cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ParaLabel: Autonomous Parameter Learning for Cross-Domain Step Counting in Wearable Sensors

Wearable step counters, also referred to as activity trackers, have been developed for health and activity monitoring, as well as for step tracking. These trackers, however, produce unreliable measurements during slow walking and when walking with assistive devices (i.e., aided walking). To address this challenge, in this article, we introduce, ParaLabel , a filter-based step counting algorithm that is reliable against various walking velocities and intensities. ParaLabel addresses this problem by learning a filter cut-off frequency autonomously in a new domain without the need for collecting sensor data and manually tuning the algorithm parameter for a different velocity and/or pattern of walking. We formulate this problem as a transfer learning problem in which the new filter cut-off frequency is transferred from a bank containing previously fine-tuned parameters from different domain(s). Our extensive analysis using real data collected from 15 participants while wearing an accelerometer sensor on their chest, wrist, or left pocket demonstrates the superiority of ParaLabel to two commercially available trackers worn on the same body location, and state-of-the-art techniques. ParaLabel achieves 96.3% − 99.9% accuracy during walking on a treadmill at three different velocities, 98.2% − 99.9% accuracy during walking with a shopping cart, and 89.3% − 97.3% accuracy while walking with the aid of a walker.
Telemedicine in Neurosurgery: Lessons Learned from a Systematic Review of the Literature for the COVID-19 Era and Beyond.

BACKGROUND: Evolving requirements for patient and physician safety and rapid regulatory changes have stimulated interest in neurosurgical telemedicine in the COVID-19 era. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic literature review investigating treatment of neurosurgical patients via telemedicine, and to evaluate barriers and challenges. Additionally, we review recent regulatory changes that affect telemedicine in neurosurgery, and our institution's initial experience. METHODS: A systematic review was performed including all studies investigating success regarding treatment of neurosurgical patients via telemedicine. We reviewed our department's outpatient clinic billing records after telemedicine was implemented from 3/23/2020 to 4/6/2020 and reviewed modifier 95 inclusion to determine the number of face-to-face and telemedicine visits, as well as breakdown of weekly telemedicine clinic visits by subspecialty. RESULTS: A total of 52 studies (25 prospective and 27 retrospective) with 45 801 patients were analyzed. A total of 13 studies were conducted in the United States and 39 in foreign countries. Patient management was successful via telemedicine in 99.6% of cases. Telemedicine visits failed in 162 cases, 81.5% of which were due to technology failure, and 18.5% of which were due to patients requiring further face-to-face evaluation or treatment. A total of 16 studies compared telemedicine encounters to alternative patient encounter mediums; telemedicine was equivalent or superior in 15 studies. From 3/23/2020 to 4/6/2020, our department had 122 telemedicine visits (65.9%) and 63 face-to-face visits (34.1%). About 94.3% of telemedicine visits were billed using face-to-face procedural codes. CONCLUSION: Neurosurgical telemedicine encounters appear promising in resource-scarce times, such as during global pandemics.
Whistle blowing, forced CEO turnover, and misconduct: The role of socially minded employees and directors

We examine the response of prosocial employees and boards of directors to corporate misconduct. We develop several proxies for the presence of prosocial employees and directors based on the density...
Advanced imaging techniques for neuro-oncologic tumor diagnosis, with an emphasis on PET-MRI imaging of malignant brain tumors.

This review will explore the latest in advanced imaging techniques, with a focus on the complementary nature of multiparametric, multimodality imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Advanced MRI techniques including perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and MR chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) offer significant advantages over conventional MR imaging when evaluating tumor extent, predicting grade, and assessing treatment response. PET performed in addition to advanced MRI provides complementary information regarding tumor metabolic properties, particularly when performed simultaneously. 18F-fluoroethyltyrosine (FET) PET improves the specificity of tumor diagnosis and evaluation of post-treatment changes. Incorporation of radiogenomics and machine learning methods further improve advanced imaging. The complementary nature of combining advanced imaging techniques across modalities for brain tumor imaging and incorporating technologies such as radiogenomics has the potential to reshape the landscape in neuro-oncology.
Two dimensional triangulation of breakdown in a high voltage coaxial gap

We describe a technique by which magnetic field probes are used to triangulate the exact position of breakdown in a high voltage coaxial vacuum gap. An array of three probes is placed near the plane of the gap with each probe at 90° intervals around the outer (anode) electrode. These probes measure the azimuthal component of the magnetic field and are all at the same radial distance from the cylindrical axis. Using the peak magnetic field values measured by each probe, the current carried by the breakdown channel, and Amperes law we can calculate the distance away from each probe that the breakdown occurred. These calculated distances are then used to draw three circles each centered at the centers of the corresponding magnetic probes. The common intersection of these three circles then gives the predicted azimuthal location of the center of the breakdown channel. Test results first gathered on the coaxial gap breakdown device (240 A, 25 kV, 150 ns) at the University of California San Diego and then on COBRA (1 MA, 1 MV, 100 ns) at Cornell University indicate that this technique is relatively accurate and scales between these two devices.
In Lieu of Legislation: Presidential Preemption of the Legislative Process Through Unilateral Order

In pursuit of their agenda, presidents may negotiate with Congress in the legislative arena or use their unilateral powers. In the former, the president and Congress bargain over legislation while in the latter, presidents use direct action as an alternative to legislation. The question this paper addresses is when do presidents issue unilateral orders in lieu of legislation? Our approach to the question matches unilateral orders with all prior but related legislative activity from Presidents Carter through Clinton. Ultimately, we find presidents are more likely to act “against” legislation Congress is considering when interbranch ideological distance is greater (but only in the Senate), in the second half or second presidential terms or when the presidents has identified the issue as part of his agenda. However, presidents are more likely to break interbranch gridlock in the House with “supportive” unilateral orders. Although presidents and Congress share policy making powers, when fettered by the legislative branch, the president will issue unilateral orders in lieu of legislation.
Sports Agent Litigation and the Regulatory Environment

Some of the more important civil and criminal cases involving the litigious history of the sports agent business are discussed. The article provides the fundamentals of the regulatory environment in which sports agents (many of whom are lawyers) operate. While discussion of sports agency is not novel, the collection of major cases coupled with the current state of the regulatory/business environment provides the reader with a solid basis for future consideration or research. The appropriate state and federal laws are explored in detail. The role that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) plays in “regulating” sports agents is also discussed.
Remarks: Neuroscience, Gender, and the Law

These remarks, delivered at the Neuroscience, Law, and Government Symposium held at the University of Akron School of Law in 2009, explore how stakeholders are using advances in the neuroscience of three gender-specific and gender-prevalent conditions (the postpartum mood disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and eating disorders) to secure health care benefits under group health plans and individual health insurance policies and to push for the inclusion of these conditions in mental health parity legislation.
‘Der ungezogne Liebling der Grazien’: A Re-examination of Goethe's Early Reception of Aristophanes

Although Goethe's reception of ancient Greek literature has been the subject of much scholarly discussion, his interest in Greek Old Comedy has normally been overlooked, downplayed or dismissed. Following a brief survey of the modes of access to the works of Aristophanes available to the young Goethe, the article argues that the early works Gotter Helden und Wieland (1773), Der Triumph der Empfindsamkeit (1777) and Die Vogel (1780) demonstrate an active and productive engagement with the comic poet. Apparent in the latter two works especially is a fascination with Aristophanic paratragedy and metatheatre, which influences the controversial insertion of the tragic Proserpina into Der Triumph der Empfindsamkeit and the relationship of Die Vogel to Iphigenie auf Tauris. The article concludes by considering briefly Aristophanes’ lasting importance to Goethe's poetic thought, as evidenced by his notes to Euripides’ Cyclops, written 1823–1826.
Transforming Vietnam's medical education through e-learning

The costs for providing medical school education and services in Vietnam's universities continue to increase. Through a collaborative project between the Government of the Netherlands and Vietnam's Ministry of Health, a five year experimental program to develop in-country capacity and reduce the dependence upon a foreign medical service delivery model was initiated in 2007. A consortium of eight Vietnamese medical universities is participating in the project. The primary purpose is to design and strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese medical programs, personnel, and students in developing technical and pragmatic knowledge in several key medical and scientific categories that are currently directed by international consultants. The project intends to empower Vietnam's medical community to be self-reliant in the delivery of medical training and services to address the significant health needs of the country. To assist in the management and capacity building of the project across the eight medical universities, centres of excellence (COEs) have been proposed, encompassing five core constructs including health management, medical education, economic evaluation, medical research, and e-learning. This paper will address the design and development of two centres of excellence in e-learning.
Effects of ethanol on social approach and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalization production in adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Low doses of ethanol have been shown to facilitate social behavior in adolescent rats. The present study sought to investigate whether this ethanol effect is associated with increases in the incentive salience of social stimuli when assessed via approach behavior toward a peer (separated from the experimental animal by a mesh barrier) and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production in that context. A 0.5 g/kg ethanol dose was found to increase social approach/investigation of adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats during the first 5 min of the 10 min test whereas 50 kHz USV production was elevated by 0.25 g/kg during the last 5 min of testing. 50 kHz USV production and social approach were generally not correlated, indicating a clear dissociation between these measures. This is the first study to demonstrate that ethanol-induced social facilitation in adolescents is associated with an ethanol-induced increase in the incentive salience of social stimuli. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 857–863, 2014.
A shape healable tough hydrogel

In this work, a physically broken tough agar/poly(dimethylacrylamide) double network hydrogel was healed by a two-step process using silica nanoparticle solution and thermal treatment. Not only the shape of the hydrogel can be integrated again, but also its mechanical properties, and the healed hydrogel can achieve a very high recovery rate (64.1% of tensile strength) and the interface between two parts disappeared. This tough, mechanical-recoverable and shape-healable hydrogel is a suitable candidate for future tissue substitution due to its high mechanical properties and repairing mechanism.
Effect of Temperature on Histidine Ammonia-Lyase from a Psychrophile, Pseudomonas putida

Pseudomonas putida was able to grow at 0 C in a complex medium containing l-histidine and to synthesize histidine ammonia-lyase and urocanase. The activity of the former enzyme was assessed between −10 and 60 C in cells and in cell extracts. Activity was maximal from 20 to 35 C. Below 20 C, activity decreased with temperature but, significantly, the enzyme exhibited 30% of its maximal activity at 1.5 C. The temperature response was similar in both intact cells and cell extracts, which indicated that the cell membrane did not significantly limit the entry of histidine at low temperature. Above and below the maximal temperature range, the reduced activity was not caused by irreversible inactivation, as shown by preincubation experiments. Also, when the temperature was rapidly changed from 60 to 30 C during an assay, the reaction rate increased abruptly to the full 30 C activity without a lag. This demonstrated the rapid reversibility of inactivation. The apparent Michaelis constant increased with temperature. As the substrate concentration was decreased, the enzyme activity became less dependent on temperature. The efficiency of substrate entry and catalysis near 0 C are factors in the ability of this facultative psychrophile to grow in a histidine medium at 0 C.
Glycolipid Content of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Grown in Baby Hamster Kidney Cells

Abstract Vesicular stomatitis virions grown in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21-F) cells were found to contain hematoside (neuraminosyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide). This ganglioside, which was the only detectable glycolipid in the virion, is also the only glycolipid found in significant amount in BHK-21-F cells. Approximately 87% of the total neuraminic acid in the virion was found to be linked to protein and 13% to lipid.
Enginemen and Shopmen: Technological change and the organization of labor in an ERA of railroad expansion

(1983). Enginemen and Shopmen: Technological change and the organization of labor in an ERA of railroad expansion. Labor History: Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 485-499.
Understanding Organizational Change: Comments on Carman and Dominguez

This article attempts to address some of the issues raised in the recently published article titled “Organizational Transformation in Transition Economies: Hypotheses.” The discussion challenges the fundamental reasoning in the Carman and Dominquez (2001) piece. Their basic arguments fall short of what is necessary to fully explain and understand the processes of economic reform taking place in Central and Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Their premises are drawn from the American institutional setting, and they fail to fully include the basic cultural, historical, political, and societal elements that are part of change, especially with regard to the very individual characteristics found in the economies they refer to. This response is an attempt to widen the framework to better understand organizational change and the role that marketing has within it.
An all-electronic system for the automatic measurement of slopes of reaction-rate curves

Abstract A new method is described for the automatic measurement of reaction rates. Slopes of response curves are matched with output slopes from an electronic integrator. When the net output is zero, the input to the integrator is proportional to the slope of the response curve and is read directly on a meter near zero reaction time. All the necessary circuitry is wired into a blank plug-on chassis for commercially available equipment. The method is evaluated for the determination of cystine in a reaction where the slope of the response curve is proportional to the cystine concentration. Cystine is determined over the range of 1.0–24 p.p.m. with a relative standard deviation of less than 1%. Automatic direct readout of p.p.m. cystine is obtained within 15 sec after mixing sample and reagents.
A fixative for use in dissecting insects.

A fixative made of 5 ml of 40% formaldehyde, 2 1/2 ml of glacial acetic acid and 20 gm of chloral hydrate diluted to 100 ml with distilled water is useful for dissecting insects. The advantages of this fixative are that it hardens soft tissues without making them coalesce or become brittle, softens tracheae and the exoskeleton, causes little change in the dimensions of tissues, and it is an excellent preservative. Incisions in the exoskeleton and several sudden releases of vacuum aid in fixation. Details of methods of staining and dissecting are given.
Effects of AOMA on cholesterol metabolism in man.

A new cholesterol-lowering agent, surfomer (AOMA), has been developed that blocks cholesterol absorption and lowers plasma cholesterol in animals. To evaluate AOMA in man, we studied its effects on plasma cholesterol, cholesterol absorption, fecal excretion of cholesterol and its bacterial degradation products, coprostanol and coprostanone, and percent saturation of gallbladder bile with cholesterol in 20 individuals chosen for hyperlipidemia. These patients had low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 215 ± 29 mg/dl. Two dose levels of AOMA were compared (10.8 and 5.4 grams daily), each for 1 mo in a study that combined features of inpatient and outpatient investigation. AOMA was tolerated well by all volunteers. There was a statistically significant correlation between percent absorption and LDL-C in both the control and AOMA treated states. AOMA lowered mean plasma cholesterol and LDL-C by 9.1% and 12.9% at the high dose and by 6.4% and 8.3% at the low dose, respectively. Triglyceride (control = 223 ± 58 mg/dl, treatment = 232 ± 85 mg/dl), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C: control = 50 ± 11 mg/dl, treatment = 50 ± 13 mg/dl), and other lipoprotein lipids were not affected. AOMA lowered cholesterol absorption by 25% on the high dose. For 1820 patients there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) correlation (r = 0.74) between percent LDL-C reduction and percent absorption inhibition. For these patients, presumably, variable effectiveness of the agent in inhibiting absorption was the most important predictor of individual responsiveness although individual variation in other cholesterol regulatory mechanisms also played a role. Two other patients showed marked LDL-C reduction at unusually low levels of absorption inhibition. We also had the opportunity to compare the effects of AOMA with neomycin in 8 volunteers. Neomycin was 50% more effective in lowering LDL-C than AOMA; however, it was twice as effective in inhibiting absorption as well. AOMA dramatically reduced fecal excretion of cholesterol bacterial conversion products; whereas cholesterol per se accounted for only 50% of total neutral steroid excretion in the control state, it accounted for 93% of steroid excretion when patients were administered 10.8 grams of AOMA daily. In four patients studied there was no adverse effect of AOMA on gallbladder saturation with cholesterol; in fact, the percent saturation tended to decrease with AOMA in these four patients.
Mammary gland zinc metabolism: regulation and dysregulation.

Zinc (Zn) is required for numerous metabolic processes serving both a structural and catalytic role. The mammary gland has a unique Zn requirement resulting from the need to also transfer an extraordinary amount of Zn into milk (~0.5–1 mg Zn/day) during lactation. Impairments in this process can result in severe Zn deficiency in the nursing offspring which has adverse consequences with respect to growth and development. Moreover, dysregulated mammary gland Zn metabolism has recently been implicated in breast cancer transition, progression and metastasis, thus there is a critical need to understand the molecular mechanisms which underlie these observations. Tight regulation of Zn transporting mechanisms is critical to providing an extraordinary amount of Zn for secretion into milk as well as maintaining optimal cellular function. Expression of numerous Zn transporters has been detected in mammary gland or cultured breast cells; however, understanding the molecular mechanisms which regulate mammary Zn metabolism as well as the etiology and downstream consequences resulting from their dysregulation is largely not understood. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the regulation of mammary gland Zn metabolism and its regulation by reproductive hormones, with a discussion of the dysregulation of this process in breast cancer.
METHODOLOGY FOR DIRECT CONTACT FREEZING OF VEGETABLES IN AQUEOUS FREEZING MEDIA

This work treats the freezing of foodstuffs in aqueous media with the intention of reducing the pickup of solute on the solid. Product frozen in 23% NaCl solution (AF 23-0) was centrifuged, washed, and/or blotted to remove surface adhering freezant. Freezing times of less than 1 min were obtained for peas, diced carrots, snow peas and cut green beans. This corresponded to an estimated surface heat transfer coefficient in the range 50-150 BTU/hr ft2°F. Salt residuals ranged from 0.48% (peas) to 2.2% (carrots) and compared favorably to the values reported for canned and remanufactured products. Preliminary cost analysis indicated competitiveness of the method to air-blast freezing methods.
Effects of hydrophobic helix length and side chain chemistry on biomimicry in peptoid analogues of SP-C.

The hydrophobic proteins of lung surfactant (LS), SP-B and SP-C, are critical constituents of an effective surfactant replacement therapy for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. Because of concerns and difficulties associated with animal-derived surfactants, recent investigations have focused on the creation of synthetic analogues of the LS proteins. However, creating an accurate mimic of SP-C that retains its biophysical surface activity is extraordinarily challenging given the lipopeptide's extreme hydrophobicity and propensity to misfold and aggregate. One successful approach that overcomes these difficulties is the use of poly-N-substituted glycines, or peptoids, to mimic SP-C. To develop a non-natural, bioactive mimic of SP-C and to investigate the effects of side chain chemistry and length of the helical hydrophobic region, we synthesized, purified, and performed in vitro testing of two classes of peptoid SP-C mimics: those having a rigid α-chiral aromatic helix and those having a biomi...
Changing Trends in Hepatitis C-related Mortality in the United States, 1995-2004

The disease burden and mortality from hepatitis C are predicted to increase in the United States as the number of persons with long-standing chronic infection grows. We analyzed hepatitis C mortality rates derived from US Census and multiple-cause-of-death data for 1995-2004. Deaths were considered hepatitis C–related if: (1) hepatitis C was the underlying cause of death, (2) chronic liver disease was the underlying cause and hepatitis C was a contributing cause, or (3) human immunodeficiency virus was the underlying cause and chronic liver disease and hepatitis C were contributing causes. A total of 56,409 hepatitis C–related deaths were identified. Mortality rates increased 123% during the study period (1.09 per 100,000 persons to 2.44 per 100,000), but average annual increases were smaller during 2000-2004 than 1995-1999. After peaking in 2002 (2.57 per 100,000), overall rates declined slightly, but continued to increase among persons aged 55-64 years. Overall increases were greater among males (144%) than females (81%) and among non-Hispanic blacks (170%) and Native Americans (241%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (124%) and Hispanics (84%). The 7,427 hepatitis C deaths in 2004 (mean age: 55 years), corresponded to 148,611 years of potential life lost. The highest mortality rates in 2004 were observed among males, persons aged 45-54 and 55-64 years, Hispanics, non-Hispanic blacks, and non-Hispanic Native American/Alaska Natives. Conclusion: Overall, hepatitis C mortality has increased substantially since 1995. Despite small declines in recent years, rates have continued to increase among persons aged 55-64 years. Hepatitis C is an important cause of premature mortality. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Analysis of radiation by linear arrays of parallel horizontal wire antennas over imperfect ground (reflection coefficient method)

This is a program suitable for analysis problems involving lossless parallel horizontal thin wires located over an imperfectly conducting horizontal ground plane. The program is equipped to treat arbitrarily spaced arrays of wires that can be of different lengths and radii. However, it is assumed the wires are all centerfed and unloaded
Autoradiographic Study of Uptake of Tritiated Glycine, Thymidine, and Uridine by Fruit Fly Ovaries

Synthesis of DNA occurs in the nurse cell nuclei of Drosophila melanogaster in an asynchronous manner, whereas synthesis of RNA occurs in all these nuclei simultaneously. Synthesized RNA is concentrated in the plasmosomes; subsequently nuclear RNA enters the cytoplasm of the nurse cell and eventually the ooplasm. Protein synthesis occurs in the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm of all the cells in the egg chamler.
The recognition and differentiation of right ventricular pressure and flow loads.

M ANY CLINICIANS have relied considerably on precordial palpation for the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy or over-function; however, this has never been fully documented and the value of palpation in relationship to other diagnostic methods has not been established. The present study undertakes to delineate the value of records of precordial motion (kinetocardiograms) in the diagnosis of right ventricular predominance and to correlate the findings with cardiac catheterization data, electrographic findings and fluoroscopic observations in patients with mitral stenosis, atria1 septal defect, pulmonic stenosis and isolated pulmonary hypertension. The present study also offers some clues as to the genesis of the kinetocardiograms (precordial movements)in patients with right ventricular hypertrophy.
Hepatotoxicity Due to Antibiotics

Antimicrobial drugs are important causative agents in idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI). As with idiosyncratic DILI in general, antibiotic-induced liver injury is rare but difficult to diagnose and almost impossible to predict. Diagnosis requires awareness of possible causal agents, vigilance in monitoring symptoms and sometimes biochemical tests, attention to careful history taking and establishing temporal association, and exclusion of competing etiologies. In most instances, patients with antibiotic-associated DILI recover if the offending agent is withdrawn in a timely fashion.
A simplified device for protein identification by microcapillary gradient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simplified device and procedure have been developed for microcapillary gradient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This procedure has proved useful in identifying low level quantities of proteins from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel bands. Microelectrospray needles are packed with reversed-phase resin and function both as a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column and a nanospray mass spectrometer tip when interfaced between an HPLC and ion trap mass spectrometer. Variable submicroliter flow rates are generated by flow splitting between the microelectrospray capillary and an HPLC system. A manual injector is used to inject a protein digest mixture that binds to the column and is then washed at a high flow rate (2 microL/min post split). Gradient elution of bound peptides was initiated by the injection of a filled loop of 70% v/v methanol (5 microL) concomitant with a reduction of flow rate (0.1 microL/min post split). This forms a diffusion-dependent gradient of variable length (typically 15-30 min in length) depending upon the final flow rate. Chromatographic separations of a standard solution digest demonstrate that this diffusion-dependent gradient provides reasonable separations such that multiple peptide identifications by MS/MS can be obtained. Application of this methodology to the analysis of several in-gel-digested gel-separated proteins is presented to demonstrate its utility.
Rationale for anti-inflammatory therapy in dry eye syndrome

Dry eye is a multifactorial condition that results in a dysfunctional lacrimal functional unit. Evidence suggests that inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Changes in tear composition including increased cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases and the number of T cells in the conjunctiva are found in dry eye patients and in animal models. This inflammation is responsible in part for the irritation symptoms, ocular surface epithelial disease, and altered corneal epithelial barrier function in dry eye. There are several anti-inflammatory therapies for dry eye that target one or more of the inflammatory mediators/pathways that have been identified and are discussed in detail.
The effect of message framing on self-management of chronic pain: a new perspective on intervention?

This study examines framed messages as a novel approach to promote self-management of chronic pain. Primary care patients reporting chronic pain (pain rated ≥ 4 on 0–10 NRS-I for ≥3 months) were randomly assigned to receive a gain- or loss-framed message promoting self-management of pain. Impact of the framed message on behavioural self-management (including communicating with providers, relaxation, activity pacing, pleasant activities and healthy lifestyle) was assessed. Post-message, individuals in the loss-frame condition reported significantly greater interest in and more knowledge gained from the information presented in the message (p ≤ 0.03). Loss-frame participants were significantly more likely to express confidence that they would practice relaxation (p ≤ 0.03). Pain readiness to change, pain self-efficacy and message frame independently influenced motivation to engage in relaxation as a self-management strategy. Across all behaviours assessed, there were no observed interactions between message...
Robust digital image watermarking in curvelet domain

A robust image watermarking scheme in curvelet domain is proposed. The curvelet transform directly takes edges as the basic representation element; it provides optimally sparse representations of objects along edges. The image is partitioned into blocks and curvelet transform is applied to those blocks with strong edges. The watermark consists of a pseudorandom sequence is added to the significant curvelet coefficients. The embedding strength of watermark is constrained by a Just Noticeable Distortion model based on Barten's contrast sensitivity function. The developed JND model enables highest possible amount of information hiding without compromising the quality of the data to be protected. The watermarks are blindly detected using correlation detector. A scheme for detection and recovering geometric attacks is applied before watermark detection. The proposed scheme provides an accurate estimation of single and/or combined geometrical distortions and is relied on edge detection and radon transform. The selected threshold for watermark detection is determined on the statistical analysis over the host signals and embedding schemes. Experiments show the fidelity of the protected image is well maintained. The watermark embedded into curvelet coefficients provides high tolerance to severe image quality degradation and robustness against geometric distortions as well.
Quantum lattice gas representation of some classical solitons

A quantum lattice gas representation is determined for both the non-linear Schrodinger (NLS) and Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equations. There is excellent agreement with the solutions from these representations to the exact soliton–soliton collisions of the integrable NLS and KdV equations. These algorithms could, in principle, be simulated on a hybrid quantum-classical computer.
CD11b blockade prevents lung injury despite neutrophil priming after gut ischemia/reperfusion

Gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) provokes lung injury via a mechanism that involves neutrophils [polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)]. CD11b/CD18 (amB 2 ) is the integrin receptor on PMNs critical for adhesion-dependent oxidative burst. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanistic role of CD11b in the process of gut I/R-induced lung injury. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 45 minutes of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion with and without CD11b monoclonal antibody treatment (IB 6 ) (1 mg/kg, IV), before SMA clamping. At 2-hour reperfusion, PMN presence in tissue was quantitated by myeloperoxidase activity and circulating PMN priming determined by the difference in superoxide production with and without N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, whereas lung leak was assessed by 125 I-albumin lung/blood ratio. In sum, CD11b blockade prevented gut I/R-induced lung leak, but did not attenuate gut I/R-induced PMN priming or tissue PMN accumulation. In conclusion, gut I/R promotes PMN priming and PMN adhesion in both local and distant beds via receptors other than CD11b, but this B 2 integrin receptor is critical for PMN-mediated endothelial injury.
Abnormal burst patterns of single neurons recorded in the substantia nigra reticulata of behaving 140 CAG Huntington's disease mice.

Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that causes neurological pathology in the basal ganglia and related circuitry. A key site of HD pathology is striatum, the principal basal ganglia input structure; striatal pathology likely changes basal ganglia output but no existing studies address this issue. In this report, we characterize single-neuron activity in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) of awake, freely behaving 140 CAG knock-in (KI) mice at 16–40 weeks. KI mice are a well characterized model of adult HD and are mildly symptomatic in this age range. As the primary basal ganglia output nucleus in rodents, the SNr receives direct innervation from striatum, as well as indirect influence via polysynaptic inputs. We analyzed 32 single neurons recorded from KI animals and 44 from wild-type (WT) controls. We found increased burst rates, without a concordant change in spike discharge rate, in KI animals relative to WTs. Furthermore, although metrics of burst structure, such as the inter-spike interval in bursts, do not differ between groups, burst rate increases with age in KI, but not WT, animals. Our findings suggest that altered basal ganglia output is a physiological feature of early HD pathology.
HOUSING SUBSIDIES AND URBAN HOUSEHOLD BEHAVIOR

. This paper examines how housing subsidies affect housing and location demands in a monocentric market, identifying the extent to which policies prompt targeted populations to congregate more or less intensely in the central city. Various subsidies are studied: rents based on ability to pay, lump-sum housing aid, housing vouchers, and subsidies based on percentage of rent. The demand effects are seen to hinge critically upon whether or not subsidies are tied to binding consumption restrictions. Policy impacts are shown to be identical for both CBD employed and locally employed consumers targeted for the housing policies.
Lower bounds for matrices. II

Our main result is the following monotonicity property for moment sequences μ. Let p be fixed, 1 ≤ p < ∞: then is an increasing function of r(r = 1,2,…). From this we derive a sharp lower bound for an arbitrary Hausdorff matrix acting on lp.The corresponding upper bound problem was solved by Hardy.
Carbon Foam Core Composite Sandwich Beams: Flexure Response

The possibility of utilizing an open-cell carbon foam in structural applications is assessed through integrated testing and computational analysis. The structural elements considered are sandwich beams with carbon-epoxy laminate face sheets and carbon foam core subjected to bending loads. The primary damage mode observed is the formation of shear cracks in the carbon foam core at a measured axial strain of 2473 me on the face sheet. Subsequently, three-dimensional FEA models are developed to identify the damage modes and the progressive damage pattern for an isotropic carbon foam core. Results of the computational simulations – displacements, axial strains, and damage modes – correlated well with the test outcome.
The electron affinities of transition metal atoms at the CCSD(T) and density functional levels of theory

The electron affinities of Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu are computed using the density function theory and CCSD(T) approaches. Overall the CCSD(T) approach yields the best results. For this property, the B3LYP, BLYP, and BP86 functionals perform better than the BPW91, PBEPBE, and PBE1PBE ones. The accuracy of all the methods is higher if the number of 3delectrons is the same in the neutral atom and the anion. This is especially true for the density functional theory methods.
The pediatrician and the innocent heart murmur.

Dan is a stalwart member of our Editorial Board. He was educated at Baylor University, Waco, Tex, completed his internship at Jersey City (NJ) Medical Center, his pediatric residency at Hermann Hospital, Houston, and St Louis Children's Hospital, and his fellowship in cardiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. He joined the faculty at Baylor in 1954 and rose to the rank of professor in 1969. His list of local, regional, and national committees, officerships, and other credits would occupy this entire page, and then some. Highlights include chairmanships of the Bequests and Endowments Committee, the Ethics Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee on Pediatric Cardiology, all of the American College of Cardiology, and presidency of that organization in 1981-1982. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for ten years. He has served on four editorial boards for specialty journals in cardiology and on many review panels, advisory boards,
Molybdenum Content of Water Treatment Residuals

Molybdenum (Mo) content of water treatment residuals (WTRs) was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to evaluate suitability for land application under state regulatory policies that limit Mo to 18 mg kg -1 samples of WTR were collected from 32 Pennsylvania facilities that employ aluminum salts, ferric chloride, and/or polymers for coagulation. The mean Mo content of all samples was 3.1 mg kg -1 , with 78% having Mo levels 100, well above the minimum dietary ratio (2:1) considered protective of grazing animals.
Is a uniform round-the-clock theophylline blood level necessary for optimal asthma therapy in the adolescent patient?

Abstract Twenty-one patients, 12 to 18 years of age, with nocturnal asthma controlled with sustained-release theophylline administered twice daily, were enrolled in a 10-week, double-blind, two-way crossover study that compared Theo-Dur tablets administered twice daily with an equivalent daily dose of Uniphyl tablets administered once daily at bedtime. Seventeen patients completed the study. The mean morning theophylline serum level obtained with Uniphyl tablets was significantly higher than that obtained with Theo-Dur tablets (13.1 versus 9.6 μg/ml, p=0.02). The mean evening serum level was significantly lower with Uniphyl tablets (6.3 versus 10.1 μg/ml, p=0.003). Despite these differences in serum concentrations, morning and evening pulmonary function test values (forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate) and symptom scores were nearly identical for the two preparations, as was the supplemental use of aerosol bronchodilators. Once-daily dosing with Uniphyl tablets may benefit adolescent patients with nocturnal asthma by increasing compliance and providing better asthma control. In addition, the lower daytime theophylline levels produced by this preparation may also reduce long-term adverse effects on behavior and cognition.
On forecasting electric utility fossil fuel consumption

Abstract The objective of the analysis is to develop a model to forecast the consumption of fossil fuels by electric utilities on a month-to-month basis. A scheme is devised and implemented that shares out for fossil fuel generation (net of coal), the consumption of residual fuel oil, distillate fuel oil, crude oil and natural gas. A multinomial logit specification is used whereby the share of each of these fuels is a function of relative prices, weather, time, seasonal factors and extraneous influences (e.g. a coal strike). The results, when compared to actual shares, prove to be most acceptable.
Singularities in Gaussian random fields

This paper studies a class of Gaussian random fields defined on lattices that arise in pattern analysis. Phase transitions are shown to exist at a critical temperature for these Gaussian random fields. These are established by showing discontinuous behavior for certain field random variables as the lattice size increases to infinity. The discontinuities in the statistical behavior of these random variables occur because the growth rates of the eigenvalues of the inverse of the variance-covariance matrix at the critical temperature are different from the growth rates at noncritical temperatures. It is also shown that the limiting specific heat has a phase transition with a power law behavior. The critical temperature occurs at the end point of the available values of temperature. Thus, although the critical behavior is not extreme, caution should be exercised when using such models near critical temperatures.
Creation of concept shape designs via a virtual reality interface

Abstract This paper describes an approach for creating concept shape designs in a virtual reality environment— covirds (COnceptual VIRtual Design System). Concept design refers to the ab initio design of a product or part. In concept design, the product details such as shape features and exact dimensions are not rigidly defined and the designer has some freedom in determining the shape and dimensions of the product. Current cad require the designer to specify shape and dimensions to create cad models of products even though these are probably not necessary at the concept development stage. covirds overcomes these drawbacks by providing a bi-modal voice and hand-tracking based user interface to the VR-based cad modeling environment. This interface allows rapid concept design creation without requiring time consuming shape description and the tedious specifications of exact dimensions.
Liquid-liquid equilibria in binary systems : Monte-Carlo simulations for calculating the effect of nonrandom mixing

Monte-Carlo simulations of a lattice model for incompressible monomer/r-mer mixtures are used to obtain accurate results for the configurational energy of mixing. Based on simulation results, the energy of mixing is correlated as a function of temperature and composition using an empirical expression. The configurational Helmholtz energy is obtained upon using the Gibbs-Helmholtz equation with Guggenheim's athermal entropy of mixing as boundary condition. Since Monte-Carlo simulations give essentially exact results for the lattice model, the effects of nonrandom mixing on the configurational thermodynamic properties of a binary mixture can be determined. The expression generated here produces coexistence curves that are more accurate than those from other models, especially near the critical region.
Cardiac atria are the primary source of ANP release in hypoxia adapted rats

Abstract Aims Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released from the heart in response to hypoxia and helps mitigate the development of pulmonary hypertension. However, the mechanism of hypoxia-induced ANP release is not clear. The cardiac atria are the primary source of ANP secretion under normal conditions, but right ventricular ANP expression is markedly up-regulated during adaptation to hypoxia. We sought to better understand mechanisms of cardiac ANP release during adaptation to hypoxia. Main methods We measured hypoxia-induced ANP release from isolated perfused rat hearts obtained from normoxia and hypoxia-adapted rats before and after removal of the atria. Key findings In both normoxia- and hypoxia-adapted hearts, ANP levels in the perfusate increased within 15 min of hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced ANP release was greater from hypoxia-adapted than normoxia-adapted hearts. Baseline and hypoxia-induced ANP release were considerably greater with the atria intact (213 ± 29 to 454 ± 62 and 281 ± 26 to 618 ± 87 pg/ml for normoxia- and hypoxia-adapted hearts respectively, P P Significance We conclude that the right ventricle is not a major source of cardiac ANP release in normoxia- or hypoxia-adapted rats.
Intrinsic physiological properties of the five types of mouse ganglion-cell photoreceptors

In the mammalian retina, some ganglion cells express the photopigment melanopsin and function as photoreceptors. Five morphological types of these intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), M1-M5, have been identified in mice. Whereas M1 specializes in non-image-forming visual functions and drives such behaviors as the pupillary light reflex and circadian photoentrainment, the other types appear to contribute to image-forming as well as non-image-forming vision. Recent work has begun to reveal physiological diversity among some of the ipRGC types, including differences in photosensitivity, firing rate, and membrane resistance. To gain further insights into these neurons' functional differences, we conducted a comprehensive survey of the electrophysiological properties of all five morphological types. Compared with the other types, M1 had the highest membrane resistance, longest membrane time constant, lowest spike frequencies, widest action potentials, most positive spike thresholds, smallest hyperpolarization-activated inwardly-rectifying current-induced "sagging" responses to hyperpolarizing currents, and the largest effects of voltage-gated K(+) currents on membrane potentials. M4 and M5 were at the other end of the spectrum for most of these measures, while M2 and M3 tended to be in the middle of this spectrum. Additionally, M1 and M2 cells generated more diverse voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents than M3-M5. In conclusion, M1 cells are significantly different from all other ipRGCs in most respects, possibly reflecting the unique physiological requirements of non-image-forming vision. Furthermore, the non-M1 ipRGCs are electrophysiologically heterogeneous, implicating these cells' diverse functional roles in both non-image-forming vision and pattern vision.