cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Use of Statins for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Patient-Reported Outcomes and Adherence

Recent updates in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment and management guidelines have expanded the global number of statin-indicated persons, prompting clinicians to rethink conversations about initiating new statin therapy. The benefits of statins in primary prevention of ASCVD are less convincing than in secondary prevention, although higher ASCVD risk is associated with greater statin benefit. Therefore, clinicians must engage patients in a shared decision about starting new statin therapy, which should involve discussion about the risks and benefits of therapy, patient perceptions, and health status. Research has identified nonadherence to statin therapy as a factor associated with reduced clinical benefits of statin therapy. Clinicians should be aware of patient-specific factors associated with nonadherence and implement strategies to improve adherence as indicated. Data on the impact of adherence improvement strategies and the accuracy of how we currently measure adherence are lacking. Additionally, research focusing on patient preferences and reported outcomes would greatly inform practice and improve clinician–patient relationships.
μMonitor: In-situ energy monitoring with microwatt power consumption

Knowledge of energy flow in a microwatt-class energy harvesting system is essential to reliable deployment and scheduling of sensing, computation, communication, and actuation tasks. However, existing techniques for monitoring energy flow fail to meet the basic requirements for in-situ realtime monitoring systems by failing to be efficient and failing to perform accurately across a wide dynamic range. The proposed system, μMonitor, makes use of a highly power-optimized "Coulomb counting" implementation to achieve less than 1.7 microampere current draw, 94% efficiency in-situ, and high energy flow measurement accuracy across four orders of magnitude.
Modal Test and Parameter Updating of Metal Laser Sintered Components

Recent advances in additive manufacturing technology have made feasible the use of materials such as titanium and high-temperature nickel alloys in the construction of complex parts intended for production through techniques such as direct laser melting or direct laser sintering. These parts can be manufactured at a level of quality suitable not only for prototyping, but even for use as flight hardware. However, the evaluation of material properties is a challenge; melted metals will not retain the same properties as an equivalent cast metal, and factors such as part geometry, print density, and any post-processing techniques used will all influence the material properties of a given component. This paper uses modal analysis to update the isotropic material properties of metal components which are representative of flight hardware within the subsystems of a liquid rocket motor. Two different materials are examined: Ti 64 titanium alloy and INCONEL 718 nickel alloy.
Efferent Vision Therapy.

Background Traditional orthoptic therapy used by ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and optometrists is directed at improving visual acuity, ocular alignment, or both. For example, convergence exercises are used to treat convergence insufficiency (CI). However, other forms of "vision therapy" are directed at improving "visual processing and efficiency." The therapeutic regimen often entails repetitive ocular motor tasks performed during multiple office visits with a behavioral optometrist. These ocular motor tasks are used to treat diverse conditions such as learning disabilities, poor reading ability, dyslexia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Evidence regarding the efficacy of therapy directed at ocular motility for the treatment of multiple conditions is reviewed. Evidence acquisition Review of literature. Results Randomized, controlled, double-masked studies show that convergence exercises reduce symptoms and improve signs of CI in otherwise healthy patients. However, the most efficacious convergence tasks, and the optimal duration and frequency of these tasks, remain unknown. Patients with learning disabilities, poor reading ability, dyslexia, or ADHD do not consistently have unique ocular motor deficits. Patients who acquire ocular motor deficits do not develop these conditions. There are no randomized, controlled studies that show treatment consisting of repetitive ocular motor tasks improves learning disabilities, reading, dyslexia, or ADHD. Conclusions Convergence exercises effectively treat CI in healthy patients. The optimal treatment regimen is unknown. There is insufficient evidence to recommend "vision therapy" for the treatment of learning disabilities, impaired reading, dyslexia, or ADHD.
Can d;PM2.5/d;CO and d;NOy/d;CO Enhancement Ratios Be Used to Characterize the Influence of Wildfire Smoke in Urban Areas?

ABSTRACT In this study we investigate the use of ΔPM2.5/ΔCO and ΔNOy/ΔCO normalized enhancement ratios (NERs) in identifying wildfire (WF) smoke events in urban areas. Nine urban ambient monitoring sites with adequate CO, PM2.5, and/or NOy measurements were selected for this study. We investigated if WF events could be distinguished from general urban emissions by comparing NERs for wildfires with NERs calculated using yearly ambient data, which we call the ambient enhancement ratios (AERs). The PM2.5/CO and NOy/CO AERs represent typical urban concentrations and can provide insight into the dominant emission sources of the city. All 25 WF events were distinguished because they had ΔPM2.5/ΔCO NERs that were significantly greater than the PM2.5/CO AER for each site. The ΔPM2.5/ΔCO NERs for the WF events ranged from 0.057–0.228 µg m–3 ppbv–1. In contrast, we were only able to calculate useful ΔNOy/ΔCO NERs (correlations with R2 > 0.65) for 4 of 17 events (only 17 of 25 events had NOy data). For these 4 events, ΔNOy/ΔCO NERs ranged from 0.044–0.075 ppbv ppbv–1, not all of which were significantly different from the NOy/CO AERs at the site. We conclude that ΔPM2.5/ΔCO NERs are a very useful tool for identifying WF events, but that the high and variable NOy concentrations in urban areas present problems when trying to use ΔNOy/ΔCO NERs.
Simulation procedure for the post-fire seismic analysis of reinforced concrete structural walls

Abstract The impact of fire induced structural damage on the lateral load resistance of RC structures, particularly RC structural walls, is not well understood, but may be critical in the event of sequential fire-earthquake hazards. A simple verified simulation procedure for the post-fire seismic analysis of RC structural walls is necessary to advance the understanding of the post-fire seismic performance of RC structural walls. However, individual software programs which can do well in both thermal analysis and seismic analysis are not currently available. In this paper, a simulation procedure combining SAFIR and OpenSees is proposed for the post-fire seismic analysis of RC structural walls. The thermal analysis of a wall section is conducted in SAFIR while the seismic analysis of the fire-damaged wall is conducted in OpenSees based on the temperature data from SAFIR. The simulation method is verified by test data of RC walls under sequential fire-earthquake loads. The comparison of the numerical and experimental data demonstrated the capabilities of the simulation procedure to capture temperature distribution, stiffness and strength of flexure-controlled RC structural walls.
3-Aryl-2,5-Dihydropyrroles via Catalytic Carbonyl-Olefin Metathesis

Herein, we describe the development of a synthetic strategy toward chiral 3-pyrrolines based on the design principle of iron(III)-catalyzed carbonyl-olefin metathesis. This approach takes advantage of commercially available amino acids as chiral pool reagents and FeCl3 as a Lewis acid catalyst. Our strategy is characterized by its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, and functional group tolerance. Investigations show that an electron-deficient nitrogen protecting group overcomes limitations arising from competitive binding of the Lewis acid catalyst to unfavorable Lewis basic sites, which ultimately enables catalytic turnover.
Genetic Mutations in Cancer Susceptibility Genes: A Family History of Cancer

This chapter will examine the complex psychosocial aspects of pre- and post-test counseling for cancer genetic syndromes with both adult and pediatric onset. Using case examples, we will illustrate some of the many issues that cancer patients face when contemplating whether and when to undergo genetic testing.
Age-related ranges of respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) reference values for infants and children

The current noninvasive method for respiratory monitoring is respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP); two bands are connected, one each to the chest and the abdomen, to measure the breathing pattern. RIP requires post hoc analysis to calculate indices such as respiratory rate, phase angle, labored breathing index, and percent of rib cage contribution to breathing. Clinical studies have provided patient RIP values and age-matched normal values, but they lack global evaluation of normative data for a wide age range of pediatric subjects. Herein, we compiled normative RIP indices from numerous studies for a large range of pediatric ages. From these data, we derived regression equations useful for computing normal RIP parameters as a function of age. The presented review will provide caregivers the ability to compare RIP data of pediatric patients against the regression analysis. This comparison will help identify patients with pulmonary complications and aid in guiding respiratory therapy.
An automated isotope identification and quantification algorithm for isotope mixtures in low-resolution gamma-ray spectra

Abstract There is a need to develop an automated isotope identification and quantification algorithm that can perform well using low-resolution gamma-ray detectors. The algorithm should be able to perform well on spectra that contain a mixture of many isotopes as well as in cases where spectral features are difficult to analyze. Due to the low resolution of these detectors, spectra of isotope mixtures becomes complicated to identify when features overlap. Previous research applying machine learning algorithms to isotope identification has been promising. Further work is needed to demonstrate the limits of machine learning algorithms when applied to identifying mixtures of isotopes and spectra where features are not obvious. Because machine learning algorithms use abstract features of the spectrum, such as the shape of overlapping peaks and Compton continuum, they are a natural choice for analyzing isotope mixtures. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) has be trained to calculate the relative activities of 29 isotopes in a spectrum. The ANN is trained with simulated gamma-ray spectra, allowing custom datasets to be generated for specific identification tasks. The algorithms performance on simulated spectra without apparent features and on simulated isotope mixtures are both analyzed.
Shifts in case mix and locus of mental health care for Washington State adults with severe mental illness

The author describes outcomes of interventions that were aimed at decreasing high use of state hospitals. Research focused on changes in state hospital case mix and dynamics of use by individuals identified as "high utilizers" before and after the Washington State Mental Health Division (MHD) implemented a series of interventions designed to reduce use. A set of recommendations are offered for policymakers who plan interventions that shift the locus of care for severely and persistently mentally ill adults.
Functional Anatomy and Ventilation of the Mammalian Lung

The ventilation of a mammal’s constant pool exchanger poses some interesting challenges for our understanding. From the perspective of the simpler systems of lower vertebrates, it may seem cumbersome and needlessly complex. Consider the following primary problems as you read through this chapter. Reciprocating flow necessitates “contamination” of inhaled air with gases already exposed to the exchange surface. Portions of the system (somewhat morbidly referred to as dead space) that do not function in gas exchange must be ventilated before the exchange surfaces can be reached by outside air. The thin exchange surface is not supported physically by the exchange medium, as is the case for water breathers or air breathers with positive pressure ventilation. The inhaled gases must be warmed and humidified to protect the delicate exchange surface. The air passages and circulatory vessels must be completely intertwined and the flow to them must be matched to create effective gas exchange.
What is Really Happening with Global Inequality

We use the latest available data from the World Income Inequality Database 3.4 and the Penn World Tables 9.0 to examine some of the core issues and concerns that have animated research on global inequality. We begin by reviewing the evidence on trends in within-country inequality, drawing out some of the implications of this for our thinking about inequality and economic development. We examine between-country inequality, computing updated estimates of trends in both unweighted and population-weighted between-country inequality. The data reveal that inequality between countries increased across the latter half of the twentieth century, then turned to decline measurably thereafter. We show that this decline is robust to a range of methodological and measurement decisions identified as important in previous research. We then examine estimates of true global inequality, situating these in relation to lower- and upper-bound estimates of global inequality. We conclude by noting the critical and contested role of globalization in inequality reduction.
Introducing new multilevel datasets: Party systems at the district and national levels:

For decades, datasets on national-level elections have contributed to knowledge on what shapes national party systems. More recently, datasets on elections at the district level have advanced resea...
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Soft Tissue Infections

The principles in the management of severe soft tissue infections include: Debridement of dead and ischemic tissues Systemic antibiotics for invasive infections Local wound care Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may benefit patients with severe soft tissue infections, such as: Necrotizing soft tissue infections Surgically drained septic arthritis Surgically drained infected orthopedic implants Infected wounds with exposed bone Surgically treated osteomyelitis Diabetic foot infections Adequate surgical debridement is an absolute requirement before NPWT. NPWT provides a closed and moist environment, increases perfusion, decreases edema, removes infected fluid, promotes granulation, and reduces wound volume. NPWT can be enhanced by using a built-in automated irrigation system (V.A.C. VeraFlo System). This concept allows slow introduction of a predetermined volume of irrigation fluid, soaking of the wound for a defined period of time, removal of the irrigation fluid, and maintenance of negative pressure therapy for a defined interval before the cycle repeats. NPWT with instillation is associated with: Enhanced granulation tissue production Decreased bacterial load Fewer surgical debridements Shorter time to wound closure Fewer hospital days Irrigation fluids that can be used with VAC irrigation system include normal saline, Dakin’s solution, polyhexanide, acetic acid solution, and antibiotic solution.
Identifying clusters on a discrete periodic lattice via machine learning

Abstract Given the ubiquity of lattice models in physics, it is imperative for researchers to possess robust methods for quantifying clusters on the lattice — whether they be Ising spins or clumps of molecules. Inspired by biophysical studies, we present Python code for handling clusters on a 2D periodic lattice. Properties of individual clusters, such as their area, can be obtained with a few function calls. Our code invokes an unsupervised machine learning method called hierarchical clustering, which is simultaneously effective for the present problem and simple enough for non-experts to grasp qualitatively. Moreover, our code transparently merges clusters neighboring each other across periodic boundaries using breadth-first search (BFS), an algorithm well-documented in computer science pedagogy. The fact that our code is written in Python – instead of proprietary languages – further enhances its value for reproducible science. Program summary Program Title: Cluster Collector Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/w7rcv4tbtn.1 Licensing provisions: CC by 4.0 Programming language: Python Nature of problem: Lattice simulations of, say, membrane proteins model the spatiotemporal organization of a system. In order to extract insights from such simulations, we need robust methods for identifying clusters of simulated objects on the lattice. Solution method: Hierarchical clustering first identifies all potential clusters. Then, breadth-first search connects together clusters that neighbor each other across periodic boundaries.
Women Keep it Real: Avatar Gender Choice in League of Legends.

Abstract This article examines avatar gender choice within a competitive context in which avatar gender is not equivalent across functions. In data from the game League of Legends (n = 15,392) refl...
Dance/movement therapy & warrior wellness: A pilot case study

Abstract Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual” (American Dance Therapy Association, 2016), has been researched as a therapeutic intervention for various diagnoses and disorders, and exists in many healthcare settings across the United States. Despite its presence, dance is still widely misunderstood and undervalued as a therapy. The need for integrative mental health services has given rise to an interest in non-pharmacological approaches for treating various conditions, specifically within the veteran and military population. Arts-based methods in particular are being explored on the levels of practice, policy, and research in response to this need. This pilot case study is an analysis of an existing dance/movement therapy-based mind-body wellness program that is part of a larger integrative program for military service members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health conditions. Data has been triangulated from patient surveys, clinical notes, the researcher-practitioner’s embodied observations, and historical programmatic data. The results of the analysis indicate potential increase in mind-body awareness for patients as well as a possible shift in movement flow. Inconsistencies in organization/internal messaging suggest further exploration of the critical tenets of integrative medicine.
Accelerated Allograft Vasculopathy With Rituximab After Cardiac Transplantation.

Abstract Background The CTOT-11 (Prevention of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Using Rituximab Therapy in Cardiac Transplantation [Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation-11]) study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, double-blinded clinical trial in nonsensitized primary heart transplant (HTX) recipients. Objectives The study sought to determine whether B cell depletion therapy would attenuate the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Methods A total of 163 HTX recipients were randomized to rituximab 1,000 mg intravenous or placebo on days 0 and 12 post-transplant. Primary outcome was change in percent atheroma volume (PAV) from baseline to 1 year measured by intravascular ultrasound. Secondary outcomes included treated episodes of acute rejection, de novo anti-HLA antibodies (including donor-specific antibodies), and phenotypic differentiation of B cells. Results There were no significant differences at study entry between the rituximab and placebo groups. Paired intravascular ultrasound measures were available at baseline and 1 year in 86 subjects (49 rituximab, 37 placebo). The mean ± SD change in PAV at 12 months was +6.8 ± 8.2% rituximab versus +1.9 ± 4.4% placebo (p = 0.0019). Mortality at 12 months was 3.4% rituximab versus 6.8% placebo (p = 0.47); there were no retransplants or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The rate of treated rejection was 24.7% rituximab versus 32.4% placebo (p = 0.28). Rituximab therapy effectively eliminated CD20+/CD19+ B cells followed by a gradual expansion of a CD19– cell population in the rituximab-treated group. Conclusions A marked, unexpected increase in coronary artery PAV with rituximab was observed during the first year in HTX recipients. One-year mortality was not impacted; however, longer-term follow-up and mechanistic explanations are required. (Prevention of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Using Rituximab [Rituxan] Therapy in Cardiac Transplantation; NCT01278745)
An Empirical Test of the Comey Effect on the 2016 Presidential Election

Objectives The contentious 2016 U.S. presidential election was marked by acrimonious televised debates between the two major candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, federal investigations of Clinton's emails that were sent from a personal server when she held office as Secretary of State, and the release of a videotape of lewd remarks by Trump about his behavior toward women. Financial market uncertainty also played in role in the election campaign. The objective of the article is to examine the impact of these different factors on the election. Method The present article uses a popular vote prediction market to test the impact of these factors on the probability of Trump winning the election. Results Results indicate that the debates and videotape release were not statistically significant, but that a letter to Congress released by FBI Director James B. Comey on October 28, 2016, substantially decreased Clinton's probability of winning the popular vote and simultaneously increased Trump's probability. Financial market uncertainty is found to have some marginal positive effect on Trump's probability of winning. Conclusion Trump's probability of winning the election received a substantial boost from FBI Director James B. Comey's “last‐minute” announcement on October 28, 2016.
Religious liberty for the Chinese child: missionary debates in the 1930s

In 1931, liberal and conservative Christians debated the possibility of replacing Bible Study with a comparative religions course for elementary-school students, in order to comply with regulations...
How do different testing procedures affect the rheological properties of cement paste

Abstract Rheological properties of cement-based materials are shear- and time dependent due to the chemical and physical particle bonding. Proper characterization of these properties is necessary to predict the behavior of concrete over time. Often, results on rheological measurements are dependent on different preparation conditions, testing procedures and measuring instruments employed. This paper explores how changes in the testing procedure impact the rheological properties of cement pastes with different superplasticizers. Three procedures with a different shear rate profile were repeatedly imposed. The last shearing for each procedure step was identical, imposing the reference state. The results indicate that the time-evolution of the rheological properties is strongly dependent on the employed procedure. It is hypothesized that, at low imposed shear rates, dissolution and precipitation of hydration products is accelerated, creating a stronger internal structure. As a result, the imposition of a reference state does not guarantee full elimination of shear history.
Adaptable antibody Nanoworms designed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Despite advancements in antibody-based therapies for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), at least two major therapeutic needs remain unmet: i) heterogenous activation of host immunity towards B cell NHL; and ii) lack of antibody-based therapeutics for T cell NHL. This study explores the molecular characteristics of an adaptable modality called antibody Nanoworms and demonstrates their receptor clustering activity as a means to overcome and address abovementioned needs. To test this, four selected therapeutic receptors of B cell (CD19, CD20, HLA-DR10) and T cell (CD3) NHL were targeted by Nanoworms. Regardless of the target or the cell type, Nanoworms inherently clustered bound receptors on the cell-surface through their multivalency and activated intracellular signaling without any secondary crosslinker. As a sole agent, Nanoworms induced apoptosis by clustering CD20 or HLA-DR10, and arrested the cell cycle upon CD19 clustering. Interestingly, CD3 clustering was particularly advantageous in inducing activation-induced cell death (AICD) in an aggressive form of T cell NHL named Sezary syndrome that is fatal, limited in antibody-based therapeutics, and has poor outcomes to traditional chemotherapy. As Nanoworms can be easily designed to target any receptor for which a scFv is available, they may provide solutions and add therapeutic novelty to underserved diseases.
High Power COB LED Modules Attached by Nanosilver Paste

In order to improve the thermal performance of the high-power LED,the novel nanosilver paste with higher melting temperature and thermal / electrical conductivity was used as die-attach material,and Al2O3-based ceramic substrates were used to form a high-power LED chip-on-board( COB) architecture. To compare the effect of die attach material,high power COB LED modules were packaged by nanosilver paste,traditional Sn / Ag3. 0 / Cu0. 5 solder and silver epoxy,respectively. The photoelectricity properties of three kinds of LEDs under various ambient temperatures from 27 to 120 ℃ were measured to evaluate their thermal management. The accelerated degradation testing under 100 ℃ was measured to evaluate the reliability. The test results show that the nanosilver paste is a very promising die-attach material for high power multi-chip modules packaging.
Acute Right-Sided Abdominal Pain in an Adolescent: Expect the Unexpected.

Acute right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department (ED). The most common cause is acute appendicitis, generally requiring surgical intervention. We present a rare cause of RLQ abdominal pain mimicking acute appendicitis.
Diagnostic Imaging of Craniosynostosis

Imaging of the skull in patients with craniosynostosis is routinely performed with computed tomography followed by 3D reconstruction. Typically, a set of more than 100 thin (1–2 m) CT slices are reconstructed into a set of 3D views, such as frontal, rear, lateral (right and left), top and bottom and oblique views — a set of 8 to 10 or more images. Many features of the skull — particularly the cranial sutures cannot be adequately evaluated in any single view due to their complex three-dimensional shape.
Patent Challenges for Standard-Setting in the Global Economy: Lessons from Information and Communications Technology

Patent Challenges for Standard-Setting in the Global Economy: Lessons from Information and Communication Technology examines how leading national and multinational standard-setting organizations (SSOs) address patent disclosures, licensing terms, transfers of patent ownership, and other issues that arise in connection with developing technical standards for consumer and other microelectronic products, associated software and components, and communications networks including the Internet. Attempting to balance the interests of patent holders, other participants in standard-setting, standards implementers, and consumers, the report calls on SSOs to develop more explicit policies to avoid patent holdup and royalty-stacking, ensure that licensing commitments carry over to new owners of the patents incorporated in standards, and limit injunctions for infringement of patents with those licensing commitments. The report recommends government measures to increase the transparency of patent ownership and use of standards information to improve patent quality and to reduce conflicts of laws across countries.
An analytical model of multi-sine AC-DC voltage multiplier

This paper proposes an analytical, closed-form multi-sine AC-DC voltage multiplier model and investigates the dependency of input and output power on circuit and device parameters. Comparisons of the proposed model with SPICE simulation results are also provided for validation under various circuit parameters, such as the number of stages and capacitance per stage, and device parameters such as saturation current of diodes. The results suggest a voltage multiplier operating with a continuous wave is not less efficient than one operating with a multi-sine wave. This is in contrast to existing papers that show an entire system which includes both a voltage multiplier and rectenna is more efficient with a multi-sine wave than a continuous wave.
Spatial variation in the fitness of divergent aposematic phenotypes of the poison frog, Dendrobates tinctorius

Aposematic species use brightly coloured signals to warn potential predators of their unpalatability. The function of these signals is largely believed to be frequency-dependent. All else being equal, stabilizing selection is expected to constrain the evolution of novel signals. However, despite the expected frequency-dependant function of aposematic signals, interpopulation variation in aposematic signals is ubiquitous in nature. Here, we used clay models of the poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius to test the nature of selection in regions containing varying frequencies of frogs possessing the local aposematic signal. Our findings support a role for stabilizing selection in maintaining the local signal type in a region of high signal frequency; however, we observe a lack of stabilizing selection at one site coincident with a decrease in the density of frogs possessing the local signal. Spatial variation in local aposematic signal frequencies may facilitate the evolution of novel signal types by altering the adaptive landscape for divergent aposematic phenotypes. Our results provide evidence for spatial variation in the selective regime acting on aposematic signals within an established aposematic system and highlight the need for further study of the nature of selection acting across different spatial scales in diverse aposematic systems.
Informing Subjects of Epidemiologic Study Results

Objective To assess the feasibility and process of providing feedback to parents regarding the results of epidemiologic research, in particular to look at the importance and clarity of the information provided, parental reactions to the results, and utilization of the data provided. Methodology Parents who participated in an epidemiologic study of pediatric brain tumors (patient and control mothers) were sent a letter summarizing the results of the study and the Parent Study Results Survey to complete and return. The final sample used for analyses was 109 (patient) and 90 (control) mothers. Analyses were conducted to determine differences between patient and control mothers and differences among subsets defined by educational level and vital status of the patient. Results Mothers rated the importance and clarity of the information very highly, although patient mothers were more likely than control mothers to want more information and a telephone contact. Patient and control mothers were similar in reported sadness, anxiety, and being overwhelmed, but patient mothers felt less satisfied and relieved. Patient mothers expressed feeling more guilt nad anger than control mothers, although even the levels among the patient mothers were only moderate. Close to half of all mothers commented on the inconclusiveness of the study results. Nearly all mothers indicated they would suggest that other parents participate in epidemiologic research. Conclusions It is valuable to many parents that they receive information about results of research in which they have participated. We found little evidence of strong negative effects to a detailed feedback letter. We recommend that evaluative data be used to guide the process of informing research participants about study results and that investigators consider making feedback letters a standard part of research protocols.
Molecular Rydberg transitions: Cyanogen chloride☆

Abstract The electronic absorption spectrum of cyanogen chloride has been investigated in the range 2200-1250 A. The first s -Rydberg transitions, X 1 Σ + → 3 Π 1 and X 1 Σ + → 1 Π 1 have been assigned, and analyzed to yield exchange and spin-orbit coupling parameters. The relative intensities of these two transitions have been shown to accord with an intermediate coupling situation. The π → π ∗ intravalence excitations, leading to 1.3 (Σ − , Δ and Σ + ) states, have been discussed. It has been shown that one or both of the 1 Σ − and 1 Δ states have bent geometries and that the 1 Σ + state is located (tentatively) at 79 755 cm −1 . Two σ → π ∗ π → σ ∗ states have been assigned, one at 56 340 cm −1 , the other at 74 450 cm −1 . The latter assignment is tentative, being largely based on observed vibronic interferences between the X 1 Σ + → 1 Π 1 transition and the 74 450 cm −1 transition. A considerable amount of vibrational oscillator strength and quantum defect data is presented.
A multipronged approach to electronic packaging education

This paper discusses several recent initiatives taken at the University of Colorado, Boulder to integrate electronic packaging education in the engineering curriculum. A multipronged approach that targets both the student population and industrial professionals is described. Recognizing that the needs of the two communities are different, the educational programs are tailored differently to achieve success. The strategy includes some of the traditional initiatives, and a novel approach to provide advanced education to professionals in industry.
Bit-Level Abstraction in the Verfication of Pipelined Microprocessors by Correspondence Checking

We present a way to abstract functional units in symbolic simulation of actual circuits, thus achieving the effect of uninterpreted functions at the bit-level. Additionally, we propose an efficient encoding technique that can be used to represent uninterpreted symbols with BDDs, while allowing these symbols to be propagated by simulation with a conventional bit-level symbolic simulator. Our abstraction and encoding techniques result in an automatic symmetry reduction and allow the control and forwarding logic of the actual circuit to be used unmodified. The abstraction method builds on the behavioral Efficient Memory Model [18][19] and its capability to dynamically introduce consistent initial state, which is identical for two simulation sequences. We apply the abstraction and encoding ideas on the verification of pipelined microprocessors by correspondence checking, where a pipelined microprocessor is compared against a non-pipelined specification.
On the accuracy of Monte Carlo Potts models for grain growth

Monte Carlo (MC) Potts models have been widely used to study various microstructural phenomena. The efficiency and accuracy of the method is very critical in order to apply it to industrially relevant engineering problems. This paper provides new insights into the conventional MC (CMC) algorithm for grain growth. It was believed earlier that an unphysical finite-size effect is likely to dominate the simulated grain growth in small grain size regimes and that the decrease of the probability for successful reorientation attempts significantly affects the microstructural evolution leading to low grain growth exponents. We show that the simulated grain growth is affected by the decrease of this probability only in the very early stage, and furthermore that no such unphysical finite-size effect is observed. Alternatively, the strong random nature of the CMC algorithm is partially responsible for the lower values of the grain growth exponent. A three-parameter nonlinear regression analysis is used to obtain the classical power-law grain-growth kinetics with a more accurate growth exponent. Therefore, large lattice systems are not required for accurate modeling of the microstructure evolution, which reduces the computing time considerably, especially for three-dimensional applications.
Making our personal computers secure: tutorial presentation

We keep financial records, personal emails, tests and student grades on computers connected to the Internet. Hackers from around the world are scanning the Internet looking for vulnerable computers. None of us is completely secure. Most of us are at greater risk than we know. The objective of this tutorial is to address two important questions: 1) What are the security threats to our home and office computers? and 2) What can we do to protect our computer systems?
Research on Complementary/Alternative Medicine for Patients With Breast Cancer: A Review of the Biomedical Literature

PURPOSE: This article reviews English-language articles published in the biomedical literature from 1980 to 1997 that reported results of clinical research on complementary and alternative medical treatments (CAM) of interest to patients with breast cancer. METHODS: We searched 12 electronic databases and the bibliographies of the retrieved papers, review articles, and books on CAM and breast cancer. The retrieved articles were grouped by end point: breast cancer (eg, tumor size, survival), disease-related symptoms, side effects of treatment, and immune function. Within each end point, we organized the articles by modality and assessed study design, findings, and qualitative aspects. RESULTS: Of the more than 1,000 citations retrieved, 51 fit our criteria for review. Of the articles reviewed, 17 were randomized clinical trials; three of these were trials of cancer-directed interventions, two of which involved the same treatment (melatonin). Seven articles described observational studies, and the remainder...
Dell Hymes's Construct of "Communicative Competence"

Cazden reflects on theoretical and sociopolitical origins of Hymes's construct of communicative competence in events occurring just before and after 1960 in the U.S. She comments on Hymes's emphasis on competence not as abstract systemic potential of a language, but as capability located in individual persons; and she explores competence as both individual repertoire and group reservoir. She reminds us that Hymes's “appropriateness” is primarily about emergent, creative, non-situationally determined use of language.[Dell Hymes, communicative competence, appropriateness, individual capability versus systemic potential]
As Far As Her Eyes Can See

In addition to providing uninitiated readers with lucid accounts of theoretical particle physics and the Large Hadron Collider, Randall discusses the nature of science and its practice.
Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome: Visual Effects

Visual Effects Have Been Measured In Patients With A Confirmed Diagnosis Of Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome (Ts), A Neuropsychiatric Disorder Characterized By Motor And Vocal Tics, And Behavioral Anomalies. Of The Visual Manifestations Revealed, The Authors Consider Anomalies In The Measured Kinetic Paracentral Visual Field And The Visual (And General) Fatigue Effect In This Paper. All 24 Individuals With Tourette Syndrome Studied To Date Exhibit Paracentral Kinetic Visual Field Defects (Arcuate Anomalies, Nasal And Temporal Steps, Enlargement And/Or Baring Of The Blind Spot), And About Half Of These Same Patients Exhibit Loss In Sensitivity In Time Which The Authors Term 'Fatigue' Effects. The Visual Acuity Of These Patients Was Good To Excellent. Visual Field Alterations Were Prechiasmal, Generally Nonsymmetric, And The Most Commonly Affected Isopters On The Goldmann Perimeter Were For Targets I/2e To I/Lb. After Careful Examination And Ophthalmological Consultations, It Was Clear That None Of The Indivi...
What are we talking about? A comparative analysis of the focus management capabilities of memory impared and able‐minded interactants

Identifying specific communicative malfunctions in natural interaction among elderly adults suffering from memory‐imparing disease has been difficult for researchers. In this paper, the author explores the utility of one particular mechanism for analysis, Sidneys focus processor. The author identifies four circumstances under which communication breakdown is more likely to occur: at points of real or apparent topic change, in the presence of competing foci, during attempts to track the focus in lengthy discourse, and during returns to the dominant topic. The author suggests interactive techniques which may minimize the occurrance of these forms of breakdowns.
Modeling and process control of twin-screw cooking food extruders

Abstract Twin-screw extruders exhibit highly non-linear and interactive dunamic behavior which makes their modeling and control difficult. Transfer function models determined from experimentally observed behavior are not only adequate in capturing the dynamics of the extrusion process, but are also invaluable tools in the design of multivariable control strategies for extruders. Suitable forms of transfer function models are taken from the literature to characterize a typical process used in cornmeal extrusion. The parameters for the transfer function models are also adapted from the literature and are used as an example in process control analysis and design. The degree of process loop interactions expected in this extrusion process for various controlled variable/manipulated variable pairings is studied using the relative gain array (RGA) technique. For minimal interaction, the MIMO system with screw speed and barrel heating as manipulated variables and product temperature and motor torque as controlled variables was found best. This system, using feed rate and moisture content as input disturbances and with realistic constraints on the manipulated variables, was simulated using standard software for controlled system performance. PID controllers without additional decoupling gave adequate performance results for various controlled system requirements.
Anti–IL-5 (mepolizumab) therapy reduces eosinophil activation ex vivo and increases IL-5 and IL-5 receptor levels

Background Anti–IL-5 might be a useful therapeutic agent for eosinophilic disorders, yet its immunologic consequences have not been well characterized. Objective We sought to characterize the hematologic and immunologic effects of anti-IL-5 in human subjects. Methods The effects of 3-month infusions of mepolizumab were assessed in 25 patients with a variety of eosinophilic syndromes. Samples with increased IL-5 levels after therapy were analyzed by using size exclusion filtration. Immunoreactive IL-5 fraction and plasma samples were subsequently precipitated with saturating concentrations of protein A/G. Results Twenty-three patients responded to anti–IL-5 therapy with a decrease in blood eosinophil counts and a reduced percentage of CCR3 + cells by 20- and 13-fold, respectively ( P FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene. Persistently decreased blood eosinophilia remained for 3 months after final infusion in 76% of subjects. Therapy was associated with a large increase in blood IL-5 levels, likely because of a circulating IL-5/mepolizumab complex precipitated with protein A/G, a significant increase in eosinophil IL-5 receptor α expression, and increased percentage of CD4 + and CD8 + cells producing intracellular IL-5 ( P ex vivo . Conclusions Anti–IL-5 therapy induces a dramatic and sustained decrease in blood eosinophilia (including CCR3 + cells), decreased eosinophil activation, and increased circulating levels of IL-5 in a variety of eosinophilic disorders. Increased levels of IL-5 receptor α and lymphocyte IL-5 production after anti–IL-5 therapy suggest an endogenous IL-5 autoregulatory pathway.
A comparison of conventional and alternative agroecosystems using alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Natural systems agriculture is based on an understanding that natural systems are self-sustaining due to regulatory mechanisms and processes that help to ensure the long-term maintenance of the ecosystem. An agroecosystem modeled after nature should encompass greater stability and biodiversity at all levels of organization than an agroecosystem based on conventional agricultural practices. The main objective of this study was to determine whether agroecosystems modeled after nature exhibit advantages over conventional agroecosystems. Five treatments were examined: winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) monoculture, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) monoculture, strip-cropped alfalfa and wheat, and two alfalfa–wheat intercrops (one no-till and one conservation-till). Indicators of ecosystem function studied included primary productivity, soil fertility, plant nitrogen (N) concentration, and abundances of arthropod pests and predators. No fertilizers or pesticides were used prior to or during this investigation. Monoculture, strip-crop and conservation-till treatments produced significantly higher yields than no-till intercropped alfalfa and wheat. Although yields from the no-till intercrop were low, wheat protein values were comparable to other treatments. Soil N concentrations tended to be high in treatments containing alfalfa. Insect pests preferred alfalfa and were, therefore, often more abundant in treatments containing high percentages of alfalfa, as were predators such as spiders. Researching alternatives to monoculture agroecosystems, such as the intercrop systems in this study, may provide us insight into a true natural systems agriculture.
Mitomycin-C in the treatment of tracheal cicatrix after tracheal reconstruction

Objective: To demonstrate the potential use of Mitomycin-C (MMC) in the treatment of difficult and recurrent tracheal stenosis. Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary care setting. Patients: A retrospective chart review was performed on five pediatric patients with severe, recurrent tracheal granulation and cicatrix after tracheal reconstruction who were treated with topical MMC as an adjunct to bronchoscopy and laser treatment. MMC was applied intraoperatively on saturated pledgets at a dose of 0.1 mg/ml for 2 min to the area where the cicatrix had been lysed. The five patients were able to be decannulated. Discussion: Mitomycin-C is an anti metabolite known to inhibit fibroblast proliferation in vitro. This agent has been used with a high success rate in glaucoma filtration surgery to promote patency of the trabecula. The results of this preliminary application in the pediatric airway as well as the mechanism of action will be discussed.
Variation in myometrial response to intravenous oxytocin administration at different times of the day in the pregnant rhesus monkey.

Abstract To assess a potential underlying rhythm in the sensitivity of the pregnant primate myometrium to oxytocin we infused five pregnant rhesus monkeys (gestational age, 121–142 days) with oxytocin at three different periods of the 24-h day, in the order night, afternoon, and morning, via the maternal inferior vena cava. Oxytocin was administered for 1 min every 5 min over 30 min at four doses 400, 800, 2000, and 4000 pg/minkg. The response of the myometrium, evaluated as the number of contractions per pulse of oxytocin, was greatest in the early hours of darkness. Studies in three additional monkeys in which the order of the oxytocin challenge tests was changed, again showed that the response to oxytocin was greatest in the hours of darkness. We conclude that an underlying, as yet undefined, rhythm exists in the sensitivity of the pregnant primate myometrium to oxytocin at different times of the 24-h day. This change in myometrial sensitivity may be due to variation in one or more of the many potentia...