group has an irreducible representation. The unique 2-dimensional representation of the group B2 is used here. The specific operators for this group and an analysis of the inner products on the harmonic vector-valued polynomials are presented in this paper. An orthogonal basis for the harmonic polynomials is constructed, and is used to define an exponential-type kernel. In contrast to the ordinary scalar case the inner product structure is positive only when (k0;k1) satisfy 1 < k0 k1 < 1 . For vector polynomials (fi) 2=1 , (gi) 2=1 the inner product has the form RR R2 f(x)K(x)g(x) T e (x 2 1+x 2 2)=2 dx 1dx2 where the matrix function K(x) has to satisfy various transformation and boundary conditions. The matrix K is expressed in terms of hypergeometric functions.
Why Gases Dissolve in Liquids

The thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of solubility are fairly well understood. It is still very difficult, however, to make quantitative predictions of solubility for real systems from first principles. The purposes of this article are to present the results of solubility experiments in some prototype solute-solvent systems, to show how far they may be understood from molecular first principles, and to discuss some of the things that are still missing. The main systems used as examples have the inert gas xenon as solute and some simple organic liquids as solvents.
Air-broadening parameters in the ν3 band of 14N16O2 using a multispectrum fitting technique

Abstract Air-broadened linewidths, pressure-induced shift coefficients and their temperature dependences were retrieved for over 1000 transitions in the ν 3 band of 14 N 16 O 2 at 6 μm. In addition, precise line center positions and relative intensities were also determined. The results were obtained by fitting simultaneously 27 spectra recorded at high resolution (0.002–0.006 cm −1 ) with two Fourier transform spectrometers and gas sample temperatures ranging from 206 to 298 K. It was necessary to modify the multispectrum fitting software to accommodate constraints on the retrieved parameters of closely spaced spin–split doublets in order to successfully determine their broadening and shift parameters. The variations of the widths, shifts and their temperature dependences with the quantum numbers were investigated. Subsets of the observed linewidths were reproduced to within 3% using an empirical smoothing function.
Deadly force and the rule of law: the Guyana example

This article explores the nature and extent of police power to use deadly force within the context of the meaning of the rule of law in a liberal democracy. It is argued that the rule of law requires the protection of the most fundamental of all human rights ‐ the right to life ‐ and that when the coercive powers of government are exercised arbitrarily and excessively then not only is there a violation of existing legal rules, but the rule of law itself is in jeopardy. The laws governing the use of deadly force by the Guyana Police Force are discussed and incidences of the use of fatal force are evaluated to determine whether Guyana’s Police Force is acting within the meaning of the rule of law. It is concluded that the evidence suggests the continuing failure to comply with the requirements of legality and public accountability under the rule of law.
Mosaic decomposition method for detection and removal of inhomogeneously tagged regions in electronic cleansing for CT colonography

Electronic cleansing (EC) is a method that segments fecal material tagged by an X-ray-opaque oral contrast agent in CT colonography (CTC) images, and effectively removes the material for digitally cleansing the colon. In this study, we developed a novel EC method, called mosaic decomposition, for reduction of the artifacts due to incomplete cleansing of heterogeneously tagged fecal material in reduced- or non-cathartic fecal-tagging CTC examinations. In our approach, a segmented colonic lumen, including the tagged regions, was first partitioned into a set of local homogeneous regions by application of a watershed transform to the gradient of the CTC images. Then, each of the local homogeneous regions was classified into five different material classes, including air, soft tissue, tagged feces, air bubbles, and foodstuff, based on texture features of the tile. A single index, called a soft-tissue index, is formulated for differentiation of these materials from the submerged solid soft-tissue structures such as polyps and folds. Here, a larger value of the index indicates a higher likelihood of soft tissue. Then, EC is performed by first initializing the level-set front with the classified tagged regions, and the front is evolved by use of a speed function that was designed, based on the soft-tissue index, to reserve the submerged soft-tissue structures while suppressing the air bubbles and foodstuff. Visual assessment and application of our computer-aided detection (CAD) of polyps showed that the use of our new EC method substantially improved the detection performance of CAD, indicating the effectiveness of our EC method in reducing incomplete cleansing artifacts.
Structural characterization of PLA-PEO-PLA solutions and hydrogels: Crystalline vs amorphous PLA domains

We have shown that we can significantly modify the nanoscale structure of solution and gels of ABA triblock copolymers in a solvent selective for the mid B block by making simple changes to the ste...
Utilization of ascorbic acid during platelet aggregation.

ConclusionIn 15 human subjects the concentration of ascorbic acid in platelets was 62.8 ± 5.6 (SEM) μg/1010 platelets and the level in cell-free plasma was 115.2 ± 10.8 (SEM) μg/100 ml. A direct correlation was found between the degree of platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, epinephrine, collagen, and ADP and the net loss of ascorbic acid from the platelets. In subjects who had ingested aspirin, platelet aggregation by epinephrine was minimal or absent and there was either no loss or a net gain in ascorbic acid. In platelets from plasma anticoagulated with EDTA and incubated with thrombin, aggregation of platelets did not occur and the concentration of ascorbic acid did not change even though ADP and ATP were released. Ascorbic acid is not released into the plasma during platelet aggregation induced by various agents and is not merely present for tissue transport. It appears to serve some definite metabolic function in platelet aggregation.
Lamotrigine Clinical Pharmacokinetics

Lamotrigine is a new antiepileptic agent chemically unrelated to any established drugs in use. The drug can be estimated in biological fluids by high performance liquid chromatography and immunoassays. It is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak concentrations within about 3 hours postdose. The bioavailability of the oral formulation is about 98%. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve indicates dose-linear pharmacokinetics. The degree of plasma protein binding is 56%. Saliva concentrations are 46% of the plasma concentration. The concentration of lamotrigine in the brain is similar to the total concentration in the plasma. Lamotrigine exhibits first-order linear kinetics during long term administration. 43 to 87% of a dose is recovered in the urine, predominantly as glucuronide metabolites. Mean half-lives of lamotrigine in healthy volunteers (single and multiple doses) as well as in epileptic patients receiving lamotrigine monotherapy range from 22.8 to 37.4 hours. Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin, phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) or carbamazepine reduce the half-life of lamotrigine (to mean values of 13.5 to 15 hours), whereas valproic acid increases the half-life of the drug (to mean values of 48.3 to 59 hours). Lamotrigine itself does not influence the plasma concentrations of concomitant antiepileptic drugs, except for causing an increase in concentrations of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, the main metabolite of carbamazepine. Other observations indicate that the interaction of carbamazepine and lamotrigine may be primarily pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic. Usual dosages of lamotrigine range from 50 to 400 mg/day depending on an enzyme-inducing or -inhibiting comedication. Therapeutic plasma concentrations of the drug are not known, but a putative therapeutic range of 1 to 4 mg/L has been proposed. Some patients have tolerated concentrations >10 mg/L with benefit and without clinical toxicity. The value of measuring the concentrations of lamotrigine in helping to optimise the dosage or reduce the likelihood of adverse effects has not been established. Safety data from several large studies indicate that the incidence of adverse effects of the drug is low and that unwanted effects are reversible.
Wireless local and wide area network computing

This paper briefly describes the current state of computing using wireless networking and communications both within the confines of a companies normal buildings or remotely from the confined environment. The development of small, lightweight and affordable portable computers has led to a demand for mobile communications from users. The advances in technology has led to PC card or PCMCIA modems and several types classes of wireless connectivity required by these users of the portable computers (notebooks, laptops, Personal Digital Assistants etc.) and the paper addresses these forms of connectivity, their use, strengths and how to integrate them into a business's information technology (IT) infrastructure. A strong parallel is emerging for wireless data communications, since the need for increased business efficiency and responsiveness requires near instant access to information wherever the user may be. (5 pages)
Gunther von Hagens and Body Worlds part 2: The anatomist as priest and prophet

Part 1 of this two-part series highlighted tensions between the anatomical quest for scientific knowledge about the human interior and artistic representations of the anatomized body, contrasting the roles of Goethe's scientific Prosektor and humanistic Proplastiker-roles disturbingly fused in Gunther von Hagens. Part 2 first examines religious interpretations of the human body that fuel the tensions manifest in anatomy art. The body in Western cultures is a sacred text amenable to interpretation as handiwork of God, habitation for the soul, and vehicle for resurrection. As handiwork of God the body beckons the anatomist's scalpel, helping establish dissection as the hallmark of Western medicine. The body as divinely designed machine encompasses the idea of an indwelling soul expressing its will in actions mediated through the intricate network of muscles-an understanding reflected in the oft occurring muscle men of early anatomical textbooks. Interconnections of body and soul in medieval somatic spirituality are examined with reference to ideas of resurrection and their impact on anatomical illustration. Part 2 concludes with consideration of von Hagens as priest and prophet, culminating in the Promethean impulse that recognizes not God but ourselves as proper owners and molders of our destiny, embodied in the plastinator's visionary quest to create the superhuman.
Data access in distributed data base management systems

Abstract A software organization which provides for data definition and manipulation in a distributed data base system is presented by describing the functions and interrelations of the component processes; with its methodology for access, the physical location of the data is transparent to the user program. The concepts of distributed data bases are discussed and current research is summarized as a means of establishing a method for the data placement and location mechanism. Procedures for the movement of data in a distributed data base system are presented, along with the data manipulation procedures, in terms of their performance and integrity effects. Enhancements to the mechanisms are suggested.
Confronting the monster of family violence

Family violence has been a harrowing manifestation stalking the lives of families, resulting in physical, emotional, and sexual abuse predominately among women and children. This article identifies beliefs that disregards domestic violence, outlines characteristics of abused persons, and describes primary and secondary prevention strategies. The author outlines the role of nurses to provide preventive education, do case finding, and assist their community to confront family violence through professionally, socially, and personally responsible actions.
Adaptive behavior in sub-neural microtubule automata

Interiors of neurons are occupied and organized by dynamic networks, called cytoskeletons, of protein polymers. These biomolecular networks (microtubules, or MT, actin, intermediate filaments, centrioles, etc.) are coupled to membrane events and regulate cellular activities, including synaptic plasticity. Models of purposeful behavior in the cytoskeleton include MT automata, in which cooperative coupling among MT subunit dipole/conformational states gives rise to computational patterns. The authors model MT automata interconnected by microtubular associated proteins. These cytoskeletal networks are capable of adaptive learning, association, and retrograde signaling. It is pointed out that MT automata may provide a subneural dimension in the brain's hierarchical organization and that artificial neural nets may more closely approximate the brain by including subneural processing
Systemic concepts in speech-language treatment

While systemic concepts are well known in many professions, a systemic paradigm is relatively new to most speech-language pathologists. Five systems concepts that apply to current practices in speech-language pathology are described and illustrated. The concepts relate to the influences of context or environment, relationships, family structure, isomorphism, and the attribution of meaning.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the duodenum with sinus tract formation into the gastric wall, visualized by gastroduodenoscopy

Fiberoptic instruments have improved the accuracy of diagnosis of lesions of the upper digestive tract, particularly since the capability to perform biopsy under direct vision has been developed. Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the upper gastrointestinal tract is an extremely rare entity. A literature search has revealed only 10 instances of rhabdomyosarcoma involving the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (1–5). In this report, we describe the use of fiberoptic diagnosis and gastroduodenoscopic biopsy in a patient with rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach and duodenum.
A switching regression analysis of urban population densities

Abstract New theoretical work in urban economics suggests that urban population density contours are inherently discontinuous. This result calls into question the standard practice of estimating smooth density contours and points to the need for an estimation technique capable of capturing discontinuities. The paper applies such a technique (Quandt's switching regression method) to the estimation problem. Density contours with marked discontinuities emerge from the empirical work.
A Six-Week Home Exercise Program Improves Endothelial Function and CD34+ Circulating Progenitor Cells in Patients With Pre-Diabetes

Background: Pre-diabetes is associated with endothelial dysfunction and affects endothelium-associated stem cells. Lifestyle modification has been shown to prevent the progression from pre-diabetes to overt type 2 diabetes; however, the effect of such interventions on CD34 + progenitor cells in pre-diabetes participants has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a home-based 6-week exercise intervention improved vascular function, circulating number, function, and gene expression of circulating CD34 + progenitor cells in patients with pre-diabetes. Methods: Patients (40 - 70 years, BMI of 25 - 39.9, n = 11) were enrolled in a 16-week randomized crossover study that consisted of 6 weeks each of an exercise (150 minutes/week) and non-exercise phase with a 4-week washout between phases. Adherence to the exercise regimen was monitored by accelerometry. All participants were encouraged to follow a low fat/low calorie diet throughout the 16 weeks. Endothelial function was assessed via brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and CFU-Hill colony formation. CD34 + cell number, migratory function, gene expression, and serum inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: With the intervention, endothelial function improved (FMD, 5.7±0.6% to 11.2±0.9%, CFU-Hill, 3.3±0.2% to 8.2±0.6%, both P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), low density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and increase in apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) with the lifestyle intervention (all P < 0.05). An increase in circulating CD34 + cells (P < 0.005), decrease in CD34 + endothelin-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, p53, and p21 gene expression (all P < 0.05), and improved migration toward stromal cell derived factor (SDF)-1? occurred with the intervention. Conclusion: The improvements in endothelial function and CD34 + circulating progenitor cells in patients with pre-diabetes indicate that pre-diabetes may be a clinical window of therapeutic opportunity for lifestyle interventions. J Endocrinol Metab. 2015;5(1-2):163-171 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jem273w
Beliefs about rape and women's social roles

The hypothesis tested was that beliefs about rape that place women at a disadvantage are positively related to beliefs that restrict the rights and roles of women in our society. Two scales, the R scale and the W scale, based on a survey of beliefs about rape (Feild, 1978) and the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (Spence and Helmreich, 1972), were administered as a single instrument. Subjects included 432 female undergraduates, 140 male undergraduates, 114 employed women, and 76 employed men. The latter two groups were predominantly from managerial, technical, and professional occupations. Product moment correlations between responses on the R scale and responses on the W scale were calculated for total scores as well as for three factors: women's responsibility and causal role in rape; role of consent in rape; and rapist's role and motivation. Correlations consistently supported the hypothesis for all four groups.
Preinjection time of scopolamine and step-down latency in mice

The effect of scopolamine on performance of mice was determined for varying preinjection intervals with step-down passive avoidance. Ss which received the drug immediately before the test performed normally, while performance was impaired for Ss given the test 5 or 10 min postinjection. When these Ss were retested without the drug, performance was normal. Trained mice that were given the drug showed the same drug-dependent performance as mice drugged throughout acquisition. These data may be relevant to theoretical notions about the effect of anticholinergic drugs on consolidation.
Relationship of Ego Identity to Psychosocial Effectiveness

This study was designed to examine systematically the relationship of Erikson's concept of ego identity to psychosocial effectiveness as actually demonstrated in daily living. Two groups of Navy recruits, one composed of individuals making a highly adequate psychosocial adjustment and the second containing persons demonstrating minimally adequate adjustment, served as Ss. Highly significant differences were obtained on an operational measure of ego identity. Evidence of construct validity was adduced in terms of the predicted relationship of ego identity and a self-concept measure as well as through inter-correlation of subscores on the ego identity instrument. The results lend support both to the value of Erikson's theory in the systematic study of personality and his position that an adequate ego identity is necessary for a person to cope effectively with his social and cultural environment.
A Cross-Lagged Panel Model Examining Protective Behavioral Strategies: Are Types of Strategies Differentially Related to Alcohol Use and Consequences?

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are skills that can be used to reduce the risk of alcohol-related negative consequences. Studies have shown that, in general, PBS are related to less alcohol consumption and fewer negative consequences; however, other studies have suggested that not all types of PBS (e.g., stopping/limiting drinking [SLD], manner of drinking [MOD] and serious harm reduction [SHR]) are equally effective at reducing alcohol risk. In addition, few studies have explored the longitudinal relationships among PBS, alcohol use and consequences. Using a sample of heavy drinking college students (N=338), the current study examined PBS use, alcohol consumption and consequences across two time points three months apart. Cross-lagged panel models revealed that MOD predicted a reduction in alcohol use and negative consequences. SHR was longitudinally related to fewer negative consequences, but unrelated to alcohol use. SLD was not associated with drinking or consequences at follow-up. These results highlight the need for future research to examine the effects of different types of PBS and have implications for alcohol intervention programs that incorporate PBS skills training. Language: en
XPS investigation of the reaction of SnS2(0001) with Cu

Abstract The reactivity of Cu with UHV-cleaved (0001) surfaces of SnS 2 is investigated by X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy. Deposition of Cu results in an immediate reaction to form a new Cu containing phase of the stoichiometry CuSnS 2 . Further deposited Cu diffuses through this phase evidently leading to a bulk reaction. We suggest the formation of an intercalation compound of Cu with SnS 2 .
Chemical alteration of poly(vinyl fluoride) Tedlar by hyperthermal atomic oxygen

Abstract In this study the erosion of poly(vinyl fluoride) Tedlar by hyperthermal atomic oxygen (AO) has been examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Initially the Tedlar film had F/C and O/C atom ratios of 0.45 and 0.11, which decrease to 0.018 and 0.04, respectively, after a 2-h exposure to a flux of 2 × 10 15 atoms/cm 2 s AO with an average kinetic energy of 5 eV. This exposure essentially produced a graphitic or amorphous carbon-like layer with a carbon content greater than 90 at.%. Longer AO exposures do not alter the composition of this layer significantly. Exposure to O 2 or air nearly doubles the oxygen content in the near-surface region. This is due to dissociative oxygen adsorption at reactive sites formed at the polymer surface during AO exposure. Further exposure to AO removes this chemisorbed oxygen.
VELOCITY FIELDS IN THE SOLAR ATMOSPHERE.

Observations of velocity fields in the solar atmosphere made with the Mount Wilson solar magnetograph are analyzed. These observations, which were made with very high velocity sensitivity, cover nearly 250 hours and were made with apertures of several sizes and at various parts of the solar disk, and in strong and weak magnetic fields. The amplitudes of the 300-sec oscillations are about 25% weaker in regions where the magnetic field is greater than 80 gauss than where the field is less than 10 gauss. No difference in the frequencies of the oscillations could be found between strong-field and field-free regions. It is suggested that the oscillations occur only where the field is absent and the lower amplitude in a strong field represents the fraction of the magnetograph aperture occupied by a magnetic field. The element sizes for the 300-sec oscillations are probably at least 5–10 arc seconds.
Does chronic classroom peer rejection predict the development of children's classroom participation during the grade school years?

A sample of 398 children was followed up from ages 5 to 12 to investigate the relation between peer group rejection and classroom participation. The participation trajectories of individuals and groups of children who were rejected for differing periods of time were examined both during and after rejection using piecewise growth curve analyses. The results showed that whereas during periods of rejection, children exhibited negative or negligible growth in participation, when nonrejected, they manifested positive growth. These findings corroborated the hypothesis that (a) peer rejection creates constraints that inhibit children’s classroom participation and (b) the cessation of rejection enables children to become more active and cooperative participants in classroom activities.
Design languages, notation systems, and instructional technology: A case study

Notational systems, used in mature fields of study, are closely related to design languages. The future of a technological field depends on the ability to communicate ideas and changes with others in the field. Instructional technology is one field that can benefit from a notation system enabling designers to duplicate, execute, and communicate their ideas.
Hydroxyproline Heterooligosaccharides in Chlamydomonas

Most of the hydroxyproline in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is glycosidically linked to oligosaccharides and a monosaccharide that are different from the arabinosides found in hydroxyproline-containing plant cell walls previously examined. Of particular interest is the presence of hydroxyproline-O-galactose. These differences may be common to the volvocalean green algae and may be related to lower tensile strength of the cell walls of this group of plants.
Self-adjuvanting lipoimmunogens for therapeutic HPV vaccine development: potential clinical impact

The goal of therapeutic HPV vaccines is the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity against HPV-associated cancers. Recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides have high safety profiles but low immunogenicity, which limits their efficacy when used in a vaccine. Self-adjuvanting lipid moieties have been conjugated to synthetic peptides or expressed as lipoproteins to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates. Mono-, di- and tri-palmitoylated peptides have been demonstrated to activate dendritic cells and induce robust cellular immunity against infectious diseases and cancer. Recently, a platform technology using the high-yield production of recombinant lipoproteins with Toll-like receptor 2 agonist activity was established for the development of novel subunit vaccines. This technology represents a novel strategy for the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines. In this review, we describe recent progress in the design of therapeutic HPV vaccines using lipoimmunogens.
THE STRONG SYMMETRIC GENUS OF DIRECT PRODUCTS

Let G be a finite group. The strong symmetric genus σ0(G) is the minimum genus of any Riemann surface on which G acts faithfully and preserving orientation. Assume that G is non-abelian and generated by two elements, one of which is an involution, and that n is relatively prime to |G|. Our first main result is the determination of the strong symmetric genus of the direct product Zn ×G in terms of n, |G|, and a parameter associated with the group G. We obtain a variety of genus formulas. Finally, we apply these results to prove that for each integer g ≥ 2, there are at least four groups of strong symmetric genus g.
User perceptions of ebooks versus print books for class reserves in an academic library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a pilot program at Dickinson College where select reserve books for a class were purchased as ebooks and linked through the course management system. The paper aims to shares the results of survey data, a focus group session, and usage statistics to evaluate the pilot.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses mixed methods with survey, focus group, and usage analysis.Findings – The study found a much higher use of ebooks over print reserves. The survey and focus group responses also found a relatively high student satisfaction with the use of ebooks, despite some reported use problems.Practical implications – The results of this study offer academic libraries a new idea to consider for ebook purchases. The paper also highlights important issues to consider if purchasing ebooks to replace print reserve books.Originality/value – This is the first study to evaluate student attitudes and use of ebook “reserve” materials.
Predicting the vertical distribution of the opossum shrimp, Mysis relicta, in Lake Ontario: a test of laboratory-based light preferences

Light and temperature strongly influence the vertical distribution of the mysid shrimp, Mysis relicta. We monitored the vertical movements and depth selection behavior of mysids exposed to differen...
Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method: A critical overview

The natural state of the human body is to be in motion. This motion includes dynamic movements, such as running or jumping; subtle fine movements, such as writing; or omnipresent movements, such as breathing. Most people do not focus on the quality of movement, but rather take movement for granted. It is not until people become injured or begin to perfect their movement for a specific activity that they may become more aware of these activities. Heightening the awareness of one’s own movements can be traced back more than 1000 years. The importance of being fully attentive to the state of all one’s muscles, including the muscles involved in the act of breathing, can be found in references to meditation and yoga found in the Yogasutra by Pathanjali dating back to 200 A.D. Applying this same awareness to the body in motion, rather than at rest, is the primary focus of modern movement re-education techniques. Two of these techniques are the Alexander technique and the Feldenkrais method. The Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method are somatic education techniques designed to establish a heightened awareness of movements. The desired outcome is to become more functional and aware of one’s movements spatially (or, more accurately, kinesthetically) throughout everyday routine activity. The Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method, in contrast to other forms of alternative therapies, are relatively new and not as widely understood by society. Although each method has its own history and accepted approach, both also have many parallels and similarities. Both techniques use the student/teacher paradigm rather than patient/therapist
Visual information about past, current and future properties of irregular target paths in isometric force tracking

In visual-motor tracking, information about past, current, and future properties of a target path can be available but, because they are typically manipulated independently, the relative contribution of these information categories to tracking performance is not well understood. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of visual information pertaining to past, current, and future states of the target path in guiding isometric tracking performance as a function of the irregularity of the target path (sine wave, brown/pink noise, white noise). The findings from local and global properties of the force output showed that the role of visual information about the past, current, and future states of target paths is dependent on the regularity of the signal to be tracked. The brown/pink noise pathway condition was most strongly influenced by future and past-future visual information for both local error properties (lead/lag, root mean square error (RMSE)) and global properties of the force output (ApEn, cross correlation). The highly irregular white noise pathway did not benefit from past or future information and the highly regular sine wave was only influenced for the local error properties of RMSE and lead/lag. It appears that visual information about past and future tracking states is more effective with a pathway that is middling with respect to regularity/irregularity. This is consistent with the role of visual information in tracking to be dependent on the potential adaptability for change in the dimension of the motor output.