cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poking facebook: characterization of osn applications

Facebook is one of the most popular Internet sites today. A key feature that arguably contributed to Facebook's unprecedented success is its application platform, which enables the development of third-party social-networking applications. Understanding how these applications are installed and used is important for the function and utility of web-based online social networks, e.g. to better engineer them and/or to design advertising campaigns.In this paper, we characterize the popularity and user reach of Facebook applications. We analyze application usage data gathered over a period of six months from Facebook and Adonomics - a Facebook analytics service. We also crawl publicly accessible Facebook user profiles and obtain per-user application installation statistics, for approximately 300K users and 13.6K applications. Our findings include that (i) the popularity of Facebook applications has a highly skewed distribution; (ii) although the total number of application installations increases with time, the average user activity decreases; and (iii) users with more applications installed are more likely to install new applications.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Abstract Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a widely adapted, stress tolerant grain legume, vegetable, and fodder crop grown on about 7 million ha in warm to hot regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This review focuses on major breeding achievements, current objectives, and future opportunities for cowpea improvement. Early maturing cultivars have been developed with regionally acceptable grain quality and resistance to some important diseases and pests including bacterial blight (Xanthomonas campestris), cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora), cowpea curculio (Chalcodermus aeneus), root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica), cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and the parasitic weeds Striga gesnerioides and Alectra vogelii. earliness is important in Africa and other regions because early cultivars can escape drought and some insect infestations, can provide the first food and marketable product available from the current growing season, and can be grown in a diverse array of cropping systems. New early maturing cultivars with indeterminate growth habits have been very effective in the extremely dry and hot environment of the Sahel. Heat tolerant breeding lines have been developed which have markedly higher pod set than most cultivars under high night temperature conditions. Development of cultivars with multiple resistances to biotic and abiotic stresses is an important current breeding objective. Earliness, delayed leaf senescence, and indeterminate growth habit are characteristics which are being combined to improve drought adaptation. In the future, high levels of resistance to very important insect pests such as flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti), maruca pod borer (Maruca testulalis), lygus (Lygus hesperus), and pod bugs (Clavigralla tomentosicollis and others) need to identified. Genes from wild cowpeas or related Vigna species or genetic engineering may be necessary to develop cultivars with high levels of resistance to several of the major insect pests.
Cell replacement therapy: Lessons from teleost fish

Many disorders of the CNS are characterized by a massive loss of neurons. A promising therapeutic strategy to cure such conditions is based on the activation of endogenous stem cells. Implementation of this strategy will benefit from a better understanding of stem cell dynamics and the local CNS microenvironment in regeneration-competent vertebrate model systems. Using a spinal cord injury paradigm in zebrafish larvae, Briona and Dorsky (2014) have provided evidence for the existence of two distinct neural stem cell populations. One population has the characteristics of radial glia and expresses the homeobox transcription factor Dbx. The other lacks Dbx but expresses Olig2. These results are placed in the context of other studies that also support the notion of heterogeneity of adult stem cells in the CNS. The implication that differences among stem cell populations, in combination with specific factors from the local cellular microenvironment, might have a decisive impact on the fate choices of the new cells, is discussed. Reviewed evidence suggests that rather few modifications in the signaling pathways involved in the control of stem cell behavior have led, in the course of evolution, to the pronounced differences between mammals and regeneration-competent organisms. As a consequence, rather minor pharmacological manipulations may be sufficient to reactivate the hidden neurogenic potential of the mammalian CNS, and thus make it available for therapeutic applications.
Growth characteristics of potato plants useful in studies of population dynamics and biological control of aphids

During three growing seasons, certain information was recorded weekly that was related to several characteristics of the aerial growth of five varieties of field-growing potatoes, viz. the number of stems and leaves per plant, the length of stems, and leaf area. Conversions of aphid numbers recorded from stratified subsamples of plants in the field to the number of aphids per plant or per unit of leaf area became possible by knowing the number of leaves and the leaf area per plant at the time of each aphid count. The numbers and areas of leaves per plant varied greatly among varieties as well as within and among years. The range in average maximum area of leaves per plant was 533 to 2,523 in.2 for the years 1967 to 1969. The comparable range for number of leaves per plant for the years 1967 and 1969 was 53 to 145. Consideration was given to the probable influence upon the magnitude of errors of estimate of aphid abundance that might result in making conversions of field counts of aphids to the numbers of aphids per plant or per unit of leaf area.
The Shading Response in the Rorschach Inkblot Test: A Review of its Scoring and Interpretation

(1940). The Shading Response in the Rorschach Inkblot Test: A Review of its Scoring and Interpretation. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 123-167.
A Comparative Analysis of Trends in Global Retailing in the Triad Markets

The purpose of this article is to critically examine the underlying factors contributing to the changes and developments bat have taken place in global retailing with regard to strategic planning options available in a dynamic global business environment. In particular, significant retailing trends in the Triad Markets are analyzed. The main proposition of the study is that socioeconomic, technological, political and financial considerations have all played a major part in global retail development. Within this general framework, more recent developments in the global retail industry such as active, semi-active and passive retail expansion strategies are studied.
Smooth compactifications of certain normic bundles

For a finite cyclic Galois extension of fields \(K/k\) of degree \(n\) and a separable polynomial of degree \(dn\) or \(dn - 1\), we construct an explicit smooth compactification \(X \rightarrow {\mathbb P}^1_k\) of the affine normic bundle \(X_0\) given by $$\begin{aligned} {{\mathrm{N}}}_{K/k}(\mathbf {z}) = P(x) \ne 0, \end{aligned}$$ extending the map \(X_0 \rightarrow {\mathbb A}_k^1\), where \((\mathbf {z},x) \mapsto x\). The construction makes no assumption of the characteristic of \(k\), making it a suitable departure point for studying the arithmetic of smooth compactifications of \(X_0\) over global fields of positive characteristic.
Ecology of cryptic invasions: latitudinal segregation among Watersipora (Bryozoa) species

Watersipora is an invasive genus of bryozoans, easily dispersed by fouled vessels. We examined Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I haplotypes from introduced populations on the US Pacific coastline to investigate geographic segregation of species and/or haplotypes. In California, the W. subtorquata group fell into three major sub-groups: W. subtorquata clades A and B, and W. “new sp.”. W. subtorquata clades A and B were common in southern California south of Point Conception, a recognized biogeographic boundary, whereas further north, W. subtorquata clade A and W. n. sp. were frequent. The southern California region also had colonies of a morphologically distinct species, W. arcuata, also found in southern Australia and Hawaii; COI variation indicates a common ancestral source(s) in these introductions. The distribution of Watersipora-complex lineages on different coastlines is shown to be temperature correlated. Accordingly, pre-exisitng temperature-based adaptations may play a key role in determining invasion patterns.
Conservation in the 5′ flanking sequences of transcribed members of the Caenorhabditis elegans major sperm protein gene family

The major sperm proteins (MSPs) are encoded in the Caenorhabditis genome by a multigene family with more than 50 genes dispersed in small clusters at three chromosomal loci. In spite of their dispersed locations, all of the MSP genes appear to be expressed at the same time exclusively in the testis, indicating co-ordinate temporal and spatial regulation of these dispersed genes. Many of the MSP genes must be transcribed, because RNA hybridization with gene-specific probes showed that individual genes each contribute less than 3% to the total poly(A)+ RNA, and 13 out of 14 sequenced cDNAs came from different genes. Primer extension assays from MSP mRNA showed that most of the MSP mRNAs must be initiated at position -35 from the translation start codon. Extensive similarity was found in the first 100 nucleotides of genomic sequence flanking the start codons of ten MSP genes from different chromosomal locations. All MSP genes contained a consensus ribosome binding site, a consensus TATA homology 27 nucleotides distal to the site of mRNA initiation, and ten highly conserved nucleotides adjacent to the site of initiation. All the MSP genes contained the sequence AGATCT located approximately 65 nucleotides upstream from the transcriptional start, but little or no similarity was found more distal to this. Some of these conserved sequences may be cis-acting control elements that ensure the cell and temporal specificity of transcription of these co-ordinately regulated genes.
‘Tinkers’: Synge and the cultural history of the Irish Traveller

Mary Burke, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2009, 329 pp., £50.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-19-956646-4 There is a wide gap between the ‘tinker’ as a construct in Irish literature and the Traveller a...
Variability for Drought Related Traits of Virginia-Type Peanut Cultivars and Advanced Breeding Lines

Water deficit is increasingly becoming a limiting factor for peanut production in the Virginia–Carolina (VC) peanut growing region. Even though extensive research efforts have been made worldwide to improve drought tolerance in peanut, performance of genotypes largely depends on the environment in which they grow and no such information is available for the VC area. The objective of this study was to determine the variability for CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration efficiency (A:gs), specific leaf area (SLA), chlorophyll content estimate (soil plant analysis development [SPAD] meter readings), stomata number per square centimeter and per leaf, and canopy temperature depression (CTD) of 18 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) virginia-type cultivars and breeding lines grown in rain-fed plots in southeastern Virginia. The relationship between physiological and agronomic traits was then analyzed. Genotype had a significant effect on all physiological traits. Excepting CTD, year also had a significant effect on all physiological characteristics. The genotype × year interaction was not significant for A, gs, A:gs, SPAD, and SLA suggesting dominant controlling factors for these traits. Under water stress in both years, pod yield was consistently associated with A (higher A results in higher yield) and SPAD (greener leaves results in higher yield). These results suggest that development of cultivars with greener leaves and higher A when gs is low may ensure better yields under rain-fed conditions in the VC region.
Contrasting clinical and statistical significance within the research setting.

When designing a clinical trial or study, the value of the following interrelated parameters should be determined prior to collecting data: clinical significance, statistical significance, power, and sample size. Too often, clinical importance and the other design issues are ignored and only statistical significance dictates the conclusions of the study. In order to evaluate the frequency that each of these design parameters is addressed in the published literature, the topic of pulmonary function tests (specifically forced vital capacity) was chosen, and all relevant articles for one year (1990) were identified using Minnesota MEDLINE. A total of 121 articles met the selection criteria and were reviewed. Of all the articles, 13.2% discussed clinical significance, 21.5% discussed sample size, and only 5.0% addressed statistical power. As expected, the majority of the articles (92.6%) discussed statistical significance (P values). None of the articles mentioned all four factors. When choosing the level of clinical significance several methods may be used. Such might be well established in certain clinical areas or available from previous publications and references or they may be attainable from pilot study data and, in the absence of any prior information, a clinician may use personal experience. To minimize subjectivity, the clinical effect-size can be based on the population distribution of the measurement of interest. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1993; 16:336–340. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
158 AMIODARONE (AM) ADVERSELY AFFECTS SINUS NODE (SN) FUNCTION IN VITRO

AM is being used more frequently to control “resistant” childhood arrhythmias. As a Class III agent, AM supposedly acts by uniformly prolonging action potential (AP) duration and refractoriness. Because sinus slowing is observed clinically, we evaluated the acute effects of 0.68-34μg/ml AM on SN pacemaker activity using rabbit SN preparations and standard microelectrode techniques. Data were collected only from true SN pacemaker cells impaled continuously throughout the study. AM produced significant (p<0.05) concentration dependent decreases in spontaneous sinus rate (-6% at 6.8μg/ml; -12% at 34μg/ml), AP amplitude (-15% at 34μg/ml) and rate of phase 4 diastolic depolarization (-14%, -18%, -27% at 0.68, 6.8 & 34μg/ml respectively). Maximum diastolic & threshold potentials and Vmax also decreased significantly. Since AP duration did not increase, the fall in spontaneous rate was related solely to AM induced decreases in automaticity. Corrected SNRT and SACT were increased markedly by AM. In 4 preparations, SN exit or entrance block developed on prolonged exposure. The AM induced changes could not be reversed despite superfusion in AM-free medium for up to 1.5 hrs. Rather, SN function deteriorated further. AMs Class III actions cannot explain its effects on the SN. Since the automaticity and upstroke of SN pacemaker activity are dependent upon the slow inward Ca++ current (isi), AM may also possess Class IV (verapamillike) actions or marked antiadrenergic activity in-vitro.
Medication management after epilepsy surgery: are we closer to an answer?

Persons with intractable epilepsy undergo resective brain surgery with the twin goals of seizure freedom and simplification of complicated preoperative antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens. The humbling truth remains, however, that there are no guidelines rationally steering physician and patient decision-making on drug withdrawal after epilepsy surgeries. The available knowledge is based on retrospective series describing individual centers' experience, 2 prospective cohort studies reporting on AED withdrawal following temporal lobe surgery, but without prospective data following extratemporal resections.1,–,3 Solid conclusions remain elusive with reported rates of successful AED discontinuation varying from 27% to 80%, rates of seizure recurrence during attempted AED withdrawal ranging from 25% to 47%, and median times for initiation of medication changes ranging from few months to more than a year.2,4 In this issue of Neurology ®, Menon et al.5 advance the literature on postoperative AED management by a retrospective analysis of a carefully examined and prospectively followed cohort of 106 patients with resections for intractable extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE). AEDs were withdrawn postoperatively, starting at 3 months …
Temperature stability of vaginal specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis detection by Amplicor polymerase chain reaction assay.

Summary: Vaginal introital specimens were collected from 17 womenÐ 10 positiveand 7negative for Chlamydiatrachomatis , and kept in Amplicor collection medium atambient temperature. Aliquots were removed at intervals for up to 34 days andfrozen at 7808C. Samples were thawed and assayed for C. trachomatis bypolymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results of all specimens remained unchangedover this time interval. Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis , polymerase chain reaction, vaginal introitus INTRODUCTION In industrialized countries, infertility due tooccluded fallopian tubes as well as ectopicpregnancy are most often due to a C. trachomatis infection. Extensive fallopian tube damage is ableto occur because the infection is asymptomatic andso persists undetected for a long period of time.Most women only learn that they have beeninfected when they are unable to become pregnantor suffer an ectopic pregnancy loss and chlamydialantibodies are detected. In the absence of earlydiagnosis of infection and prompt treatment,chlamydia is therefore also transmitted to newsexual partners.There is an urgent need to both increase theavailability of
Gains Selection for a Variable Gain Adaptive Control System for Turning

The adaptive control constraint system described is a nonlinear, sampled data system designed to regulate the cutting force during turning operations. The controller keeps the system stable under wide variations in process parameters, limits the force overshoot, and provides fast transient response. The stability region of the nonlinear system was determined in order to define the boundaries of the gain space within which the optimal gains that minimize the ISE index of performance were selected. As a result, a data base for optimal gains as functions of process parameters was generated. Since in most cases the depth-of-cut changes in an unknown manner, the use of this data base is limited. To overcome this problem, an on-line adaption scheme of the gains was designed to achieve optimal response without the need for depth-of-cut measurements. With this control scheme, a series of simulations were performed that demonstrate excellent response under wide variations of process parameters.
Raman scattering from vibrational and electronic excitations in a II-VI quaternary compound: Cd1-x-yZnxMnyTe.

The Raman scattering in a II-VI quaternary compound (${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{y}}$Te) exhibits zone-center optical phonons whose frequencies vary with composition in a manner amenable to an extension of the modified random-element isodisplacement model. As a member of diluted magnetic semiconductors, ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{y}}$Te exhibits the characteristic large magnetic-field-dependent redshift of the excitonic photoluminescence, the Raman-electron paramagnetic resonance of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$, and an evidence of the Raman-antiferromagnetic resonance.
Equivalence of two notions of continuity for stationary continuous-time information sources

Abstract The notion of continuity for continuous-time information sources which was introduced by Pinsker has found numerous applications in information theory. Continuity in probability is an important concept in the theory of continuous-time stochastic processes. It is shown that these two forms of continuity are equivalent for stationary processes whose state space is a separable metric space.
Experimental design for distributed parameter vector systems

Abstract We formulate an optimal design problem for the selection of best states to observe and optimal sampling times and locations for parameter estimation or inverse problems involving complex nonlinear partial differential systems. An iterative algorithm for implementation of the resulting methodology is proposed.
Effect of long-term clorgyline administration on human platelet alpha-adrenergic receptor binding and platelet cyclic AMP responses

Abstract Platelet α 2 -adrenergic receptor number and physiologic responsiveness, as well as plasma norepinephrine (NE), were evaluated in psychiatric patients with major depressive disorder before and during chronic clorgyline treatment. The α 2 -adrenergic receptor number was determined by measuring the binding of tritiated dihydroergocriptine ( 3 H-DHE) to platelet membranes. Physiologic responsiveness was determined by measuring the response of cyclic adenosine 3'-5' monophosphate (cAMP) to prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ), and the inhibition of the PGE 1 -stimulated cAMP response by NE in intact platelets. No significant differences from pretreatment values were observed in platelet α 2 -adrenergic binding or responsiveness during clorgyline treatment. Baseline platelet cAMP production and plasma NE levels were significantly decreased after chronic clorgyline treatment. Previous studies on animals and humans have suggested that brain α 2 -adrenergic receptor responsiveness decreases during chronic clorgyline treatment. The present findings therefore suggest that such changes may represent adaptations induced by long-term clorgyline administration which may differ between the brain and the platelet, thus illustrating potential limitations of the study of platelet α 2 -adrenergic receptors as a model for central α 2 -adrenergic receptor adaptation.
Metabolism of bovine semen. XIV. Transport of glycine by bovine spermatozoa.

Abstract The transport of glycine, as glycine-1-C 14 , across the cell membrane of washed bovine spermatozoa has been studied. It was demonstrated that glycine transport was sensitive to incubation temperature and to metabolic inhibitors. Incubation with unlabeled glucose and with 2,4-dinitrophenol established an energy requirement for transport of glycine. Competition by glucose, glutamate, arginine, and proline was observed, and concentration against an osmotic gradient occurred both in air and under anoxic conditions. An active transport system was indicated, but the inhibitor and temperature effects suggested that other processes, such as passive diffusion, account for some glycine transfer.
Psychogenic determination of time of illness or death by anniversary reactions and emotional deadlines.

• Many factors interact in determining man's illness and death. Psychodynamic contributions and conscious and unconscious emotional conditioning are receiving increasingly rewarding attention. This paper selects the question "why now?", the problem of time, time patterns, and time markers as the focus for observations, generalizations and theoretical suggestions. Let us look at some data: Example 1. Three of the first four Presidents of the United States to die, died on the 4th of JUly. Two who signed the Declaration of Independence died on its fiftieth anniversary. Philip Hone, the mayor of New York City from 1828 to 1851, recorded in his diary on page 43, dated Thursday, July 5, 1831, the following: "In the midst of the festivities of the celebration of Independence yesterday, the death of James Monroe was announced. He died at half-past three o'clock at the house of his son-in-law. Mr. Samuel L. Gouverneur, in this city. The venerable patriot has been ill and his life despaired of for several months past, and he seems to have lingered until this time to add to the number of revolutionary patriots whose deaths have occurred on this memorable anniversary. Of four ex-presidents who have died, three have departed on the 4th of July, and of this number, two, who were signers of the august instrument which declared the political birth of our country, died on the 50th anniversary, July 4, 1826." (These two were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.) Example 2. A former heavy-weight champion of the world, Primo Carnera, had been in failing health for three years. As he wasted away from cirrhosis of the liver, he returned to the Italian mountain town of his birth. Three weeks later
Isolation and physiological analysis of mouse cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocytes, the workhorse cell of the heart, contain exquisitely organized cytoskeletal and contractile elements that generate the contractile force used to pump blood. Individual cardiomyocytes were first isolated over 40 years ago in order to better study the physiology and structure of heart muscle. Techniques have rapidly improved to include enzymatic digestion via coronary perfusion. More recently, analyzing the contractility and calcium flux of isolated myocytes has provided a vital tool in the cellular and sub-cellular analysis of heart failure. Echocardiography and EKGs provide information about the heart at an organ level only. Cardiomyocyte cell culture systems exist, but cells lack physiologically essential structures such as organized sarcomeres and t-tubules required for myocyte function within the heart. In the protocol presented here, cardiomyocytes are isolated via Langendorff perfusion. The heart is removed from the mouse, mounted via the aorta to a cannula, perfused with digestion enzymes, and cells are introduced to increasing calcium concentrations. Edge and sarcomere detection software is used to analyze contractility, and a calcium binding fluorescent dye is used to visualize calcium transients of electrically paced cardiomyocytes; increasing understanding of the role cellular changes play in heart dysfunction. Traditionally used to test drug effects on cardiomyocytes, we employ this system to compare myocytes from WT mice and mice with a mutation that causes dilated cardiomyopathy. This protocol is unique in its comparison of live cells from mice with known heart function and known genetics. Many experimental conditions are reliably compared, including genetic or environmental manipulation, infection, drug treatment, and more. Beyond physiologic data, isolated cardiomyocytes are easily fixed and stained for cytoskeletal elements. Isolating cardiomyocytes via perfusion is an extremely versatile method, useful in studying cellular changes that accompany or lead to heart failure in a variety of experimental conditions.
Proteomics for Biomarker Discovery in Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously referred to as acute renal failure, represents a common and devastating problem in clinical medicine. Despite significant improvements in therapeutics, the mortality and morbidity associated with AKI remain high. A major reason for this is the lack of early markers for AKI, and hence an unacceptable delay in initiating therapy. Fortunately, the application of innovative technologies such as functional genomics and proteomics to human and animal models of AKI has uncovered several novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The most promising of these are chronicled in this review. These include the identification of biomarker panels in plasma (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C) and urine (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, interleukin-18, cystatin C, alpha1-microglobulin, Fetuin-A, Gro-alpha, and meprin). It is likely that the AKI panels will be useful for timing the initial insult, and assessing the duration and severity of AKI. It is also probable that the AKI panels will distinguish between the various etiologies of AKI and predict clinical outcomes. It will be important in future studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarker panels in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations. Such studies will be facilitated markedly by the development of commercial tools for the reproducible measurement of biomarkers across different laboratories.
Performance and Circuit Charasteristics of CATTS

New results in the 3-5 GHz region, obtained on CATT cells designed for improved efficiency as microwave power amplifiers, are reported. At 3.0 GHz collector efficiencies of 39% have been measured with 12 dB gain and 1.4 watts peak output power per cell. At 5.0 GHz the results are: 2l% efficiency, 6 dB gain and 0.9 watts output. The improved performance is due to reduced collector-base capacitance and increased emitter periphery using a self-registered emitter-base metallization approach. Operating characteristics of CATTS are discussed and compared with normal bipolar transistors.
Why should I listen?: The Ethos of science magazine covers

In an age of widespread information availability, we expect scientific information to be available not only to members of the scientific community, but to the general public as well. However, the reasons these two communities have for gaining this information tend to vary, and as a result the manner in which the information is portrayed needs to shift to fit these goals.
Evaluation of the California Parole Violation Decision-Making Instrument (PVDMI)

As part of correctional reform in California, the Division of Parole Operations implemented a structured decision-making tool for responding to violation of parole known as the Parole Violation Decision-Making Instrument (PVDMI). The tool considers both parolee risk, as measured by a validated risk assessment tool, and the severity of the parole violation in recommending an appropriate response. This paper presents findings from a pilot study in four parole units across the state. Findings suggest that the tool did not increase consistency in parole agent responses nor reduce the percent of parolees who were returned to prison as a result of a violation. In addition, recidivism rates for parolees whose violations were handled with the PVDMI did not differ from those parolees handled under routine parole revocation practices. A discussion of implementation issues highlights factors affecting full adherence to the structured sanctions model.
ECOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF ANURAN SPECIES RICHNESS IN TEMPORARY POOLS: A FIELD STUDY IN SOUTH CAROLINA, USA

Identifying the factors that limit species distributions and maintain patterns of diversity is a major goal of temporary pond ecologists, and an important pursuit for conservation biologists. We used multiple regression analysis to identify ecological correlates of anuran species richness in twenty-one temporary pools within the Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina. Analysis of data collected in 19961997 revealed that anuran richness was limited by the multiplicative effects of pool acidity, hydroperiod, and fish species richness. Anuran species richness declined with decreasing pH and hydroperiod, and with colonization by more species-rich assemblages of predatory fish. Two species of frog (Hyla cinerea and Rana grylio) and a newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) were excluded from the most acidic pools, and three anurans (Bufo quercicus, Pseudacris ornata, and R. capito) were limited by fish. Two large-bodied frogs with tadpoles that overwinter prior to metamorphosis (R. catesbeiana and R. virgati...
Coping strategies used in residential hospice settings: findings from a national study.

The purpose of this study was to explore professional caregivers’ coping strategies for dealing with the deaths of patients in residential hospices in the United States. Using the Guide to the Nation’s Hospices, 1996- 97, purely residential hospices were identified and invited to participate in the study. Employees at each residential hospice were asked to complete the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Results indicated that positive reappraisal coping was the most frequently used coping strategy. Employees dissatisfied with the coping experience reported greater use of confrontive coping, escape-avoidance coping, and accepting responsibility strategies. The findings suggest that in-service training related to coping strategies and environmental interventions may help in strengthening the coping responses of residential hospice staff.
Shortcomings in infant iron deficiency screening methods.

BACKGROUND. Screening for iron deficiency anemia is a well-established practice in pediatrics, but numerous challenges surrounding current recommendations raise questions about the effectiveness of this strategy. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate iron deficiency anemia screening approaches, by assessing rates of follow-up testing and resolution among patients meeting screening criteria in a primary care setting. METHODS. A retrospective cohort study was performed. We extracted electronic medical record data on complete blood counts for infants who received primary care in our clinics in the past 10 years. We calculated rates of positive screening results with 9 different measurement criteria and determined rates of follow-up testing and of documented correction of iron deficiency among those who screened positive. RESULTS. Our cohort consisted of 4984 children who were screened at 9 to 15 months of age, between 1994 and 2004. There was a wide distribution of positive detection rates (range: 1.5–14.5%) among the 9 screening criteria. Follow-up testing rates were low. No more than 25% of infants who screened positive by any criterion underwent a repeat complete blood count within 6 months. Moreover, no more than 11.6% (range: 4.4–11.6%) had documented correction of their laboratory abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS. Significant shortcomings exist in current iron deficiency anemia screening practices. A widely agreed-on, specific, and inexpensive screening criterion, with increased emphasis on systems-based approaches to iron deficiency screening, is needed.
Relation between the two-dimensional self-avoiding walk and the Eden model

Abstract When the interface of a two-dimensional lattice gas is grown by an algorithm producing self-avoiding walks, some features of the Eden model appear. The scaling behavior of the widths and lengths of these interfaces and of their accessible perimeters are examined in several regions of the phase diagram. It is found that both the accessible perimeter and the interface behave like the Eden model below a critical point. Above this point, only the accessible perimeter behaves like the Eden model. The behavior in the critical region is suprisingly the same for the interface and its external perimeter but is different from the Eden model.
A pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a community based physical activity intervention (involving internet, telephone, and pedometer support), integrated with medication and mood management for depressed patients

Abstract Objective To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component intervention to treat depression in primary care. Methods A single group prospective design was used to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week intervention combining antidepressant medication, brief behavioral counseling and physical activity (PA) promotion, and also associated changes in depression and various self-reported measures. A sample of adults with mild-to-moderate major depression and willingness to take antidepressant medication were recruited through local primary care clinics. A Research Nurse Practitioner (RNP) prescribed the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, escitalopram (10–20 mg), and provided brief weekly counseling. In addition participants received a pedometer, printed materials, and weekly emails addressing behavioral skills to increase their physical activity. Participants' depressive symptoms, quality of life and PA attitudes were surveyed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. At week 12 they also reported their satisfaction with the study components. Results Of the 36 participants recruited, 64% of participants completed measures at week 12, 30% completed all 12 counseling sessions and 60% responded to half the emails. By week 12, participants reduced their depressive symptom scores (by 4.7; p p p r = −.46; p Conclusion This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component intervention to reduce depressive symptoms in a sample of mild-to-moderately depressed adults.
Measurement of plasma ammonia is affected in patients receiving asparaginase therapy.

We recently observed a progressive increase in plasma ammonia concentrations in specimens from two patients that were being reanalyzed to confirm critical action value events (≥100 μmol/L). The initial analysis in one patient revealed an ammonia concentration of 163 μmol/L (Hitachi 917; Roche Diagnostics). Analyses at successive 20-min intervals revealed concentrations of 235, 292, and 315 μmol/L, respectively. Similarly, in another patient, the plasma ammonia concentrations were 209, 272, 351, and 383 μmol/L for the original and repeat measurements, respectively. Both patients’ medical records indicated that they were receiving antineoplastic therapy with asparaginase (ASNase). The primary proteolytic activity of ASNase is the conversion of the amino acid asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. ASNase is also responsible for the turnover of …
Health Attitudes, Health Cognitions, and Health Behaviors among Internet Health Information Seekers: Population-Based Survey

BACKGROUND: Using a functional theory of media use, this paper examines the process of health-information seeking in different domains of Internet use. OBJECTIVE: Based on an analysis of the 1999 HealthStyles data, this study was designed to demonstrate that people who gather information on the Internet are more health-oriented than non-users of Internet health information. METHODS: The Porter Novelli HealthStyles database, collected annually since 1995, is based on the results of nationally representative postal mail surveys. In 1999, 2636 respondents provided usable data for the HealthStyles database. Independent sample t-tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The results showed that individuals who searched for health information on the Internet were indeed more likely to be health-oriented than those who did not. Consumers who sought out medical information on the Internet reported higher levels of health-information orientation and healthy activities, as well as stronger health beliefs than those who did not search for medical news on the Internet. It was observed that those who reported searching for information about drugs and medications on the Internet held stronger health beliefs than the non-searchers. Comparison of individuals who reported seeking out information about specific diseases on the Internet with individuals who did not showed those who sought out disease-specific information on the Internet to be more health-oriented. Finally, consumers who sought out healthy lifestyle information on the Internet were more health conscious and more health-information oriented than those who did not. They were also more likely to hold stronger health-oriented beliefs and to engage in healthy activities. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the functional theory of Internet use. Internet searchers who used the Internet for a wide range of health purposes were typically more health oriented than non-searchers. [J Med Internet Res 2004;6(2):e15]
Risk Factors for Opioid-Induced Excessive Respiratory Depression

Opioid use has increased significantly over the past ten years and so has the incidence of reportable adverse events, such as respiratory depression and/or arrest. It is important for nurses to understand and know how to assess patients for risk factors for respiratory depression secondary to opioid therapy. This paper presents the pharmacodynamics of opioids, the risk factors for excessive respiratory depression, recommendations for identifying patients at high risk, and interventions to prevent adverse effects. After reading this paper, nurses will have the knowledge to provide safe administration of opioid medications for the management of acute pain.
Quantitative Histo- and Cytopathology

Computer evaluation of digitized imagery brings objectivity and standards to diagnostic histopathology. The statistical dependencies of pixel O.D. values reveal visually not perceived diagnostic information, allowing the detection of very early, preneoplastic tissue changes.
SDViz: a context-preserving interactive visualization system for technical diagrams

When performing daily maintenance and repair tasks, technicians require access to a variety of technical diagrams. As technicians trace components and diagrams from page-to-page, within and across manuals, the contextual information of the components they are analyzing can easily be lost. To overcome these issues, we have developed a Schematic Diagram Visualization System (SDViz) designed for maintaining and highlighting contextual information in technical documents, such as schematic and wiring diagrams. Our system incorporates various features to aid in the navigation and diagnosis of faults, as well as maintaining contextual information when tracing components/connections through multiple diagrams. System features include highlighting relationships between components and connectors, diagram annotation tools, the animation of flow through the system, a novel contextual blending method, and a variety of traditional focus+context visualization techniques. We have evaluated the usefulness of our system through a qualitative user study in which subjects utilized our system in diagnosing faults during a standard aircraft maintenance exercise.
Transmissions Through Barriers and Resonant Tunneling in a Luttinger Liquid

We present a review of the theory of the single channel Luttinger liquid applied to transport in nanostructure devices. Our main focus will be on the effects of barriers, or constrictions in a single channel wire. In particular, we show that repulsively interacting electrons incident upon a single barrier are completely reflected at zero temperature (T). At finite T, the conductance vanishes as a power of T, and at T = 0, power law current-voltage characteristics are predicted. We next discuss resonant tunneling through a double barrier structure and show that the resonance peaks have a width which vanishes as a power of T as T → 0. Moreover, the T dependence of the resonance lineshapes are described by a universal scaling function, which has non Lorentzian tails. Possible experimental realizations of this are discussed, including a connection to edge transport in the fractional quantum Hall regime.
Temperature dependence of the reaction rate constants for O(3P) atoms with C2H4, C3H6 and NO(M = N2O), determined by a modulation technique

Abstract Rate constants for the reaction of O( 3 P) atoms with C 3 H 4 , C 3 H 6 and NO(M = N 2 O) have been measured over the temperature range 300–392°K using a modulation-phase shift technique. The Arrhenius expressions obtained are: C 2 H 4 , k 2 = 3.37 × 10 9 exp[−(1270 ± 200)/ RT ]liter mole −1 sec −1 , C 3 H 6 , k 2 = 2.08 × 10 9 exp[−(0 ± 300)/ RT ]liter mole −1 sec −1 , NO(M = N 2 O), k 1 = 9.6 × 10 9 exp[(900 ± 200/ RT ]liter 2 mole −2 sec −1 . These temperature dependencies of k 2 are in good agreement with recent flash photolysis-resonance flourescence measurements, although lower than previous literature values.
Ancient Mesopotamia and the Beginnings of Science

THE thesis which it is proposed to outline here embodies the following propositions: (1) Available evidence points to Mesopotamia as the oldest known centre of scientific observation permanently recorded. (2) Whatever its immediate objectives, this activity comes to include such widely separated fields as education and language study, jurisprudence, and the mathematical and natural sciences. (3) The numerous elements in this broad advance are interrelated basically. The common underlying factor to which the initial impetus can be traced is a concept of society whereby the powers of the State are restricted and the rights of the individual receive a corresponding emphasis. (4) It is significant that under the opposite social system of totalitarian Egypt early scientific development differed in scope as well as in degree; while notable in certain special fields, such as medicine and engineering, it lacks the breadth and balance manifested in contemporary Mesopotamia.
Northern Fowl Mite Tolerant to Malathion

Malathion has been widely used in 4% dust or 0.5% spray for control of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago), and other ectoparasites of poultry since October 1957. In 1961 investigation of a reported failure to control northern fowl mite with spray showed that a population had developed in which optimal applications of 4% dust or 0.5% spray were ineffective. An experiment was conducted on this population using an increasing series of malathion in dusts and sprays as well as dusts of a carbamate and four organo-phosphate chemicals at concentrations respectively found effective in other experiments. The 4% and 6% dusts and the 0.5% and 1.0% sprays of malathion were ineffective. Increasing control was associated with increasing concentration of malathion but even the 25% dust kept the hens free of mites for 3 weeks only, evidence of marked tolerance of the population of northern fowl mite to malathion. Cross-tolerance was found for the other organo-phosphate compounds but not to the carbamate, Sevin® (1-naphthyl N -methylcarbamate), which provided complete control for more than 22 weeks.
Architecture and Performance of a Grid-Enabled Lookup-Based Biomedical Optimization Application: Light Scattering Spectroscopy

This paper presents a case study of a Grid-enabled implementation of light scattering spectroscopy (LSS). The LSS technique allows noninvasive detection of precancerous changes in human epithelium, differentiating from traditional biopsies by allowing in vivo diagnosis of tissue samples and quantitative analyses of parameters related to cancerous changes via numerical techniques. This paper describes the architecture of GridLSS and its integration with a Web-based Grid computing portal. GridLSS solves an optimization problem of determining the light scattering spectrum that best fits experimental spectral data among a large set of spectra computed analytically using rigorous Mie theory. The novel approach taken in this paper is based on the precomputation and storage of Mie theory spectra in lookup databases that are queried during the minimization process. The paper makes three important contributions: 1) it presents a novel parallel application for LSS analysis that delivers high performance in wide-area distributed computing environment; 2) it evaluates and analyzes the performance of this application in cluster-based high-performance computing environments that are typical of Grid deployments; and 3) it shows that the performance of GridLSS benefits significantly from the use of on-demand Grid data transfers based on virtualized distributed file systems and from user-level caches for remote file system data