cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the accuracy of different scoring methods for identifying sixth graders at risk of failing a state writing assessment

Abstract Students who fail state writing tests may be subject to a number of negative consequences. Identifying students who are at risk of failure affords educators time to intervene and prevent such outcomes. Yet, little research has examined the classification accuracy of predictors used to identify at-risk students in the upper-elementary and middle-school grades. Hence, the current study compared multiple scoring methods with regards to their accuracy for identifying students at risk of failing a state writing test. In the fall of 2012, students composed a persuasive prompt in response to a computer-based benchmark writing test, and in the spring of 2013 they participated in the state writing assessment. Predictor measures included prior writing achievement, human holistic scoring, automated essay scoring via Project Essay Grade (PEG), total words written, compositional spelling, and sentence accuracy. Classification accuracy was measured using the area under the ROC curve. Results indicated that prior writing achievement and PEG Overall Score had the highest classification accuracy. A multivariate model combining these two measures resulted in only slight improvements over univariate prediction models. Study findings indicated that choice of scoring method affects classification accuracy, and automated essay scoring can be used to accurately identify at-risk students.
Clinical Prediction of Pathologic Complete Response in Superior Sulcus Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Management of superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to evolve, with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CXRT) followed by surgical intervention supported by several studies. Rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) have varied, and previous attempts to identify clinical predictors of pCR have been unsuccessful. We analyzed our experience with resected superior sulcus NSCLC to elucidate clinical features suggestive of pCR among patients after preoperative treatment. Methods A multiinstitutional retrospective review was performed in patients who underwent resection for superior sulcus NSCLC between January 1988 and July 2013. Data pertaining to comorbidities, staging, therapy, imaging, and outcomes were collected. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of survival and pCR. Results During the study, 102 patients underwent preoperative therapy, consisting of CXRT in 75 (73.5%), chemotherapy in 15 (14.7%), and radiotherapy in 12 (11.8%). After median follow-up of 18.0 months, overall and disease-free survivals were 51.0% and 45.1%, respectively. On multivariate regression, independent predictors of survival included pCR ( p = 0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 0.243; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.106–0.555) and age ( p = 0.007; HR, 1.049; CI, 1.013–1.085). Among those who received CXRT, 24 of 75 (32%) achieved pCR. Multivariate regression analysis of the CXRT group revealed that pCR was independently predicted by extent of size reduction on imaging ( p = 0.015; HR, 1.042; CI, 1.008–1.078), with histologic examination showing a trend toward significance ( p = 0.073). Conclusions Preoperative chemoradiation frequently resulted in pCR, and treatment response on imaging was associated with the likelihood of achieving pCR. Future investigations are warranted to further predict pCR from preoperative clinical variables such as symptom resolution, as identification of accurate predictors may ultimately permit the application of selective surgical intervention in superior sulcus NSCLC.
Boundary element formulation for plane problems in couple stress elasticity

SUMMARY Couple-stresses are introduced to account for the microstructure of a material within the framework of continuum mechanics. Linear isotropic versions of such materials possess a characteristic material length l that becomes increasingly important as problem dimensions shrink to that level (e.g., as the radius a of a critical hole reduces to a size comparable to l). Consequently, this size-dependent elastic theory is essential to understand the behavior at micro- and nano-scales and to bridge the atomistic and classical continuum theories. Here we develop an integral representation for two-dimensional boundary value problems in the newly established fully determinate theory of isotropic couple stress elastic media. The resulting boundary-only formulation involves displacements, rotations, force-tractions and moment-tractions as primary variables. Details on the corresponding numerical implementation within a boundary element method are then provided, with emphasis on kernel singularities and numerical quadrature. Afterwards the new formulation is applied to several computational examples to validate the approach and to explore the consequences of size-dependent couple stress elasticity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unfair Consequences: How the Reforms to the Rule Against Hearsay in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 Violate a Defendant’s Right to a Fair Trial Under the European Convention on Human Rights

For years, judges and legislatures in common-law jurisdictions have struggled to develop effective and equitable rules regarding the admissibility of hearsay statements. Particularly in criminal cases, in which a defendant’s very liberty is often at stake, governments have endeavored to strike the balance between the prosecution’s need for probative evidence against the accused and the defendant’s right to cross-examine those who have made statements against him. Parliament attempted to achieve such parity when it passed the Criminal Justice Act 2003, a watershed piece of legislation that signiacantly liberalized the admissibility of hearsay statements in English and Welsh criminal trials. Because the Act allows the jury to convict the defendant based on uncorroborated hearsay evidence alone, however, it contravenes the defendant’s right to a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights.
OTHER THINGS EQUAL Why Economists Should Not Be Ashamed of Being the Philosophers of Prudence

The “Christian” virtues (which a lot of Christians in the news don’t seem to have much of) are Faith, Hope, and Love. Together with the four other “pagan” virtues they make up the Seven Cardinal Virtues, which I would argue are a complete set. Everything you want to know about virtue is contained in the blessed seven, said St. Thomas Aquinas and even our own blessed Adam Smith. Everything. Three of the four other “pagan” virtues are Courage, Temperance, and Justice. But you better also have the last pagan virtue, Prudence—last in heroic value, first in political and economic and bourgeois value. I mean by “Prudence” all the words from Aristotle’s phronesis, usually translated as “practical wisdom,” through Cicero’s and St. Thomas Aquinas’ prudentia, down to plain English “wisdom” (in its practical aspect) or “know-how” or “common sense” or “savvy”—French savoir-faire and fancyEnglish “rationality” or “self-interest.” We know it in modern economics as the virtue—alas, the only virtue—of that well-managed fellow Max U. Prudence is not academic knowledge, sophia or scientia, praised by the philosophers from Socrates to the Great Books as a knowledge of ends. It is a knowledge of means: budgets lines, not utility functions. Bentham and his followers (namely, most economists down to Gary Becker) have wanted to make Prudence into the virtue, collapsing Love and Justice and the rest into Utility. It is a very bad idea, both scientifically and ethically. But Prudence is a virtue. We have been inclined for some centuries now in the West to relegate Prudence to an amoral world of “mere” self-interest. This has been a catastrophe for our dear economics. Only a disposition to take care of others is construed as “virtue,” and then for its intentions rather than for its practical effect. Having good intentions in one’s heart is said to be virtuous, even if the intentions when carried out (such as high-rise public housing along the Dan Ryan Expressway or the war on drugs brought onto the streets of Watts and East LA) do not quite deliver as intended. And surely, as we in European culture have been saying for a long while, knowing how to take care of oneself is hardly a virtue? Yes, it is. And so is the correlated carefulness in “helping” others: the Love or Justice moving us to help others is a vice, not a virtue, when unalloyed with Prudence. Knowing that one must put out a candle before leaving the house is a good thing, even if you didn’t mean to burn the place down, even if your intentions were
Developent Self-regulation and Self-efficacy: A Cognitive Mechanism for Success of Biology Boot Camps

The Louisiana State University Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS) Program has been found to be an effective retention initiative for freshman Biological Science majors (S. M. Wischusen, Wischusen, & Pomarico, 2010; S. M. Wischusen, Wischusen, W. E., 2007). Students who attended the five-day camp out-perform their non-participant peers in introductory biology courses and have higher retention, progression and graduation rates. This study uses a cognitive view to explore the underlying factors, self-regulation and self-efficacy, namely that contribute to the program’s capacity to help students obtain sustainable academic success. The pre/post-test measurements of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, as well as qualitative measures, were employed to evaluate the program as a format for developing self-regulation and self-efficacy. BIOS was also shown to calibrate students’ self-efficacy and self-regulation for optimal performance in Biology 1201, the introductory course for science majors. Camp participants exhibited higher self-efficacy, self-regulation, and final Biology 1201 grades than their non-BIOS peers. These results offer insight into the mechanism behind the success of science boot camps and the role of motivation and metacognition in STEM retention initiatives.
A Political Theory of Identity in European Integration: Memory and policies

1. Principles of Action or Cliches? Why Hermeneutics Matters to European Integration 2. "After the Deluge": The Principle of Reconciliation 3. Remembering the Principle of Reconciliation: "Applications" 4. Of Power and Purgatory: Building the European Communities 5. Enlargements and the Recognition of the Other: The Case of Turkey 6. The Question of the Demos: Truth-Telling and Right-Speaking 7. EU Borders and the "Enlarged Mentality"
Response of Benthos and Organic Drift to a Controlled Flood

The controlled flood in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, provided valuable information on short-term responses for both the riverine system and the biotic community, but the long-term effects of the flood on the aquatic food base were more difficult to assess. The 1274 m 3 /s discharge flushed the silt/clay fraction from the channel bottom throughout the river corridor. There were no significant differences in dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and pH before and after the flood compared to during the flood. However, water clarity was dramatically reduced during the first 2 days of the flood event, but cleared after 7 days. Over 90% of the phytobenthos and ≥50% of the benthic invertebrates were scoured from the Lees Ferry reach, with biota associated with unstable fine sediment most vulnerable. Most of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) that passed through the river corridor was entrained in the initial hydrostatic wave; values for DOC and POC were significantly lower throughout the remainder of the flood. Stable isotope analyses indicated that riparian and upland vegetation made up most of the stream drift during the experimental flood, whereas phytobenthos was the dominant drift constituent during normal dam operations. Recovery rates to pre-flood levels were fast for phytobenthos (1 mon) and invertebrates (2 mon). We propose that the rapid recover rates and current high standing stock of aquatic benthos in the river corridor is more a function of higher water clarity, due to higher relatively constant dam releases, rather than solely related to the controlled flood. Our data indicate that consistent high discharges (≥400 m 3 /s) from Glen Canyon Dam mitigate the influence of suspended sediments delivered from tributaries on water clarity. Therefore, optimum conditions for management of the present exotic food base below Glen Canyon Dam may be achieved by steady discharges (∼450 m 3 /s) with minimal fluctuation cycles (∼50 m 3 /s).
Bank Executive Compensation and Capital Requirements Reform

We study the executive compensation structure in the largest 14 U.S. financial institutions during 2000-2008. Our results are mostly consistent with and supportive of the findings of Bebchuk, Cohen and Spamann (2010), that is, managerial incentives matter – incentives generated by executive compensation programs led to excessive risk-taking by banks leading to the current financial crisis. Also, our results are generally not supportive of the conclusions of Fahlenbrach and Stulz (2011) that the poor performance of banks during the crisis was the result of unforeseen risk.We recommend the following compensation structure for senior bank executives: Executive incentive compensation should only consist of restricted stock and restricted stock options – restricted in the sense that the executive cannot sell the shares or exercise the options for two to four years after their last day in office. The above equity based incentive programs lose their effectiveness in motivating managers to enhance shareholder value as a bank’s equity value approaches zero (as they did for the too-big-to-fail banks in 2008). Hence, for equity based incentive structures to be effective, banks should be financed with considerable more equity than they are being financed currently.
Opiate activation of potassium conductance inhibits calcium action potentials in rat locus coeruleus neurones.

Abstract Opiates act on mu-receptors to increase the potassium conductance of rat locus coeruleus neurones. Opiates also depress the rate of rise and peak amplitude of calcium action potentials in these cells. The action of opiates on calcium action potentials was prevented by two procedures which blocked the opiate-induced potassium current, intracellular caesium and extracellular barium. This indicates that the opiate reduction in calcium entry is secondary to an increased potassium current.
Taphonomy and depositional setting of Careless Creek Quarry (Judith River Formation), Wheatland County, Montana, U.S.A

Abstract Careless Creek Quarry is a newly discovered, rich vertebrate locality in the Judith River Formation of south-central Montana. This site has yielded approximately 1500 specimens of various vertebrate taxa, most notable are dinosaurs, and is the most productive site yet reported from this formation in the United States, south of the international boundary with Canada. A detailed taphonomic excavation of Careless Creek Quarry has shown that this site formed in an active river channel, approximately 6–11 m wide and approximately 1.5 m deep, and that the bones accumulated as a result of a log jam. This setting, in conjunction with the taphonomic setting of other sites in the area, suggest that trapping mechanisms may be largely responsible for the accumulation of vertebrate remains within active channel environments. Close scrutiny of the fossil assemblage indicates that two different subsets of bone assemblages exist with widely different taphonomic histories. One assemblage consists of unassociated skeletal remains which are of a size which is hydraulically compatible with the grain sizes of the sediment within the quarry. This characteristic suggests that these bones were brought in by the ancient Careless Creek stream. The second assemblage consists of associated skeletal material which is too large to have been brought into the site as sedimentary clasts. Instead, this latter assemblage probably accumulated at the site due to carcass flotation and subsequent entrapment on the paleolog jam. Examination of the taphonomic parameters of the Careless Creek associated skeletal assemblage indicates that there is little correlation between the taphonomic features of the assemblage and the expected features produced in a channel environment. Bone orientation for example, shows no clear preferred orientation. Similarly a bone census of this subset of bones shows that the lighter, less-dense bones such as ribs and vertebra are abundant at the locality. In addition, very little bone modification occurred on these bones either prior to or after deposition at Careless Creek Quarry.
When do Korean-American Dementia Caregivers Find Meaning in Caregiving?: The Role of Culture and Differences between Spouse and Child Caregivers

This study examines the role of culture in Korean-American dementia caregivers' finding meaning in caregiving and compares a group of spouse caregivers with a group of child (including in-law) caregivers. Sixty-five Korean-American dementia caregivers were included in the analyses. The most predictive variable of Korean-American dementia caregivers' finding meaning in caregiving was social support. When spouse caregivers were separated out from child caregivers, social support and income emerged as the best predictors of spouses finding meaning in caregiving. Overall results revealed that Korean-American child caregivers found more meaning in dementia caregiving than did spouse caregivers. Implications for social work practitioners, policymakers, and researchers are provided.
SU-FF-T-235: Fluence Determination in a Polarized Synchrotron-Generated Monochromatic X-Ray Beam

Purpose: K‐edge capture radiotherapy using monochromatic x‐ray beams necessitates development of corresponding dosimetry techniques, one being utilization of Monte Carlo methods. Since Monte Carlo simulations yield dose per particle, a methodology to measure the beam fluence of a monochromatic synchrotron‐generated x‐ray beam was developed using Compton scattering techniques. Method and Materials: X‐rays were produced at the LSU CAMD synchrotron by passing a 1.3‐GeV electron beam (≈200 mA) through a 7‐T superconducting wiggler. The resulting polychromatic beam passed through a double multilayer monochromator to generate a ∼0.1×2.8‐cm2beam. Since high fluence rates make direct measurement of beam fluence impossible, photons Compton scattered by thin polyethylene targets into a 1‐mm thick × 2.54‐cm diameter NaI(Tl) scintillation detector were counted. Incident beam fluence was calculated from net peak counts via application of the Klein‐Nishina collisional cross section for polarized radiation at multiple scattering angles. Simultaneously, percent polarization of the beam was determined by separating the Klein‐Nishina cross section into its two orthogonally‐polarized components. Measurements were taken at 4 scattering angles (15°–60°) with the fraction of photons (f), polarized such that the angle between the direction of incident polarization and the scattering plane is 0°, determined by minimizing the standard deviation of the calculated fluences. Results: Incident beam fluence rates for 100 mA of synchrotron ring current were determined with ∼1% precision and ranged from (9.58±0.08)×10 10 to (1.55±0.02)×10 11 photons⋅cm −2 ⋅ s −1 . Measurement showed that the 35‐keV beam was highly polarized in the plane of the synchrotron, e.g. f =7%. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a feasible method based on Compton scattering to determine incident synchrotron‐generated x‐ray beam fluence and polarization. Fluences determined via this method can provide input data that will allow currently underway Monte Carlo simulations to predict dose distributions in homogeneous phantoms for comparison with more traditional dosimetry methods (ion chamber and radiochromic film).
Estimation of clearances and impact forces using vibroimpact response: Sinusoidal excitation

Abstract A novel clearance estimation approach has been developed for a randomly excited vibroimpact system. The clearance estimates based on this approach were obtained using data from the mechanical analogue of an impact oscillator and simulation using a digital computer, and they reasonably agree with the actual clearances.
Narcissism and Creativity: Are They Related?:

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between narcissism and creativity. 71 subjects were asked to identify themselves as being highly creative or not highly creative. Subjects were...
Spectral properties of exciton polaritons in one-dimensional resonant photonic crystals

The dispersion properties of exciton polaritons in multiple-quantum-well-based resonant photonic crystals are studied. In the case of structures with an elementary cell possessing a mirror symmetry with respect to its center, a powerful analytical method for deriving and analyzing dispersion laws of the respective normal modes is developed. The method is used to analyze band structure and dispersion properties of several types of resonant photonic crystals, which would not submit to analytical treatment by other approaches. These systems include multiple-quantum-well structures with an arbitrary periodic modulation of the dielectric function and structures with a complex elementary cell. Special attention was paid to determining conditions for superradiance (Bragg resonance) in these structures and to the properties of the polariton stop band in the case when this condition is fulfilled (Bragg structures). The dependence of the band structure on the angle of propagation, the polarization of the wave, and the effects due to exciton homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings are considered, as well as dispersion properties of excitations in near-Bragg structures.
Screening for Chlamydia Trachomatis at a University Health Service

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia in college family planning patients and to identify diagnostic indicators associated with Chlamydia. A thorough history and physical examination was performed, including culture for gonorrhea, cancer (papanicolaou test), and Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia occurred in 12.6% of 419 subjects. The lack of signs and symptoms and the possibility of inaccurate historical data limit the clinical predictability of chlamydial infections. Routine screening of college women is recommended.
Naltrexone and disulfiram in patients with alcohol dependence and comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Background Disulfiram and naltrexone are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcoholism, but these agents have not been rigorously evaluated in dually diagnosed individuals. Method Two-hundred and fifty-four patients with an Axis I psychiatric disorder and comorbid alcohol dependence were treated for 12 weeks in an outpatient medication study conducted at three Veterans Administration outpatient clinics. Randomization included assignment to one of four groups: 1) naltrexone alone; 2) placebo alone; 3) (open-label) disulfiram and (blinded) naltrexone; or 4) (open-label) disulfiram and (blinded) placebo. Medication compliance was evaluated using the Microelectric Events Monitoring System. Primary outcomes were measures of alcohol use. Secondary outcomes included psychiatric symptoms, alcohol craving, g-GGT levels and adverse events. Results There was a high rate of abstinence across groups. Subjects treated with an active medication had significantly more consecutive weeks of abstinence and less craving than those treated with placebo, but there were no significant group differences in other measures of alcohol consumption. There was no advantage of the combination of both medications. Conclusions These data suggest a modest advantage for the use of disulfiram and naltrexone for this group of dually diagnosed alcohol-dependent individuals but did not suggest an advantage in the combination.
Travel Demand Analysis Impacts on Estimation of Mobile Emissions

A series of disaggregation experiments on the use of travel-forecasting procedures aimed at examining the impacts of disaggregation on estimates of mobile source emissions is described. The research used a case study of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is an ozone nonattainment area. The procedures in recent use in Baton Rouge were largely adopted as the basis for the research. The steps of disaggregation included estimating emissions at the link level in the loaded network, applying diurnal factors in two alternative methods, applying seasonal and day-of-week factors to standard fall/spring travel-forecasting results, and performing speed post-processing after assignment. The results show that there are a number of areas in which significant impacts on emissions estimates arise, particularly from the seasonal and day-of-week adjustments and from speed post-processing. Impacts of diurnal factoring appear less than expected, but are likely to be a function of levels of congestion. The paper concludes by noting some important issues relating to standard modeling practice and also suggests a number of areas for further research.
Rapid Induction of Signal Transduction in Respiratory Epithelial Cells in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ligands ♦ 898

Studies of bronchoalveolar lavage from infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) have demonstrated increased amounts of proinflammatory cytokines and polymorphonuclear leukocytes even in the absence of detectable infection. Decreased clearance of secretions in the respiratory tree may lead to exposure of epithelial cells to environmental organisms that would be efficiently cleared in a normal host. We hypothesized that even transient exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) ligands, which recognize specific glycolipid receptors on respiratory epithelial cells, can lead to activation of host signal transduction pathways. Fluxes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are common components of proinflammatory signalling cascades and can be readily monitored by fluorescence imaging. We studied the kinetics of changes in [Ca2+]i of epithelial cells in response to wild-type PA as well as to several mutant strains, purified PA ligands, and antibody to the pilin receptor. Single cell imaging was performed on primary human nasal polyp, bovine tracheal epithelial cells, and SV-40 immortalized respiratory cell lines (1HAEo- and 16HBE). The cells were loaded with fura-2/AM, a calcium-sensitive, ratiometric fluorescent dye. Stimulation of the cells with wild-type PA (strain PAO1) triggered a 100-fold increase in [Ca2+]i that was maintained for several minutes. UV-killed organisms did not elicit a change in [Ca2+]i. Stimulation with a non-piliated strain (PAO-NP) or a non-piliated non-flagellated strain (PAO-NP fliA) led to a greatly attenuated calcium response by the epithelial cells. Purified PAO1 flagellin induced a more rapid increase in [Ca2+]i that returned to baseline in less than one minute. Treatment with purified pilin protein or antibody to asialoGM1 (the pilin receptor) led to a typical [Ca2+]i oscillatory response in the epithelial cells. All of the above responses were attenuated but not eliminated by chelation of extracellular calcium with EGTA, indicating that intracellular stores are likely to be responsible for these signals. These results demonstrate activation of signal transduction pathways in respiratory cells in response to only brief exposure to P. aeruginosa ligands.
Evaluation of bone graft viability.

Radionuclide bone single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scintigraphy is an excellent method for the assessment of the vascular patency and bone viability. The scintigraphic findings are important in the management of microvascularized bone grafts used in the reconstruction of bone defects. These living bone grafts are necessary when the blood supply at the host site has been compromised as a result of radiation therapy or when the bone defect is>6 cm. Bone scintigraphy is unique because the uptake of radiopharmaceutical is dependent both on an adequate delivery system and a living network of osteocytes. SPECT scintigraphy provides improved imaging characteristics and structural detail of the grafted bone. Eleven patients with microvascularized bone grafts to the mandible demonstrated marked bone reaction of the entire bone graft in the postoperative period. The accumulation of radiolabelled 99m Tc methylene diphosphonate (MDP) correlated extremely well with postoperative findings and clinical response. SPECT bone scintigraphy was a safe, simple and effective method for the assessment of both patency of anastomosed blood vessels and the metabolic viability of the microvascularized bone graft.
A slow decay of a connectivity function in a broad class of SOS models

Abstract We give a simple, rigorous argument which shows that a particular connectivity function in a large class of SOS models has a power-law lower bound on at least one of the sublattices. The dual of the six-vertex models with completely non-local interaction is a special case of the models considered in this paper.
Advanced theoretical and experimental techniques in cartilage research

There has been a major worldwide effort over the past 15 years to develop comprehensive models to describe the biomechanical function of the various diarthrodial joints [1–6]. During this period, we have focused our attention on the development of comprehensive theories towards the description of the complex rheological properties of the two major materials within diarthrodial joints, articular cartilage and synovial fluid [7–11]. In the process, significant advances have been made in defining continuum constitutive models for both synovial fluid and articular cartilage.
Platelet-dependent thrombin generation after in vitro fibrinolytic treatment.

BACKGROUNDFibrinolytic therapy is associated with frequent rethrombosis. There is evidence of both increased coagulation and platelet activation.METHODS AND RESULTSPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) or washed platelets were incubated with the fibrinolytic agents urokinase, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), or plasmin at concentrations consistent with those in the plasma of patients treated for myocardial infarction. All of the fibrinolytic agents induced a more rapid generation of thrombin and decreased the clotting times of non-contact-activated PRP than in untreated PRP. This effect was not blocked by the inclusion of thrombin inhibitors during the fibrinolytic treatment. Washed platelets derived from rt-PA-treated PRP induced more rapid thrombin generation when resuspended in untreated plasma or treated plasma. Washed platelets were treated with plasmin, rt-PA, and urokinase and added to platelet-poor plasma. Platelets treated with either plasmin or rt-PA increased the ability of washed pl...
Sensor based motion planning: the hierarchical generalized Voronoi graph

Sensor based motion planning incorporates sensor information reflecting the state of a robot's environment into its planning process, whereas traditional approaches assume complete prior knowledge of the robot's environment. Recent research has focused on the development and incremental construction of the hierarchical generalized Voronoi graph (HGVG), which is a concise representation of a robot's environment. The HGVG is advantageous in that it lends itself to sensor based construction in a rigorous and provably correct manner. With this approach, a robot can enter an unknown environment, incrementally construct the HGVG, and then use the HGVG for future excursions in the environment. Simulations and experiments validate this approach.
A Parallel, Distributed and Associative Approach for Searching Image Patterns with Holographic Dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a new associative pattern-matching network based on a digital adaptation of optical holography. Unlike any existing neural network or associative memories, it can localize its search dynamically on any subset of the pattern space and at the same time generate a feedback on the quality of the match. Current associative memories based on neuro computing are unable to support such meta-interactions. The scheme involves adaptive ‘enfolding’ of the raw massive search space into a holograph and direct regeneration of the matched target pattern during a search. The search process is a constant-time operation compared to traditional algorithm approaches, inherently parallelizable, and is an excellent candidate for hardware or optical implementation. This new technique is expected to facilitate significantly applications that require direct pattern matching in massive image repositories in real time. Target recognition , visual query , content-based image retrieve and automatic index-extraction are just a few of such applications.
Surviving Nuclear War: U.S. Plans For Crisis Relocation

As part of its developing strategy of nuclear deterrence-a strategy linking peace to the capacity for nuclear war fighting-the Reagan administration is placing great emphasis on "enhanced" forms of civil defense. Known as crisis relocation planning, these forms of civilian evacuation are expected to reduce the risk of a nuclear war, and to mitigate the consequences of such a war if deterrence fails. This paper suggests, however, that the administration's provocative redefinition of nuclear deterrence actually undermines strategic stability between the superpowers, and that it would do nothing to improve the prospects for human survival in the event of a nuclear war. The article concludes that the only reasonable strategy for the United States is to recognize our vulnerability to collective disintegration and to proceed from such recognition to meaningful attempts at arms control.
Co-degree density of hypergraphs

For an r-graph H, let C(H)=min"Sd(S), where the minimum is taken over all (r-1)-sets of vertices of H, and d(S) is the number of vertices v such that [email protected]?{v} is an edge of H. Given a family F of r-graphs, the co-degree Turan number co-ex(n,F) is the maximum of C(H) among all r-graphs H which contain no member of F as a subhypergraph. Define the co-degree density of a family F to [email protected](F)[email protected]?supn->~co-ex(n,F)n. When r>=3, non-zero values of @c(F) are known for very few finite r-graphs families F. Nevertheless, our main result implies that the possible values of @c(F) form a dense set in [0,1). The corresponding problem in terms of the classical Turan density is an old question of Erdos (the jump constant conjecture), which was partially answered by Frankl and Rodl [P. Frankl, V. Rodl, Hypergraphs do not jump, Combinatorica 4 (2-3) (1984) 149-159]. We also prove the existence, by explicit construction, of finite F satisfying 0<@c(F)
Role of Invariant Manifolds in Low-Thrust Trajectory Design

This paper demonstrates the significant role that invariant manifolds play in the dynamics of low-thrust trajectories moving through unstable regions in the three-body problem. It shows that an optimization algorithm incorporating no knowledge of invariant manifolds converges on low-thrust trajectories that use the invariant manifolds of unstable resonant orbits to traverse resonances. It is determined that the algorithm could both change the energy through thrusting to a level where the invariant manifolds could more easily be used, as well as use thrusting to move the trajectory along the invariant manifolds. Knowledge of this relationship has the potential to be very useful in developing initial guesses and new control laws for these optimization algorithms. In particular, this approach can speed up the convergence of the optimization process, retain the essential geometric and topological characteristics of the initial design, and provide a more accurate estimate of the A V and fuel usage based on the initial trajectory.
Electronic structure of the metallic ground state of La2-2xSr1+2xMn2O7 for x≈0.59 and comparison with x=0.36, 0.38 compounds as revealed by angle-resolved photoemission

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we present the electronic structure of the metallic ground state of La2�2xSr1+2xMn2O7 x 0.59 and interpret the results in terms of first-principles band-structure computations, of which the generalized gradient approximation yields the best agreement with the experimental data. No bilayer-split bands are found in this compound, indicating the near degeneracy of electronic states in the neighboring MnO2 layers due to its A-type antiferromagnetic structure. The d3z2�r2 states near the zone center were not observed, which is also consistent with its A-type antiferromagnetic structure. Near the Fermi level, a kink in the dispersion reveals an important electron-phonon many-body interaction. The electronphonon coupling is 1 near the zone boundary and 2 near the zone diagonal, showing strong k dependence.
New clues to Alzheimer's disease: unraveling the roles of amyloid and tau.

Defining the molecular pathways of Alzheimer's disease raises new possibilities for treatment (pages 864–875).
Unusual mRNA pseudoknot structure is recognized by a protein translational repressor

Abstract Translation of ribosomal proteins in the α operon of E. coli is repressed by one of the encoded proteins, S4; it specifically recognizes an RNA fragment containing the translational initiation site for the first gene in the operon. RNA structure mapping experiements have suggested a pseudoknot structure for the S4 binding site: the loop of a hairpin is base paired to sequences downstream of the hairpin. Here, we systematically test this proposed structure by measuring S4 binding to an extensive set of site-directed mutations that create compensatory base pair changes in potential helices. The pseudoknot folding is confirmed, and two additional, unexpected interactions within the pseudoknot are also detected. The overall structure is an unusual "double pseudoknot" linking a hairpin up-stream of the ribosome binding site with sequences 2–10 codons downstream of the initiation codon. Stabilization of this structure by S4 could account for translational repression.
Transient adenosine efflux in the rat caudate-putamen.

Adenosine is an endogenous byproduct of metabolism that regulates cerebral blood flow and modulates neurotransmission. Four receptors, with affinities ranging from nanomolar to micromolar, mediate the effects of adenosine. Real-time measurements are needed to understand the extracellular adenosine concentrations available to activate these receptors. In this study, we measured the subsecond time course of adenosine efflux in the caudate–putamen of anesthetized rats after a 1 s, high-frequency stimulation of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes was used for simultaneous detection of adenosine and dopamine, which have different oxidation potentials. While dopamine was immediately released after electrical stimulation, adenosine accumulation was slightly delayed and cleared in about 15 seconds. The concentration of adenosine measured after electrical stimulation was 0.94 ± 0.09 μM. An adenosine kinase inhibitor, adenosine transport inhibitor, and a histamine synthetic precursor were used to pharmacologically confirm the identity of the measured substance as adenosine. Adenosine efflux was also correlated with increases in oxygen, which occur because of changes in cerebral blood flow. This study shows that extracellular adenosine transiently increases after short bursts of neuronal activity in concentrations that can activate receptors.
Bullying and Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Over the last decade there has been increased attention to the association between bullying involvement (as a victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim) and suicidal ideation/behaviors. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the association between bullying involvement and suicidal ideation and behaviors. METHODS: We searched multiple online databases and reviewed reference sections of articles derived from searches to identify cross-sectional studies published through July 2013. Using search terms associated with bullying, suicide, and youth, 47 studies (38.3% from the United States, 61.7% in non-US samples) met inclusion criteria. Seven observers independently coded studies and met in pairs to reach consensus. RESULTS: Six different meta-analyses were conducted by using 3 predictors (bullying victimization, bullying perpetration, and bully/victim status) and 2 outcomes (suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors). A total of 280 effect sizes were extracted and multilevel, random effects meta-analyses were performed. Results indicated that each of the predictors were associated with risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (range, 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.67–2.69] to 4.02 [95% CI, 2.39–6.76]). Significant heterogeneity remained across each analysis. The bullying perpetration and suicidal behavior effect sizes were moderated by the study’s country of origin; the bully/victim status and suicidal ideation results were moderated by bullying assessment method. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated that involvement in bullying in any capacity is associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. Future research should address mental health implications of bullying involvement to prevent suicidal ideation/behavior.
Colorectal cancers found after a complete colonoscopy

Background & Aims: The incidence of colorectal cancer in patients undergoing colonoscopic surveillance is higher than previously thought. A better understanding of interval cancers is needed to improve surveillance strategies. The objectives of this study were to determine whether interval colorectal cancers were associated with an inadequate earlier colonoscopy, incomplete polypectomy, or aggressive biologic behavior. Methods: We searched our institution’s cancer registry. Interval cancers were defined as colorectal cancers that developed within 5 years of a complete colonoscopy. These were frequency matched in a 1:2 ratio to patients with sporadic cancers, which were defined as colorectal cancers diagnosed on a patient’s first recorded colonoscopy. Patient, colonoscopy, and tumor characteristics of interval and sporadic cancers were compared. Results: Of the 830 colorectal cancers diagnosed during the study period, 45 patients developed an interval cancer (5.4%; 95% confidence interval, 4.1%–7.2%). Twenty-seven percent of interval cancers developed at previous polypectomy segments, and location of polypectomy segments was predictive of the location of subsequent interval cancers. Interval cancers were 3 times more likely to occur in the right colon and were smaller in size than sporadic cancers. Quality of bowel preparation, individual endoscopist, endoscopist experience, and trainee involvement were not associated with interval cancers. No difference in TNM stage at diagnosis, histologic type or grade, carcinoembryonic antigen level, or 5-year survival was found between interval and sporadic cancers. Conclusions: Incomplete polypectomy might play an important role in the development of interval colorectal cancer. No association between other colonoscopy-related factors or tumor characteristics and interval cancers was found.
Valence-band structure of silver along Λ from angle-resolved photoemission

Angle-resolved normal photoemission spectra of Ag(111) are reported for photon energies $h\ensuremath{\nu}=6\ensuremath{-}32$ eV, obtained by the use of synchrotron radiation. Very good agreement was found with the theoretical relativistic-augmented-plane-wave band structure of Christensen. Experimental dispersion relations along $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ were derived and tabulated. The $d$-band spacings at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ were determined for the first time and were interpreted to yield the "ligand field" parameters $10Dq=0.865\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.027$ eV, $\ensuremath{\xi}(4d)=0.232\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011$ eV. These parameters, which are meaningful only at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, are in excellent agreement with Christensen's band structure. The spin-orbit parameter is very close to the free-atom value, and the positive sign of $10Dq$ indicates attractive interaction of the electrons with neighbor ion cores. Two pieces of evidence for indirect transitions via thermal broadening were noted. A resonance at $h\ensuremath{\nu}=22$ eV in the band-4 (${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}$) intensity was attributed to a flat region in band $7 ({\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{6})$. The flatness in band 7 (and pershaps band 8) also yields an effect equivalent to the angle-resolved secondary electron emission phenomenon of Willis and co-workers. In this case electrons moving in the [111] direction are scattered down into band 7 and trapped, yielding a peak at 17-eV kinetic energy.
A new approach to sustainable tourism development: moving beyond environmental protection.

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. It is an increasingly important source of income, employment and wealth in many countries. Its rapid expansion has, however, had detrimental environmental (and socio-cultural) impacts in many regions. In this article, I examine the main economic benefits and environmental impacts of tourism, and review the development of the international sustainable tourism agenda. While much of international tourism activity takes place within the developed world, this article will focus on the (economic) development of the industry in developing countries I conclude that new approaches to sustainable tourism development in these countries should not only seek to minimize local environmental impact, but also give greater priority to community participation and poverty alleviation. I argue, in particular, that more emphasis should be given to a ‘pro-poor tourism’ approach at both national and international levels.
Polymer-Supported Reagents: Application to Separation Science

The purpose of this review is to highlight new ligands that have been immobilized on polymers to form polymer-supported reagents which are selective for the complexation of targeted metal ions from multicomponent solutions. Polystyrene remains the most popular organic polymer support, and its synthesis by suspension polymerization yields beads with a diameter appropriate for large-scale applications. Immobilized ligands include amines, pyridines, imidazoles, oximes, hydroxylamines, Schiff bases, thiols, crown ethers, and a varity of phosphorus ligands. The concepts inherent to reactive ion exchange, as first described by Helfferich, and the recently synthesized dual mechanism bifunctional polymers can be used to build a unified theory of selectivity with polymer-supported reagents. The goal remains to engineer selectivity into polymeric reagents in an a priori manner by understanding the basic principles through which a polymeric reagent can recognize a targeted substrate.
The Intensity and Polarization of the Light Diffracted by Supersonic Waves in Solids

The intensity and polarization of the light diffracted by supersonic waves in solids are calculated by considering the photoelastic effect due to the strains created by the elastic waves. For natural incident light the diffracted light is partially polarized. In glasses and cubic crystals the diffracted light is partially depolarized if the incident light is polarized. The intensities are evaluated with the help of the theory of Raman and Nath and it is shown that this theory explains the measurements better than Brillouin's approximation. The calculated intensity distributions for natural and polarized incident light agree with the observations of Schaefer and Bergmann on glasses, quartz and calcite. This agreement justifies Fues' and Ludloff's assumption that all forced vibrations of the same frequency oscillate with the same amplitude.