cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors associated with 2009 to 2011 influenza vaccinations at a university medical center

Background Information on the rates and factors associated with influenza vaccinations, although limited, is important because it can inform the development of effective vaccination campaigns in a university medical center setting. Methods A study was conducted in 2011 to identify individual and organizational level barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination among clinical and nonclinical personnel (N = 428) from a major university medical center. Results Seventy-one percent of clinical personnel (n = 170) reported pandemic H1N1 vaccination compared with 27% of nonclinical personnel (n = 258), even though vaccine was made widely available to all personnel at no cost. Similarly, disparate rates between clinical and nonclinical personnel were noted for the 2009/2010 seasonal influenza vaccine (82% vs 42%, respectively) and 2010/2011 combination (pandemic plus seasonal) influenza vaccine (73% vs 28%, respectively). Factors associated with pandemic vaccination in nonclinical personnel included the following: high level of influenza-related knowledge, concern regarding influenza contagion, history of previous influenza vaccinations or influenza illness, participation in vaccine-related training, and awareness of the institution's written pandemic plan. For clinicians, past history of seasonal influenza vaccination was associated with pandemic vaccination. For all participants, taking any 1 or more of the 3 influenza vaccines available in 2009 to 2011 was associated with intent to take a hypothetical future novel pandemic vaccine (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval: 4.32-10.44; P Conclusion Most of the risk factors associated with lack of vaccination uptake are amenable to organizational strategies.
The elastic field around an elliptical crack in an anisotropic medium under an applied stress of polynomial forms

Abstract A general form is presented for the stress disturbance caused by an elliptical crack in an anisotropic medium under an arbitrary stress field in the form of polynomials. Somigliana's dislocation method is employed for analysis as Willis [4] did, but a different integral process is taken. The results are expressed in the integral forms defined on the subspace of the surface of a unit sphere. The following theorem is proved: If the displacement discontinuity of the elliptical Somigliana's dislocation has the form P N(x′ 1 ,x′ 2 ) (1−x′ 1 2 /a 1 2 −x′ 2 2 /a 2 2 ) 1/2 where P N(x′ 1 ,x′ 2 ) is a homogeneous polynomial of degree N in the coordinates x′ 1 and x′ 2 and a 1 and a 2 are the semi-axes of the elliptical Somigliana's dislocation, the stresses on the plane of the Somigliana's dislocation are inhomogeneous polynomials in the coordinates, whose terms are of degree N, (N − 2 ), (N − 4),4.
Monoclonal antibodies reacting with tryptic hyaluronic acid-binding region and link protein fragments of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan.

Abstract BALB/c mice were immunized with isolated trypsin-produced hyaluronic acid-binding region (HABR) or HABRIlink protein complex from bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan (PG) aggregates conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin.The monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) raised were characterized by solid-phase ELISA inhibition and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblotting.Nine Mabs react with intact PG monomer, HABR and HABRIlink complex.Two of the anti-HABR Mabs appear to be directed to epitopes in or near the HA-binding site of PG monomer; one of these epitopes is insensitive to reduction and alkylation and pronase treatment and is likely to consist of carbohydrate.The remaining anti-HABR Mabs react with PG aggregate, are non-reactive with pronase-treated PG monomer and vary in their reactivity with reduced and alkylated PG monomer.Three Mabs react with link protein-related epitopes.One of these Mabs reacts only with the tryptic link protein fragment, the others also react with PG aggregates and the two native link proteins.Immunological studies of cartilage PG should be facilitated by the availability of Mabs specific for these functionally significant components in native PG aggregates.
Facial stereotypes of good guys and bad guys: A replication and extension

This research tests the hypothesis that faces can serve as stimuli triggering consensual stereotypical responses in observers. Facial photographs of white middle-aged men were arranged in five separate arrays, each containing equal numbers of portraits. Subjects were first led to believe that each array contained one and only one portrait of each of the following “occupations”: mass murderer, armed robber, rapist, medical doctor, clergyman, and engineer. Following these instructions, subjects were asked to choose one picture for each of the six occupations. Chi-square analysis of their choices indicates that in all five arrays subjects’ selections are significantly non-random. A small number of portraits are often selected as “bad guys,” and a small number of other portraits are often selected as “good guys.” In addition, not only are criminal and noncriminal face prototypes suggested by the data, but subjects’ choices also tend to be occupation specific; however, this tendency was more evident when the choices were among the criminal rather than the noncriminal occupations. The results of the study were discussed in terms of the probability that stereotyping is a factor in jury decisions.
The dynamics of the early inflammatory response in double-hit burn and sepsis animal models

Severe burn trauma is generally associated with bacterial infections, which causes a more persistent inflammatory response with an ongoing hypermetabolic and catabolic state. This complex biological response, mediated by chemokines and cytokines, can be more severe when excessive interactions between the mediators take place. In this study, the early inflammatory response following the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) or its corresponding control treatment (sham-CLP or SCLP) in burn (B) male rats was analyzed by measuring 23 different cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines and chemokines, including MCP-1, IP-10, leptin, TNF-α, MIP-1α, IL-18, GMCSF, RANTES and GCSF were significantly altered in both B+CLP and B+SCLP groups. IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly up-regulated in the B+CLP group when compared to the B+SCLP group. Down regulation of leptin and IP-10 concentrations were found to be related to surgery and/or infection. IL-18 and MCP-1 were elevated in all groups including previously published single injury models receiving similar treatments. In this study, insult-specific mediators with their characteristic temporal patterns were elucidated in double hit models.
Captive students and duelling podia: a collaborative approach to teaching the Frontier in American Literature and Film

In this essay, we explore how the same theories and metaphors’ used historically to describe the frontier, are useful ways of thinking about both team teaching and English studies as an interdisciplinary field. Defining the frontier as both imprecise and liminal encourages the students, as well as the instructors, to work within an open space of all sorts of possibilities and no easily fixed answers. Such an approach illustrates the blurred line between written and visual texts and highlights how long the idea of the frontier has captivated US national consciousness, from early exploration narratives to film and TV.
Cocaethylene produces conditioned place preference in rats

The ability of cocaethylene to produce either a conditioned place preference or a conditioned place aversion was tested in rats. Twelve male rats were administered 10 mg/kg cocaethylene and confined to their nonpreferred side of the conditioned place preference apparatus as determined on a baseline test day. Subsequently, these rats spent a greater amount of time in that cocaethylene-paired nonpreferred side when later tested in a drug-free state. In contrast, rats conditioned with the same dose of cocaethylene and confined in their preferred side, as well as other rats treated with saline on both sides, did not show a significant shift in their preference or aversion. Results are discussed in light of the rewarding activity of cocaethylene, a compound formed in humans who concurrently use cocaine and ethanol.
Emergence of Distinct Brome Mosaic Virus Recombinants Is Determined by the Polarity of the Inoculum RNA

Despite overwhelming interest in the impact exerted by recombination during evolution of RNA viruses, the relative contribution of the polarity of inoculum templates remains poorly understood. Here, by agroinfiltrating Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, we show that brome mosaic virus (BMV) replicase is competent to initiate positive-strand [(+)-strand] synthesis on an ectopically expressed RNA3 negative strand [(-) strand] and faithfully complete the replication cycle. Consequently, we sought to examine the role of RNA polarity in BMV recombination by expressing a series of replication-defective mutants of BMV RNA3 in (+) or (-) polarity. Temporal analysis of progeny sequences revealed that the genetic makeup of the primary recombinant pool is determined by the polarity of the inoculum template. When the polarity of the inoculum template was (+), the recombinant pool that accumulated during early phases of replication was a mixture of nonhomologous recombinants. These are longer than the inoculum template length, and a nascent 3' untranslated region (UTR) of wild-type (WT) RNA1 or RNA2 was added to the input mutant RNA3 3' UTR due to end-to-end template switching by BMV replicase during (-)-strand synthesis. In contrast, when the polarity of the inoculum was (-), the progeny contained a pool of native-length homologous recombinants generated by template switching of BMV replicase with a nascent UTR from WT RNA1 or RNA2 during (+)-strand synthesis. Repair of a point mutation caused by polymerase error occurred only when the polarity of the inoculum template was (+). These results contribute to the explanation of the functional role of RNA polarity in recombination mediated by copy choice mechanisms.
A finite difference simulation of a continuous flow centrifuge

Abstract The secondary flow of an incompressible liquid in a continuous process, vertical tubular centrifuge is studied using finite difference solutions to the governing equations. In particular the secondary flow associated with the addition and removal of mass or momentum from the container is computed and analyzed. For parameters typical of the liquid centrifuges studied here, the governing equations are linear. Thus various feed and withdrawal configurations may be analyzed using superposition of a few solutions to the governing equations. Even aside from the secondary flow induced by the density difference between the species being separated, the addition and withdrawal of fluid is found to have a major impact on the secondary flow pattern.
Apoptosis and the pattern of DNase I expression following massive small bowel resection.

Abstract Introduction. Following massive small bowel resection (SBR), histologic evidence of increased enterocyte apoptosis has been demonstrated in several animal models. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) is requisite for intranuclear cleavage of DNA during apoptosis; we therefore hypothesized that the expression of this gene would be increased following SBR. Methods. Male ICR mice underwent either 50% proximal SBR or sham surgery (bowel transection/reanastomosis). After 12 h and 1, 3, and 7 days, rates of enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis were recorded as well as DNase I mRNA expression and activity. Results. Adaptation after SBR was confirmed at each time point by increased proliferation. Enterocyte proliferation was increased by 12 h and apoptosis was increased by 24 h and remained elevated through Day 7. When compared with sham-operated mice, SBR resulted in a twofold increase in both DNase I expression and activity at 24 h postoperatively, which returned to baseline by Postoperative Day 3. Conclusions. DNase I expression and activity are increased early following massive SBR but return to baseline despite persistent increased rates of enterocyte apoptosis and proliferation. This enzyme may be important in the early induction of apoptosis following massive SBR, but not once a new set point has been established in the balance between the rate of enterocyte production and enterocyte loss.
New Method for the Colorimetric Measurement of Opaque Fluorescent Samples

A brief critical review is given of methods for determining the colorimetric description of reflecting fluorescent materials. A new method is described and its advantages are discussed. The method requires spectroradiometric calibrations of the spectrophotometer's source and detector systems and spectrophotometric measurement of total radiance factor, reflection radiance factor and conventional reflectance. A simple calculation then gives the total radiance factor of the fluorescent material for any specified illuminant. Experimental results with four strongly fluorescent samples indicate that the method has a colorimetric accuracy of about one unit in the CIE 1976 L*U*V* color space.
Effects of Undersized Mitral Annuloplasty on Regional Transmural Left Ventricular Wall Strains and Wall Thickening Mechanisms

Background— Undersized mitral annuloplasty, widely used for ischemic and functional mitral regurgitation (MR), has been proposed as an “annular solution to a ventricular problem.” Beyond relief of MR, it is thought to improve global left ventricular (LV) shape, hence potentially reducing myocardial stress and promoting beneficial reverse LV remodeling. We previously observed that undersized annuloplasty inhibited systolic wall thickening at the LV base near the mitral annulus. In this study, we measured the effects of undersized annuloplasty on regional transmural LV wall fiber and sheet strains and wall thickening mechanisms. Methods and Results— Nine sheep had transmural radiopaque beadsets surgically inserted into anterobasal and lateral equatorial LV regions, with additional markers silhouetting the LV and mitral annulus. 4-Dimensional marker dynamics were studied with biplane videofluoroscopy before and after tightening an adjustable Paneth-type mitral annuloplasty suture. Transmural circumferential, longitudinal, and radial systolic and remodeling strains in the subepicardium (20% depth), midwall (50%), and subendocardium (80%) in both regions were computed. Fiber and sheet angles from quantitative regional histology allowed transformation of these strains into local fiber (f), sheet (s), and sheet-normal (n) coordinates. Further analysis calculated the transmural contributions of sheet extension (Essc), sheet thickening (Ennc), and sheet shear (Esnc) to systolic wall thickening (E33). In the anterobasal region, undersized annuloplasty reduced systolic wall thickening (E33) by &50% at all transmural depths by inhibiting: (1) subendocardial systolic fiber shortening (−0.10±0.05 versus −0.04±0.05; P <0.05); (2) subepicardial (0.16±0.15 versus 0.09±0.08; P <0.05) and subendocardial (0.45±0.40 versus 0.19±0.18; P <0.05) systolic sheet thickening; (3) midwall sheet extension (0.22±0.12 versus 0.11±0.06; P <0.05); and (4) transmural sheet shear (subepicardium, −0.14±0.07 versus −0.08±0.07; midwall, 0.21±0.12 versus 0.10±0.11; subendocardium, −0.19±0.23 versus −0.11±0.16; P <0.05). In the remote lateral equatorial region, fiber-sheet strains and E33 were unchanged. Conclusions— In this acute animal study, undersized annuloplasty inhibited systolic wall thickening in the anterobasal region by reducing subendocardial systolic fiber shortening and laminar sheet wall thickening, but had no effects in a more distant LV region. This suggests that undersized mitral annuloplasty may have potentially deleterious effects on local myocardial mechanics.
Being Black and Feeling Blue: The Mental Health Consequences of Racial Discrimination

Abstract The association between racial discrimination and mental health was examined using Wave 2 (1987–1988) and Wave 3 (1988–1989) panel data from the National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA). Mental health status was assessed by psychological distress and depression. In cross-sectional analyses, the perception of racial discrimination was related to high levels of psychological distress at Waves 2 and 3. Experiencing racial discrimination was marginally related to a high likelihood of depression at Wave 2. In longitudinal analyses, reports of racial discrimination at Wave 2 were associated with high levels of psychological distress at Wave 3. High psychological distress or depression at Wave 2 was not associated with reports of racial discrimination at Wave 3—indicating that poor mental health did not predict subjective reports (perceptions) of discrimination. The Discussion focused on possible directions for a more comprehensive program of research on mental health, stress, and experiences of racially based discrimination.
Dialogical Inquiry: An Extension of Schein's Clinical Inquiry

After examining the main principles and historical origins of Edgar Schein's clinical inquiry, this article introduces dialogical inquiry, an extension of clinical inquiry. Following clinical inqui...
Deterministic lattice model for diffusion-controlled crystal growth

Abstract An efficient lattice model is developed to study the stages of diffusion-controlled crystal growth. We establish the existence of a dense branching morphology and its relation to diffusion-limited aggregation. We find a clear morphological transition from kinetic-effect-dominated growth to surface-tension-dominated growth, marked by a difference in the way growth velocity scales with undercooling. We also study the evolution of interfacial instability and find a scaling behaviour for the interface power spectra, indicating the non-linear selection of a unique length scale.
IOP Elevation Reduces Schlemm's Canal Cross-Sectional Area

PURPOSE Previously, we demonstrated reduced Schlemm's canal cross-sectional area (SC-CSA) with increased perfusion pressure in a cadaveric flow model. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of acute IOP elevation on SC-CSA in living human eyes. METHODS The temporal limbus of 27 eyes of 14 healthy subjects (10 male, 4 female, age 36 ± 13 years) was imaged by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and with IOP elevation (ophthalmodynamometer set at 30-g force). Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline and with IOP elevation by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Vascular landmarks were used to identify corresponding locations in baseline and IOP elevation scan volumes. Schlemm's canal CSA at five locations within a 1-mm length of SC was measured in ImageJ as described previously. A linear mixed-effects model quantified the effect of IOP elevation on SC-CSA. RESULTS The mean IOP increase was 189%, and the mean SC-CSA decrease was 32% (P < 0.001). The estimate (95% confidence interval) for SC-CSA response to IOP change was -66.6 (-80.6 to -52.7) μm(2)/mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS Acute IOP elevation significantly reduces SC-CSA in healthy eyes. Acute dynamic response to IOP elevation may be a useful future characterization of ocular health in the management of glaucoma.
High-resolution 3-D imaging of objects through walls

This paper describes the use of microwaves to accurately image objects behind dielectric walls. The data are first simulated by using a finite-difference time-domain code. A large model of a room with walls and objects inside is used as a test case. Since the model and associated volume are big compared to wavelengths, the code is run on a parallel supercomputer. A fixed 2-D receiver array captures all the return data simultaneously. A time-domain backprojection algorithm with a correction for the time delay and refraction caused by the front wall then reconstructs high-fidelity 3-D images. A rigorous refraction correction using Snell's law and a simpler but faster linear correction are compared in both 2-D and 3-D. It is shown that imaging in 3-D and viewing an image in the plane parallel to the receiver array is necessary to identify objects by shape. It is also shown that a simple linear correction for the wall is sufficient.
On the flight paths of metal particles and embers generated by power lines in high winds--a potential source of wildland fires

Abstract In dry grasslands, dangerous wildfires are of particular concern during hot, dry seasons in regions encountering high winds. It is possible that such winds can cause power cables to come close enough together to arc or collide with trees, and produce metal sparks or burning embers which can be carried by the wind and land in adjacent areas of dry vegetation. A major issue is whether or not such possibly generated particles can initiate a brush or grass fire. In this work, a predictive, numerical model is used to calculate trajectories, combustion rates, and lifetimes of metal particles and burning embers of different sizes for various wind conditions and terrain. Three distinct cases are studied: (1) hot particles produced by arcing copper power lines; (2) burning sparks produced by arcing aluminum power lines; and (3) burning embers produced by the collision of high voltage power lines with surrounding trees. The results show that for the same wind conditions, the distances reached by firebrands are the greatest, followed by aluminum and copper. Large aluminum sparks (e.g. 1·5 mm diameter) that do not burn up in flight travel farther than copper particles of the same size. Since copper particles do not emerge burning, they immediately cool down in flight, as they are carried away by the wind. Nonetheless, with a slightly larger heat capacity than that of aluminum (and non-regressing size), a copper particle can bring with it a significant amount of heat into its area of impact. Although smaller aluminum particles can burn out while in flight, larger aluminum particles can land while still burning. Burning embers or firebrands burn heterogeneously and are not susceptible to high Re extinction due to flame blow-off. Larger embers can land still burning; however, they may carry less heat than their metal counterparts.
Factors associated with quality of life in older adults in the United States

According to the World Health Organization, quality of life (QOL) includes physical and mental health, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Using an adaptation of Andersen’s behavioral model, we examined the associations between the three dimensions of QOL and needs and health behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adults 65 years and older. A representative sample from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used. NHANES over-samples persons 60 years and older, African Americans, and Hispanics. Frequencies and distribution patterns were assessed, followed by bivariate and multiple regression analyses. These older adults reported high levels of QOL. However, associations between needs and health behaviors and QOL varied across dimensions. Activities of daily living (ADL) were associated with all three dimensions. Depression was associated with two dimensions and memory problems with one dimension. Physical activity was linked to social functioning, and health care utilization was linked to emotional well-being. The differences in associations with different dimensions of QOL confirm that this is a multidimensional concept. Since depression, memory problems, and ADL function were all associated with some dimension of QOL, future interventions to improve QOL in older adults should include screening and treatment for these problems.
Immortal Time: Circadian Clock Properties of Rat Suprachiasmatic Cell Lines

Cell lines derived from the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were screened for circadian clock properties distinctive of the SCN in situ. Immortalized SCN cells generated robust rhythms in uptake of the metabolic marker 2-deoxyglucose and in their content of neurotrophins. The phase relationship between these rhythms in vitro was identical to that exhibited by the SCN in vivo. Transplantation of SCN cell lines, but not mesencephalic or fibroblast lines, restored the circadian activity rhythm in arrhythmic, SCN-lesioned rats. Thus, distinctive oscillator, pacemaker, and clock properties of the SCN are not only retained but also maintained in an appropriate circadian phase relationship by immortalized SCN progenitors.
Interhospital transfer of liver trauma in New Mexico: a state of austere resources.

Abstract Background There is debate in the trauma literature regarding the effect of prolonged prehospital transport on morbidity and mortality. This study analyzes the management of hepatic trauma patients requiring surgery and compares the outcomes of the group that was transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) from outside institutions, to the directly admitted group. Materials and methods The UNMH Trauma Database was queried from 2005–2012. Of 674 patients who sustained liver injuries, 163 required surgery: 46 patients (28.2%) underwent interhospital transfer, and 117 (71.8%) were directly admitted. Variables examined included transfer status, trauma mechanism, transport type, injury severity score (ISS), liver injury grade, and associated injuries. Outcome variables included length of stay (LOS) and 30-day mortality. Outcomes of the transfer group (TG) and direct admit group (DAG) were compared. Results Both TG and DAG had the same median age (31 y, P = 0.33). The blunt-to-penetrating ratio was the same for each group (48% blunt: 52% penetrating, P = 1.0). Median ISS was 25 for the TG and 26 for the DAG. Grade III or higher injury occurred in 29 (63%) of the TG and in 68 (58%) of the DAG ( P = 0.56). Median hospital LOS was 14 d for TG and 9 d for DAG ( P = 0.15). Median intensive care unit LOS was 4 d for both groups ( P = 0.71). Thirty-day mortality was 20% in each group ( P = 0.27). Using a multiple logistic regression model for the outcome of mortality, only age, ISS, and liver injury grade, not transfer status or transport type, had a significant effect on mortality. Conclusions There was no significant difference in liver injury grade, ISS, LOS, and mortality between TG and DAG. In the patient population of our study, transfer status did not affect outcome.
Prehistoric marine mammal hunting in context: two western North American examples

The analysis of a particular type of fauna, such as marine mammals, is best understood when all categories of fauna represented are studied. Detailed analysis of a portion of an assemblage, while interesting, can contribute to misleading interpretations of prehistoric human behaviour. Faunal assemblages from coastal shell middens in southern California and Oregon provide examples of the analysis of marine mammals and their relative importance in prehistoric subsistence, economy, and culture change. While marine mammals were important for subsistence and comprise a high proportion of the bones identifiable to the species level in these assemblages, these animals were less important than fish and shellfish in the diet and probably played a limited role in culture change in these regions. Previous studies that suggest a central role for marine mammals in cultural evolution in western North America provide minimal information on other fauna, and use limited analytical methods. Quantification methods that require species level identification (such as minimum number of individuals [MNI]) can exclude much of the faunal data available from dense coastal middens, and may over emphasize some portions of the assemblage, notably large mammals. Analysis at taxonomic levels higher than species and use of several quantification techniques, including meat weight estimates, may help alleviate some of these methodological problems and lead to a better understanding of the role of marine mammals in prehistoric economies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of fluid properties using rapid-double-exposure and time-average holographic interferometry

The holographic recording of the time history of a flow feature in three dimensions is discussed. The use of diffuse illumination holographic interferometry or the three-dimensional visualization of flow features such as shock waves and turbulent eddies is described. The double-exposure and time-average methods are compared using the characteristic function and the results from a flow simulator. A time history requires a large hologram recording rate. Results of holographic cinematography of the shock waves in a flutter cascade are presented as an example. Future directions of this effort, including the availability and development of suitable lasers, are discussed. Previously announced in STAR as N84-21849
Suppressing limbic seizures by stimulating medial dorsal thalamic nucleus: Factors for efficacy

Summary Objective The optimal sites and stimulation protocols for brain stimulation in epilepsy have not been found. Clinical trials, which have shown modest benefit in seizure reduction, have involved patients with poorly localized intractable focal epilepsy and stimulation sites without clear relations to specific underlying seizure circuits. The medial dorsal thalamic nucleus is a key node in limbic seizure circuits, and we wished to know what stimulation parameters might control seizures in a kindling model of limbic epilepsy. Methods In urethane-anesthetized rats, we induced limbic seizures by stimulation of the piriform cortex or CA3 of the hippocampus while recording in the entorhinal cortex or CA1 of the contralateral hippocampus to determine the effect of specific stimulation parameters on seizure duration. Results Stimulation consistently suppressed seizure duration from baseline by over 80% (p < 0.001), frequently completely preventing the seizures. Position of the thalamic electrode, stimulus intensity and frequency had a significant influence, with higher stimulus intensities (40 V vs. 20 V) and frequencies (20 Hz vs. 7 Hz) significantly suppressing seizures. The most effective position was the lateral dorsal area of the medial dorsal nucleus (MD), which corresponded to the region of axon entry. Stimulation in the MD center was not effective. An anterior-posterior relationship of the stimulating electrode pair was effective, whereas a medial lateral orientation was not. Successful stimulation suppressed the evoked responses in the entorhinal cortex or CA1. Significance Position and orientation of the stimulating electrode has to be precise, which suggests that the placement of the electrodes must be tailored to the individual's own seizure circuit. The data also indicate that successful deep brain stimulation induces a fundamental change in system physiology, which could be a marker to guide the development of stimulation parameters for each patient.
Comparative Toxicity of Some Phosphoramidothioates and Phosphoramidates to Susceptible and Acaricide-Resistant Strains of Tetranychus pacificus and Panonychus citri

The comparative toxicity of a p -chlorophenyl, some 2,4-dichlorophenyl and about 55 homologous 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl phosphoramidothioates and phosphoramidates to susceptible and acaricide-resistant strains of Tetranychus pacificus McGregor and Panonychus citri (McGregor) were investigated. The 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl was the only series sufficiently toxic to the resistant strains to be of interest. Of the alkoxy homologues of this series, the isopropyl substitutions resulted in the most toxic compounds to both the susceptible and resistant strains of both mite species, and the propyl and butyl substitutions resulted in the least toxic compounds of the series. Compounds resulting from the alkylamido substitutions to the phosphoramidothioates decreased in toxicity to T. pacificus as the length of the substitution chain increased. The chain length of the alkylamido homologues did not decrease the toxicity of the resulting phosphoramidatc compounds to either mite. The phosphoramidates were as toxic and frequently more toxic than their phosphoramidothioate analogue.
A light weight dynamic rate control scheme for video transmission over IP network

This paper proposes a lightweight dynamic rate control strategy for improving the quality of video transmitted over the internet. The proposed scheme includes a feedback mechanism from the receiver to the sender with periodic updates of packet drops. This information is used by the sender to estimate the congestion present in the network and to adjust the transmission rate to avoid further bottlenecks. A mathematical model that relates the three parameters: data rate, congestion present in the network and packet drops has been developed. Experiments were performed on a network consisting of several network elements to validate the model. Results indicate that the proposed dynamic control strategy improves the quality of video over IP networks.
Monolithic fabrication and performance control of multilayered, polarization sensitive, guided-mode resonance filters

An efficient monolithic fabrication technique of multiple Guided-Mode Resonance Filter (GMRF) devices on a single substrate is presented. The devices consist of two crossed linear sub-wavelength grating (SWG) dielectric layers, formed by etching deposited silicon oxide films, separated by a silicon nitride waveguide. The buried SWG duty cycle is lithographically modulated to control the device resonance wavelengths, independent of the top SWG. This is because the buried SWG acts as a tunable effective index layer, controlling the waveguide mode coupling wavelength into the silicon nitride waveguide layer. The two SWG have different spatial periods, to further reduce resonance coupling between them. The fabrication is accomplished using existing photolithographic technology, and conventional PECVD coating techniques.
The commitment to quitting smoking scale: Initial validation in a smoking cessation trial for heavy social drinkers

We tested the psychometric properties and predictive validity of a newly developed 8-item measure of commitment to quitting smoking, conceptualized as the state of being personally bound or obligated to persist in quitting smoking despite potential difficulties, craving and discomfort. Participants were 157 heavy drinking smokers enrolled in a clinical trial of smoking cessation treatments. The measure showed strong unidimensionality, good internal consistency, and moderate stability from baseline to quit date. Commitment significantly increased from baseline to quit date. Higher commitment to quitting at baseline predicted greater odds of abstinence at post-treatment and 16 and 26 weeks after quit date. Commitment predicted smoking outcome over and above level of tobacco dependence, self-reported importance of quitting smoking, and self-efficacy for remaining abstinent. Results suggest that commitment is a highly relevant construct for smoking cessation, which can be reliably assessed with the Commitment to Quitting Smoking Scale and which may be an excellent target for smoking cessation treatments.
Improving graph coloring on distributed-memory parallel computers

Graph coloring is a combinatorial optimization problem that classically appears in distributed computing to identify the sets of tasks that can be safely performed in parallel. Despite many existing efficient sequential algorithms being known for this NP-Complete problem, distributed variants are challenging. Building on an existing distributed-memory graph coloring framework, we investigate two techniques in this paper. First, we investigate the application of two different vertex-visit orderings, namely Largest First and Smallest Last, in a distributed context and show that they can help to significantly decrease the number of colors, on small-to medium-scale parallel architectures. Second, we investigate the use of a distributed post-processing operation, called recoloring, which further drastically improves the number of colors while not increasing the runtime more than twofold on large graphs. We also investigate the use of multicore architectures for distributed graph coloring algorithms.
A technique to modulate the signature of a stochastic gravitational wave background

Detecting a stationary, stochastic gravitational wave signal is complicated by the impossibility of observing detector noise independently of the signal. Here we describe a method of identifying this source of systematic error by varying the orientation of one of the detectors, leading to separate and independent modulations of the signal and noise contribution to the cross-correlation. The method can be applied to measurements of a stochastic gravitational wave background by the ALLEGRO/LIGO Livingston Observatory detector pair. We explore—in the context of this detector pair—how this new measurement technique is insensitive to a cross-correlated detector noise component that can confound a conventional measurement.
How and when to correct for juror hindsight bias in mental health malpractice litigation: Some preliminary observations

This article examines the hindsight bias in the context of mental health malpractice litigation, analyzes various legal mechanisms for dealing with the bias, and discusses whether the law should strive for debiasing in all mental health malpractice cases.
Do real estate mutual funds enhance portfolio returns and reduce portfolio risk

This study examines both the determinants of risk-adjusted returns of real estate mutual funds relative to that of five categories of equity mutual funds and the systematic risk/return impacts on mutual fund portfolios when combined with real estate mutual funds. We find that there are three variables that are significant in affecting risk-adjusted returns of real estate mutual funds: correlation with stock market returns, expense ratio and tax efficiency. Real estate funds with returns that have a greater association with stock market returns would have larger risk-adjusted returns. Low tax efficiency and larger expense ratios would lead to reduced risk-adjusted returns. This study provides evidence of the positive risk/return impacts of including real estate mutual funds in a portfolio of equity mutual funds. Combining real estate mutual funds into equally weighted portfolios with non-real estate mutual funds would have increased portfolio returns while decreasing portfolio beta. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lottery Participation as a Marker of and Contributor to Gambling-related Problems in College Students

We examined the role of lottery participation in contributing to gambling-related problems, using a sample of 351 college students who self-identified as frequent gamblers, including a sub-sample of 133 frequent lottery gamblers. Participants completed the DSM-IV based Diagnostic Interview for Gambling Severity and two cognitive tasks, the Georgia Gambling Task (GGT) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Among all individuals, lottery participation predicted gambling-related problems, but this was non-significant among frequent lottery gamblers. Gambling problems were related to number of frequent gambling modalities, but were lessened if one of the modalities was lottery participation and did not relate to the performance measures on the GGT or IGT. We conclude that lottery participation is a marker for gambling-related problems, but that it contributes to gambling problems in only a secondary way and only in the presence of other frequent gambling activity in this population.
Certain Legal Considerations As Applied To Diagnostic Medical Imaging: Emphasis Upon New Technology

AbstractThe application of biomedical techniques developed in physics, chemistry, engineering and computer sciences has been the subject of this symposium. In general, these provide exciting new opportunities for participants in the health care field but they also repre­ sent challenges. This communication will discuss the basic principles of the laws of agency and evidence and how these might be applied to the specific technology discussed in this symposium. Since the resources necessary for these imaging devices and other improvements in data acquisition, information transmission and archiving are of such magnitude, public policies have been enacted to assure both public access to and protection from inappropriate acquisition and distribution of this technology. We will consider the combined effects of these initiative in relation to the present social changes providing the environment in which these policies will be enacted. This paper will be published in Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) for Medical Applications Part II.382 / SPIE Vol. 318 (Part I) Picture Archiving & Communication Systems (PACS) for Medical Applications (1982)
Architecture for a human-robot symbiotic system

A description is given of a human-robot symbiont that is under development. The authors present an overview of the symbiotic system, motivating the architecture that has been developed. The architecture is a hierarchical structure that consists of several expert systems which reside above a robot control interface. This interface allows the manipulator to be operated in both a teleoperated and autonomous mode. All these processes coexist with the lower level of the hierarchy, which is a numerically intensive control algorithm. The architecture is implemented on five processors in a coarsely parallel system. >
Adsorption of methane and carbon dioxide on gas shale and pure mineral samples

Abstract We have measured methane and carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms at 40 °C on gas shale samples from the Barnett, Eagle Ford, Marcellus and Montney reservoirs. Carbon dioxide isotherms were included to assess its potential for preferential adsorption, with implications for its use as a fracturing fluid and/or storage in depleted shale reservoirs. To better understand how the individual mineral constituents that comprise shales contribute to adsorption, measurements were made on samples of pure carbon, illite and kaolinite as well. We were able to successfully fit all adsorption data for both gases in accordance with a Langmuir isotherm model. Our results show carbon dioxide to have approximately 2–3 times the adsorptive capacity of methane in both the pure mineral constituents and actual shale samples. In addition to obvious microstructural and compositional differences between real rocks and pure minerals, we hypothesize that water adsorption plays an important role in regulating surface area availability for other molecules to adsorb. The resultant volumetric swelling strain was also measured as a function of pressure/adsorption. We observe both clay and pure carbon to swell an amount that is approximately linearly proportional to the amount of adsorption.
Self- and N2-broadening, pressure induced shift and line mixing in the ν5 band of 12CH3D using a multispectrum fitting technique

Abstract We report the first measured Lorentz self- and nitrogen-broadening and the corresponding pressure-shift coefficients in the ν5(E) perpendicular band of 12CH3D between 1275 and 1600 cm −1 . The multispectrum fitting technique allowed us to analyze simultaneously both self-broadened and N2-broadened spectra recorded at 0.005 to 0.006-cm−1 resolution with a Fourier transform spectrometer located at Kitt Peak. Self-broadening coefficients for over 550 transitions and self-shift coefficients for more than 480 transitions with rotational quantum numbers up to J″=17 and K″=14 were determined. Nitrogen-broadening and nitrogen pressure-induced shift coefficients were determined for more than 300 of those transitions. The measured broadening coefficients vary from 0.020 to about 0.091 cm −1 atm −1 at 296 K . The measured pressure-shift coefficients had values extending from about −0.014 to +0.005 cm −1 atm −1 . Very few of the pressure-shift coefficients were positive, and the positive pressure-shift coefficients were mostly associated with the J″=K″ transitions in the PQ sub-bands. The J″=K″ transitions in the PP and RR sub-bands were associated with the smallest broadening coefficients. Our measurements also included 46 forbidden lines with Δ K=±2 (10 O P , 9 O Q ,3 Q P , 7 Q Q , 1 Q R , 13 S Q and 3 SR). The off-diagonal relaxation matrix element coefficients, Wij, in cm −1 atm −1 at 296 K which are associated with line mixing were determined for a few transitions with K″=3 (A+A−splitting) in the P P , P Q and RP sub-bands. We have examined the dependence of the measured parameters on J,K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of J and K.
LKB1 and Lung Cancer: More Than the Usual Suspects

Often, the problem in cancer research is figuring out how a gene or pathway works in regulating cellular transformation. The question of what RAS activates or PTEN inhibits have been classic dilemmas of modern cancer biology. In these cases, biochemical and genetic studies have provided us with a fairly clear picture of the cancer relevant functions of these genes. For LKB1 , a more recently identified human tumor suppressor gene, however, the problem is different. This serine-threonine kinase that is conserved from yeast to mammals seems to play a role in many diverse cellular pathways. Therefore, although elegant functional and genetic approaches have established critical roles for LKB1 in the regulation of metabolism, motility, polarity, and the cell cycle, the role(s) responsible for its true tumor suppressor function(s) is unknown. One is reminded of an Agatha Christie murder mystery where nearly every character in the book has reason to be suspected of committing the crime—there are too many suspects for how LKB1 might repress lung cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(10):3562–5]
Triplet Excitons of Carotenoids Formed by Singlet Fission in a Membrane

Despite these find-ings, basic aspects of fission in LHCs, notably the identity ofthe participating chromophores, remain unclear. Intermolecularsinglet fission between two carotenoids, or between a carote-noid and bacteriochlorophyll molecule, have both been pro-posed in the LHCs of Rhodospirillum rubrum and Rhodobactersphaeroides.
Operational software for restructuring network databases

A high-level "access path" approach to database restructuring is described and contrasted with the "elementary operations" approach taken by most restructuring systems. With the elementary operations approach, restructuring is viewed as a sequence of basic or "primitive" operations which manipulate a source database in order to convert it into a target database. In the access path approach, restructuring is seen as the process of accessing a body of information represented by the source data, and constructing the target database representation of the same information. While the elementary operations approach is useful for restructuring hierarchical databases, it does not generalize well for networks. The access path approach is better-suited to the complex structures possible in network databases.The access path approach permits the specification of complex restructuring transformations in terms of application-oriented concepts such as access strategies and selection criteria. A non-procedural Network Restructuring Language (NRL) based on this approach is presented, and an example of its use in restructuring is given. The architecture of an NRL-driven Restructurer for network databases is described.