cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting nominal variable relationships with multiple response

For forecasting purposes, it is useful to predict the most likely response of an individual to a nominally-scaled variable using the response to a predictor variable which is also nominally scaled. Traditional statistical approaches are not suitable when respondents provide multiple responses. For practical applications it is desirable to provide a simple measure of prediction that is easy to calculate and understand. Two situations are described where predictions of multiple response are implemented and two indices of predictive association are developed for the situations. These indices provide predictive explanations where none were possible using traditional methods of predictive association. The need to complement these indices with conditional probabilities and log-linear models is suggested. The evaluation and implications of these indices are discussed.
Rising Closures Of Hospital Trauma Centers Disproportionately Burden Vulnerable Populations

Closures of hospital trauma centers have accelerated since 2001. These closures may disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities. We evaluate how driving time between ZIP code areas and the nearest trauma centers—a proxy for access, given the time-sensitive nature of trauma care—changed nationwide during 2001–07. By 2007, sixty-nine million Americans (24 percent of the population) had to travel farther to the nearest trauma center than they did in 2001, and almost sixteen million people had to travel an additional thirty minutes or more. Communities with disproportionately high numbers of African American residents, uninsured people, and people living in poverty, as well as people living in rural areas, were more likely than others to be thus affected. Because mortality from traumatic injuries has also worsened for these vulnerable populations, policy makers should learn more about the possible connections—and consider such measures as paying trauma centers serving these communities higher amounts ...
Antigenic Modulation and Turnover in Human Neutrophils

Abstract Turnover of membrane constituents appears important in many biologic processes. We studied this process in neutrophils by immunologic methods. The capacity of neutrophils to recognize other neutrophils coated with antibodies against membrane antigens was used to determine the changes that occur after attachment of the antibody to the neutrophil membrane. Neutrophils were sensitized for 30 min at 22°C with antibodies from three patients with antineutrophil autoantibodies. The sensitized neutrophils were recognized by normal neutrophils, which responded with an increase in glucose oxidation. If, after sensitization, the sensitized neutrophils were not immediately exposed to normal neutrophils, but instead were incubated at 37°C for varying times, the capacity to elicit a recognition response decayed and was gone by 30 min. Additionally, the capacity of the cells to be resensitized by reexposure to antibody also decayed during this period. However, after further incubation at 37°C, the neutrophils recovered the capacity to become sensitized; and this recovery was not inhibited by the addition of cycloheximide. Control incubations with normal immunoglobulin (Ig)G did not elicit a recognition response. The decay in recognition response was temperature dependent. Direct immunofluorescent studies with fluorescein-conjugated antineutrophil IgG revealed that the antibodies were cleared by aggregation and endocytosis. We conclude that: (a) neutrophils clear antibody from the cell surface by a temperature-dependent mechanism; (b) antigenicity is cleared concomitantly; (c) the mechanism of clearance involves internalization; and (d) with time, antigenicity reappears on the cell surface.
Petawatt lasers based on hybrid, OPCPA-Nd:glass amplification

A Petawatt laser [1] based on hybrid optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) and mixed Nd:glass has been demonstrated [2]. This concept enables peak powers which can be scaled significantly beyond one petawatt. Higher power lasers enable access to unprecedented scientific research in the studies of high intensity physics. In this paper we discuss the laser, the potential of scaling to higher peak power and the first experiments.
Supporting Cooperative Caching in Disruption Tolerant Networks

Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are characterized by the low node density, unpredictable node mobility and lack of global network information. Most of current research efforts in DTNs focus on data forwarding, but only limited work has been done on providing effective data access to mobile users. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to support cooperative caching in DTNs, which enables the sharing and coordination of cached data among multiple nodes and reduces data access delay. Our basic idea is to intentionally cache data at a set of Network Central Locations (NCLs), which can be easily accessed by other nodes in the network. We propose an effective scheme which ensures appropriate NCL selection based on a probabilistic selection metric, and coordinate multiple caching nodes to optimize trade off between data accessibility and caching overhead. Extensive trace-driven simulations show that our scheme significantly improves data access performance compared to existing schemes.
Transforming growth factors β1, β2 and β3 and their receptors are differentially expressed in human peritoneal fibroblasts in response to hypoxia

Saed GM, Collins KL, Diamond MP. Transforming growth factors β1, β2, and β3 and their receptors are differentially expressed in human peritoneal fibroblasts in response to hypoxia. AJRI 2002; 48: 387–393 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: Little is known about the role of peritoneal fibroblasts in adhesion formation. This study determines the effect of hypoxia and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment on the expression of TGF-β1–3 and TGF-βI and βII receptors in human peritoneal fibroblasts (HPF). TGF-β isoforms and their receptors have been implicated as mediators of the healing process and adhesion development. METHODS: HPF were cultured under normal and hypoxic condition, and treated with and without (1 ng/mL) TGF-β1 for 24 hr. Total RNA from each group was subjected to multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) to quantitate TGF-β1–3 and TGF-βI and βII receptors messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. RESULTS: Hypoxia resulted in a significant increase in TGF-β1 (26%; P < 0.05), TGF-βIR (34%; P < 0.05) and TGF-βIIR (29%; P < 0.05) mRNA levels, with no effect on TGF-β2 or β3. TGF-β1 treatment resulted in a significant increase in TGF-β1 (35%; P < 0.05), but a decrease in TGF-β2 (22%; P < 0.05) and no effect on TGF-β3, TGF-βIR or TGF-βΙIR. Combined treatment of hypoxia and TGF-β1 caused a significant increase in TGF-β1 (37%; P < 0.05), TGF-β2 (12%; P < 0.05), TGF-βIR (32%; P < 0.05) and TGF-βIIR (34%; P < 0.05). There is no significant change in the mRNA levels of TGF-β3 in any of the treatments. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia and TGF-β1 treatments of cultured HPF modulate the expression of TGF-β1, β2 and β3 and their receptors βIR and βIIR by increasing the ratio of TGF-β1 and β2 to β3, thus favoring the development of peritoneal adhesion.
An augmented Lagrange finite element implementation for 2D axisymmetric contact of biphasic tissues

Biphasic contact of soft tissues is fundamental to understanding the biomechanical behavior of human diarthrodial joints. In this paper, a finite element formulation is developed for 2D axisymmetric contact of biphasic tissues. Augmented Lagrange method is used to enforce the continuity of contact traction and fluid pressure across the contact interface, and implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics. The accuracy of the implementation is verified using the biphasic indentation test and contact of cartilage layers. Results show good agreement with previous studies.
Linear precoding in MIMO broadcast channel with arbitrary rank constraints

We consider the problem of maximizing the weighted sum rate (WSR) in MIMO broadcast channel where the number of transmitted streams (ranks) is constrained. The problem is treated both with or without interference pre-compensation also known as dirty paper coding (DPC). The rank constrained problem is highly motivated by the practical consideration on the receiver complexity in current wireless systems such as LTE. We propose a unified algorithm based on fixed point iteration. The proposed approach has very fast convergence rate that usually converges to the minimal number of streams for each user and finds the corresponding optimal precoding matrix. Rank minimization is particularly desirable in practice. The order in which the users' streams are encoded is crucial when dirty paper coding is allowed. We prove that the optimal user ordering does not depend on the transmission rank constraints and is given only by the weight vector. Using simulations, we compare the performance of our proposed scheme with the best known algorithms in the literature and demonstrate the effect of rank constraints.
Intracranial hypertension secondary to all-trans retinoic acid treatment for leukemia: diagnosis and management.

R etinoids are vitamin-A derivatives that regulate vital processes such as embryogenesis, visual function, reproduction, and immunity. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), or tretinoin, is a retinoid used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and induces remission in 80% to 94% of such patients. We report two patients with APL who developed increased intracranial pressure, or intracranial hypertension, secondary to ATRA therapy. To our knowledge, ours are the first two cases of this association to be reported in the ophthalmic literature.
Learning and Dietary Choice in Herbivores

Herbivores select diets from an array of plant species that vary in nutrients and plant secondary metabolites (PSM). The outcome is a diet higher in nutrients and lower in PSM than the average available in the environment. Food preferences in herbivores are controlled by dietary cues (i.e., flavor) associatively conditioned by the food's postingestive actions. The senses of smell, taste, and sight enable animals to discriminate among foods. Postingestive feedback calibrates sensory experiences—like or dislike—in accord with past and present experiences with a food's utility to the body. Thus, food selection can be viewed as the quest for substances in the external environment that provide a homeostatic benefit to the internal environment. Livestock form preferences for foods that supply needed nutrients and medicines and avoid foods that provide excesses of PSM and nutrients. In order to manifest this plasticity, animals need a variety of foods instead of being constrained to a single food or monoculture. Under natural conditions where diversity of plants is the rule, not the exception, eating a variety of foods is how animals meet their nutrient requirements and cope with—and likely benefit from—PSM in their diets. At certain doses, PSM may provide beneficial effects to herbivores and favor plant persistence and adaptability. If herbivores learn to utilize multiple plants, the costs of consuming PSM on animal production and well-being could be minimized and the benefits of PSM enhanced. Once individuals learn about the contextual benefits of consuming diverse foods, social models (e.g., mothers) could train new generations of herbivores by observational learning. We propose that by combining the concepts of animal learning and food diversity, it will be possible to create sustainable grazing systems with less dependence on fossil fuels and with enhanced benefits for soils, plants, herbivores, and people.
XML-Based Data Model and Architecture for a Knowledge-Based Grid-Enabled Problem-Solving Environment for High-Throughput Biological Imaging

High-throughput biological imaging uses automated imaging devices to collect a large number of microscopic images for analysis of biological systems and validation of scientific hypotheses. Efficient manipulation of these datasets for knowledge discovery requires high-performance computational resources, efficient storage, and automated tools for extracting and sharing such knowledge among different research sites. Newly emerging grid technologies provide powerful means for exploiting the full potential of these imaging techniques. Efficient utilization of grid resources requires the development of knowledge-based tools and services that combine domain knowledge with analysis algorithms. In this paper, we first investigate how grid infrastructure can facilitate high-throughput biological imaging research, and present an architecture for providing knowledge-based grid services for this field. We identify two levels of knowledge-based services. The first level provides tools for extracting spatiotemporal knowledge from image sets and the second level provides high-level knowledge management and reasoning services. We then present cellular imaging markup language, an extensible markup language-based language for modeling of biological images and representation of spatiotemporal knowledge. This scheme can be used for spatiotemporal event composition, matching, and automated knowledge extraction and representation for large biological imaging datasets. We demonstrate the expressive power of this formalism by means of different examples and extensive experimental results.
Perspectives from mechanical circulatory support coordinators on the pre-implantation decision process for destination therapy left ventricular assist devices.

Abstract Objective To understand mechanical circulatory support (MCS) coordinators' perspectives related to destination therapy left ventricular assist devices (DT LVAD) decision making. Background MCS coordinators are central to the team that interacts with patients considering DT LVAD, and are well positioned to comment upon the pre-implantation process. Methods From August 2012 to January 2013, MCS coordinators were recruited to participate in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Established qualitative approaches were used to analyze and interpret data. Results Eighteen MCS coordinators from 18 programs were interviewed. We found diversity in coordinators' roles and high programmatic variability in how DT LVAD decisions are approached. Despite these differences, three themes were consistently recommended: 1) DT LVAD is a major patient-centered decision: “you're your best advocate… this may not be the best choice for you”; 2) this decision benefits from an iterative, multidisciplinary process: “It is not a one-time conversation”; and 3) this process involves a tension between conveying enough detail about the process yet not overwhelming patients: “It's sometimes hard to walk that line to not scare them but not paint a rainbow and butterflies picture.” Conclusions MCS coordinators endorsed a shared decision-making process that starts early, uses non-biased educational materials, and involves a multidisciplinary team sensitive to the tension between conveying enough detail about the therapy yet not overwhelming patients.
Hermite Wavelet Method for Fractional Delay Differential Equations

We proposed a method by utilizing method of steps and Hermite wavelet method, for solving the fractional delay differential equations. This technique first converts the fractional delay differential equation to a fractional nondelay differential equation and then applies the Hermite wavelet method on the obtained fractional nondelay differential equation to find the solution. Several numerical examples are solved to show the applicability of the proposed method.
A switched-capacitor delta-sigma modulator with reduced sensitivity to op-amp gain

Low operational amplifier (op-amp) gain can degrade the performance of a switched-capacitor delta-sigma modulator ( Delta Sigma M). A Delta Sigma M that incorporates a new gain-compensated switched-capacitor integrator is described. The resulting Delta Sigma M topology has reduced sensitivity to op-amp gain. Simulation and measurement results for an experimental Delta Sigma M that demonstrate the advantages of the new architecture are presented. >
Mosaic Analysis of Two Genes That Affect Nervous System Structure in Caenorhabditis elegans

The mutation mec-4(e1611), identified by M. Chalfie, leads to the degeneration and death of the six neurons, called the microtubule cells, that mediate the response of wild-type animals to light touch. The fates of two of these cells, PLML and PLMR, which are responsible for response to light touch in the tail of the animal, have been monitored in animals mosaic for the mec-4(e1611) mutation. The results are consistent with the view that the mutation behaves cell autonomously in its killing effect; in particular, none of the neurons that make either chemical synapses or gap junctions to PLML or PLMR is responsible for the deaths of PLML or PLMR. The results of gene dosage and dominance tests suggest that the mec-4(+) gene product, which is required for wild-type microtubule cell function, is altered by the e1611 mutation into a novel product that kills the microtubule cells. Mutation in the gene unc-3 leads to the derangement of the processes of the motor neurons of the ventral cord. Mosaic analysis strongly suggests that unc-3(+) expression is required only in the motor neurons themselves for normal neuronal development. In particular, the hypodermis surrounding the ventral cord is not the primary focus of unc-3 action (body muscle was excluded in earlier work). Finally, the mosaic analysis supports an earlier suggestion that a sensory defect caused by a daf-6 mutation is localized to a non-neuronal cell called the sheath cell.
Long‐term impacts of manure amendments on carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics of rangelands

Livestock manure is applied to rangelands as an organic fertilizer to stimulate forage production, but the long-term impacts of this practice on soil carbon (C) and greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics are poorly known. We collected soil samples from manured and nonmanured fields on commercial dairies and found that manure amendments increased soil C stocks by 19.0 ± 7.3 Mg C ha(-1) and N stocks by 1.94 ± 0.63 Mg N ha(-1) compared to nonmanured fields (0-20 cm depth). Long-term historical (1700-present) and future (present-2100) impacts of management on soil C and N dynamics, net primary productivity (NPP), and GHG emissions were modeled with DayCent. Modeled total soil C and N stocks increased with the onset of dairying. Nitrous oxide (N2 O) emissions also increased by ~2 kg N2 O-N ha(-1) yr(-1) . These emissions were proportional to total N additions and offset 75-100% of soil C sequestration. All fields were small net methane (CH4 ) sinks, averaging -4.7 ± 1.2 kg CH4 -C ha(-1) yr(-1) . Overall, manured fields were net GHG sinks between 1954 and 2011 (-0.74 ± 0.73 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) yr(-1) , CO2 e are carbon dioxide equivalents), whereas nonmanured fields varied around zero. Future soil C pools stabilized 40-60 years faster in manured fields than nonmanured fields, at which point manured fields were significantly larger sources than nonmanured fields (1.45 ± 0.52 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) yr(-1) and 0.51 ± 0.60 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) yr(-1) , respectively). Modeling also revealed a large background loss of soil C from the passive soil pool associated with the shift from perennial to annual grasses, equivalent to 29.4 ± 1.47 Tg CO2 e in California between 1820 and 2011. Manure applications increased NPP and soil C storage, but plant community changes and GHG emissions decreased, and eventually eliminated, the net climate benefit of this practice.
Exercise Effects on Early Vocal Ultrasonic Communication Dysfunction in a PINK1 Knockout Model of Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with vocal communication deficits that manifest early, progress, and are largely resistant to medical interventions; however, they do respond to exercise-based speech and voice therapies. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To study how exercise-based vocal treatment can affect the progression of communication deficits related to PD, we studied ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in rats with homozygous knockout (-/-) of PINK1, a gene mutation known to cause PD, under the manipulation of a behavioral vocal exercise paradigm that allows us to precisely control dose and timing of exercise in the prodromal (prior to diagnosis) stages. RESULTS We show that intensive vocal-training rescues frequency range and intensity deficits as well as leads to an increase in call complexity and duration of calls compared to sham-training; however, over time this training regime loses significant effect as the disease progresses. We also show effects of frequent handling and conspecific (male-female) interaction in the sham-training group as they demonstrated significantly higher call rate, intensity, frequency range, and call complexity compared to rats without any form of training and consequently less handling/interaction. Further, we confirm that this model exhibits progressive gross motor deficits that indicate neurodegeneration. DISCUSSION This study suggests that the evolving nature of vocal communication deficits requires an adjustment of therapy targets and more intensive training over the course of this progressive disease and demonstrates the importance of frequent social experiences.
Comparison of carbon monoxide diffusion using breath hold and rebreathing techniques in children with interstitial disease

Background Carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) measured with reabreathing (RB) technique and hyperventilation has been found to equal breath holding (BH) measure in healthy adults using homemade device. No assessment of the commercially available RB machine has been performed in sick children in whom BH technique might be difficult to achieve. Objectives 1) to assess feasibility and repeatability of DLCORB 2) to compare DLCOBH and DLCORB in sick children. Methods Prospective monocentre study in 46 children with suspicion or actual interstitial disease, able to perform DLCOBH. DLCOBH and RB were measured in duplicate (Masterscreen, Jaeger, Hoechberg, Germany). Results Correct DLCORB measurements during tidal breathing was obtained in 41 (89%) children (age median 11.8 [8.2 to 18.2]y). Median (IQR) z-score of DCLOAP was -1.94 (-3.30;-1.84)[-9.9 to 1.37]. Functional residual capacity of the two DCLORB measurements was reproducible (within 15%). Alveolar volume (VA) of DLCORB was lower to that of DCLOBH (VARB median 52.6 [41.9 to 75.1]% of VABH). The duplicated measurements of DLCORB and DLCOBH were within 15% in 76% and 95% of the children, respectively. DLCORB and DLCOBH were highly correlated (r2 = 0.72, p Conclusion DLCORB technique is feasible (89%) and reproducible (76%) in children able to perform BH technique despite various level of interstitial impairment. DLCORB is highly correlated to DCLOAP. Further studies to determine reference values and measurement in younger children are warranted before using RB technique in routine.
Biochemical targets of the isoflavone genistein in tumor cell lines.

AbstractDietary intake of soy is associated with a decreased risk of both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancers. It has been proposed that genistein, the predominant isoflavone in soy foods, is responsible for this effect. In this review, the potential mechanisms of action of genistein at the cellular level are critically examined to determine which are physiologically relevant. We concluded that (i) only those mechanisms requiring genistein concentrations below 5 μg/ml (18 μM) should be considered, and (ii) more emphasis should be placed on the effects of genistein on events in normal cells or those from the early stages of the cancer process.
Effects of induced states on tissue lysozyme activity.

Summary1. In growing rats, hypophysectomy has been shown to significantly increase the level of kidney lysozyme specific activity (SA) up to 2-fold. Other tissues, particularly the spleen, show con...
Effects of Aging on the Thermal Conductivity of the AP1000® Containment Vessel Inorganic Zinc Coating

During a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) event the AP1000® passive safety features actuate to provide emergency core cooling (ECC) to the reactor core using passive features that do not rely on electrical power being available. The core makeup tanks (CMTs), and accumulators (ACCs) actuate to quench the fuel rods and refill the reactor vessel. After the CMTs and ACCs empty, the in-containment refueling water storage tank (IRWST) utilizing gravity injects a large volume of sub-cooled fluid into the reactor vessel. This floods the vessel and the lower region of containment (containment sump) initiating gravity induced long-term recirculation cooling. The discharge of high energy fluid during the blowdown, re-flood, and re-fill phases is assumed to condense on the colder structures inside the containment including the containment vessel shell. Heat is transferred through the shell to the film of water from the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCS) applied to the outside of the containment vessel shell. This results in evaporative heat transfer on the outside of the containment vessel. Due to the large heat transfer coefficients on the inside and outside of the shell the heat conduction through the shell is very important to the heat rejection capability of the PCS, and plays a large part in ensuring the containment vessel pressure is not exceeded during design basis events. The AP1000® containment vessel is forged from a high strength carbon steel alloy that is coated with an inorganic zinc coating which protects the containment vessel from corrosion during its design life. The coating acts as a sacrificial anodic layer which corrodes in lieu of corrosion of the substrate beneath it. The corrosion of the coating can potentially lead to degradation in thermal conductivity of the coating due to metallic oxides typically having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the non-oxidized state. A reduction in thermal conductivity of the protective coating will impact the overall heat transfer through the containment vessel during PCS operation. The purpose of this work is to develop a mechanistic model demonstrated against empirical validation for assessing the effects of oxidation on the thermal conductivity of the protective inorganic zinc coating (IOZ) on the AP1000® containment vessel.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Self-Determination among Transition-Age Youth with Autism or Intellectual Disability: Parent Perspectives.

This study examined 68 parents' views of the self-determination skills and capacities of their young adult children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability (ages 19–21 years). Results indicated parents placed a high value on the importance of all seven component skills (i.e., choice-making skills, decision-making skills, goal-setting skills, problem-solving skills, self-advocacy and leadership skills, self-awareness and self-knowledge, and self-management and self-regulation skills) associated with enhanced self-determination. Yet, parents indicated their young adult children did not often perform these skills well. Effect sizes suggested high-magnitude differences between parents' ratings of the importance and their child's performance for each self-determination skill evaluated. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated parents' perceptions of the severity of their child's disability accounted for a significant portion of the variance in the overall ratings of their child's performan...
Modulation of Mixed Conductivity in Nanocrystalline Electrolytes by Heterogeneous Doping

Over the past decade, the most commonly studied nanocrystalline electroceramic system has been cerium oxide. Ionic conduction is traditionally introduced into this system via homogeneous doping, though the maximum conductivity is limited by carrier mobility at high doping levels. In this work, heterogeneous doping is explored as a potential means for enhanced ionic conductivity. Nanocrystalline CeO2 thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition and modified by in-diffusion of Ni and Gd along columnar grain boundaries. To separate the ionic and electronic contributions to the conductivity, electron-blocking microelectrodes, consisting of dense yttria-stabilized zirconia and porous Pt layers, were fabricated on the microscale. After in-diffusion, both the ionic and electronic partial conductivities decreased relative to the as-deposited state. This result is analyzed in terms of the grain boundary chemistry and space charge potential, as well as segregation of acceptor impurities within the ceria thin films.
Suppression of connective tissue impregnation in a silver technique for demonstrating nerve fibers.

A tissue pretreatment technique is introduced which effectively suppresses the silver impregnation of connective tissue and nompecific background elements in peripheral nerve. The result is a selective impregnation of nerve fibers. The procedure utilizes fresh frozen sections and can be used with the Holmes (1947) or Bodian (1936) techniques. Fresh frozen sections are cut at 10 microns, mounted on slides and air dried for 5 minutes. They are fixed for 30 minutes in formol-sublimate (10% formalin saturated with mercuric chloride) and then placed into 0.5% iodine in 70% alcobol for 5 minutes followed by bleaching in 2.5% sodium thiosulfate for 2 minutes. After washing in running tap water for 10 minutes and a brief rinse in distilled water, impregnation is accomplished by the Holmes (1947) or Bodian (1936) procedure beginnins with the step containing the aqueous silver solution. The results show an absence of impregnation of connective tissue and nonspecific background. The technique is simple, rapid, and, ...
Ambulatory blood pressure patterns in youth.

We examined the influence of sex, race, and age on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) patterns in youths. The subjects were 300 normotensive, healthy adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 years, including 160 boys and 140 girls, of whom 149 were white and 151 were black. The data were divided into periods of activity (Period I: 8 AM to 10 PM) and inactivity (Period II: 10 PM to 8 AM). Boys had higher systolic BP during both Period I (117 +/- 11 nu 112 +/- 8 mm Hg; P < .05) and Period II (109 +/- 11 nu 106 +/- 10 mm Hg; P < .03). Blacks had higher systolic (108 +/- 10 nu 106 +/- 10 mm Hg; P < .01) and diastolic BP (63 +/- 8 nu 60 +/- 7 mm Hg; P < .003) during Period II. Interactions between race and age were found for both systolic (P < .005) and diastolic (P < .005) BP during Period II. Further analyses indicated associations between age and both systolic (beta = 1.16; P < .001) and diastolic (beta = 1.04; P < .0001) BP in black but not white subjects. An interaction was observed between sex and age for systolic BP during Period II (P < .005), with a relationship for boys (beta = 1.47; P < .001) but not for girls. These results suggest that the black adolescents showed a progressive increase in nocturnal BP with age, a pattern not observed in the white youths. This increased BP load may contribute to the early development of hypertension and BP-induced target organ damage in blacks.
Rapid Abrasion Test To Indicate Lead on the Surface of Ceramicware

A rapid abrasion test (RAT) was developed for screening ceramicware for Pb. A Pb-sensitive chromogen (rhodizonic acid) reacts to form a persistent colored complex, indicating the presence of Pb. RAT takes 2-5 min to complete; a positive test is easily discernible. RAT, which provides only qualitative information, is useful for screening large numbers of ceramicware items for the presence of Pb at > or = 0.05 microgram/mL.
Gene therapy of hypoparathyroidism with TheraCyte-encapsulated stem cells

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34) gene was inserted into a pcDNA3 promoter and E. coli competent cells were used to amplify the cDNA. C3H/10T1/2 stem cells were transfected with PTH (1-34) cDNA using Lipofectamine reagents. After G418 treatment live cells at a density of 4x107 were loaded onto a TheraCyte unit. After parathyroidectomy, rats were either the implanted with 4x107 TheraCyte-encapsulated cells (group A), subcutaneously injected with 4x107 live cells containing PTH (1-34) cDNA (group B) or injected with nothing (group C).Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and PTH (1-34) were measured at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months after therapy. Immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR were performed to find PTH (1-34)-positive cells and to detect PTH (1-34) mRNA.Serum calcium and PTH (1-34) levels were significantly higher in group A than in group B or C. PTH (1-34)-positive cells were found in the TheraCyte group 4 months after implantation. PTH (1-34) mRNA was detected in stem cells 48 hr after transfection and also in stem cells after transfection and 72 hr after G418 treatment.Implantation of the TheraCyte-encapsulated stem cells, which were tranfected with PTH (1-34) cDNA can treat hypoparathyroidism.
HYSTEROSCOPIC ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION

SUMMARY The addition of endometrial ablation to gynecologic surgical procedures has had a significant impact on the management of intractable menorrhagia. It is an outpatient procedure that causes limited disability to the patient. Although long-term data regarding this procedure are not available, the laser ablation series dates back to 1979 and there have been no delayed sequelae.
Victorian Iconoclast: Eliza Cook (1812–1889)

At the fin de siecle, Eliza Cook was only vaguely remembered as a working-class poet of yesteryear. Yet from the late 1830s to the 1860s, she was one of the most popular poets in Great Britain and America. This chapter charts Cook’s rise to fame, demonstrating how her working-class roots, outspoken feminism, and masculine attire established her as an iconoclastic celebrity. It then traces the transatlantic development of Cook’s career, showing how the American press appropriated her poetry and her persona. It also explores how changing conceptions of women’s celebrity at mid-century led to Cook’s marginalization within the emerging canon of ‘great’ women authors.
A technique for single-pulse spectrum and pulse width measurements for an IR-FEL

Abstract A diagnostic system has been designed to measure the spectrum and pulse width of infrared FEL pulses. Use of an image dissector [H.A. Baldis et al., Rev. Sci. Instr. 48 (1977) 173] and a single element high speed detector with integrating sphere, allows one to obtain spectral or temporal information for each individual mu-pulse inside the pulse train. The spectral diagnostic consists of a mode matching telescope, a high resolution spectrometer, an imaging telescope and an image dissector system. The imaging telescope between the spectrograph and the image dissector provides for variable magnification (and hence resolution) of the spectrum onto the image dissector. The pulse width measurement uses single pulse autocorrelation through noncollinear optical mixing in a frequency doubling crystal [S.A. Arakelian et al., Opt. Commun. 44 (1982) 67], an imaging telescope and again an image dissector system. Here, the imaging telescope relays the image of the region in the nonlinear crystal in which second harmonic light was generated onto the image dissector. The design and implementation of these diagnostics for the 1–11 μm on the IR-FEL at Stanford University are discussed.
Demographic Change and the New (and Not So New) Challenges for Latino Education

AbstractLatino students now make up 1 in 4 public school students in the United States and are a rapidly growing population in nontraditional settlement areas. Yet -persistent racial and ethnic disparities in educational achievement and attainment are cause for grave concern, as high school graduation and postsecondary -education are increasingly necessary for success in a 21st-century knowledge economy. This essay discusses a major shift in demographics across the nation and the resulting urgent educational challenges.
Instabilities in rapid solidification of multi-component alloys

Abstract Rapid solidification of multi-component liquids occurs in many modern applications such as additive manufacturing. In the present work the interface departures from equilibrium consist of the segregation coefficient and liquidus slope depending on front speed, the one-sided, frozen-temperature approximation, and the alloy behaving as the superposition of individual components. Linear-stability theory is applied, showing that the cellular and oscillatory instabilities of the binary case are modified. The addition of components tends to destabilize the interface while the addition of a single large-diffusivity material can entirely suppress the oscillatory mode. Multiple minima in the neutral curve for the cellular mode occur.
Linking Political Parties and Interest Groups

This article argues that political parties and interest groups are intricately and inextricably linked to one another. First, it examines co-evolution, discipline, brokerage, and identity as mechanisms that link parties and groups. The theoretical perspective behind each of these mechanisms is also explained in the context of empirical research that documents their relevance to organizational strategies and behaviours. It discusses how a research program that more explicitly addresses the party-group linkage might revise the understanding of parties and groups, and the nature of their dynamic interaction. It then suggests a number of avenues for future inquiry that would help to build more systematic knowledge about the ties between parties and groups. A new agenda for party-group linkages should recognize that the subject requires more than merely ‘more research’.
Assessing career optimism and adaptability: toward the construct validation of the Career Futures Inventory

The purpose of this study was to provide initial results on the development and validation of the Career Futures Inventory (CFI), a 25-item measure that assesses positive career planning attitudes. This theory-driven scale development project attempts to assess domain-specific career optimism and perceived adaptability including planfulness, decisional skill, and selfawareness. Savickas' (1997) extension of Super and Knasel's (1981) career adaptability construct and Scheier and Carver's (1985) dispositional optimism construct provided theoretical context for scale development. The CFI emphasizes the empirical measurement of dispositional generalized expectancies within the career domain and adaptability related to an individual's unique career goals and present self-concept. In particular, the CFI relates to the goal of achieving an individualized optimal career status, situated between specific trait-like principles or self-efficacy estimates and the global idealized self. Results from an item analysis of scale homogeneity and exploratory factor analysis in a sample of 690 undergraduates from a large midwestern university revealed three subscales: (1) Career Adaptability; (2) Career Optimism; and (3) Perceived Knowledge. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the three-factor model provided an excellent fit to the data. Additional analyses established high internal consistency, temporal stability, and construct validity through examination of correlates with dispositional optimism, Big Five personality characteristics, generalized problem-solving, vocationally-relevant self-efficacy, interests, and numerous career-relevant attitudes and outcomes. Results demonstrated that optimistic and adaptable people appear to strive higher academically, report greater comfort with their educational and career-related plans, show higher levels of career identity, and
Prediction of clinical response to neuroleptics and positron emission tomography in schizophrenia

Every clinician knows that some schizophrenics show marked improvement in symptoms when treated even with low doses of neuroleptics and others show little improvement or even worsening when medication is given (Carpenter et al. 1981, Brown et al. 1989, Garver et al. 1988). This diversity in treatment response may be especially marked in university research programs where patients who are having their first psychotic episode as well as those who are chronically ill and especially medication resistent may appear. The variation in clinical effects of typical antipsychotic drugs may be explained by the density, affinity, and pharmacological class of receptors with which they interact. Furthermore, individual differences in the pharmacokinetics of antipsychotic drugs, biological heterogeneity in schizophrenia and the particular cerebral regions whose functions are altered directly or indirectly by their administration will play a role on the clinical outcome. Imaging is an insightful pathway into understanding and unraveling some of these variations. The imaging of regional cerebral metabolism can provide information about the initial state of the patient’s brain and the functional consequences of neuroleptic administration throughout the brain.
Patients Transferred for Upper Extremity Amputation: Participation of Regional Trauma Centers.

Purpose Level-I trauma centers are required to provide hand and microsurgery capability at all times. We examined transfers to our center to better understand distant patient referrals and, indirectly, study referrals in our region. Methods Records were reviewed from 2010 to 2015 to evaluate patients transferred to our level-I institution for upper extremity amputation. Patients were referred from 6 states to our institution over this period. We measured the straight-line distance from each patient's transferring facility to our facility and compared this distance with the straight-line distances from the zip code of the transferring facility to the zip code of each level-I trauma center. Results We had data for 250 transferred patients (91% male, 9% female). For 110 patients (44%), our hospital was the nearest level-I trauma center; however, for the remaining 140 patients (56%), other level-I trauma facilities were located closer to the referring hospital. Among these 140 patients, the mean distance of the referring facility to the nearest level-I trauma center (30 miles; SD, 27) was significantly different from the mean distance of the referring facility to our facility (71 miles; SD, 60). A median of 4 (range, 1–10) level-I trauma centers were bypassed before patients arrived at our center. Medicaid and "self-pay" patients were more likely to be transferred to our facility. Conclusions Fifty-six percent of patients transferred to our hospital for upper extremity amputation had a level-I trauma center closer to their injury. Patients with upper extremity amputation are referred to our regional center despite the proximity of closer level-I trauma centers. This suggests that regional microsurgery expertise does not correlate with level-I trauma designation, and establishment of designated microsurgery centers and formal referral guidelines may be beneficial for management of these difficult injuries. Clinical relevance We believe that this study further supports the need for formal designation of regional centers of expertise for microsurgical hand trauma.
The Aging Neurosurgeon: When Is Enough, Enough? Attitudes Toward Ceasing Practice and Testing in Late Career

Abstract Objective To present the first wide-scale survey to assess perceptions of testing the aging neurosurgeon. Patients and Methods This study included 4899 neurosurgeons, 2435 American Board of Neurological Surgery Diplomates participating in Maintenance of Certification (MOC), 1440 Diplomates certified before 1999 (grandfathered), and 1024 retired Diplomates. We developed an online confidential survey conducted from March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. We received 1449 responses overall (30% response rate). Results Most respondents (938; 65%) were aged 50 years and older. Overall, most respondents (718; 50%) believe that the aging neurosurgeon (65 years and older) should undergo additional testing, including cognitive assessment or a review of cases, in addition to a standard (MOC) examination. Nine hundred fifty-six (67%) respondents believed that there should be no absolute age cutoff at which neurosurgical practice is forced to end. Six hundred six (42%) respondents believed that MOC should be tailored to accommodate the aging neurosurgeon. Most respondents (766; 59%) believed that MOC should consist of a review individual case logs and patient outcomes for the aging neurosurgeon. Conclusion Appropriately assessing the aging neurosurgeon is important to protect patient safety and also maximize the capacity of an aging neurosurgical workforce. This first of its kind survey of neurosurgeon diplomates of the American Board of Neurological Surgery provides important information as to what mechanisms can be created to fairly evaluate aging neurosurgeons. Although this is a study of neurosurgeons, the implications of these findings are widely applicable across specialties, and additional research on testing for aging and competency is needed across specialties.
Adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study: Overview of substance use assessment methods

One of the objectives of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (https://abcdstudy.org/) is to establish a national longitudinal cohort of 9 and 10 year olds that will be followed for 10 years in order to prospectively study the risk and protective factors influencing substance use and its consequences, examine the impact of substance use on neurocognitive, health and psychosocial outcomes, and to understand the relationship between substance use and psychopathology. This article provides an overview of the ABCD Study Substance Use Workgroup, provides the goals for the workgroup, rationale for the substance use battery, and includes details on the substance use module methods and measurement tools used during baseline, 6-month and 1-year follow-up assessment time-points. Prospective, longitudinal assessment of these substance use domains over a period of ten years in a nationwide sample of youth presents an unprecedented opportunity to further understand the timing and interactive relationships between substance use and neurocognitive, health, and psychopathology outcomes in youth living in the United States.
Engels and Dialectics

In his very influential book, History and Class Consciousness, Georg Lukacs argued that Engels illegitimately extended Marx’ dialectical method beyond the social realm to the realm of nature and in doing so replaced Marx’ dialectical theory of knowledge (in which subject and object are reciprocally transformed) with a contemplative reflection theory (in which subject and object “persist in their old, rigid opposition”).1
On Some Bayesian Solutions of the Neyman-Scott Problem

One of the two celebrated examples of Neyman and Scott (1948) is that in a fixed effects one-way analysis of variance model with normal homoscedastic errors, the maximum likelihood estimator of the error variance, say σ 2 is inconsistent as the cell-size remains fixed, but the number of cells grows to infinity. The UMVUE, or the best multiple estimator of the error sum of squares does not suffer from this drawback. However, the best multiple estimator is inadmissible, as it is dominated by a Stein-type estimator. The Stein-estimator, on the other hand, being non-smooth, is itself inadmissible. The present paper introduces a class of hierarchical Bayes (HB) estimators of σ 2, and identifies a subclass, each member of which dominates the best multiple of S (S being the error sum of squares) under the relative squared error loss L(a, σ 2) = (a σ -2 -1)2. Included in our class is the Brewster-Zidek (1974) estimator of σ 2. Also, we have provided analytic expressions for the risk improvement of the HB estimators over the best multiple estimator. Numerical values of the percentage risk improvement are given in some special cases. These calculations indicate that the risk-improvement over the best multiple estimator can often be quite substantial.