cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement-based vs. Belief-based Learning Models in Experimental Asymmetric-information Games

This paper examines the abilities of learning models to describe subject behavior in experiments. A new experiment involving multistage asymmetric-information games is conducted, and the experimental data are compared with the predictions of Nash equilibrium and two types of learning model: a reinforcement-based model similar to that used by Roth and Erev (1995), and belief-based models similar to the ‘cautious fictitious play’ of Fudenberg and Levine (1995, 1998) These models make predictions that are qualitatively similar cycling around the Nash equilibrium that is much more apparent than movement toward it. While subject behavior is not adequately described by Nash equilibrium, it is consistent with the qualitative predictions of the learning models. We examine several criteria for quantitatively comparing the predictions of alternative models. According to almost all of these criteria, both types of learning model outperform Nash equilibrium. According to some criteria, the reinforcement-based model performs better than any version of the belief-based model; according to others, there exist versions of the belief-based model that outperform the reinforcement-based model. The abilities of these models are further tested with respect to the results of other published experiments. The relative performance of the two learning models depends on the experiment, and varies according to which criterion of success is used. Again, both models perform better than equilibrium in most cases.
Gap analysis of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to conduct a gap analysis for Kate Boyd, Digital Collections Librarian of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department, located at Thomas Cooper Library.Design/methodology/approach – The approaches the researcher utilized are a personal interview, literature review and personal experience. The article attempts to identify, define, and then provide recommendations concerning the gaps needing to be bridged at the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department.Findings – After only five years, the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department has made significant strides in implementing their program. In conducting a comparative analysis of the University of South Carolina's Digital Collections Department to those surveyed in 2000 by the Digital Library Federation, the findings indicate the department is not immune to the same challenges experienced by previous institutions in developing their digital library program....
Fluctuations of inverted V electron fluxes

Fluctuations of low-energy electron fluxes during an inverted V event on Nov. 5, 1975 were detected by fixed-energy electrostatic analyzers used in the LEE (low-energy electron) experiment onboard the AE-D satellite. The flux fluctuations were observed at energies of 0.78, 1.38, and 2.62 keV, when these energies were below that of the monoenergetic beam. This suggests that the fluctuations might occur over a wide range of energies. The fluctuations were confined within a pitch angle of 15 degrees, the amplitude increasing with decreasing pitch angle. The oscillation frequencies centered around 1.75 Hz. Fluctuations at two energies were generally correlated. The heating of secondary electrons, deduced from an analysis of the distribution function, is attributed to anomalous heating by electron plasma wave turbulence, whose intensity was modulated by a low-frequency wave. The results are consistent with a model, according to which auroral precipitating electron beams enhance the anomalous resistivity at the topside ionosphere through parametric instabilities.
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME IN AN INNER CITY POPULATION: ROLE OF MATERNAL AGE AND CONCOMITANT USE OF TOBACCO AND DRUGS IN PATHOGENESIS. 483

Birth data for 92 children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) were compared with that of nearly 45,000 singletons born at the Kings County Hospital Center in same period. Mothers of FAS infants were older than mothers in the general population (28.5 +/- 5.2 years vs 24.0 +/- 5.1 years). FAS infants were more likely to be premature (36.5% vs 14.9%) and with birth weight lower than 2500 g (86.9% vs 11.5%) than comparison infants. Mean birth weight of 53 full term FAS infants was reduced (2,203 +/- 377 g). Postnatally, head circumference was more affected than weight and both measures were more affected than length. Catch-up growth was, for most part, not attained. Minor defects of morphogenesis were common, and more serious defects including congenital heart disease, genitourinary anomalies, cleft palate, strabismus, inguinal herniae, cryptorchidism, and skeletal anomalies occurred far more frequently than in the general population. Smoking of more than one pack of cigarettes per day was acknowledged by 31 mothers, and 14 admitted to using illicit drugs.
A morphological approach to generating information technology product ideas

Abstract The use of information technology (IT) as a component of new products and services is increasing, often in unexpected areas. Chief information officers (CIOs) recognize their information systems (IS) staffs are not used to thinking in product development terms and that their staffs are viewed as unfamiliar with their basic business operations. In order to take advantage of the apparent potential in this area, IS organizations need a conceptualization of opportunities afforded by IT and a process for generating possible products and services. This paper presents a model for such a conceptualization that includes three dimensions: product/service change possibilities based on IT, the distinguishing of product inherent versus product support functions in meeting customer needs, and common approaches to differentiate product/service. Using this model, a morphological process can help to generate alternative IT product possibilities.
Biography and the search for women's subjectivity☆

Abstract This paper considers women's biography as an important connecting link between the study of microinteractions of social history and macropolitical structures and transformations. As the search for women's subjectivity requires the fullest possible historical contextualization for the subject of women's biography, identifying the sex-class conditions of women is essential. In studying the structuring of sex classes, it is found that both sexism and racism produce domination by essentializing physical or biological differences. But the dyadic character of gender domination differentiates sexism from all other conditions of exploitation. Because gender power is basically dyadic, interpretative interaction is offered as an appropriate methodological approach to women's biography. Further, when meaning and situation are extended to consciousness and praxis, interpretive interaction can encompass the full range of historical structure which shape sex-class. This theoretical-methodological approach forms the basis for a critique of deconstruction which depoliticized gender research by decentering the subject and dismissing binary oppositions such as gender dyads.
A multiple‐item scale for measuring customer loyalty development

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the complex inter‐relationships between the attitudinal and behavioural dimensions of customer loyalty development, by examining the dynamic processes by which customer loyalty is initiated and sustained using a mixed methods approach. In doing so, the paper highlights the absence of valid and reliable measures of customer loyalty development and discusses the use of the multi‐phase model of customer loyalty development.Design/methodology/approach – This model is the basis for the construction of a multi‐item scale to measure customer loyalty development. A mixed methods design is specified and stages in the construction of the scale are discussed including measures of validity and reliability.Findings – The findings of the research demonstrate the validity and reliability of the loyalty scale and highlight the sustaining and mediating effects associated with different levels of loyalty development.Research limitations/implications – The study is set within the passen...
Traditional versus emerging knowledge organization systems: consistency of subject indexing of the web by indexers and taggers

This paper is part of a larger research project which aims to answer whether social tagging could enhance access to web resources, and whether we could verify the usefulness of social tagging to obtain benefit from it. This paper particularly examines the indexing consistency of social tagging in comparison to professional indexing.
The intestinal microbiota and chronic disorders of the gut

Mucosal surfaces of the gut are colonized by large numbers of heterogeneous bacteria that contribute to intestinal health and disease. In genetically susceptible individuals, a 'pathogenic community' may arise, whereby abnormal gut flora contributes to alterations in the mucosa and local immune system leading to gastrointestinal disease. These diseases include enteric infections, such as Clostridium difficile infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, functional gastrointestinal disorders (including IBS), IBD and colorectal cancer. Prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics) have the capacity to reverse pathologic changes in gut flora and local immunity. Intestinal health and disease need to be thoroughly characterized to understand the interplay between the indigenous microbiota, the immune system and genetic host factors. This Review provides a broad overview of the importance of the intestinal microbiota in chronic disorders of the gut.
Effect of Three Different Qualities of Biochar on Selected Soil Properties

An incubation study was conducted to determine how biochar interacts with a nitrogen fertilizer and how it reacts in the soil as well as to measure the effect of different biochars on soil chemical properties. Two Iowa soils, Nicollet surface soil (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Aquic Hapludoll) and Storden subsoil (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Eutrudept), were mixed with three different qualities of biochar and a nitrogen fertilizer (urea). The biochar was created from corn stover that was pyrolized with three different amounts of atmospheric air: 0% (biochar 1), 10% (biochar 2), and 25% (biochar 3). Soil tests for pH, total nitrogen (N), extractable phosphorus (P), extractable potassium (K), ammonium N, nitrate N, organic matter, and total carbon (C) were performed. The different biochars significantly affected the total N, total organic C, and pH in both soils at all rates of urea applied. The conditions during pyrolysis influenced how the biochar/fertilizer reacted with the soil.
Content Bias in Online Health Search

Search engines help people answer consequential questions. Biases in retrieved and indexed content (e.g., skew toward erroneous outcomes that represent deviations from reality), coupled with searchers' biases in how they examine and interpret search results, can lead people to incorrect answers. In this article, we seek to better understand biases in search and retrieval, and in particular those affecting the accuracy of content in search results, including the search engine index, features used for ranking, and the formulation of search queries. Focusing on the important domain of online health search, this research broadens previous work on biases in search to examine the role of search systems in contributing to biases. To assess bias, we focus on questions about medical interventions and employ reliable ground truth data from authoritative medical sources. In the course of our study, we utilize large-scale log analysis using data from a popular Web search engine, deep probes of result lists on that search engine, and crowdsourced human judgments of search result captions and landing pages. Our findings reveal bias in results, amplifying searchers' existing biases that appear evident in their search activity. We also highlight significant bias in indexed content and show that specific ranking signals and specific query terms support bias. Both of these can degrade result accuracy and increase skewness in search results. Our analysis has implications for bias mitigation strategies in online search systems, and we offer recommendations for search providers based on our findings.
Communication Between Physicians and Older Women With Localized Breast Cancer: Implications for Treatment and Patient Satisfaction

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with patient-physician communication and to examine the impact of communication on patients’ perception of having a treatment choice, actual treatment received, and satisfaction with care among older breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 613 pairs of surgeons and their older (≥ 67 years) patients diagnosed with localized breast cancer. Measures of patients’ self-reported communication included physician- and patient-initiated communication and the number of treatment options discussed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between communication and outcomes. RESULTS: Patients who reported that their surgeons mentioned more treatment options were 2.21 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62 to 3.01) more likely to report being given a treatment choice, and 1.33 times (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.73) more likely to get breast-conserving surgery with radiation than other types of treatment. Surgeons who were ...
Innovative wavefront estimators for zonal adaptive optics systems: II

We continue our discussion of various mathematical approaches for matrix estimators for zonal adaptive optics systems which are designed and optimized for different situations.
Efficacy of a Needling Device for the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Neocollagenesis can be achieved using a dermal rolling needle device, thereby reducing the appearance of acne scars. Objective To determine the efficacy of a needling device for treatment of acne scars. Design, Setting, and Participants We performed a single-center, rater-blinded, balanced (1:1), split-face, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized clinical trial at an urban academic institution. The study took place from November 30, 2009, through July 27, 2010. Twenty healthy adults (age range, 20-65 years) with acne scars on both sides of the face were enrolled. Fifteen individuals completed the study, and no enrolled participants were withdrawn for adverse effects. Interventions For each participant, one side of the face was randomized for needling. Three needling treatments were performed at 2-week intervals. Main Outcomes and Measures Two blinded dermatologists separately rated participants’ acne scars based on standard digital photographs obtained at baseline and at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits on the quantitative global scarring grading system. Results Mean scar scores were significantly lower in the treatment group compared with baseline at 6 months (mean difference, 3.4; 95% CI, 0.2-6.5; P = .03) and nominally but not significantly lower compared with baseline at 3 months (mean difference, 2.4; 95% CI, −0.01 to 4.8; P = .052). In the control group, mean scar scores did not vary significantly from baseline at 3 months (mean difference, 1.0; 95% CI, −1.4 to 3.4; P = .96) and at 6 months (mean difference, 0.4; 95% CI, −2.3 to 3.5; P > .99). The needling procedure was not particularly painful, with a mean pain rating of 1.08 of 10. Participants perceived a 41% mean improvement in overall scar appearance on the treated side. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions and Relevance After 3 needling treatments, there was improvement in the appearance of acne scars over time compared with the control group, with minimal pain reported. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00974870
Numerical Experiments with an Interior-Exterior Point Method for Nonlinear Programming

The paper presents an algorithm for solving nonlinear programming problems. The algorithm is based on the combination of interior and exterior point methods. The latter is also known as the primal-dual nonlinear rescaling method. The paper shows that in certain cases when the interior point method (IPM) fails to achieve the solution with the high level of accuracy, the use of the exterior point method (EPM) can remedy this situation. The result is demonstrated by solving problems from COPS and CUTE problem sets using nonlinear programming solver LOQO that is modified to include the exterior point method subroutine.
Release of a growth factor for SV40 virus-transformed cells by rat liver and hemicorpus perfusions

Abstract Perfused rat liver and rat hemicorpus preparations release a factor that promotes the growth of SV3T3 cells. This material (TFGF) has a molecular weight of approx. 35 000 D and is sensitive to proteolytic enzymes. TFGF does not promote the multiplication of sparse 3T3 cells or initiate DNA synthesis in confluent 3T3 cells.
The Study of Impact Rule of Si Element on Cu/Al Composite Interface Compounds

The present paper has discussed the growth inhibition role of silicon additions in Copper / Aluminum composite interface compounds. With different Si content of the aluminum composite sample after the comparison group, and interface with metallographic microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy analysis carried out and found that the Si incorporation can significantly inhibit the Copper / Aluminum interface compounds generated.
A Semi Automated Computer System for Gamma Ray Spectrum Analysis of Thermal Neutron-Activated Samples

A set of consecutively executed computer programmes have been developed for the quantitative interpretation of gamma ray spectra obtained with Ge(Li) detectors. The method compares spectral information with catalogued nuclear data and yields least squares fitted sets of activity which subsequently may be converted to parent masses. Results are presented for samples of unknown trace element composition and for spectra synthesized from the spectra of neutron irradiated high purity samples of elements and their oxides.
Retention of Hispanics in public sector mental health services.

Hispanic underutilization of mental health facilities extends to lowered retention rates among the chronically mentally ill. A theoretical model of retention was developed with four domains of variables: personal traits, accessibility of social support. treatment characteristics, and facility characteristics. Using data collected from CMHC clinical charts in 1983 and 1984, the model was tested using multiple regression and commonality analysis. The model was tenable (R=59). However, the commonality analysis suggested that most of the unique variance was contributed by the treatment domain. The social support domain made negligible unique contribution. Implications of the model are discussed.
Detection of antiretroviral resistance in HIV-1

Resistance testing should be readily available to every clinician who specializes in HIV/AIDS. Based in part on requests we receive in our laboratory, we believe that the use of resistance testing is expanding. However, selecting an initial antiretroviral treatment regimen or changing a failing one according to the test results is complex and inexact and requires knowledgeable interpretation to maximize the clinical benefit. Future studies about viral fitness and other viral, host, and pharmacologic factors responsible for disease progression likely will facilitate more precise application of resistance testing to the clinical setting.
The effect of total shoulder arthroplasty on self-assessed health status is comparable to that of total hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypassgrafting

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-assessed health status of a large series of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In 91 patients we were able to compare the 8 quantitative domains of Short Form-36 (SF-36) before surgery and at 30 to 60 months after surgery. These preoperative and postoperative scores were compared with data from an age- and gender-matched control population. These results were also compared with those reported for patients who underwent other common, effective surgical procedures. Preoperative SF-36 values were significantly lower than population controls for 6 of 8 SF-36 domains (physical function, social function, physical role function, emotional role function, vitality, and comfort). Patients improved significantly in 4 of 8 SF-36 domains at 30 to 60 months after total shoulder arthroplasty: physical role function (P <.01), comfort (P <.01), social function (P <.01), and mental health (P <.05). Although the improvements were significant and similar to the postoperative scores reported for total hip arthroplasty and coronary bypass procedures, the scores did not reach those of the general population. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2003;12:158-63)
Differences in healthy food supply and stocking practices between small grocery stores, gas-marts, pharmacies and dollar stores

Objective Little is known about the practices for stocking and procuring healthy food in non-traditional food retailers (e.g., gas-marts, pharmacies). The present study aimed to: (i) compare availability of healthy food items across small food store types; and (ii) examine owner/manager perceptions and stocking practices for healthy food across store types. Design Descriptive analyses were conducted among corner/small grocery stores, gas-marts, pharmacies and dollar stores. Data from store inventories were used to examine availability of twelve healthy food types and an overall healthy food supply score. Interviews with managers assessed stocking practices and profitability. Setting Small stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, USA, not participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Subjects One hundred and nineteen small food retailers and seventy-one store managers. Results Availability of specific items varied across store type. Only corner/small grocery stores commonly sold fresh vegetables (63% v. 8% of gas-marts, 0% of dollar stores and 23% of pharmacies). More than half of managers stocking produce relied on cash-and-carry practices to stock fresh fruit (53%) and vegetables (55%), instead of direct store delivery. Most healthy foods were perceived by managers to have at least average profitability. Conclusions Interventions to improve healthy food offerings in small stores should consider the diverse environments, stocking practices and supply mechanisms of small stores, particularly non-traditional food retailers. Improvements may require technical support, customer engagement and innovative distribution practices.
Enhancements to Modeling Dry Fabrics for Impact Analysis

The focus of this paper is on improving the modeling of dry fabric-based systems widely used in propulsion engine containment systems. Simulations of fabrics under impact using finite elements (FEs) provide valuable insight into the mechanics of fabric behavior and its energy absorption characteristics. In this model, the fabric is treated as an equivalent continuum model composed of thin shell elements. The fabric is made of simple weave Kevlar49, whose behavior is characterized using uniaxial quasi-static and high-strain rate tension tests, picture frame tests, and friction tests. The methodology is general enough to be used with any dry fabric. Test results are used to determine the parameters used in the constitutive and FE models. The constitutive model is programmed as a user-defined material model. Details and results from FE simulations of a suite of 26 high-velocity ballistic test results are presented. Results show that the developed model provides very reasonable predictive capabilities.
Skin of color education in dermatology residency programs: Does residency training reflect the changing demographics of the United States?

Background It is projected that by the year 2050, close to 50% of the US population will comprise people with skin of color. Objective We sought to assess whether future dermatologists will be prepared to treat patients with skin of color. Methods An e-mail with a link to a brief 9-question survey was sent to 109 program directors and chief residents. Results A total of 41 (37.6%) program directors and 63 (50.0%) chief residents completed the online survey. In all, 14.3% ( P P P P P P P = .70) of chief residents and 65.9% ( P P P P Limitations The limitations of this study included recall bias, an incomplete response rate, unsure respondents, and questions that may not have applied to certain programs. Conclusion The results indicate a need for increased exposure, educational sessions, and overall training in diseases pertaining to skin of color in US dermatology residencies.
ROSCoq: Robots Powered by Constructive Reals

We present ROSCoq, a framework for developing certified Coq programs for robots. ROSCoq subsystems communicate using messages, as they do in the Robot Operating System (ROS). We extend the logic of events to enable holistic reasoning about the cyber-physical behavior of robotic systems. The behavior of the physical world (e.g. Newton’s laws) and associated devices (e.g. sensors, actuators) are specified axiomatically. For reasoning about physics we use and extend CoRN’s theory of constructive real analysis. Instead of floating points, our Coq programs use CoRN’s exact, yet fast computations on reals, thus enabling accurate reasoning about such computations.
Impact of Video Technology on Efficiency of Pharmacist-Provided Anticoagulation Counseling and Patient Comprehension

Background: Discharge anticoagulation counseling is important for ensuring patient comprehension and optimizing clinical outcomes. As pharmacy resources become increasingly limited, the impact of informational videos on the counseling process becomes more relevant. Objective: To evaluate differences in pharmacist time spent counseling and patient comprehension (measured by the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge [OAK] test) between informational videos and traditional face-to-face (oral) counseling. Methods: This prospective, open, parallel-group study at an academic medical center randomized 40 individuals—17 warfarin-naive (“New Start”) and 23 with prior warfarin use (“Restart”)—to receive warfarin discharge education by video or face-to-face counseling. “Teach-back” questions were used in both groups. Results: Although overall pharmacist time was reduced in the video counseling group (P < 0.001), an interaction between prior warfarin use and counseling method (P = 0.012) suggests the difference between coun...
Inhibition of NF-κB activation by 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors protects brain against injury in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States of America. Brain ischemia-reperfusion (IR) triggers a complex series of biochemical events including inflammation. Leukotrienes derived from 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) cause inflammation and are thus involved in the pathobiology of stroke injury. To test the neuroprotective efficacy of 5-LOX inhibition in a rat model of focal cerebral IR, ischemic animals were either pre- or post-treated with a potent selective 5-LOX inhibitor, (N- [3-[3-(-fluorophenoxy) phenyl]-1-methyl-2-propenyl]-N-hydroxyurea (BW-B 70C). They were evaluated at 24 h after reperfusion for brain infarction, neurological deficit score, and the expression of 5-LOX. Furthermore, the mechanism and the anti-inflammatory potential of BW-B 70C in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Both pre- and post-treatment with BW-B 70C reduced infarctions and improved neurological deficit scores. Immunohistochemical study of brain sections showed IR-mediated increased expression of 5-LOX in the neurons and microglia. BW-B 70C down-regulated 5-LOX and inhibited iNOS expression by preventing NF-κB activation. Two other structurally different 5-LOX inhibitors were also administered post IR: caffeic acid and 2, 3, 5-trimethyl-6- [12-hydroxy-5, 10-dodecadiynyl]-1, 4-benzoquinone (AA-861). As with BW-B 70C, they provided remarkable neuroprotection. Furthermore, in vitro, BW-B 70C inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated nitric oxide production, iNOS induction and NF-κB activation in the BV2 microglial cell line. Treating rat primary microglia with BW-B70C confirmed blockage of LPS-mediated translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB from cytosol to nucleus. The study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of 5-LOX inhibition through down-regulation of NF-κB in a rat model of experimental stroke.
Arteriovenous differences in plasma concentrations of catechols in rats with neuropathic pain

Background : Alterations in cutaneous temperature, sweating, and cutaneous blood flow in patients with pain states, such as reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia, have been interpreted as evidence for exaggerated sympathetic outflow. It was determined whether pain behavior in a rat model of sympathetically maintained pain is associated with alterations in regional sympathoneural function. Methods : Peripheral neuropathy was induced in 29 Sprague-Dawley rats by ligation of the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves. Sixteen other rats had sham surgery (nerve exposure without ligation). Animals were tested for behavioral signs of allodynia (decreased paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimuli) at 2 and 4 weeks after the surgery. Arterial and iliac venous blood samples (left, affected ; right, control) were obtained at 2 weeks (NP2, n = 14) and 4 weeks (NP4, n = 15) after neuropathic or sham (n = 8 at 2 and 4 weeks) surgery. Plasma concentrations of dihydroxyphenylalanine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, dopamine, norepinephrine, and the intraneuronal norepinephrine metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, were analyzed in arterial and left and right iliac venous samples. Results : A decrease in paw withdrawal threshold was observed in neuropathic (NP2 and NP4) but not sham-operated rats. Affected and control limbs did not differ in arteriovenous differences in concentrations of dihydroxyphenylalanine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, dopamine, or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol. No differences were observed between sham-operated and neuropathic animals in these arteriovenous increments. In contrast, affected limbs of NP2 rats had a reduced arteriovenous increment in norepinephrine concentrations, compared to that in the control side (P < 0.05). Conclusions : No neurochemical evidence of sympathetic hyperactivity is observed in the rat model of neuropathic pain ; if anything, norepinephrine release is decreased in the affected limb. Autonomic disturbances in neuropathic pain are therefore more likely the result of receptor supersensitivity than increased local sympathoneural traffic.
Engaging Men in Violence Prevention.

The University of South Carolina offers an innovative academic course about men's roles in violence prevention. Learn how Changing Carolina has successfully changed students' views on men, violence, and prevention.
Fast Periodic Interpolation Method for Periodic Unit Cell Problems

A fast periodic interpolation method (FPIM) is presented for rapidly computing fields in a unit cell of an infinitely periodic array. For low and moderate frequencies (for unit cells smaller than or on the order of the wavelength) the FPIM has the computational cost of O(N) and it requires only O(1) periodic Green's function (PGF) evaluations, for N sources and observers. For higher mixed-frequencies the computational cost scales as O ((D/λ)3 log(D/λ) + N), where D is the domain size within the unit cell and λ is the wavelength. FPIM is based on splitting the field into the near-field from the sources around the unit cell and the far-field from the remaining sources. The near-field component can be evaluated rapidly using any available fast method. The far-field component is computed by tabulating the PGF at sparse source and observer grids, using this table to calculate the field at the observation grid, and interpolating from the observation grid to the actual observers. The FPIM is kernel independent and allows using any method for evaluating the PGF, including simple Floquet expansions. The computational times can be comparable to those of conventional (non-periodic) N-body electromagnetic problems. The presented method can be used to accelerate integral equations for periodic unit cell problems with many applications in microwave engineering and optics.
Positron emission tomography in the evaluation of the negative neck in patients with oral cavity cancer

Objectif: La conduite a tenir appropriee chez les patients avec epithelioma epidermoide de la cavite orale et cou cliniquement negatif (N0) est controversee. La detection de la metastase cervicale chez ces patients est importante, parce qu'une metastase aux ganglions lymphatiques cervicaux est associee a un pronostique defavorable. Les etudes radiographiques conventionnelles comme la tomodensitometrie et l'imagerie par resonance magnetique peuvent accroitre les donnees de l'examen physique. Toutefois, ces modalites ont encore des limites pour la detection de la presence de la maladie metastatique cervicale. La tomographie par emission de positons est un mode d'imagerie fonctionnel qui a recemment ete employe chez des patients pour detecter les neoplasies cervico-faciales. Nous rapportons notre experience avec la tomographie par emission de positons dans l'evaluation de 11 patients consecutifs avec epithelioma epidermoide de la cavite orale et cou N0 qui ont subi une dissection du cou. Methode: Les resultats de la tomographie par emission de positons furent mis en correlation avec les trouvailles pathologiques de 19 dissections du cou. Resultats: Une preuve pathologique de maladie fut retrouvee chez quatre patients (36%) ayant subi 7 dissections du cou (37% ). La tomographie par emission de positons fut positive chez tous ces patients et dans tous les cas de metastases cervicales confirmees pathologiquement. Sept patients (64%) ayant subi 12 dissections du cou (63%) ne presenterent pas d'evidence de metastases cervicales. La tomographie par emission de positons s'avera negative pour une malignite chez chacun de ces sept patients. Chez les patients avec epithelioma epidermoide de la cavite orale et cou cliniquement N0, nous avons constate que la tomographie par emission de positons avait globalement une sensibilite, une specificite, une valeur previsionnelle positive, une valeur previsionnelle negative et une exactitude de 100%. La tomodensitometrie affichait respectivement 40%, 88%, 67%, 70% et 69%. Dans toutes les categories statistiques exceptee la specificite, la tomographie par emission de positons s'avera superieure a la tomodensitometrie de facon statistique significative ( p .05). Conclusion; La tomographie par emission de positons semble offrir un apport diagnostique prometteur qui peut etre mis en application pour l'evaluation du cou N0 chez les patients avec epithelioma epidermoide de la cavite orale.
Chemical Tools to Investigate Mechanisms Associated with HSP90 and HSP70 in Disease

The chaperome is a large and diverse protein machinery composed of chaperone proteins and a variety of helpers, such as the co-chaperones, folding enzymes, and scaffolding and adapter proteins. Heat shock protein 90s and 70s (HSP90s and HSP70s), the most abundant chaperome members in human cells, are also the most complex. As we have learned to appreciate, their functions are context dependent and manifested through a variety of conformations that each recruit a subset of co-chaperone, scaffolding, and folding proteins and which are further diversified by the posttranslational modifications each carry, making their study through classic genetic and biochemical techniques quite a challenge. Chemical biology tools and techniques have been developed over the years to help decipher the complexities of the HSPs and this review provides an overview of such efforts with focus on HSP90 and HSP70.
Effect of Off-Axis Fluoroscopy Imaging on Two-Dimensional Kinematics in the Lumbar Spine: A Dynamic In Vitro Validation Study

Spine intersegmental motion parameters and the resultant regional patterns may be useful for biomechanical classification of low back pain (LBP) as well as assessing the appropriate intervention strategy. Because of its availability and reasonable cost, two-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy has great potential as a diagnostic and evaluative tool. However, the technique of quantifying intervertebral motion in the lumbar spine must be validated, and the sensitivity assessed. The purpose of this investigation was to (1) compare synchronous fluoroscopic and optoelectronic measures of intervertebral rotations during dynamic flexion-extension movements in vitro and (2) assess the effect of C-arm rotation to simulate off-axis patient alignment on intervertebral kinematics measures. Six cadaveric lumbar-sacrum specimens were dissected, and active marker optoelectronic sensors were rigidly attached to the bodies of L2-S1. Fluoroscopic sequences and optoelectronic kinematic data (0.15-mm linear, 0.17-0.20 deg rotational, accuracy) were obtained simultaneously. After images were obtained in a true sagittal plane, the image receptor was rotated in 5 deg increments (posterior oblique angulations) from 5 deg to 15 deg. Quantitative motion analysis (qma) software was used to determine the intersegmental rotations from the fluoroscopic images. The mean absolute rotation differences between optoelectronic values and dynamic fluoroscopic values were less than 0.5 deg for all the motion segments at each off-axis fluoroscopic rotation and were not significantly different (P > 0.05) for any of the off-axis rotations of the fluoroscope. Small misalignments of the lumbar spine relative to the fluoroscope did not introduce measurement variation in relative segmental rotations greater than that observed when the spine and fluoroscope were perpendicular to each other, suggesting that fluoroscopic measures of relative segmental rotation during flexion-extension are likely robust, even when patient alignment is not perfect.
PML IRIS: A Difficult Diagnosis (P02.271)

Objective: Consider Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy- Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (PML-IRIS) with worsening neurological symptoms and improved Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count and viral load. Background PML is a severe demyelinating disease of Central Nervous System, caused by the JC Polyomavirus. IRIS describes paradoxical worsening of pre existing infectious processes following initiation of Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) and improvement in immunologic function. Design/Methods: Case Report from a Tertiary Medical Centre. Results: 41 year old man with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, non compliant with medications) presented with Right hand weakness. CD4 count was 53, Viral load was high, MRI Brain showed lesion in Left precentral gyrus, bright on Diffusion Weighted Imaging and moderate intensity on Apparent Diffusion Coefficient. He was thought to have subacute infarct, started on Aspirin, anticholesterol agent and HAART. Patient returned 6 weeks later with Right arm plegia, CD4 count had improved to 60 and viral load was undetectable. MRI Brain showed increased signal Left frontoparietal region with mild enhancement, no mass effect. Lumbar Puncture (LP) had normal cells, chemistry, and a viral PCR panel including JCV was negative. Patient was continued on HAART and sent home. He returned 3 weeks later with Right sided hemiplegia and aphasia. MRI Brain showed worsening mass effect, cavitation in the lesion with patchy nodular enhancement. Repeat CSF was normal including cytology and viral PCR. Brain biopsy showed inflammatory reactive infiltrate with abundant lipid laden macrophages, perivascular lymphocytes and rare cells reactive with JCV. A third CSF sample also revealed JCV detected at lower limit of quantitation. The patient was continued on HAART and Intra Venous (IV) Steroids started. His symptoms progressively improved. Conclusions: Increase in CD4 count and improved viral load can mount IRIS response in PML patients and IV Steroid therapy should be instituted without delay. Disclosure: Dr. Kannaditharayil has nothing to disclose.
Sex and Position as Predictors of Organizational Commitment

The present study empirically examines sex and position as predictors of organizational commitment for 583 employees of social service organizations. The results of simple correlational and multipl...
Substructure Shake Table Testing with Force Controlled Actuators

Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) has emerged as a feasible and economical means for seismic performance assessment of structural systems. It has been successfully applied to study the system-level response, combining experimental and computational substructures. However, existing substructure techniques are limited to interface boundaries where the influence of unbalanced forces are not significant. Because existing formulation procedures and experimental loading are both displacement-based, unbalanced forces are inevitable in conventional RTHS. In some cases (e.g., testing of extremely rigid specimens, soil-structure boundaries), force equilibrium becomes more critical than displacement compatibility. To accommodate such conditions, a force-based approach is essential and has to be developed in RTHS. This study presents substructure shake table testing as a case study of force-based RTHS. A four-story shear structure is divided into two substructures. The first story is tested on a shake table while the rest of the structure is computationally simulated. The interaction between the experimental and computational substructures is addressed such that the measured acceleration at the top floor in the experimental substructure is used as the base input to the computational structure while computed base shear in the computational substructure is fed back to the experimental substructure through a force-controlled actuator. As such, the overall simulation is performed at real-time with force-controlled actuators. This study presents the underlying theories of the substructure shake table test method, centralized actuator control and preliminary numerical simulations.
Social Work as Management: A Retrospective Study of 245 Hospital Care Management Practice Outcomes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the utilization of corporate management functions, such as planning, organizing, coordinating, motivating, advocating, and monitoring and evaluating, by social work care managers. Method: The sample included 122 care managers in 13 urban hospital settings. Each care manager chose two completed cases, one judged by them to be a good and one a poor case. They then completed an open-ended questionnaire about each case. Results: Content analyses indicated that themost frequently utilized goals and interventions were traditional corporate management functions. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the presence versus absence of 5 management outcome variables (planning, organizing, coordinating the interdisciplinary team, coordinating hospital and community resources, and advocacy), taken together as a scale, correctly predicted 89.1% pre-designated good cases, and 83.8% poor cases. Conclusion: Successful social work cases required the use of corporate man...
Massive Ovarian Edema with Stromal Luteinization: A Newly Recognized Virilizing Syndrome Apparently Related to Partial Torsion of the Mesovarium

The second case of massive edema of the ovary in which lutein-like stromal cells were present and the patient showed evidence of virilization is presented. The most likely mechanism for the development of the edema is incomplete torsion of the mesovarium, insufficient to cause ischemic necrosis, but sufficient to elevate capillary hydrostatic pressure and to interfere with lymphatic drainage. Chronic or recurrent ovarian edema appears to lead to the formation of lutein-like stromal cells. These cells are the most likely source of the excess steroid hormones produced.
Amphetamine differentially affects temporally spaced bar pressing and collateral water drinking

Rats trained to space bar presses 20 sec. apart for dry food reinforcement engaged in water drinking during the intervals between bar presses. When 1.5 mg/kg dl-amphetamine was administered, bar pressing rate increased while the incidence of water drinking decreased. Drinking occurred only after the delivery of food pellets.
New Group 2 Compounds Useful for Preparation of thin films of Electronic Ceramics

We have prepared examples of several new classes of group 2 compounds, including ether- and amine-substituted metallocenes, inter- and intra-molecular Lewis base stabilized bis(β-diketonates), and clam-shell oligioether bis(alkoxides), and investigated their use as potential sources in the preparation of ceramic materials from molecular precursors. Examinations have included vapor pressure measurements, hydrolytic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic stability, vapor phase, solution and solid state structures, and evaluation for potential CVD growth of thin films of electronic ceramics. Results to date indicate that intramolecular stabilization is more advantageous than intermolecular stabilization for achievement of optimal CVD source criteria, and that completion of the coordination sphere around the metal atom requires tuning of both ligand spatial and electronic requirements.
Alcohol misuse and the predisposing environement

In recent years, the aetiology of alcohol misuse has come to be conceptualised in terms of risk factor models. Risk can emanate from a number of sources ranging from the genetic to the sociostructural. This chapter reviews the major environmental risk factors under two broad headings--those that affect the availability of the agent and those that affect the vulnerability of the host. The former include a variety of economic, social and physical factors such as price, advertising and licensing laws. The latter include broad socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, as well as interpersonal influences such as family, peers, employment and stress. Practitioners (as distinct from policy-makers) concerned with prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse can most effectively intervene at the interpersonal level, and the paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for clinical practice of the research reviewed in this domain.
Natural thermal resistance of human tumor cells and the role of prostaglandin

We found that human malignant melanoma cells had varying thermal sensitivity and that some exhibited natural thermal resistance, a heretofore unrecognized phenomenon. Samples of 73 melanoma cell suspensions were heated at 42 degrees C for 1 hour before plating in the soft agar clonogenic assay or the thymidine assay for proliferating cells. We observed greater than 75% cell kill after hyperthermia in 39 (53%) tumors. Native thermal resistance was apparent in 17 (23%) tumors and growth enhancement in 17 (23%) at this temperature and exposure time. We postulated that prostaglandin, known to protect stomach mucosa against thermal injury, has a role in stabilizing the tumor cell membrane exposed to heat. Three melanoma cell lines known to be thermosensitive were heated to 42 degrees C without and with exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The survival of colony-forming cells was increased in all three lines in the presence of 30 microM PGE2. A naturally thermoresistant cell line was exposed to 1 microgram/ml indomethacin for 24 hours before hyperthermic treatment. The survival of colony-forming cells was significantly decreased compared to cells not treated with indomethacin. The addition of 30 microM of exogenous PGE2 to indomethacin-treated cells reestablished thermal resistance. These preliminary data suggest that some tumor cells synthesize prostaglandins to render the cell thermoresistant. Treatment with indomethacin blocks prostaglandin synthesis and induces thermosensitivity. These discoveries may have important clinical applications for hyperthermia treatment of human cancers.