cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification Using Optimization: Application to Credit Ratings of Bonds

The classification approach, previously considered in credit card scoring, is extended to multi class classification in application to credit rating of bonds. The classification problem is formulated as minimization of a penalty constructed with quadratic separating functions. The optimization is reduced to a linear programming problem for finding optimal coefficients of the separating functions. Various model constraints are considered to adjust model flexibility and to avoid data overfitting. The classification procedure includes two phases. In phase one, the classification rules are developed based on “in-sample” dataset. In phase two, the classification rules are validated with “out-of-sample” dataset. The considered methodology has several advantages including simplicity in implementation and classification robustness. The algorithm can be applied to small and large datasets. Although the approach was validated with a finance application, it is quite general and can be applied in other engineering areas.
Characterization of the complex of glutathione S-transferase pi and 1-cysteine peroxiredoxin.

Abstract Glutathione S-transferase pi has been shown to reactivate 1-cysteine peroxiredoxin (1-Cys Prx) by formation of a complex [L.A. Ralat, Y. Manevich, A.B. Fisher, R.F. Colman, Biochemistry 45 (2006) 360–372]. A model of the complex was proposed based on the crystal structures of the two enzymes. We have now characterized the complex of GST pi/1-Cys Prx by determining the M w of the complex, by measuring the catalytic activity of the GST pi monomer, and by identifying the interaction sites between GST pi and 1-Cys Prx. The M w of the purified GST pi/1-Cys Prx complex is 50,200 at pH 8.0 in the presence of 2.5 mM glutathione, as measured by light scattering, providing direct evidence that the active complex is a heterodimer composed of equimolar amounts of the two proteins. In the presence of 4 M KBr, GST pi is dissociated to monomer and retains catalytic activity, but the K m value for GSH is increased substantially. To identify the peptides of GST pi that interact with 1-Cys Prx, GST pi was digested with V8 protease and the peptides were purified. The binding by 1-Cys Prx of each of four pure GST pi peptides (residues 41–85, 115–124, 131–163, and 164–197) was investigated by protein fluorescence titration. An apparent stoichiometry of 1 mol/subunit 1-Cys Prx was measured for each peptide and the formation of the heterodimer is decreased when these peptides are included in the incubation mixture. These results support our proposed model of the heterodimer.
Diabetes patient education in hospital settings.

Most American hospitals apparently do not offer formal programs of diabetes-related patient education. In many in stitutions, patient educa tion consists only of the provision of written materials or is assumed to be an informal respon sibility of the primary care nurse. Both of these instructional arrangements are inadequate: many written materials are too difficult for patients to read, and most floor nurses lack the training to carry out diabetes patient education. As a result, substantial gaps exist in patient knowledge and performance of essential aspects of self-care. These gaps appear unrecognized in many institutions.
A fully self-powered hybrid system based on CMOS ICs and large-area electronics for large-scale strain monitoring

Large-area electronics (LAE) enables diverse transducers on large, flexible substrates (~10m2), making possible expansive sensor arrays and energy harvesting devices. We present a second-generation system for high-resolution structural-health monitoring of bridges achieved by combining LAE with CMOS ICs in a scalable architecture. It aims to enable strain sensing scalable down to cm-resolution over the large-area sheets. Compared to previous work [1], the system presents several advances, including self-powered operation with embedded energy harvesting, generalized readout and control interfaces for sensor arrays based on thin-film transistors (TFTs), and full integration of instrumentation and communication circuits for multi-sensor acquisition, digitization, and self calibration. The instrumentation subsystem achieves multi-channel strain sensing with sensitivity of 23μStrainRMS, at an energy/measurement of 148nJ and 286nJ for readout and sensor-access control, respectively. The power-management subsystem achieves 30% efficiency for power inversion and inductive power delivery using a thin-film harvesting circuit with a solar module, and 80.5% overall efficiency for generating three voltage supplies via CMOS DC-DC converters.
Very high frequency (VHF) ultrasonic imaging

Ultrasonic imaging in the frequency range beyond 20 MHz is considered the next frontier in diagnostic ultrasound with applications in dermatology, ophthalmology and intravascular imaging. These applications and potential challenges are reviewed.
Fabrication of Subsurface Metallic Nanoparticles For Enhanced Carrier Generation in Silicon-based Photovoltaics

Due to the low absorption coefficient of silicon in the bulk of the solar spectrum, the majority of silicon-based photovoltaic cells are at least 300 micrometers thick, limiting their economic feasibility To achieve cost parity with conventional sources of energy, silicon-based photovoltaics have begun to move towards thinner substrates, on the order of a few micrometers; such thinner cells necessitate the use of light-trapping methods to increase the optical path length Much research has begun investigating the use of trapped electromagnetic waves, or surface plasmons, to increase light scattering and interband carrier transition rates in the surrounding material. In one scheme, plasmonic modes can be supported through polarization of metallic nanoparticles. Past research has focused on the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the surface, and has shown that light absorbance can be increased markedly for certain bandwidths. Here, the relevant mechanism is increased lateral light scattering, which tends to guide the light into directions that are then totally internally reflected. When such metallic nanoparticles are polarized by incoming radiation, in addition to increased light scattering, the electric field in the vicinity of the nanoparticle is highly magnified. Such high fields can increase the carrier transition rates, and therefore the absorbance, in the surrounding silicon by orders of magnitude. The enhancement however decreases rapidly with the radial distance and is virtually diminished by 10 nm from the nanoparticle surface. Deposition on the surface of the solar cell, therefore, cannot exploit this effect, being isolated from the silicon by the passivating layer. It has been suggested that instead, such particles might be embedded into the silicon itself. To that end, we have developed a method to create subsurface silver nanospheres, using a combination of ion implantation, thermal deposition, and subsequent thermal annealing. By tailoring the implantation parameters, we can localize the layer of nanospheres and even create various bands at various depths. Through Rutherford backscattering and secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization, we have found that the Ag has indeed annealed into the desired location. To ensure that the Ag has agglomerated to nanoparticles, we have confirmed this with TEM images and selected area diffraction patterns that indicate that such nanoparticles are indeed bulk phase silver and have diameters of 20–35 nanometers. This method can help realize more efficient surface plasmon-enhanced Si-based photovoltaics.
Approaches to Studying Policy Representation

Some studies of policy representation test hypotheses about the relationship between citizens' views and elites' positions on multiple issues by proceeding one issue at a time. Others summarize citizens' and elites' preferences with “ideology scores” and test hypotheses with these. I show that approach is flawed. It misinterprets citizens' ideology scores as summaries of policy preferences, but these scores actually measure ideological consistency across areas: how often citizens' ideal policies are liberal or conservative. Examples show how attending to this distinction overturns conventional wisdom: legislators appear similarly moderate as citizens, not more extreme; however, politically engaged citizens appear especially moderate.
Effects of Massachusetts Raising Its Legal Drinking Age From 18 to 20 on Deaths from Teenage Homicide, Suicide, and Nontraffic Accidents

In this study, contrary to expectations, no significant decline in violent deaths (excluding traffic accidents) was found among Massachusetts 15 to 19 year olds after the state raised its drinking age from 18 to 20. The authors also review the epidemiology of alcohol-related injuries.
Growth Factor-responsive Genes in Fibroblasts

The original observation that induction of cell proliferation by platelet-derived growth factor was accompanied by the expression of specific genes in fibroblasts (1) together with the findings that the protooncogenes c-los and c-myc were also induced by mitogens (2-5) encouraged several laboratories to search for genes that are expressed during the G0 to G1 transition. The identification of these growth factor-responsive genes will be essential for the understanding of cell proliferation and other normal processes governed by growth factors such as differentiation and wound healing. The number of isolated genes that respond to mitogens in fibroblasts has dramatically increased during the last 5 years, and recent estimations suggest that the expression of approximately 100 genes is induced by growth factors during the G0 to G1 transition in these cells (1, 6-9). Here I will briefly describe the genes and their products that have been so far identified. For convenience, I have grouped these genes according to the nature of their product (Table 1).
The Value of Networks

The economics of the Internet are often tied to determining the value of a communications network. However, there are several different kinds of communications networks, each with their own method of valuation. These networks are named by the laws that describe their valuation: Sarnoff's, Metcalfe's, and Reed's. This note describes each network type and its method of valuation.
APOE2 eases cognitive decline during Aging: Clinical and preclinical evaluations.

Objective Apolipoprotein E (apoE), a major cholesterol carrier in the brain, is associated with a strong risk for Alzheimer disease. Compared to the risky APOE4 gene allele, the effects of the protective APOE2 gene allele are vastly understudied, and thus need to be further clarified. Methods We reviewed National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center clinical records and performed preclinical experiments using human apoE-targeted replacement (apoE-TR) mice, which do not show amyloid pathology. Results Clinically, the APOE2 allele was associated with less cognitive decline during aging. This effect was also seen in subjects with little amyloid pathology, or after adjusting for Alzheimer disease-related pathologies. In animal studies, aged apoE2-TR mice also exhibited preserved memory function in water maze tests. Regardless, apoE2-TR mice showed similar or greater age-related changes in synaptic loss, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress compared to apoE3-TR or apoE4-TR mice. Interestingly, apoE concentrations in the cortex, hippocampus, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were positively correlated with memory performance across apoE isoforms, where apoE2-TR mice had higher apoE levels. Moreover, apoE2-TR mice exhibited the lowest levels of cholesterol in the cortex, despite higher levels in CSF and plasma. These cholesterol levels were associated with apoE levels and memory performance across apoE isoforms. Interpretation APOE2 is associated with less cognitive decline during aging. This can occur independently of age-related synaptic/neuroinflammatory changes and amyloid accumulation. Higher levels of apoE and associated cholesterol metabolism in APOE2 carriers might contribute to this protective effect. Ann Neurol 2016;79:758–774
Racial differences in neighborhood disadvantage, inflammation and metabolic control in black and white pediatric type 1 diabetes patients.

Background Racial variation in the relationship between blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) complicates diabetes diagnosis and management in racially mixed populations. Understanding why HbA1c is persistently higher in blacks than whites could help reduce racial disparity in diabetes outcomes. Objective Test the hypothesis that neighborhood disadvantage is associated with inflammation and poor metabolic control in a racially mixed population of pediatric type 1 diabetes patients. Methods Patients (n = 86, 53 white, 33 black) were recruited from diabetes clinics. Self-monitored mean blood glucose (MBG) was downloaded from patient glucose meters. Blood was collected for analysis of HbA1c and C-reactive protein (CRP). Patient addresses and census data were used to calculate a concentrated disadvantage index (CDI). High CDI reflects characteristics of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Results HbA1c and MBG were higher (p < 0.0001) in blacks [10.4% (90.3 mmol/mol), 255 mg/dL] than whites [8.9% (73.9 mmol/mol), 198 mg/dL). CDI was higher in blacks (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.40, p = 0.0002) and MBG (r = 0.35, p = 0.0011) unless controlled for race. CDI was positively associated with CRP by linear regression within racial groups. CRP was not different between racial groups, and was not correlated with MBG, but was positively correlated with HbA1c when controlled for race (p = 0.04). Conclusions Neighborhood disadvantage was associated with inflammation and poor metabolic control in pediatric type 1 diabetes patients. Marked racial differences in potential confounding factors precluded differentiation between genetic and environmental effects. Future studies should recruit patients matched for neighborhood characteristics and treatment regimen to more comprehensively assess racial variation in HbA1c.
Yeast Perinephric Abscess: Report of a Case and Review

We report a case of yeast perinephric abscess and review 11 other published cases. This rare entity occurs primarily in patients who have diabetes mellitus, who have recently undergone surgery, or who have urinary tract obstruction. The clinical illness is often subacute or chronic with nonspecific symptoms. Candida and Torulopsis species are the reported etiologic agents. Successful therapy usually consists of percutaneous or surgical drainage of the abscess. Overall mortality is 25%; however, no patient in this series died as a direct result of perinephric infection.
Females of the Giant Water Bug, Belostoma flumineum (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), Captured Carrying Eggs

Two female giant water bugs, Belostoma flumineum Say, were captured in the field carrying eggs; however, neither female was successful in hatching young in the laboratory. It is suggested that female egg bearing is a biological rarity and not a viable reproductive alternative to male brooding.
Biological Studies on Two Weevils, Ochetina bruchi and Onychylis cretatus, Collected from Pistia and Other Aquatic Plants in Argentina

The weevil Ochetina bruchi Hustache fed on Limnobium stoloniferum (frogbit), Pistia stratiotes (waterlettuce), and Ludwigia peploides (water primrose) in nature. In the laboratory, adults also fed on Spirodela intermedia, Lemna sp., and several other aquatic plants, but O. bruchi larvae probably cannot develop on these plants. In the laboratory, adults laid eggs in the larger roots and in the leaves of P. stratiotes, in the larger roots and stolons of L. stoloniferum, and in the stems of Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrotfeather). Onychylis cretatus Champion appeared host specific on P. stratiotes. The adults fed on the leaves, and the larvae fed inside the leaves and crown and pupated inside the leaves.
Involving Undergraduates in Research

(1973). Involving Undergraduates in Research. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 71-72.
Phase Singularity Motion in Speckle Pattern Evolution

We find that phase singularities in microwave speckle patterns transmitted through disordered samples diffuse as the frequency is scanned and relate the singularity diffusion coefficient to the photon diffusion coefficient through the medium.
The Biology of Bittacus Stigmaterus Say (Mecoptera, Bittacusidæ).

The genus Bittacus was erected in 1807 by Latreille in Genera Crustaceorum et Insectorum , for two European species, italica Muller and tipularia Linn., both of which had been formerly placed in the genus Panorpa . In 1823 the first American species of the new genus was described by Say in the Western Quarterly Reporter . This was Bittacus stigmaterus , the species to be considered in the present paper.
Comparative Analysis of Environmental Quality Affected by EastWest Economic Growth

To reveal the distinction of environmental quality aroused by economic development between East and West China as well as absorbing East China's experience of economic growth and environmental development,with environmental Kuznets curve(EKC)theory as foundation,based on experimental study of 1995～2007 data which was published by National Statistics Bureau,the economic growth of both regions in China and emission of industrial pollution were respectively introduced.East and West China's industrial wastes and compound pollution EKC models were established,and relationships of both regional environmental quality and economic growth were analyzed.Emission trend of industrial pollution was theoretically estimated,and finally suggestions for sustainable economy and environmental development in West Development were proposed as well.Results showed that there was a remarkable difference between East and West China in industrial waste EKC.Compound pollution EKC of both East and West China were the left side of inverted U,with East curve at turning point.
Notes from the Library in 7:1

"The Bible in the Wilderness" is based on "Recollections of an Emigrant's Family" about William Waith, a nineteenth century pastor who emigrated from England in 1832 and became a pastor in upstate New York. Article written by Monroe M. Sterans. "Whitman as Parent" by Oral Sumner Coad. One of the familiar problems in Walt Whitman's biography is that of the alleged children. An unpublished letter (May 4, 1895 by Richard Maurice Bucke) in the Rutgers library shelds some light on the matter.
Ein Zeitalter des Übergangs: Lagrange und Legendre

Im Jahre 1745 ist Euler von seinem alten Lehrer Johann Bernoulli als „mathematicorum princeps“ bezeichnet worden, als Furst der Mathematiker (vgl. Kap.III, §III). Um 1775 war Euler zweifellos bereit, den Titel an Lagrange weiterzugeben. „Es ist sehr ruhmvoll fur mich“, schrieb er seinem jungeren Kollegen Lagrange, „als Nachfolger in Berlin den glanzendsten Geometer dieses Jahrhunderts zu haben“ (loc.cit. Kap.III, §IX). Dies war zu der Zeit tatsachlich die allgemeine Meinung in der wissenschaftlichen Welt. „Le celebre Lagrange, le premier des geometres“: mit diesen Worten wandte sich Lavoisier im Jahre 1793 in einem amtlichen Gesuch zugunsten seines Freundes (Lag. XIV, 314-315) an die Nationalversammlung, als die Schreckensherrschaft sich abzeichnete, der Lavoisier bald selbst zum Opfer fallen sollte. Im folgenden Jahrhundert wurde der Titel „princeps mathematicorum“ einmutig Carl Friedrich Gaus verliehen. Seitdem ist der Titel nicht mehr vergeben worden.
Weighting the Parameters, a Response to Bancel's “Searching for Global Consciousness: A Seventeen Year Exploration”

This brief report is a response to the article by Peter Bancel entitled "Searching for Global Consciousness: A Seventeen Year Exploration" in which he compares a goal orientation (GO) model with a field-like model he refers to as global consciousness (GC). He first attempts to exclude the latter, and then presents selected tests that compare the models. While the article appears to provide support for Bancel׳s conclusion that GC cannot explain the data and must be supplanted by GO, there are good reasons to believe this conclusion is premature at best. I address the vulnerable assumptions underlying Bancel׳s rejection of GC, and then provide multiple examples of parametric structure in the data, which cannot be attributed to GO, but are amenable to explanation by field-like models.
Designing Function Allocations in Air Traffic Concepts of Operation Using Network Optimization

Innovative air traffic concepts of operation are now possible that enable different allocations of the authority to perform actions between air and ground, as well as between humans and automation....
A bright future for dark matter

Evidence that about 90% of the Milky Way is invisible ‘dark matter’ has been largely circumstantial until now. The chance discovery of an extremely old and faint white dwarf — a burnt out star — may be the first example of one type of dark matter proposed by theorists.
Improvement of a finger-mounted haptic device using surface contact

Recently, several researches of haptic device have been conducted. Haptic devices provide users with perception of touching an object, such as Computer Graphics (CG) by force feedback. Since they provide force feedback from a single point on an object surface where users touched, users touch an object by point contact. However, they cannot provide sense such as humans touching an object with a finger pad because humans do not touch an object by point contact but surface contact. We focused on this characteristic and developed a surface contact haptic device. To touch a CG object in surface contact, we use a plane interface. It provides force feedback by being approximated to tangent plane on a CG object surface where users touched and the sense of grabbing a CG object with finger pads.
Stapling for wound dehiscence after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation.

Objective Wound dehiscence (WD) has been reported as a complication in 0.3% of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures. Stapling has not previously been reported as a treatment modality for WD. Presently described is the experience of a single center with WD and its management. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent CIED implantation between 2009 and 2016, a total of 759 devices, was performed. Results There were a total of 11 (1.4%) patients with WD. The majority 9/11 patients were female, 5 of 11 (45.5%) had diabetes, and 2 of the 11 patients were immunocompromised due to recent chemotherapy. WD occurred in 6 patients after generator change, in 2 patients after a biventricular device upgrade, in 1 patient after biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation, in 1 patient after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation, and in 1 patient after subcutaneous ICD implantation. The median time of WD was 6 weeks post procedure (range: 1-20 weeks). In all of the patients, wound stapling was performed under sterile conditions after administering intravenous narcotic analgesics. Eight patients received intravenous antibiotics and all patients received at least 2 weeks of oral antibiotics. Blood cultures were negative in 8/11 (72.7%) patients. However, the wound cultures in 5 patients were positive. The staples were removed in a median of 16 days (range: 9-36 days). All of these patients were successfully treated with stapling and none of the devices required extraction. Conclusion Stapling under sterile conditions may be an acceptable treatment strategy to manage WD after device implantation. This can be performed as an outpatient procedure and can help avoid unnecessary device extraction.
The RNA polymerase II elongation complex

Synthesis of eukaryotic mRNA by RNA polymerase II is an elaborate biochemical process that requires the concerted action of a large set of transcription factors. RNA polymerase II transcription proceeds through multiple stages designated preinitiation, initiation, and elongation. Historically, studies of the elongation stage of eukaryotic mRNA synthesis have lagged behind studies of the preinitiation and initiation stages; however, in recent years, efforts to elucidate the mechanisms governing elongation have led to the discovery of a diverse collection of transcription factors that directly regulate the activity of elongating RNA polymerase II. Moreover, these studies have revealed unanticipated roles for the RNA polymerase II elongation complex in such processes as DNA repair and recombination and the proper processing and nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA. Below we describe these recent advances, which highlight the important role of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex in regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
Flavone C-glycosides from Anthurium andraeanum.

We describe here the isolation of three flavone 6-C-glycosides from the leaves of Anthurium andraeanum, The two new flavones were identified through detailed spectroscopic analysis as 4″′-(3,4-dime...
Agroecologies of displacement: a study of land access, dislocation, and migration in relation to sustainable food production in the Beach Flats Community Garden

In this article, the Beach Flats Community Garden is used as a case study to theorize an “agroecologies of displacement.” We argue that farmers are increasingly less singularly place-based through involuntary displacement and that displacement and dispossession can shape agricultural practices in farming communities. We follow Cohen (2010), Kerssen and Brent (2017), and others in calling for the necessity to bring a historical and focused analysis of displacement, dispossession, and the dynamics of land under capitalist systems to our understanding of the articulations of food movements, in particular transformative agroecologies.
Regulating Securities Analysts

We examine the effects of regulations designed to address the potential conflict of interest that arises when sell-side analyst research is not independent of investment banking. We focus on two types of regulation: (1) barriers between equity research and investment banking that restrict the flow of information (i.e., Chinese Walls); and (2) mandatory disclosure of analyst compensation. We show that information barriers can increase research effort and improve report quality by limiting a brokerage firm's ability to distort its analyst's incentives. However, this type of regulation can also reduce information production and lower the quality of reports if a brokerage derives intrinsic benefits from its analyst's research activity. In contrast to imposing information barriers, requiring a brokerage to disclose its analyst's pay always leads to greater information production and report quality.
It Takes an IT Village to Raise a Service Desk

Most ITIL practitioners know the basic responsibilities of a Service Desk. What is less often mentioned is what the rest of the IT organization needs to do to help the Service Desk be successful.Oregon State University's (OSU's) Service Desk is relatively new, and we are now in a stage of refinement. In order to be more effective, we are looking at ways to better integrate the Service Desk with other departments within the Division of University Information & Technology (UIT). To that end, we are looking at process improvements and better documentation practices by implementing Knowledge Centered Service (KCS). One challenge is that UIT as a whole may not understand the role of an ITIL Service Desk, and may think it is "just a help desk".
The kynurenine pathway and bipolar disorder: intersection of the monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems and immune response.

Dysfunction in a wide array of systems—including the immune, monoaminergic, and glutamatergic systems—is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. One potential intersection point for these three systems is the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. This study explored the impact of the prototypic glutamatergic modulator ketamine on the endogenous KYN pathway in individuals with bipolar depression (BD), as well as the relationship between response to ketamine and depression-related behavioral and peripheral inflammatory markers. Thirty-nine participants with treatment-resistant BD (23 F, ages 18–65) received a single ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg) over 40 min. KYN pathway analytes—including plasma concentrations of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), KYN, kynurenic acid (KynA), and quinolinic acid (QA)—were assessed at baseline (pre-infusion), 230 min, day 1, and day 3 post-ketamine. General linear models with restricted maximum likelihood estimation and robust sandwich variance estimators were implemented. A repeated effect of time was used to model the covariance of the residuals with an unstructured matrix. After controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), post-ketamine IDO levels were significantly lower than baseline at all three time points. Conversely, ketamine treatment significantly increased KYN and KynA levels at days 1 and 3 versus baseline. No change in QA levels was observed post-ketamine. A lower post-ketamine ratio of QA/KYN was observed at day 1. In addition, baseline levels of proinflammatory cytokines and behavioral measures predicted KYN pathway changes post ketamine. The results suggest that, in addition to having rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in BD participants, ketamine also impacts key components of the KYN pathway.
How do some Black male student-athletes explore and plan for careers in sports and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics?

In the United States, Black males are overrepresented in sports, especially in high-revenue college basketball and American football. Coaches, sports administrators, health and physical education (...
A Fourty-One Year Review of Deaths from Motor Accidents in Lagos State, Nigeria (1970-2010)

Using mostly secondary data on vehicular accidents obtained from the Nigeria Police Force and Federal Road SafetyCommission, the study examined a thirty-two year review of deaths from road traffic accidents (1970-2010) in Lagos State. The reporteddeaths from road traffic accidents in the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State were compared using the Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). The result showed that for the two factors, Local Government Areas and years, the F-calculated of 18.32 and 7.43respectively were higher than the F-tabular of 1.64 and 1.32 respectively at 0.05 level of significance. It then implies that the means foreach of the factors, reported deaths from road traffic accidents across the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State and acrossdifferent years were significantly different. The result of the multiple regression analysis was 0.32. This implies that the proportion ofvariation in the dependent variable (i.e. deaths from road traffic accidents) explained by the independent variables (i.e. length of roads,presence of road safety and population) was 32%. Based on the findings, recommendations were proffered on how to reduce thephenomenon of deaths from traffic accidents in Lagos State.
Social exclusion, mental health, and social well-being among African immigrants in the United States:

This study examined the effects of social exclusion (socio-cultural and structural-economic exclusion) on the mental health and social well-being of African immigrants in the United States (N = 409...
Human-Human Hand Interactions Aid Balance During Walking by Haptic Communication.

Principles from human-human physical interaction may be necessary to design more intuitive and seamless robotic devices to aid human movement. Previous studies have shown that light touch can aid balance and that haptic communication can improve performance of physical tasks, but the effects of touch between two humans on walking balance has not been previously characterized. This study examines physical interaction between two persons when one person aids another in performing a beam-walking task. 12 pairs of healthy young adults held a force sensor with one hand while one person walked on a narrow balance beam (2 cm wide x 3.7 m long) and the other person walked overground by their side. We compare balance performance during partnered vs. solo beam-walking to examine the effects of haptic interaction, and we compare hand interaction mechanics during partnered beam-walking vs. overground walking to examine how the interaction aided balance. While holding the hand of a partner, participants were able to walk further on the beam without falling, reduce lateral sway, and decrease angular momentum in the frontal plane. We measured small hand force magnitudes (mean of 2.2 N laterally and 3.4 N vertically) that created opposing torque components about the beam axis and calculated the interaction torque, the overlapping opposing torque that does not contribute to motion of the beam-walker's body. We found higher interaction torque magnitudes during partnered beam-walking vs. partnered overground walking, and correlation between interaction torque magnitude and reductions in lateral sway. To gain insight into feasible controller designs to emulate human-human physical interactions for aiding walking balance, we modeled the relationship between each torque component and motion of the beam-walker's body as a mass-spring-damper system. Our model results show opposite types of mechanical elements (active vs. passive) for the two torque components. Our results demonstrate that hand interactions aid balance during partnered beam-walking by creating opposing torques that primarily serve haptic communication, and our model of the torques suggest control parameters for implementing human-human balance aid in human-robot interactions.
Role of Protein Kinase C in α1-Adrenergic and Cholinergic Agonist Stimulated Protein Secretion

In the lacrimal gland, cholinergic agonists produce 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and concomitantly diacyglycerol (DAG) from the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate1. 1,4,5-IP3 causes the release of intracellular Ca2+ which causes secretion1. DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC). It has not been determined if cholinergic agonists produce DAG although cholinergic agonists transiently translocate PKC activity and the PKC isozyme PKC-e from the cytosol2.
Coenzyme analogs. I. Preparation and properties of thionicotinamide methiodide.

Abstract 1. 1. Thionicotinamide methiodide, a “model” for thionicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, was prepared from nicotinamide methiodide and P 2 S 5 . 2. 2. The absorption spectra of thionicotinamide, thionicotinamide methiodide and 1-methyl-1,4-dihydrothionicotinamide show maxima expected for the substitution of sulfur for oxygen when these are part of the chromophore. 3. 3. 1-Methyl-1,4-dihydrothionicotinamide undergoes a photochemical reaction in visible light in the presence or absence of oxygen. 4. 4. 1-Methyl-1,4-dihydrothionicotinamide combines with silver nitrate; however, a 10% excess of the metal appears to be consumed when the reaction is followed spectrophotometrically and a 2-fold excess when followed amperometrically.
Infection as a Stressor: A Cytokine‐Mediated Activation of the Hypothalamo‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis?

Infections are associated with increased plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responses have also been observed with immunological stimuli that are not infective. Although such responses have been suggested to be mediated by ACTH secreted by lymphocytes, adrenocortical activation by immunological stimuli requires a functional pituitary. The most likely mechanism by which immunological stimuli activate the HPA axis involves production of cytokines by lymphocytes. The prime candidate is interleukin 1 (IL-1), because IL-1 production follows activation of the immune system and IL-1 administration is a potent activator of the HPA axis. However, other cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor, may also be involved. Most immunological stimuli and IL-1 also activate both peripheral and central noradrenergic neurons. IL-1-induced activation of the HPA axis in vivo depends upon secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), an intact pituitary, and the ventral noradrenergic bundle which innervates the CRF-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Besides elevating body temperature, administration of IL-1 elicits a number of behavioural responses in rats and mice, including anorexia, increased sleep time, decreased investigation of novel objects and other animals, increased defensive withdrawal and other behaviours characteristic of sickness. Some of these responses can be reversed by CRF-antagonists and mimicked by CRF administration. Thus, endogenous production of IL-1 can account for a range of physiological and behavioural responses characteristic of sickness. Nevertheless, definitive evidence that IL-1 mediates these responses in sick animals is lacking.
A colorimetric procedure for the quantitative determination of tryptophan residues in proteins.

A simple method for the determination of tryptophan residues in proteins is described. The method involves (a) treatment of the protein with an excess of 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide, (b) purification of the labeled protein by gel filtration and ethanol washing, (c) measurement of the absorbance at 410 mµ to determine the number of colored groups incorporated, and (d) a determination of the total protein content by conventional methods. The procedure has been shown to be accurate with a wide variety of proteins.
Physician expression of empathy and positiveness to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients during medical encounters.

Background: This study examined the extent to which physicians expressed empathy and positiveness to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients during primary care visits. Methods: Twenty-seven family practice and internal medicine resident physicians at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center were audiotaped in 1995 with 427 adult patients who were fluent in English or Spanish. The tapes were reviewed and organized to measure how frequently physicians expressed empathy and positiveness to patients. Results: Physicians expressed empathy at equal rates to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. When examining only Hispanic patients, physicians were significantly more likely to express empathy to patients who they knew better. Physicians expressed positiveness to non-Hispanic white patients more often than to Hispanic patients. When examining only Hispanic patients, physicians were more likely to express positiveness to patients who they knew better, who rated their health better, and who were more educated. When examining only non-Hispanic white patients, physicians were more likely to express positiveness to older and male patients than to younger and female patients. Also, female and younger physicians were significantly more likely to express positiveness to non-Hispanic white patients than male and older physicians were. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate that the resident physicians expressed empathy equally well to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients but that resident physicians need further training on how to express positiveness to patients from different ethnic backgrounds, especially Hispanic patients.
VIRAL INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY AND ABNORMAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.

Abstract This review has attempted to summarize that information relevant to an analysis of the possible sequelae of a viral infection that occurs during pregnancy. The pathophysiological changes induced in a pregnant woman by a viral infection may adversely affect the course of that pregnancy in the absence of viral invasion of her conceptus. In general, in so far as is now known, the frequency of pregnancy wastage of that kind is positively correlated with the virulence of the virus, and with the severity of the maternal infectious disease; and it is inversely related to the duration of gestation. The precise pathophysiological changes of maternal infection that cause pregnancy wastage are not known. Maternal viral infections, manifested by mild illness or none at all, may lead to intrauterine infections of the conceptus. Conceptal infection probably occurs secondary to the primary viremia associated with a mother's first exposure to the virus and the conceptus is probably infected diaplacentally. This may occur early in gestation (rubella) or late (cytomegalovirus and others). Both rubella and cytomegalovirus produce abnormal development probably as a result of multiplication in and the destruction of those organs subsequently found to be abnormal; but the congenital anomalies caused by rubella are the result of a less severe destructive effect at a more critical period in ontogenesis; whereas those due to cytomegalovirus are caused by a much more severe destructive process (at a less critical period of ontogenesis) in an organ that cannot be repaired and cannot regenerate. Parenthetically, it should be mentioned that influenza virus type A, in all probability, causes pregnancy wastage if it occurs during the first trimester 57 ; that it may do so during inapparent infections suggests that this wastage is secondary to viral invasion of the conceptus. 58 It is suggested that these examples are the most severe manifestations of the possible sequelae to an interaction between animal viruses and human embryos. They are the result of viral multiplication in and destruction of (critically sensitive) cells (and organs). In view of the sequelae of the interaction between viruses and the embryos of experimental animals we may expect other outcomes to viral infections during human pregnancies. Thus, if these observations are relevant to human beings then we should look for growth retardation in association with persistent recovery of virus in the absence of antibody production, for the association of viral infections in pregnancy and physiologic defects that are nonchromosomally inherited, and we should look for the association of viral infections in pregnancy and congenital neoplasia.
Using a computer algebra system Maple to teach elementary queueing theory

Computer algebra systems such as Maple, Mathematica, and MACSYMA are readily available for a wide range of PCs and workstations. Many college campuses have site licenses for these software tools and make them widely available to students through PC labs, across networks, and on time-sharing systems. In addition, student versions of these software tools are widely available at nominal cost. Computer algebra systems provide sophisticated computational support and are intuitive to use. In this article we describe how we use Maple to support an upper-division undergraduate course teaching elementary queueing theory. We discuss the significant enhancement added by using Maple for this coursework. We present the traditional approach to this material i.e., deriving the closed form solutions for a specific queueing model, then we show how we approach the material using numerical solutions based on the general equations for steady state probabilities for a Poisson Birth-Death process. We present several examples and discuss the strengths of our approach.
Comment: Sit-Ins and State Action - Mr. Justice Douglas, Concurring

This analysis of Mr. Justice Douglas’ concurrence in Garner v. Louisiana pays special attention to the lip service Justice Douglas pays to the state action requirement while never fully addressing such an issue.
Validation techniques for ADS-B surveillance data

The unparalleled safety and integrity of current air traffic surveillance is founded on the practice of assuring independence between sources of data wherever possible and using validation techniques to cross check reported data. Beacon surveillance in particular may be considered a form of dependent surveillance and the validation procedures in place today suggest ways to extend this practice to Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) based surveillance. The integration of ADS-B into the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) offers an instructive example of how one might implement operational monitoring of ADS-B data using existing surveillance assets.
AAPM and health care reform: your voice is needed.

The debate these days is not so much about whether health care is going to be reformed, but how. Undoubtedly, there will be reform; the discussion now is the format in which it will materialize. With the focus on health care reform at the national level taking center stage, this moment in time offers pain care practitioners the ideal opportunity to continue our push for pain care reform. There are many activities in which the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) members are providing leadership to this effort. Particularly noteworthy is the activity of our Committee for Legislative Affairs, spearheaded by Scott Fishman, MD, Chair of AAPM's Legislative Committee and Past AAPM President, Perry Fine, MD, AAPM Treasurer, and Phil Saigh, AAPM Executive Director. Ongoing news on this subject can be found on our Website at http://www.painmed.org/advocacy. Consider, for example, the National Pain Care Policy Act, an important piece of legislation that AAPM has been advancing since 1998 with its original partners, the American Pain Society (APS), the American Headache Society, and more recently, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), which joined the Pain Care Coalition (PCC) in 2004. As you may recall, the Act would authorize an Institute of Medicine conference on pain care, promote pain research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provide comprehensive pain care education and training for health care professionals, and institute a public awareness campaign on pain management. The National Pain Care Policy Act came extremely close to being passed into law in the fall of 2008; it was then reintroduced in both Houses early in 2009. It has passed the House and now sits in a Senate committee, where it will likely remain until the health care reform debate is completed. The earliest that anyone suggests that the health care reform …
Ciliocytophthoria in Clinical Virology

Direct immunofluorescence assays (DFAs) are used in the clinical virology laboratory for the rapid detection of viruses. An assessment of the cellularity of specimens submitted for DFA is necessary for the most effective use of this assay. This assessment ensures that an adequate number of the appropriate cells are present for examination. During this assessment, clinical virologists may encounter unfamiliar cellular elements or cellular fragments. One of these elements, ciliocytophthoria, has been misinterpreted as a parasite in specimens submitted for cytologic testing. We describe a similar case in which a technologist thought that ciliocytophthoria possibly represented a ciliated parasite in a nasopharyngeal specimen sent for respiratory syncytial virus DFA. After a thorough morphologic examination, the staff dismissed the possibility of a ciliated parasite. We confirmed this entity as ciliocytophthoria using morphologic criteria and the Diff-Quik stain. This near misidentification of ciliocytophthoria as a ciliated parasite affords us the opportunity to raise the awareness of clinical virologists about ciliocytophthoria. Additionally, we briefly review useful features for differentiating ciliocytophthoria from the only ciliate parasitic for humans, Balantidium coli. Finally, we present the utility of a commonly used cytologic stain, the Diff-Quik stain, for the confirmation of ciliocytophthoria.