cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Access to medical care for adolescents: results from the 1997 Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls.

Abstract Purpose: This study examined the factors associated with access to care among adolescents, including gender, insurance coverage, and having a regular source of health care. Methods: Analyses were done on the 1997 Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls, a nationally representative sample of in-school adolescents in 5th through 12th grade. Access to health care, missing needed care, and whether the adolescent had private time with their provider were assessed. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square statistics were computed using SUDAAN. Results: Nearly a third of the 6748 adolescents surveyed had missed needed care. The most common reason for missing care was not wanting a parent to know (35%). Girls were more likely than boys to miss care (29% vs. 24%). Most adolescents reported using a source of primary health care (92%); girls were more likely than boys to use a physician's office rather than another site (65% vs. 60%). Eleven percent of adolescents reported having no health insurance. Uninsured adolescents were more likely to have missed needed care (40% vs. 23%). Conclusions: Certain groups of adolescents have less access to health care. Girls have more emotional barriers, such as not wanting parents to know about care, and embarrassment. Adolescents without health insurance are at high risk for missing care because of financial strain. States, insurers, and advocates can influence policies around confidentiality and insurance coverage to address these issues.
Dear Micaela Studying a Telenovela Protagonist With Asperger’s Syndrome

“Micaela” is the first telenovela protagonist with Asperger’s Syndrome. This article reports a multimethod study of her production, representation, and consumption. My examination underscores (a) the tensions of creating/consuming a protagonist intended to deliver a message of nonexclusion, who is bound by the telenovela genre’s codes and (b) the strains between television’s commercial and social responsibility facets. Written as a letter to the character, the article is intimate and reflexive in tone. It is a format that underscores the depth of my engagement with the study and the inside access I was privileged to have.
The use of receptor-selective agents as analgesics in the spinal cord: Trends and possibilities

Abstract This review presents current work on the pharmacology of spinal receptor systems that modulate the processing of nociceptive information. Systems considered are those which might directly block the postsynaptic effects of putative primary afferent neurotransmitters (such as substance P and excitatory amino acids) and those which modulate dorsal systems (opioid, adrenergic, purinergic, neurotensin, cholinergic, GABAergic and somatostatin). Concerns that arise from the spinal use of receptor selective agents are presented and the minimum preclinical studies necessary prior to the use of a novel agent in man are described.
Economical triple excitation equation-of-motion coupled-cluster methods for excitation energies

Abstract Two triple excitation equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (EOM-CC) methods for excitation energies are derived, implemented, and tested. They are excited state analogues of the CC singles, doubles, and linearized triples (CCSDT-1) iterative method and the CCSD method with a noniterative inclusion of triple excitations (CCSD (T)). EOM-CCSDT-1 and EOM-CCSD(T) results are compared with full configuration interaction, EOM-CCSDT, and experimental data. The new methods describe two-electron transitions significantly better than EOM-CCSD, and are in reasonable agreement with the more complete EOM-CCSDT method.
A Contemporary, Laboratory-Intensive Course on Messenger RNA Transcription and Processing.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) plays a pivotal role in the central dogma of molecular biology. Importantly, molecular events occurring during and after mRNA synthesis have the potential to create multiple proteins from one gene, leading to some of the remarkable protein diversity that genomes hold. The North Carolina State University Biotechnology Program developed and implemented a new, laboratory-intensive course to provide students with a contemporary view of mRNA entitled “mRNA: Transcription and Processing.” This course, offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, aimed to introduce students to the many functions of RNA, with an emphasis on mRNA. In addition to fundamental aspects of these processes, students were exposed to cutting-edge techniques used to analyze mRNA in both lecture and laboratory components. We evaluated this course over two semesters and found that learning outcomes were met by both undergraduate and graduate students, based on assessments such as laboratory reports, pre-lab assignments, a final exam, and successful results in the laboratory. We also examined student perceptions through anonymous surveys, where students reported gains in confidence in both conceptual knowledge and technical skill after completing this course.
EFFECTIVE MODELS FOR GENE NETWORKS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Networks are used to abstract large, highly-coupled sets of objects. Their analyses have included network classification into a few broad classes and selection of small substructures that perform simple yet common tasks. One issue that has received little attention is how the state of a network can be moved according to a pre-specified set of guidelines. In this paper, we address this question in the context of gene networks. In general, neither the full membership of the gene network associated with a biological process nor the precise form of interactions between nodes is known. What is available, through microarrays or sequencing, are gene expression profiles of an organism or its viable mutants. Our approach relies only on these expression profiles, and not on the availability of an accurate model for the network. The first step is to select a small set of core- or master- nodes, such as transcription factors or microRNAs, that can be used to alter the levels of many of the remaining genes in the network. We ask how the state — or solution — of the gene network changes as the levels of these master nodes are altered externally. The object of our study is, not the network, but the surface of these solutions. We argue that it can be approximated using gene expression profiles of the organism and single manipulation of master node activity. This is done through an "effective model." The effective model as well as error estimates for its predictions can be derived from experimental data. The method is validated using synthetic gene networks that have stationary solutions and those that are periodically driven, e.g., circadian networks. An effective model for the oxygen-deprivation network of E.coli is constructed using previously published gene expression profiles, and used to predict the expression levels in a double knockout mutant. Less that 30% of the predictions lie outside the 5% confidence level. We propose the use of the effective model methodology to compute how Drosophila melanogaster in the normal state can be genetically altered into a pre-defined sleep deprived-like state.
Ileovesicostomy Update: Changes for the 21st Century

Objectives. To review the literature regarding ileovesicostomy and evaluate our patient population for clinical characteristics. Methods. Various surgical reconstructive techniques allow management of difficult clinical scenarios involving patients with neurogenic bladder, irretraceable lower urinary tract symptoms, lower urinary tract disaster, and urethrocutaneous fistulae. One such reconstructive technique employed is the ileovesicostomy. This procedure provides patients with a low-pressure urinary conduit utilizing the ileum and native bladder that empties without catheterization. We describe our patient population who underwent ileovesicostomy for 5 consecutive years ending 2007 at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Results. Most common diagnosis was neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury. Our population and clinical outcomes are similar to those previously reported in the literature. Conclusions. Based on our experience, we suggest that patients with severe lower urinary tract symptoms and who are unable to perform clean intermittent catheterization and/or refractory to medical therapy ileovesicostomy should be the procedure of choice.
Oscillation and global attractivity in a discrete model of Nicholson's blowflies

The delay difference equation is a discrete analogue of the delay differential equation which has been used in describing the dynamics of Nicholson's blowflies. See [1], [4] and [5]. We obtain sufficient conditions for the oscillation of all positive solutions of Eq. (1) about its positive equilibrium N*. We also obtain sufficient conditions for all positive solutions of Eq. (1) to be attracted to N*.
Effects of monocrotaline pretreatment of rats on removal of 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline by perfused lung.

1 The alkaloid, monocrotaline, causes significant pulmonary damage in many species, including the rat. We, therefore, determined whether the inactivation of biogenic amines by perfused lungs of rats was modified by prior treatment of the animals with monocrotaline. 2 Young rats (45 to 50 g) treated for 21 days with monocrotaline (22 μg/ml) in their drinking water developed right ventricular hypertrophy. Treated animals gained weight more slowly and consumed less food and water than control rats that drank tap water. Lungs from monocrotaline-treated animals were heavier and had a higher protein content than control lungs. 3 Isolated lungs from treated animals removed and metabolized 50% less perfused 5-hydroxytryptamine than did controls. 4 The diminished 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism was probably due to impaired delivery of substrate to intrapulmonary monoamine oxidase (MAO) since MAO activity in 600 g supernatant fractions of homogenates of lungs from monocrotaline-treated rats was not different from control values. 5 Pulmonary removal of perfused noradrenaline was decreased about 60% by the 21-day treatment, suggesting that the effects of monocrotaline were somewhat nonspecific. 6 These effects were not caused by monocrotaline directly, since perfusion of lungs from untreated animals with this drug did not alter removal of co-perfused 5-hydroxytryptamine. 7 Reduced pulmonary removal of circulating biogenic amines following pretreatment with monocrotaline may reflect damage to capillary endothelium, which could also affect other metabolic functions of lung.
Urinary calcium excretion in primary hyperparathyroidism: relationship to 25-hydroxyvitamin d status.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and evaluate the relationship between urinary calcium excretion and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) levels in patients with PHPT. Methods: We present a case report and a review of the medical records of patients with PHPT. Of 75 patients with PHPT substantiated by hypercalcemia and increased levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 35 were identified with laboratory evaluation of vitamin D levels and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. These study subjects were stratified as 25-OH-D deficient, insufficient, or replete (on the basis of serum values of 25 ng/mL, respectively). Total 24-hour urinary calcium excretion and the fractional excretion of calcium (FECa) were analyzed as a function of 25-OH-D status. Results: Of the 35 study subjects, 14 (40%) and 13 (37%) had 25-OH-D deficiency or insufficiency, respectively. Those patients with a 25-OH-D level <15 ng/mL had h...
Solubility of Anthracene in Binary Propyl Acetate + Alcohol Solvent Mixtures at 298.15 K

Experimental solubilities are reported for anthracene in six binary propyl acetate + alcohol solvent mixtures at 298.15 K. The alcohol solvents studied were 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-propanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol. Results of these measurements were used to test a mathematical representation based on the combined nearly ideal binary solvent (NIBS)/Redlich–Kister equation. For the six systems studied, the combined NIBS/Redlich–Kister equation was found to accurately describe the experimental data, with an average absolute deviation between measured and back-calculated values being approximately ± 0.8 %.
The accuracy of emergency department medication history as determined by mass spectrometry analysis of urine: a pilot study.

Abstract Background Emergency Department (ED) medication lists (ML) are considered inaccurate based on previous comparisons of ED ML with patients' self-reporting of medications and reviews of patients' pharmacy and medical records. Objective To determine the accuracy of ED ML using mass spectrometry analysis of urine samples. Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted at an urban tertiary care university hospital. Convenience sampling of patients who underwent ED triage was done. Included were patients 18 years or older who were capable of providing informed consent and who reported use of at least one medication. Excluded were patients unable to consent, prisoners, non-English-speaking patients, and patients unwilling or unable to provide a urine sample. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed on enrolled patients' urine, and their ED triage ML were recorded. Urinalysis results were compared to ED triage ML. Concordance between respective ED triage ML and urinalysis results was determined. Medications were grouped by medication class. The top five discrepant medication classes were identified. Results There were 100 patients enrolled; 21 patients, although eligible, did not provide a urine sample and were excluded, and one patient withdrew. Mean age was 51 years, and 54 patients were male. Twenty-two medication classes were identified. No patient had 100% concordance of ED triage ML and urinalysis results. Opioid analgesic, sedative hypnotics, cardiac, psychiatric, and nonopioid analgesic medications were the top discrepant medication classes. Conclusions ED triage ML obtained by patient recall are inaccurate when compared to medications detected in urine using mass spectrometry analysis.
Coping with pediatric death in the ED by learning from parental experience

The death of a pediatric patient in the emergency department generates an intense emotional response in the physician and staff. A majority of emergency physicians describe this as the most stressful event in emergency medicine. Few emergency physicians are instructed in the complexities of dealing with the death of a child. The authors have developed a teaching module that introduces aspects of pediatric death-telling through the eyes of parents who have personally experienced the death of a child.
Hydrogel-encapsulated lipid membranes.

We have encapsulated free-standing planar lipid membranes in a polymer hydrogel via in situ photopolymerization. These encapsulated membranes were measured to last at least 5 days and provided a stable environment for single-molecule measurements of incorporated α-hemolysin channel proteins. The translocation of single-stranded DNA through α-hemolysin incorporated into these encapsulated membranes is slowed over 100 times relative to that of the gel-free state. These stabilized membranes, therefore, have application to the single-molecule analysis of DNA as well as broader application to biomolecular sensors, membrane protein biophysical studies, and drug discovery.
Nanoenergetic materials: boron nanoparticles from the pyrolysis of decaborane and their functionalisation

The surfaces of boron nanoparticles 10–150 nm in diameter, prepared by gas phase pyrolysis of decaborane vapour at 1 atm and 700–900 °C, can be halogenated by treatment with Br2 or XeF2; the surface halogenation somewhat increases the onset temperature for the oxidation of the particles under O2.
Optical readout of a high resolution parallel plate avalanche chamber

Abstract A prototype high resolution parallel plate avalanche chamber has been read out by optical means, its operating principles and characteristics are discussed. An upper limit to the detectors r.m.s. spatial resolution is about 25 μm.
Nourishing green minds in the land of oil

Abstract Climate change, global warming and the increasing in oil price are issues that concern everyone lately. Renewable energy is the solution for a safe and efficient environment for the new generations. Renewable energy sources are sustainable and are zero carbon emission. In order to deploy these sources efficiently, expertise in this field must be provided. This is accomplished by educating the young generations to all related issues regarding these sources and the related technologies. This paper describes the experience of introducing renewable energy in the curriculum for undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the steps taken to enhance the learning process. It only represents the first stage of implementing green energy education into an engineering technology program and highlights the impact of this experience on the students with respect to the environment and the community. Such experience is an example that can be followed in order to promote renewable energy technologies and to develop the expertise in this field in a country that has just started to embrace renewable energy.
Design of a Theoretical Model to Identify Specific SSDNA Aptamers for Biosensing Applications

Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides which bind to proteins, small molecules, cells or organs with high affinity and specificity. Aptamers are designed to work in such a way that they only bind to their target proteins/cells, leaving other neighboring and non-targeting proteins/cells intact. This targeting efficiency makes them a promising solution to the problem associated with affinity and specificity of other bioactive agents, reducing harmful side-effects and costs. Target specific Aptamers can be produced by Systematic Enrichment of Ligands by Exponential Amplification, a method usually known as “SELEX Protocol”. However, this SELEX protocol needs a large pool of ssDNA/RNA library containing ∼1014 unique ssDNA/RNA sequences. Selection of only one aptamer for a target takes 15-18 rounds of selection and each round can take 2-3 days, which makes the process very time consuming and costly. In our model, we are trying to identify specific aptamer sequence for a specific target prior to experimental SELEX by a purely theoretical approach. This is done by rigorous theoretical studies on aptamer behavior in different biological environments. A molecular mean field theory is used which takes into account the size, shape, electrical properties and physical configurations of the aptamers along with the size, shape and physical properties of other chemical species associated with a particular biological environment. Coupling between different interactions, acid-base equilibrium and inhomogeneous distribution of different species along with the minimization of strong electrostatic repulsions gives us the most stable structure of aptamers specific to the target. So, this model can be a very efficient tool for designing aptamers to use in wide range of biosensing applications.
Engaging the Law in China: State, Society, and Possibilities for Justice. Edited by Neil J. Diamant, Stanley B. Lubman, & Kevin J. O'Brien

Engaging the Law in China: State, Society, and Possibilities for Justice. Edited by Neil J. Diamant, Stanley B. Lubman, & Kevin J. O'Brien. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2005. Pp. 240. $49.50 cloth. Engaging the Law in China presents nine original analyses of Chinese law and society. It addresses issues such as mistreated villagers, disgruntled veterans, discontent pensioners, displaced workers, anticounterfeiting regimes, sympathetic police in situations of social unrest, and profiteering labor camps-all significant topics and hot-button issues for politicians. China is a very complicated society with an institutional environment drastically different from Western democratic nations. To start, China does not have three separate and independent branches of government-executive/governmental, legislative, and judicial. Instead, the government subsumes legislation and courts, using them as instruments to achieve social control and coordination. Rising above these is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which oversees and often overrides any rulings with various decisions, measures, and instructions. This structure renders the study of the relation between law and society in China a formidable task. Engaging the Law in China assumes such a task by presenting high-quality manuscripts that investigate various legal mobilization processes and legal institutions in China. The book contains two sections. The first section focuses on the legal process in which ordinary people mobilize law to redress injustice. The second section explores various legal institutions. The introduction by Diamant, Lubman, and O'Brien depicts a pyramidal schema of legal mobilization processes in China that, despite the outpouring of grievances, result in only a small minority of cases moving to the court filing stage. Such a discrepancy invites serious scrutiny regarding the trajectory factors affecting the legal mobilization process. In the first section of the book, O'Brien and Li investigate how villagers use the Administrative Litigation Law (ALL) to redress official misconduct and unlawful administrative acts in rural China. The analysis documents major obstacles in each stage of the litigation process. Gallagher shows that despite the common discontent of workers in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with enterprise reform, the rate of increase in labor disputes for SOE workers is still lower than it is in other enterprises, such as foreign-owned, joint-owned, and private firms. Gallagher points out that SOE workers prefer to use zhao lingdao-talking to the enterprise leader to settle their disputes rather than using other formal methods of mediation, arbitration, or appeals to courts. …
Choice of cue in prosimian learning

The prosimians Tupaia glis, Galago senegalensis, G. crassicaudatus, Loris tradigradus, Perodicticus potto, Lemur fulvus, and L. catta were tested with 4 problems of manipulating baited objects, with 20 object discrimination tests, and with 0- and 5-second delayed response tests. The prosimians orientated rewarded manipulations to cues of general direction, not to detail of unfamiliar objects. They developed strong position habits in the discrimination and delayed-response tests. Adult prosimians and infant higher primates make similar errors in manipulating objects. The observed data are in accord with the behavioural theories of Hebb and of Piaget.
Synthesis of cadmium sulfide Q particles in water-in-CO2 microemulsions

Semiconductor nanoparticles of cadmium sulfide were synthesized in ammonium perfluoropolyether (PFPE-NH{sub 4}) stabilized water-in-CO{sub 2} microemulsions. The particle size was tuned by varying the water-to-surfactant molar ratio ({omega}{sub 0}): {omega}{sub 0} ratios of 5 and 10 yielded nanocrystals with exciton energies of 3.86 and 3.09 eV, corresponding to mean particle radii of 0.9 and 1.8 nm, respectively. These exciton energies are significantly higher than the bulk band gap energy for CdS (2.45 eV) due to quantum confinement effects. Effectively, {omega}{sub 0} controls the size of the compartmentalized water droplets in which the particles grow.
Functional and morphological evidence for the existence of neurites from abdominal ganglion bag cell neurons in the head-ring ganglia of Aplysia.

Three lines of evidence are presented indicating that axons of the Aplysia neuroendocrine bag cells extend into the head-ring ganglia of the CNS. When the abdominal ganglion was bisected longitudinally, separating the two bag cell clusters, an afterdischarge induced in one cluster generated an afterdischarge in the other via activity through the head-ring ganglia to which each half abdominal ganglion was attached by connective nerves. This suggests that some axons of bag cells in each cluster communicate through the head-ring ganglia. Retrograde labelling of bag cells occurred when rhodamine-onjugated latex microspheres were injected into the cerebral or either pleural ganglion, a direct demonstration that bag cell axons extend into these ganglia. Finally, cell LP1 in the left pleural ganglion was inhibited during a bag cell afterdischarge, an action mimicked by application of alpha-bag cell peptide (αBCP). Since αBCP can act only close to its site of release due to susceptibility to peptidase activity, it is likely that LP1 inhibition is dependent on the local release of αBCP from bag cell neurites in the pleural ganglion. These results open new possibilities for how bag cell afterdischarges may be initiated and broaden the distribution of their effects.
The care and feeding of a Moodle campus

The old adage of "If you build it, he will come"2 is not necessarily true when it comes to a Learning Management System. These systems require a little more care and support to encourage faculty to adopt and utilize them as a tool for their classrooms. In order to avoid the pitfalls of neglect and indifference that was exhibited towards our previous learning management system, the Client Services department at Lewis & Clark College had to embark on a mission of evangelism to excite the faculty about using Moodle. This paper will discuss the choice to move to Moodle, and the process to move faculty and students towards accepting Moodle as a part of not only the campus learning environment, but the campus community as a whole. The author will also explore data from a student and faculty survey as to where Moodle currently stands on campus.
Distinct α-noradrenergic receptors differentiated by binding and physiological relationships

Abstract In brain and peripheral tissues the α-noradrenergic agonists 3H-clonidine, 3H-epinephrine and 3H-norepinephrine label sites which are distinct from and do not interconvert with those labeled by the α-noradrenergic antagonist 3H-WB-4101 (2-([2', 6'-dimethoxy]-phenoxyethylamino) methylbenzodioxane). In general agonists have higher affinity for sites labeled by the 3H-agonists while antagonists prefer sites labeled by 3H-WB-4101, though ergots and the α-antagonist phentolamine have similar affinities for the two sites. Peripheral tissues vary in relative numbers of 3H-agonist and 3H-WB-4101 sites with heart and vas deferens having almost exclusively 3H-WB-4101 sites, the rabbit duodenum only 3H-agonist sites, while salivary gland, spleen and cerebral cortex display similar numbers of both sites. The two sites appear to be postsynaptic since 6-hydroxydopamine treatment does not reduce their numbers. In vas deferens, heart and spleen pharmacological potencies of α-agonists and antagonists correlate closely with affinities for 3H-WB-4101 but not 3H-clonidine sites, while potencies in rabbit duodenum correlate with affinities for 3H-clonidine but not 3H-WB-4101 sites. The correspondence of separate binding sites with distinctive patterns of physiological responses indicates the existence of two discrete types of postsynaptic α-receptors. We propose to designate sites labeled by WB-4101 as α-1 receptors and those labeled by 3H-clonidine, 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-epinephrine as α-2 receptors. Drug potencies at α-2 binding sites resemble their affinities for presynaptic α-noradrenergic autoreceptors.
Synthesis and bioactivity of a side chain bridged paclitaxel: A test of the T-Taxol conformation

A knowledge of the bioactive tubulin-binding conformation of paclitaxel (Taxol™) is crucial to a full understanding of the bioactivity of this important anticancer drug, and potentially also to the design of simplified analogs. The bioactive conformation has been shown to be best approximated by the T-Taxol conformation. As a further test of this conclusion, the paclitaxel analog 4 was designed as a compound which has all the chemical functionality necessary for activity, but which cannot adopt the T-Taxol conformation. The synthesis and bioassay of 4 confirmed its lack of activity, and thus provided further support for the T-Taxol conformation as the bioactive tubulin-binding conformation.
Capture and Analysis of Data from Image-guided Procedures

Purpose Improvement of performance during image-guided procedures begins with close observation of existing systems. Recording of procedures and detailed analysis of those recordings may provide considerable insight into how performance might be improved. Materials and Methods Multiple video and audio recording devices were used to capture the stimulus/response cycles that occur during uterine artery embolization, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation, and Port-a-Cath placement. These records were compiled, and data regarding radiation use were extracted from each procedure. Recordings from Port-a-Cath placement were also used to assess operator performance during ultrasound (US)–guided venous access and medication handling. Results The recordings were used to assess how physicians use visual and auditory information to drive decisions during image-guided procedures. Correlating radiation dose with the modality used to acquire the image and the procedure timeline produced a series of clear patterns. Fluoroscopy was used to guide decisions during the vast majority of each procedure. Acquisition of digital subtraction angiographic images caused a substantial increase in radiation flux. There were clear instances in which the additional information provided by the increased dose was considered essential to the decision-making process, but there were also instances in which it appeared that the additional information did not drive intraprocedural decisions. Analysis of a US-guided procedure demonstrated that the physician would not advance the needle whenever its position relative to the target was uncertain. Conclusions Analysis of these detailed recordings provided important insights into how visual information is used during image-guided procedures. The results suggest there would be considerable benefit to matching information-gathering activities to the operators' capacity to analyze information and make decisions.
A low-noise current-mode preamplifier for gamma asymmetry measurements

Abstract The NPDGamma experiment will measure with high accuracy a very small parity-violating directional asymmetry A γ in the emission of gamma rays from the capture of polarized cold neutrons by protons. High event rates and systematic error considerations require the use of current mode detection with vacuum photo-diodes and low-noise solid-state preamplifiers. The preamplifier requirements, design, and measured properties are described.
Romanticism and modernity

1. Introduction: Romanticism and Modernity Thomas Pfau and Robert Mitchell 2. Romanticism and Modernity: Epistemological Continuities and Discontinuities David E. Wellbery 3. Natural Purposes and the Reflecting Power of Judgment: The Problem of the Organism in Kant's Critical Philosophy Joan Steigerwald 4. Excitability: The (Dis)Organization of Knowledge from Schelling's First Outline (1799) to Ages of the World (1815) Tilottama Rajan 5. After the Covenant: Romanticism, Secularization, and Disastrous Transcendence David Collings 6. Modernity and the Fate of Utopian Representation in Wordsworth's "Female Vagrant" Vivasvan Soni 7. How to Move from Romanticism to Post-Romanticism: Schelling, Hegel, and Heine Terry Pinkard 8. Sometimes a Stick is Just a Stick: The Essay as (Organic) Form Denise Gigante 9. Bildungsspiele: Vicissitudes of Socialization in Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship Thomas Pfau 10. The Very Model of a Modern Epic Poem Nicholas Halmi 11. Machines of Turning Actions into Reactions: The German Novella and the Event Fritz Breithaupt 12. Arendt, Byron, and De Quincey in Dark Times Jacques Khalip 13. Cryptogamia Robert Mitchell 14. Romanticism, Psychoanalysis and the Interpretation of Silence Nancy Yousef
Automated determination of protein in the presence of sucrose

Abstract The advent of the zonal centrifuges utilizing sucrose density gradients has made it necessary to measure routinely the protein content of subcellular fractions containing variable amounts of sucrose with automated procedures. The color development in the Lowry reaction was found to be progressively reduced by increasing concentrations of sucrose. The sucrose inhibition could be overcome by increasing the amount of copper in the system. However, the copper-tartrate reagent was extremely unstable, and the copper quickly precipitated out. The copper-tartrate was stable when dissolved in bicarbonate buffer, but this modification failed to overcome the sucrose effect. Sucrose failed to impair the contribution of the Folin reaction to color development, and sufficient sensitivity could be obtained by using the new Technicon tubular flow cell with a 15 mm light path. Under these conditions a linear response to protein concentration was obtained from 0.05 to 8.00 mg bovine serum albumin per millititer.
Different dose regimens of the mouse monoclonal-antibody 17-1a for therapy of patients with metastatic colorectal-carcinoma.

Seventy-one patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma(CRC) were treated with varying doses of the mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) 17-1A. One patient achieved a partial remission (PR) (1%) with a survival duration of 114+ months. Further 10 patients showed a minor response (MR) or stable disease > 3 months (SD) (14%). In patients receiving a total dose of MAb17-1A 2 g had a corresponding figure of 4% (1/26) (1 MR) (p < 0.05). Responding patients (n = 11) survived significantly longer than non-responding patients (n = 60) (median: 20 vs 10 months) (p < 0.0027). In the most intensive treatment group (total 12 g), 14 patients received 500 mg of MAb17-1A tiw for 8 weeks. The frequency and intensity of side-effects were mild and did not cause withdrawal or dose reduction of MAb17-1A, even in the 12 g dose schedule. Patients with a pretreatment ADCC (antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity) activity above the median of all patients, survived significantly longer than those with a low value (p < 0.05).
Glutamine residues in Q-loops of multidrug resistance protein MRP1 contribute to ATP binding via interaction with metal cofactor.

Abstract Structural analyses of bacterial ATP-binding-cassette transporters revealed that the glutamine residue in Q-loop plays roles in interacting with: 1) a metal cofactor to participate in ATP binding; 2) a putative catalytic water molecule to participate in ATP hydrolysis; 3) other residues to transmit the conformational changes between nucleotide-binding-domains and transmembrane-domains, in ATP-dependent solute transport. We have mutated the glutamines at 713 and 1375 to asparagine, methionine or leucine to determine the functional roles of these residues in Q-loops of MRP1. All these single mutants significantly decreased Mg · ATP binding and increased the Km (Mg · ATP) and Vmax values in Mg · ATP-dependent leukotriene-C4 transport. However, the Vmax values of the double mutants Q713N/Q1375N, Q713M/Q1375M and Q713L/Q1375L were lower than that of wtMRP1, implying that the double mutants cannot efficiently bind Mg · ATP. Interestingly, MRP1 has higher affinity for Mn · ATP than for Mg · ATP and the Mn · ATP-dependent leukotriene-C4 transport activities of Q713N/Q1375N and Q713M/Q1375M are significantly higher than that of wtMRP1. All these results suggest that: 1) the glutamine residues in Q-loops contribute to ATP-binding via interaction with a metal cofactor; 2) it is most unlikely that these glutamine residues would play crucial roles in ATP hydrolysis and in transmitting the conformational changes between nucleotide-binding-domains and transmembrane-domains.
An Ultracompact Optical Mode Order Converter

We describe the design and fabrication of an ultracompact optical mode order converter employing submicron waveguides. The mode converter can realize optical mode conversion between zeroth- and first-order optical modes with a device footprint less than 18 mum by 3 mum. The optical mode converter could be employed in various types of photonic integrated circuits where optical mode order conversion is needed
Comparison of wavelet image coders using picture quality scale (PQS)

Image coding is one of the most visible applications of wavelets. There has been an increasing number of reports each year since the late 1980s on the design of new wavelet coders and variations to existing ones. In this paper, we report some results from our comparative study of wavelet image coders using a perception-based, quantitative picture quality scale as the distortion measure. Coders are evaluated in rate-distortion sense; the influences of different wavelets, quantizers, and encoders are assessed individually. Our results provide an insight into the design issues of optimizing wavelet coders, as well as a good reference for application developers to choose from an increasingly large family of wavelet coders for their applications.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Predicting performance using background characteristics of international medical graduates in an inner-city university-affiliated Internal Medicine residency training program

IMGs constitute about a third of the United States (US) internal medicine graduates. US residency training programs face challenges in selection of IMGs with varied background features. However data on this topic is limited. We analyzed whether any pre-selection characteristics of IMG residents in our internal medicine program are associated with selected outcomes, namely competency based evaluation, examination performance and success in acquiring fellowship positions after graduation. We conducted a retrospective study of 51 IMGs at our ACGME accredited teaching institution between 2004 and 2007. Background resident features namely age, gender, self-reported ethnicity, time between medical school graduation to residency (pre-hire time), USMLE step I & II clinical skills scores, pre-GME clinical experience, US externship and interest in pursuing fellowship after graduation expressed in their personal statements were noted. Data on competency-based evaluations, in-service exam scores, research presentation and publications, fellowship pursuance were collected. There were no fellowships offered in our hospital in this study period. Background features were compared between resident groups according to following outcomes: (a) annual aggregate graduate PGY-level specific competency-based evaluation (CBE) score above versus below the median score within our program (scoring scale of 1 – 10), (b) US graduate PGY-level specific resident in-training exam (ITE) score higher versus lower than the median score, and (c) those who succeeded to secure a fellowship within the study period. Using appropriate statistical tests & adjusted regression analysis, odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. 94% of the study sample were IMGs; median age was 35 years (Inter-Quartile range 25th – 75th percentile (IQR): 33–37 years); 43% women and 59% were Asian physicians. The median pre-hire time was 5 years (IQR: 4–7 years) and USMLE step I & step II clinical skills scores were 85 (IQR: 80–88) & 82 (IQR: 79–87) respectively. The median aggregate CBE scores during training were: PG1 5.8 (IQR: 5.6–6.3); PG2 6.3 (IQR 6–6.8) & PG3 6.7 (IQR: 6.7 – 7.1). 25% of our residents scored consistently above US national median ITE scores in all 3 years of training and 16% pursued a fellowship. Younger residents had higher aggregate annual CBE score than the program median (p < 0.05). Higher USMLE scores were associated with higher than US median ITE scores, reflecting exam-taking skills. Success in acquiring a fellowship was associated with consistent fellowship interest (p < 0.05) and research publications or presentations (p <0.05). None of the other characteristics including visa status were associated with the outcomes. Background IMG features namely, age and USMLE scores predict performance evaluation and in-training examination scores during residency training. In addition enhanced research activities during residency training could facilitate fellowship goals among interested IMGs.
Lower neonatal screening thyroxine concentrations in down syndrome newborns.

There is an unexplained higher incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected by T4-based neonatal screening programs and a very high prevalence of (mild) plasma TSH elevation in young children with Down syndrome (DS). To determine whether newborns with DS have decreased blood T4 concentrations at the time of the neonatal screening, we conducted an observational study in a large and representative cohort of Dutch children with DS born in 1996 and 1997. CH screening results (T4, TSH, and T4-binding globulin concentrations) were analyzed in comparison with clinical information obtained by interviewing the parents and data from the general newborn population and a large control group. The mean T4 concentration of the studied children with DS (n = 284) was significantly decreased. The individual T4 concentrations were normally (Gaussian) distributed but shifted to lower concentrations. This could not be explained by prematurity, nonthyroidal illness, or iodine exposure. Mean TSH and T4-binding globulin ...
Historical contingency in species interactions: towards niche‐based predictions

The way species affect one another in ecological communities often depends on the order of species arrival. The magnitude of such historical contingency, known as priority effects, varies across species and environments, but this variation has proven difficult to predict, presenting a major challenge in understanding species interactions and consequences for community structure and function. Here, we argue that improved predictions can be achieved by decomposing species' niches into three components: overlap, impact and requirement. Based on classic theories of community assembly, three hypotheses that emphasise related, but distinct influences of the niche components are proposed: priority effects are stronger among species with higher resource use overlap; species that impact the environment to a greater extent exert stronger priority effects; and species whose growth rate is more sensitive to changes in the environment experience stronger priority effects. Using nectar-inhabiting microorganisms as a model system, we present evidence that these hypotheses complement the conventional hypothesis that focuses on the role of environmental harshness, and show that niches can be twice as predictive when separated into components. Taken together, our hypotheses provide a basis for developing a general framework within which the magnitude of historical contingency in species interactions can be predicted.
Some properties of elastodynamic eigensolutions in stratified media

Summary. In this note, we consider some symmetries of the coefficient matrix in the differential system for the displacement-stress vector in stratified media. These symmetries are used to obtain extremely simple relations between the elements of an associated eigenvector matrix and the elements of the inverse of this matrix. These results obtain in lossless but otherwise arbitrary elastic solids and, in particular, they hold for anisotropic media, obviating numerical calculation of the inverse eigenvector matrix in this case. The relations are closely tied to the notion of vertical energy flux normalization for eigensolutions associated with pure imaginary eigenvalues, but a different normalization naturally arises when the eigenvalues have a non-zero real part. The new normalization can be easily related to vertical energy flux normalization for travelling waves. The equations of motion for linear elastodynamics are separable in a Cartesian coordinate system when the elastic properties and the density of the medium depend on a single coordinate, say x3 = z. In this case, a general time-dependent displacement may be resolved into harmonic wavetrains of the form u = u(z) exp[i(kl x, t k2 x2 - wt)].
Global dental research productivity and its association with human development, gross national income, and political stability

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to examine the associations between country level factors (such as human development, economic productivity, and political stability) and their dental research productivity. Methods This study is a cross-sectional analysis of bibliometric data from Scopus search engine. Human Development Index (HDI), Gross National Income per capita (GNI), and Failed State Index measures were the independent variables. Outcomes were “Total number of publications (articles or articles in press) in the field of dentistry” and “Total number of publications in the field of dentistry per million population.” Non-parametric tests were used to examine the association between the independent and outcome variables. Results During the year 2013, a total of 11,952 dental research articles were published across the world. The top 5 publishing countries were United States, Brazil, India, Japan, and United Kingdom. “Very High” HDI countries had significantly higher number of total dental research articles and dental research articles per million population when compared to the “High HDI,” “Medium HDI,” and “Low HDI” countries ( p p ≤ 0.007). Countries which were highly politically stable were associated with significantly higher dental research productivity ( p Conclusions There appears to be a regional concentration of articles with just five countries contributing to over 50% of all articles. The human development and economic development of a country are linearly correlated with dental research productivity. Dental research productivity also increases with increasing political stability of a country.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the revised university student hassles scale

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the scores on the Revised University Student Hassles Scale that was developed to identify everyday irritants experienced by a diverse body of university students. Factor analyses of data obtained from 965 graduate and undergraduate students yielded a well-differentiated 11-factor solution of internally consistent and stable scores. The 57-item instrument distinguished between students with high and low stress and was unrelated to students’ perceptions of their physical health.
Assessing Rule Compliance and Robustness in Recreational Resource Management

To mitigate degradation of open-access natural resources, government officials and resource users often share responsibilities in monitoring and enforcing management rules. Common pool resource (CPR) theory provides diagnostics for assessing the robustness of such rule arrangements. In this paper, we employ CPR theory to examine co-management efforts involving a government land management agency and a climber advocacy organization in a rock climbing destination in Utah, USA. Based on interviews and site visits, we find variation in perceptions of compliance and moderate accordance with the principles of robust rule design offered by CPR theory. The contributions of this paper are both practical and theoretical. Practically, we identify potential methods for strengthening management strategies for an open-access natural resource. Theoretically, we explore the generalizability of CPR theory to a non-traditional CPR setting, offer precise conceptualization and operationalization of the CPR design principle c...