cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on psychiatric assessment in emergency and outpatient settings measured using electronic health records

Importance: As with other traumatic events, pandemics such as coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) may precipitate or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression, while potentially interfering with health systems9 capacity to treat such symptoms. Objective: To quantify the impact of increasing COVID-19 infection on extent of psychiatric assessment across 5 Eastern Massachusetts hospitals. Design: In silico cohort using narrative clinical notes generated between 1/2/2020 and 3/25/2020 Setting: Emergency department and outpatient settings from 2 academic medical centers and 3 community hospitals Participants: All individuals age 13 and older presenting to emergency department or outpatient clinics Main Outcome or Measure: Documentation of psychiatric symptoms reflecting depression, anxiety, psychosis, or suicide, and documentation of violence, was drawn from previously-validated term lists. Results: A total of 2,483,159 outpatient and 205,957 emergency department visit notes were analyzed. Instances of notes referencing depression or anxiety decreased 75-81% in outpatient settings with onset of coronavirus in March 2019, and by 44-45% in emergency departments. In adjusted logistic regression, presence of individual psychiatric symptoms in outpatient notes was associated with significant decreases in likelihood of coronavirus testing (for depression, OR=0.636, 95% CI 0.606-0.667). Conversely, presence of violence in an emergency department note was associated with greater likelihood of testing (OR=1.487, 95% CI 1.249-1.761). Conclusions and Relevance: Documentation of psychiatric symptoms in both outpatient and emergency department settings diminished sharply in the context of increasing coronavirus infection in Massachusetts, suggesting that efforts to provide additional resources to manage psychiatric symptoms will be needed. Funding: none.
Elevated COVID-19 Related Mortality Risk Among Hospitalized Inpatients from Socially Vulnerable Census Tracts

Background: There is a dearth of information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mortality risk factors in large urban health systems that predominantly serve African Americans. Methods: This registry-based cohort study includes consecutive adult COVID-19 patients admitted to emergency departments in a Detroit-based multihospital health system from 3/11/2020 through 4/6/2020. Regression models examine relationships between in-hospital mortality and residential census tract characteristics estimated by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index, patient demographics and medical history. Results: A total of 1015 COVID-19 patients are included. The majority (80%) was identified as black, 52% were male and 53% were ≥ 65 years of age. The median (interquartile range) body mass index and Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 30·4 (26-37) and 4 (IQR, 2-5), respectively. Of the 896 hospitalized patients, 75% was hospitalized. The in-hospital mortality rate was 38% (n=340/896). Mortality risk was significantly elevated by 50% among patients from census tracts in the 90 th percentile of vulnerability related to socioeconomic status or heightened household overcrowding and use of public transportation. Elderly patients, those residing in nursing homes prior to hospitalization, and patients with comorbid cardiometabolic disorders were also at 30%-to-90% elevated risk. Interpretation : Public health efforts focusing on increased testing and limiting contact with persons infected COVID-19 are needed for the elderly and people with cardiometabolic disorders in large urban health systems that predominately serve African Americans. If our findings are replicated, then priority should be given to areas with heightened vulnerability related to socioeconomic status, household crowding and use of public transportation. Funding: No funding was obtained to conduct this study. Declaration of Interests: Authors in the manuscript declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was reviewed and approved by the Detroit Medical Center Clinical Research Office and the Wayne State University Institutional Review Boards.
Health Science Students

This chapter provides an overview of college health issues that are particular to students in the health sciences. Health science training programs include students who are studying nursing, dentistry, veterinary sciences, medicine, and related fields (including but not limited to physician assistant programs, pharmacy, optometry, clinical social work, and physical/occupational therapy). When caring for health science students, college health professionals need to keep in mind the unique challenges faced by these students, who often find themselves at the intersection of learner and care provider. With this in mind, clinicians should be prepared for additional immunization and screening requirements. Due to their work in clinical and laboratory settings, health science students may be exposed to infectious and chemical hazards, and clinicians should keep this in mind when providing anticipatory guidance as well as when performing postexposure evaluation. College health professionals must also keep in mind the unique emotional stressors and personal safety concerns that may be relevant for health science students, as well as matters of privacy (particularly when students also receive clinical services within the same healthcare system where they are learning).
A Legal Sanctuary: How the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) Could Protect Sanctuary Churches

Across the country, places of worship are declaring themselves sanctuaries and providing shelter to undocumented individuals. The last time this happened on a large scale, the 1980s, the federal government undertook a campaign of surveillance and infiltration, ultimately arresting and convicting a number of sanctuary activists. Yet under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) jurisprudence of the Roberts Court, religious exercise now enjoys more protection than at any point in recent history. This piece asks whether RFRA could protect sanctuary churches and immigrant congregations—and what this can teach us about the current political and legal landscape around religious accommodation claims. Part I describes the history of the sanctuary movement and its current form today. Part II tracks the evolution and current state of religious exercise protections under RFRA. Part III analyzes two types of sanctuary issues under current RFRA doctrine: (1) whether sanctuary churches should receive an exception from federal laws prohibiting various forms of assistance to undocumented individuals; and (2) whether RFRA would place limits on ICE’s ability to raid or surveil places of worship. I conclude that RFRA would in many cases protect sanctuary activists from prosecution, as well as place limits on ICE’s ability to conduct enforcement actions at places of worship. Part IV examines sanctuary claims within the broader context of politically-fraught debates over religious accommodation. I explore how a consensus around protecting minority faiths and subordinate groups from de facto unequal treatment relative to powerful mainstream faiths animated RFRA’s effects-based approach and near-unanimous passage in 1993, but also how recent attempts by mainstream faith groups to further extend religious accommodation protections (at times at the expense of minorities, religious and otherwise) have eroded that consensus. Accommodation claims from the left, like sanctuary, have the potential to cut across existing political battle lines to produce a more stable equilibrium between religious freedom and other competing rights. This piece offers several concrete doctrinal suggestions for what such an equilibrium would look like; if courts were to analyze various open questions in RFRA doctrine with an eye to the particular harms that arise from the unequal treatment of disadvantaged groups, it would better balance the competing interests at stake, restoring an original consensus and avoiding the divisiveness produced by recent claims brought by politically-influential, mainstream faith groups.
Advanced Computational Methods for Compact Range Analysis

Compact Ranges are widely used for antenna measurements across wide frequency ranges spanning frequencies as low as 350MHz to as high as 60GHz and above. Advances in electromagnetic (EM) simulations have significantly improved the design process for compact ranges, resulting in reduced costs. Asymptotic methods such as Geometrical Optics (GO), Physical Optics (PO) are widely used due their reduced simulation costs for electrically large reflectors used in compact range design. With advances in availability of computer hardware, full wave methods such as Method of Moments (MoM), Adaptive Cross Approximation (ACA), and Multilevel Fast Multipole Method (MLFMM) can be used for more accurate analysis of compact ranges within reasonable simulation cost. In this paper, we will review computational techniques that are becoming popular to analyze compact ranges. Accuracy of simulations using full wave and asymptotic techniques will be presented.
Fundamental groups of aspherical manifolds that collapse.

We show that if a sequence $M_n$ of closed aspherical $d$-dimensional Riemannian manifolds with Ricci curvature uniformly bounded below and diameter uniformly bounded above collapses, then for all large enough $n$, the fundamental groups $\pi_1(M_n)$ have non-trivial finitely generated abelian normal subgroups. In particular, the groups $\pi_1(M_n)$ cannot be non-elementary hyperbolic.
Responsible innovation of nano-agrifoods: Insights and views from U.S. stakeholders

Abstract To date, there has been little published work that has elicited diverse stakeholder views of nano-agrifoods and of how nano-agrifoods align with the goals of responsible innovation. This paper aims to fill this research gap by investigating views of nano-agrifoods, how well their development adheres to principles of responsible innovation, and potential challenges for achieving responsible nano-agrifood innovation. Using an online engagement platform, we find that U.S. stakeholder views of responsible innovation were dominated by environmental, health, and safety (EHS) contexts, considerations of societal impacts, opportunities for stakeholder engagement, and responding to societal needs. These views overlap with scholarly definitions of responsible innovation, albeit stakeholders were more focused on impacts of products, while the field of responsible innovation strives for more “upstream” considerations of the process of innovation. We also find that views of nano-agrifoods differed across applications with dietary supplements and improved whitening of infant formula viewed least favorably, and environmental health or food safety applications viewed most favorably. These findings align with the larger body of literature, whereby stakeholders are expected to be more supportive of nanotechnology used in agricultural applications compared to directly within food and food supplements. Overall, participants indicated they held relatively neutral views on research and innovation for nano-agrifoods being conducted responsibly, and they identified key challenges to ensuring their responsible innovation that were related to uncertainties in EHS studies, the need for public understanding and acceptance, and adequate regulation. In light of these results, we recommend future research efforts on EHS impacts and risk-benefit frameworks for nano-agrifoods, better understanding stakeholder views on what constitutes effective regulation, and addressing challenges with effective regulation and responsible innovation practices.
Medical help and maternal nursing care in the life of low-income families.

A Family Health Calendar was kept by a sample of 78 low-income families for a 4-week period as part of a longitudinal research project. The Calendar presents the mother9s perception of her role in family health. The data obtained indicate: (1) about one-fourth of the symptoms experienced by family members receive no sponse; (2) about one in every eight such symptoms receives medical attention; (3) it is almost exclusively the mother who takes action in response to symptoms; (4) this maternal nursing care includes supervision of health status, decision making, administration of home treatment, and arrangement for medical help; (5) the infrequency with which help is given to the mother in nursing care does not seem to be associated with family disorganization but rather with social norms, which define nursing care as belonging in the exclusive domain of the mother.
Enforcing Bias Crimes Laws Without Bias: Evaluating the Disproportionate Enforcement Critique

One of the standard arguments asserted by those who have challenged the efficacy, propriety, and even legality of bias crime laws, is that these laws will end up hurting the very people they are designed to protect. This disproportionate enforcement critique argues that bias crime laws, as implemented, will disproportionately be used against minority defendants and will otherwise cause disproportionate harm to minority groups. This paper addresses the disproportionate enforcement critique on a number of levels, concluding at the very least that there is insufficient basis to accept the critique, that the critique is to a large extent based on a misunderstanding of the goal of bias crime laws, and that, although the critique should make us watchful of the potential for disproportionate enforcement of the criminal laws generally, with bias crime law no exception, it ought not to call into serious question the overall project of enforcing laws against bias-motivated violence. After introducing the overall context of bias crime laws, the paper first reviews the disproportionate enforcement critique and offers a typology of the criticisms that have been brought. Some of these criticisms are not based on a concern with disproportionate enforcement, but ironically with a concern for proportionate enforcement. The common difficulty facing most of the critics, however, is the absence of empirical support for their assertions and concerns. Nor is this absence surprising. There are serious and systemic difficulties in obtaining support for any sustained empirical argument where bias crimes are concerned. This is the subject of the next part of the paper. After reviewing these difficulties, the paper proceeds to analyze the data that are available from Federal statistics and those compiled by three major cities to evaluate the strength of the disproportionate enforcement critique. I suggest that there is reason to reject the critique and that the one significant effort to support the critique empirically is ultimately unpersuasive. In addition, I suggest that there is reason, albeit softer, affirmatively to support the converse of the disproportionate enforcement critique: subject to the general concerns of disproportionate representation of minorities in our criminal justice system, bias crimes can indeed be prosecuted and punished without discrimination. Simply put, if we are to seek to root out the effects of racism - conscious and unconscious - in the criminal justice system, the area of bias-motivated violence is the wrong place to start, and perhaps even the wrong place to look altogether.
Technology as a Tool for Citizen Participation in Community Development and Tourism: The Rebuilding of Lower Manhattan

Internet technology has opened new venues for communication. One area offering great promise is virtual internet communities where citizens can “voice” their opinions and engage in dialogue in an electronic format. This format of citizen participation has been used is in planning and decision making for the rebuilding of New York City's Lower Manhattan area following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This study examines citizen feedback on the use of the electronic medium to gather citizen opinions. Citizens who participated in the process were satisfied with the opportunity to give their opinions about the use of space for tourism destinations, transportation, businesses, and housing. They also made suggestions about the use of on-line technology including the need for more extensive training of on-line group facilitators and development of guidelines for code of behavior, nature of postings, and consequences of improper conduct.
The Riemann Integral

Here we consider the familiar integral from calculus which is generally attributed to Riemann, though the idea of upper and lower sums for finding areas was used previously by Cauchy; other mathematicians had used such sums before Cauchy for estimating integrals but not for calculating exact values. The method we present is cleaner from the technical point of view and is attributed to Darboux; this method employs the notions of upper and lower integrals. To avoid confusion we will discuss the equivalence of this approach with the familiar Riemann sum approach. We will also devote some time to the famed Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and use this to derive some of the familiar properties of the exponential and logarithmic functions. The final section in this chapter will investigate the dysfunctional relationship between the limit process (with regard to a sequence of functions) and the Riemann integral propelling us toward the more sturdy Lebesgue integral.
Laboratory measure of an ecosystem response to a sustained stress.

A new method is described for measuring environmental stress through the use of the duckweed (Lemna minor) rhizosphere.
Resonantly interacting, weakly nonlinear hyperbolic waves.II. Several space variables

We present a systematic asymptotic theory for resonantly interacting weakly nonlinear hyperbolic waves in a single space variable. This theory includes as a special case the theory of nonresonant interacting waves for general hyperbolic systems developed recently by J. Hunter and J. B. Keller, when specialized to a single space variable. However, we are also able to treat the general situation when resonances occur in the hyperbolic system. Such resonances are the typical case when the hyperbolic system has at least three equations and when, for example, small-amplitude periodic initial data are prescribed. In the important physical example of the 3 × 3 system describing compressible fluid flow in a single space variable, the resonant asymptotic theory developed by the authors yields, as limit equations, a pair of inviscid Burgers equations coupled through a linear integral operator with known kernel defined through the initial data for the entropy wave. (In the general case we give many new conditions guaranteeing nonresonance for a given hyperbolic system with prescribed initial data, as well as other new structural conditions which imply that resonance occurs.) A method for treating resonantly interacting waves in several space variables, together with applications, will be developed by the authors elsewhere.
Electron-impact ionization and dissociative ionization of biomolecules

It is well recognized that secondary electrons play an important role in radiation damage to humans. Particularly important is the damage of DNA by electrons, potentially leading to mutagenesis. Molecular-level study of electron interaction with DNA provides information on the damage pathways and dominant mechanisms. Our study of electron-impact ionization of DNA fragments uses the improved binary-encounter dipole model and covers DNA bases, sugar phosphate backbone, and nucleotides. An additivity principle is observed. For example, the sum of the ionization cross sections of the separate deoxyribose and phosphate fragments is in close agreement with the C3(sup prime)- and C5 (sup prime)-deoxyribose-phospate cross sections, differing by less than 5%. Investigation of tandem double lesion initiated by electron-impact dissociative ionization of guanine, followed by proton reaction with the cytosine in the Watson-Crick pair, is currently being studied to see if tandem double lesion can be initiated by electron impact. Up to now only OH-induced tandem double lesion has been studied.
Amelioration in generalized anxiety disorder is associated with decreased Treg number and function (HUM1P.327)

In preclinical models, chronically stressed and highly anxious animals displayed impaired protective immunity and associated increased risks of cancer progression. These observations may reflect stress-linked increases in Treg numbers or function. We therefore assessed the number and function of FOXP3+ T-regulatory (Treg) cells in 9 patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These patients had Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores of >20, and provided blood samples for Treg evaluation at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment with the antidepressant, Desvenlafaxine, or placebo. After treatment, patients with significant improvement of HAM-A scores (i.e. responders) showed decreased Treg suppressive function in comparison with non-responders (23.8±9.8 vs. 83.4±50 units for CD4+ responder cells, p=0.035). Decreased HAM-A scores correlated with decreased suppression of CD4 cell proliferation (Spearman r=0.745, p=0.021) and with decrease in Treg numbers (Spearman r=0.775, p=0.041). Treg ability to suppress CD8 cell proliferation after treatment was also inversely correlated with decreases in HAM-A scores (Spearman r=-0.75, p=0.02). Conclusion: clinical improvement in GAD is accompanied by normalization of Treg numbers and function, which may have long-term impact on patient health and, potentially, risk of cancer progression.
Identification of a gene linked to Rhizobium meliloti ntrA whose product is homologous to a family to ATP-binding proteins.

Abstract The ntrA gene of Rhizobium meliloti has recently been identified and shown to be required for a diverse set of metabolic functions (C. W. Ronson, B. T. Nixon, L. M. Albright, and F. M. Ausubel, J. Bacteriol. 169:2424-2431, 1987). As a result of sequencing the ntrA gene and its flanking regions from R. meliloti, we identified an open reading frame directly upstream of ntrA, ORF1, whose predicted product is homologous to a superfamily of ATP-binding proteins involved in transport, cell division, nodulation, and DNA repair. The homology of ORF1 to this superfamily and its proximity to ntrA led us to investigate its role in symbiosis by mutagenesis and expression studies. We were unable to isolate an insertion mutation in ORF1, suggesting that ORF1 may code for an essential function. We identified the start of transcription for the ntrA gene in vegetative cells and bacteroids and showed that ORF1 and ntrA are transcriptionally unlinked. ORF1 appears to be in an operon with one or more upstream genes.
Formation, stability, and mobility of one-dimensional lipid bilayers on polysilicon nanowires.

Curved lipid membranes are ubiquitous in living systems and play an important role in many biological processes. To understand how curvature and lipid composition affect membrane formation and fluidity, we have assembled and studied mixed 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) supported lipid bilayers on amorphous silicon nanowires grown around carbon nanotube cores with controlled wire diameters ranging from 20 to 200 nm. We found that lipid vesicles fused onto nanowire substrates and formed continuous bilayers for all DOPC−DOPE mixtures tested (with the DOPE content of up to 30%). Our measurements demonstrate that nanowire-supported bilayers are mobile, exhibit fast recovery after photobleaching, and have a low concentration of defects. Lipid diffusion coefficients in these high-curvature tubular membranes are comparable to the values reported for flat supported bilayers and increase slightly with decreasing nanowire diameter. A free spac...
Management of ACCF/AHA Stage A and B Patients

Heart failure remains a major health problem in the United States, affecting 5.8 million Americans. Its prevalence continues to rise due to the improved survival of patients. Despite advances in treatment, morbidity and mortality remain very high, with a median survival of about 5 years after the first clinical symptoms. This article describes the causes, classification, and management goals of heart failure in Stages A and B.
Transient analytic elements for periodic Dupuit–Forchheimer flow

Abstract A new analytic element formulation is presented for the simulation of transient, periodic Dupuit–Forchheimer flow. Equations are presented for the discharge potential of periodic wells, line-sinks, and circular area-sinks; all discharge potentials are written in separated form as the product of a function of space and a periodic function of time. Boundary conditions are represented with Fourier series consisting of an arbitrary number of terms. The obtained solution is analytic; water levels in streams are met at collocation points along the stream exactly and continuously through time. Equations are derived for ‘influence factors’, which represent characteristic lengths over which the periodic change of a well or line-sink has a significant influence on the head variation in the aquifer. Possible applications of the proposed method include the modeling of seasonal fluctuations in head and baseflow, and the estimation of aquifer properties from measured head variations. A hypothetical example is presented and the variation of the head in the aquifer and the inflow along a stream branch are evaluated.
Remote sensing of animals

The improved accuracy and precision of animal tracking via satellites has made a significant impact on quantifying large-scale biogeographic patterns for a variety of taxa with important implications for conservation and natural resource management. This paper reviews research undertaken from 1995 to 1999 to provide an overview of advances in the remote sensing of animal movements in both terrestrial and marine environments and to identify promising trends for biogeographic research in the twenty-first century. Remote sensing of animals by satellite provides a new method to test a number of biogeographic hypotheses related to migration and can identify a number of environmental correlates associated with the distributions of species. Tracking of smaller species and increases in sample size are sure to occur as transmitter size and cost continue to decrease in the next decade. Geographers can significantly contribute to the understanding of species dispersal and distributional patterns by combining real-ti...
A comparison of several methods of assay of carbon-14 in protein

Abstract During the course of certain investigations the need for an accurate determination of radioactivity in protein may be essential. We have selected and compared several methods which are frequently used for the preparation and assay of carbon-14 labeled protein. The results presented indicate that each technique has certain advantages and limitations which should be considered according to the design and purpose of the experiment. The plating of proteins on filter paper may be employed when sufficient material is available. The plating and washing of protein on Millipore filters is rapid, but the choice of solvents is limited. Preparations of insoluble radioactive protein may be conveniently counted by suspension in Cab-O-Sil. All weight ranges of protein samples studied may be assayed by digestion in Hyamine and determination in solution.
Long-term effects of fenfluramine on central serotonergic mechanisms.

Abstract Consistent with results of previous studies, the present data indicate long-term changes in serotonergic neurons following a single injection of fenfluramine in rats. The brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity and the synaptosomal uptake of 3H-5-HT were markedly reduced 2 weeks after 40 mg/kg of fenfluramine, and, with the exception of tryptophan hydroxylase activity, remained significantly decreased for at least 2 months. Although substantial recovery was evident between 2 weeks and 2 months, regional studies revealed marked reductions in some areas at 2 months. The largest reductions in 5-HT, 5-HIAA and 5-HT uptake were found in the hippocampus and cortex. The pattern of reduction of TPH was different, with the largest reductions in midbrain and limbic forebrain. The administration of 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine, a specific inhibitor of 5-HT uptake, prior to fenfluramine, prevented the long-term decreases in 5-HT, 5-HIAA and 5-HT uptake capacity, but not the decrease in TPH. These data suggest that the reduction in enzyme activity is mediated by a mechanism different from that responsible for the decreases in the other parameters. Thus, it is likely that the long-term effects of fenfluramine on brain 5-HT neurons can not be explained by a single mechanism such as an irreversible cytotoxic action.
Victorian buddhism and the origins of comparative religion

(1975). Victorian buddhism and the origins of comparative religion. Religion: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-15.
Systemic infection with Hemophilus influenzae in very young infants

Experience is described with systemic infection due to H. influenzae in infants less than4 months old. Five patients with meningitis were observed in a 9 month period. Severe disease with widespread involvement of multiple systems was common. One patient had osteomyelitis, one had purulent pericarditis, and one had pneumonia with pneumatoceles. Two died. The rare occurrence of systemic infection with this organism in this age group has been correlated with the transfer of bactericidal activity across the placenta. This property was studied in 4 of the mothers of these infants and found to be very low.
Does Greenlight HPS™ Laser Photoselective Vaporization Prostatectomy Affect Sexual Function?

Abstract Purpose: We evaluate the impact of GreenLight High-Performance System (HPS™) laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) on sexual function after treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and Methods: We prospectively evaluated our initial single surgeon experience with GreenLight HPS™ laser PVP. All patients had American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) determinations. Transurethral PVP was performed using a 120W GreenLight HPS™ side-firing laser system. AUASS, SHIM, Qmax, and PVR were evaluated 1, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postsurgery. Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Student t-test were used to assess the changes from baseline. Results: Seventy-two patients completed 52 weeks of follow-up, having a median age of 69 (45–89) years. The median prostate volume was 62 (21–263) mL. Median AUASS improved significantly from...
Molecular dynamics investigations of DNA triple helical models: unique features of the Watson-Crick duplex.

We have built computer models of triple helical structures with a third poly(dT) strand Hoogsteen base paired to the major groove of a poly(dA).poly(dT) Watson-Crick (WC) base-paired duplex in the canonical A-DNA as well as B-DNA. For the A-DNA form, the sugar-phosphate backbone of the third strand intertwines and clashes with the poly(dA) strand requiring a radical alteration of the duplex to access the hydrogen bonding sites in the major groove. In contrast, when the duplex was in the canonical B-DNA form, the third strand was readily accommodated in the major groove without perturbing the duplex. The triple helical model, with the duplex in the B-DNA form, was equilibrated for 400ps using molecular dynamics simulations including water molecules and counter-ions. During the entire simulations, the deoxyriboses of the adenine strand oscillate between the S-type and E-type conformations. However, 30% of the sugars of the thymine strands-II & III switch to the N-type conformation early in the simulations but return to the S-type conformation after 200ps. In the equilibrium structure, the WC duplex portion of the triplex is unique and its geometry differs from both the A- or B-DNA. the deoxyriboses of the three strands predominantly exhibit S-type conformation. Besides the sugar pucker, the major groove width and the base-tilt are analogous to B-DNA, while the X-displacement and helical twist resemble A-DNA, giving a unique structure to the triplex and the Watson & Crick and Hoogsteen duplexes.
Brief note: time aberration in living organisms

Abstract Two mathematical models are constructed for the determination of the value of a time interval as sensed by a living organism and compared to the clock value of the given interval. The models appear to be useful, as general formulations, to discipline research into system phenomena whose behavior is dependent on real or perceived time. As such, the models should hold considerable interest for those scientist or researchers working with “intelligent” entities.
Laser modelocking and dual wavelength lasing in silicon

Nonlinear optics in silicon has drawn substantial attention in the recent years. In this research, laser mode-locking and dual wavelength lasing are achieved in a fiber-ring-cavity using an Erbium–doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) as a gain medium and a 1.7cm long silicon-on-insular waveguide as pulse compressor, a mode-locker and a Raman gain media. We show that the transient behavior of two photon absorption (TPA) and TPA induced free carrier absorption can be used for pulse compression and laser modelocking in the silicon waveguide inside the laser cavity. The proposed technique takes advantage of spontaneous generation of free carriers and the slow recombination time, >17ns, to attenuate the trailing edge of the time varying signals passing through the waveguide. When a 5µm 2 model area silicon waveguide is placed inside a fiber ring cavity consisting of an EDFA as a gain media and ~50ps modelocked laser pulses are generated at 1540nm. We also observe that the generated short pulses also induce stimulated Raman scattering at 1675nm in the same silicon waveguide. We show that engineering the laser cavity facilitates laser modelocking and dual wavelength laser oscillation at 1540nm and 1675nm. Experimentally we obtain <100ps modelocked pulses at both wavelengths. The average pump threshold power of the Raman laser is measured to be 3.75mW and the Stokes average output power is measured to be 3 µW.
The importance of ethics to job performance: An empirical investigation of managers' perceptions

This study probed a crucial assumption underlying much of the ethics theory and research: do managers perceive ethical behavior to be an important personal job requirement? A large sample of managers from a cross-section of industries and job functions indicated that, compared to other job duties, certain ethical behaviors were moderate to somewhat major parts of their jobs. Some noteworthy differences by industry, organization size, tenure and job function were also found. These findings underscore the importance of ethics for business education. They also have implications for manager selection, training, and development by organizations.
Systematic Review: Antimicrobial Urinary Catheters To Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Hospitalized Patients

The authors assessed the efficacy of currently marketed antimicrobial urinary catheters. In this systematic review of 12 trials, they concluded that antimicrobial urinary catheters can prevent bact...
Expression of pAMα1 tetracycline resistance gene in Corynebacterium glutamicum: segregation of antibiotic resistance due to intramolecular recombination

AnEscherichia coli/Corynebacterium glutamicum chimeric plasmid has been constructed containing the tetracycline resistance (TcR) determinant from pAMα1 and the kanamycin resistant (KmR) determinant from pBD10. The paAMα1 tetracycline resistance determinant is expressed inC. glutamicum although the transformed population segregates readily into tetracycline and kanamycin resistant populations. The segregation event is the result of an intramolecular recombination between the pAMα1 and pUB110 regions of the chimera.
Novel hydration induced flexible sulfonated poly(etherketoneketone) foam with super dielectric characteristics

High performance thermoplastic polymers, such as poly(etherketoneketone) (PEKK), etc., with excellent mechanical properties and thermo-oxidative stability are in great demand for expanding commercial applications. Transforming these materials into foamed structures through energy efficient approaches can be dramatically significant for various applications in which weight is critical. Due to the rigid aromatic structures, foaming them is normally extremely difficult via blowing agent assisted foaming techniques. In this study, homogeneous sulfonated PEKK (SPEKK) foam was fabricated through a facile and energy efficient hydration reaction induced self-foaming approach, in which, water acted as the blowing agent. The resulting SPEKK foam has a uniform pore size of ca. 5 μm and a cell density of 9.77 × 109cell per cm3, as well as a very low mass density of 0.42 g cm−3, suggesting a superiority to other foam structures reported, such as poly(aryl ether ketone) microcellular foams fabricated by conventional blowing agent assisted foaming techniques. The dielectric study demonstrated that the microcellular SPEKK foam possesses great potential for use in energy storage applications. The as prepared SPEKK foam showed a dramatically high permittivity (109 at 0.01 Hz and ca. 106 at 1000 Hz). At the same time, the SPEKK foam has a rather low dielectric loss, between 2 and 10 over the whole frequency range. With the dehydration of SPEKK foam, the relative permittivity dropped, but was still as high as ca. 107 at 0.01 Hz and ca. 103 at 1000 Hz.
Insights into stress corrosion cracking mechanisms from high-resolution measurements of crack-tip structures and compositions

Results are presented employing cross-sectional analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) to examine intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of austenitic stainless alloys in high-temperature water environments. Microstructural, chemical and crystallographic characterization of buried interfaces at near-atomic resolutions is used to investigate corrosion/oxidation reactions, composition changes and deformation events at crack tips. Information obtained by a wide variety of high-resolution imaging and analysis methods indicates the processes occurring during crack advance and provides insights into the mechanisms controlling SCC. Examples of crack tips produced in oxidizing and hydrogenated water are presented for both Fe-base stainless steels (SSs) and Ni-base stainless alloys. Cracks in SSs show similar characteristics in both environments, with oriented oxide films at crack walls and cracks ending in few-nm-wide tips. Many of these same features are seen for alloy 182 in oxidizing water suggesting a common mechanism, generally consistent with a slip oxidation process. A distinct difference is seen at alloy 600 and alloy 182 tips produced in hydrogenated water. Penetrative attack along grain boundaries without evidence for significant plastic deformation is believed to indicate a major role of active-path corrosion/oxidation in the SCC process.
Switching Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis

There are currently nine approved disease modifying therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, with six distinct mechanisms of action. All have side effects, and none are cures. When a patient cannot tolerate therapy, or there is unacceptable breakthrough disease activity, the most common approach is to change drug. No universal guidelines exist for switching therapy. This overview will propose switch principles and suggestions.
Modeling and design of an autothrottle speed control system

This paper describes the architecture and modeling of an autothrottle servo drive system developed by Woodward MPC Corporation for a typical midsize business jet aircraft. The autothrottle speed control system automatically adjusts the throttle lever position in response to changes in thrust level demands, thus providing speed control and thrust management for the aircraft. The autothrottle servo drive system implements a speed control loop that drives the throttle lever in response to speed commands from the autothrottle speed control system. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the accuracy and dynamic performance of the speed control system.
Packaging for VLSI components

Summary form only given. Most of the semiconductor industry is envisioning the day in the not-too-distant future when silicon parts will be an order of magnitude more complex than today?s LSI parts. The application of these complex parts will be in a variety of areas, some of which will be extensions of today?s applications, such as computer systems, communication and control. New uses will also immerge, possible only because of these new components. We are seeing the beginning of these applications in consumer products such as games and also in the transportation industry in automotive applications. Perhaps the most extensive application of these VLSl parts has not yet even emerged.
Life course, altruism, rational choice, and aspirations in social work education

Utilising semi-structured interviews, this study investigated various educational determinants contributing to college major selection and career choice of 40 undergraduates who had been admitted to a social work programme in southwestern United States. Major key principles of the life course approach were incorporated in this study to elucidate the participants’ educational aspirations. Five common life themes (i.e. (1) career transitions, (2) significant life events and turning points, (3) linked lives, (4) altruism and social justice and (5) rational choice) were developed to illustrate the salient factors that steered their educational pathways. Although the majority of the participants exhibited similarities in social background, life perception and professional outlook, the routes undertaken by each participant differed vastly, signalling the complexity of each participant’s life course. These findings revealed that even the most pragmatic and rational decision-making process is not context-free. Re...
Granulomatous hepatitis as a late complication of BCG immunotherapy

A case of BCG-induced granulomatous hepatitis, which developed 1 1/2 years after BCG immunotherapy for recurrent malignant melanoma, is described to document the development of this disease entity as a potential late complication of BCG immunotherapy. The clinical implications of the late development of BCG-induced granulomatous hepatitis, use of immunosuppressive chemotherapy, and possible alternatives for BCG in intratumor immunotherapy are discussed.
Strategies to meet the educational needs of non-traditional graduate students

This paper examines some of the issues involved in offering graduate programs that meet the educational needs of nontraditional graduate students. The strengths and weaknesses of two models—a weekend program and a satellite program—are reviewed, and the impact of technology on these models is discussed. We also make recommendations for developing successful alternative graduate programs. The discussion includes the characteristics of the student population, considerations for course scheduling, use of technology, access to facilities, and the availability of academic resources. A challenge for criminal justice academicians in the twenty-first century is to create an environment both enriching and stimulating for students and faculty members engaged in nontraditional programs.
Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia for clinical and experimental pain.

There is convincing evidence that acupuncture (AP) is effective for the treatment of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, as well as postoperative dental pain. Less convincing data support AP’s efficacy for chronic pain conditions, including headache, fibromyalgia and low back pain. There is no evidence that AP is effective in treating addiction, insomnia, obesity, asthma or stroke deficits. AP seems to be efficacious for alleviating experimental pain by increasing pain thresholds in human subjects and it appears to activate analgesic brain mechanisms through the release of neurohumoral factors, some of which can be inhibited by the opioid antagonist naloxone. In contrast to placebo analgesia, AP-related pain relief takes some time to develop and to resolve. Furthermore, repetitive use of AP analgesia can result in tolerance that demonstrates cross-tolerance with morphine. However, it appears that not all forms of AP are equally effective for providing analgesia. In particular, electro-...
Influence of Design Parameters on Mechanical Power Losses of Helical Gear Pairs

In this study, the influence of basic design parameters and tooth surface modifications on the mechanical (friction induced) power losses of a helical gear pair is studied. A helical gear mechanical efficiency model based on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is introduced. The model is used to simulate the gear contact conditions of an example helical gear pair within the ranges of basic design parameter such as pressure and helix angles, number of teeth (module), and major diameters to quantify their impact on mechanical power losses. Variation of gear efficiency with these parameters are then weighed against other functional requirements such as transmission error amplitudes, and contact and bending stresses to demonstrate that many designs that have high efficiency might perform poorly in terms of noise, pitting, and tooth breakage. A representative design that is acceptable in all aspects is considered next with varying amounts of tooth modifications to demonstrate their impact on power losses. At the end, recommendations are made on how to reduce helical gear mechanical power losses while meeting other functional requirements as well.
Occipital nerve stimulator placement under general anesthesia: initial experience with 5 cases and review of the literature.

Anesthesiologists support nerve stimulator insertion procedures, including occipital nerve stimulator placement for refractory headache disorders. Sedation during these cases can be challenging on account of variable surgical stimuli and surgery positioning that contribute to neck flexion, potential
Failure of family history to predict high blood cholesterol among hispanic preschool children

Abstract Recommendations for screening children for high blood cholesterol remain controversial. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference have recommended targeted screening of children with positive family history. We examined data from a sample of 108 Hispanic preschool children and their families to test targeted screening strategies. Thirty-seven children (34.3%) had total cholesterol levels of ⩾4.40 mmole/liter (170 mg/dl). Using the American Academy of Pediatrics definition of family history, sensitivity (proportion of those with high blood cholesterol with positive family history) was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.40 to 0.73) and accuracy (overall proportion correctly classified) was 0.58 (0.48 to 0.68). Using the American Heart Association and NIH Consensus Conference definition of family history, sensitivity was 0.46 (0.30 to 0.63) and accuracy was 0.62 (0.52 to 0.71). Classification of children based on the mother's total cholesterol level of ⩾5.17 mmole/liter (200 mg/dl), the mother's low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of ⩾4.14 mmole/liter (160 mg/dl), the mother's low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of ⩾3.36 mmole/liter (130 mg/dl), or the child's own body mass index ⩾75th percentile was less sensitive and no more accurate. These findings indicate that current recommendations as well as other potential strategies for targeted cholesterol screening in young children have serious shortcomings and lend support to universal cholesterol screening in childhood.