cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hamstring Injuries in Professional Football Players: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation With Return to Play

Hamstring injuries are common in many sports, including football.1,8 Strain is the typical pattern of injury, and it results from excessive stretching of the myotendinous unit, often during sprinting or jumping.6,13 In the elite athlete, hamstring injuries cause prolonged absence from competition and have a high recurrence rate.9 Given the financial and competitive concerns associated with professional athletes, the time to return to activity is of particular importance to the athlete and the team. Thus, there is pressure on the medical staff and athletic trainers to return an athlete to competition as soon as possible. Failing to properly rehabilitate or returning to competition prematurely can result in further injury and/or a chronic strain and, thus, prolonged return to play.15 Although the diagnosis is made clinically, advanced radiologic evaluation is frequently used with professional athletes to assess the severity and extent of injury. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are equally sensitive in assessing hamstring injury; however, MRI offers a more detailed analysis of the injury and is not user dependent.10 The added cost of MRI is not a precluding factor for professional organizations and is the preferred imaging modality for elite athletes, in an effort to prevent recurrent injury for those who may return to competition prematurely.6,7 The mainstay of treatment consists of conservative management and gradual return to competition. Cases of proximal or distal avulsion of the hamstring tendons do, however, warrant consideration of surgical management.4,5 MRI allows for detailed evaluation of hamstring injuries. Not only can MRI confirm the clinical diagnosis of strain, but it provides information about the location, cross-sectional area, and extent of tear. It also allows the radiologist to grade the injury on the basis of radiologic strain grade.11 Although this additional information is helpful, there is no clinical classification system that allows for prediction of return to activity based on the extent of injury seen on MRI. Slavotinek et al14 published a prospective study evaluating 37 Australian Rules football players after hamstring injuries, comparing the extent of injury on MRI with time lost from competition. They found that the percentage of abnormal muscle area and volume of muscle injury were related to return to sports. However, no classification system was used to predict specific amount of time missed from sports. Ideally, a classification or scoring system would guide treatment to provide enough time for complete healing, avoid premature return to activity, and decrease risk of reinjury. The purpose of this study is to correlate the time for return to play in professional football players with the MRI findings after acute hamstring strains as well as to develop a scoring system that more easily allows for prediction of time missed.
Year-long current measurements in the Greenland-Spitsbergen passage

Four current meters have been successfully deployed from one summer to the next in the 2600 m deep Greenland-Spitsbergen passage. The annual mean northward transport of the West Spitsbergen Current estimated from the current records is 8 × 106 m3 sec−1. In the middle of the passage, the mean flow was southeast. The currents probablys extend to the bottom.
Pulsed ultrasound enhances nanoparticle penetration into breast cancer spheroids.

Effective treatment of solid tumors requires homogenous distribution of anticancer drugs within the entire tumor volume to deliver lethal concentrations to resistant cancer cells and tumor-initiating cancer stem cells. However, penetration of small molecular weight chemotherapeutic agents and drug-loaded polymeric and lipid particles into the hypoxic and necrotic regions of solid tumors remains a significant challenge. This article reports the results of pulsed ultrasound enhanced penetration of nano-sized fluorescent particles into MCF-7 breast cancer spheroids (300-350 μm diameter) as a function of particle size and charge. With pulsed ultrasound application in the presence of microbubbles, small (20 nm) particles achieve 6-20 folds higher penetration and concentration in the spheroid's core compared to those not exposed to ultrasound. Increase in particle size to 40 nm and 100 nm results in their effective penetration into the spheroid's core to 9 and 3 folds, respectively. In addition, anionic carboxylate particles achieved higher penetration (2.3, 3.7, and 4.7 folds) into the core (0.25r) of MCF-7 breast cancer spheroids compared to neutral (2.2, 1.9, and 2.4 folds) and cationic particles (1.5, 1.4 and 1.9 folds) upon US exposure for 30, 60, and 90 seconds under the same experimental conditions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing pulsed ultrasound to increase the penetration of nano-sized particles into MCF-7 spheroids mimicking tumor tissue. The effects of particle properties on the penetration enhancement were also illustrated.
Dissociation energy and ionization potential of the molecule CF

The gaseous equilibrium S + CF2 = SF + CF was studied over the temperature range 1851 to 2232 K by mass spectrometry, and the derived enthalpy change was used to evaluate the heat of formation of CF ΔH298 = 58.0 ± 2.4 kcal/mol (2.52 ± 0.10 eV), and the dissociation energy D00 (CF) = 130.8 ± 2.4 kcal/mol (5.67 ± 0.10 eV). The new thermochemical data indicate a slightly higher stability for CF than earlier determinations. Direct measurement by electron impact yielded a value of 9.17 ± 0.10 eV for the vertical ionization potential of CF, in agreement with an indirect result obtained from the photodissociative ionization of C2F4.
Rapid swelling of neurons during synaptic transmission in the bullfrog sympathetic ganglion

Abstract Neurons in the lumbar sympathetic ganglion of the bullfrog were found to respond to presynaptic stimulation with rapid mechanical changes. These changes represent swelling of the presynaptic nerve terminals, followed by swelling of the somas of the postsynaptic neurons. After complete blockade of impulse transmission with d -tubocurarine, swelling of the neurons associated with the excitatory postsynaptic potential is observed.
Optimizing latency and throughput of application workflows on clusters

Scheduling, in many application domains, involves optimization of multiple performance metrics. For example, application workflows with real-time constraints have strict throughput requirements and also desire a low latency or response time. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm for the scheduling of workflows that act on a stream of input data. Our algorithm focuses on the two performance metrics, latency and throughput, and minimizes the latency of workflows while satisfying strict throughput requirements. We also describe steps to use the above approach to solve the problem of meeting latency requirements while maximizing throughput. We leverage pipelined, task and data parallelism in a coordinated manner to meet these objectives and investigate the benefit of task duplication in alleviating communication overheads in the pipelined schedule for different workflow characteristics. The proposed algorithm is designed for a realistic bounded multi-port communication model, where each processor can simultaneously communicate with at most k distinct processors. Experimental evaluation using synthetic benchmarks as well as those derived from real applications shows that our algorithm consistently produces lower latency schedules that meet throughput requirements, even when previously proposed schemes fail.
Local spatial autocorrelation statistics quantify multi-scale patterns in distributional data: an example from the Maya Lowlands

Abstract Three articles appearing in the Journal of Archaeological Science chronicle the application of spatial statistics to a set of 47 dated Classic Period monuments in the southern Maya Lowlands (J. Archaeol. Sci. 17 (1990) 197; J. Archaeol. Sci. 12 (1985) 377; J. Archaeol. Sci. 20 (1993) 705). Although previous studies demonstrate that tests of global spatial autocorrelation can inform interpretations of archaeological data, they do not provide the means to characterize local concentrations of spatially dependent values, or what Kvamme (J. Archaeol. Sci. 17 (1990) 203) called “the particular nature of [the global] trend”. Here, local Moran's Iiand Gi∗statistics are applied to the same set of distributional data to quantitatively characterize spatial autocorrelation of terminal monument dates at the local, not global, scale. The results raise a number of local-scale hypotheses that, though undetected by previous global spatial analyses, might lead to a refined interpretation of the spatial distribution of dated monuments and, by extension, the reorganization of the Classic Maya. In a more general sense, the present application to dated Maya monuments serves as one example of how local spatial statistics can further strengthen distributional archaeological interpretations.
When trauma hits home: Personal trauma and the family therapist.

This paper discusses the immediate and long-term psychosocial consequences of traumatic events that can affect psychotherapists, including family therapits. Traumatic events invade both work and personal life and can create both opportunities and dangers. These will be discussed from a traumatological perspective. including how traumatic reactions may affect a family therapist's work.
ras oncogene activation of a VL30 transcriptional element is linked to transformation.

Abstract The activity of a murine VL30 transcriptional element was increased 20-fold in transient assays by coexpression of mutant ras genes. The cis element did not respond to ras in a revertant cell line that was transformation defective. Therefore, ras-dependent alterations in transcription and ras transformation are linked. Deletion analysis of the VL30 long-terminal-repeat U3 region showed that a minimal 53-base-pair segment is required in cis for oncogene activation of transcription. Gel retention assays using a probe that contained the minimal cis element revealed that a unique complex was formed with nuclear proteins prepared from transformed cells. Exonuclease III footprinting and gel retention experiments that used oligonucleotide probes and competitors indicated that two distinct nuclear factors interact with the minimal cis-responsive element. Site-directed deletion of the 5'-proximal binding site (TGACTCT) resulted in a complete loss of ras responsiveness. However, deletion of this site did not affect stimulation by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ras and TPA signal transduction mechanisms for transcriptional activation are distinct.
Contributions of Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation to Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate Production in AS-30D Hepatoma Cells

Abstract The AS-30D rat hepatoma cell line is characteristic of that class of rapidly growing tumors which exhibit high rates of aerobic glucose utilization and lactic acid production (Bustamante, E., Morris, H. P., and Pedersen, P. L., J. Biol. Chem., 256: 8699–8704, 1981). In this study, we have examined the coupling properties of the mitochondria in intact AS-30D hepatoma cells and the relative contributions of cytoplasmic (glycolytic) and mitochondrial compartments to total cellular ATP production in the presence of glucose and glutamine. All respiration in AS-30D cells was inhibited by inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport, ruling out significant rates of respiration from other cellular components. Moreover, cellular respiration was found to be coupled to phosphorylation of ADP, as demonstrated by its inhibition by oligomycin and aurovertin, inhibitors of the mitochondrial ATP synthetase (F 0 F 1 -ATPase). When intact cells were supplied with glucose as the only added energy source, it was estimated that about 60% of the total cell ATP was derived from glycolysis and 40% from oxidative phosphorylation. Addition of physiological concentrations of glutamine in the presence of glucose had little effect on the relative contributions of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to total cellular ATP production. In the absence of added glucose, glutamine alone could maintain the same ATP production rates by supporting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. It is concluded that, in the AS-30D hepatoma cell line, glucose is the preferred energy source, with the larger portion of ATP production being supplied by glycolytic reactions. Although oxidative substrates such as glutamine can replace glucose in maintaining total cell ATP production, they do not appear to be the major fuel sources when hepatoma AS-30D cells are exposed to concentrations of substrates which occur in vivo .
Gene expression analysis of prostate cancers

Prostate cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease with considerable variation in clinical aggressiveness. The behavior of prostate cancer can be considered a direct or indirect result of aberrant alterations of gene expression in prostate epithelial cells. Identification of the patterns of gene-expression alterations that are related to the aggressiveness of prostate cancers will greatly assist the development of tools for early detection of prostate cancers with poor clinical outcome and identification of targets for future therapeutic intervention. To detect the patterns of gene-expression alterations of prostate cancers, we performed a comprehensive gene-expression analysis on 30 prostate tissues of various levels of invasiveness (ranging from those confined to the organ to distant metastases) and Gleason grades (combined scores 4-9), using the Affymetrix chip set Hu35k (A-D) and U95a. Following three sequential selection screens, we identified 84 largely novel genes and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences whose expression levels were altered significantly in prostate cancer samples compared with control normal tissues. In addition, the expression levels of a group of 12 genes and EST sequences was found to be altered significantly in aggressive type of prostate cancers but not in organ-confined prostate cancers. Cluster analysis using the 84-gene list showed that the highly aggressive prostate cancers contained gene-expression patterns that were distinct from organ-confined prostate cancers.
Cervical carcinogenesis: the role of co-factors and generation of reactive oxygen species

Several HPV co-factors have been proposed, some more or less consistently associated with cervical dysplasia and cancer risk. More research, using prospective cohort designs, is needed to further describe where in carcinogenesis these factors are working and to assess the biological mechanism of these factors. In addition, further research is needed to define the role of various hormonal contraceptive formulations in promoting cervical carcinogenesis. While many interesting scientific questions remain to be answered, results from the numerous epidemiological studies conducted to date indicate that cervical dysplasia and cancer may be reduced if the oxidant antioxidant ratio is shifted to more of and antioxidant profile. In addition to cervical cancer screening, a reduction in cervical cancer incidence may be accomplished by reducing tobacco use, increasing nutritional status, and utilizing barrier contraception to prevent infection with other sexually acquired infections.
Investigating the Use of an Evolutionary Agent-based System for Classification Tasks

The idea of including intelligent agents in the structure of multi-classifier systems has emerged in order to overcome some drawbacks of these systems and, as a consequence, to improve the performance of such systems. As a result of this, the ClassAge system was proposed. This system has presented good results in some classification tasks. In this paper, an extension of this system is presented. Basically, an optimization technique is used to optimize the functioning of ClassAge. Also, each ClassAge agent is composed of a group of classifiers, instead of one classifier that was used in the original version.
Reinforcement of cell junctions correlates with the absence of hair cell regeneration in mammals and its occurrence in birds.

Debilitating hearing and balance deficits often arise through damage to the inner ear's hair cells. For humans and other mammals, such deficits are permanent, but non-mammalian vertebrates can quickly recover hearing and balance through their innate capacity to regenerate hair cells. The biological basis for this difference has remained unknown, but recent investigations in wounded balance epithelia have shown that proliferation follows cellular spreading at sites of injury. As mammalian ears mature during the first weeks after birth, the capacity for spreading and proliferation declines sharply. In seeking the basis for those declines, we investigated the circumferential bands of F-actin that bracket the apical junctions between supporting cells in the gravity-sensitive utricle. We found that those bands grow much thicker as mice and humans mature postnatally, while their counterparts in chickens remain thin from hatching through adulthood. When we cultured utricular epithelia from chickens, we found that cellular spreading and proliferation both continued at high levels, even in the epithelia from adults. In contrast, the substantial reinforcement of the circumferential F-actin bands in mammals coincides with the steep declines in cell spreading and production established in earlier experiments. We propose that the presence of thin F-actin bands at the junctions between avian supporting cells may contribute to the lifelong persistence of their capacity for shape change, cell proliferation, and hair cell replacement, while the postnatal reinforcement of the F-actin bands in maturing humans and other mammals may have an important role in limiting hair cell regeneration.
Optimizing the Barnes-Hut algorithm in UPC

PGAS languages' support of a global name space facilitates the expression of parallel algorithms, since communication is implicit. This is especially convenient when writing irregular applications with data-dependent, dynamically changing communication patterns. However, programming in a shared memory style, with no explicit control of communication, may result in poor performance. The problem may be due to weaknesses of current implementations of PGAS languages or limitations inherent in these languages. To clarify which is the case, we discuss an implementation in UPC of the Barnes-Hut algorithm. A literal port of a good quality shared-memory implementation (merely replacing shared arrays with partitioned global arrays) achieves abysmal performance -- more than 1000 times worse than a message-passing implementation. We achieve in UPC a performance comparable to message-passing with a series of optimizations. Most of these optimizations could be performed with limited changes in the source code using an enhanced run-time and a few language extensions or pragmas. We discuss the implications to the programmer, the compiler and PGAS languages themselves.
Automatic Detection of Pavement Surface Defects Using Consumer Depth Camera

The detection of pavement surface defects is a critical task in assessing and monitoring pavement condition. A number of image-based approaches have emerged in recent years to automate the process of surface defect detection. A prominent technology is the consumer depth camera, a camera that captures not only images, but also the varying distance between scene objects and the camera itself in a format of three-dimensional (3D) point clouds, similar to 3D point clouds obtained via Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR).The main challenge in applying a consumer depth camera to pavement defects detection lies in the low resolution and high random noise of the raw data. This paper presents a method that effectively addresses this challenge. It starts by filtering the signal noise using disciplined convex optimization and then enhances the resolution via moving least square up-sampling. This newly created method was tested in the field to detect different types of pavement defects including cracks, ruts, and potholes. It was found to be effective in detecting and quantifying pavement defects to provide quantitative information to support informed decision making in pavement management.
Optimal wavelet representation of signals and the wavelet sampling theorem

The wavelet representation using orthonormal wavelet bases has received widespread attention. Recently M-band orthonormal wavelet bases have been constructed and compactly supported M-band wavelets have been parameterized. This paper gives the theory and algorithms for obtaining the optimal wavelet multiresolution analysis for the representation of a given signal at a predetermined scale in a variety of error norms. Moreover, for classes of signals, this paper gives the theory and algorithms for designing the robust wavelet multiresolution analysis that minimizes the worst case approximation error among all signals in the class. All results are derived for the general M-band multiresolution analysis. An efficient numerical scheme is also described for the design of the optimal wavelet multiresolution analysis when the least-squared error criterion is used. Wavelet theory introduces the concept of scale which is analogous to the concept of frequency in Fourier analysis. This paper introduces essentially scale limited signals and shows that band limited signals are essentially scale limited, and gives the wavelet sampling theorem, which states that the scaling function expansion coefficients of a function with respect to an M-band wavelet basis, at a certain scale (and above) completely specify a band limited signal (i.e., behave like Nyquist (or higher) rate samples). >
Properties of Supergravity Theory

The commutator algebra of the recently proposed supergravity theory is elucidated. Several equivalent forms of the spin-3/2 field equations are derived for this purpose. It is also argued that this new theory is unique.
Lymph Node Ratio: A Proposed Refinement of Current Axillary Staging in Breast Cancer Patients

Background The optimal method for classifying lymph node (LN) status in breast cancer patients is unknown. We sought to determine if LN ratio (LNR) improves axillary staging. Study Design Kentucky Cancer Registry data (1996 to 2007) were used to compare LN categorization schemas. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank tests. Schemas included: LN positive (+) vs negative (−) disease, current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging (0 vs 1 to 3 vs 4 to 9 vs ≥10 LN+), and LNR 0 vs 0.01 to 0.20 vs 0.21 to 0.65 vs >0.65 (LN− vs low, intermediate, and high risk LN+ groups). Results There were 1,436 patients who had complete LN evaluation data: 880 (61.3%) were LN− and 556 (39.6%) were LN+; 309 (21.5%) had 1 to 3 positive LNs, 138 (9.6%) had 4 to 9 positive LNs, and 109 (7.6%) had 10 or more positive LNs. For LN+ patients, the median number of positive LNs was 3; median LNR was 0.23. The median follow-up was 65 months. LN status was associated with 5-year OS (91.3% and 73.3% for LN− and LN+ groups, respectively, p Conclusions LNR was associated with OS, regardless of AJCC LN categories.
A Theory of Vivid Media Violence

This article presents a theoretical framework for investigating the effects of exposure to graphic media violence. It is argued that the term “graphicness,” as used by media violence scholars, bears striking similarities to the term “vividness,” as used by both persuasion scholars exploring vividness effects and digital studies scholars exploring virtual reality. These bodies of literature are used to formulate propositions predicting the effects of media violence that is presented to audiences with rich contextual details. These propositions form the “Theory of Vivid Media Violence.”
Effects of addition of vitamin E to colostrum on serum α‐tocopherol and immunoglobulin concentrations in neonatal calves

Holstein calves (n = 45) were used to evaluate the effects of the addition of vitamin E (0, 100 or 1000 IU) to colostrum on absorption of α‐tocopherol and immunoglobulin in neonatal calves. Colostrum (2 l) was fed to calves as soon as possible after birth and 12 h later. The mean colostral α‐tocopherol concentration was 2.9 μg ml‐1 (SE = 0.4). The cows were not given vitamin E supplements prior to parturition. Increasing supplementation of α‐tocopherol increased serum α‐tocopherol at 12, 24 and 48 h after birth. Addition of 1000 IU at the first calf feeding caused maximal serum α‐tocopherol concentrations by 12 h (2.12 μg ml‐1); no increase in serum α‐tocopherol was observed thereafter. Serum IgG at 12 and 24 h tended to be lower when 100 IU of vitamin E were added; serum IgM was unaffected by treatment. No effects were observed on body weight gain, intake, feed efficiency or scours from birth up to 35 days of age. Under the conditions of this study, addition of vitamin E increased the absorption of α‐toc...
A re-evaluation of blindsight and the role of striate cortex (V1) in visual awareness.

Some patients with a lesion to the striate cortex (V1), when assessed through forced-choice paradigms, are able to detect stimuli presented in the blind field, despite reporting a complete lack of visual experience1 (Poppel, Held, & Frost, 1973; Weiskranz, Warrington, Sanders, & Marshall, 1974; see Cowey, 2004 for a review). This phenomenon, known as blindsight (Weiskranz et al., 1974) strongly implicates V1 in visual awareness (Pollen, 1999; Lamme, 2001; Cowey, 2004; Block, 2005). However, the view that V1 is indispensable for conscious visual perception is challenged by a recent finding that the blindsight subject GY can be aware of visual qualia in his blind field (Silvanto, Cowey, Lavie, & Walsh, 2007), implying that V1maynot be critical under all circumstances. This apparent contradiction raises the following question: if V1 is not always necessary for phenomenal awareness, why do V1 lesions have such a detrimental effect on conscious perception? It is suggested here that this contradiction can be resolved by
The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Technical and Clinical Considerations

The implantable cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) has become the most common device implanted for the treatment of arrhythmia disorders. The enormous technological development of these devices is perhaps the most dramatic progression observed in medicine over the past 30 years. The initial experiments of Mirowski published in 1978 required an external unit developed into epicardial patches; a large abdominal human implantable device was released in 1985, and this yielded to transvenous leads in the early 1990s and smaller pectoral and dual-chamber devices in the late 1990s and ultimately to the combination of cardiac resynchronization devices with defibrillation in the first few years of the new millennium.1,2
A Service-Based Entropic Model for Sensors Orchestration

Naval research programs are focusing on a distributed architecture approach for successful migration of data from one region to another. This presents a challenging area of modeling and managing the distributed approaches. This article describes a service-based model, which comprises of two steps that are decomposition and orchestration, for effectively managing distributed cluster networks. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, the article describes in detail the information transfer and entropy based decomposition approach. Second, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the orchestration approach to address challenges in distributed clusters using a simulation. We have implemented the decomposition approach in both Java and Matlab for verification.
A review of the effects of almotriptan and other triptans on clinical trial outcomes that are meaningful to patients with migraine.

Abstract Background: Traditional end points in clinical trials of migraine therapy, such as 2-hour pain response, may not fully address the outcomes patients consider most important: rapid and sustained freedom from pain over 24 hours, and a low, placebo-like incidence of adverse events. A composite efficacy measure such as the sustained pain-free rate (no pain by 2 hours after dosing, no recurrence, no use of rescue medication from 2 to 24 hours after dosing) may be more appropriate. Objective: Clinically relevant differences between almotriptan and other triptans were reviewed in the context of the attributes of acute migraine treatment that patients consider most important. Methods: This review was based on published reports of open-label and placebo-controlled clinical trials of almotriptan, results of a survey concerning the attributes patients consider most important in a migraine medication, and a published meta-analysis of 53 placebo-controlled clinical trials of triptans involving >24,000 patients. Results: Almotriptan was effective and well tolerated in the placebo-controlled clinical trials; results of the 6- and 12-month open-label studies supported its good tolerability profile. A respective 87% and 86% of respondents to the patient survey indicated that they considered complete freedom from pain and no recurrence among the most important attributes of migraine treatment, both of which are included in the sustained pain-free rate. In the meta-analysis, almotriptan had a favorable efficacy and tolerability profile compared with other triptans, particularly with respect to sustained pain-free rate, which was significantly higher with almotriptan 12.5 mg compared with sumatriptan 100 mg (25.9% vs 20.0%, respectively; P P Conclusions: Data from clinical trials suggest that almotriptan is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute migraine pain. Based on a sustained pain-free rate that is among the highest and an adverse-event rate that is among the lowest for the triptans, almotriptan represents a therapeutic option for the initial treatment of acute migraine with or without aura.
Risk-sensitive information gathering by cyprinids following release of chemical alarm cues

In aquatic environments, chemical cues released during a predator attack reliably inform prey about the presence of predation risk. Prey with information about predation risk are more successful in surviving encounters with predators than are unwary prey. To remain prepared for attack, prey should continue to monitor the status of predation risk, presenting a behavioural trade-off for prey: increased distance from areas labelled with alarm cues reduces exposure to predation risk but also reduces access to information about predation risk. In two laboratory experiments we used the presence and absence of water flow in a laboratory fluvarium to test alarm response and subsequent risk-sensitive information gathering by zebrafish (Danio rerio). In response to chemical alarm cues, fish significantly reduced activity and increased use of shelters. In the absence of flow, fish sought out the shelter nearest the cue source. In the presence of flow, fish preferred to seek shelter downstream, but not upstream, of the cue source. This allowed fish to gather information about predation risk from a relatively safe distance. In a field experiment on natural populations of stream fishes, fish avoided areas where chemical alarm cues were released (versus blank water control) but primarily because they avoided the region immediately upstream of the cue source. Fish use of the area immediately downstream of cue release did not decrease. Taken together, these laboratory and field data are consistent with a trade-off between risk avoidance and information gathering.
Heat Stress Causes Testicular Germ Cell Apoptosis in Adult Mice

An investigation was undertaken to determine whether the germ-cell loss associated with exposure of the testis to abdominal temperature occurs by apoptosis. Using an adult-mouse model of experimental unilateral cryptorchidism, it was observed that DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptosis, was observed on day 6 in the cryptorchid testis, with subsequent loss of testicular weight, histologic evidence of germ-cell loss, and histochemical staining of apoptotic germ cells observed on day 7. Vacuolization of the germinal epithelium and the appearance of multinucleated giant cells was noted synchronously with the onset of germ-cell loss. Histochemical staining for apoptosis was noted most frequently among the primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. These results indicate that the testicular germ-cell loss observed with exposure to abdominal heat stress occurs by apoptosis. Further investigation of the biochemical mechanisms involved in testicular apoptosis may provide strategies to address a variety of male reproductive issues such as contraception and infertility.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Seated Stability

Abstract Various methods have been used to quantify the kinematic variability or stability of the human spine. However, each of these methods evaluates dynamic behavior within the stable region of state space. In contrast, our goal was to determine the extent of the stable region. A 2D mathematical model was developed for a human sitting on an unstable seat apparatus (i.e., the “wobble chair”). Forward dynamic simulations were used to compute trajectories based on the initial state. From these trajectories, a scalar field of trajectory divergence was calculated, specifically a finite time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) field. Theoretically, ridges of local maxima within this field are expected to partition the state space into regions of qualitatively different behavior. We found that ridges formed at the boundary between regions of stability and failure (i.e., falling). The location of the basin of stability found using the FTLE field matched well with the basin of stability determined by an alternative method. In addition, an equilibrium manifold was found, which describes a set of equilibrium configurations that act as a low dimensional attractor in the controlled system. These simulations are a first step in developing a method to locate state space boundaries for torso stability. Identifying these boundaries may provide a framework for assessing factors that contribute to health risks associated with spinal injury and poor balance recovery (e.g., age, fatigue, load/weight, and distribution). Furthermore, an approach is presented that can be adapted to find state space boundaries in other biomechanical applications.
Diversification In An Emerging Market: A Closer Look At The Indian Stock Market

We find that the Indian stock market generated returns comparable to those of the U.S. stock market during the period January 1991 to July 2005. We also find that the Indian stock market produced returns substantially higher than U.S. equity returns during various sub-periods when the U.S. market declined. We demonstrate that the Indian stock market presents important return and diversification benefits to U.S. investors.
Auditor Choice: After Enron

In this study, the author examines the choice of auditor for firms who had contracted with Arthur Andersen prior to its collapse in the aftermath of Enron. This study was motivated by previous research on factors affecting the choice, including but not limited to size, geography, industry and financial condition. The results, in general, indicate that the choice among the Big Four accounting firms is not affected by these variables. This opens two possibilities: either that the choice is based on less tangible factors or such factors are overwhelmed by the size of the Big Fours accounting firms. However, when considered together, multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) develops a model that is able to predict which firm will be chosen at a significantly higher than simply guessing among the Big Four CPA firms. This result is driven by the results of two of the four firms.
Beyond Whole Earth: Planetary Mediation and the Anthropocene

This article examines the hermeneutic and poetic operations by which we as human beings turn our very planet into a signifier for our collective existence as a species, a process which I refer to as "planetary mediation." I identify the so-called Whole Earth images first generated by the Apollo Space missions as the characteristic form of planetary mediation during the late twentieth century, and argue that our current emergence into a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, calls for radically different representational strategies. Whole Earth images draw their strength from their iconographic and indexical qualities—in other words, their seeming ability to ground symbolic discourse in something that is undeniably and materially real. In the Anthropocene, however, physical nature itself has become a medium for the inscription of human messages, and effective planetary mediation can now take place only in virtual environments such as those of Google Earth and advanced climate modeling systems. I analyze the work of Soviet biologist Evgeni Shepelev as a starting point for this form of planetary mediation and discuss the multimedia installation The Place Where You Go to Listen by American composer John Luther Adams in order to show the challenges that contemporary environmental art will still have to overcome if it wants to illuminate our current planetary condition.
Abstract 217: Racial Disparities in Echocardiography Use Within The Veterans Administration and Medicare Systems

Background: There is increasing interest in understanding the factors that influence the use of diagnostic imaging in heart failure in US health systems. However, there is limited data examining overall use and the impact of racial disparities in the VA and Medicare. Methods: We analyzed Veterans Healthcare Administration (VA) and Medicare data from 2002 to 2009 to identify veteran patients above the age of sixty-five with a diagnosis of heart failure for at least 1 year. Patients receiving care in both systems were excluded. We examined patients undergoing echocardiography and scintigraphy each year by race and system of care. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities. Results: A total of 2,917,307 veteran patients were included (263,778 in VA and 1,698,497 in Medicare). Overall use of echocardiography each year was 45.6% for Whites, 51.9% for Asians, 43.2% for Blacks, 39.7% for Hispanics, 42.0% for Pacific Islanders, 40.9% for Native-American and 48.1% for Other. The adjusted odds ratio of undergoing echocardiography was higher for Asians in both systems compared to Whites (Figure). In Medicare, use was lower for Native Americans, Blacks and Hispanics compared to Whites. In the VA, use among Blacks and Hispanics was higher than Whites. Conclusion: There are significant differences in echocardiography use between the VA and Medicare systems by race for veterans with heart failure. Whites were more likely to receive echocardiography compared to most races in Medicare but not in the VA. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Preparation and Characterization of Sol-Gel Derived PbTiO3 Thin Layers on GaAs

PbTiO3 thin layers were deposited onto GaAs by sol-gel processing. The GaAs substrates were encapsulated with Si3N4 or SiO2 to minimize diffusion problems. Gel layers were heat treated to 350°C for removal of organic species and for the densification of the amorphous gel structure. Rapid thermal processing at 600°C was used to crystallize PbTiO3 into the perovskite structure. SIMS analysis determined limited diffusion of Ga and As into PbTiO3. The fine grain microstructure contained domains.
Determination of Exciton Diffusion Length by Transient Photoluminescence Quenching and Its Application to Quantum Dot Films

We present a framework for analyzing transient photoluminescence interfacial quenching experiments to extract exciton diffusivity and diffusion length. Through analytical solutions and finite element simulations at the continuum level, we derive spatiotemporal exciton distributions in films with arbitrary optical thickness and under noninstantaneous photoexcitation, paying particular attention to the effects of imperfect quenching and time-dependent diffusivity (i.e., subdiffusive transport). We demonstrate the utility of our model by applying it to a colloidal quantum dot (QD) thin film interface found in a recently reported record-efficiency QD light-emitting device. We find the exciton diffusion length in these CdSe/CdS core/shell QD films to be in the range 19–24 nm, in agreement with recent measurements of similar materials. We discuss limitations of the continuum-level analysis due to the finite size of individual QDs and an apparent subpopulation of “stationary” excitons that do not diffuse.
Research on Construction Method of FCNN

A type of method on forming Fuzzy Chaotic Neural Network(FCNN) is proposed which is based on the construction process of CNN(Chaotic Neural Network).First,CBP(Chaotic BP) arithmetic is introduced on the basis of proposing BP arithmetic and CNN.Then the dynamic model of FCN based on CBP arithmetic is proposed and the Fuzzy Chaotic Neural Network is constructed.Its fuzzy characteristic,scattering characteristic and Lyapunov exponent are mainly discussed.In the following,several characters of model's fuzzy property and the condition are proved that it must satisfied some conditions including scattering and chaotic character.Finally the simulation is analysed,which also illustrated the FCN model proposed above has both fuzzy speciality and chaotic property.
Evaluation of Control Effect on Occupational Hazards in a Construction Project of Intelligent Ammeter Factory

[Objective]To prevent,control and eliminate the occupational hazards in a construction project of intelligent ammeter factory,protect workers' health. [Methods]The results of field occupational hygienic investigation,detection and occupational health surveillance of this project were analyzed comprehensively,and the evaluation was conducted according to related laws,regulations,standard and technical specifications. [Results]The main occupational hazard factors in this project were lead fume,tin dioxide,unsteady noise and power frequency electric field.The detection range of time weighted average(TWA) of lead fume was 0.004 mg/m3~0.007 mg/m3,the detection range of tin dioxide TWA was 0.3~0.4 mg/m3,and the detection range of unsteady noise and power frequency electric field was 71.1~80.1 dB(A) and 0.47~1.42 V/m respectively.The occupational physical examination showed that the diseases caused by dust and noise exposure were not detected. [Conclusion]The related occupational protective measures had been carried out in this project.The concentration(strength) of all occupational hazard factors was in accordance with national limit values,which met the requirement of occupational hazard control.
To the Class of 2005: Will You Be Ready for the Quality Revolution?

Article-at-a-Glance Background Graduates are becoming aware of the vast changes occurring in the health care and scientific environments, which will place unprecedented demands on them. A Second Revolution It has been suggested that the Institute of Medicine reports To Err Is Human and Crossing the Quality Chasm have alerted health care professionals and managers to system defects, enlisted a broad array of stakeholders in the agenda, and accelerated changes in practice needed to eliminate errors and unnecessary deaths. It is now commonplace for comparative data on the effectiveness of hospitals and medical groups to be published in this new age of transparency. Coalitions of employers are now urging the adoption of safer practices in hospitals. In addition, the science of quality improvement has flourished and become robust. Coming Changes and Possibilities The changes over the next five years will be breathtaking. Those doctors and hospitals with the best clinical outcomes will benefit from seeing more patients and may even be paid more by Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance companies. Patients will access, via the Web, the latest quality information and make more informed choices about where to seek their care. The environment in which care is provided is also undergoing a major transformation. Hospital buildings themselves are becoming more healing, safer places. Graduates may ask themselves, "Will my residency adequately prepare me to understand and apply the science of quality improvement and evidence-based practice?"
Things Fall Apart … and Rebuild

Joseph Tainter was the first anthropologist to explore political decline and collapse in comparative perspective (1988). His book begins with a contrarian observation: The presence of so many archaeological ruins around the world suggests complex societies are transient and fragile, and modern populations may not be immune to the forces that caused these prehistoric civilizations to collapse. He describes these considerations as presenting “a difficult mystery” since researchers have always perceived “an inexorable trend toward higher levels of complexity” in human societies (Tainter, 1988:3). Until the 1980s, explanations of collapse—when they appeared at all—were done in an ad hoc manner, for one society at a time (Tainter, 1988:3). There was no comparative modeling to establish common patterns.
A Population History of the United States: The Early Republic to 1860

The first 70 years of the new republic brought some very basic changes in the levels of fertility and mortality from those that had evolved in the 17th and 18th centuries. By 1800, a two-century-long pattern of declining fertility began, with each generation of women producing ever fewer children from the extraordinarily high rates of the late colonial period. At the same time, there was probably a rise in mortality rates, or at least some very sharp shifts, with no clear trends in annual mortality rates until well after the Civil War. There were even some clear indications of malnutrition in the immediate pre-Civil War period, a paradoxical finding given the steady and dramatic growth of the national population. There were also profound changes in migration in this period as the Atlantic slave trade ended in 1808 and the beginnings of mass European immigration to North America began to occur after 1840. It is the causes and consequences of these various factors that I examine in this chapter on the early republic to 1860. The new republic of the United States began with a census and promised to maintain a periodical population count as part of its normal government operations. Thus began one of the oldest systematic censuses in World History, the decennial counting of the population of the United States. In the period of the 1770s to the 1780s, the political leaders of all the colonies came to the realization that a national census was needed. The movement for independence in the 1770s was accompanied by a major debate on the form that the new postcolonial republican government would take. The Articles of Confederation had already struggled with issues of representation and taxation. The state responsibilities for the public debt as well as of the nature of the state representation in the central government all rested on the question of population size.