cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing the P-Map: Lenition and Position

This study tests the P-Map’s (Steriade, 2001) hypothesis that attested phonological patterns vary depending on phonological context due to differences in the perceptual similarity of two phonological contrasts in different contexts, and that the knowledge of these relative perceptibilities are used to explain cross-linguistic patterns of phonological typology. Specifically, the phenomena in focus are spirantization and devoicing. The study investigates if preference for spirantization of voiced stops in intervocalic position and devoicing of voiced stops in word-final position across languages is correlated with perceptual similarity. Using perceptual similarity tests with native Michigan English speakers on pairs of contrasts in nonsense words, the results show that continuancy contrasts are significantly more similar in intervocalic position than in word-final position, explaining the preference for spirantization intervocalically while voicing contrasts are significantly more similar word-finally, explaining the preference for devoicing word-finally. The results thus support the P-Map’s claim and support a phonetics-based approach to phonology. In addition, since neither phenomenon is a process that happens in Michigan English, the lack of bias in these similarity judgements lends weight to the idea that these results reflect the universal perception of phonological processes.
The influence of learning and price-level targeting on central bank forward guidance

Abstract This paper examines how the effectiveness of central bank forward guidance depends on two key channels: the expectations formation process and the monetary policy regime. The results show that rational expectations relative to an adaptive learning rule amplifies the positive benefits a price-level targeting central bank creates for forward guidance. Specifically, forward guidance generates greater amounts of output and inflation under a price-level than inflation targeting monetary policy regime, but rational expectations overstates these positive benefits compared to adaptive learning. The different responses of expectations between rational expectations and adaptive learning to forward guidance are driving this performance gap. Thus, policymakers should consider how expectations are modeled if forward guidance and price-level targeting are implemented in an economy.
Who in the World Am I? Self-Concept Clarity and Self-Change in Relationships

People often experience change within their romantic relationships, and the ways that they understand themselves can be critical within this context. This chapter examines the bidirectional links between self-concept clarity, people’s subjective sense of understanding who they are, and self-concept change within relationships. We review the literature on self-concept clarity and self-change across the life span of a romantic relationship, from initial attraction to ongoing relationships to relationship dissolution. Within each of these stages, we consider how (a) self-concept clarity predicts self-change and (b) how self-change predicts self-concept clarity. The literature on self-concept clarity predicting self-change suggests that people with low self-concept clarity resist changing in their relationships and attempt to stop their partners from changing as well. Work on self-change predicting self-concept clarity tends to find that positive changes in relationships promote higher self-concept clarity and that negative changes (especially breakup) tend to undermine it. However, this effect depends on several key moderators, including attachment anxiety, self-change in the previous relationship, and self-change after breakup. Throughout, we examine how the interplay between self-concept clarity and self-change shapes well-being, for individuals and for their relationships. We end by focusing on promising areas for future research at each relationship stage—relationship formation, ongoing relationships, and relationship dissolution.
The Trauma of “Fear-Induced Exodus:” The Case of Victor Magiar and the Italian Jews of Libya

The Italian/Italophone Jewish community is amongst those that suffered from the Holocaust and other traumas. Drawing on the work of thinkers of trauma theory such as Dori Laub and Cathy Caruth, this paper aims to add to the current discourse on literary production by Italian/Italophone Jews by analyzing the trauma of the Italian Jewish community in postcolonial Libya, a topic often neglected by scholars. In 1967, the long-established Jewish community in Libya was forced to leave, abandoning all its property and economic funds. Victor Magiar, a Sephardic Jew born in Libya in 1957, was among those who — like all Jews who lived in Arabic lands — experienced trauma due to a myriad of factors, such as pogroms and the fact that he had no passport and true nationality. Through Magiar’s novel E venne la notte: Ebrei in un paese arabo (2003), this paper examines the trauma of the “fear-induced exodus” to Italy on the writer and his community. Moreover, a continuous dialogue with the author informs the analysis of the trauma involved in his story and the Sephardi community history, which also includes the elucidation of Jewish identity in postcolonial Libya. This paper highlights the details of history and stories that go beyond the novel itself, illuminating a nearly unknown facet of Italian history and of the country’s current multilingual and multicultural society.
Health profiles of spouse caregivers: The role of active coping and the risk for developing prolonged grief symptoms

Abstract Study aims 1) To characterize distinct profiles of cancer caregivers’ physical and mental health during the end-of-life caregiving period; 2) to identify the background and antecedent factors associated with the distinct profiles of caregivers; 3) to determine the relevance of caregiver profiles to the risk for developing prolonged grief symptoms. Design & methods This study was a secondary analysis of spouses/partners (n = 198) who participated in the Cancer Caregiver Study. Latent profile mixture modeling was used to characterize caregiver health profiles from data collected prior to their spouse's death. Regression analyses were used to determine the impact of caregiver health profiles on the risk of developing prolonged grief symptoms (PG-13 scale). Results Two health profiles were identified, one of which was comprised of a minority of caregivers (n = 49; 25%) who exhibited higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, greater health impact from caregiving, more self-reported health problems, and greater difficulty meeting physical demands of daily activities. Caregivers who were observed in this poorer health profile had significantly lower levels of active coping (p Conclusions Caregiving and bereavement should not be considered separately; caregivers adapt to bereavement with the resources and coping attained throughout the life course, culminating in the experience of providing end-of-life care. Interventions aimed at supporting caregivers and bereaved persons should focus on maintaining physical and mental health during stressful life transitions, and especially during the period in which they are providing care to a spouse at end-of-life.
Using Online Wikis for Assessment Transforms Student Articulation of Learning

Learning objectives guide an academic course with measurable behaviors a strategic result. The process of course mapping may explicate gaps in curriculum content that when offered to the student may appear more manageable when course content is partitioned into modules. Learning objectives for each module can further differentiate deeper understanding of the curriculum. However, students seldom articulate how their learning satisfies the objectives. Teaching online courses presen Learning objectives guide an academic course with measurable behaviors a strategic result. The process of course mapping may explicate gaps in curriculum content that when offered to the student may appear more manageable when course content is partitioned into modules. Learning objectives for each module can further differentiate deeper understanding of the curriculum. However, students seldom articulate how their learning satisfies the objectives. Teaching online courses presents technologies useful for both faculty and student assessment. The use of the wiki technology mechanism as a student assessment tool is useful to demonstrate how students, through self - reflection, identify the intersection between individual learning, module objectives, and clinical practice application. In this paper, the author describes how online education and assessment with a technology such as wiki illuminate how course objectives are met and student learning occurs.
Thermal Barrier Coatings Overview: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications in High-Temperature Industries

Today’s competitive world economy is creating an indispensable demand for increased efficiency of engineering components that operate in harsh environments (i.e., very high-temperature, corrosive, or neutron irradiation environments), for applications in the energy, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and power industries. Increased research is being done on thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for protecting such components, since the versatility of manufacturing techniques and the scale of deployment result in increased life, economics, performance, and durability. This review focuses on the advances that led to using TBCs for component life extension and, more recently, as an integral part of advanced component design for high-temperature and other types of harsh environments, such as those found in nuclear-related applications. Factors that led to state-of-the-art advanced coating-fabrication techniques [e.g., electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), plasma spray deposition, and electrophoretically deposited TBCs, as well as functionally graded material (FGM) manufacturing] have also been emphasized in current coating R&D. This review explores the current state of TBCs, i.e., the latest advances regarding their fabrication and performance, associated challenges, and recommendations for their future use in aerospace, nuclear, high-temperature, or otherwise harsh environments.
Comparison of postoperative outcomes between early and delayed surgery for pediatric nasal fractures

BACKGROUND Pediatric nasal fractures, unlike adult nasal fractures, are treated surgically as early as 7 days after the initial trauma. However, in some cases, a week or more elapses before surgery, and few studies have investigated the consequences of delayed surgery for pediatric nasal fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of pediatric nasal fractures according to the time interval between the initial trauma and surgery. METHODS The records of pediatric patients under 12 years old who underwent closed reduction of nasal bone fracture from March 2012 to February 2020 were reviewed. The interval between trauma and surgery was divided into within 7 days (early reduction) and more than 7 days (delayed reduction). Postoperative results were classified into five grades (excellent, good, moderate, poor, and very poor) based on the degree of reduction shown on computed tomography. RESULTS Ninety-eight patients were analyzed, of whom 51 underwent early reduction and 47 underwent delayed reduction. Forty-two (82.4%) of the 51 patients in the early reduction group showed excellent results, and nine (17.6%) showed good results. Thirty-nine (83.0%) of the 47 patients in the delayed reduction group showed excellent results and eight (17.0%) showed good results. No statistically significant difference in outcomes was found between the two groups (chi-square test p= 0.937). However, patients without septal injury were significantly more likely to have excellent postoperative outcomes (chi-square test p< 0.01). CONCLUSION No statistically significant difference was found in the outcomes of pediatric nasal fractures between the early and delayed reduction groups. Successful surgical results were found even in patients who received delayed reduction (more than 7 days after trauma).
Evaluation of a Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer

Background: At our institution, we have received multiple reports of failure of a vibrating mesh nebulizer during inhaled epoprostenol delivery. There have also been recent published and anecdotal reports of nebulization stoppages using this nebulizer (Aerogen Solo, Aerogen, Galway Ireland). We conducted this experiment to determine if we could repeat the intermittent failures previously reported. Methods: In the first phase of the study, 10 different nebulizers of the same lot were run 3 times each alternating with 2 new, previously unused electronic controllers. A total of 30 runs were completed while varying the order in which the nebulizers were tested. Each nebulizer was filled with 3 mL of normal saline and run for a total of 10 minutes. The time was recorded when the nebulizer was visualized to stop producing an aerosol. At the end of the 10-minute run time, residual volume was measured using a slip tip syringe. Failure was defined as a residual volume greater than 10% of the filling volume or 0.3 mL. The manufacturer reports the residual volume should be
Cervical Spine Injuries in Older Patients with Falls Found on Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Computed Tomography.

Introduction: In this study we aimed to determine the rate of traumatic abnormalities on cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a normal cervical spine computed tomography (CT) in older patients with ground-level falls. We hypothesized that MRI is low yield following a normal physical examination and normal CT after a ground-level fall. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 65 years and older evaluated with a cervical spine MRI following a ground-level fall. Inclusion criteria included age 65 years and older, ground-level fall, normal cervical spine CT followed by a cervical spine MRI. We abstracted data following accepted methodologic guidelines. Patients with any focal neurological finding were considered to have an abnormal neurological examination. Imaging studies were considered to be abnormal if there was a report of an acute traumatic injury. The primary outcome was a traumatic abnormality identified on MRI. We described data with simple descriptive statistics. Results: Eighty-seven patients with a median age of 74 (interquartile range [IQR] 69, 83]) years had an MRI following a normal cervical spine CT. Median emergency department length of stay was 8.2 hours (IQR 5.3, 13.5). Sixty-four (73.6%) patients had a normal neurological examination on arrival; eight of these patients (12.5% (95% confidenced interval [CI], 5.6-23.2%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. Twenty-three patients (26.4%) had an abnormal neurological examination on arrival; two of these patients (8.7%, 95% CI, 1.1-28%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. Overall, 10 patients (11.5%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. One patient underwent operative intervention due to an unstable injury. Of the remaining nine patients with acute findings on cervical spine MRI, there were no other unstable injuries; two patients were managed with cervical orthosis, and seven patients had no additional management. Conclusion: In this study of older patients with ground-level falls and normal, atraumatic, cervical spine CT, a small portion had traumatic abnormalities on MRI, with few requiring further intervention. Further study is required to identify criteria to determine when MRI should be performed in older patients after a ground-level fall.
Get Cash to More Families that Need It Now: Give Banks More Discretion to Make Home Equity Loans and Refinance Mortgages

The economic dislocations caused by the coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly result in economic contraction. There have been calls for bold actions to attenuate the effects of this contraction and also to provide cash for struggling Americans whose incomes may be temporarily disrupted. But these actions, including direct cash payments to American households, will add to the federal deficit, and recent large fiscal deficits have tempered enthusiasm for immediate large federal outlays. The pandemic will lead to a deep contraction that hopefully will be short. The more that national consumption can be smoothed during this time, especially for households that experience the largest temporary hits to their incomes, the quicker the recovery will be. There may be a way to allow American households to help themselves through this period and to lessen the need for more federal spending—by easing some of the restrictions on mortgage lending, to allow Americans to access their single largest asset: their homes. The nation is in the midst of an emergency, desperate for liquidity and for current sources of secured spending. It is worth considering the value of tapping this source of liquidity.
Dimensions of compulsive internet use as a function of attachment style

Despite offering the potential for increased connection, intimacy, and positive outcomes, online social interaction also holds the potential to become problematic and create negative outcomes. The ...
Magnetic Instability in a Collisionless Plasma

1. Introduction. We consider the Vlasov Maxwell equations. Consider an equilibrium f = μ(v) with E = B = 0. Consider general electromagnetic perturbations f = μ + δf,E = δE,B = δB. Is the equilibrium stable or not?
HLA-haploidentical blood or marrow transplantation with high-dose, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide

In the past, partially HLA-mismatched related donor, or HLA-haploidentical, blood or marrow transplantation (haploBMT), for hematologic malignancies has been complicated by unacceptably high incidences of graft rejection or GvHD resulting from intense bi-directional alloreactivity. Administration of high doses of cyclophosphamide early after haploBMT selectively kills proliferating, alloreactive T cells while sparing non-alloreactive T cells responsible for immune reconstitution and resistance to infection. In the clinic, haploBMT with high-dose, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide is associated with acceptably low incidences of fatal graft rejection, GvHD and non-relapse mortality, and provides an acceptable treatment option for hematologic malignancies patients lacking suitably HLA-matched donors. HaploBMT with PTCy is now being investigated as a treatment of hemoglobinopathy and as a method for inducing tolerance to solid organs transplanted from the same donor. Ongoing and future clinical trials will establish the hierarchy of donor preference for hematologic malignancy patients lacking an HLA-matched sibling.
Fragmentability in banach spaces: Interaction of topologies

Let (X, τ) be a topological space and let ρ be a metric on X. Then one occasionally encounters the following situation: For each e > 0 and a non-empty subset A ⊂ X, there exists a τ-open subset U of X such that U ∩ A = ϕ and ρ-diameter of U ∩ A is less than ∈. If this is the case then (X, \gt) is said to be fragmented by \gr. For instance a weakly compact subset of a Banach space with the weak topology is fragmented by the norm metric, and this fact has many consequences. For non-compact spaces, the natural analog of fragmentability is \gs-fragmentability. In this exposition, these two notions are examined and their applications are described.
Legal Reading and Success in Law School: The Reading Strategies of Law Students With Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

The new reality in legal education is that a certain percentage of our students will come to us with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or with another learning disability, either disclosed or undisclosed. Yet there has been little empirical research on how law students with learning disabilities read and understand the law. This study examines how three law students with ADD read a judicial opinion. The results suggest a relationship between successful law school performance and the use of problematizing and rhetorical reading strategies, and between less successful law school performance and the use of default reading strategies. Further, the results suggest that law students with ADD can be successful and productive members of any law school community. Simply because a law student learns differently does not mean that the student cannot learn effectively. Finally, becoming an effective legal reader may be one of the most important ways law students with ADD can enhance their law school success.
LGBTQ Literature in Middle School Classrooms: Possibilities for Challenging Heteronormative Environments

This paper uses a case study approach to examine how the heteronormative nature of one middle school setting and classroom environment shapes the climate of safety, support and learning for LGBTQ students when they are engaged in studying a novel with a gay character. Heteronormative environments inform and shape positioning of and by students and teacher, impacting how knowledge is created, processed and applied. LGBTQ literature integrated into the classroom curriculum invites opportunities for possibilities through windows and mirrors for exploration of the world and self. Heteronormativity, positioning and LGBTQ literature thereby become interactive catalysts that create and foreclose possibilities and impossibilities for student learning. Three themes emerged from the study that reveal positioning and possibilities when studying a text with a gay character: (1) the school environment and classroom context positioned students as heterosexual; (2) students and teacher positioned gender performance and ...
Modulation of Chromatin by Noncoding RNA

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are remarkably powerful, flexible, and pervasive cellular regulators. The involvement of these molecules in virtually all aspects of eukaryotic chromatin function is notable. Long and short ncRNAs play broadly complementary roles in these processes. Short ncRNAs underlie a programmable system of chromatin modification that silences mobile elements, identifies boundaries, and initiates the formation of constitutive heterochromatin in yeast. In contrast, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) enforce developmentally appropriate expression and switch gene expression programs. lncRNAs accomplish this through diverse mechanisms, but often by modulating the activity or localization of chromatin regulatory complexes. Both long and short ncRNAs play key roles in organization of complex genomes of higher eukaryotes, and their coordinated actions appear to underlie some of the more dramatic examples of epigenetic regulation. This review contrasts well-studied examples of chromatin regulation by RNA and introduces examples of coordination between these systems.
A prediction theory for some nonlinear functional-differential equations. II. Learning of patterns☆

and 2jk(f) = --UZjk(t) + /h;(t -. T) Q(f), (3) where i, j, k = 1, 2 ,..., n, and fi :> 0. \Ve will establish global limit and oscillation theorems for the nonnegative solutions of (*) when (*) has any fixed number of variables (n > 2) and T is any fixed nonnegative time lag. (*) arises as an example of a nonstationary prediction theory, or learning theory, whose goal is to discuss the prediction of individual events, in a fixed order, and at prescribed times ([l], [2]). In this theory, (*) describes a machine M subjected to inputs C -7 (Zi , I, ,..., I,,) by an experimenter E, who records the outputs S = (.x1 , .Y~ ,..., s,J created thereby. E has only the inputs C and outputs X at his disposal with which to describe (*), and in terms of these variables (*) takes the form 2(t) = -c&(f) -jB(X,) X(t T) + C(f), (4) where R(X,) is a matrix of nonlinear functionals of X(W) evaluated at all past times w E [-T, t] with entries
Loyalty, harm and duty: PBL in a media ethics course

Abstract Upper division public relations students, like their colleagues in other fields of communication, often prefer an in-depth study of moral issues related to their own area of interest rather than the more broadly-based survey of problems that is generally offered in mass media ethics courses. That preference poses a pedagogical question for the course instructor: How does one teach to the various areas of mass media in sufficient depth, without sacrificing breadth? This essay discusses a variation of problem-based learning (PBL) as one possible solution to that educational conundrum. A project developed by a group of public relations students using the PBL method provides the focus of the discussion.
The epidemiology of primary hypertension. Present status.

Abstract Hypertension is defined as elevated arterial pressure, above the ranges encountered generally in the population. Although a variety of underlying pathological processes may give rise to a secondary elevation of blood pressure, the great majority of hypertensives have what is termed primary (or essential) hypertension which may be one disease or a group of diseases of unknown origin, but have no other evident condition to account for it. Current mortality statistics indicate that hypertension and hypertensive heart disease account for nearly 10 per cent of the deaths attributed to cardiovascularrenal diseases. There is agreement among clinicians and epidemiologists that hypertension is of even greater importance, although reliable statistics are lacking. One estimate is that hypertension is reported in fewer than 20 per cent of the deaths in which it is known to the attending physician. During the decade 1950–1960, there was a decline of 40 per cent in mortality reported in the United States in rubrics 440–447. Although some writers have attributed the decline to the widespread use of anti-hypertensive drugs, the poor quality of current mortality statistics makes this interpretation speculative. Primary hypertension is widespread in the adult American population. While exact statistics on its prevalence are not available, surveys among selected groups suggest that 5–25 per cent of the adult population are affected. It is more common among women, but more severe in men. Primary hypertension appears to be more prevalent in highly industrialized regions than in industrially underdeveloped ones. There is no clear indication of a secular trend in the occurrence of primary hypertension, but there is a suggestion that the number of cases is increasing in newly industrialized countries. Community studies and clinical observations have suggested association of primary hypertension with a number of factors including heredity, diet (particularly electrolyte intake), obesity, occupation and psychological and social characteristics. Although data are lacking to identify clearly the etiological importance of any of these variables, the most promising hypotheses are related to obesity, occupation, and especially to family concentration. Improvements are necessary in the reporting of mortality statistics. Changes in death certification and multiple cause coding could improve the usefulness of mortality statistics for epidemiological studies. Studies of blood pressure levels are not an efficient substitute for diagnostic examinations for the presence of primary hyptertension. Agreement on classification procedures would facilitate comparisons among studies. A major need in hypertension research is the conduct of long-term community and family studies.
Numerical solution of parabolic problems by the generalized Crank-Nicolson scheme

A Galerkin procedure is used to obtain a semi-discretization for parabolic equations such as the heat equationut=txx. The time variable being left continuous, the higher order approximation thus obtained for the space variable is then matched by a higher order discretization of the system of ordinary differential equations that results. Specifically we choose the Pade (2,2), and show how complex factorization it can be practically used. Moreover we prove that the operation count is 0 (h−2) as compared to 0(h−3) with the classical Crank-Nicolson. Numerical calculations are available.
Dominant role of the surface in photoemission from quasi-one dimensional conductors: K0.3MoO3

Abstract The electronic structure of the quasi-one dimensional oxide conductor K 0.3 MoO 3 has been studied using both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and angle resolved photoemission (ARP) spectroscopy. We find that the spectra are dominated by surface effects, particularly deviations from stoichiometry. We report changes in the line shape and binding energy of the Mo 3 d core level XPS spectra that are due to variations in core hole screening related to the density of defects in the surface layer. We also discuss the role of surface defects in modifying ARP spectra close to the Fermi level, particularly in the context of recent claims to observe Luttinger liquid behavior in photoemission spectra from K 0.3 MoO 3 .
Increasing Patients' knowledge of radiation therapy

Scripts for a set of patient education programs were developed by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to provide information to cancer patients receiving a 4-7 week course of external beam radiation therapy. The programs were designed to be presented sequentially at three critical points during a course of treatment: Pretreatment, Treatment Week 2, and Final Treatment Week. A total of 72 patients, 24 per program, with cancers of the lung, breast, or prostate, were assessed for their level of knowledge after hearing the audiotape appropriate to their treatment phase (posttest). Half of the patients, on a random basis, were also assessed prior to hearing their tape (pretest). This split design allowed the differentiation of true learning effects from effects of multiple assessments. Knowledge test items were developed from learning objectives for each program. Posttest results indicate a very high level of patient learning for all three programs, significantly exceeding the target of 75% correct. For patients tested twice, posttest scores were significantly higher than pretest scores. No testing effects were found for the Pretreatment and Treatment Week 2 programs. Final Treatment Week subjects who were pretested scored slightly higher on the posttest than their controls who were not pretested; however, additional analysis demonstrated true learning effects for this group as well. The results indicate that the programs are effective for increasing patients' knowledge regarding their treatment program, its side effects, and strategies to manage those side effects. Further research and intervention programs are discussed.
Plastic flow phenomenology of 304L stainless steel

The isothermal plastic flow behavior of annealed 304L austenitic stainless steel in uniaxial compression and torsional modes of deformation has been established over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. In uniaxial compression, it was found that high rates of strain hardening, which persist to large strains (≽.7) at cold-working temperatures, are found only at small values of strain (⪯0.2) at hot-working temperatures because of the influence of dynamic softening processes. The effect of deformation heating on flow behavior, which occurs primarily at high strain rates, was most significant at cold-working temperatures. Deformation heating was observed to result in flow stress maxima and flow softening. A method of estimating high-strain rate, isothermal-flow curves in such instances was derived. Shear stress-shear strain curves derived from torsion tests exhibited dependences on temperature and strain rate similar to those observed in compression data. In contrast to the compression curves, however, the shear stress-shear strain curves showed lower rates of strain-hardening at room temperature, 400 °C, 800 °C, and (for high strain rates) 1000 °C. It was shown that the choice of definition for calculating effective stress-strain from the torsion data could not be modified to bring the two types of data into coincidence. Only a structure-sensitive explanation could be invoked to explain the difference.
Optical and mechanical properties in photorefractive crystal based ultrasound-modulated optical tomography

Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) is a new technique that combines laser light and ultrasound to provide images with good optical contrast and good ultrasound resolution in soft biological tissue. We improve the method proposed by Murray et al to obtain UOT images in thick biological tissues with the use of photorefractive crystal based interferometers. It is found that a long ultrasound burst (on the order of a millisecond) can improve the signal-to-noise ratio dramatically. Also with a long ultrasound burst, the response of the acoustic radiation force impulses can be clearly observed in the UOT signal, which will help to acquire images that record both the optical and mechanical properties of biological soft tissues.
Malfunctions in implantable cardiac devices: putting the risk in perspective.

A device recall does not call for panic. Physicians should weigh the risks and benefits for the individual patient.
Host Response to Intraosseous Implants Placed in Ha Grafted Mandibles

In the past, the effectiveness of intraosseous fixation devices in Hydroxyapatite (HA) implanted and bone grafted areas has not been well defined. Previous definitions of the histologic meaning of osteointegration have implied that only through contact with viable calcified osseous matrix or all implant surfaces is an intraosseous fixture fully integrated or attached (1). Such a definition would preclude the use of these implants in previously bone grafted, HA implanted, or otherwise compromised sites. The purpose of this work was to study the surface interface of metallic intraosseous fixtures in HA implanted and xenogeneic bone-implanted mandibular extraction sockets of mature Macaca fascicularis monkeys and Papio anubis baboons.
Emerging from the Pipeline: African American Students, Socioeconomic Status, and College Experiences and Outcomes

This study focuses on how social class affects the college experiences and outcomes for African American students in 4-year colleges and universities. Using a national, longitudinal data base, the findings indicate that low SES African American students have less contact with faculty, study less, are less involved with student organizations, work more, and have lower grades than do their high SES peers or all African American students. Furthermore, 9 years after entering college, low SES students report lower incomes, lower rates of degree attainment and lower aspirations than their high SES peers, and were less likely to have attended graduate school. Logistic regression results indicate that sex, college GPA, and plans following college significantly affect the likelihood that a student will attend graduate school.
Insects of the Subfamily Scolytinae (Insecta: Coleoptera, Curculionidae) Collected with Pitfall and Ethanol Traps in Primary Forests of Central Amazonia

An experiment was conducted in a primary forest area of the Tropical Forest Experimental Station, 45 km from Manaus-Boa Vista Highway, in order to compare the insect fauna of the subfamily Scolytinae, in flight activity and on the ground. Five impact traps of the type Escolitideo/Curitiba, with ethanol baits, were installed at the height of 3 m above the ground, and five pitfall traps were buried in the same area of the above ground traps. The data collections were evaluated through abundance, richness, and Simpson diversity index, and, to compare these data with the pitfalls and the months collection, the ANOVA was used. The Pearson correlation test was also carried out to evaluate the meteorological factors (temperature and rainfall). From the total of 2,910 Scolytinae, 2,341 were captured in pitfall traps representing 80.45% and 569 with Escolitideo/Curitiba traps representing 19.55%. The most abundant species in the collections were Xyleborus volvulus Fabricius and Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff, and this was classified as constant in both habitats. The result of the analysis indicates that the Simpson’s index was high and that the abundance of insects was affected by the types of trap and by the month of collection. The analysis of correlation with meteorological factors showed that only Xyleborus spinulosus species presented significant correlation with temperature.
The Convergence of Synthetic Organic and Polymer Chemistries

Several recent conceptual advances, which take advantage of the design criteria and practical techniques of molecular-level control in organic chemistry, allow preparation of well-defined polymers and nanostructured materials. Two trends are clear: the realization that synthesis of complex macromolecules poses major challenges and opportunities and the expectation that such materials will exhibit distinctive properties and functions. Polymer synthesis methods now being developed will yield well-defined synthetic macromolecules that are capable of mimicking many of the features of proteins (for example, three-dimensional folded structure) and other natural materials. These macromolecules have far-reaching potential for the study of molecular-level behavior at interfaces, in thin films, and in solution, while also enabling the development of encapsulation, drug-delivery, and nanoscale-patterning technologies.
XPS study of low temperature diffusion in Au/Ni couples in the presence of arsenic

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, has been utilized to determine the low temperature grain boundary diffusion of nickel through gold thin films by means of surface accumulation. Surface accumulation is aided by a rapid oxidation of the nickel diffusant at the surface by arsenic vapor at very low ( -8 Torr) pressure causing a rapid accumulation of nickel arsenide product. The initial low temperature diffusion parameters of Au/Ni couples were measured in situ without interrupting the reaction-accumulation process. Accumulation and diffusion rates were obtained for temperatures ranging from 110 to 147° C. A discontinuity in an otherwise linear accumulation was observed after approximately 150 min. Evidence suggests that surface effects become rate limiting at this point.
Integrated capacity and marketing incentive contracting for capital-intensive service systems

Capacity investment and capacity allocation have always been critical management decisions, especially in the presence of agency issue for capital-intensive and congestion-prone service organizations. Prior research has often modeled only one aspect of the issue, such as proposing internal pricing scheme for capacity allocation ignoring demand uncertainty and the influence of the manager, optimizing capacity alone ignoring the agency issue, or incentive contract design ignoring capacity limit and service delay. We show that simply employing a traditional incentive contract (which often ignores service delays) for the manager responsible for promoting a center's services will provide incorrect incentives and lead to a more congested and less profitable system. When firms focus on optimizing operational capacity alone, ignoring the impact of managers on service demand, they are able to maintain the optimal utilization and service quality by balancing capacity and delay costs. However, they forgo profit-increasing opportunities, as they ignore the impact of the optimal incentive contract and do not motivate the managers enough to boost demand. To tackle the management challenges faced by modern service centers, we take an integrated capacity-contracting approach by incorporating operational delays and capacity decisions within the incentive contract design. Embedding a queuing model in a general incentive contracting framework, we present a novel approach to deriving the optimal compensation contract and operational capacity for a service center. We illustrate in numerical examples that a Pareto improvement can be achieved with our integrated contracting approach because every party, from the firm to the manager, to customers, to equipment and software vendors, benefits.
Multivariate Distributions Having Weibull Properties.

Abstract : Random variables X sub 1, ..., X sub n are said to have a joint distribution with Weibull minimums after arbitrary scaling if minimum over i of (a sub i)(X sub i) has a one dimensional Weibull distribution for arbitrary constants a sub i 0, i = 1, ..., n. Some properties of this class are demonstrated, and some examples are given which show the existence of a number of distributions belonging to the class. One of the properties is found to be useful for computing component reliability importance. The class is seen to contain an absolutely continuous Weibull distribution which can be generated from independent uniform and gamma distributions. (Author)
Critical analysis of valganciclovir dosing and renal function on the development of cytomegalovirus infection in kidney transplantation

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common and important opportunistic infections following kidney transplantation. It causes significant morbidity and mortality. Valganciclovir (VGCV) is the drug of choice for prophylaxis to prevent CMV infection. Methods We conducted a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in 187 kidney transplant recipients to evaluate the impact of VGCV dosing and renal function on the development of CMV infection. Results and conclusion The results demonstrate that the following variables were independent risk factors for the development of CMV infection: high-risk CMV serostatus (donor positive/recipient negative; hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–5.28, P = 0.002); anti-thymocyte globulin induction therapy (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08–4.07, P = 0.028); higher mean tacrolimus trough concentration (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.09–1.74, P = 0.007); creatinine clearance 80 kg (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.05–4.37, P = 0.037). VGCV dosing was appropriate for most patients, in those who did and did not develop CMV infection. These results strongly suggest that the currently recommended dose adjustments of VGCV dosing based on estimated renal function calculated using ideal body weight may underestimate the renal function of overweight patients and indirectly result in underexposure of overweight patients to VGCV. Based on these findings, further VGCV pharmacokinetic analyses are warranted in kidney transplant recipients with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction.
Positive and negative syndrome typology in schizophrenic patients with psychoactive substance use disorders

Our objective was to begin to elucidate the interrelationship between psychoactive substance use disorders (PSUD) and schizophrenia in patients who concurrently have both disorders. A series of 29 psychiatric inpatients with concurrent Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)-diagnosed schizophrenia and PSUD (PSUD/S patients) were evaluated with rating inventories including the Schedule for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Schedule for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Subjects had chronic schizophrenia with a mean duration of 9.9 years, and virtually all (93.1%) regularly abused cocaine and alcohol, as well as marijuana. The majority of subjects (58.6%) had mixed-syndrome typology, as defined by Andreasen; 24.1% had negative syndrome; and 16.7% had positive syndrome. Contrary to predictions, negative-syndrome PSUD/S patients had fewer years post-onset of schizophrenia than those patients with positive syndrome. In contrast to other schizophrenic patients, in whom the trajectory of symptoms is believed to change from a predominance of positive symptoms to a predominance of negative symptoms over the course of illness, in a sample of patients with comorbid PSUD/S we found the opposite pattern. This may have implications in the development of PSUD among certain schizophrenics, and may help to guide both psychiatric and substance abuse treatment of such patients.
Ascorbic acid and cholesterol gallstones

Abstract Decreased activity of cholesterol 7 α-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, is known to result in increased biliary cholesterol concentration and supersaturation of bile. Supersaturation of bile by cholesterol is a necessary condition for cholesterol gallstone formation. In guinea pigs, the hepatic concentration of ascorbic acid affects the catabolism of cholesterol: hypovitaminosis C reduces cholesterol 7 α-hydroxylase activity. Cholesterol gallstones are frequently found in ascorbic acid-deficient guinea pigs. Risk factors for cholesterol gallstones in humans include obesity, aging, estrogen treatment, pregnancy and diabetes. Plasma ascorbic acid levels are reduced in these groups. Vegetarian diets, which typically have high ascorbic acid contents, protect against gallstones. Since ascorbic acid effects the rate-limiting step in the catabolism of cholesterol in the guinea pig and many human risk groups for cholesterol gallstones are associated with reduced ascorbic acid levels, ascorbic acid may play a contributory role in human gallbladder disease.
Evaluation of Three Stylus-Based Text Entry Methods on a Pocket PCtm Mobile Device

An evaluation of speed and accuracy of three stylus-based text entry methods on a pocket PC mobile device is performed. The flexslide soft keyboard, the standard pocketPC soft keyboard, and the edgewrite stylus-input methods were evaluated and compared for speed and accuracy using current text entry metrics and methods
Positioning wheelchair patients for dentel treatment

Abstract The wooden lifts can be reproduced inexpensively. The main advantage to their use is the posterior tilt they provide the wheelchair. This makes it easier for the dentist to assume a good working position and provides more comfort for the patient. The detachable headrest offers several advantages. The patient does not become part of a fixed apparatus as described by McGhay 3 or Kilfoil and Popovitch. 4 The dentist can operate from the patient's right side and delivery of the dental handpieces is not impeded.
Early Secreted Antigenic Target of 6 kDa (ESAT-6) Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Induces Interleukin-8 (IL-8) Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells via Protein Kinase Signaling and Reactive Oxygen Species *

Early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa (ESAT-6) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is critical for the virulence and pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis. IL-8, a major chemotactic cytokine for neutrophils and T lymphocytes, plays important roles in the development of lung injury. To further understand the role of ESAT-6 in lung pathology associated with tuberculosis development, we studied the effects of ESAT-6 on the regulation of IL-8 expression in lung epithelial cells. ESAT-6 induced IL-8 expression by increasing IL-8 gene transcription and mRNA stability. ESAT-6 induction of IL-8 promoter activity was dependent on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding and sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of PKC and ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. ESAT-6 activated ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and rapidly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Dimethylthiourea but not mannitol inhibited IL-8 induction by ESAT-6, further supporting the involvement of ROS in the induction of IL-8 expression. Exposure of mice to ESAT-6 induced localized inflammatory cell aggregate formation with characteristics of early granuloma concomitant with increased keratinocyte chemoattractant CXCL1 staining in bronchiolar and alveolar type II epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Our studies have identified a signal transduction pathway involving ROS, PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPKs and NF-κB and AP-1 in the ESAT-6 induction of IL-8 expression in lung epithelial cells. This has important implications for the understanding of lung innate immune responses to tuberculosis and the pathogenesis of lung injury in tuberculosis. Background: The role of early secreted antigenic target of 6-kDa in tuberculosis is unclear. Results: Early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa induces interleukin-8 in lung epithelial cells via reactive oxygen species and protein kinases and promotes granuloma formation. Conclusion: Early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa induces interleukin-8 to promote granuloma formation. Significance: Induction of interleukin-8 expression by early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa is a potential mechanism for tuberculosis pathogenesis.