cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incompleteness in Networks: Biases, Skewed Results, and Some Solutions

Most network analysis is conducted on existing incomplete samples of much larger complete, fully observed graphs. For example, many researchers obtain graphs from online data repositories without knowing how these graphs were collected. Thus, these graphs can be poor representations of the fully observed networks. More complete data would lead to more accurate analyses, but data acquisition can be at best costly and at worst error-prone. For example, think of an adversary that deliberately poisons the answer to a query. Given a query budget for identifying additional nodes and edges, how can one improve the observed graph sample so that it is a more accurate representation of the complete, fully observed network? How does the approach change if one is interested in learning the best function (e.g. node classifier) on the network for a down-stream task? This is a novel problem that is related to, but distinct from, topics such as graph sampling and crawling. Given the prevailing use of graph samples in the research literature, this problem is of considerable importance, even though it has been ignored. In this tutorial, we discuss latent biases in incomplete networks and present methods for enriching such networks through active probing of nodes and edges. We focus on active learning and sequential decision-making formulations of this problem (a.k.a. the network discovery problem). We present distinctions between learning to grow the network (a.k.a. active exploration) vs. learning the "best" function on the network (a.k.a. active learning). In addition, we will discuss issues surrounding adversarial machine learning when querying for more data to reduce incompleteness.
Valued Living in Daily Experience: Relations with Mindfulness, Meaning, Psychological Flexibility, and Stressors

Engagement in daily valued action is a core component of psychological well-being. Although valued action is a common target of cognitive-behavioral intervention, the degree to which it fluctuates at a daily level—and its predictors—remain relatively untested. Thus, the present daily diary study examined the influence of daily stress and intrapersonal resources such as mindfulness, meaning, and psychological flexibility on valued action among 122 undergraduates. Results of multilevel modeling revealed significant within-and between-person variance in daily valued action, predicted by daily fluctuations in stress as well as average stress across days, dispositional mindfulness, meaning, and psychological flexibility. Intrapersonal resources did not significantly buffer the effects of stress on valued action. Future research should continue to examine valued action in a multilevel framework, given the significant within-person variation in the present study. In the context of clinical interventions, acute stressors experienced outside of session may interfere with valued action.
A low-cost, open-source inertial movement GPS logger for eco-physiology applications.

ABSTRACT Open-source technology has been increasingly used for developing low-cost animal-borne bio-loggers; however, a gap remains for a bio-logger that records both inertial movement and GPS positions. We address this need with the Tapered Wings Logger (TWLogger), an archival bio-logger that records high-resolution (e.g. 50 Hz) tri-axial accelerometry and magnetometry, temperature and GPS. The TWLogger can be built for 90 USD, accepts user-defined sampling parameters, and with a 500 mA h battery weighs 25 g. We provide publicly available build instructions and custom analysis scripts. Bench tests recorded 50 Hz inertial movement and 2 min GPS for 31.8±2.2 h (mean±s.d., n=6) with GPS accuracy within 10.9±13.6 m. Field deployments on a medium-sized bird of prey in the wild achieved similar results (n=13). The customizable TWLogger has wide-ranging application across systems and thus offers a practical solution for eco-physiology applications.
Rating of smile attractiveness of patients finished to the American Board of Orthodontics standards.

This study collected 68 smiling photos of cases taken to American Board of Orthodontics clinical exam and were considered as successfully treated. A panel of 52 raters from different specialties and laypeople were asked to rate the smile attractiveness on a scale from 1–10 and to also choose what components made the smile less attractive. Simple descriptive statistics were used to determine the mean, standard deviations, and quartiles of the smile attractiveness. Multilinear regression (MLR) analysis was used to examine the relationship of smile attractiveness when the variables of age, professional experience, and gender of the raters were considered. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was created to correlate the association between smile attractiveness and the perfect smile. The mean rating of each picture ranged from 3.42 ± 1.83 (least attractive smile) to 8.46 ± 1.59 (most attractive smile). The overall mean for smile attractiveness was 6.23 ± 1.09; additionally, it was found that problematic teeth, gum, and lips reduce the smile attractiveness score by 1.7, 1.7, and 1.2, respectively. The study showed that only 2 out of 68 American Board of Orthodontics treatment finishes had an attractive and perfect smile.
State Strategies for Enhancing Access and Quality in Systems of Care for Youth with Complex Behavioral Health Needs

The investigators conducted a qualitative study with state administrators and policymakers about the financing and policies that structure public systems of care for children with complex behavioral healthcare needs. The objective was to characterize diverse strategies states employed to enhance funding for, access to, and quality and effectiveness of home and community-based services (HCBS) for these youth. States report using a wide variety of creative solutions while navigating the unique needs and constraints of their political and economic environments. Findings can benefit public officials, researchers, and advocates by advancing knowledge-sharing of public policy-making and resourceful problem-solving.
Dimerization of indenocorannulene radicals: imposing stability through increasing strain and curvature

One-electron reduction of bowl-shaped indenocorannulene, C26H12, with Rb metal in THF affords [{Rb+(18-crown-6)}2(C26H12–C26H12)2−]·4THF, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The product consists of a dimeric σ-bonded dianion (C–C, 1.568(7) A) having two endo-η6 coordinated {Rb+(18-crown-6)} moieties (Rb–C, 3.272(4)–3.561(4) A). The (C26H12–C26H12)2− dimer represents the first crystallographically confirmed example of spontaneous coupling for indenocorannulene monoanion radicals, C26H12˙−. Comprehensive theoretical investigation of the new dimer confirms the single σ-bond character of the linker and reveals a significant increase of both thermodynamic and kinetic stability of [σ-(C26H12)2]2− in comparison with analogues formed by such π-bowls as corannulene and its dibenzo-derivative. The in-depth computational analysis and direct comparison of the series demonstrates the effect of curvature on radical coupling processes, allowing control over stability and reactivity of bowl-shaped π-radicals.
Improvement of bleeding manifestations of acquired von Willebrand syndrome after balloon aortic valvoplasty in a child with aortic stenosis

Abstract Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare bleeding disorder, that is frequently unrecognized or misdiagnosed as von Willebrand disease (vWD). Affected patients often have late onset of bleeding manifestations and unremarkable family history of bleeding. Key associated findings are low von Willebrand Factor Ristocetin cofactor/von Willebrand Factor Antigen Ratio and absence of high molecular weight multimers. The final diagnosis is made by exclusion of genetic vWD and identifying an acquired etiology like valvular stenosis. We describe a child with late onset of a bleeding disorder who was initially suspected to be vWD type 2B and was later found to have AVWS secondary to aortic stenosis.
A new class of high-entropy M 3 B 4 borides

A new class of high-entropy M3B4 borides of the Ta3B4-prototyped orthorhombic structure has been synthesized in the bulk form for the first time. Specimens with compositions of (V0.2Cr0.2Nb0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2)3B4 and (V0.2Cr0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2W0.2)3B4 were fabricated via reactive spark plasma sintering of high-energy-ball-milled elemental boron and metal precursors. The sintered specimens were ∼98.7% in relative densities with virtually no oxide contamination, albeit the presence of minor (4–5 vol%) secondary high-entropy M5B6 phases. Despite that Mo3B4 or W3B4 are not stable phase, 20% of Mo3B4 and W3B4 can be stabilized into the high-entropy M3B4 borides. Vickers hardness was measured to be 18.6 and 19.8 GPa at a standard load of 9.8 N. This work has further expanded the family of different structures of high-entropy ceramics reported to date.
On the eigenvalues of Grassmann graphs, Bilinear forms graphs and Hermitian forms graphs.

Recently, Brouwer, Cioaba, Ihringer and McGinnis obtained some new results involving the eigenvalues of various graphs coming from association schemes and posed some conjectures related to the eigenvalues of Grassmann graphs, bilinear forms graphs and Hermitian forms graphs. In this paper, we prove some of their conjectures.
Technology Intelligence Map: Finance Machine Learning

Although the terms of machine learning and deep learning have been widely used in the financial press and media, lack of agreement in the scientific and professional community about a holistic view of best practices, use cases, and trends still exists. Considering the need for filling this gap, the main aim of this study is to investigate and map the literature at the intersection of machine and deep learning as a subset, and finance and investment. This research proposes the use of bibliometric analysis of the literature that highlights the most important articles for this area of research. Specifically, this technique is applied to the literature about machine learning applications in investment and finance, resulting in a bibliographical review of the significant studies about the topic. The author evaluates papers indexed in the Scopus database. This study opens avenues for further research by concentrating on the importance of artificial intelligence and, specifically, machine learning in investment research and practice. Additionally, this review contributes by showing scholars and investment professionals in the areas in which machine learning can add value to investment research.
Transcavernous Approach for Gross Total Resection of a Dumbbell-Shaped Giant Trigeminal Schwannoma

Trigeminal schwannomas are rare nerve sheet tumors that represent the second most common intracranial site of occurrence after vestibular nerve origins. Microsurgical resection of giant dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas often requires complex skull base approaches. The extradural transcavernous approach is effective for the resection of these giant tumors involving the cavernous sinus. The patient is a 72-year-old man with headache, dizziness, imbalance, and cognitive decline. Neurological examination revealed left-sided sixth nerve palsy, a diminished corneal reflex, and wasting of temporalis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a giant homogeneously enhancing dumbbell-shaped extra-axial mass centered within the left cavernous sinus, Meckel's cave, and the petrous apex, with extension to the cerebellopontine angle. There was a significant mass effect on the brain stem causing hydrocephalus. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed erosion of the petrous apex resulting in partial anterior autopetrosectomy ( Figs. 1 and 2 ). The decision was made to proceed with tumor resection using a transcavernous approach. Gross total resection was achieved. The surgery and postoperative course were uneventful, and the patient woke up the same as in the preoperative period. MRI confirmed gross total resection of the tumor. The histopathology was a trigeminal schwannoma, World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The patient continues to do well without any recurrence at 15-month follow-up. This video demonstrates important steps of the microsurgical skull base techniques for resection of these challenging tumors. The link to the video can be found at https://youtu.be/TMK5363836M
Semiglobal Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems by n-Dimensional Sampled-Data Output Feedback

This paper first gives a review on recent advance in semiglobal asymptotic stabilization (SGAS) of MIMO nonlinear systems by sampled-data feedback and discusses their limitations. We then show how one of the limitations, namely, SGAS of SISO non-affine systems by n-dimensional sampled-data output feedback, can be addressed without using the dynamic extension method that usually results in a higher dimensional dynamic output compensator. This result provides a partial answer to the critical problem left in [12], where (2n-1)-dimensional output feedback controllers were designed.
Some Considerations on the Links Between Marketing Strategy and Corporate Reputation

Corporate reputation is a multidimensional construct that draws upon the firm's diverse objectives and activities. It is a potent conceptual tool for the development, implementation, and analysis of marketing strategy. We show how marketing strategy contributes to corporate reputation and gains from the mediation of reputation in achieving superlative performance.
Open-globe injury. Update on types of injuries and visual results.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate a recent series of patients who presented with open-globe injuries and to compare this series with a previous series collected at the authors' institution to determine whether prognostic factors or visual outcomes have changed. Methods: A retrospective review of 290 eyes of consecutive patients who presented to the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute with open-globe injuries between December 1985 and January 1993 (group B) was compared with a series of 476 eyes with openglobe injury treated and evaluated at this institute between January 1970 and December 1981 (group A). For comparison, the outcomes evaluated included rates of enucleation and final visual acuity. Results: Several factors identified previously in group A to correlate with visual outcomes also were found to correlate significantly ( P P = 0.02). The incidence of enucleation was lower in group B (24%) than in group A (30%). However, the percentage of patients who achieved ambulatory visual acuity (5/200) or better was similar in both groups (57%, group A versus 55%, group B). Conclusion: Prognostic factors identified previously proved valid in this recent series. Visual outcomes have improved at this institution in the last 20 years for patients with severe ocular trauma, although visual potential for these patients is still limited.
High endothelial differentiation in human lymphoid and inflammatory tissues defined by monoclonal antibody HECA-452.

Abstract Lymphocyte traffic into lymph nodes and into mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues is regulated by specialized postcapillary high endothelial venules (HEVs). The authors have produced a rat monoclonal antibody, HECA-452, that detects a human endothelial cell differentiation antigen selectively expressed on high endothelium. In immunoperoxidase studies, HECA-452 intensely stains all HEVs within lymphoid organs. In normal nonlymphoid tissues the antibody stains no vascular endothelium. The antibody, in addition to reacting with high endothelium, cross-reacts with a set of monocytic cells. In pathologic states such as autoimmune thyroiditis and Crohn's disease, known for the development of dense, frequently organized, lymphocytic infiltrates, HECA-452 detects HEV-like vessels containing luminal and intramural lymphocytes, presumably in the process of extravasating. The antigen was not expressed at detectable levels by venules in less heavily infiltrated chronic inflammatory sites nor in acutely inflamed tissues. In lymphoid malignancies, the only vessels stained were morphologically characteristic HEVs in association with areas of residual normal lymphoid tissue or reactive lymphocytic infiltrates. The specificity of HECA-452 for high endothelial cells confirms the highly specialized nature of these vessels and will permit studies of the regulation of high endothelial cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro. The HECA-452 antigen is preserved in paraffin sections of sublimate formaldehyde- and also routinely formalin-fixed tissues. Thus, HECA-452 will be widely applicable for the immunohistologic detection of endothelium specialized for the support of highly increased lymphocyte extravasation in inflammatory sites.
Lightweight task/application performance using single versus multiple monitors: a comparative study

It is becoming increasingly common to see computers with two or even three monitors being used today. People seem to like having more display space available, and intuition tells us that the added space should be beneficial to work. Little research has been done to examine the effects and potential utility of multiple monitors for work on everyday tasks with common applications, however. We compared how people completed a trip planning task that involved different applications and included interjected interruptions when they worked on a computer with one monitor as compared to a computer with two monitors. Results showed that participants who used the computer with two monitors performed the task set faster and with less workload, and they also expressed a subjective preference for the multiple monitor computer.
Creating an ideal social and behavioural sciences curriculum for medical students

OBJECTIVES Undergraduate medical education programmes universally struggle with overfull curricula that make curricular changes quite challenging. Final content decisions are often influenced by available faculty staff, vocal champions or institutional culture. We present a multi-modal process for identifying 'need-to-know' content while leveraging curricular change, using the social and behavioural sciences (SBS) as an exemplar. METHODS Several multi-modal approaches were used to identify and triangulate core SBS curricula, including: a national survey of 204 faculty members who ranked the content importance of each of the SBS content areas; a comprehensive review of leading medical SBS textbooks; development of an algorithm to assess the strength of evidence for and potential clinical impact of each SBS construct; solicitation of student input, and review of guidelines from national advocacy organisations. To leverage curricular change, curriculum mapping was used to compare the school's 'actual' SBS curriculum with an 'ideal' SBS curriculum to highlight educational needs and areas for revision. Clinical clerkship directors assisted in translating core SBS content into relevant clinical competencies. RESULTS Essential SBS content areas were identified along with more effective and efficient ways of teaching SBS within a medical setting. The triangulation of several methods to identify content raised confidence in the resulting content list. Mapping actual versus ideal SBS curricula highlighted both current strengths and weaknesses and identified opportunities for change. CONCLUSIONS This multi-modal, several-stage process of generating need-to-know curricular content and comparing it with current practices helped promote curricular changes in SBS, a content area that has been traditionally difficult to teach and is often under-represented. It is likely that this process can be generalised to other emerging or under-represented topic areas.
Professional Faces: Pre-service Secondary Teachersâ Awareness of Issues of Self-disclosure on Social-networking Sites

An important component of teacher education is the emphasis on what it means to be a professional in the field. Teacher educators must help pre-service teachers recognize that what may be acceptable in their lives now may not be when they are looking for their first job or once they are in the classroom. One such issue is the use of social networking websites, such as Facebook, and how the information that teachers post can affect them as professionals. This paper discusses the results of a study of 68 pre-service secondary teachers and their understanding of the impact of self-disclosure on social networking as future educators. The results suggest that while pre-service teachers found many of the issues at hand to be common sense, they developed a deeper understanding of the ramifications of unprofessional self-disclosure on social networking sites after being presented with a number of case studies and examples.
Cognitive Engineering for Intelligent Control Systems Design: Preserving User Models in Requirements Analysis

Current methods for gathering and formalizing software requirements do not adequately address development of the user component in intelligent control systems. Research indicates full integration of this component is essential to the design of systems where the user is key to system performance. The user model provides a promising focus for integrating human cognitive factors, mission tasks, and technological design options, resulting in an improved development process and producing better intelligent control systems. This paper presents a user model-based development process grounded in cognitive engineering research. The process also benefits from multimedia-based object management technologies. Application of this process is illustrated using a series of examples from the domain of onboard support systems for tactical fighter pilots.
What Should I Do Next? Adaptive Sequencing in the Context of Open Social Student Modeling

One of the original goals of intelligent educational systems was to guide each student to the most appropriate educational content. In previous studies, we explored both knowledge-based and social guidance approaches and learned that each has a weak side. In the present work, we have explored the idea of combining social guidance with more traditional knowledge-based guidance systems in hopes of supporting more optimal content navigation. We propose a greedy sequencing approach aimed at maximizing each student’s level of knowledge and implemented it in the context of an open social student modeling interface. We performed a classroom study to examine the impact of this combined guidance approach. The results of our classroom study show that a greedy guidance approach positively affected students’ navigation, increased the speed of learning for strong students, and improved the overall performance of students, both within the system and through end-of-course assessments.
Chilling damage in a changing climate in coastal landscapes of the subtropical zone: a case study from south Florida

Freeze events significantly influence landscape structure and community composition along subtropical coastlines. This is particularly true in south Florida, where such disturbances have historically contributed to patch diversity within the mangrove forest, and have played a part in limiting its inland transgression. With projected increases in mean global temperatures, such instances are likely to become much less frequent in the region, contributing to a reduction in heterogeneity within the mangrove forest itself. To understand the process more clearly, we explored the dynamics of a Dwarf mangrove forest following two chilling events that produced freeze-like symptoms, i.e., leaf browning, desiccation, and mortality, and interpreted the resulting changes within the context of current winter temperatures and projected future scenarios. Structural effects from a 1996 chilling event were dramatic, with mortality and tissue damage concentrated among individuals comprising the Dwarf forest’s low canopy. This disturbance promoted understory plant development and provided an opportunity for Laguncularia racemosa to share dominance with Rhizophora mangle. Mortality due to the less severe 2001 event was greatest in the understory, probably because recovery of the protective canopy following the earlier freeze was still incomplete. Stand dynamics were static over the same period in nearby unimpacted sites. The probability of reaching temperatures as low as those recorded at a nearby meteorological station ( 31C) under several warming scenarios was simulated by applying 11 incremental temperature increases to a model developed from a 42-year temperature record. According to the model, the frequency of similar chilling events decreased from once every 1.9 years at present to once every 3.4 and 32.5 years with 1 and 41C warming, respectively. The large decrease in the frequency of these events would eliminate an important mechanism that maintains Dwarf forest structure, and promotes compositional diversity.
A Review of the Factors Affecting the Stability of Solids-Stabilized Emulsions

This paper discusses the main factors that play an important role in the formation and stabilization of emulsions containing finely divided solids. The influence of contact angle, particle size, particle interactions, and surfactants on emulsion behavior is discussed, and the state of the art in experimental techniques and fundamental research work is described.
Statistical Methods for Poisson Processes and Exponential Populations

(1954). Statistical Methods for Poisson Processes and Exponential Populations. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 49, No. 266, pp. 254-266.
Heparin dosing for percutaneous coronary angioplasty: Use of body surface area to improve initial activated clotting time values

Background: Activated clotting time (ACT) values during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after the initial 10,000 U heparin bolus are often below target values of 350 or 400 s (Hemochron) and have to be supplemented with additional heparin. This study evaluated the initial 10 min post-heparin bolus clotting time value using a body surface area (BSA)-adjusted heparin bolus versus the traditional 10,000 U heparin bolus. Hypothesis: Body surface area adjustment of initial heparin dosing prior to PTCA will be more effective in reaching target ACT values compared with the 10,000 U heparin bolus method. Methods: Twenty-seven patients receiving the BSA-adjusted heparin bolus were compared with 27 age- and gender-matched controls who had received the traditional heparin bolus. The adjusted heparin bolus formula used was [BSA(m2)/1.3m2] X 10,000 U of heparin. Results: The success rate at reaching the target value of 400 s was 13 of 27 (48.1%) and 2 of 27 (7.4%) for the BSA-guided and 10,000 U heparin-guided groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The success rate at reaching the 350 s target value was 25 of 27 (92.6%) and 6 of 27 (22.2%) for the BSA-guided and 10,000 U heparin-guided groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The 95% confidence intervals for the difference in success between the BSA-guided and 10,000 U heparin-guided groups were 0.19–0.62 and 0.52–0.89 for the 400 s and 350 s ACT targets, respectively. Conclusion: Body surface area adjustment of initial heparin dosing is a more effective method of reaching the initial ACT target values of 350 and 400 s compared with the traditional method prior to PTCA. This conclusion applies to the Hemochron ACT device and arterial samples, and adjustments may need to be made for other devices and/or venous samples.
Disposition of o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol in male rats.

The disposition and metabolism of o‐benzyl‐p‐chlorophenol (BCP) were studied in male Fischer‐344 rats. Three days after oral administration of [14C]BCP at 10, 100, or 1000 mg/kg, more than 90% of each dose was excreted in urine and feces. Comparison of disposition after intravenous, dermal, or oral administration indicated that BCP was not completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or skin. Biliary excretion of BCP was dose‐dependent, with proportionally less BCP‐derived radioactivity being excreted in the bile as the dose was raised. The results also indicated that enterohepatic circulation was involved in BCP disposition. The major in vivo metabolites were glucuronyl conjugates of BCP and hydroxy‐BCP. Clutathione conjugates were also present in urine. In vitro metabolism studies support the observation that microsomal oxidation and glutathione and glucuronyl conjugation play major roles in BCP metabolism. Spleen, kidney, and liver contained the highest tissue concentrations of BCP‐derived radio...
Physical processes in positronium formation at metal surfaces

The rate of positronium formation (pickup) near a metal surface undergoing bombardment with medium energy positrons is calculated within an approximate model. The formation process proceeds in three stages: slowdown (during which the positron is thermalized due to inelastic positron--conduction-electron and positron-phonon scattering), diffusion (which brings the positron from the characteristic stopping distance to the surface), and electron capture (which takes place at the surface). The process is formulated in terms of a phenomenological Boltzmann-equation approach. We then calculate the range and the microscopic features of the positron diffusion. It is shown that the thermal positron may be regarded as undergoing an isotropic random walk. The role of the surface potential in impeding the positronium formation is discussed and a picture evolves of the positron making several attempts at tunneling through the attractive surface barrier before escaping with a captured electron. Our final results for the pick-up fraction are in reasonable qualitative agreement with recent experimental results of Mills.
Comparing campus and city crime rates: a descriptive study

Over the past twenty years in the USA, as institutions have grown in size and the student profile has extended over a wider socio‐economic base, campus crime has increased. Details an exploratory comparison of reported crime at 80 campuses and their adjacent cities. Finds that property crimes vastly outnumber violent crimes on campus and that campuses have consistently lower crime rates than adjacent cities. Notes that these findings are generally consonant with prior inquiries. Suggests that campus police might be deployed on neighborhood watch.
Establishing Trust in Electronic Commerce Through Online Word of Mouth: An Examination Across Genders

This paper focuses on the cultural effect of gender on the relationship of online word of mouth and trust in e-commerce. To encourage online commerce, many online retailers use online word-of-mouth systems, where consumers can rate products offered for sale. To date, how such ratings affect trust and adoption of e-commerce across genders has been relatively unexplored. We assess whether the effect of online trust on intention to shop online is moderated by gender. Our results show that the effect of trust on intention to shop online is stronger for women than for men. In addition, we find that men value their ability to post content online, whereas women value the responsive participation of other consumers to the content they have posted. Finally, we find that online word-of-mouth quality affects online trust differently across genders.
Barriers to adoption of recent technology in cervical screening

The Pap smear is one of the modern success stories in the field of preventive medicine. Since its introduction as a screening test, there has been a dramatic reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. However, the search for a better screening test continues. The new technologies, including liquid-based cytology (LBC), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing and automated or machine-assisted screening have been introduced. However, there is continuous debate about whether society's limited resources are better spent on reaching the underserved rather than on these technologies. Another question is whether these technologies create yet another kind of disparity in delivering preventive care. For example, despite the wide use of LBC (99% of tests submitted to our laboratory are LBC), conventional Pap smears are still used to screen/follow up some women. It is not clear why some providers continue to prefer conventional smear over LBC and what are the barriers for adopting LBC in cervical cancer screening. We hypothesize the lower cost of conventional compared to LBC Pap testing, patient's lower socio-economic indices, a patient's medical history and provider's subspecialty/training all appear to play a role in the choice of using conventional Pap testing rather than LBC. Unintentionally, this choice results in repeat testing, delayed treatment and potentially higher costs than intended. The ultimate goal of this review article is to understand and explore possible barriers and disparities to adopting new technology in cancer screening.
LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF GYNECOLOGIC PATHOLOGIC CONDITIONS FOUND AT LAPAROSCOPY FOR PRESUMED APPENDICITIS

Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly employed, particularly in young women of child-bearing age in whom the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant pain is extensive and includes gynecologic pathology. In the first section of this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a laparoscopic approach to presumed appendicitis and summarize available data comparing the laparoscopic and open approach. The second section of this article deals with the management of gynecologic pathology found at laparoscopy.
Too little time?: time constraints and time pressure in information search

People often experience time pressure when searching, yet the impact of time pressure on search behaviors and outcomes has not been studied extensively by the information science and information retrieval communities. In addition, experimental interactive information retrieval studies often include researcher-imposed time limits that may influence participants' search behavior and outcome measures in ways that are not well understood. This research proposes a systematic investigation of imposed time constraints on frequently used interaction measures and participants' perceptions of the search process and outcome.
Contact angle hysteresis: a different view and a trivial recipe for low hysteresis hydrophobic surfaces

Contact angle hysteresis is addressed from two perspectives. The first is an analysis of the events that occur during motion of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces. Hysteresis is discussed in terms of receding contact line pinning and the tensile failure of capillary bridges. The sign of the curvature of the solid surface is implicated as playing a key role. The second is the report of a new method to prepare smooth low hysteresis surfaces. The thermal treatment of oxygen plasma-cleaned silicon wafers with trimethylsilyl-terminated linear poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS - commercial silicone oils) in disposable glass vessels is described. This treatment renders silicon/silica surfaces that contain covalently attached PDMS chains. The grafted layers of nanometre scale thickness are liquid-like (rotationally dynamic at room temperature), decrease activation barriers for contact line motion and minimize water contact angle hysteresis. This simple method requires neither sophisticated techniques nor substantial laboratory skills to perform.
Looking back: Sputnik

Briefly discusses the circumstances leading to the launch of Sputnik 1. Radio observations of the signal are described leading to an ephemeris. The radio transmissions of the very early satellites are considered from an ionospheric research point of view. The author concludes by discussing the Nora-Alice payload for transmitting radio signals from satellites for ionospheric research.
Common mechanisms for declines in oxidative stress tolerance and proliferation with aging.

Abstract Aging is often characterized by reduced stress tolerance and decreased proliferative capacity, but little is known about the effects of aging on signaling pathways important in regulating these responses. Recent studies from our laboratory have implicated impairments in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation to both effects in rat hepatocytes. Here we investigated the responsiveness of hepatocytes derived from young (4–5 months) and aged (24–29 months) mice to proliferative signals (low concentrations of H 2 O 2 and epidermal growth factor [EGF] stimulation), and oxidant injury (high H 2 O 2 concentrations). Old hepatocytes displayed lower levels of DNA synthesis in response to low H 2 O 2 concentrations (5–10 μM) and EGF stimulation, and reduced survival following treatment with high H 2 O 2 concentrations (20–50 μM). Both effects were associated with reduced activation of ERK and diminished phosphorylation of EGFR tyrosine residue 1173. p38 was also activated by H 2 O 2 , but to a greater extent in old cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK increased the sensitivity of young cells to H 2 O 2 -induced cell death, while inhibition of p38 decreased the sensitivity of old cells. Our findings suggest that impairments in common signaling events underlie age-related declines in proliferative capacity and oxidative stress tolerance in mouse hepatocytes, and that an imbalance in ERK and p38 activities contributes to the greater sensitivity of aged cells to H 2 O 2 .
Independent Control of Fiber Development and Nitrate Reduction in Cultured Cotton Ovules

Several lines of evidence implicate ammonium as an important factor in the growth and development of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) ovules cultured in vitro. For example, ovules cultured at 28 C require indoleacetic acid (IAA) and either ammonium or gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) in the medium for fiber development, whereas ovules cultured at 34 C require only IAA. Because of this effect of ammonium supply, it seemed possible that hormones or increased temperature were also promoting the availability of reduced nitrogen by induction of increased nitrate reductase activity in the ovules. This possibility was tested. In vivo, where ovules received mostly reduced nitrogen and very little nitrate, they did not display appreciable nitrate reductase activity even when nitrate was forced into the ovary wall by transpiration. After initiation of culture, nitrate became freely available to ovules and their nitrate reductase activity increased rapidly. Treatment with ammonium, GA 3 , IAA, or increased temperature had no effect upon this induction. It is concluded that ammonium, hormone, and temperature effects on fiber development are independent of the availability of reduced nitrogen as a general substrate for growth.
Worldwide somatic comparisons among contemporary human groups of adult females

This paper aggregates and compares findings on 300 groups of women studied in different parts of the world. Variables considered are stature, sitting height, head width and length, face width and height, shoulder and hip widths, and limb girths. Most of the groups were measured between 1950 and 1965. Mean stature approximates 137 cm to 139 cm on Bambuti women of Africa, Asai women of New Guinea, and Sierra de Parija women of South America. Means are near 143 cm for Pahira and Telefolmin women; 148 cm for Bundi, Quechua, and Vietnamese women; 154 cm for Ethiopian and Japanese women; and 159 cm for Coniagui, Italian, Jamaica Negroid, Polish, and Russian women. Groups taller than 162 cm include Amerind women of the Blackfeet tribe; European women of German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Swiss descent; and United States women of northwest European ancestry. The body stem component of stature is relatively short in Australian aborigines and women of several Negroid and Amerind tribes; relatively long in Japanese and Quechua women; and intermediate in women of India, Taiwan aborigines, and United States Caucasoid women. In mean head width, Apache women exceed Pahira women by 2.4 cm, or 18%. In head length, Easter Island natives average 2.0 cm, or 12% longer than Paiwan women of Taiwan. Means for biiliocristal diameter are below or near 24 cm on Bujeba, Hutu, Quechua, Shirisna, Tutsi, and Yecuana women, and above 28 cm on Basque, French, Hungarian, Sicilian, and United States Caucasoid women. For biacromial diameter, means are near 30 cm on Sinhalese women, and near 36 cm on several groups of European women.
Combined use of behavior modification and very low-calorie diet in weight loss and weight maintenance.

The authors assessed the long-term efficacy of a weight-loss program combining the use of a very low-calorie diet and behavior modification. This program involved medical supervision as well as group behavior modification classes, which emphasized long-term lifestyle changes, along with nutrition education. A study was conducted in 1984 and again in 1991, of unselected consecutive patients who had completed this hospital-based, weight-control program 12 to 18 months earlier. Patients were asked to return to the medical center to be weighed and complete a questionnaire regarding biobehavioral factors. The results of both the 1984 and 1991 follow-up studies were very similar. The patients’ initial body mass index was 34.6 kg/m2 ± 0.57 kg/m2 (mean ± standard error of the mean, n = 109) and average weight loss was 23.2 kg ± 1.1 kg, resulting in a body mass index of 26.2 kg/m2 ± 0.42 kg/m2 upon completion of the program. At 12 to 18 months of follow-up, mean body mass index was 29.6 kg/m2 ± 0.54 kg/m2. There was a wide spectrum of long-term compliance and recidivism. On average, 61% of patients kept off at least 50% of the weight they had originally lost. In addition, medication usage for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes was reduced among the patients with reduced obesity. A retrospective analysis of patient characteristics and habits did not accurately predict which patients would be successful long-term. In conclusion, the combined use of a very low-calorie diet plus behavior modification was successful in the majority of patients who completed the program. Because there was a significant improvement in a number of medical problems, this approach continues to warrant consideration for the treatment of obesity.
Experimentally-derived fibroblast gene signatures identify molecular pathways associated with distinct subsets of systemic sclerosis patients in three independent cohorts.

Genome-wide expression profiling in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has identified four ‘intrinsic’ subsets of disease (fibroproliferative, inflammatory, limited, and normal-like), each of which shows deregulation of distinct signaling pathways; however, the full set of pathways contributing to this differential gene expression has not been fully elucidated. Here we examine experimentally derived gene expression signatures in dermal fibroblasts for thirteen different signaling pathways implicated in SSc pathogenesis. These data show distinct and overlapping sets of genes induced by each pathway, allowing for a better understanding of the molecular relationship between profibrotic and immune signaling networks. Pathway-specific gene signatures were analyzed across a compendium of microarray datasets consisting of skin biopsies from three independent cohorts representing 80 SSc patients, 4 morphea, and 26 controls. IFNα signaling showed a strong association with early disease, while TGFβ signaling spanned the fibroproliferative and inflammatory subsets, was associated with worse MRSS, and was higher in lesional than non-lesional skin. The fibroproliferative subset was most strongly associated with PDGF signaling, while the inflammatory subset demonstrated strong activation of innate immune pathways including TLR signaling upstream of NF-κB. The limited and normal-like subsets did not show associations with fibrotic and inflammatory mediators such as TGFβ and TNFα. The normal-like subset showed high expression of genes associated with lipid signaling, which was absent in the inflammatory and limited subsets. Together, these data suggest a model by which IFNα is involved in early disease pathology, and disease severity is associated with active TGFβ signaling.
An Aspect of Euphausiid Ecology Revealed By Echo-Sounding in a Fjord 1)

[Das tagliche Auf- und Absteigen einer teilweise isolierten Gemeinschaft des Planktonkrebschens Euphausia pacifica wurde mittels Echolot in einem kanadischen Fjord beobachtet. Eine abrupte Abnahme im Sauerstoffgehalt des Wassers in 100 m Tiefe verhindert anscheinend das Absteigen der Tiere und beschrankt sie auf eine helle Umgebung, welche merklich mehr und gruneres Licht (1,2 X 10-1 μW/cm2 bei λmax.' 494-502 mμ) enthalt als Wasserschichten, welche von pelagischen Formen derselben Spezies bewohnt werden. Dieses Licht scheint die Vertikalwanderungen hier ebenso gut zu kontrollieren wie das blauere Licht geringerer Intensitat (1 X 10-4 μW/cm2 bei λ max.' 475-480 mμ) bei den pelagischen Tieren. Dies deutet auf eine Anpassung an eine kustennahe Lichtumgebung hin. Das Sehpigment Euphausiopsin spielt wahrscheinlich dieselbe Rolle bei pelagischen und kustennahen Vertretern der Spezies; vermehrte Einlagerung eines anderen Pigments, Astaxanthin, ermoglicht vermutlich die Anpassung. Ob es sich dabei um eine nicht-genetische oder genetische Anpassung handelt ist nicht ohne weiteres zu entscheiden., Das tagliche Auf- und Absteigen einer teilweise isolierten Gemeinschaft des Planktonkrebschens Euphausia pacifica wurde mittels Echolot in einem kanadischen Fjord beobachtet. Eine abrupte Abnahme im Sauerstoffgehalt des Wassers in 100 m Tiefe verhindert anscheinend das Absteigen der Tiere und beschrankt sie auf eine helle Umgebung, welche merklich mehr und gruneres Licht (1,2 X 10-1 μW/cm2 bei λmax.' 494-502 mμ) enthalt als Wasserschichten, welche von pelagischen Formen derselben Spezies bewohnt werden. Dieses Licht scheint die Vertikalwanderungen hier ebenso gut zu kontrollieren wie das blauere Licht geringerer Intensitat (1 X 10-4 μW/cm2 bei λ max.' 475-480 mμ) bei den pelagischen Tieren. Dies deutet auf eine Anpassung an eine kustennahe Lichtumgebung hin. Das Sehpigment Euphausiopsin spielt wahrscheinlich dieselbe Rolle bei pelagischen und kustennahen Vertretern der Spezies; vermehrte Einlagerung eines anderen Pigments, Astaxanthin, ermoglicht vermutlich die Anpassung. Ob es sich dabei um eine nicht-genetische oder genetische Anpassung handelt ist nicht ohne weiteres zu entscheiden.]
The effect of magnetic stress and stiffness modulus on resonant characteristics of Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy actuators

Abstract The prospect of using ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) is promising for a resonant actuator that requires large strain output and a drive frequency below 1 kHz. In this investigation, three FSMA actuators, equipped with tetragonal off-stoichiometric Ni2MnGa single crystals, were developed to study their frequency response and resonant characteristics. The first actuator, labeled as A1, was constructed with low-k bias springs and one Ni–Mn–Ga single crystal. The second actuator, labeled as A2, was constructed with high-k bias springs and one Ni–Mn–Ga crystal. The third actuator, labeled as A3, was constructed with high-k bias springs and two Ni–Mn–Ga crystals connected in parallel. The three actuators were magnetically driven over the frequency range of 10 Hz–1 kHz under 2 and 3.5 kOe magnetic-field amplitudes. The field amplitude of 2 kOe is insufficient to generate significant strain output from all three actuators; the maximum magnetic-field-induced strain (MFIS) at resonance is 2%. The resonant MFIS output improves to 5% under 3.5-kOe amplitude. The frequency responses of all three actuators show a strong effect of the spring k constant and the Ni–Mn–Ga modulus stiffness on the resonant frequencies. The resonant frequency of the Ni–Mn–Ga actuator was raised from 450 to 650 Hz by increasing bias spring k constant and/or the number of Ni–Mn–Ga crystals. The higher number of the Ni–Mn–Ga crystals not only increases the magnetic force output but also raises the total stiffness of the actuator resulting in a higher resonant frequency. The effective modulus of the Ni–Mn–Ga is calculated from the measured resonant frequencies using the mass-spring equation; the calculated modulus values for the three actuators fall in the range of 50–60 MPa. The calculated effective modulus appears to be close to the average modulus value between the low twinning modulus and high elastic modulus of the untwined Ni–Mn–Ga crystal.