cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impacts of email reminder/recall on adolescent influenza vaccination

Abstract Background We sought to: (1) explore the feasibility of using email for seasonal influenza vaccination reminders to parents of adolescents and (2) assess influenza vaccination rates among adolescents whose parents were randomized to either receive or not receive email reminders. Methods Email addresses were obtained for parents of patients 10–18 years from 4 practices in Michigan. Addresses were randomized to either receive email reminders, or not. Reminder messages were sent during October 2012-March 2013 (Season 1) and October 2013-March 2014 (Season 2). Vaccination status was determined 60 days following the last email reminder for each season using the statewide Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR); per protocol bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate reminder notification. Results After email cleaning, testing, and matching with MCIR, approximately half of email addresses (2348 of 5312 in Season 1; 3457 of 6549 in Season 2) were randomized. Bivariate analyses found that influenza vaccination within 60 days after notification date was similar among those notified (34%) versus not notified (29%) in both Season 1 (p = 0.06) and Season 2 (39% vs. 37%, p = 0.20). However, multivariate models adjusted for season, site, and receipt of notification in two seasons found a higher likelihood of influenza vaccination among children that received notification (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.51); in addition, differences in influenza vaccination were also observed between practice sites (range: p = 0.15 to p Conclusions We found that practice-based email influenza vaccine reminders to parents of adolescents are feasible, but not without complications. Our study demonstrates that email reminders from practices can yield increases in influenza vaccination rates among adolescents. Practices should consider email as an option for influenza reminders and establish business practices for collecting and maintaining patient email addresses. This study is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov id # NCT01732315 .
Gas Transport Selectivity of Ultrathin, Nanoporous, Inorganic Membranes Made from Block Copolymer Templates

We report the fabrication of ultrathin, nanoporous silicon nitride membranes made from templates of regular, nanoscale features in self-assembled block copolymer thin films. The inorganic membranes feature thicknesses less than 50 nm and volume porosities over 30%, with straight-through pores that offer high throughout for gas transport and separation applications. As fabricated, the pores are uniformly around 20 nm in diameter, but they can be controllably and continuously tuned to single-digit nanometer dimensions by atomic layer deposition of conformal coatings. A deviation from expected Knudsen diffusion is revealed for transport characteristics of saturated vapors of organic solvents across the membrane, which becomes more significant for membranes of smaller pores. We attribute this to capillary condensation of saturated vapors within membrane pores, which reduces membrane throughput by over 1 order of magnitude but significantly improves the membrane’s selectivity. Between vapors of acetone and eth...
Femtosecond Laser Machining of Micro-tensile Specimens for High Throughput Mechanical Testing

Recently, a variety of techniques for fabricating microscale specimens for mechanical testing have been developed. However, many of these techniques are limited by material compatibility, specimen sizes, low throughput, or microstructural damage. In contrast, the advent of femtosecond laser systems offer opportunities to circumvent many of these challenges. Here we demonstrate the use of a femtosecond laser milling system to rapidly fabricate micro-tensile specimens across a range of critical dimensions, from 10’s to 100’s of microns. By incorporating the laser milling system into a custom micromechanical testing apparatus, we are able to achieve high throughput investigations of mechanical properties at the microscale. These capabilities are demonstrated on metal and ceramic materials.
Coupled Axial and Transverse Vibration in Two Dimensions

For a vibrating beam, bending and rigid body motion are the primary components of the overall behavior. Therefore, it may be sufficient to use a single degree of freedom model or a linear transverse model such as the Euler-Bernoulli, Rayleigh, shear, or Timoshenko model. A discussion of linear transverse models can be found in Chapter 3. The linear transverse models assume that the coupling between the transverse and the axial motion is negligible. However, the coupling becomes more significant with increasing slenderness ratio (the ratio of length to the radius of gyration of the cross-sectional area). Therefore, the nonlinear coupling effect in long slender members of compliant towers may be important in the overall response. It has also been observed that there are significant high frequency nonlinear effects that appear to be caused by extensional or longitudinal vibration in some cases in an ocean environment. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the couple transverse and longitudinal response of a beam under realistic environmental forces.
Calculations of CO Oxidation over a Au/TiO2 Catalyst: A Study of Active Sites, Catalyst Deactivation, and Moisture Effects

The reaction mechanism of CO oxidation on Au/TiO2 catalysts remains elusive. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to gain an understanding of several important aspects of the system, including CO adsorption, the active oxygen species, catalyst deactivation, and the promoting effect of moisture on catalytic activity. Distinct from previous theoretical studies, which tend to address these questions individually, here we construct a model of the catalytic system which can address all of the issues mentioned. For this, we have considered the complex interactions among reactants, products, and catalysts under reaction conditions. The main findings of our present study are (1) the Au/TiO2 interface boundary can be easily oxidized, (2) CO adsorption on oxidized Au results in the formation of O–Au–CO species, (3) surface lattice oxygen on a TiO2 support is the active oxygen species, (4) CO2 binds strongly on the Otop/Ti5c site, forming carbonate that blocks the active site, and finally (5) water...
Cross-Cultural Empathy: Learning About Diverse Users in Design Thinking Process

This poster explores the concept of cognitive and emotional empathy in the context of Design Thinking process when players come from different cultural backgrounds. It discusses the challenges facing the design teams and addresses differences in visual representations in tools that center on empathy with the user. In the light of cultural theories, especially Geert Hofstede’s dimensions of culture [1, 2], the poster proposes a framework based on cultural theories that facilitate understanding of the design thinking process in cross-cultural context. The emphasis is placed on the creation of the visual tools that facilitate interactions among the members of the design teams, as well as interactions between the design team and the user.
Body trust as a moderator of the association between exercise dependence and suicidality.

Abstract Objectives Exercise dependence and interoceptive deficits, particularly low body trust, have been associated with suicidality. This study tested whether low body trust predicted current suicidal ideation and past suicide attempts in individuals exhibiting symptoms of exercise dependence. Methods 540 individuals (55.6% female, mean age 36) recruited via MTurk completed online measures of exercise dependence, interoception, and history of suicidal ideation and attempts. Results Exercise dependence symptoms and low body trust were associated with suicidal ideation. Body trust moderated the relationship between exercise dependence symptoms and suicidal ideation. Continuance in exercise despite adverse consequences and low body trust were associated with past suicide attempts. Conclusions Body trust was associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in individuals with exercise dependence symptoms, and the associations strengthened as body trust decreased. The experience of not trusting one's own body may exacerbate suicide risk in at-risk individuals.
Introduction to Optical Characterization of Materials

Have you ever seen the colors dancing on the surface of a soap bubble? Or the red glow of a hot object? Have admired the iridescent colors on the wings of a butterfly? Or noticed the different colors of “Neon” signs? These are a few examples of how the physical, chemical, and structural properties of an object, as thickness, temperature, microstructure, or chemical composition on the examples above, affect the way that object interacts with photons. This effect can be used to determine those properties. Using photons of light to determine materials properties is what we call optical characterization. In this chapter we give a brief introduction to a few of the most popular examples of these techniques, with an emphasis on its applicability, usefulness, and limitations. We will talk about techniques that can be used complementarily and discuss some of the hurdles which are commonly encountered when using them in practical, real world application examples, offering suggestions on how to avoid them whenever possible. Specific techniques covered in the chapter are Raman scattering spectroscopy, ellipsometry, spectrophotometry (UV-VIS), and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR).
The Regulatory Subunit of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase as a Target for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Two isoforms, the RI and RII regulatory subunits of cAMP-dcpendent protein kinase, have opposite roles in cell growth and differentiation, RI being growth stimulatory while RII is a growth-inhibitory and differentiation-inducing protein. As RI expression is enhanced in human cancer cell lines and primary tumors, it is a target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. 8-Cl-cAMP, a site-selective cAMP analog, and RI antisense oligodcoxynucleotide, those that effectively down-regulate RI and upregulate RII, provide new approaches toward differentiation therapy of cancer.
Parents as Developing Adults and Developing Adult Learners

Theories of adult learning and development are reviewed in detail, in order to demonstrate the complexity of the parent and professional roles in caring for children with autism and the many potential opportunities for better outcomes when this information informs practice. A focus on process not just outcome, e.g., on reflection, continuous learning and improvement, experiential learning, and on ongoing parent development, offers an alternative to current problem-focused approaches to working with parents and all who care for children with autism. Examples are provided to elucidate theories whenever possible. Assumptions underlying adult learning are delineated as are implications for practice. Social-cultural context considerations and the perspective of parenting education theory, research, and practice are integrated throughout. Stages of adult learning are presented as are the many rich theories of how parents think (cognitive domain) and feel (affective domain) and how that affects their behavior. Heath’s (2001, 2014) caring decision-making process which synthesizes adult learning, developmental theories, and best practices is described in detail as are the ego processes of parents. Links to additional practical resources are provided including the professional association, the National Parenting Education Network (npen.org).
Incorporating Major Design Experiences for Electrical and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Students

Designing, building, and testing are integral parts of an engineering degree program. Engineers are problem solvers and innovators who develop solutions for technical, societal, and commercial problems. Undergraduate engineering degree programs are the training ground to produce future engineers with appropriate knowledge and skills. This paper describes a process to incorporate major design experiences that prepares students for professional engineering practices. Design experience starts in the first semester and is an integral part of the curriculum throughout the four years. Students finish with major design experiences in their junior and senior years. ABET student outcomes are followed as guidelines while implementing design projects. Co-operative education with industries plays an important role by providing real-life engineering experiences to the undergraduate students.
Solid-State MWIR Beam Steering Using Optical Phased Array on Germanium-Silicon Photonic Platform

We demonstrate a chip-scale germanium-silicon optical phased array (OPA) fabricated on a CMOS-compatible platform capable of 2D beam steering in the mid-infrared wavelength range. The OPA included a specially designed grating emitter waveguide array with uniform emission intensity along the mm -length waveguide propagation to realize very sharp instantaneous field-of-view (IFOV) and wide beam-steering total-field-of-view (TFOV). The experimental results indicated lateral beam-steering TFOV up to 12.7° by phase-tuning the waveguide array and longitudinal TFOV up to 12° by wavelength tuning. The 3-dB beam divergence is 3.08° × 0.18°. The demonstrated OPA architecture can employ wafer-scale fabrication and integration while supporting sensing and imaging applications in the mid-infrared spectral range.
More than meets the eye: A reportedly isolated ear canal mass

Abstract Background Peripheral nerve sheath myxomas are benign tumors which primarily occur on the central face, arms, and shoulders. Here we present a rare case of nerve sheath myxoma in the external auditory canal (EAC) and review the differential diagnosis, relevant histopathological characteristics of this tumor, and considerations for management including workup for the associated Carney complex, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by cardiac myxomas, endocrine tumors involving the thyroid and pituitary gland, and melanotic schwannomas. Case description A healthy 18-year-old male presented with an isolated soft-tissue mass in the right EAC. Otoscopic examination revealed a subepithelial 1.5‐cm soft-tissue mass within the lateral anterosuperior EAC. Audiometric testing for the right ear demonstrated a mild low frequency conductive loss with type C tympanogram. Contrasted computed tomography of the temporal bones revealed an ill-defined partially exophytic soft tissue density/mass in the right anterior lateral EAC. The patient subsequently underwent wide local excision and partial ear canal sleeve resection. Final pathology revealed peripheral nerve sheath myxoma and appropriate genetic and endocrine workup for Carney complex was performed. Conclusions This case highlights the value of thorough diagnosis and management of neoplasms of the EAC. Nerve sheath myxoma is an important consideration for otolaryngologists when evaluating EAC lesions given the risk of systemic involvement with high associated morbidity when associated with Carney complex. Appropriate syndromic workup and close follow-up for significant risk of recurrence is warranted.
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Mobile Fare Payment Applications: A Case Study:

Mobile fare payment applications are becoming increasingly common in the public transportation industry as a convenience for customers and as part of an effort to reduce fare management costs and i...
Rtip: A Fully Automated Root Tip Tracker For Measuring Plant Growth With Intermittent Perturbations

RTip is a tool to quantify plant root growth velocity using high resolution microscopy image sequences at sub-pixel accuracy. The fully automated RTip tracker is designed for high-throughput analysis of plant phenotyping experiments with episodic perturbations. RTip is able to auto-skip past these manual intervention perturbation activity, i.e. when the root tip is not under the microscope, image is distorted or blurred. RTip provides the most accurate root growth velocity results with the lowest variance (i.e. localization jitter) compared to six tracking algorithms including the top performing unsupervised Discriminative Correlation Filter Tracker and the Deeper and Wider Siamese Network. RTip is the only tracker that is able to automatically detect and recover from (occlusion-like) varying duration perturbation events.
Active Bayesian Multi-class Mapping from Range and Semantic Segmentation Observation.

Many robot applications call for autonomous exploration and mapping of unknown and unstructured environments. Information-based exploration techniques, such as Cauchy-Schwarz quadratic mutual information (CSQMI) and fast Shannon mutual information (FSMI), have successfully achieved active binary occupancy mapping with range measurements. However, as we envision robots performing complex tasks specified with semantically meaningful objects, it is necessary to capture semantic categories in the measurements, map representation, and exploration objective. This work develops a Bayesian multi-class mapping algorithm utilizing range-category measurements. We derive a closed-form efficiently computable lower bound for the Shannon mutual information between the multi-class map and the measurements. The bound allows rapid evaluation of many potential robot trajectories for autonomous exploration and mapping. We compare our method against frontier-based and FSMI exploration and apply it in a 3-D photo-realistic simulation environment.
Nature of Mentoring Interactions to Support Teacher Candidate Learning in Clinical Settings

With the recent emphasis on clinical models of teacher education, research is needed to improve understanding of how teacher candidates learn from clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to...
Physics-informed neural networks for rarefied-gas dynamics: Thermal creep flow in the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook approximation

This work aims at accurately solve a thermal creep flow in a plane channel problem, as a class of rarefied-gas dynamics problems, using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs). We develop a particular PINN framework where the solution of the problem is represented by the Constrained Expressions (CE) prescribed by the recently introduced Theory of Functional Connections (TFC). CEs are represented by a sum of a free-function and a functional (e.g., function of functions) that analytically satisfies the problem constraints regardless to the choice of the free-function. The latter is represented by a shallow Neural Network (NN). Here, the resulting PINN-TFC approach is employed to solve the Boltzmann equation in the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook approximation modeling the Thermal Creep Flow in a plane channel. We test three different types of shallow NNs, i.e., standard shallow NN, Chebyshev NN (ChNN), and Legendre NN (LeNN). For all the three cases the unknown solutions are computed via the extreme learning machine algorithm. We show that with all these networks we can achieve accurate solutions with a fast training time. In particular, with ChNN and LeNN we are able to match all the available benchmarks.
Exophers to feed them all

Cells release extracellular vesicles to remove damaged components and communicate with other cells via packets of proteins, lipids, and RNAs. Neuronal cells in the nematode C. elegans release particularly large extracellular vesicles, known as exophers, to rid themselves of damaged organelles and protein aggregates. Turek et al now demonstrate a new role for these vesicles: Embryos in the uterus stimulate body wall muscle cells to release exophers laden with yolk, which are taken up by oocytes to nourish the next set of embryos (Turek et al, 2021).
Ovarian preservation in low-grade endometrial cancer and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: outcomes and long-term health sequelae

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of ovarian preservation and investigate post-operative health outcomes in premenopausal women undergoing surgery for low grade endometrial cancer or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). Methods: Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained for this retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were premenopausal women less than 50 years old diagnosed with low grade (grade 1 or 2) endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma or EIN from 2008 - 2019 who underwent primary surgery. Women were excluded if there was evidence of advanced stage disease preoperatively. Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred forty seven women met inclusion criteria, 35 with EIN and 112 with adenocarcinoma. Women with EIN were more likely to undergo ovarian preservation compared to women with adenocarcinoma, 35.6% vs 13.4% (p Conclusions: Despite mounting evidence that ovarian preservation does not influence cancer recurrence, rates of ovarian preservation in our cohort of premenopausal women with low grade endometrial cancer and EIN were very low. Menopausal symptoms were significantly worse in women who underwent oophorectomy. Prospective assessment of health outcomes and quality of life measures in this population are warranted to further affect surgical decision making.
The chemical modification of polymers for analytical purposes

When it is possible to convert one polymer quantitatively into another, the derived polymer can sometimes be studied to obtain information about the original polymer. In other instances, the derived polymer can serve as a reference material for use in the development of polymer characterization procedures. This paper reviews the use of such techniques in studies on branching and stereoregularity in homopolymers and in studies on sequence distribution in copolymers. The reactions covered include hydrolysis, ammonolysis, alcoholysis, esterification, transesterification and the hydrogenation of polyhalocarbons and unsaturated polyhydrocarbons. In addition, recent studies on cyclization reactions in polymers are surveyed. Such studies can provide information about sequence distribution in copolymers. Derivate von Polymeren, die durch quantitative Umwandlung entstanden sind, konnen in gewissen Fallen dazu benutzt werden, die Eigenschaften des Ausgangspolymeren zu untersuchen. Das Polymerderivat kann auch als Bezugssubstanz bei der Entwicklung von Methoden zur Charakterisierung von Polymeren dienen. In dieser Arbeit wird uber die Anwendung derartiger Methoden fur Untersuchungen uber die Verzweigung und Stereogularitat von Homopolymeren und die Sequenzverteilung von Copolymeren berichtet. Es werden verschiedene Reaktionen beschrieben, darunter Hydrolyse, Ammonolyse, Alkoholyse, Veresterung, Umesterung und die Hydrierung von Polyhalogenkohlenwasserstoffen und ungesattigten Polykohlenwasserstoffen. Weiterhin wird ein Uberblick uber neuere Ringschlusreaktionen an Polymeren gegeben. Derartige Reaktionen konnen fur Untersuchungen der Sequenzverteilung von Copolymeren von Wichtigkeit sein.
Reading Mohammed in Charleston: Assessing the U.S. Courts Approach to the Convergence of Law, Language and Norms

This article grapples with what it looks like when U.S. Courts approach Islamic law. Treating the problem as a normative collision, the article addresses the ways in which language, process, and medium operate within the interpretation scheme. The article then considers seven cases from U.S. courts that all attempt to interpret Islamic Law. The article concludes by suggesting that translation offers courts the best hope for understanding the legal culture over formalism and interpretation. This article offers unique insight into the challenges facing western courts when confronted by the norms of Islam. The article is unique in that no other article has considered concretely how court's are dealing with the questions of cultural pluralism. The article utilizes concepts of reading, medium and process to stage the difficulties encountered by courts. Finally the article concludes by describing how concepts of space and place aid in understanding how court's treat foreign normative constructions. The article uses the Azar Nafisi's Reading Lolita in Tehran as a discussion starter.
Exploring the Potential of Using Explicit Reflective Instruction through Contextualized and Decontextualized Approaches to Teach First-Grade African American Girls the Practices of Science

Contemporary science education policy documents call for curriculum and pedagogy that lead to students’ active engagement, over multiple years of school, in scientific practices. This participatory action research study answered the question, “How can we successfully put twentythree first-grade African American girls attending a gender school in an impoverished school district on the path to learning the practices of scientists”. The Young Children’s Views of Science (YCVOS) (Lederman, 2009) was used to interview these first-graders pre-, mid- and post-instruction during an instructional unit designed in response to many of the pedagogical strategies research has demonstrated to be effective in other contexts; explicit reflective instruction utilizing contextualized and decontextualized activities. Classroom observations, copies of student work and planning documents were also collected and analyzed. The cumulative findings indicated that the decontextualized aspects of our science initiative had positive impacts on the girls’ understandings of observation and inference while the contextualized aspects of instruction supported an increase in their understandings of empirical evidence. The contextualized aspect of instruction appeared to hinder our efforts in regards to observation and inference. The results extend current understandings of the potential of using these approaches to teach first-grade African American girls the practices of science by supporting some of the aspects of these approaches and raising questions in regard to others.
Analysis of Left Ventricular Motion

This paper presents recent developments in medical imaging concerning the analysis of non-rigid heart motion. We first describe various imaging modalities that have been used to study the deformation of the left ventricle, including ultrasonic, magnetic resonance images(MRI), and computed tomography(CT). Three general approaches in analyzing the cardiac motion, namely, 1) artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, 2) parametric models, and 3) physically-based analysis, are then identified and discussed. Finally, we present our research regarding the reconstruction of dynamic structure of the frog's ventricle imaged through a stereo light microscope(SLM).
Waves, Bubbles, Noise and Underwater Communications

Abstract : The long-term goal is to develop physical models for the role of surface waves and bubbles on the performance of high-frequency, coherent underwater communications systems. These models will be used as the basis of improved signal processing algorithms for underwater acoustic modems, and to develop predictive algorithms for the performance of modems operated beneath wind and waves. Modem performance is impacted by signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver and reverberation levels determined by scattering from the sea surface and seafloor. Waves impact both of these processes by radiating noise when they break and by focusing and scattering surface-reflected sound. They also influence surface reverberation by injecting micro-bubbles into the upper ocean boundary layer that scatter and attenuate sound. Because of these wave-drive processes, one long-term goal is to measure, model and exploit the surface-focused acoustic arrivals occurring on short length scales beneath sea swell and study their impact on underwater communications systems in the littoral and near-shore regions. The final long-term goal of this grant, to understand the physical mechanisms responsible for the Knudsen spectrum for wind-driven underwater ambient noise, has been achieved. Work over the past 12 months has focused on 2 main objectives, which have been to: (1) analyze and model the Surface Processes and Communications Experiment (SPACE08) data collected as part of the field expedition at the WHOI Coastal Observatory during fall of 2008, and (2) incorporate the effects of attenuation and scattering of bubbles into a propagation model that also accounts for surface scattering in the presence of surface gravity waves.
Shunt-Enhanced, Lead-Driven Bifurcation of EEC Sensor Responsivity

We report the observed bifurcation in extraordinary electroconductance (EEC) sensor response to direct reverse bias based on measurement lead location as well as a dramatic enhancement in responsivity achieved via a modification of the shunt geometry. A maximum percent change in the four-point resistance of 130856% was achieved under a direct reverse bias of −1 V using an enhanced shunt design, a 325 fold increase over the conventional EEC square shunt design. This result was accompanied by an observed bifurcation in sensor response, driven by a rotation of the four-point measurement leads.
Anti-histone antibodies in the serum of autoimmune MRL and NZB/NZW1 F1 mice.

Abstract Anti-histone antibodies have been reported in a number of human autoimmune diseases, most notably idiopathic and drug-induced lupus erythematosus. In the current study, anti-histone antibody activity was detected using ELISA and electroblotting techniques in sera from autoimmune NZB W , MRL-lpr, and MRL-+/+ mice. Anti-histone activity increased with age, maturing earlier in females, in both NZB W and MRL-lpr mice. Testosterone treatment decreased anti-histone activity in NZB W mice and estrogen treatment from 2 weeks of age increased anti-histone activity in MRL-lpr mice, suggesting that gonadal hormones modified the expression of autoantibodies recognizing these protein antigens. Estrogen also increased serum IgG levels in MRL-lpr mice. Sex hormones affected expression of antibodies recognizing soy milk proteins but not ovalbumin in a similar manner. Nitrocellulose Western blots of SDS gels probed with sera from both types of autoimmune mice most often demonstrated reactivity with histone1. Some mice, usually mature females, also recognized histone4, histone3, and histone2.
Elimination methods in the m × n sequencing problem

This paper considers elimination methods in solving the sequencing problem where no passing is permitted. An elimination method consists of reducing (according to some criterion) the initial set of n solutions to a smaller set. A crucial question arises as to whether this reduced set contains an optimal solution. The answer is affirmative if this elimination criterion implies condition (3).
Oral cytologic patterns in relation to smoking habits: Some epithelial, microfloral, and leukocytic characteristics☆

Abstract Papanicolaou smears from the cheeks and tongues of 790 alcoholic patients were evaluated for possible associations between cytologic features and cigarette consumption. The findings appear consonant with the view that microscopic changes are frequent in clinically unremarkable areas of the mouth and that tobacco induces some of the cellular changes to which its use has been clinically and epidemiologically related.
Electronic government at the American grassroots project highlights

Recent nationwide surveys of local governments in the United States have found that around 90 percent of city and county governments have adopted official sites on the World Wide Web through which they deliver governmental information and services. However, most sites are relatively new (two-thirds of the web sites are seven years old or less), suggesting that most local governments are newcomers to the deployment electronic government. In addition, studies of local government web contents have found that most sites are fairly basic, offering mostly information and access to a few services. Relatively few cities and counties engage in electronic transactions or offer other electronic services through their web sites and fewer still are true portals. Instead, most web sites are passive, information providing instruments. These data indicate that few local governments have extensive digital government installations. Finally, these and other studies have found that local governments report the existence of several barriers to the adoption of digital government.
Tagging exported proteins using Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase gene fusions.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the restriction maps of two transposons that may be used to generate alkaline phosphatase (AP) gene fusions and in-frame insertions. Both transposons are derived from the left IS50 element of Tn5. The first transposon (ISphoA/in) may be used to generate phoA fusions to cloned genes, which may then be converted in vitro into codon insertion mutations. The second transposon (ISphoA/hah) may be used to generate fusions to chromosomal genes (and cloned genes), which may be converted in vivo into 63 codon insertions. This chapter presents procedures for creating and analyzing alkaline phosphatase gene fusions and in-frame insertions using the new transposons. It also describes applications and procedures involving AP gene fusions and describes the uses of in-frame insertions. The assay is derived from alkaline phosphatase activities in permeabilized Escherichia coli cells. In some cases, it is important to measure the rate at which AP hybrid proteins are synthesized in conjunction with activity assays for normalization purposes.
Conceptualizing the “Dis” of Our Abilities: A Heuristic Phenomenology

Social conceptions of disabilities rely on a positivist construction of a singular common normalcy which allows for the other-ing and subsequent devaluing of individuals who fall outside of that norm. Such devaluing and marginalization begins with and is evidenced in the very label dis ability and continues down a linguistically slippery slope of deviance and abnormalities until those being labeled as disabled can easily be conceived of as less than fully human. Nowhere, perhaps, is this phenomenon more poignantly played out than in schools, the very places that, ironically, purport to leave no child behind. Guided by the voice of a character living with cerebral palsy and through the auspices of a heuristic phenomenology, I describe how my students and I, as individuals labeled with disabilities, experience, understand, and negotiate our differences within the confines of an education system rife with the pressures of standardization. In doing so, I shed light on the ways in which standardization dehumanizes individuals with differences, and I attempt to recapture my students’ full humanity.
The Failure of the Delaware Business Trust Act as the New Corporate Law

The Internet transcends boundaries and time, reduces and shifts the cost of receiving and disseminating information. It poses unusual pressures of change on the common law. Internet jurisprudence demonstrates the vitality of the common law, yet highlighted its limitations. The Article describes how the common law addresses Internet issues and the relationship of judicial cases and congressional actions. The Article praises common law system of "muddling through," evolving piecemeal, addressing particular conflicts, not always uniformly nor predictably. This is lawmaking for the risk-averse, reducing the risk and cost of correcting big mistakes. The price: higher learning costs and fewer clear, bright-line and predictable laws. It is worth it.
Intervalence transfer of ferrocene moieties adsorbed on electrode surfaces by a conjugated linkage

Abstract Effective intervalence transfer occurred between the metal centers of ferrocene moieties that were adsorbed onto a ruthenium thin film surface by ruthenium–carbene π bonds, a direct verification of Hush’s four-decade-old prediction. Electrochemical measurements showed two pairs of voltammetric peaks where the separation of the formal potentials suggested a Class II behavior. Additionally, the potential spacing increased with increasing ferrocene surface coverage, most probably as a consequence of the enhanced contribution from through-space electronic interactions between the metal centers. In contrast, the incorporation of a sp 3 carbon spacer into the ferrocene–ruthenium linkage led to the diminishment of interfacial electronic communication.
Effects of visual imagery on the accommodation response

Twenty-seven naive male subjects were tested to determine whether they could effect appropriate accommodation changes in an empty field by 'thinking near' and 'thinking far'. Evidence indicated that naive subjects could effect significant and appropriate accommodation changes, but only about a steady-state value of 1.0 diopter. Additionally, the data support the hypothesis that the resting state of accommodation is not at the visual far point, but, rather, at about 1.0 diopter.
Improved high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in human urine

A reversed-phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection was evaluated for utility in determination of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as biomarkers of environmental exposure. The method, which was developed for use in studies of high-level occupational exposure, was found to be unreliable for relatively low-level environmental exposures. The method was modified to include quantitation by standard addition in order to compensate for matrix effects at levels as low as 0.1 ng/ml. The standard addition modification increased both qualitative and quantitative performance, with recovery of 1-hydroxypyrene spikes improved from 164% to 114% at 0.36 ng/ml. The modified method was successfully applied in an environmental exposure study.
Micromechanics of short-fiber composites

Abstract Short fibers are currently being introduced into sheet-molding compounds (SMC), metal matrix composites (MMC), brittle matrix composites (BMC), and a variety of other materials to enhance the mechanical properties exhibited by these composites. The scientific community endeavors to represent theoretically the complex interaction between the short fibers and the surrounding matrix, both globally and locally, in an attempt to infer material behavior. The model presented here predicts the point-wise stresses in the fiber and the matrix including the stress state at fiber ends. This solution admits the possibility of load transfer between the fiber ends and matrix. The present analysis is also applicable to composites containing broken fibres. The model is developed from the elasticity solution of the concentric cylinder assemblage, coupled with an approximate solution to the classical shear-lag problem. The modeled composite can involve varying fiber orientations, different fiber lengths, and different fiber types. The stiffness tensor of the composite is calculated by globally averaging the approximate stresses in the representative fibers and matrix embedded in the composite. Validation consists in comparing predicted elastic properties with experimental results as well as other theoretical models available in the literature.
A Note on the Interpretation of Weighted Kappa and its Relations to Other Rater Agreement Statistics for Metric Scales.

This article presents a formula for weighted kappa in terms of rater means, rater variances, and the rater covariance that is particularly helpful in emphasizing that weighted kappa is an absolute agreement measure in the sense that it is sensitive to differences in rater’s marginal distributions. Specifically, rater mean differences will decrease the value of weighted kappa relative to the value of the intraclass correlation that ignores mean differences. In addition, if rater variances also differ, then the value of weighted kappa will be decreased relative to the value of the product-moment correlation. Equality constraints on the rater means and variances are given to illustrate the relationships between weighted kappa, the intraclass correlation, and the product-moment correlation. In addition, the expression for weighted kappa shows that weighted kappa belongs to the Zegers-ten Berge family of chance-corrected association coefficients. More specifically, weighted kappa is equivalent to the chance-co...
The use of podophyllin in the treatment of keratoacanthoma.

: Keratoacanthoma can be treated successfully with podophyllin, which has been used in cutaneous tumors for well over a century and has been in use for a much longer time. Podophyllin is useful alone, with cautery and curettage, or with radiotherapy.
Mechanical Methods for Thrombosis Prophylaxis

Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the number one preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients. The pathogenesis of thrombosis involves the triad of venous stasis, dilatation of the leg veins, and changes in coagulability of the blood. These changes can be modified by the use of intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) and, to a much lesser extent, by graduated compression hose (GCS). Studies have shown the effectiveness of GCS in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to placebo, but there is no evidence that they reduce the incidence of pulmonary emboli (PE). No venographic data are available regarding the efficacy of GCS; however, IPC have shown excellent efficacy in several venographic studies over the past 25 years. Mechanical methods are important to use in situations where the risk of bleeding exists, thereby making the use of anticoagulants hazardous. One of the key uses for mechanical methods is in combination with anticoagulants in patients at the highest risk of developing VTE. Chest consensus guidelines assigns a 2A recommendation for the use of combination prophylaxis in the highest risk patients. Unfortunately, studies to show which type of leg compression device is optimal for DVT prevention are not available, so individual preference, ease of use, and company support are the determining factors at the present time. Finally, compliance using these devices is a major problem, and until systems have been developed to easily monitor and ensure compliance, these methods will enjoy only limited use.
Giemsa banding of a human metacentric chromosome number 9.

Giemsa staining procedures have been used on human lymphocyte preparations to locate constitutive heterochromatin (C-bands) and to produce distinct banding patterns for each individual chromosome (G-bands). A metacentric C group chromosome has been shown by both techniques to be chromosome number 9.
Gene-experience interaction alters the cholinergic septohippocampal pathway of mice

Abstract Spatial learning requires the septohippocampal pathway. The interaction of learning experience with gene products to modulate the function of a pathway may underlie use-dependent plasticity. The regulated release of nerve growth factor (NGF) from hippocampal cultures and hippocampus, as well as its actions on cholinergic septal neurons, suggest it as a candidate protein to interact with a learning experience. A method was used to evaluate NGF gene-experience interaction on the septohippocampal neural circuitry in mice. The method permits brain region-specific expression of a new gene by using a two-component approach: a virus vector directing expression of cre recombinase; and transgenic mice carrying genomic recombination substrates rendered transcriptionally inactive by a “floxed” stop cassette. Cre recombinase vector delivery into transgenic mouse hippocampus resulted in recombination in 30% of infected cells and the expression of a new gene in those cells. To examine the interaction of the NGF gene and experience, adult mice carrying a NGF transgene with a floxed stop cassette (NGFXAT) received a cre recombinase vector to produce localized unilateral hippocampal NGF gene expression, so-called “activated” mice. Activated and control nonactivated NGFXAT mice were subjected to different experiences: repeated spatial learning, repeated rote performance, or standard vivarium housing. Latency, the time to complete the learning task, declined in the repeated spatial learning groups. The measurement of interaction between NGF gene expression and experience on the septohippocampal circuitry was assessed by counting retrogradely labeled basal forebrain cholinergic neurons projecting to the hippocampal site of NGF gene activation. Comparison of all NGF activated groups revealed a graded effect of experience on the septohippocampal pathway, with the largest change occurring in activated mice provided with repeated learning experience. These data demonstrate that plasticity of the adult spatial learning circuitry can be robustly modulated by experience-dependent interactions with a specific hippocampal gene product.
Using Evaluation to Effect Social Change Looking Through a Community Psychology Lens

Program evaluation is generally viewed as a set of mechanisms for collecting and using information to learn about projects, policies and programs, to understand their effects as well as the manner ...
Effect of growth hormone, glutamine, and diet on adaptation in short- bowel syndrome: A randomized, controlled study

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effects of parenteral growth hormone, glutamine supplementation, and a high carbohydrate-low fat (HCLF) diet on gut adaptation in short-bowel syndrome are unclear. The aim of this study was to compare effects of this treatment regimen and placebo in patients with short-bowel syndrome. METHODS: A randomized, 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 8 patients with short-bowel syndrome (average small bowel length, 71 cm; mean duration, 12.9 years) was performed. Active treatment was growth hormone (0.14 mg.kg-1.day-1), oral glutamine (0.63 g.kg-1.day-1), and the HCLF diet for 21 days. The weight, basal metabolic rate, nutrient and electrolyte balance, serum insulin-like growth factor I levels, D-xylose absorption, morphology and DNA proliferation of small intestinal mucosa, and gastrointestinal transit were evaluated. Treatments were compared by paired t test. RESULTS: Active treatment transiently increased body weight, significantly but modestly increased the absorption of sodium and potassium, and decreased gastric emptying. The assimilation of macronutrients, stool volumes, and morphometry of small bowel mucosa were not statistically different in the two treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment with growth hormone, glutamine, and HCLF diet for 3 weeks resulted in modest improvements in electrolyte absorption and delayed gastric emptying, there were no improvements in small bowel morphology, stool losses, or macronutrient absorption. (Gastroenterology 1997 Oct;113(4):1074-81)
System planning and configuration problems for optimal system design

Abstract This paper addresses the issues of server allocation and customer partition that arise from designing a service system. The service system is modelled as a GI/G/ m queueing system. In order to provide meaningful insights for system design, we consider two system design problems: the system planning problem and the system configuration problem. The former problem analyzes the tradeoff between investment cost and performance level while the latter problem examines the tradeoff between the system operating cost and the customer waiting cost. Both problems are formulated as dynamic programs that can be solved within polynomial number of operations.