cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Architectural Styles from Component Specifications

Software Product Lines (SPL), Component Based Software Engineering (CBSE) and Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components provide a rich supporting base for creating software architectures. Further, they promise significant improvements in the quality of software configurations that can be composed from pre-built components. Software architectural styles provide a way for achieving a desired coherence for such component-based architectures. This is because the different architectural styles enforce different quality attributes for a system. If the architectural style of an emergent system could be predicted in advance, a System Integrator could make necessary changes to ensure that the quality attributes dictated by the system requirements were satisfied before the actual system was deployed and tested. In this paper we propose a model for predicting architectural styles based on use cases that need to be met by a system configuration. Moreover, our technique can be used to determine stylistic conformance and hence indicate the presence or absence of architectural drift
Factors influencing cell fate in the infarct rim.

In focal ischemia, the fate of penumbral cells is closely linked to the infarcted tissue. Because of the release of cytosolic material from damaged cells, the biochemical and ionic alterations within the core are dramatic. Hence, adjacent cells ( infarct rim) are generally exposed to these changes and may be deleteriously affected. To mimic such conditions in vitro, we have employed a slice culture system and used an ischemic solution (IS) that resembles the milieu in the territory of infarct rim. In contrast to normal artificial cerebral spinal fluid, IS is characterized by low O2, glucose, pH; excitotoxic levels of glutamate; and ionic alterations. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, we examined cell injury/death using propidium iodide following exposure to IS. Our data show significant cell injury starting at ∼8 h following IS exposure with cell injury spreading as a function of exposure duration. We further studied the effect of each component in the IS separately, i.e., acidosis, hypoxia, ionic shifts or glutamate exitotoxicity and were able to isolate the contribution of each of these effectors to the IS-induced cell death. Our results suggest that in IS, acidosis exacerbates the potential for injury while ionic shifts, especially those of K+ and Na+, alleviate the potential for cell death.
Abstract 15577: The Activation of Nlrp3 Inflammasome Mediates Diet- and Chlamydia Pneumonia- Induced Acceleration of Atherosclerosis by Th17 Skewing

Background: The role of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in the development of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice is still controversial, and its role in Chlamydia pneumonia (Cp) infection accelerated atherosclerosis is also unclear. Objective: We investigated the role of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in high-fat diet (HFD) and Cp induced acceleration of atherosclerosis and its potential mechanism. Methods and Results: We created 3 groups of Bone Marrow chimeric (BMC) mice (Donor → Recipient): WT →Ldlr-/- ; Nlrp3-/- → Ldlr-/- ; Casp1-/- → Ldlr-/-. After 16 wks HFD, quantification of the lesion area of aortic sinus plaques and lipid content revealed a significant reduction in lesion size and lipid content in the aortic root and in aorta en face in Nlrp3-/- (25%, 32%, 25%), and Casp1-/- (26%, 32%, 26%) BMC compared to WT BMC mice, despite similar cholesterol levels. In next experiments, mice were infected with Cp or vehicle once a week for 3 wks and fed HFD for 16 wks before sacrificing. Nlrp3-/- and Casp1-...
An in vitro resistance study of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin using keratitis isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract Purpose We compared levofloxacin with ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin using the in vitro susceptibilities of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) keratitis isolates. Design Retrospective, clinical laboratory study of antibiotic susceptibility among keratitis isolates. Participants Keratitis isolates from 200 patients with either SA or PA keratitis. Methods Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin for 93 SA keratitis isolates (68 fluoroquinolone-resistant and 25 susceptible, as determined by disk diffusion) and 107 PA keratitis isolates (13 fluoroquinolone-resistant and 94 susceptible). National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards susceptibilities were determined and analyzed statistically. Time kill studies were determined for fluoroquinolone-susceptible and -resistant isolates to all antibiotics at 8 μg/ml. The killing rates were determined by regression, and the colony count decreases were analyzed. Main outcome measures The susceptibilities and potencies of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin to SA and PA were determined from the MICs. Time kill studies determined the killing rates and decreases in colony counts. Results The fluoroquinolone-resistant SA susceptibilities to levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were only 22%, 10%, and 3%, respectively. The fluoroquinolone-susceptible SA were 100% susceptible to all antibiotics, with levofloxacin demonstrating the best potency. The fluoroquinolone-resistant PA were resistant to all antibiotics. The fluoroquinolone-susceptible PA isolates were highly susceptible to levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, with ciprofloxacin demonstrating the highest potency. For fluoroquinolone-susceptible SA and PA, the time kill studies determined that the killing rates and decreases in colony counts were equivalent for all three antibiotics tested. The time kill studies demonstrated no colony count decreases for the fluoroquinolone-resistant SA and PA. Conclusions Taken together, our susceptibility and time kill data failed to demonstrate convincing differences in the susceptibility of SA and PA keratitis isolates to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. In general, bacterial isolates that were resistant to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were also resistant to levofloxacin.
Theorizing Energy Geographies

Geography is witnessing a “boom” in energy research that has emerged alongside renewed interest in the humanities and social sciences over the role of energy in shaping modern social life. In this review article, I suggest that geographers need to connect better with new debates in critical social theory over energy through an emphasis on energy's role in the social production of space. I first review recent interventions in the social sciences and humanities on energy and suggest that as insightful as they are, they lack an attention to geography. It reviews how energy used to be a central theoretical concept in geography – specifically through “cultural ecological” approaches that saw the flow of energy and nutrients through human groups as a central aspect in explaining their cultural traits. The rise of political ecology – and its focus on resources rather than energy – led to energy becoming seen as simply an empirical object on inquiry as opposed to an underlying concept. Second, I argue political ecologies of energy are central to the production and reproduction of geopolitical imaginaries of nationhood and international relations, and thus, energy should be at the center of theorizing these ideas. Third, although geographers have long viewed urbanization as a sociospatial – and increasingly socioecological – process, the role of energy in shaping the material infrastructure and uneven nature of cities has been less discussed. Fourth, the ways in which energy is consumed, and the way energy shapes the geographies of everyday practice, is a critical aspect in the production of space. Fifth, I suggest that any energy transition toward a low-carbon energy system must understand that new energy systems will also require new spatialities and new spatial imaginations.
When peers are not peers and don't know it: The Dunning-Kruger effect and self-fulfilling prophecy in peer-review

The fateful combination of (i) the Dunning-Kruger effect (ignorance of one's own ignorance) with (ii) the nonlinear dynamics of the echo-chamber between reviewers and editors fuels a self-reinforcing collective delusion system that sometimes spirals uncontrollably away from objectivity and truth. Escape from this subconscious meta-ignorance is a formidable challenge but if achieved will help correct a central deficit of the peer-review process that stifles innovation and paradigm shifts.
Impact of maternal body mass index on neonate birthweight and body composition

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare bodyweight and composition (percent fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass) in neonates born to mothers with a normal pregravid body mass index (BMI; 2 ) vs neonates born to mothers with an overweight/obese pregravid BMI (≥ 25 kg/m 2 ). Study Design Seventy-two neonates (33 from normal mothers and 39 from overweight/obese mothers) of singleton pregnancies with normal glucose tolerance had their bodyweight and body composition assessed by air-displacement plethysmography. Results After controlling for neonate age at time of testing, significant differences were found between groups for percent fat (12.5 ± 4.2% vs 13.6 ± 4.3%; P ≤ .0001), fat mass (414.1 ± 264.2 vs 448.3 ± 262.2 g; P ≤ .05), and fat-free mass (3310.5 ± 344.6 vs 3162.2 ± 343.4 g; P ≤ .05), with no significant differences between birth length (50.7 ± 2.6 vs 49.6 ± 2.6 cm; P = .08) or birthweight (3433.0 ± 396.3 vs 3368.0 ± 399.6 g; P = .44). Conclusion Neonates born to mothers who have a normal BMI have significantly less total and relative fat and more fat-free mass than neonates born to overweight/obese mothers. Although preliminary, these data suggest that the antecedents of future disease risk (eg, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity) occur early in life.
Nonlinear dynamics in arid and semi-arid systems: Interactions among drivers and processes across scales

We discuss a new conceptual framework for arid and semi-arid systems that accounts for nonlinear dynamics and cross scale interactions in explaining landscape patterns and dynamics. Our framework includes a spatial and temporal hierarchy, and five key interacting components that connect scales of the hierarchy and generate threshold behaviors: (1) historical legacies that include climate, disturbance, and management regimes, (2) dynamic template of patterns in ecological variables and spatial context, (3) vertical and horizontal transport processes (fluvial, aeolian, animal), (4) rate, direction, and amount of resource redistribution between high and low resource areas, and (5) feedbacks among plants, animals, and soils. We illustrate how this framework can be used to understand, forecast, and manage ecological systems that exhibit nonlinear dynamics across a range of spatial and temporal scales. This paper provides the foundation for a series of papers from the Jornada Experimental Range ARS-LTER research site in southern New Mexico, USA that support this new conceptual framework.
Drug resistance in HIV-1.

Purpose of the review Changing antiretroviral regimens and the introduction of new antiretroviral drugs have altered drug resistance patterns in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This review summarizes recent information on antiretroviral drug resistance. Recent findings As tenofovir and abacavir have replaced zidovudine and stavudine in antiretroviral regimens, thymidine analog resistance mutations have become less common in patients failing antiretroviral therapy in developed countries. Similarly, the near universal use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI) in place of unboosted PIs has made the selection of PI resistance mutations uncommon in patients failing a first-line or second-line PI regimen. The challenge of treating patients with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 has largely been addressed by the advent of newer PIs, second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and drugs in novel classes, including integrase inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists. Resistance to these newer agents can emerge, however, resulting in the appearance of novel drug resistance mutations in the HIV-1 polymerase, integrase and envelope genes. Summary New drugs make possible the effective treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV-1, but the activity of these drugs may be limited by the appearance of novel drug resistance mutations.
Purdue University's Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program

The Purdue University Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VT-DLP) is an AVMA-accredited, 70-credit-hour curriculum that grants an Associate of Science degree in veterinary technology. Creation of the VT-DLP required the application of creative instructional design methods to meet the educational goals set by the faculty, maintain an academic rigor equivalent to the on-campus program, and address the concerns and distance-education criticisms of faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders. This article describes the educational principles on which the VT-DLP was created, how various challenges were identified and addressed, and important lessons learned during the creation and delivery of a curriculum that is traditionally very hands-on.
Responses of songbirds to diameter-limit cutting in the central Appalachians of West Virginia, USA

Abstract Diameter-limit harvesting is a commonly-used forest harvesting technique among landowners in West Virginia as opposed to silviculturally-accepted systems such as clearcutting, single-tree selection, and two-age harvesting. Songbird species respond both negatively and positively to these systems, and ornithologists suggest these techniques can be used when managing for songbirds at the stand and landscape levels. However, little is known about the effects of diameter-limit harvesting on songbird abundances and their reproductive success. We evaluated the effects of this technique on songbird populations at the Westvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest (WWERF) in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The area is an industrial forest composed predominantly of Appalachian hardwoods 60–80 years old. We examined songbird abundances throughout the forest and nesting success on four 40 ha plots in 1996. In 1997, two plots were harvested using the diameter-limit technique where most trees ≥45.7 cm were removed. Abundance and nesting success were monitored again in 1997 and 1998. Results indicate that the abundances of most songbird species present prior to harvest changed little after the timber removal. Two species, the Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) and dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), were more abundant in harvested areas than unharvested forest. One habitat group, interior/edge species, and total abundance of songbirds also had higher abundance in harvested areas. Overall nest survival in harvested areas was higher both 1- (37.7%) and 2-years (46.4%) after harvesting than before harvesting (14.9%). Only large-diameter trees were removed on the WWERF, and intermediate and subcanopy trees remained standing, retaining considerable structural heterogeneity. Stands that were harvested differed from unharvested stands by having more snags, higher density of trees ≥8–14.9 cm, and a higher percent cover of down wood. Canopy cover over 24 m, density of saplings, and the amount of leaf litter decreased after harvesting, while canopy cover ≥0.5–3 m and the percent of bareground increased. Diameter-limit harvesting at the low intensity in our study might not adversely affect forest-dwelling songbirds in the central Appalachians in the short-term and forest bird communities could be retained.
Joint deconvolution and interpolation of remote sensing data

We present a method for the simultaneous deconvolution and interpolation of remote sensing data in a single joint inverse problem. Joint inversion allows sparsely sampled data to improve deconvolution results and, conversely, allows large-scale blurred data to improve the interpolation of sampled data. Geostatistical interpolation and geostatistically damped deconvolution are special cases such a joint inverse problem. Our method is posed in the Bayesian framework and requires the definition of likelihood functions for each data set involved, as well as a prior model of the parameter field of interest. The solution of such a problem is the posterior probability distribution. We present an algorithm for finding the maximum of this distribution. The particular application we apply our algorithm to is the fusion of digital elevation model and global positioning system data sets. The former data is a larger scale blurred image of topography, while the latter represent point samples of the same field. A synthetic data set is constructed to first show the performance of the method. Real data is then inverted.
A plastic flow induced fracture theory forK iscc

In this paper a theory is developed for Kiscc based on hydrogen induced fracture due to plastic flow on a localized scale within the crack-tip plastic zone. The theory is qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with experimental data on the influence of yield strength and hydrogen content on the threshold level and is also able to explain the effect of material composition and microstructure on Kiscc. Evaluation of the yield strength dependence of Kiscc. using this theory, appears to indicate that secondary cracks should initiate a few μm’s from the main crack tip, that is, at a scale usually finer than grain size, suggesting that carbide and inclusion interfaces or martensite lath boundaries could play a role in the fracture initiation. Analysis of the hydrogen concentration dependence of Kiscc by means of this theory indicates that this dependence may be a direct result of the interaction of hydrogen with hydrogen traps in the material through terms involving the binding energy of hydrogen to the traps responsible for initiating fracture.
Toward the measurement of the marketing culture of a service firm

Abstract A 38-item instrument for assessing the marketing culture of a service firm is developed. The scale's reliability, factor structure, and validity are evaluated by analyzing data from four independent samples. The dimensions and items are presented and discussed, and potential applications of the scale are outlined.
Corneal Elastosis in Lattice Corneal Dystrophy: A Clinicopathologic Report

Abstract The corneal button of a patient with lattice corneal dystrophy and the clinical features of elastotic degeneration was subjected to histochemical and electron microscopic examination. The elastotic material possesses distinct clinical and histological characteristics, in particular its ability to autofluoresce. This material stained positive with Verhoeff-van Gieson (elastic stain), negative to alizarin red (calcium stain), and was insensitive to elastase digestion. The characteristic electron microscopic picture of elastotic tissue and amyloid was also found. The clinical implications of elastotic degeneration are discussed.
A process model of academic entrepreneurship

Innovations stemming from research conducted on university campuses are a growing source for the ideas and core technologies that drive entrepreneurial endeavors. This trend has led to development of the term academic entrepreneurship, which refers to the efforts and activities that universities and their industry partners undertake in hopes of commercializing the outcomes of faculty research. Because it is a relatively new phenomenon, the process of academic entrepreneurship has not been as well articulated as one might hope. As such, the objective of this article is to draw on a range of academic entrepreneurship literature to develop a multi-stage process model of academic entrepreneurship. This model is intended to guide potential stakeholders through the application of academic entrepreneurship, with a focus on improving the odds of success. The advantage of this approach is identification of the activities, actors, and key success factors associated with each stage of the academic entrepreneurship process. We conclude our discussion by highlighting the benefits of engaging in academic entrepreneurship for a variety of potential stakeholders.
Turning Away from Academic Careers: What Does Work-Family Have To Do with It?

This study explores factors in graduate students’ decisions to turn away from their academic career aspirations to determine the role of work-family concerns. An original survey instrument was designed to collect information about individual characteristics, experiences in graduate school, career aspiration, and perceptions of the familyfriendliness of academic careers. This paper focuses on 238 PhD students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and the arts, humanities, and social science (AHSS) fields. Analysis includes bivariate correlations and multiple logistic regression. Findings are mixed regarding the influence of work-family concerns on the decision to turn away from academic career aspirations. Additionally, net of other variables, gender has no impact on the decision to turn away from academic career aspirations.
Synthesis and thermal decomposition of (h1-C6H5CH2) (h5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2, (h1-C6H5CH2) (h5-C5H5)M(CO)3 (M = Mo and W), and their polymer-bound analogs

Abstract ( h 1 -Benzyl) ( h 5 -cyclopentadienyl)dicarbonyliron, I, ( h 1 -benzyl) ( h 5 -cyclopentadienyl)tricarbonylmolybdenum, II, and its tungsten analog, III, have been prepared, along with linear and crosslinked polystyrenes with I, II, and III as pendant moieties, by the reaction of the corresponding metal carbonyl anions with benzyl chloride. The thermal decomposition of I neat, in decane, or in benzene at 140° gave first order carboniron bond homolysis and h 5 -cyclopentadienyldicarbonyl] dimer, XI, its monobenzylated analog (C 6 H 5 CH 2 C 5 H 4 )(C 5 H 5 )Fe 2 (CO) 4 , XII, dibenzyl, and tar. The mole ratio of XI/XII varied between 8–12. Neat decomposition of polymers containing bound I was slow at 140° but in solution decomposition proceeded to give XI, and polymer-bound dimer XIV at 160° was detected. Similarly, thermal decomposition of II gave (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Mo 2 (CO) 6 , XV, and its benzylated analogs (C 6 H 5 CH 2 C 5 H 4 ) (C 5 H 5 )Mo 2 (CO) 6 , XVI, and (C 6 H 5 CH 2 C 5 H 4 ) 2 Mo 2 (CO) 6 , XVII, while decomposition of III gave (C 5 H 5 ) 2 W 2 (CO) 6 ,XVIII, (C 6 H 5 CH 2 C 5 H 4 ) (C 5 H 5 )W 2 (CO) 6 ,XIX and (C 6 H 5 CH 2 C 5 H 4 ) 2 W 2 (CO) 6 , XX. In these cases benzyl migration to Cp rings predominates even in solution. Solution decompositions also generated dibenzyl except in cumene where toluene was formed. For the decompositions of II and III the results suggest the migrating benzyl groups never become separated from the developing dimer and might “ride up” to attack the endo side of the Cp rings. Both linear and crosslinked polymers with pendant units of II and III composed very slowly neat in the solid phase, faster in solution, and in both modes dimers XV and XVIII formed in addition to polymer-bound benzylated analogs of XVI and XIX. Crosslinked polymers were prepared with dimers XI, XV, and XVIII dispersed throughout.
Attending to auditory filters that were not stimulated directly.

The effectiveness of two types of tonal cues for reducing frequency uncertainty was studied in a tonal detection‐in‐noise task. Signals varied at random from trial to trial over the range 750–3000 Hz. The three conditions included: (1) maximum uncertainty in which there were no cues; (2) minimal uncertainty in which ‘‘iconic cues’’ were identical to the signal to be detected; and (3) partial uncertainty in which ‘‘relative cues’’ were set to 2/3 of the signal frequency, i.e., at the musical 5th. Results show that relative cues and iconic cues were both effective in reducing uncertainty compared to the no‐cue condition, but that performance with relative cues was poorer than with iconic cues by 1.4 dB. In addition, a modified probe‐signal method was used to estimate the widths of the subjective listening bands. Application of a model of the auditory filter [R. Patterson and B. C. J. Moore, Frequency Selectivity in Hearing, edited by B. C. J. Moore (Academic, New York, 1986)] to these data showed that the subjective listening bands used with iconic cues were similar in width to typical measures of the critical band but that the bands used with relative cues were wider by a factor of roughly 1.6.
NEW PSYLLIDS FROM ALBERTA (PSYLLIDAE, HOMOPTERA)

The following dexriptions are based on specimens collected by Mr. E. H. Strickland in Alberta, Canada. All holotypes and allotypes are deposited in the Canadian National Collection at Ottawa, Ontario. Paratypes are in the collection at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and in the Caldwell collection at Ohio State University, Columbus.
Fumigants, rates, and application methods affecting Verticillium wilt incidence and potato yields

A three year comparison was made among fumigants, rates and placement for control ofVerticillium albo-atrum (microsclerotial type). Fumigants were placed in the soil by (i) row method [one shank with duck-foot tool attached to give two bands of fumigant 9 inches (22.8 cm) deep and 9 inches apart (4.5 inches = 11.4 cm from center of a 36-inch row = 91.44 cm)], (ii) deep shank method [one shank in center of a 36-inch row, 18–20 inches (45.7–50.8 cm) deep], (iii) and by the standard broadcast method (four shanks spaced 9 inches deep and 9 inches apart per 36-inch row). The row and deep shank methods were no more effective than the broadcast method when the fumigant rate was equal (calculated on an acre basis and not on the actual portion of the row treated by the method of application).
LC-MS-based metabolomics: an update.

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)-based metabolomics can have a major impact in multiple research fields, especially when combined with other technologies, such as stable isotope tracers and genetically modified mice. This review highlights recent applications of metabolomic technology in the study of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity, and the understanding of disease pathogenesis and therapeutics. Metabolomics has been employed to study metabolism of noscapine, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, and to determine the mechanisms of liver toxicities of rifampicin and isoniazid, trichloroethylene, and gemfibrozil. Metabolomics-based insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, alcohol-induced liver diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and farnesoid X receptor signaling pathway-based therapeutic target discovery will also be discussed. Limitations in metabolomics technology such as sample preparation and lack of LC–MS databases and metabolite standards, need to be resolved in order to improve and broaden the application of metabolomic studies.
The agony and the ecstasy: from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Outbreaks of Gastroenteritis Associated With Noroviruses on Cruise Ships—United States 2002, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2002;51:1112–5

Abstract The authors, who are from the Vessel Sanitation Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), summarize the recent outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), which occurred on five different cruise ships. Attack rates among passengers ranged from 4% to 13% and among crew members from 0.2% to 3.3%. Subsequent epidemiological investigations by the CDC suggested that the incidence was higher, approaching 19–41% of passengers. Overall there were 21 outbreaks of AGE on 17 cruise ships, of which nine were documented to be due to norovirus, three due to bacterial agents, and nine of unknown cause. In general, subsequent outbreaks on each cruise ship were of the identical strain of norovirus by reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction, which suggests an embedded source. The authors conclude that in addition to emphasizing basic food and water sanitation measures, control efforts should include thorough and prompt disinfection of ships during cruises and isolation of ill crew-members and passengers for 72 hours.
Platinum-Like Behavior of Tungsten Carbide in Surface Catalysis

Tungsten carbide catalyzes the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature, the reduction of tungsten trioxide by hydrogen in the presence of water, and the isomerization of 2,2-dimethylpropane to 2-methylbutane. This catalytic behavior, which is typical of platinum, is not exhibited at all by tungsten. The surface electronic properties of the latter are therefore modified by carbon in such a way that they resemble those of platinum.
A general approach for testing the process capability index

This paper presents a generalized approach to the problem of testing with the process capability index Cĉp. It allows for testing at any α-level and any sample size. For small sample sizes n < 30, n odd, tables are included with αs incremented by 0.025, which are generated by a computer program. This program is written in BASIC and appears in an Appendix. For different α levels (say α = 0·1) the program can be used to generate the appropriate value to use in determining the critical values. For larger sample sizes an approximation method is supplied. Additionally, the method to derive an associated operating characteristic curve is examined.
Making a Home for the Homeless in Hate Crime Legislation

Several jurisdictions in the United States (e.g., Florida and Washington) have recently incorporated the status of “homeless” under the protection of hate crime legislation. This was largely promoted by new data and reports by the National Coalition for the Homeless urging added protection for the homeless. The issue of whether the homeless belong under hate crime provisions raises the following question: What criteria must a group meet to be eligible for its inclusion? What similarities do the homeless have with other protected groups? Finally, what implications does the recognition of economic status have on other economic groups, particularity the top wealthy 1%? In this article, I explore some of the issues raised by including the homeless as a protected group. I survey several rationales offered for the selection of protected characteristics. I argue that the rationales currently offered suffer from descriptive inadequacy by either being under- or over-inclusive. I turn instead to the political conce...
Performance analysis of a fractal modulation communication system

Recent work has suggested the possibility and potential gains of using homogeneous signals, which can be represented in terms of orthonormal wavelet basis sets, as the modulating waveforms in communication systems. We present performance analysis, in terms of both bandwidth efficiency and probability of error, for one communication system where a fractal modulated signal is transmitted over a sinusoidal carrier. In addition, we present some preliminary results from a fractal modulation simulator indicating that a practical implementation is quite feasible while maintaining near-theoretical performance for the test case of transmission over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Preliminary results indicate that fractal modulation achieves a reasonable improvement over some existing modulation schemes.
Characterization of “heavy” and “light” SV40-like particles from a patient with PML

Abstract Two discrete classes of particles appear following the infection of primary African green monkey kidney cells with high multiplicities of an SV40-like isolate from a patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The DNA purified from the nondefective “heavy” particles was very similar to standard SV40 DNA. “Light” viral DNA was circular, supercoiled, 80% the physical size of SV40, and did not contain the Eco RI restriction endonuclease site. The kinetics of “light” viral DNA reassociation indicated a physical complexity equivalent to 40–50% of SV40 DNA; no host sequences were detected in “light” viral DNA. Digestion of “light” viral DNA with the Hemophilus influenzae restriction endonuclease resulted in 5 cleavage products none of which corresponded to the 11 fragments obtained with SV40 DNA.
Quantum mechanics with complex injecting potentials

Abstract We show the construction of a time-dependent source potential that injects a desired state into a quantum system. The applicability and validity of the approach is demonstrated through a series of examples. Both bound and scattering states can be injected with a prescribed energy. Electron transport in multi-terminal devices are used to show the power of the proposed method.
Differential Effects of Ethanol on Serum GABAergic 3α,5α/3α,5β Neuroactive Steroids in Mice, Rats, Cynomolgus Monkeys, and Humans

Background: Acute ethanol administration increases plasma and brain levels of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone-derived neuroactive steroids (3a,5a)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3a,5aTHP) and (3a,5a)-3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one (3a,5a-THDOC) in rats. However, little is known about ethanol effects on GABAergic neuroactive steroids in mice, nonhuman primates, or humans. We investigated the effects of ethanol on plasma levels of 3a,5a- and 3a,5b-reduced GABAergic neuroactive steroids derived from progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methods: Serum levels of GABAergic neuroactive steroids and pregnenolone were measured in male rats, C57BL ⁄ 6J and DBA ⁄ 2J mice, cynomolgus monkeys, and humans following ethanol administration. Rats and mice were injected with ethanol (0.8 to 2.0 g ⁄ kg), cynomolgus monkeys received ethanol (1.5 g ⁄ kg) intragastrically, and healthy men consumed a beverage containing 0.8 g ⁄ kg ethanol. Steroids were measured after 60 minutes in all species and also after 120 minutes in monkeys and humans. Results: Ethanol administration to rats increased levels of 3a,5a-THP, 3a,5a-THDOC, and pregnenolone at the doses of 1.5 g ⁄ kg (+228, +134, and +860%, respectively, p < 0.001) and 2.0 g ⁄ kg (+399, +174, and +1125%, respectively, p < 0.001), but not at the dose of 0.8 g ⁄ kg. Ethanol did not alter levels of the other neuroactive steroids. In contrast, C57BL ⁄ 6J mice exhibited a 27% decrease in serum 3a,5a-THP levels (p < 0.01), while DBA ⁄ 2J mice showed no significant effect of ethanol, although both mouse strains exhibited substantial increases in precursor steroids. Ethanol did not alter any of the neuroactive steroids in cynomolgus monkeys at doses comparable to those studied in rats. Finally, no effect of ethanol (0.8 g ⁄ kg) was observed in men. Conclusions: These studies show clear species differences among rats, mice, and cynomolgus monkeys in the effects of ethanol administration on circulating neuroactive steroids. Rats are unique in their pronounced elevation of GABAergic neuroactive steroids, while this effect was not observed in mice or cynomolgus monkeys at comparable ethanol doses.
Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure syndromes

Only 12 years ago the first report on pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement in low-pressure headaches appeared in the literature. In this short interval the enormous impact of MRI on so-called "spontaneous intracranial hypotension" and "low-pressure head-aches" has become obvious. A much broader clinical and imaging spectrum of the disease is now recognized and a substantially larger number of patients is diagnosed. In the past decade there has been remarkable progress in understanding this disorder and its associated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Some of the older concepts or presumptions have been challenged while novel observations continue to appear in the literature. We are still in the learning phase.
Conductometric monitoring of the amino acid oxidase reaction as a detector for high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The deamination of L-amino acids by L-amino acid oxidase, which creates a change in the ionic strength of an HPLC eluent, is used to allow conductometric detection of l -amino acids. An example separation is given, and the conductometric method is compared to other methods of amino acid detection in the area of detection limits. Suggestions are also given for using this principle to create detectors based on other class selective enzymes.
Omega-3 fatty acids and supportive psychotherapy for perinatal depression: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Abstract Background Perinatal major depressive disorder (MDD), including antenatal and postpartum depression, is common and has serious consequences. This study was designed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for perinatal depression in addition to supportive psychotherapy. Methods Perinatal women with MDD were randomized to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), 1.9g/day, or placebo for 8weeks. A manualized supportive psychotherapy was provided to all subjects. Symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) biweekly. Results Fifty-nine women enrolled; N = 51 had two data collection points that allowed for evaluation of efficacy. Omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated. Participants in both groups experienced significant decreases in EPDS and HAM-D scores ( p Limitations The ability to detect an effect of omega-3 fatty acids may have been limited by sample size, study length, or dose. The benefits of supportive psychotherapy may have limited the ability to detect an effect of omega-3 fatty acids. Conclusions There was no significant difference between omega-3 fatty acids and placebo in this study in which all participants received supportive psychotherapy. The manualized supportive psychotherapy warrants further study. The low intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids among participants is of concern, in consideration of the widely established health advantages in utero and in infants.
Adult penile circumcision: Erotosexual and cosmetic sequelae

Five men underwent circumcision in adulthood for reasons of infection, inflammation, or phimosis. Several years later, they reported on the erotosexual sequelae. All reported a prolongation of the period prior to ejaculation, though none had been genuine premature ejaculators. Other variable sequelae were diminished penile sensitivity, less penile gratification, more penile pain, and cosmetic deformity. Orgasm frequency was the same or less, and there was no postsurgical impotence. Loss of stretch receptors and reflexes might explain the major erotosexual changes. In most instances, a dorsal cut and/or antibiotic treatment achieves the same effect as circumcision, and is less risky in terms of possible pathological sequelae.
The Health Care Maze: How We Treat Our Elderly: One Man’s Journey

My 83-year-old father was totally independent, driving a stick-shift sports car, teaching computer classes, and sitting on his condo board. He would meet up with people of all ages and hold court at Starbucks 6 days per week. He helped me with my errands, showed up for brunch or dinner on Sundays, and texted me at least daily. In mid-August, I got a phone call from him. He is very hard of hearing, so he rarely calls and just texts. “I am having chest pain,” he said. “EMS is on their way.” I was shocked that my dad, who has never been admitted to a hospital even for his birth, was having a health problem. I was in New Jersey with my daughters and could not return until the next day. He said he had taken an aspirin and would stay in touch by text. Unfortunately, he was not sent to a Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) facility, a place where, after 32 years of employment, I could get all the assistance and support I needed, because I was family. He was sent to a good hospital, but not my hospital. He arrived a little after 9:00 p.m. on a Saturday night and was taken to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). I was able to speak with a cardiologist, who assured me he was stable and doing well. On Sunday morning, he would undergo cardiac catheterization, and a stent would be placed if needed. They would keep me posted. My dad was upbeat, engaged, talkative, and out of bed to use the bathroom. He continued to text me from his hospital bed, keeping me posted. On Sunday morning, the cardiologist reported that, after looking at the catheterization results, he chose to do a radial artery stent as opposed to …
Elliptical dichroism of oriented helical polymers

Abstract A linear response theory of elliptical dichroism is obtained for light propagating perpendicular to the helix axes of a system of oriented helical polymers by solving the equation of motion for the radiation field's average vector potential. A nonlinear mixture of circular and linear dichroism and birefringence is obtained.
Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by gallium nitrate.

Abstract We examined the effect of gallium (Ga) nitrate on the development of the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Weekly subcutaneous injections of 10–30 mg/kg prevented clinical signs as well as histopathological changes of EAE. The optimal timing of a single injection of Ga was 6 days after induction of EAE, with amelioration also apparent following a single injection on day 3 or 9 but not day 12. Ga administered in vivo suppressed myelin basic protein (MBP) and purified protein derivative-specific lymphocyte proliferative responses in vitro. Addition of Ga to MBP-specific T lymphocyte line cultures at various times after initiation of culture revealed that Ga exerts an effect at an early stage of cellular activation.
Apical ventricular septal defects: follow-up concerning anatomic and surgical considerations.

Abstract Background . Apical ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are difficult to visualize and close transatrially. We described their distinctive anatomic features, which have seldom been documented angiocardiographically and pathologically, in order to develop an effective approach for their surgical management. Methods . Fourteen postmortem cases, two explanted hearts, 9 successfully operated patients, and 1 unoperated living patient were included in this report. Angiocardiographic documentation of the apical VSD was available in 14 of 16 (87.5%) of the postmortem and transplanted cases, and in 6 of 10 (60%) of the living patients. Echocardiograms were available in 23 of all 26 cases (88%). Results . Severe associated malformations were present in 14 of 16 (87%) of the pathologically documented cases. Large VSDs allowed extensive communication between the left ventricular and the right ventricular sinuses in 4 patients. In 12 of the pathologically documented cases and in the 10 living patients, the left ventricular apex communicated with the right ventricular apical infundibular recess. Conclusions . Extremely large apical VSDs with severe biventricular dysplasia and dysfunction may require cardiac transplantation. Large apical VSDs can be successfully closed through a small apical infundibulotomy. This approach, applicable even in small infants, can avoid pulmonary artery banding or left ventriculotomy.
Factors Affecting Abundance, Growth, and Survival of Age-0 Gizzard Shad

Abstract Factors affecting abundance, growth, and survival of age-0 gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum were examined in Pomme de Terre and Stockton lakes, Missouri, during 1987–1991. Otolith ages were used to assign larvae (≤25 mm total length, TL) and juveniles (>25 mm TL) to weekly cohorts so that cohort-specific estimates of abundance, growth, and survival could be made. The distribution of initial abundances of larvae among weekly cohorts was influenced by water temperature and reservoir water level but not by characteristics of adult females (abundance, size, condition, fecundity). Intense periods of spawning activity during rising water levels resulted in high peaks in larval abundance and relatively few large weekly cohorts (e.g., 1990). In the absence of water level rises, peaks in larval abundance were much lower and abundances of larvae were more evenly distributed among several cohorts (e.g., 1988). Spring warming also affected spawning; early cohorts in warm springs (1987 and 1991) were relative...
Influence of Cold Rolling Threads Before or After Heat Treatment on High Strength Bolts for Different Fatigue Preload Conditions

SI grade 12.9 high strength steel bolts were used to investigate the fatigue behavior of bolt threads rolled before/after heat treatment using two different thread profiles and two different high preload values. Bolts were 3/8 UNRC-16 (coarse) and 3/8 UNRF-24 (fine) and preloads were taken as 75 and 90% of proof stress. Axial forces were applied through the nut. Axial and transverse residual stresses near the thread root were measured using X-ray diffraction. Most fracture surfaces contained crescent-shaped cracks and SEM evaluation indicated all fatigue crack growth regions contained multiple facets with no striations. Rolling after heat treatment caused little to no increase in fatigue resistance for the coarse threads. However, the fine threads finite fatigue life increased by factors of 2 to 5 and fatigue strengths based on Sa at 107 cycles increased by 40 and 50% for the 90 and 75% of proof stress preload, respectively. These are significant increases considering the very high preloads or R-ratios. The greater preload gave better fatigue resistance when based on the maximum stress, Smax, and lower fatigue resistance when based on the alternating stress, Sa Based on Smax, fatigue strengths at 107 cycles for 90% of preload were equivalent to or greater than the actual proof stress. Smax at 107 cycles for fine threads rolled after heat treatment with 75% of proof stress was also greater than the actual proof stress. The above results can be attributed to different thread root radii, thread region smoothness, original residual stress from rolling after heat treatment, and residual stress relaxation from the high preloads.
Human serum albumin (HSA) decreases prostaglandin A1 (PGA1) metabolism.

Abstract PGA1 was incubated with rabbit renal cortical homogenates containing HSA (0–4.5%). The ability of this tissue to readily metabolize PGA1 progressively decreased with increasing HSA levels in the incubates The rate of disappearance of 3H-PGA1 was twice as rapid in rats treated with salicylic acid (S. A.) in comparison to control animals; since only 30% of the injected radioactivity was bound to the plasma of the S.A. treated rats, as compared to 90% bound to control plasma, an association may exist between the degree of binding of 3H-PGA1 and its rate of clearance. The studies indicate that PGA1 interaction with HSA decreases its metabolism in vitro , and slows down its clearance in vivo , implicating HSA as a possible factor in prostaglandins metabolism in vivo .
How accessible was information about H1N1 flu? Literacy assessments of CDC guidance documents for different audiences.

We assessed the literacy level and readability of online communications about H1N1/09 influenza issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the first month of outbreak. Documents were classified as targeting one of six audiences ranging in technical expertise. Flesch-Kincaid (FK) measure assessed literacy level for each group of documents. ANOVA models tested for differences in FK scores across target audiences and over time. Readability was assessed for documents targeting non-technical audiences using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). Overall, there was a main-effect by audience, F(5, 82) = 29.72, P .05. A time-by-audience interaction was significant, F(10, 82) = 2.11, P<.05. Documents targeting non-technical audiences were found to be text-heavy and densely-formatted. The vocabulary and writing style were found to adequately reflect audience needs. The reading level of CDC guidance documents about H1N1/09 influenza varied appropriately according to the intended audience; sub-optimal formatting and layout may have rendered some text difficult to comprehend.