cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video reference-it's not your typical virtual reference : Video reference services for south campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

ABSTRACT The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Library expanded its reference services to an underserved area/curriculum at the Peter Kiewit Institute, a building on the University's South Campus. The Library chose videoconferencing to deliver library services to the Institute. This method included Web cameras, microphones, and Polycom software for a real-time interaction between the patron and librarian. The paper describes the planning process, hardware, software, problems, marketing, staff training, and ideas for future applications.
Considerations for the Development of a Substance-Related Care and Prevention Continuum Model.

There are significant gaps in the identification and engagement in care and prevention services of people who use illicit substances. Care continuum models have proven to be useful tools in the evaluation of care for HIV and other conditions; numerous issues in substance-related care and prevention resemble those identified other continua models. Systems of care for substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) can be viewed as consisting of a prevention and care continuum, reflecting incidence and prevalence of substance misuse and SUDs, screening and identification, medical and psychosocial evaluation for treatment, engagement in evidence based treatment, treatment retention, relapse prevention, timeliness of step completion and measures of overall and substance-use-related-specific morbidity and mortality. Care and prevention continuum models could potentially be applied at program, local, regional, state and national levels. We discuss important lessons that can be drawn from applications of continuum models in other fields. The development and use of a substance-related care and prevention continuum may yield significant patient care, program evaluation and improvement, and population-level benefits.
Posttraumatic Stress and Mindfulness Facets in Relation to Suicidal Ideation Severity Among Psychiatric Inpatients

Traumatic life events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology are associated with suicidality, including suicidal ideation and behavior. The current study investigates the moderating role of mindfulness facets, as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, in the association between PTSD symptom severity and suicidal ideation severity in a sample of acute-care psychiatric inpatients. Participants were comprised of 119 adults (42.9% women; Mage = 33.3, SD = 11.0) admitted to a public, university-affiliated, psychiatric acute-care inpatient hospital in a large metropolitan area. Results indicated significant interactive effects of PTSD symptom severity and observing (ΔR 2 = 0.032, β = 0.19, p < 0.05), acting with awareness (ΔR 2 = 0.071, β = − 0.27, p = 0.002), and nonjudging of inner experience (ΔR 2 = 0.066, β = − 0.27, p = 0.002) with regard to suicidal ideation severity. These effects were documented after controlling for theoretically relevant covariates, including number of traumatic event types experienced and number of prior suicide attempts. A significant main effect was also present for PTSD symptom severity with regard to suicidal ideation severity. In addition, there was a significant main effect for nonjudging of inner experience with regard to suicidal ideation severity; no other mindfulness facets demonstrated significant main effects with regard to suicidal ideation severity.
Toward a universal standard: Comparing two methods for standardizing spotted microarray data

DNA microarray technology has allowed the transcriptome to be studied to a depth that was inconceivable only 10 years ago. Until recently these studies were isolated because, without a universal st...
An approach for crack detection in sewer pipes using acoustic signals

This study investigates use of acoustic signals to detect cracks in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sewer pipes. Cracked sewer pipes can result in release of untreated human and industrial waste, toxic materials and debris affecting human health and the environment. The released toxic effluents can pollute water reservoirs and damage public and private property. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes have been extensively used in sewer systems for the past several decades. These pipes fail due to improper installation and engineering, incorrect operation, internal and external contamination, manufacturing defects and abuse by the users. Existing industry standard for crack detection in sewer pipes is based on a Closed-circuit television (CCTV) mounted crawler that passes through the sewer pipes and relays the video to an operator who visually observes and records the presence of cracks. This method requires a special vehicle, an electric generator, a reel-mounted data link cable and a customized software with a dedicated control system. There is a need for developing a system that can be easily deployable, economical and consistent in detecting cracks in pipes. The aim of this project is to analyze and relate attenuation in the acoustic signal to the condition of a pipe sample. Extensive empirical testing has been conducted on 0.1 m diameter PVC pipes with and without cracks. The preliminary results show that acoustic frequencies between 800 Hz–1.2 kHz are severely attenuated due to signal loss from cracks. Further testing in the laboratory and field is in progress to classify the location and extent of cracks in pipes. The findings from the study can be used to develop an acoustic based pipeline crack detection application.
Neural networks and agent-based diffusion models

This paper introduces a new consumer decision-making model where each agent uses a neural network to evaluate word-of-mouth and predict her utility prior to adoption a new product based on her experiences in the past. The model considers the fact that consumers may not know their true preferences before experiencing the product. By using a neural network, an agent can: (1) interpret the feedback from a neighbor who has conflicting preferences with her; (2) interpret partially positive and/or negative feedback; and, (3) assign different weights to the feedback received from different neighbors. The model is implemented in an agent-based simulation model to verify that the resulting diffusion dynamics follow a typical diffusion curve. Preliminary experiments with the model also provide interesting results about the effect of the number of product attributes on the quality of an individual's utility prediction as well as proportion of satisfied adopters.
Nutritional Supplements and Upper Respiratory Tract Illnesses in Young Children in the United States

Key Points In the United States, children have lower blood levels than adults of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an important ω-3 fatty acid that helps decrease inflammation; vitamin A, the “anti-infective” vitamin; and selenium (Se), a trace metal that is an intrinsic part of glutathione peroxidase, an important free-radical scavenging enzyme. EPA, vitamin A, and Se are important in controlling inflammation and can be supplied by oral nutritional supplements. Cod liver oil contains EPA (and other important ω-3 fatty acids), and vitamin A as well as vitamin D. Fish oil contains ω-3 fatty acids (including EPA) but no vitamins. Our clinical research demonstrates that daily supplementation with a flavored cod liver oil (which meets European purity standards) and a children’s multivitamin-mineral with trace metals, including Se, can decrease morbidity from upper respiratory tract illnesses, otitis media, and sinusitis in young children living in the United States. These supplements can be used by practitioners on an individual basis, when clinically indicated; the supplements can be purchased in the United States without a prescription. Socioeconomically disadvantaged children are at risk for micronutrient deficiencies. However, their families may not be able to afford to purchase these supplements, which are not available through Medicaid, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or the Food Stamp Program. If our results are confirmed in larger studies, a system change will be needed to provide these supplements to nutritionally vulnerable, socioeconomically disadvantaged children living in the United States.
Integriertes Prozessmanagement als Basis für nachhaltige Spitzenleistungen im automobilen Einkauf

Die Veranderungen des Wettbewerbes und die Dynamik der globalen Zuliefermarkte der Automobilindustrie gehen mit erheblichen Modifikationen der Aufgaben sowie der Arbeitsinhalte des Beschaffungsbereichs einher und stellen den Einkaufer vor erhebliche Herausforderungen. Der Einkaufer ist heute mehr denn je gefordert, uber das operative Tagesgeschaft hinaus neue Methoden und Werkzeuge anzuwenden, um sowohl dem enormen Wettbewerbsdruck entgegenwirken als auch Materialkosteneinsparungen realisieren zu konnen. Aus dem Anforderungsportfolio des Einkaufers sind zukunftig kreative Problemlosungspotenziale zur Strategieentwicklung nicht mehr wegzudenken.
Transplantation of Embryonic Stem Cells for Myocardial Regeneration and Angiogenesis

Congestive heart failure remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. Myocardial infarction (MI) results in the loss of heart muscle cells, which is the main contributor to the development of heart failure. Classical medical therapy and mechanical left-ventricular assist devices are available for physicians to improve the prognosis of patients with MI and heart failure, but only half of the patients with end-stage heart failure survive the following year (1). At the present time, allogeneic heart transplantation to extend life span and to improve the quality of daily life is probably the preferred alternative treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure, but extreme organ shortage and chronic cardiac rejection limit the therapy. In recent years, research on stem cells is leading scientists to investigate the possibility of cell-based therapies for cardiac repair, often referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine. Stem cell-based cellular cardiomyoplasty (CCM) for cardiomyocyte replacement/regeneration has been evaluated in animal settings (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and clinical trials (7, 8, 9). Transplantation of exogenous stem cells could regenerate damaged myocardium and improve cardiac function in failing hearts. Such efforts may offer exciting novel options for treating patients with end-stage heart failure.
The Pitfalls of Proceduralism: An Exploration of the Goods Internal to the Practice of Clinical Ethics Consultation.

In an age of professionalization and specialization, the practice of clinical ethics is facing an identity crisis. Are clinical ethicists moral experts, ethics experts, or merely quasi-lawyers giving legal advice? Are they extensions of the hospital, always working to advance the hospital’s interests? Or is there another option? Since 1998, when the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) first issued its Core Competencies for Healthcare Ethics Consultation, there has been debate about the role of standardization and proceduralism in clinical ethics consultation. Now, as ASBH continues to move forward with its credentialing program, proceduralism in clinical ethics must be critically examined. In this paper, I argue that the proceduralist approach to clinical ethics consultation, as espoused by the ASBH’s call for credentialing, creates a demeaning experience for all parties involved and precludes goods internal to the practice of clinical ethics consultation from being actualized. As a practice embedded in medicine and in institutions such as the hospital, clinical ethics consultation must define and examine its own goods in order to bring about more than a sterile, law-like solution to difficult moral quandaries, as these sterile solutions leave patients, families, and providers unsatisfied, abandoned, and disappointed. Thus, in an effort to push back against this proceduralism in clinical ethics consultation, I will offer a preliminary exploration of what these goods might be.
Novel Pyrrolyl 2-Aminopyridines as Potent and Selective Human β-Secretase (BACE1) Inhibitors.

Design, synthesis, and SAR of a series of novel pyrrolyl substituted aminopyridines (I) as BACE1 inhibitors are described.
Using media for social innovation

Aneta Podkalicka and Ellie Rennie’s Using media for social innovation provides a unique resource to a growing population of creative and intellectual non-profit innovators, and in the process shine...
Police Sex-Related Criminal Homicides: Sexually Motivated Police Serial Killers

Sexual homicides involve sexual activity before, during or after the homicide. In spite of the sensationalized media attention they receive, sexual homicides are rare. On occasion, sexual homicides are a hybrid offense between sexual assault and murder.
Synthesis and structural characterization of the new Zintl phases Ba3Cd2P4 and Ba2Cd2P3. Rare example of small gap semiconducting behavior with negative thermopower within the range 300 K–700 K

Abstract The new Zintl phases Ba3Cd2P4 and Ba2Cd2P3 have been synthesized using Pb flux, which allowed for the growth of 4-5 mm large crystals. The structures were determined utilizing single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds crystalize in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m (No. 12)) and their structures are closely related. The structure of Ba3Cd2P4 can be seen as being comprised of divalent Ba atoms and conjoined CdP4 tetrahedra in the form of [Cd2P4]6– layers. Within the layers, homoatomic P–P bonds are present, which if cleaved, leave two infinite [CdP3]7– chains running along the crystallographic b-axis. The other structure, that of Ba2Cd2P3, can be rationalized as also having divalent Ba atoms and conjoined CdP4 tetrahedra in the form of [Cd2P3]6– layers. These layers again can be visualized as chains that run down the crystallographic b-axis, which are further connected by P–P dimers. Electronic band-structure calculations show that each structure has an optimal number of valence electrons, and therefore conform to the Zintl-Klemm concept. Accordingly, the two compounds can be considered small band gap semiconductors, with band gaps of ca. 0.1 eV and 0.6 eV for Ba3Cd2P4 and Ba2Cd2P3, respectively. Electrical resistivity measurements show that Ba3Cd2P4 displays a large resistivity value at room temperature and experimental band gap of ca. 0.05 eV, which fits reasonably well with the theoretical predictions. Thermopower measurements show that throughout the temperature range 300 K–700 K, Ba3Cd2P4 displays negative Seebeck coefficient. The extremum value of –84 μV is at reached at 630 K, suggestive of an n-type semiconductor, a rarity among Zintl phases.
Risk factors of dumping syndrome after fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in children.

In postoperative cases of fundoplication, the gastric emptying ability is promoted and sometimes exhibits dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome often goes unrecognized in children. Furthermore, the risk factors for postoperative dumping syndrome are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of developing dumping syndrome after fundoplication. A retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients between January 2003 and March 2018 (190 patients) who had fundoplication at our clinic was conducted. Regarding the risk factors of dumping syndrome, gender, age and body weight at the time of surgery, neurological impairment, severe scoliosis, microgastria, chromosomal abnormalities, complex cardiac anomalies, gastrostomy, and laparoscopic surgery were retrospectively studied. 17 patients (9%) developed dumping syndrome post-operatively. Multivariate analysis showed that significant risk factors for dumping syndrome included: undergoing surgery within 12 months of age (adjusted OR 10.3, 95% CI 2.6–45.2), severe scoliosis (adjusted OR 19.3, 95% CI 4.4–91.1), and microgastria (adjusted OR 26.5, 95% CI 1.4–896.4). We identified that: age at fundoplication being within 12 months of age, severe scoliosis, and microgastria were risk factors for dumping syndrome after fundoplication, and that this information should be explaining to the family before conducting the fundoplication.
Cardiovascular Impact of Nutritional Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids: JACC Focus Seminar

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a key component of a heart-healthy diet. For patients without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 2 or more servings of fatty fish per week is recommended to obtain adequate intake of omega-3 PUFAs. If this not possible, dietary supplementation with an appropriate fish oil may be reasonable. Supplementation with omega-3 PUFA capsules serves 2 distinct but overlapping roles: treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and prevention of cardiovascular events. Marine-derived omega-3 PUFAs reduce triglycerides and have pleiotropic effects including decreasing inflammation, improving plaque composition and stability, and altering cellular membranes. Clinical trial data have shown inconsistent results with omega-3 PUFAs improving cardiovascular outcomes. In this paper, the authors provide an overview of PUFAs and a summary of key clinical trial data. Recent trial data suggest the use of prescription eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event reduction in selected populations.
Comparing video observation to electronic topography device as a method for measuring cigarette puffing behavior.

Abstract Background Smoking topography, or puffing behavior, is an important measure of how consumers may use tobacco products. However, numerous issues may prevent collection of this data via in-person, electronic topography device (e.g., CReSS). This study compared cigarette topography measures collected by video observation and electronic device. Methods Laboratory smoking sessions were video recorded and scored for 96 cigarettes collected from 34 daily, adult non-treatment-seeking smokers (73.5 % male, 82.4 % White). Participants smoked three of their preferred brand cigarettes using an electronic topography device, providing carbon monoxide (CO) samples before and after each cigarette. Analyses compared measures from both assessment methods and examined associations with device-obtained total puff volume and CO boost. Results Agreement analyses indicated robust similarity between methods for measures of puff count and total interpuff interval (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]’s > 0.96,p’s .93, p’s Conclusions Although some topography outcomes (e.g., total puff volume) cannot be assessed via video observation, video-observed measures of puff count, total duration, and total interpuff interval are generally interchangeable with their topography device-obtained counterparts. Thus, video observation is likely a sufficient substitute method for assessing cigarette topography when using an electronic device is not possible.
Finding event structure in time: What recurrent neural networks can tell us about event structure in mind.

Abstract Under a theory of event representations that defines events as dynamic changes in objects across both time and space, as in the proposal of Intersecting Object Histories (Altmann & Ekves, 2019), the encoding of changes in state is a fundamental first step in building richer representations of events. In other words, there is an inherent dynamic that is captured by our knowledge of events. In the present study, we evaluated the degree to which this dynamic was inferable from just the linguistic signal, without access to visual, sensory, and embodied experience, using recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Recent literature exploring RNNs has largely focused on syntactic and semantic knowledge. We extend this domain of investigation to representations of events within RNNs. In three studies, we find preliminary evidence that RNNs capture, in their internal representations, the extent to which objects change states; for example, that chopping an onion changes the onion by more than just peeling the onion. Moreover, the temporal relationship between state changes is encoded to some extent. We found RNNs are sensitive to how chopping an onion and then weighing it, or first weighing it, entails the onion that is being weighed being in a different state depending on the adverb. Our final study explored what factors influence the propagation of these rudimentary event representations forward into subsequent sentences. We conclude that while there is much still to be learned about the abilities of RNNs (especially in respect of the extent to which they encode objects as specific tokens), we still do not know what are the equivalent representational dynamics in humans. That is, we take the perspective that the exploration of computational models points us to important questions about the nature of the human mind.
Evolutionary rates of testes-expressed genes differ between monogamous and promiscuous Peromyscus species

Abstract Reproductive proteins, including those expressed in the testes, are among the fastest evolving proteins across the tree of life. Sexual selection on traits involved in sperm competition is thought to be a primary driver of testes gene evolution and is expected to differ between promiscuous and monogamous species due to intense competition between males to fertilize females in promiscuous lineages and lack thereof in monogamous ones. Here, we employ the rodent genus Peromyscus as a model to explore differences in evolutionary rates between testis-expressed genes of monogamous and promiscuous species. We find candidate genes that may be associated with increased sperm production in promiscuous species and gene ontology categories that show patterns of molecular convergence associated with phenotypic convergence in independently evolved monogamous species. Overall, our results highlight possible molecular correlates of differences in mating system, which can be contextualized in light of expected selective pressures.
Higher Education Specific HR Issues

Higher education institutions have many unique employment caveats, which create difficulties even for the best HRIS applications. While most public, non-profit and even private organizations have straightforward employment guidelines, which is not the case with higher education institutions. Unlike a private corporation, a higher education institution will usually have several different missions and roles requiring a mix of different employees when compared to other organizations. Higher education institutions can be involved not only with instruction of students, but also research activities, public service and extension services. This does not include higher education institutions with major athletic programs and specialized contracts for coaches paid from the non-profit organization’s account (boosters). The HRIS software of an institution will need to be flexible enough to capture contractual information since these are both personnel documents as well as official documents.
Cilia transport

An analysis of the effect of cilia on fluid transport in tubules is presented. The applicability of the results for the flow rates observed in the ductus efferentes of the male tract is discussed.
Experiences of Black Males With Dyslexia in the U.S. Education System

Black male students with dyslexia not proffered suitable accommodations may have their futures severely impacted by institutional barriers. Inappropriate interventions often lead to educational har...
Multi-practice survey on MR imaging practice patterns in rectal cancer in the United States.

To investigate practice patterns related to MR technique and structured reporting for MRI of rectal cancer at academic centers and private practice groups in the United States. A survey developed by active members of the Society of Abdominal Radiology Rectal and Anal Cancer Disease Focus Panel was sent to 100 private practice and 189 academic radiology groups. The survey asked targeted questions about practice demographics and utilization, technical MR parameters and reporting practices related to MRI of rectal cancer. The results were analyzed using software in an online survey program. The survey received 47 unique responses from academic (37/47, 78.7%) and private practice (10/47, 21.3%) groups. Most practices report using rectal MR for staging newly diagnosed rectal cancer always (29/47, 61.7%), and less than half always do so for re-staging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (20/47, 42.6%). Most groups perform between 1 to 5 rectal MR studies for baseline staging per week (32/47, 68.1%) and most groups perform 0 to 2 MR studies for re-staging per week (27/47, 57.4%). Regarding patient preparation and MR technical parameters, there is variability, but a few key points include most practices (27/47, 57.4%) acquire axial T2-weighted images at a slice thickness of 3 mm or less, axial T2-weighted images with 2D acquisition (30/47, 63.8%), a T2-weighted axial oblique sequence through the tumor (43/47, 91.5%), and T2-weighted images without fat suppression (37/47, 78.7%). Equal numbers of groups report using a maximal b-value less than 1000 s/mm2 (19/43, 44.2%) and 1000 s/mm2 or greater (19/43, 44.2%); the rest were unsure. A substantial portion of respondents do not use intravenous contrast (13/47, 27.7%). Most believe that structured report templates contribute to uniformity of reporting practices (39/47, 83.0%), though there is considerable heterogeneity in usage and included elements. There is considerable technical heterogeneity among respondents’ answers and reporting practices in MR for rectal cancer, and most of the groups report reading only a modest number of studies per week. Our findings suggest there may be room for improvement in terms of radiologist education for performance and standardization of clinical practice for MR imaging of rectal cancer.
Employment Absorption in South Korea: 1970-1980

Using data based on census materials concerning developments during the decade 1970-1980, the paper outlines the rapid economic growth in South Korea and how this has affected employment. It examines changes in the structure of employment, output growth in each sector and the relationships between output growth and employment. It also evaluates the unusual concentration of nonagricultural activity in Korea’s cities and its implications for urbanization and migration by comparing Korean experience with that of Taiwan. Issues associated with the turning point, which could have occurred around 1969 and 1965, are also discussed. After Korea’s world-record development in the 1970s, the paper notes a dramatic reversal in 1980 and a slow recovery in 1981-82 with no return to rapid growth until 1983. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of the recent recession and recovery on employment absorption and prospects for the future.
Analysis of the Performance and Emissions of Different Bus Technologies on the City of San Francisco Routes

This paper presents model-based predictions of the performance of diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hybrid buses on bus routes in the City of San Francisco. The bus route details were obtained by recording time-series measurements of speed and grade during actual runs of buses on the city streets under different traffic conditions. The transit buses' physical and mechanical characteristics were obtained from manufacturers' data and chassis dynamometer testing of the buses on different city cycles. Both the bus routes and the bus performance characteristics were put into the simulation package ADVISOR from the National Renewal Energy Laboratory (NREL). The most extreme results were for the San Francisco routes that have high grades. The high grades cause performance and emissions problems for both the diesel and CNG buses relative to the hybrid bus. A large portion of the performance and emissions problems can be directly related to the hydraulic torque converter that is currently used on most diesel and CNG city buses. At conditions that are typical of high grades, the hydraulic torque converters have quite poor efficiencies. Since the hybrid bus has a direct electric drive system, it does not suffer the efficiency problems to the same degree as the diesel and CNG buses. This paper also illustrates that bus performance modeling has reached a stage where it can help city bus systems evaluate bus performance before the buses are put into service. For example, it is expected that global positioning systems (GPS) will provide detailed time, speed, location, and grade information for all the bus routes in typical cities during different times of the day with different traffic conditions. This information can then be used with both old and new specifications for bus technologies to predict performance on the actual routes for which they could be used. In this way, a bus transit system could optimize bus routing assignments to minimize cost and emissions on a wide variety of routes.
3-Methoxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 4,4-bis(methylsulfoxy)azetidin-2-one

The title compound, C13H17NO7S2, was designed as a precursor of human leukocyte elastase inhibitors. The title compound belongs to a series of monocyclic C-methylthiol­ated β-lactam sulfones with different substituents at the ring N atom and the C atom opposite. The compound crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit differing mainly in the orientation of the phenyl ring.
Electromagnetic study of multilayer media

This paper discusses a basic electromagnetic analysis of multilayer material used in a radome application. The purpose of this work is to investigate a possible new configuration for a missile seeker. The discussion is based on computer simulations with real world applications. This effort is being conducted in the RF Technology Division of the Applied Sensors, Guidance, and Electronics Directorate in conjunction with End Game Analysis, collocated at the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The ground work for this effort was covered in a graduate class at the University of Alabama in Huntsville under the instruction of Dr. John Jarem. This research is a continuation of that work. The data obtained from this effort will be used in the selection of new missile seeker system parameters. The effects of the research could drive down cost manufacturing and create new design concepts. The results could also effect the combination of modes in seeker design used to achieve its mission.
Diagnosis and Management of Opsoclonus-myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome

In most rural medical centers general practitioners with little or no specific postgraduate medical training in emergency medicine frequently staff emergency departments. General practitioners working in emergency departments often face unique challenges when caring for patients presenting with sign and symptoms of obscure or rare medical conditions. In this case report, I discuss specific strategies for early recognition and management of one such rare neurological condition-- Opsoclonus-myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome.
Small bowel obstruction secondary to enzymatic digestion of a gastric bezoar

Abstract Paralleling the increased frequency of vagotomy as an ulcer treatment as well as the more routine use of fiberoptic postoperative endoscopy, the recognition of an intestinal bezoar has become fairly common. This case is presented to describe an uncommon complication after partial enzymatic dissolution of a gastric bezoar causing subsequent small bowel obstruction.
Use of Conservation Easements by Local Governments

This chapter (which will be included in the forthcoming Greening Local Government book published by ABA Publishing and edited by Patty Salkin and Keith Hirokawa) briefly introduces conservation easements, explains how local governments can use them, and discusses the appropriate role and extent of their use. Conservation easements are nonpossessory interests in land restricting a landowner’s activities in a way that yields a conservation benefit. Local governments have been on the cutting edge of using conservation easements, engaging with them on multiple fronts. First, local governments hold conservation easements. This enables local governments to enforce individual agreements and prevent landowners from engaging in environmentally destructive practices. Second, as landowners, local governments encumber public land with conservation easements - affirming their commitments to land conservation. Finally, local governments promote conservation easements. By passing laws supporting and funding conservation easements as well as requiring exacted conservation easements for land-use permits, local governments employ mechanisms that increase the number of conservation easements in their communities. Conservation easements can protect environmental amenities and deserve praise for their individual nature and ease of establishment. However, conservation easements are static agreements locking in today’s land use preferences and understandings of the natural environment to the potential detriment of future generations with different goals or understandings of the natural world. Furthermore, although praised as an inexpensive method for governments to obtain land conservation, funding necessary for stewardship and enforcement could be significant. As development pressures and understandings of environmental degradation increase, the use of conservation easements by local governments is likely to continue to grow. Local governments should make use of this tool cautiously.
Experimental Studies of Adaptive Manipulator Control

Effective adaptive controller designs potentially combine high-speed and high-precision in robot manipulation, and furthermore can considerably simplify high-level programming by providing consistent performance in the face of large variations in loads or tasks. Previously, a simple, globally tracking-convergent, direct adaptive manipulator controller was derived and demonstrated experimentally. It was then further refined into a “composite” version, whose adaptation law is driven by both tracking error in joint motion and prediction error in joint torques, and therefore represents a combination of a direct and an indirect approach. An effective implementation for multi degrees-of-freedom manipulators was later achieved by developing appropriate recursive algorithms for both joint-space and direct cartesian space control. This paper summarizes the implementation and gives experimental results, performed on a 4-degrees-of-freedom articulated robot arm, verifying the performance of the controller.
Development of a novel imaging system for cell therapy in the brain

Stem cells have been evaluated as a potential therapeutic approach for several neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system as well as for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Currently, the lack of a reliable and safe method to accurately and non-invasively locate the site of implantation and track the migration of stem cells in vivo hampers the development of stem cell therapy and its clinical application. In this report, we present data that demonstrate the feasibility of using the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) as a reporter gene for tracking neural stem cells (NSCs) after transplantation in the brain by using single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. NSCs were isolated from the hippocampus of adult rats (Hipp-NSCs) and transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the hNIS gene. Hipp-NSCs expressing the hNIS (NIS-Hipp-NSCs) were characterized in vitro and in vivo after transplantation in the rat brain and imaged by using technetium-99m (99mTc) and a small rodent SPECT/CT apparatus. Comparisons were made between Hipp-NSCs and NIS-Hipp-NSCs, and statistical analysis was performed by using two-tailed Student’s t test. Our results show that the expression of the hNIS allows the repeated visualization of NSCs in vivo in the brain by using SPECT/CT imaging and does not affect the ability of Hipp-NSCs to generate neuronal and glial cells in vitro and in vivo. These data support the use of the hNIS as a reporter gene for non-invasive imaging of NSCs in the brain. The repeated, non-invasive tracking of implanted cells will accelerate the development of effective stem cell therapies for traumatic brain injury and other types of central nervous system injury.
SEXUALITY EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

As people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) mature from adolescents into adults, social deficits may become more pronounced and apparent in new areas (e.g., social functioning and sexuality). Like neurotypicals, sexuality may be directly related to quality of life for people with ASD. Current practice for addressing sexuality in the ASD population includes some curricula that may be beneficial for teaching skills related to sexuality, but the scientific support for such curricula is absent. Typically sexuality education is only implemented when a behavior is demonstrated that is considered deviant or problematic. Although reactive education may be a common practice, a strategy that includes proactive sexuality education may be more beneficial for the long-term quality of life for people with ASD. The current paper will highlight some of the areas for further investigation and program development for adolescents and adults with ASD.
Synthesis of a 15N, 13C-labeled lactam analog of a GM4-lactone cell-surface glycolipid

Abstract A 13 C and 15 N-labeled lactam analog of a naturally occurring G M4 lactone glycolipid was synthesized in a convergent manner. The 13 C-labels in the sialic acid portion of the molecule were derived from uniformly 13 C-labeled pyruvate, and the 15 N was introduced using a sulfonylamidoglycosylation reaction with labeled benzene-sulfonamide.
Rotational distributions in photodissociation: the bent triatomic molecule

Abstract The full three-dimensional quantum theory of the photodissociation (both pre- and direct) of a bent triatomic molecule is presented. Franck-Condon amplitudes are evaluated for rotational and orbital angular momentum distributions for predissociation from the C state of HCN and for direct photodissociation from the ground state of HOCl. Results agree with a simple classical model.
Low-temperature field evaporation mass spectrometry of Fe, Co and Ni

Abstract Mass spectrometric analysis of the products of low-temperature field evaporation is a new and important technique through which surface phenomena can be investigated. A short review of the existing theories of field evaporation is presented to provide the uninitiated reader with some physical insight into the nature of this phenomenon and the type of information to be learned from an investigation of it. A simple field evaporation mass spectrometer has been used to analyse some of the field evaporation products of Fe, Co and Ni. The additional products formed when these three metals are field evaporated in the presence of N 2 , O 2 and CO are also investigated. The difficulties in recording and detecting such field evaporation mass spectra are presented. The limitations of the existing apparatus and experimental technique are pointed out, and some directions for possible improvements in both of these areas are indicated. The nature of the field evaporation spectra which result is discussed, and the information content of these spectra is analysed.
Unrecognized contributions of families in the intensive care unit

To describe the contributions to care that family members perform while their loved one is at high risk of dying in the intensive care unit. Exploratory, descriptive analysis. Two intensive care units at a tertiary medical center in the western United States. Through purposive sampling, 25 family members of 24 ICU patients at high risk of dying participated in the study. None. A qualitative, descriptive technique was used for data analysis. Three independent raters coded transcripts of audiotaped interviews with family members about their experiences in the ICU. Recurring themes were categorized into roles that family members take on while their loved one is in the ICU. These work roles consisted of active presence, patient protector, facilitator, historian, coach, and voluntary caregiver. Family members are important to patient care in the ICU. They perform multiple roles that are often not valued or go unrecognized by ICU health care providers. More support and appreciation of family members' contributions to care may provide families opportunities for intimacy and promote a sense of belonging in the highly technical environment of an ICU.
The biosynthesis of the benzoyl moiety of cocaine

Abstract [carboxyl- 13 C, 14 C]Benzoic acid,[carbonyl- 13 C, 14 C]-and [4- 3 H]-benzoic acid, S -(2-acetamidoethyl)ester served as precursors of the benzoyl moiety of cocaine when fed, by leaf painting, to Erythroxylum coca plants. The high (10.5%) specific incorporation, of the 13 C-labelled thioester was established by 13 C NMR. Aqueous Tween 80 was found to have a significant effect on the degree of incorporation of the benzoic acid, presumably facilitating the transport of the labelled compound through the leaf wax. A major component of the leaf wax is hentriacontane.
Accuracy of Determining Small Renal Mass Management with Risk Stratified Biopsies: Confirmation by Final Pathology

Purpose: We assess the accuracy of a biopsy directed treatment algorithm in correctly assigning active surveillance vs treatment in patients with small renal masses by comparing biopsy results with final surgical pathology.Materials and Methods: From 1999 to 2011, 151 patients with small renal masses 4 cm or smaller underwent biopsy and subsequent surgical excision. Biopsy revealed cell type and grade in 133 patients, allowing the hypothetical assignment of surveillance vs treatment using an algorithm incorporating small renal mass size and histological risk group. We compared the biopsy directed management recommendation with the ideal management as defined by final surgical pathology.Results: Biopsy called for surveillance of 36 small renal masses and treatment of 97 small renal masses. Final pathology showed 11 patients initially assigned to surveillance should have been assigned to treatment (8.3% of all patients, 31% of those recommended for surveillance), whereas no patients moved from treatment to ...
State of the art in Schottky-barrier IR image sensors

This paper reviews the progress in the development of infrared image sensors with Schottky- barrier detectors (SBDs). Schottky-barrier focal plane arrays (FPAs) are infrared imagers that are fabricated by a well established silicon VLSI process, therefore, at the present time they represent the most advanced technology for large-area high-density focal plane arrays for many SWIR (1 to 3 micrometers ) and MWIR (3 to 5 micrometers ) applications. SBD line sensing arrays with up to 4096 X 4 elements and 2048 X 16-TDI elements were developed and SBD staring (area) arrays with up to 1040 X 1040 elements have been reported. PtSi SBDs represent the most established SBD technology for applications in the SWIR and MWIR bands. At an operating temperature of 77 K, the dark current density of PtSi SBDs is in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 nA/cm2. Pd2Si SBDs were developed for operation with passive cooling at 120 K in the SWIR band. IrSi SBDs have also been investigated to extend the application of Schottky-barrier focal plane arrays (FPAs) into the LWIR (8 to 10 micrometers ) spectral range. Because of very low readout noise, the IR-CCD imagers with PtSi SBDs which have quantum efficiency of .5% to 1% at 4.0 micrometers are capable of 300 K thermal imaging with a noise equivalent temperature (NE(Delta) T) from 0.033 to 0.15 K for operation at 30 frames/s and f/1.0 to f/2.8 optics.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vision: reply: Myopia and ambient night-time lighting

Quinn et al. reply. In not being able to find the strong association reported by us1 of childhood myopia with night-time ambient lighting before age 2 years, Zadnik et al. and Gwiazda et al. ascribe our results to a tendency of myopic parents to illuminate their children's rooms at night. Family studies of myopia typically have difficulty separating environmental from genetic factors, however, as sib–sib correlations for myopia decrease with increasing age difference2 and within-family refractive similarities decrease with adjustment for the ‘classic’ environmental factors of education and close work3. Thus, shared inter-generational behaviour (such as use of night lighting) cannot be excluded a priori as contributing to any familial association for myopia.
LET'S RID OURSELVES OF THE REPRESENTATIVE FIRM MODEL

The representative firm model is used to demonstrate that competitive markets yield least‐cost production in the long run. This model is deficient in two respects: The demonstration's validity is suspect and it fails to show that least‐cost production occurs in the short run as well.
Brightness discrimination in infancy.

Abstract Optokinetic nystagmus was elicited in 16 infants, 4 to 69 days of age, by a projected field of moving black and white stripes. The brightness of the field was varied and the minimum intensity eliciting a response was considered the threshold. In the technique used, variations in the intensity of the white stripe also involved variations in the relative intensity of white and black. Therefore, the Weber fraction as well as the difference between white and black stripes was calculated for each threshold. These two measures of threshold response were correlated with age. In both instances the relationship with age was strong and significant, indicating that brightness sensitivity undergoes rapid development in the first two months of life.
Acute myeloid leukemia in patients treated for rhabdomyosarcoma with cyclophosphamide and low‐dose etoposide on intergroup rhabdomyosarcoma study III: An interim report

The early occurrence of five cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children treated for primary rhabdomyosarcoma on the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study III (IRS III) has prompted this report. These patients received cyclophosphamide and four received etoposide in addition to other agents. There were 1,062 eligible patients entered on IRS III between 1984 and 1991. Following surgery, treatment consisted of multiagent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in select clinical groups. Median follow-up time is 3.7 years (range 0-7.4 years). Incidence densities and odds ratios for AML were calculated for various treatment groups. Five cases of secondary AML have been reported through August 1992. A single case of osteogenic sarcoma was reported in the same period and a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome has occurred since that time. Median time to development of AML was 39 months. Incidence density of AML for patients receiving neither cyclophosphamide nor etoposide was 0, for those receiving cyclophosphamide but no etoposide it was 7.6, and when both agents were given, it was 51.6. The odds ratios of AML for the latter two groups indicated a risk of AML which was seven times higher in the patients who received both agents. A history of breast cancer was present in all five families of patients with AML and several other cancers had occurred in three families. Preliminary analysis suggests a possible causal role for low-dose etoposide in addition to that assumed for cyclophosphamide in the early development of AML among pediatric patients treated for rhabdomyosarcoma.