cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical processing of rare earth chalcogenides

Abstract Chalcogenides are compounds containing sulfur, selenium and tellurium and are well known for their semiconducting and optical properties. Their characteristic absorption at low frequencies render these materials excellent for long wavelength transmission. In the past few years, the need for far infrared transmitting materials to be used in target acquisition equipment formed the basis for identifying several new crystalline sulfide materials which transmit into the extended far infrared (IR) spectral region. Rare earth sulfides exhibiting excellent transmission into the far infrared (8-14 μm) emerged as a new group of infrared window materials. This paper reviews the status of binary and ternary rare earth sulfide compounds for optical window application. Conventional and non-conventional techniques used for processing these materials will be discussed in complete detail. The use of metallorganic precursors and modification of the precursor chemistry to tailor the composition of the final ceramic will be described. The potential of these emergent low temperature chemical processing techniques such as sol-gel, precipitation and co-precipitation for synthesis of non-oxide ceramics will also be addressed, particularly in light of their successful application in processing of novel electronic oxide ceramics, glasses and composites.
A computer-controlled, high-efficiency photoionization mass spectrometer

Abstract A new photolonization mass spectrometer is described. Computer control of the instrument allows the implementation of a number of desirable features. Integration times are varied on a point-by-point basis in order to minimize experiment duration while ensuring that data are acquired with a nearly constant signal-to-noise ratio. Background and reference measurements are made periodically during each experiment to ensure the accuracy of the final results. Stray light measurements may also be made before and after each experiment for the same purpose. Partially corrected PIE curves or mass spectra, plotted as the data are acquired, allow the user to monitor the progress of the experiment and the quality of the data. On-line, interactive data reduction can be performed immediately after the conclusion of data acquisition to provide fully corrected results. Careful attention to the interaction between the user and the computer has resulted in programs which, while complex, are extremely easy to use, and which facilitate not only data reduction but also the setup of the experiment.
Double sine-Gordon chain

The thermodynamic properties of the double sine-Gordon chain are studied both analytically and numerically. Particular attention is given to the regime in which there are two different kinks (small and large) on the chain. The shape and energy of kinks are found in the continuum approximation. Comparison is made with numerical determination of the kink energies. The free energy, entropy, etc. of the chain are found. They are dominated by the small kinks. To see evidence for the participation of the large kinks the fluctuation in chain position and its equation of state are examined. The current carried by the chain is calculated. An unusual polarization precursor to activated conductivity is found. The polarization precursor is determined by the small kinks; the conductivity is determined by the large kinks.
Class II determinants recognized by TNP-specific cloned human T cell lines.

Abstract Cloned human T lymphocyte lines were generated against trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified autologous cells from four different individuals. By examining the reactivity patterns of 58 of these T cell clones (TLC) on panels of HLA-typed antigen presenting cells and employing monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) for inhibition studies, we have demonstrated that TNP may be recognized in the context of different DR and DP associated determinants. We did not identify any TLC restricted by determinants associated uniquely with DQ. Determinants associated with the expression of DR1,2,4,5, and 7 as well as the supertypic specifities DRw52 (MT2) and DRw53 (MT3) functioned as restriction elements. In addition, at least two antigenically distinct regions of the DP4 molecule appeared to function in the presentation of TNP. One TNP-specific TLC recognized a determinant associated with the expression of DP4 while another recognized TNP in the context of a highly nonpolymorphic determinant on DP which was expressed on all stimulators tested. Monoclonal antibody blocking studies suggest that these two determinants lie on different portions of the DP molecule. These studies demonstrated that both polymorphic and relatively nonpolymorphic restriction determinants on DR and DP may function in the presentation of conventional antigen to autologous lymphocytes.
Book Review: Corporation, Be Good! The Story of Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporation, Be Good! is a journey through time, an eyewitness, “I-was-there” story of how the business world discovered, resisted, and according to its author, ultimately embraced the ideal of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Defining CSR in its broadest sense as the ongoing attempt to “find ways to live peacefully and respectfully with one’s neighbors,” William Frederick argues that we expect our corporate neighbors, much like we would the family next door, to be friendly and to treat us with consideration. The resulting “network of neighborly relations” has, over time, propelled CSR into the limelight, turning it into a significant public issue as the business world has increasingly found that “profit making is no stranger to social constraints.” The volume is a thought-provoking, though at times frustrating account of the quest to find the “CSR grail.” Each chapter interweaves an intriguing mix of scholarly insight and personal reflection through an intimate, reflective subtext as Frederick traces his own search for the meaning of corporate social responsibility—for the larger business community and for business schools. Frederick, who is noted as “one of the founders of the study of corporate social
Dihedral for spiral stability

Ghielmi, L. G., Marazzi, R., and Baron, A., "A Tool for Automatic Design of Airfoils in Different Operating Conditions," AGARD CP-463, Loen, Norway, 1989. II. Rudimentary Analysis A forward, right, down body system of coordinates is used throughout. Components of vectors are in the body system and are denoted by subscripts x, y, z. When an airplane is banked at an angle , gravity produces a lateral acceleration
A Renormalization Group Method for Nonlinear Oscillators

We present a new approach for finding the asymptotic solution of certain weakly nonlinear oscillator equations. In particular, we develop a simplified version of the renormalization group method of Chen, et al. to obtain higher-order approximations on longer time intervals than are typically provided by averaging and two-timing. The technique, which has much greater potential, is illustrated on three challenging examples from the literature for which better than usual asymptotic solutions are obtained.
Development of integrated preamplifier for high-frequency ultrasonic transducers and low-power handheld receiver

This paper describes the design of a front-end circuit consisting of an integrated preamplifier with a Sallen-Key Butterworth filter for very-high-frequency ultrasonic transducers and a low-power handheld receiver. This preamplifier was fabricated using a 0.18-μm 7WL SiGe bi-polar complementary metal oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) process. The Sallen-Key filter is used to increase the voltage gain of the front-end circuit for high-frequency transducers which are generally low in sensitivity. The measured peak voltage gain of the frontend circuits for the BiCMOS preamplifier with the Sallen-Key filter was 41.28 dB at 100 MHz with a-6-dB bandwidth of 91%, and the dc power consumption of the BiCMOS preamplifier was 49.53 mW. The peak voltage gain of the front-end circuits for the CMOS preamplifier with the Sallen-Key filter was 39.52 dB at 100 MHz with a-6-dB bandwidth of 108%, and the dc power consumption of the CMOS preamplifier was 43.57 mW. Pulse-echo responses and wire phantom images with a single-element ultrasonic transducer have been acquired to demonstrate the performance of the front-end circuit.
State action and the distribution of school enrollments in Brazil, 1970☆

Abstract The paper presents a model of the determinants of school enrollment rates that incorporates public decisions about the supply of schools, and tests the model with data from the 1970 Brazilian population census. The empirical analyses suggest that variation in the public provision of educational resources has an effect on enrollment rates, but that this effect is not as strong as the effects of a number of demand-side variables, including access to information and the demand for children's labor.
Geometric and Electronic Structure of Au25(SPhX)18− (X = H, F, Cl, Br, CH3, and OCH3)

Using density functional theory calculations, the geometric structure of Au25(SPh)18− is found to have S6 symmetry. The electronic structure of this particle is affected by a splitting of the superatom Pz orbital from the set of Px and Py orbitals; this leads to a double peak similar to the characteristic double peak of Au25(SCH2CH2Ph)18− and related compounds. Para substituents shift the HOMO and LUMO orbital energies, but the HOMO−LUMO gap remains constant. The shifts correspond with Hammett substituent constants, with the exception of OCH3. Calculated optical absorption spectra are mostly unaffected by ligand substitution, although slight (0.1 eV) changes are evident in ligand-based transitions.
Does social desirability bias favor humans? Explicit-implicit evaluations of synthesized speech support a new HCI model of impression management

Do people treat computers as social actors? To answer this question, researchers have measured the extent to which computers elicit social responses in people, such as impression management strategies for influencing the perceptions of others. But on this question findings in the literature conflict. To make sense of these findings, the present study proposes a dual-process model of impression management in human-computer interaction. The model predicts that, although machines may elicit nonconscious impression management strategies, they do not generally elicit conscious impression management strategies. One such strategy is presenting oneself favorably to others, which can be measured as social desirability bias when comparing self-reported preferences with implicit preferences. The current study uses both a questionnaire and an implicit association test (IAT) to compare attitudes toward human and machine speech. Although past studies on social desirability bias have demonstrated people's tendency to underreport their preference for the preferred group when comparing two human groups, the current study found that, when comparing human speech and machine-synthesized speech, participants instead overreported their preference for the preferred (human) group. This finding supports the proposed dual-process model of impression management, because participants did not consciously treat computers as social actors.
HORMONE SECRETION BY MONOIAYER CULTURES OF HUMAN LUTEAL CELLS

To be able to study the control mechanisms for human luteal function, a system was designed to maintain human luteal cells in culture. Collagenase dispersed cells of human corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy were maintained as nonolayer cultures for 26 days. Progesterone (P) and relaxin (R) in culture media were measured by radioimmunoassay. Both menstrual cycle and pregnancy luteal cells secreted P for 26 days. hCG increased P secretion by menstrual cycle luteal cells, but not by pregnancy luteal cells. R was not detected in media of menstrual cycle luteal cell controls, nor in media of cells incubated with hCG. R was detected in media of pregnancy luteal cells for 6 days. Addition of hCG caused a significant increase in media R levels only on day 2 of culture. These studies show that human luteal cells can be maintained as viable monolayer cultures for at least 26 days and these cultures can be used to study control of human luteal function
13‐Acetoxy‐13‐desmethylretinal‐14‐3H: Synthesis and Interaction with Bacterioopsin

The title compound (4) was synthesized in three steps from 1,1-dimethoxy-7-methyl-9-(2′,6′,6′-trimethyl-1-cy-clohexen-1-yl)-4E,6E,8E-nonatrien-3-one (1). Interaction of 4 with bacterioopsin produced a pigment absorbing at 573 nm, which, on long standing in the dark, moves to 406 nm, mirroring the behavior of nonradioactive 4 with bacterioopsin (S. Seltzer, J. Org. Chem. 60, 1189–1194, 1993). Compound 4 was designed to test for the involvement of a nucleophilic side chain, presumably asp-212, in catalyzing the dark cis-trans isomerization of bound retinal, through its attack at C-13. Such a mechanism is anticipated to lead to a cross-linked product where the nucleophile replaces the 13-acetoxy group when 4 is substituted for the natural chromophore. The protein, reconstituted with 4, after extensive washing, solubilization in dimethylsulfoxide and extensive dialysis retains its radioactivity suggesting the establishment of a cross-link. Solution in 6 M urea, however, results in substantial loss of radioactivity, suggesting that the unfolded labeled protein suffers hydrolysis of the very labile 13-enolester group followed by proton exchange.
Doxazosin as combination therapy for patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension.

The purpose of this paper is to review the role of doxazosin, a long-acting alpha(1)-blocker, as a component of combination therapy for patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension and for patients with concomitant hypertension and hyperlipidemia or glucose intolerance. Recent studies that evaluated doxazosin as combination therapy in the treatment of patients with inadequately controlled hypertension and patients with concomitant hypertension and other disorders were reviewed. Data extraction was based on the tolerability and efficacy data of doxazosin in patients with hypertension. Compared with placebo, doxazosin combination therapy leads to significant improvements in sitting and standing blood pressure. Doxazosin is well tolerated, with only minor adverse effects (e.g., headache, dizziness) as the most commonly reported treatment-related complications. The studies described demonstrate that doxazosin is effective as combination therapy for patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension. The positive effects of doxazosin on serum lipids make combination therapy with doxazosin an attractive treatment option for patients who have concomitant hyperlipidemia or glucose intolerance.
Effects of age on cell proliferation in mouse duodenal crypts.

Abstract Using tritiated thymidine as a DNA label the generation times (GT) and durations of G 1 , S, G 2 and M have been established for BCF 1 mice at 55, 100, 300, 400, 675, 825 and 1050 days of age. GT was shown to be almost 50 per cent longer in the 1050-day-old BCF 1 than in the 55-day-old animals. The increase in GT is, however, not gradually progressive, but takes place at the end of the growing period between 55–100 days and at the beginning of “senility” at around 825 days of age. The first change involves an increase in G 1 from 1·9 to 4·7 hr, while the change in the old animals is due to an increase in both S and G 1 . The increase in GT in the old mice is accompanied by a pronounced decrease in the number of cells in the proliferative compartment.
Application of modern electric vehicles to urban transportation

THE URBAN transportation problem involves the movement of large numbers of city dwellers to and from work, school, or the shopping districts. These movements are frequently concentrated into a few hours in the morning and evening, and are handled largely through city streets, or, in the larger cities, on subway or elevated lines. The corporations handling this business, commonly called “mass transportation,” operate under franchises from local authorities. These franchises usually specify minimum service over specified routes.
The biosynthesis of pinosylvin in the sapwood of Pinus resinosa AIT

Abstract Acetate-1-14C, glucose-G-14C, phenylalanine-G-14C, phenylalanine-[COOH]-14C, and cinnamic acid-β-14C were administered to wounds on paraffin-treated sections of live red pine branches. The wounds were treated with solid carbon dioxide, and the branch sections were kept at 22° for 10 days after which the wood was extracted and radioactive pinosylvin and its monomethyl ether isolated. The incorporation of activity was 0·2–1·7 per cent, except in the experiment with cinnamic acid where only 0-03 per cent incorporation was obtained. The pinosylvins were converted to the dimethyl ether and degraded to benzoic and 3,5-dimethoxy benzoic acids. Where necessary, the site of the label was also established by decarboxylation of these acids. The results obtained confirm the hypothesis of Birch and Donovan, who proposed that in plants hydroxy stilbenes are derived from a phenylpropanoid precursor which links with three acetate units. The data obtained also show clearly that the fifteenth carbon atom is lost from the acetate moiety. In the experiments with acetate and glucose as precursors, considerable activity was incorporated into the glycerides and resin acids, which are formed together with the pinosylvins in the wound reaction.
Enabling attack behavior prediction in ubiquitous environments

The pervasive computing paradigm has raised issues such as conceptual semantic descriptions and ambient management of information resources. The probabilistic theory on the other hand provides uncertain knowledge representation schemes that are semantically inefficient. However, security models related to attacks exploits both semantic and probabilistic modeling. Issues such as attack prediction and classification of attacker's intentions are of high importance in IDS environments. In this paper we propose a novel Breadth and Depth Bayesian classifier and an inference probabilistic algorithm. The inference algorithm is applied over well defined conceptual information integrated in a hybrid IDS by means of ontologies.
Derivative estimation via stochastic intensities: Event averages in queueing systems

We briefly describe sensitivity analysis methods for simulation via stochastic intensities and give applications on derivative estimation of event averages. We consider a process depending on a parameter and an event-counting process and obtain expressions for the derivatives of the expected number of events occurring while the process is in a given set. The necessary assumptions of these expressions to hold are also examined more specifically for queueing systems. The case of queues with renewal and nonhomogeneous Poisson arrivals is discussed in some detail.
Differential γ-Herpesvirus Distribution in Distinct Anatomical Locations and Cell Subsets During Persistent Infection in Mice

Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides an important experimental model for analyzing γ-herpesvirus latent infection. After intranasal infection with MHV-68, we analyzed the distribution of the virus in different anatomical locations and purified populations of cells. Our data show that long-term latency is maintained in a variety of anatomical locations and cell populations with different frequencies. Importantly, we demonstrate that although latency in the lung is established in a variety of cell subsets, long-term latency in the lung is only maintained in B cells. In contrast, splenic latency is maintained in macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as in B cells. In blood, isotype-switched B cells constitute the major viral reservoir. These results show that the cell subsets in which latency is established vary within different anatomical sites. Finally, we demonstrate that long-term latency is accompanied by a low level of infectious virus in lung and spleen. These data have important implications for understanding the establishment and maintenance of latency by γ 2 -herpesviruses.
Tensegrity Structures Prestressability Investigation

A methodology for the investigation of tensegrity structures prestressability is presented. The methodology is aimed at identifying particular prestressable configurations for which the prestressability conditions can be expressed in a simple form. Examples of the application of the methodology to a class of tensegrity structures, called tensegrity towers, are presented.
The modeling of chemical phenomena using topological indices

A class of graph invariants known today as topological indices are being increasingly realized by chemists and others to be powerful tools in the description of chemical phenomena. Topological indices generally characterize both the size and shape of chemical species; in recent years a number of such indices have been put forward that sensitively reflect the amount of branching present in molecules. Chemists are thus able to model accurately the chemical behavior of an extensive range of chemical substances in all three thermodynamic states. In discussing the manifold applications of topological indices to the description of physicochemical properties, we present a survey of the progress to date in this area and point out some of the advantages and drawbacks of using topological indices.
Women's fertility across the cycle increases the short-term attractiveness of creative intelligence.

Male provisioning ability may have evolved as a “good dad” indicator through sexual selection, whereas male creativity may have evolved partly as a “good genes” indicator. If so, women near peak fertility (midcycle) should prefer creativity over wealth, especially in short-term mating. Forty-one normally cycling women read vignettes describing creative but poor men vs. uncreative but rich men. Women’s estimated fertility predicted their short-term (but not long-term) preference for creativity over wealth, in both their desirability ratings of individual men (r=.40, p<.01) and their forced-choice decisions between men (r=.46, p<.01). These preliminary results are consistent with the view that creativity evolved at least partly as a good genes indicator through mate choice.
Methylmercury Induces Acute Oxidative Stress, Altering Nrf2 Protein Level in Primary Microglial Cells

The neurotoxicity of methylmercury (MeHg) is well documented in both humans and animals. MeHg causes acute and chronic damage to multiple organs, most profoundly the central nervous system (CNS). Microglial cells are derived from macrophage cell lineage, making up approximately 12% of cells in the CNS, yet their role in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity is not well defined. The purpose of the present study was to characterize microglial vulnerability to MeHg and their potential adaptive response to acute MeHg exposure. We examined the effects of MeHg on microglial viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, glutathione (GSH) level, redox homeostasis, and Nrf2 protein expression. Our data showed that MeHg (1-5 microM) treatment caused a rapid (within 1 min) concentration- and time-dependent increase in ROS generation, accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in the ratio of GSH and its oxidized form glutathione disulfide (GSSG) (GSH:GSSG ratio). MeHg increased the cytosolic Nrf2 protein level within 1 min of exposure, followed by its nuclear translocation after 10 min of treatment. Consistent with the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, quantitative real-time PCR revealed a concentration-dependent increase in the messenger RNA level of Ho-1, Nqo1, and xCT 30 min post MeHg exposure, whereas Nrf2 knockdown greatly reduced the upregulation of these genes. Furthermore, we observed increased microglial death upon Nrf2 knockdown by the small hairpin RNA approach. Taken together, our study has demonstrated that microglial cells are exquisitely sensitive to MeHg and respond rapidly to MeHg by upregulating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response.
A cooperative multi-robot approach to the mapping and exploration of mars

In the AAAI 1 "Life on Mars" competition this year, we intend to employ a multi-robot team which combines traditional methods of autonomous navigation with experimental group arbitration strategies to explore and map a simulated extra-terrestrial environment. By communicating with each other to optimize the search, the robots will be able to explore the environment faster than could a single robot. Group strategies will also be used to coordinate the robot's actions to optimize the retrieval of objects in the environment.
The electric field generated by photosynthetic reaction center induces rapid reversed electron transfer in the bc1 complex.

The cytochrome bc1 complex is the central enzyme of respiratory and photosynthetic electron-transfer chains. It couples the redox work of quinol oxidation and cytochrome reduction to the generation of a proton gradient needed for ATP synthesis. When the quinone processing Qi- and Qo-sites of the complex are inhibited by both antimycin and myxothiazol, the flash-induced kinetics of the b-heme chain, which transfers electrons between these sites, are also expected to be inhibited. However, we have observed in Rhodobacter sphaeroides chromatophores, that when a fraction of heme bH is reduced, flash excitation induces fast (half-time ∼0.1 ms) oxidation of heme bH, even in the presence of antimycin and myxothiazol. The sensitivity of this oxidation to ionophores and uncouplers, and the absence of any delay in the onset of this reaction, indicates that it is due to a reversal of electron transfer between bL and bH hemes, driven by the electrical field generated by the photosynthetic reaction center. In the pres...
Conceptualizing Longitudinal Mixed Methods Designs A Methodological Review of Health Sciences Research

Longitudinal research is well suited for investigating phenomena that change over time. With the growing acceptance of mixed methods, researchers are combining qualitative and quantitative approach...
Chaos in Miles' equations

Abstract Miles' equation models the amplitude modulation of a Faraday wave. A dynamical system study is conducted on this concrete physical model. It turns out that a quartet of heteroclinic orbits can be located, but we fail to locate any homoclinic orbit. For a generalized Miles' equation, a quartet of homoclinic orbits can be located, and existence of chaos can be proved under certain generic assumptions.
Development of Mechanistic–Empirical Design Procedure for Fully Permeable Pavement Under Heavy Traffic

Fully permeable pavements are those in which all layers are intended to be permeable and the pavement structure serves as a reservoir to store water during storm periods to minimize the adverse effects of stormwater runoff. Fully permeable pavements are currently used primarily for light traffic (e.g., parking lots that only allow cars, not trucks). The development of fully permeable pavement designs as a potential best management practice for stormwater management in areas that carry heavy truck traffic is of significant interest. Results are presented from one phase of a project to develop mechanistic-empirical design procedures for fully permeable pavement designs that will carry heavy vehicles operating primarily at slow speeds (e.g., in maintenance yards, parking lots, streets, and highway shoulders). Mechanistic-empirical computer modeling of the structural designs was performed for three types of surface material (open-graded asphalt, open-graded concrete, and concrete slabs with cast drainage), co...
The Maximin Adaptive-Array Algorithm for Direct-Sequence Systems

An adaptive-array algorithm that suppresses interference in a direct-sequence system is proposed. The maximin algorithm differs from alternative algorithms in that it requires neither training sequences, directional information, decision-directed adaptation, nor elaborate computations such as eigenanalysis. The algorithm is derived and implementation details of the maximin processor in a direct-sequence system are explained. A convergence analysis establishes bounds on the adaptation constant and justifies the adaptation sequence used in the maximin algorithm. Simulation experiments confirm that the algorithm supplements the direct-sequence processing gain with a large amount of additional interference suppression. The simulation results demonstrate the robust performance of the algorithm for various array configurations, numbers of interference signals, interference levels, and fading conditions
Evaluation of Cyantraniliprole and Other Commercial Fly Baits under Laboratory and Field Conditions.

Laboratory and field trials were performed to evaluate the attractiveness and efficacy of commercial baits (cyantraniliprole; methomyl + (Z)-9-tricosene; dinotefuran + (Z)-9-tricosene; imidacloprid granular + (Z)-9-tricosene; and imidacloprid liquid + (Z)-9-tricosene). In choice tests; flies were most attracted to cyantraniliprole bait > dinotefuran + (Z)-9 > methomyl + (Z)-9 bait > imidacloprid granular + (Z)-9 bait > imidacloprid liquid + (Z)-9 bait. Significant degradation in bait efficacy was observed after two weeks of aging excluding imidacloprid granular; which began to degrade in field conditions after one week. Cyantraniliprole; the new fly bait active ingredient in Zyrox®; had the longest time to knockdown in the laboratory tests; but on susceptible flies; achieved 95%–100% knockdown within an hour of exposure. Zyrox® was resistant to weathering for a week; and was more attractive to flies in the field when compared to methomyl + (Z)-9 bait.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under Spinal Anaesthesia vs. General Anaesthesia: A Prospective Randomised Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is conventionally performed under general anaesthesia (GA) in our institution. There are multiple studies which have found spinal anaesthesia as a safe alternative. We have conducted this study of LC, performed under spinal anesthesia to assess its safety and feasibility in comparison with GA. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and American Society of Anesthesiologists status I or II were randomised to have LC under spinal (n = 25) or general (n = 25) anesthesia. Intraoperative vitals, postoperative pain, complications, recovery, and surgeon satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups. Results: In the SA group six patients (24%) complained of shoulder pain, two patients required conversion to GA (8%) as the pain did not subside with Fentanyl. None of the patients in the SA group had immediate postoperative pain at operated site. Only two (8%) patients had pain score of 4 at the operative site within eight hours requiring rescue analgesic. One patient had nausea but no vomiting (4%). All the patients (100%) in the GA group had pain at operated site immediately after surgery and their pain score ranged from 4-7, all patients received rescue analgesic before shifting to the ward. In the first 24h tramadol required as rescue in the GA group was 82±24 mg which was significantly higher than the SA group requiring only 30±33.16 mg. Although, the GA group had more patients experiencing postoperative nausea & vomiting it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: SA as the sole anaesthesia technique is feasible, safe and cost effective for elective LC.
Fingolimod in the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: long-term experience and an update on the clinical evidence

Since the approval in 2010 of fingolimod 0.5 mg (Gilenya; Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) in the USA as an oral therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, long-term clinical experience with this therapy has been increasing. This review provides a summary of the cumulative dataset from clinical trials and their extensions, plus postmarketing studies that contribute to characterizing the efficacy and safety profile of fingolimod in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Data from the controlled, phase III, pivotal studies [FREEDOMS (FTY720 Research Evaluating Effects of Daily Oral therapy in Multiple Sclerosis), FREEDOMS II and TRANSFORMS (Trial Assessing Injectable Interferon versus FTY720 Oral in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis)] in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have shown that fingolimod has a robust effect on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes. The respective study extensions show that effects on annualized relapse rates are sustained with continued fingolimod treatment. Consistent, significant reductions in magnetic resonance imaging lesion counts and brain volume loss have also been sustained with long-term treatment. The safety profile of fingolimod is also examined, particularly in light of its long-term use. A summary of the adverse events of interest that are associated with fingolimod treatment and associated label guidelines are also considered, which include cardiac effects following first-dose administration, infections, lymphopenia, macular edema and pregnancy. Historic hurdles to the prescription of fingolimod and how these challenges are being met are also discussed.
The Role of Irrational Thinking in Suicidal Behavior

Theories of irrational thinking in suicidal individuals are reviewed, as well as research and suggestions made for more complex models. A distinction is made between irrational thinking accompanyin...
NATURAL VARIATION IN THE EXPRESSION OF THE HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN HSP70 IN A POPULATION OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER AND ITS CORRELATION WITH TOLERANCE OF ECOLOGICALLY RELEVANT THERMAL STRESS

Although Hsp70, the principal inducible heat-shock protein of Drosophila melanogaster, has received intense scrutiny in laboratory strains, its variation within natural populations and the consequences of such variation for thermotolerance are unknown. We have characterized variation in first-instar larvae of 20 isofemale lines isolated from a single natural population of D. melanogaster, in which larvae are prone to thermal stress in nature. Hsp70 expression varied more than twofold among lines after induction by exposure to 36°C for one hour, with an estimated proportion of the variation due to genetic differences of 0.24 ± 0.08. Thermotolerance with and without a Hsp70-inducing pretreatment, survival at 25°C, and developmental time also varied significantly. As expected, expression of Hsp70 correlated positively with larval thermotolerance. By contrast, lines in which larval survival was high in the absence of heat stress showed lower than average Hsp70 expression and lower than average inducible thermotolerance. This conditional performance suggests an evolutionary trade-off between thermotolerance and the ability to produce higher concentrations of Hsp70, and survival in a benign environment.
Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating and the Peopling of the Americas

The measurement of time is a critical parameter in archaeology and particularly in evaluating the timing of the peopling of the Americas. New geochronometers, like optically stimulated luminescence...
Immigrant Generation and Sexual Initiation Among a Diverse Racial/Ethnic Group of Urban Youth

Foreign-born youth have a lower risk of sexual initiation than native born youth, yet most research has focused on Latinos. An ethnically diverse sample of 200, 14-21 year-old youth were surveyed in Denver in 2014. We used logistic regression models to predict the odds of intentions to have sex and sexual experience, adding covariates that could account for differences in outcomes by immigrant generation. First generation youth were less likely to intend to have sex and to have sexual experience than third generation youth after controlling for racial/ethnic group, suggesting that first generation immigrants of multiple racial/ethnic groups, not just Latinos alone, have a lower risk for sexual initiation. Having a supportive community reduced the odds of sexual intentions and sexual experience. Our findings support future research using a larger sample of black, white, and Asian immigrant youth to corroborate and to explore reasons behind these associations.
Predictors of Daily Relationship Quality in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 70) completed online measures of global constructs (i.e., stable individual characteristics measured at time 1), which included resilience, depressive symptoms, and family functioning, followed by 14 daily questionnaires assessing relationship quality and affect on a given day. The global constructs were examined as predictors of daily relationship quality using multilevel modeling. Daily affect was examined in association with daily relationship factors (partner conflict, support from partner, and relationship happiness). Depressive symptoms and family flexibility predicted daily relationship quality. On a daily level, affect was associated with relationship quality. Results emphasize the potential of interventions to improve the quality of parents' relationships by addressing maternal mental health, family functioning, and daily affect.
Key Stresses in Minimum AC Voltage Operational Tests of Thyristor Valves for ±660 kV HVDC Transmission Project From Ningdong to Shandong

As a part of DC valve operational tests,the minimum AC voltage operation tests aims at examining the firing and extinction characteristics of converter valves under low AC voltage at valve side,so special requirement are put forward to testing devices.To implement test test purposes,it is the key to put forward concrete requirements to testing devices in the viewpoint of equivalence,and its presupposition is to determine the needed key stresses.Firstly,the basic structure an operational characteristic of DC converter valves are presented,and the transient processes of firing and extincting the converter valves under minimum AC voltage are analyzed;then the factors impacting the reliable operation of DC converter valves are pointed out and on this basis the key stresses under minimum AC voltage operational tests are summarized to provide the foundation for the synthesis of testing devices;finally,the results of minimum AC voltage operational tests of DC converter valves for ±660kV transmission project from Ningdong to Shandong are given.It is verified by the results that the minimum AC voltage operational tests,which is based on the key stresses and performed by synthetical method,can be fully equivalent to actual system and meet engineering demands,and it is economical and practicabel.
SU-F-J-207: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient Survival Prediction with Quantitative Tumor Textures Analysis in Baseline CT

Purpose: Chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) is widely used in treating patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Determination of the likelihood of patient response to treatment and optimization of treatment regime is of clinical significance. Up to date, no imaging biomarker has reliably correlated to NSCLC patient survival rate. This pilot study is to extract CT texture information from tumor regions for patient survival prediction. Methods: Thirteen patients with stage II-III NSCLC were treated using CRT with a median dose of 6210 cGy. Non-contrast-enhanced CT images were acquired for treatment planning and retrospectively collected for this study. Texture analysis was applied in segmented tumor regions using the Local Binary Pattern method (LBP). By comparing its HU with neighboring voxels, the LBPs of a voxel were measured in multiple scales with different group radiuses and numbers of neighbors. The LBP histograms formed a multi-dimensional texture vector for each patient, which was then used to establish and test a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model to predict patients’ one year survival. The leave-one-out cross validation strategy was used recursively to enlarge the training set and derive a reliable predictor. The predictions were compared with the true clinical outcomes. Results: A 10-dimensional LBP histogram was extracted from 3D segmented tumor region for each of the 13 patients. Using the SVM model with the leave-one-out strategy, only 1 out of 13 patients was misclassified. The experiments showed an accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 86%. Conclusion: Within the framework of a Support Vector Machine based model, the Local Binary Pattern method is able to extract a quantitative imaging biomarker in the prediction of NSCLC patient survival. More patients are to be included in the study.
Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Agents: An Analysis of Health Care Workers and Their Environments

Approximately 8 million health care workers are unnecessarily exposed to highly toxic drugs used to treat cancer; antineoplastic drugs can contribute to negative health effects for these workers. The drugs have been detected in the urine of workers and on the floors and counters of worksites. Safety precautions that could reduce the risk of exposure are underutilized. This cross-sectional study of 163 oncology health care workers used a survey to measure workplace and individual factors, and environmental sampling to measure surface contamination. The study objective was to identify potential exposures to antineoplastic drugs and factors influencing safety behavior. Personal protective equipment (PPE) use was lower than recommended; unit of employment was significantly associated with PPE use. Chemical residue from antineoplastic drugs was found, revealing potential exposures. Workplace safety must be a higher organizational priority. The contamination of common work areas where PPE use is not expected was of utmost concern.
Conventional and implant oral prostheses

Despite advances in preventive dentistry, many elderly persons present with several missing teeth replaced by oral prostheses of various kinds. An increasing number of prostheses are retained and supported by oral implants. Maintaining a complete dentition with fixed, removable, or implant-retained prostheses improves function and patient self-esteem. Irrespective of the prosthesis type, periodic functional and health reassessments are necessary. Strict oral hygiene protocols must be reinforced continually and appropriate modifications (relines) and repairs should be performed to prevent possible degeneration of supporting structures. Although implants promise enhanced function and greater patient satisfaction, they too require careful maintenance. Thus, all oral prostheses require close monitoring and maintenance care. A physician can make an important contribution to a patient's health and quality of life by ensuring that he or she receives routine oral health care.
Some Results on Relative Difference Sets of Small Size

Abstract A relative difference set of group G is a subset D of G such that for some integer λ and some subgroup H of G , |{(d 2 , d 2 ): d 1 , d 2 ∈ D, d 1 - d 2 = g}| = 0 if g ∈ H and = λ if g ∈ G\H. For relative difference sets of small size with λ = 1, we extend some results on the multiplier groups and have a discussion on the uniqueness of cyclic planar difference sets and cyclic affine difference sets.
Suicide Means among Decedents Aged 50+ Years, 2005–2014: Trends and Associations with Sociodemographic and Precipitating Factors

Objective To examine 1) temporal trends between 2005 and 2014 in the three most frequently used suicide means (firearms, hanging/suffocation, alcohol/drug/medicine overdose) by decedents aged 50+ years and 2) associations of suicide means with sociodemographic and precipitating factors. Methods The National Violent Death Reporting System, 2005–2014, provided data (N = 46,857). Suicide means were identified from ICD-10 codes for underlying cause of death and coroner/medical examiner (CME) reports. Precipitating factors are based on either CME or law enforcement report. Age-group (50–64 and 65+ years) and gender-separate logistic regression analyses were used to examine study questions. Results In the 50–64 years age group, each advancing year (i.e., from 2005 to 2014) was associated with a 1% decrease in the odds of firearm use and a 6% increase in the odds of hanging/suffocation among men; a 9% increase in the odds of hanging/suffocation among women; and a 4% decrease in the odds of overdose among each gender. In the 65+ years age group, each advancing year was associated with a 4% increase in the odds of overdose among men. Physical health was a significant factor for firearm use among men (adjusted odds ratio: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.39–1.55) only. Regardless of gender and age, mental health and substance abuse problems and prior suicide attempts were associated with hanging/suffocation and overdose. Conclusions Firearm use decreased among men aged 50–64 years between 2005 and 2014, but its use did not change among the other gender by age groups. With rapidly growing numbers of older adults, routine suicide risk assessments, firearm safety monitoring, and interventions to improve quality of life are needed.
Controlling the Surface Reactivity of Titania via Electronic Tuning of Self-Assembled Monolayers

Reactivity of molecular catalysts can be controlled by organic ligands that regulate the steric and electronic properties of catalyst sites. This level of control has generally been unavailable for heterogeneous catalysts. We show that self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on titania with tunable electronic properties provided fine control over surface reactivity. Controlling the identity of substituents on benzylphosphonic acid SAMs modulated the near-surface electrostatics, enabling regulation of the dehydration activity of 1-propanol and 1-butanol over a wide range, with activities and selectivities of the optimal catalyst far exceeding those of uncoated TiO2. The dipole moment of the adsorbed phosphonate was strongly correlated to the dehydration activity; kinetic measurements and computational modeling indicated that the interfacial electric field altered the transition-state structure and energy. Coating catalysts with SAMs having controllable charge distributions may provide a general approach to hetero...
Reference charts for young stands — a quantitative methodology for assessing tree performance

Reference charts have long been used in the medical field for quantitative clinical assessment of juvenile development by plotting distribution quantiles for a selected attribute (e.g., height) against age for specified peer populations. We propose that early stand dynamics is an area of study that could benefit from the descriptions and analyses offered by similar references for various tree measures. Reference charts provide a flexible quantitative framework that would complement traditional methods for assessing tree development. In young, mixed stands, competitive dynamics are, in part, a function of intraspecific, interspecific, and temporal variation in height development. A suite of reference charts can explicitly describe each of these, offering additional context and potentially greater insight into the complex development patterns of young trees. We illustrate this possibility and potential applications by constructing height–age reference charts for several tree species in young, mixed stands w...
Cover Me: The Stories Behind the Greatest Cover Songs of All Time

Cover recording, the act of releasing a second version of an established hit song, has been a common practice within the American music industry since the 1920s. Vocalists like Eddie Cantor, Al Jol...
Domestication experiments reveal developmental link between friendliness and cognition

The goal of economics is to understand human preferences. Most research focuses on adult humans and does not take an evolutionary approach. In biology experimental evolution has been able to shift the preferences of animals. As an example, artificial selection for friendly behavior toward humans results in a syndrome of changes that strongly resembles differences between wild and domestic animals. These domestication experiments have revealed precise genetic and neurobiological systems that are altered by the selection and linked through expanded windows of development. Similar evolutionary experiments selecting for a range of social, risk or discounting preferences could push economics toward consilience with biology. Prospects for a unified theory of economic behavior would be drastically improved.