cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Additional Virulence Genes and Virulence Gene Regions in Listeria monocytogenes Confirms the Epidemiologic Relevance of Multi-Virulence-Locus Sequence Typing

Previous molecular subtyping studies have defined four epidemic clones (ECs) of Listeria monocytogenes (ECI, ECII, ECIII, and ECIV). Partial sequences of eight virulence genes were previously shown to be identical within individual ECs of L. monocytogenes. The present study was conducted to determine if the sequences of other virulence genes and virulence gene regions are also conserved within these ECs. Six additional virulence genes—bsh, hly, inlJ, lplA1, pgdA, and srtA—and three additional virulence gene regions of actA, inlA, and inlB were selected based on their role in L. monocytogenes virulence, and intragenic regions of each gene were sequenced. Sequencing was performed on a diverse set of 44 to 48 L. monocytogenes strains. Results demonstrated that the sequenced regions of the nine virulence genes were identical within each of the ECs, and 257 new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified. ECIII (lineage II) was easily distinguishable from the other ECs, as 238 SNPs were observed in E...
Screening Asymptomatic Subjects for Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Not So Obvious

The case for screening asymptomatic adults for coronary artery disease seems to be, on the surface, obvious. Coronary disease is common and serious and involves a prolonged asymptomatic phase. Frequently the first clinical presentation causes serious morbidity or even death. Because of remarkable
Fully Nonlinear Properties of Periodic Waves Shoaling over Slopes

Shoaling of finite amplitude periodic waves over a sloping bottom is calculated in a numerical wave tank which combines: (i) a Boundary Element Model to solve Fully Nonlinear Potential Flow (FNPF) equations; (ii) an exact generation of zero-mass-flux Streamfunction Waves at the deeper water extremity; and (iii) an Absorbing Beach (AB) at the far end of the tank, which features both free surface absorption (through applying an external pressure) and lateral active absorption (using a piston-like condition). A feedback mechanism adaptively calibrates the beach absorption coefficient, as a function of time, to absorb the period-averaged energy of incident waves. Shoaling of periodic waves of various heights and periods is modeled over 1:35,1:50, and 1:70 slopes (both plane and natural), up to very close to the breaking point. Due to the low reflection from both the slope and the AB, a quasi-steady state is soon reached in the tank for which local and integral properties of shoaling waves are calculated (K„ c, H/h, kH, rjm, Sxx,...). Comparisons are made with classical wave theories and observed differences are discussed. Parameters providing an almost one-to-one relationship with relative depth kh in the shoaling region are identified. These could be used to solve the so-called depth-inversion problem.
Split Population Models

The “simple” parametric models considered in the last chapter have all assumed some form of the cumulative distribution function F(t) for the time until recidivism. Any such cumulative distribution function approaches one as t becomes sufficiently large. In the present context, this implies that every individual would eventually return to prison, and this implicit assumption can be argued to be unreasonable.
Delayed Puberty, Short Stature, and Tall Stature

Delayed puberty and short stature are common complaints in adolescence. While they are most commonly benign variations of normal development, they can occasionally indicate more serious endocrine or systemic conditions. A careful history, physical exam, and sometimes laboratory and radiographic studies and/or provocative testing may help to determine the underlying cause of delayed puberty or short stature. Tall stature is a rare complaint and uncommonly indicates a more serious underlying condition such as a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma.
Longitudinal analysis of structural changes following unilateral focused ultrasound thalamotomy.

Abstract Objective Focused ultrasound thalamotomy is an emerging treatment for essential tremor, and it is ideal for studying reorganization in the human brain after acute injury because it creates a controlled thalamic ablation without breaching the cortex. However, there is not yet a metric capable of detecting microstructural changes in the presence of acute phase edema with good sensitivity in the chronic phase, when the lesion boundaries become inconspicuous. Methods We prospectively studied microstructural changes at the lesion site using generalized q-sampling imaging with restricted diffusion imaging. We obtained diffusion-weighted MRI scans preoperatively, 1 day after (n = 18), and 1 year after (n = 9) focused ultrasound thalamotomy. The restricted diffusion imaging maps were compared at the group level, controlling for improvement in contralateral hand tremor. Results The restricted diffusion imaging metric significantly increased in the 1 day post images, and the area with restricted diffusivity extended beyond the lesion boundaries identified on T2-weighted imaging. Two distinct zones of microstructural changes were identified, and the lesion area was identifiable at 1 year. The anterior and medial aspects of the lesion had a significant changes in RDI at 1 year, potentially signifying reorganization. The voxels with significant changes in restricted diffusion imaging values extend beyond the VIM into the surrounding white matter. Interpretation Correcting for free water contamination with restricted diffusion imaging allowed us to study microstructural changes after focused ultrasound thalamotomy. We observed statistically significant changes in RDI in the anterior and medial aspect of the lesion at 1 year. Whether these changes represent tissue reorganization remains to be confirmed in future studies. These findings may support performing additional ablations antero-medially for durable efficacy.
Shortness of Breath, Chest Tightness, and Wheezing

Episodic wheezing and dyspnea, nocturnal coughs, positive family history of atopy, worsening of symptoms following respiratory viral infections, and after exposure to inhalant allergens point to a diagnosis of asthma Wheezing appearing soon after birth with constant nature, associated with failure to thrive, pulmonary consolidation, and poor response to asthma medications, are against a diagnosis of asthma Wheezing is not a constant feature of asthma and patients might present with an essentially normal clinical picture between episodes of exacerbation Oxygen supplementation and administration of SABA are the two most crucial measures to mitigate asthma exacerbations A fall in FEV1 by 15% or more following bronchoprovocation, or rise in FEV1 by 12% or 200ml after inhalation of short acting beta agonist is diagnostic for bronchial hyperreactivity
Identifying psychosocial distress in cancer patients in a community center.

e23193Background: Psychosocial distress is common in cancer patients. It can cause decreased treatment adherence, lesser treatment satisfaction, low quality of life, and lower survival rate. Distre...
Breast fibromatosis: Making the case for primary vs secondary subtypes

Fibromatosis of the breast is a rare condition that can be locally aggressive. The mainstay of treatment remains wide local excision, with varied adjuvant therapy as needed. The authors describe their experience in the treatment of a series of patients and propose the classification of primary and secondary breast fibromatosis. A single-institution retrospective analysis of patients treated for breast fibromatosis from 2003 to 2017 was completed. Demographic data, pertinent past medical history, and treatment modalities were reviewed. Primary breast fibromatosis was defined as arising in the absence of previous surgery or radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast. Secondary breast fibromatosis was defined as arising in the setting of previous surgery or radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast. A total of 16 patients were included with the median age 40 (28-64) years. The average size of the lesion was 6.37 cm (range of 1.5-15 cm). Mean follow-up time was 65 months. Surgical excision was completed in 14 patients, with two recurrences. There were no recurrences in patients with surgical margins >1 cm. Two patients were treated nonsurgically. There were seven patients with primary fibromatosis of the breast and nine patients with secondary fibromatosis of the breast. Fibromatosis of the breast is difficult to diagnose prior to surgical excision. We advocate for the multi-disciplinary treatment of this disease process with an aggressive surgical approach to achieve margins >1 cm.
Intuition as a Capacity for a Priori Knowledge

This article lays the groundwork for a defense of rational intuitions by first arguing against a prevalent view according to which intuition is a distinctive psychological state, an “intellectual seeming” that p, that then constitutes evidence that p. An alternative account is then offered, according to which an intuition that p constitutes non-inferential a priori knowledge that p in virtue of the concepts exercised in judging that p. This account of rational intuition as the exercise of conceptual capacities in a priori judgment is then distinguished from the dogmatic, entitlement and reliabilist accounts of intuition’s justificatory force. The article concludes by considering three implications of the proposed view for the Experimental Philosophy movement.
Optimal and maximal taxation within and among industries with various degrees of competitiveness

The optimal commodity taxation problem is examined in a model of the economy which consists of both perfectly and imperfectly competitive industries. The number of possible tax instruments is expanded by including license fees and a profits tax in addition to unit and ad valorem excise taxes. Three types of industries are analyzed: a perfectly competitive industry, a monopolistically competitive industry, and a single-plant monopolist. Within monopolistic competition, there are two distinct industry equilibria considered;Each type of industry is considered separately in a partial-equilibrium framework and the results are extended to the general-equilibrium optimal taxation problem. For each market structure, the characteristics of its optimal taxation path are described; for all possible required levels of tax collections, the optimal adjustment of output per-firm, industry sales, and the number of firms is determined. That tax or combination of taxes which moves each industry along this optimal path is then examined. Attention is also given to maximal taxation schemes;A major focus of previous analyses has been on the optimal configuration of excise rates among perfectly competitive industries. It is shown that a single excise tax can both optimally and maximally tax a perfectly competitive industry. However, a combination of taxes is usually required for optimal taxation in imperfectly competitive markets. These optimal schemes generally consist of a simultaneous tax and a subsidy. Moreover, while optimal taxation usually requires a combination of taxes, a single tax can often maximize collections. In general, the tax instruments required for optimal and maximal taxation are identified and shown to depend on the particular type of market structure which is taxed.
Lymph Node Positivity in T1/T2 Rectal Cancer: a Word of Caution in an Era of Increased Incidence and Changing Biology for Rectal Cancer.

The evaluation of lymph nodes in rectal cancer dictates treatment. The goals of this study are to characterize the contemporary rate of lymph node metastasis in early stage rectal cancer and to re-investigate histologic factors that predict positive lymph nodes. Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients with clinical stage I rectal adenocarcinoma. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for lymph node positivity. 12.2% of patients with T1 tumors and 18.0% of patients with T2 tumors had positive lymph nodes. For T1 tumors, positive lymph nodes were present in 9.3% with neither poor differentiation nor lymphovascular invasion (LVI), 17.3% with poor differentiation alone, 34.7% with LVI alone, and 45.0% with both poor differentiation and LVI. For T2 tumors, positive lymph nodes were present in 11.7% with neither poor differentiation nor LVI, 25.3% with poor differentiation alone, 47.3% with LVI alone, and 41.5% with both poor differentiation and LVI. LVI was an independent predictor of positive lymph nodes (OR;4.75,95%CI;3.17–7.11,p < 0.001) for T1 and (OR;6.20,95%CI;4.53–8.51,p < 0.001) T2 tumors. T1/T2 tumors have higher rates of positive lymph nodes when poor differentiation and LVI are present. These results should be taken into consideration prior to surgical treatment.
Sentiment Analysis: Detecting Valence, Emotions, and Other Affectual States from Text

Abstract Sentiment analysis is the task of automatically determining from text the attitude, emotion, or some other affectual state of the author. This chapter summarizes the diverse landscape of tasks and applications associated with sentiment analysis. We outline key challenges stemming from the complexity and subtlety of language use, the prevalence of creative and non-standard language, and the lack of paralinguistic information, such as tone and stress markers. We describe automatic systems and datasets commonly used in sentiment analysis. We summarize several manual and automatic approaches to creating valence- and emotion-association lexicons. We also discuss preliminary approaches for sentiment composition (how smaller units of text combine to express sentiment) and approaches for detecting sentiment in figurative and metaphoric language—these are the areas where we expect to see significant work in the near future.
Monoclonal antibody-mediated cytotoxicity of human myeloid leukemia cells: an in vitro model for estimating efficiency and optimal conditions for cytolysis

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to myeloid differentiation antigens have a potential use in purging bone marrow of leukemia cells in autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Because the efficiency of purging by MoAb and complement (C) is important to the success of ABMT, we have designed an assay to determine optimal conditions for leukemia cell lysis. In order to mimic the conditions of remission bone marrow, normal buffy coat cells were mixed with cells from the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line at a concentration that approximated the normal-leukemia cell ratio found in remission marrow. The cell mixture was treated at variable times and temperatures in the presence of C and PM-81, an IgM MoAb that reacts with both normal granulocytes and monocytes as well as with HL-60 cells. PM-81 binds to the majority of cells from 90% of patients with AML yet does not react significantly with normal stem cell populations. Because of the potential use of PM-81 in ABMT, it seemed especially important to show that the antibody was capable of mediating cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells in the presence of an excess of antigen-positive cells. A clonogenic assay that permitted the growth of HL-60 cell colonies but not normal progenitor cells in methylcellulose cultures was used to measure the efficiency of HL-60 cell lysis. We found that under certain conditions, PM-81 was capable of removing the small percentage of HL-60 clonogenic cells admixed with normal buffy coat cells. This information was useful for determining the optimal conditions for purging bone marrow of leukemia cells for ABMT.
Laz caregivers’ talk to their young children: The importance of context and utterance type in eliciting ancestral language use:

This study examined play interactions of 15 to 48-month-old children (n = 59) and their caregivers in Lazuri, a UNESCO-rated endangered South-Caucasian ancestral language, and Turkish, a dominant l...
Patients wIth idiopathic granulomatous mastitis accompanied by erythema nodosum.

Background Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease of the breast. The aetiology is unknown. Erythema nodosum (EN) is a rare skin disease associated with IGM. EN is a disease in which the aetiologic factors include infection, malignancy, autoimmune diseases, and pregnancy. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and coexistence of EN with IGM and the approach to treatment. Methods Patients who were admitted to the General Surgery and Dermatology Department of our hospital and diagnosed with EN and IGM were evaluated. Demographic data, symptoms, examination findings, number of birth, smoking, diagnosis and treatment methods, recurrence, and follow-up periods of the patients were evaluated. Results EN was seen in six of the patients admitted to the clinic for IGM. Four patients with EN had pregnancy and all had arthritis. Two patients were not pregnant. Oral methylprednisolone treatment was started in patients whose IGM diagnosis was verified pathologically. Conclusion IGM may be associated with extramammary symptoms such as EN, arthralgia, and episcleritis. These extramammary findings suggest that IGM may be an autoimmune disease. For this reason, breast examination and history of IGM of the breast should be questioned in female patients admitted to different clinics with EN. This way, delays in the diagnosis and treatment of IGM can be prevented.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a spectrum of proliferative disorders ranging from non-neoplastic hydatidiform moles to neoplastic conditions including the highly malignant gestational choriocarcinoma (CC). Two distinct tumors of the intermediate trophoblasts are very rare, but frequently pose diagnostic difficulties. In addition, two reactive conditions are also included in the classifications of GTDs (Table 8.1).
Modeling Social Relationship

We describe an approach to social action and social relationship among socially intelligent agents [4], based on mutual planning and mutual control of action. We describe social behaviors, and the creation and maintenance of social relationships, obtained with an implementation of a biologically inspired parallel and modular agent architecture. We define voluntary action and social situatedness, and we discuss how mutual planning and mutual control of action emerge from this architecture.
Organic syntheses by means of metal complexes—VI : Reactions of anilines, carbon tetrachloride and carbon monoxide

Abstract Reactions of anilines, carbon tetrachloride and carbon monoxide catalyzed by dicobalt octacarbonyl, cyclopentadienylmolybdenum tricarbonyl dimer and molybdenum hexacarbony] have been studied. p -Amino-N,N′-diphenylbenzamidine was obtained by the reaction of aniline and carbon tetrachloride. 3-Aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinones and 3-aryl-2,4(1H, 3H)-quinazolinedione were formed with substituted anilines depending on reaction conditions and nature of the substituents.
Technology change in US iron and steel production

Abstract Recent calls for sustainable practices in industry have highlighted the need to assess the interrelationships between changes in industrial material and energy use, availability and quality of material and energy sources, and emissions. This study provides such an assessment for the US iron and steel industry. It quantifies these relationships using econometric time series analysis of aggregate industry behaviour. The econometric estimates, together with engineering information on production technologies, are embedded in a dynamic computer model and used to simulate material and energy use and emissions profiles for the period 1987–2027. The results indicate that even modest increases in raw steel production rates require unrealistically high rates of iron and steel recycling to reduce energy use and emissions in the long run, even if the historically observed rates of technological substitution and efficiency improvements can be maintained.
Comparison on the coupling between Substrate Integrated Waveguide and microstrip transmission lines for antenna arrays

Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) offers a simple and affordable method to implement waveguides in a printed circuit board. This paper presents simulated and measured results on the coupling characteristics between two SIWs and between an SIW and a microstrip transmission line. From the results, the authors conclude that the coupling between the SIW and microstrip transmission line is much less than the SIW to SIW coupling. This could prove useful in antenna designs.
Fact-Finding without Facts: The Uncertain Evidentiary Foundations of International Criminal Convictions

1. The evidence supporting international criminal convictions 2. Questions unanswered: international witnesses and the information unconveyed 3. The educational, linguistic, and cultural impediments to accurate fact-finding at the international tribunals 4. Of inconsistencies and their explanations 5. Perjury: the counter-narrative 6. Expectations unfulfilled: the consequences of the fact-finding impediments 7. Casual indifference: the trial chambers' treatment of testimonial deficiencies 8. Organizational liability revived: the pro-conviction bias explained 9. Help needed: practical suggestions and procedural reforms to improve fact-finding accuracy 10. Assessing the status quo: they are not doing what they say they are doing but is what they are doing worth doing? 11. Conclusion.
Characterization of Aldolase and Transaldolase Activities in Acidobacterium capsulatum

Acidobacterium capsulatum, a mildly acidophilic, chemotrophic, aerobe with the ability to grow on glucose, is found in diverse soil and aquatic conditions worldwide, suggesting a significant role in carbon and nutrient cycling in the environment. A. capsulatum has successfully been cultured and its genome has been completed, allowing for genome-directed studies of the organism’s glucose metabolizing capabilities. Based on the genomic information, this organism was thought to lack aldolase, but contained two putative transaldolase genes (TA), one of which contains and EF-hand domain (TAEF). However, recent results show there are aldolase and transaldolase activities in cell-free lysate. We are continuing to characterize the aldolase and transaldolase activities in cell-free lysates to better understand how these enzymes play a role in partitioning of carbon from glucose between energy production and biomass formation. The pH dependence of the aldolase and transaldolase activities found to have a narrow optimal activity around pH 7.4 in the crude cell lysate. The two putative transaldolase genes have been PCR amplified, cloned into a pET151 directional TOPO expression vector and transformed into E. coli. Sequencing of the TAEF and TA genes showed proper insertion into the expression vector. Current work is focusing on expression and purification of the TA and TAEF proteins. Genomic and structural features of the transaldolase genes and proteins are being characterized through bioinformatics tools such as Pymol, NCBI gene searches and Cn3D. Structural homologs are being used to identify structurally similar features in the A. capsulatum transaldolase enzymes. Conserved active site residues have been identified using these same homologs as model transaldolases. These bioinformatics studies support the hypothesis that the A. capsulatum transaldolases are capable of catalyzing the accepted transaldolase mechanism. Future work will focus on identifying an aldolase gene and characterizing key regulatory points of glucose metabolism. The identification of aldolase will be done through bioinformatics tools as described above, comparing it to hypothetical proteins in the A. capsulatum genome.
CRRES Plasma Wave Observations during Quiet Times, during Geomagnetic Disturbances, and during Chemical Releases

The Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) was launched July 25, 1990, into an 18 degree inclination orbit with a 350 km perigee altitude, a 6.3 Re geocentric apogee distance, and an orbital period of 9.9 hours. During the nearly 15 months period that CRRES operated, the Plasma Wave Experiment (PWE) collected much valuable data on the plasma wave environment in the plasmasphere and inner magnetosphere during quiet times, during geomagnetically disturbed periods, and during the high altitude chemical releases.
Trait Anger, Anger Expression, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analytic Review

A meta-analysis of 15 studies was conducted to investigate the relationship between trait anger and ambulatory blood pressure. Overall, the experience of anger was significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure (r+ = 0.049), but not reliably associated with diastolic blood pressure (r+ = 0.028). After removing an outlier, the expression of anger was found to have a reliable inverse relationship with diastolic blood pressure (r+ = -0.072). No reliable relationship between expression of anger and systolic blood pressure (r+ = -0.041) was found. These results continue to support the modest role of self-reported trait anger and anger expression in blood pressure levels. Several suggestions for future research are discussed, including increasing the focus on the complexity and synergism of these effects.
The impact of patient age and aortic size on the results of aortobifemoral bypass grafting.

Abstract Objectives: On the basis of the widespread belief that aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) represents the optimal mode of revascularization for patients with diffuse aortoiliac disease, vascular surgeons are often aggressive about its application in young adults. We undertook this retrospective evaluation of ABFs performed from 1980 to 1999 to determine whether the results justify this approach. Patients of less than 50 years of age (n = 45) were compared with those aged 50 to 59 years (n = 93) and those aged more than 60 years (n = 146). Results: Younger patients were more likely to undergo operation for claudication than were older patients (72% versus 59% and 55%; P P = not significant). The mean diameter of aortic grafts was significantly smaller in younger patients (14.6 mm) than in older patients (15.6 mm and 15.5 mm; P P P = not significant). Five-year primary and secondary patency rates increased significantly with each increase in age interval: 5-year primary patency rate: less than 50 years, 66% ± 8%; 50 to 59 years, 87% ± 5%; more than 60 years, 96% ±2% ( P P P = not significant). Conclusion: Increased virulence of aortic disease, smaller aortic size, and more progressive infrainguinal disease may all negatively impact the results of ABF in younger patients. Although 5-year results are acceptable, increased caution is warranted in the routine application of ABF in young patients without limb-threatening ischemia.
Effect of a Selective Endothelin Receptor-A Antagonist (Atrasentan) on Bladder Function and Structure

Purpose Atrasentan (AT) is a highly selective endothelin-receptor-A (ET-A) antagonist. Previously we have shown that the ET-A receptor antagonist LU 302146 (LU) is able to suppress bladder contractions in an acute mini pig model (electrostimulation-induced bladder contractions) The objective of this trial was to evaluate the influence of AT on bladder function and ischemia related changes in bladder structure in a Guinea pig model of urethral obstruction. Material and methods Seven animals were obstructed and received 5 mg/kg/day of Atrasentan for 7 weeks thereafter. Reference groups consisted of obstructed animals or of sham operated animals. Each animal is followed longitudinally with weekly urodynamic investigations. The Atrasentan treated animals were sacrificed at week 8. Details on the experimental set-up are given in [Kok et al. J Urol 2000] Results Compared to the sham-operated group the bladder pressure at maximum flow rate (max. pdet) increased slightly, not significantly, in the AT group and contractility increased significantly. Compared to the obstructed group max pdet was significant lower and contractility similar. The compliance remained normal. Instabilities were not prevented. Structural analysis is currently being performed and will be presented at the ESPU meeting. Conclusions The finding that Atrasentan increases bladder contractility while at the same time maintaining normal bladder compliance suggests that it prevents the anaerobic conditions in the bladder muscle that otherwise lead to hypertrophic and fibrotic changes in the bladder wall. The ongoing structural analysis must show if this is supported by decreased glycogen deposition and whether the preservation of a normal compliance is related to less fibrosis and/or muscle hypertrophy. AT was not as effective in suppressing bladder contractions as LU. The reason might be the different experimental set-up or difference in selectivity of the 2 substances. Future experiments will evaluate the effect of ET-B antagonists on bladder function and structure in the Guinea pig model of urethral obstruction.
Underwater Tracking and Size-Estimation of a Moving Object Using an IPMC Artificial Lateral Line

Motivated by the lateral line system of fish and amphibians, arrays of flow sensors have been proposed as a new sensing modality for underwater robots. Most existing studies on such artificial lateral lines have been focused on the localization of a vibrating sphere, also known as a dipole source. In this paper we investigate the problem of tracking a moving but non-vibrating cylindrical object and estimating its size and shape using an artificial lateral line system. Based on a nonlinear analytical model for the moving object-induced flow field, a two-stage extended Kalman filter is proposed to estimate the location, velocity, size, and shape of the object. Simulation results on tracking a cylinder with ellipsoidal cross-section are presented to illustrate the approach. On the experimental side, we demonstrate the use of an artificial lateral line prototype comprising six ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) flow sensors in the tracking and size estimation of a moving circular cylinder.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Speaking of Freedom: U.S. Multicultural Literature and Human Rights Talk In an Emerging Democracy

It’s 100 degrees in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), and I am trying to explain to a student that when she analyzes irony in Hamlet in her MA thesis, she may want to consider politics and the ways in which Shakespeare commented both on Elizabethan England and the nature of power more generally. Ophelia doesn’t even come up in the conversation. I pause for a moment to adjust the feeble fan near my desk, imagining a Danish winter. The potential parallels between the play and the political situation in my host country are glaringly obvious. Dare I say something? Is my student oblivious to this matter, or is she choosing to ignore it, knowing the fragility of human rights in the emerging democracy?In February 2013, I served as the first US Fulbright scholar in a Myanmar public university in almost thirty years. Our discipline was chosen for this venture because, according to the project overview, “American literature is not a sensitive subject with the Ministry of Education and thus a good idea.” Knowing it to be risky, I introduced Masters students and their faculty to recent US literature, focusing primarily on works by women and minorities beginning with the Civil Rights movement. My texts were selected from those I teach in my course on US women writers at home, but in Myanmar, they were discussed with predominantly female groups representing the many religious and ethnic groups within Myanmar. On other occasions, I met with women from NGOs or participated in programs on Women’s Studies and issues such as human trafficking.The experience yielded multiple opportunities to reflect and theorize about the nature of global rights and reciprocity; I was able to compare how women in Myanmar and the US responded to concerns relevant to marginalized populations, even as I confronted issues arising from post-colonialism and male privilege daily. Yet the most intriguing parts of the experience were the silences, evasions, and hesitations which constantly interrupted conversations about the opportunities for improving civil rights in the shift toward democracy. Slowly, we were able to use literature to draw implicit parallels and open conversations about “sensitive topics” so that in the end, the experience was transformative for all of us. Adapting a line from a Naomi Shihab Nye poem, one of my students wrote, “Until you speak Myanmar, you will not understand freedom.” And she was right.My presentation will analyze how US multicultural women’s literature provided scaffolding for more extensive conversations about women and human rights, drawing on literary theory and student narratives as appropriate.
Mechanism of Pressor Response to l-Norepinephrine During Hemorrhagic Shock

Dogs were bled 50 ml./min. until mean systemic pressure approximated 35 mm. Hg. Blood pressure was maintained at this level for 30 min. l-Norepinephrine was then infused in amounts sufficient to increase systemic blood pressure to twice the shock level or more. Measurements of systemic blood pressure, right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures and of direct Fick cardiac output were made in the control period, during shock, during norepinephrine infusion, and following discontinuation of norepinephrine. Both cardiac output and peripheral resistance increased during the infusion of norepinephrine.
Expression and distribution of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) in neuroblastoma and primary neuronal cells.

Abstract We examined the expression and distribution of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) during the differentiation in culture of both mouse NB2a neuroblastoma and primary embryonic rat neurons. The differentiation of NB2a cells was induced with retinoic acid (RA) which stimulated the extension of a highly branched neuritic network and dibutyryl cAMP which stimulated the outgrowth of long bipolar or monopolar processes. We found that although monoclonal antibodies to MAP2 stained the cell bodies of control and differentiated cells, only the RA-induced neurites were positive for this antigen. These data support our ultrastructural studies indicating that the RA-induced neurites were dendrite-like and that the dibutyryl cAMP-induced processes were axon-like. Studies on the biosynthesis of MAP2 indicated that RA induced a 2–3-fold increase in MAP2 synthesis in 24 h; however, this effect was transient, with the synthesis of MAP2 in RA-treated cells returning to control level by 72 h. Although biosynthetic studies suggested the synthesis of species at 250–300 kdalton, the major molecular weight form in the neuroblastoma cells was 230 kdalton. Immunocytochemical analysis of primary neurons showed staining of neuronal cell bodies and of short processes, but virtually no staining of the long axon-like processes. The of neuronal cell bodies and processes was evident at all stages of cell differentiation. This finding was corroborated by immunoblots which showed significant amounts of MAP2 throughout cell development. The molecular weight of the immunoreactive material was ca. 300 kdalton in both primary neurons and rat brain. Immunoblots also revealed that embryonic neurons expressed only MAP2B as they differentiated in culture for 14 days. Biosynthesis studies suggested that early in culture there was a modest increase in MAP2 synthesis, but no detectable change was observed thereafter. We concluded therefore that both neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons can differentiate neuritic processes, which show dendritic properties in terms of morphology and preferential distribution of MAP2.
Commentary by the current president of the Institute of Medicine.

THE INSTITUTE of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences is 18 years old this year. Its conception and birth are well documented in this issue ofTHE JOURNALby Page.1Dr Page was a vigorous proponent of an entity such as the IOM and it is fair for him to ask how it is doing as it emerges from adolescence. The IOM was born in conflict between those who saw the organization as narrowly based in biomedical science (basic and clinical), speaking for medicine, and those who saw it as more broadly based, speaking about medicine. The latter position prevailed, but the National Academy of Sciences had distinct reservations about the new IOM formed under its charter and withheld from it some key activities of the National Research Council dealing with health. These complications of birth were compounded by the financial support of the infant IOM. Foundations
A Resazurin Disk Assay Method for Detecting Antibiotics and Natural Starter Inhibitory Activity in Milk

Summary A relatively rapid method for detecting antibiotics in milk is described. It involves flushing the agar in the disk assay method with resazurin. The presence of antibiotics in milk is revealed by the retention of a red or purple zone in the plate due to the inhibition of the microbial reduction of resazurin by antibiotics. The method requires a few extra manipulations but takes less time than the standard disk assay test. It takes a total of 1.5-3.6 hr. The method can detect antibiotics and naturally existing inhibitory substances in milk. To establish if the inhibition zones are due to antibiotics or to some other inherent antibacterial substance in milk, heating milk prior to testing, to inactivate the latter substances, may facilitate the differentiation. Heating milk also partially inactivates the antibiotics. The lowest concentrations that can be detected with the method are in the concentrations generally found to be capable of inhibiting starter activity. Normal residual concentrations of sanitizing agents can not be detected by this method.
The national cancer data base report on non‐hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) has reported on many malignancies occurring in men and women in the U. S. from >1400 contributing hospitals. The current report on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a companion to an upcoming Patient Care Evaluation study of this relatively common and serious cancer. METHODS This report is comprised of all NHL cases submitted to the NCDB divided into two diagnostic-year groups: 1985-1988 and 1990-1993. Variables routinely collected by hospital cancer registries have been analyzed to report on patterns of diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS High grade NHL cases were more likely to be Stage IV (40.8%) than were low or intermediate grade cases (34.8% and 32.5%, respectively). Patients with NHL arising from lymph node sites tended to present with more advanced disease (55.8% with Stages III and IV disease), whereas patients with NHL arising from extranodal sites and non-lymph node nodal sites presented at an earlier stage (64.7% and 74.0%, respectively, with Stage I or Stage II disease). Approximately 67% of all patients underwent chemotherapy, whereas only 25% underwent surgery or radiation. By histology, 5-year survival was 68.8% for low grade disease, 51.9% for intermediate grade disease, and 45.8% for high grade disease; by stage, survival rates ranged from 73.5% for Stage I to 42.9% for Stage IV disease. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, the 91,306 cases in this study represent the largest contemporary sample of NHL patients. The material reported here may serve as a reference with which to compare local patterns with national data. The Working Formulation's ability to stratify patients' survival rates confirms its utility for NHL. Stage according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer also was accurate in predicting survival. Cancer 1997; 80:2311-20. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Can magnetic spins determine the cause of an electrical storm

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the most striking clinical presentations of cardiovascular disease. An estimated 234,000 to 326,000 SCAs occur in the United States each year [(1)][1]. Unfortunately, mortality for out-of-hospital SCA remains high, with only 10.6% of patients surviving to
Image enhancement and denoising by wavelet transform for concealed weapon detection

Wavelet transform based techniques were developed and investigated for isolation and enhancement of objects in images. The primary motivation is the development of image processing algorithms as part of an automatic system for the detection of concealed weapons under a person's clothing; a problem of considerable potential utility to the military in certain common types of deployment in the post cold war environment such as small unit operations. The issue has potential for other dual use purposes such as law enforcement applications. Wavelet decompositions of the currently available images in the Rome Laboratory database, namely, noisy, low contrast, infrared images, were studied in space-scale-amplitude space. An isolation technique for separating potential suspicious regions/objects from surrounding clutter has been proposed. Based on the images available, the study indicates that the technique is promising in providing the image enhancement necessary for further pattern detection and classification.
Fast, contention-free combining tree barriers for shared-memory multiprocessors

In a previous article,(1) Gupta and Hill introduced anadaptive combining tree algorithm for busy-wait barrier synchronization on shared-memory multiprocessors. The intent of the algorithm was to achieve a barrier in logarithmic time when processes arrive simultaneously, and in constant time after the last arrival when arrival times are skewed. Afuzzy(2) version of the algorithm allows a process to perform useful work between the point at which it notifies other processes of its arrival and the point at which it waits for all other processes to arrive. Unfortunately, adaptive combining tree barriers as originally devised perform a large amount of work at each node of the tree, including the acquisition and release of locks. They also perform an unbounded number of accesses to nonlocal locations, inducing large amounts of memory and interconnect contention. We present new adaptive combining tree barriers that eliminate these problems. We compare the performance of the new algorithms to that of other fast barriers on a 64-node BBN Butterfly 1 multiprocessor, a 35-node BBN TC2000, and a 126-node KSR 1. The results reveal scenarios in which our algorithms outperform all known alternatives, and suggest that both adaptation and the combination of fuzziness with tree-style synchronization will be of increasing importance on future generations of shared-memory multiprocessors.
Citations Analysis and Applied Anthropology: A Reply to Stoffle

In the summer of 1982 I published a short article in Human Organization arguing that claims about the theoretical impact of applied anthropology on mainstream anthropology should be subjected to empirical verification or falsification. The article presented some admittedly crude initial tests of the hypothesis using a citations analysis of Human Organization and seven other anthropology journals. Those data showed very little evidence of such theoretical impact. The article closed with a challenge to supporters of the hypothesis to reply with empirical data supporting their position.
Polycyclic Aromatics with Flanking Thiophenes: Tuning Energy Level and Band Gap of Conjugated Polymers for Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaics

In the pursuit of donor−acceptor low band gap polymers for photovoltaic applications, finding an optimal donor monomer which maximizes the photovoltaic efficiency is a complex synthetic optimization problem. We synthesized three different bithiophenes flanking a center aromatic ring (pyrrole, benzene, or pyridine) as the donor monomers (DTPr, DTBn, and DTPn) with decreasing electron-donating ability. An array of six electrochemically and optically unique polymers were prepared by copolymerizing these three monomers with 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole and with thiophene. The optical, electronic, and photovoltaic properties of these polymers were investigated. Among this series, we found that the HOMO energy level of the polymer is dominated by the most electron-rich ring in the polymer backbone. The optical band gap, conversely, involves the entire polymeric system. Among the three donor monomers investigated, we identified that DTBn-based polymers exhibited the most potential in photovoltaic applications due to t...
"Minimal" High-Frequency Hearing Loss and School-Age Children

The purpose of this study was to assess the consonant and vowel identification abilities of 12 children with minimal high-frequency hearing loss, 12 children with normal hearing, and 12 young adult...
Treatment of subglandular capsular contracture

Capsular contracture remains one of the most difficult problems associated with augmentation mammaplasty and is a leading cause of reoperation and patient dissatisfaction. This article outlines several variables that may contribute to development of grades III and IV contractures. Preventing capsular contractures is essential, and different approaches taken through the years are explored. If prevention is not possible, options for treatment are limited. Because treatments such as open or closed capsulotomy are generally ineffective over the long term, implant exchange is often required. Implant removal, total capsulectomy, and re-implantation usually comprise the most effective treatment for grades III and IV capsular contracture. However, for implant replacement to have the best chance for reducing the risk of recurrence, surgeons should change at least one variable (eg, implant position, filler material, and/or surface type) so the replacement surgery differs from the original. Unless something in the biological environment of the implant is altered, another grade III/IV capsular contracture is likely to develop.
Beef/soy: Consumer acceptance

Significant changes of social pursuits are not easily wrought. We are steeped in traditions which influence every aspect of our behavior. History shows it is difficult to alter these patterns. Food consumption is at the nucleus of this tradition and it is not without difficulty that we successfully introduce major change to our eating habits. Yet this was accomplished within this current year in a great portion of society, and with more than a modicum of success by the blending of textured soy protein with red meats at the retail store level.
Quantum control of the hyperfine-coupled electron and nuclear spins in alkali-metal atoms

We study quantum control of the full hyperfine manifold in the ground-electronic state of alkali-metal atoms based on applied radio frequency and microwave fields. Such interactions should allow essentially decoherence-free dynamics and the application of techniques for robust control developed for NMR spectroscopy. We establish the conditions under which the system is controllable in the sense that one can generate an arbitrary unitary map on the system. We apply this to the case of $^{133}\mathrm{Cs}$ with its $d=16$ dimensional Hilbert space of magnetic sublevels in the $6{S}_{1∕2}$ state, and design control wave forms that generate an arbitrary target state from an initial fiducial state. We develop a generalized Wigner function representation for this space consisting of the direct sum of two irreducible representations of SU(2), allowing us to visualize these states. The performance of different control scenarios is evaluated based on the ability to generate a high-fidelity operation in an allotted time with the available resources. We find good operating points commensurate with modest laboratory requirements.