cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The state of activity of phosphorylase in frog sartorius muscle

The method of instant freezing has been applied in experiments aimed at establishing the state of phosphorylase in frog sartorius muscle. Resting muscle at low temperature was found to contain 25% of its phosphorylase in the a form. Tetanic stimulation at low temperature leads to moderate increases in the a enzyme, with further increases after the cessation of stimulation. At room temperature, the a enzyme rises sharply during stimulation, and becomes inactivated promptly thereafter. While such activations can be broadly correlated with the need for increased glycolysis, the resting level itself is far in excess over the amount of phosphorylase a that would limit glycogenolysis, if the enzyme were working at its maximal rate.
Perceptions of illness and healing

Abstract Patients, physicians, scientists and public health officials hold variant perceptions of the processes of illness, injury and unnecessary death that afflict human populationd. As these different role performers in the field of health care interact, numerous conflicts arise because the full set of operating values and assumptions are not explicity revealed. Recognition of central variations in orientation and special interest can assist policy formulation and decision-making where cooperative action is required. Significant improvements in health status for specific population groups will be retarded until this deeper level of understanding is achieved.
Wave Splittings, Invariant Imbedding And Inverse Scattering

By introducing a splitting into up and down going waves, linear wave equations can be rewritten as coupled first-order systems in the up and down going components of the field. Exact local splittings yield uncoupled systems wherever the medium does not vary in the preferred direction, but approximate splittings can be more convenient. Given a slab of an inhomogeneous medium and a splitting, one can define an associated scattering matrix. Invariant imbedding techniques allow one to write a coupled system of differential equations for the operator entries of the scattering matrix, where the differentation is with respect to the location of one of the planes of the slab. One can then deduce the behavior of the reflection operator for small times, which provides a connection between the up and down going fields and the properties of the medium on the edge of the slab. Downward continuation inversion algorithms can then be derived. An example is given for the electromagnetic wave equation. Dissipative effects can be modelled, and are further studied in the companion paper, "The effects of dissipation in one-dimensional inverse scattering problems."© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Polyamine Measurements in the Uterine Cervix

Cervical cancer remains a significant health problem. New strategies based on the molecular aspects of cervical carcinogenesis are needed. Chemoprevention represents a novel strategy for cervical cancer prevention. Our group plans phase I and II trials using alpha-difluoromethylornithine, a suicide inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase and potent antiproliferative chemopreventive agent. We conducted a study to identify which polyamines in tissue could best serve as surrogate endpoint biomarkers for future trials. Thirty patients with biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 underwent colposcopically directed biopsies of normal and abnormal areas of the uterine cervix for analysis of polyamine synthesis biomarkers. Statistically significant differences were found in the ornithine decarboxylase value and the spermidine:spermine ratio between normal and abnormal areas of the cervix. In general, the ranges in measurements varied widely. Differences in polyamine synthesis biomarkers between colposcopically normal and abnormal areas can be demonstrated. However, studies using polyamine synthesis biomarkers in the cervix would require large numbers of patients to achieve significance.
Coupling the Mars dust and water cycles: The importance of radiative-dynamic feedbacks during northern hemisphere summer

Abstract Mars Global Climate Model (MGCM) simulations are carried out with and without cloud radiative forcing to investigate feedbacks between the dust and water cycles that contribute to the middle-atmosphere polar warming during northern hemisphere summer. Compared to the simulation without clouds, the simulation with clouds produces stronger polar warming, which is in better agreement with observations. The enhanced polar warming in the presence of cloud formation is caused by a radiative-dynamic feedback between a strengthened circulation due to cloud radiative effects, vertical dust transport, and further circulation intensification.
Prior Wall Street Journal Announcements of Possible Bankruptcy Filings and Price Reactions to Subsequent Bankruptcy Filings

This study examines the relation between prior Wall Street Journal (WSJ) announcements of possible bankruptcy filings and price reactions to subsequent bankruptcy filings for 336 firms that filed for bankruptcy between 1980 and 1993. Extant research indicates that price reactions to announcements of economic events are inversely related to the amount of surprise in the announcements. Prior WSJ anouncements of possible bankruptcy filings increase the markets a priori assessment of firms' probability of bankruptcy, thereby potentially reducing the surprise in subsequent bankruptcy filings. We hypothesize smaller price reactions to bankruptcy filings for firms where the WSJ previously published an article indicating that the firm may file for bankruptcy. Our results are consistent with this hypothesis. Specifically, we find smaller price reactions to bankruptcy filings for firms with prior WSJ announcements of possible bankruptcy filings. Our results hold after controlling for firm size, probability of bankruptcy, exchange listing, leverage, and predisclosure information.
Dielectric response of a dipolar molecular rotor crystal

We report the results of the dynamics of a three dimensional lattice of dipolar molecular rotors where the unit cells consist of a dipolar phenylene ring rotating about an axle stabilized by stationary triphenyl groups. The molecules are synthesized such that the lattice may be customized to elicit novel and useful physical phenomena. Using dielectric spectroscopy and 2 H NMR, we demonstrate rapid thermal rotation of the molecular rotors in the solid state, and characterize the depth and asymmetry of the rotational potential. Calculations show that rotor-rotor interactions are weak in this structure, and the rotational potential is dominated by steric interactions between each rotary element and the nonrotating portions of neighboring molecules.
Functional significance of histologic alterations induced by Escherichia coli pig-specific, mouse-negative, heat-stable enterotoxin (STb).

In contrast to cholera enterotoxin and other Escherichiacoli enterotoxins, a pig-specific, heat-stable E.coli enterotoxin (STb) causes morphologic lesions (loss of villous epithelial cells and partial villous atrophy). These lesions reflect a loss of absorptive cells and thus suggest that STb causes impaired absorption as well as inducing net secretion. The present studies assess functional significance of morphologic changes induced by STb. Net fluid movement, mucosal surface area, sucrase activity and the electrical response induced by alanine were measured in swine jejunal loops exposed to E.coli culture filtrates with and without STb. Net fluid secretion (-11.1±1.1 ml) occurred in some STb loops (secretors) and net absorption (2.7±0.3 ml) in others (nonsecretors), but net absorption occurred in all control loops (4.9±0.2 ml). The mucosal surface area of Stb loops was about 20% less than that of controls (P<0.01). Sucrase activity was also lower (about 15%) in STb loops than in control loops (P<0.01). The electrical response induced by alanine in mucosa from nonsecreting STb loops did not differ from that induced in mucosa from control loops. However, the response to alanine in mucosa from secreting STb loops was reduced about 70% from that in mucosa from nonsecreting STb loops or from control loops (P<0.05). It is concluded that reduced sucrase activity is a functional correlate to villous atrophy induced by STb, that STb impairs alanine absorption in some loops (secretors), and that the impaired alanine absorption is independent of the decreased surface area caused by Stb. Because the impaired alanine absorption occurred independent of the decreases in surface area, it is suggested that the secretory response to STb is associated with an impairment of active absorption of alanine.
Antiphospholipid antibodies as a cause of pulmonary capillaritis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage : A case series and literature review

OBJECTIVES To discuss the clinical manifestations and possible pathogenic mechanisms of the unusual syndrome of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) and pulmonary capillaritis without thrombosis in the setting of the primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (PAPS). METHODS Four men with DAH and capillaritis in the setting of PAPS are identified. Their clinical presentations, laboratory, radiographic, and pathologic findings are reviewed as is their clinical course and response to therapy. In addition, the literature regarding DAH and pulmonary capillaritis in the setting of PAPS is reviewed. RESULTS The patients presented with dyspnea, hemoptysis, fever, hypoxia, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates; none had evidence of acute thromboembolic disease. All secondary causes of DAH were ruled out. All patients had positive testing for the lupus anticoagulant and high-titer anticardiolipin antibodies, including antibodies against the beta-2-glycoprotein I antigen. Three cases had lung biopsies that revealed pulmonary capillaritis and DAH with no evidence of thrombosis. All patients improved with high-dose corticosteroids. Recurrent disease in the setting of aggressive immunosuppression responded to intravenous immunoglobulin. Antiphospholipid antibody-mediated endothelial cell activation in the absence of thrombosis may induce capillaritis as seen in these cases. CONCLUSIONS The syndrome of DAH and pulmonary capillaritis is further defined. Evidence supports a causative relationship between PAPS, pulmonary capillaritis, and DAH in the absence of thromboembolic disease. Further elucidation of a possible nonthrombotic mechanism of antiphospholipid antibody-mediated pathology is needed to guide future therapies for this unusual manifestation of PAPS.
The externalization of vaginal fatty acids by the female rhesus monkey

A series of short-chain fatty acids (copulins), produced by bacterial action from components of vaginal secretions, are involved in the olfactory communication of the female's sexual attractiveness to the male. In intact females, the content of acids in vaginal lavages decreases at midcycle when the female's attractiveness is highest. To test if this apparently anomalous decrease was due to an increase in the rate at which secretions were externalized, 422 wipes of the sexual skin area were collected during 19 menstrual cycles and analyzed for short-chain fatty acids. Despite considerable day-to-day variations there was a trend for the acid content of the wipes to increase at mid-cycle, a result that was consistent with there being an increased flow of secretions to the outside at this time. Other factors besides the rate of externalization may also regulate the strength of the olfactory signal, and the present results are consonant with a role for these acids in signaling the fertile period to the male.
Isolating RNA from whole blood — the dawn of RNA-based diagnosis?

A novel cationic surfactant solution is used to lyse blood cells and precipitate RNA and DNA. The RNA is recovered by extracting the pellet with a small volume of guanidinium isothiocyanate or formamide.
Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy study of the adsorption of aluminum on the silicon (111) 7 × 7 surface

Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy and low-energy-electron diffraction have been used to study the adsorption of aluminum on the silicon (111) 7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 7 surface at different substrate temperatures (${T}_{s}$). It is shown that aluminum deposition at a ${T}_{s}$ of 100-200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C results in the disappearance of the electronic-surface states of the silicon (111) 7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 7 surface. New aluminum-induced loss peaks appear at 1.9, 3.2, 4.9, and 7.1 eV. It is further demonstrated that aggregation of aluminum atoms occurs on the silicon surface after the deposition of either two monolayers of aluminum at ${T}_{s}=100\ensuremath{-}200$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C or one monolayer of aluminum at ${T}_{s}=600\ensuremath{-}700$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C.
Device considerations for high density and highly reliable 3D NAND flash cell in near future

Recently, we have suggested highly manufacturable and reliable 3D NAND flash cell called “SMArT”[1], which is intended to minimize both stack height and word line resistance. Because the storage node of this cell is charge trap nitride, its device characteristics were far different from conventional floating gate. In this paper, the key cell characteristics such as cell Vth distribution, disturbance, and reliability are compared with our FG cell of 2y node in chip level, and several future challenges for 3D era will be addressed.
African American Women’s Self-Determination across the Stages of Change for Exercise

Physical inactivity is a major health risk factor in our society, and older women and minority populations are especially at risk in this regard. Many earlier studies that have addressed physical inactivity, however, focused primarily on European-American males. Although recent research has begun to include more diverse populations, there continues to be a need for further study of specific at-risk populations. This study examined self-determination in the regulation of exercise behavior in a sample of 105 African American women. They completed the Stages of Exercise Scale and the Behavior Regulation Exercise Questionnaire. Consistent with theoretical predictions, individuals who had been active over a period of time were more self-determined in their behavior regulation. Exercising to achieve an outcome emerged as the most influential factor in discriminating active participants from inactive ones. This study supports the use of this theoretical approach in gaining an understanding of the types of motiva...
But Wait, There’s More! Maximizing Substantive Inferences from TSCS Models

Political scientists rarely take full advantage of the substantive inferences that they can draw from time-series cross-section data. Most studies have emphasized statistical significance and other standard inferences that can be drawn from single coefficients over one time period. We show that by simulating the quantities of interest over longer periods of time and across theoretically interesting scenarios, we can draw much richer inferences. In this article, we present a technique that produces graphs of dynamic simulations of relationships over time. Graphical simulations are useful because they represent long-term relationships between key variables and allow for examination of the impact of exogenous and/or endogenous shocks. We demonstrate the technique’s utility by graphically representing key relationships from two different works. We also present a preliminary version of the dynsim command, which we have designed to extend the Clarify commands in order to produce dynamic simulations.
Studies on ethanol-induced stimulation of glucose-6-phosphatase activity

Abstract Ethanol administration to normal animals stimulated hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Deoxycholate produced a greater activation of glucose-6-phosphatase from ethanol pretreated rat liver microsomes than from uninjected animals. The activity observed under various experimental conditions is in the following decreasing order: diabetic with ethanol and DOC, diabetic with ethanol or DOC, diabetic, normal with ethanol and DOC, normal with ethanol, normal with DOC and normal controls.
Comparison of Dilution Technics Using Aortic Injection with Upstream Sampling for Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation

The distances between the aortic valve and sites in the aorta from which no retrograde flow of injected indicator could be detected in the left ventricle were determined, without thoracotomy, in two normal dogs and in ten dogs with chronic experimental aortic regurgitation. It was found that these distances attained maximal values when the aortic injections were timed to occur just at the end of systole or onset of diastole. Distances downstream from the origin of the left subclavian artery from which no retrograde flow occurred to this vessel were determined similarly in these same animals and, in confirmation of Warner and Toronto, similar relationships to the timing of the injections were obtained. These distances down the aorta, designated as "disappearance distances", were converted to "disappearance volumes" by measuring the diameters of the silhouette of successive aortic segments from aortograms made after contrast medium was injected into the left ventricle of these animals. The regurgitant flow ...
Having a Ball with Confidence Intervals

Summary Confidence intervals are often misinterpreted. This article describes an activity which helps students understand what it means to have confidence in a Process.
ARE TRUSTWORTHINESS AND FAIRNESS ENOUGH? CONTEXTUAL FAMILY THERAPY AND THE GOOD FAMILY

The moral dimension of family therapy theory and practice has received increasing attention in recent years. Boszormenyi-Nagy was among the first to see that family therapy and moral questions are inseparable. His focus on relational ethics has helped us to reappropriate individual responsibility and accountability within a systemic context. Although contextual therapy has clearly enriched the field, we argue that its emphasis on trustworthiness and fairness provides a limited view of the good in family life and leads to three related problems. First, Boszormenyi-Nagy offers a compelling ethical vision of the family and then denies that he has done so, which undermines some of his key moral claims. Second, because fairness is defined subjectively, contextual therapy may not have the resources to deal with legitimate differences in family ideals. Third, the reliance on self-interest as the primary motive for trustworthy relating appears to be self-defeating. We offer a hermeneutic perspective that takes a broader approach to the good. It places greater emphasis on the social and historical context, deals squarely with different understandings of the good in family life, and recommends an approach to resolving these differences.
Leukocyte Suppression is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcomes in Children’s Status after Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Background Leukocyte suppression is a sequela of immunosuppressive therapy after orthotopic heart transplantation and may result in discontinuation of anti-proliferative agents. Clinical outcomes in this patient population have not been well delineated. Methods This study was a retrospective review of children who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution from 1986 to 2003. Leukocyte suppression was defined as a white blood cell count Results The study included 109 patients, of which 44 (40%) became leukosuppressed. The 2 groups were similar regarding demographic data and initial management. The LS Group had a significantly decreased incidence of rejection, being 7 times less likely to have recurrent rejection ( p = 0.001). The median time to rejection was 0.8 ± 0.6 years for the NLS Group, whereas the median time to rejection was not yet reached at 17 years for the LS Group. The LS Group also tended toward a decreased incidence of retransplantation or death ( p = 0.06). The organ "half-life" in the NLS Group was 7.5 years vs 12.5 years in the LS Group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in regards to other adverse effects of immunosuppression. Conclusions Children who have undergone orthotopic heart transplantation and subsequently become leukosuppressed have a lower incidence of rejection and a tendency toward less organ loss than children who do not become leukosuppressed, without having an increased incidence of adverse side effects.
Server-storage virtualization: integration and load balancing in data centers

We describe the design of an agile data center with integrated server and storage virtualization technologies. Such data centers form a key building block for new cloud computing architectures. We also show how to leverage this integrated agility for non-disruptive load balancing in data centers across multiple resource layers - servers, switches, and storage. We propose a novel load balancing algorithm called VectorDot for handling the hierarchical and multi-dimensional resource constraints in such systems. The algorithm, inspired by the successful Toyoda method for multi-dimensional knapsacks, is the first of its kind.We evaluate our system on a range of synthetic and real data center testbeds comprising of VMware ESX servers, IBM SAN Volume Controller, Cisco and Brocade switches. Experiments under varied conditions demonstrate the end-to-end validity of our system and the ability of VectorDot to efficiently remove overloads on server, switch and storage nodes.
Towards natural question guided search

Web search is generally motivated by an information need. Since asking well-formulated questions is the fastest and the most natural way to obtain information for human beings, almost all queries posed to search engines correspond to some underlying questions, which reflect the user's information need. Accurate determination of these questions may substantially improve the quality of search results and usability of search interfaces. In this paper, we propose a new framework for question-guided search, in which a retrieval system would automatically generate potentially interesting questions to users based on the search results of a query. Since the answers to such questions are known to exist in the search results, these questions can potentially guide users directly to the answers that they are looking for, eliminating the need to scan the documents in the result list. Moreover, in case of imprecise or ambiguous queries, automatically generated questions can naturally engage users into a feedback cycle to refine their information need and guide them towards their search goals. Implementation of the proposed strategy raises new challenges in content indexing, question generation, ranking and feedback. We propose new methods to address these challenges and evaluated them with a prototype system on a subset of Wikipedia. Evaluation results show the promise of this new question-guided search strategy.
Attenuation and dispersion of sound in bubbly fluids via the Kramers—Kronig relations

Sound propagation in a dilute bubble–liquid mixture is studied by means of the Kramers–Kronig relationships, which relate the real and imaginary parts of the general susceptibility of a linear medium. These relationships are adopted for the case of acoustic waves, where they become coupled integral equations. A simple but approximate procedure is used to obtain from these equations the phase speed of sound waves for the case when the attenuation coefficient is independently known. The procedure can be used to obtain the speed of propagation of sound waves in acoustic media having internal dissipation, but is here applied only to fluids containing radially pulsating bubbles. Approximate results for the speed of propagation and for the attenuation per wavelength are obtained for this case on the basis of a first-order estimate for the attenuation coefficient. These results are the same as those derived previously on the basis of model equations for bubbly liquids. They therefore provide additional support for those equations, while indicating some of their limitations.
Functions, Limits, and Continuity

Let A and B be non-empty sets, and let f be a collection of ordered pairs (x,y), such that (1) If (x,y) ∈ f, then x ∈ A and y ∈ B, and (2) Each x in A is the first term of one and only one pair (x,y) ∈ f. Then f is a function, of A into B, and we write f: A → B.
Development of the US Army Corps of Engineers scanning hydrographic operational airborne lidar survey system

Summary form only given. In March 1988, the US Army Corps of Engineers began a cost-shared program with the Canadian government to design, construct, and field-verify an airborne lidar hydrographic surveying system. The program is intended to build on experience gained by the Canadian Hydrographic Service in operating the Larsen 500. The authors present the system's design, including aspects of system performance and operational characteristics, and discuss the program's status including field tests scheduled to begin during the summer of 1992. >
Indikationen zur Lungenfunktionsdiagnostik in spezialisierten Zentren

Diese Arbeit prasentiert eine subjektive Bewertung diagnostischer Moglichkeiten, die sich aus der schnellen technologischen Entwicklung padiatrischer Lungenfunktionstests (PFT) fur tertiare akademische Institute ergibt. Die immer wiederkehrende Problematik, die sich aus der wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnis, der praktischen Anwendbarkeit und der gezielten Indikation fur solche Untersuchungsverfahren ableiten last, wird im folgenden dargestellt.
Emotion and Environment: Visitors' Extraordinary Experiences along the Dalton Highway in Alaska

To assess how the natural environment and social interaction foster emotional outcomes, this study surveyed recreational visitors to the Dalton Highway in northern Alaska (258 guided visitors, 187 ...
Review: Josep Lluís Sert: A Nomadic Dream, by Pablo Bujosa Rodríguez, writer and director

Pablo Bujosa Rodriguez, writer and director Josep Lluis Sert: A Nomadic Dream Ale Produccions, Oberon Cinematografica, La Periferica Produccions, and IFFI Productions, 2013, 73 min., http://www.jlsertfilm.com/videos > I have my life divided in chapters that carry names of cities: Barcelona, Paris, New York and Boston—a nomadic life with too many changes—but no dull moments. > > —Josep Lluis Sert On 20 May 2015 the Graham Foundation screened Josep Lluis Sert: A Nomadic Dream , a film written and directed by Pablo Bujosa Rodriguez. This screening, which took place in Chicago, was only the second time the film had been made available for public viewing in the United States. The first screening was presented in 2013 at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where Josep Lluis Sert served as dean from 1953 to 1969, to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of his death (Figure 1). MAS Studio, a Chicago-based firm directed by Iker Gil, cosponsored the second screening, and Gil introduced the event. The screening coincided with the publication of the “Legacy” issue (issue 25–26) of MAS Context , a quarterly journal dedicated to expanding conversations about architecture. In this issue, MAS Context defines legacy as “the buildings, places, books, ideas, and proposals that have left or will leave a strong mark on our urban environment.” The issue features an essay on Sert by Alexandra Lange, “Never-Loved Buildings Rarely Stand a Chance: Josep Lluis Sert in Cambridge,” that serves as an introduction to current thinking about Sert and his legacy, which are further developed in the film. Figure 1 Josep Lluis Sert ca. 1968 (Photo: Fundacio Joan Miro / Arxiu Josep Lluis Sert). With regard to Sert’s architecture, defining its legacy entails special consideration because Sert’s work has been lauded by the architectural community but not universally appreciated by the general public. Lange references Otile McManus’s 2003 essay “Why the Public (Still) Hates Peabody Terrace” and claims that …
Federal Germany after the Euromissiles

(1983). Federal Germany after the Euromissiles. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 39, Euromissiles, pp. 31-38.
Conceptual Design of a Hybrid Lift Airship for Intra-regional Flexible Access Transport

Modern technological developments, especially in controls, materials, and thrust vectoring have allowed a second look at large airships over the past decade. One especially promising concept is that of hybrid lift airships; vehicles producing lift through both dynamic and buoyant forces. Although simpler than conventional aircraft and more maneuverable than traditional airships, there still remain challenges related to their large size, ground handling, and perceived risk. This paper is a summary of work performed in the conceptual design of such a hybrid aircraft as part of a larger endeavor to develop an economically feasible intra-regional air transportation system. In the completion of this project, part of an air transportation system architecting course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the authors did not attempt to completely solve all of the above problems but to minimize their impact through a systems level approach and through certain technology enablers where appropriate. Emphasis is on the design and technical aspects of the vehicle, with some focus on the overall system architecture where it drove key requirements or was able to alleviate some of the aforementioned barriers. Speciflc topics include a method for sizing and constraint analysis, an innovative system for lift management, and a discussion of important operational constraints as related to hybrid lift vehicles.
Quick Switch: Strongly Correlated Electronic Phase Transition Systems for Cutting-Edge Microwave Devices

The authors discuss an overview of strongly correlated electron systems and metal-insulator transition (MIT) oxide materials. Microwave applications of MIT materials are also introduced. This overview offers a vision for future microwave devices with adaptive capabilities.
Evidence for Strongly Enhanced Paramagnetic Defect Creation in Low Temperature Pecvd SiO2 Films

Amorphous SiO2 films have been deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (N2O:SiH4 flow rate ratio of 40:1) then 60Co gamma irradiated. We observe paramagnetic defects similar to oxygen vacancy centers which are created at least 100 times more efficiently in as-deposited oxide than in the same oxide annealed for 1 hr in Ar at 950°C. Positive fixed oxide charge creation in samples irradiated in the unbiased mode has a fractional yield of 0.018 defects per electron-hole pair. No enhancement of the positive fixed oxide charge creation is observed when comparing as-deposited and annealed films suggesting that the paramagnetic and electric defects do not have the same physical origin. Comments are made about the potential hazards of using such deposited oxide near a semiconductor surface where surface inversion may occur.
An Investigation of Patient Preferences for Music Played Before Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Objective Patients often feel anxious before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can lead to avoidance of treatments. Music is a noninvasive safe option to reduce anxiety in the preoperative setting. Therefore, we examined patients' preferences of listening to music while receiving ECT by providing music-by way of headphones or speakers-to participants before treatment. Methods Patients receiving ECT were recruited for this study. Patients served as their own controls in 3 separate music intervention sessions: 1) randomization to music via headphones or speakers, 2) no music, 3) the remaining music intervention. Patients completed a questionnaire related to satisfaction and preferences of music being played before ECT. Patients received a final questionnaire at the end of the study asking which intervention they preferred. Results Thirty patients completed the study. Ninety percent enjoyed listening to music through speakers. Eighty percent liked listening to music through headphones. Seventeen percent preferred not having any music. The difference in preference between speakers and headphones was not significant (P = 0.563; McNemar-Bowker test). There was no association between preference at the end of the study and the initial assignment of speakers or headphones (P = 0.542 and P = 0.752, respectively; Pearson χ tests). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions Music is a low-cost intervention with virtually no side effects that could be offered as an adjunctive therapy for patients receiving ECT. A significant proportion of patients liked hearing music before treatment.
Religio-cultural Considerations When Providing Health Care to American Muslims

Cultural competency is important for delivering quality health care, particularly for cultural and religious minorities, and can reduce discrimination and health disparities. Muslim Americans represent diverse ethnic groups yet bound together by a religious identity with common values. This community is generally under-researched and not well understood, and thus receives the less than optimal level of health care that results when providers are not culturally attuned. Accordingly, this chapter reviews the salient religious values, beliefs, and cultural tendencies that impact health care behaviors among this population, and provides guidance regarding cultural accommodations that can promote the delivery of culturally sensitive health care to this community.
Designing and delivering online curriculum in higher education: riding the perfect storm

Purpose – In a time that could be described as a “perfect storm” in higher education, faculty and administration have been exploring all possible tools to attract students and help them stay on a curriculum path so they can graduate within a reasonable time. The purpose of this paper is to explore three strategies for riding the storm in a large mid-western USA university. Design/methodology/approach – The authors identify three strategies for increasing student retention and course completion, including: increased choices in scheduling; redesigning the curriculum; and offering multiple options for mode of delivery. In addition, the pilot of these strategies in a Technical Data Analysis class will be described and evaluated. Findings – Providing choices in scheduling courses (strategy 1), redesigning the curriculum to offer flexible pathways to graduation (strategy 2), and offering students options in delivery modes (strategy 3) increase the likelihood of student success, allowing them to find a way out of and therefore escape the “perfect storm” that higher education finds itself in today. Practical implications – Flexibility in scheduling courses by offering multiple delivery modes increases student access while maintaining the same learning objectives and outcomes. Originality/value – This paper addresses a known challenge in higher education and offers three strategies to improve retention and completion.
Paleomagnetism and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Plio-Pleistocene Boring Volcanic Field: Implications for the geomagnetic polarity time scale and paleosecular variation

Abstract Paleomagnetic directions and 40Ar/39Ar ages have been determined for samples of lava flows from the same outcrops, where possible, for 84 eruptive units ranging in age from 3200 ka to 60 ka within the Boring Volcanic Field (BVF) of the Pacific Northwest, USA. This study expands upon our previous results for the BVF, and compares the combined results with the current geomagnetic polarity time scale (GPTS). Lava flows with transitional directions were found within the BVF at the Matuyama-Brunhes and Jaramillo-Matuyama polarity boundaries, and replicate ages corresponding to these and other boundaries have been newly ascertained. Although the BVF data generally agree with GPTS chronozone boundaries, they indicate that onset of the Gauss-Matuyama transition and Olduvai subchron occurred significantly earlier than given in the current time scale calibration. Additional comparisons show that the BVF results are consistent with recent statistical models of geomagnetic paleosecular variation.
Assessment of Cryptosporidium and norovirus risk associated with de facto wastewater reuse in Trinity River, Texas

Abstract De facto reuse refers to the use of surface water that contains a considerable portion of wastewater effluent from upstream communities as a source water for drinking water supplies. In contrast to the highly regulated domestic wastewater reuse practices in the U.S., not much is known regarding the human health risk associated with de facto reuse. Trinity River, Texas, a wastewater dominated river that serves as the main source of drinking water for Houston, is used as an exemplar to quantify the health risk associated with exposure to Cryptosporidium and norovirus through drinking water contaminated with wastewater effluents. The results show that the annual infection risks exceed the U.S. EPA recommended annual safe drinking water health risk of 10 −4 per person per year (pppy) for all scenarios considered. However, a comparison of the corresponding disease burdens with the World Health Organization's annual disease burden for safe drinking water of 10 −6 DALYs pppy indicates the disease burdens are mostly within the acceptable range of the guideline. This difference in risk interpretations reflects the difference in the fundamental definition of the two risk benchmarks as well as the gaps in data and risk models (including the conversion from infection to illness risk and expected DALY per infection). The results also imply that the current safe drinking water regulatory framework should be re-examined to best achieve the goal of human health protection. The outcomes of this study provide an overall picture of the potential risk associated with de facto reuse, which contributes to a better understanding of the practice and decisions in wastewater reuse in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation in Children.

OBJECTIVES Pediatric cervical injuries are uncommon. This study was to describe injury circumstances, clinical findings, and management among children diagnosed with atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) to aid in its recognition and management. METHODS Subanalysis of a large case-control study from January 2000 to December 2004 in 17 hospitals in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network was performed. Cases were children younger than 16 years with AARS after blunt trauma (n = 55); controls were (a) children with other cervical spine injuries (other CSI, n = 485) and (b) those with normal imaging of the cervical spine (non-CSI, n = 1060). RESULTS Children with AARS were younger (mean [SD] age, 7.7 [3.8] vs 10.7 [4.6]; Wilcoxon P < 0.01). Falls accounted for 36% of injuries; there were no diving mechanisms (vs other CSI, falls 19%, Fisher exact P < 0.01, and diving 7%, P = 0.04). Children with AARS sought medical care more than 24 hours after the injury event (21% vs 1% for non-CSI controls, P < 0.01). Clinical findings associated with AARS included neck pain (67%) and torticollis (57%) versus other CSI, pain (47%) and torticollis (5%, P < 0.01) for each, and versus non-CSI controls, pain (33%) and torticollis (6%, P < 0.01) for each. Management of AARS included no intervention (n = 6, 11%), soft or rigid collar only (n = 24, 44%), traction (n = 14, 25%), halo (n = 9, 16%), internal fixation (n = 2, 4%), and varied across institutions (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Children with AARS often have a delayed presentation with neck pain and torticollis; falls are a common injury mechanism. Treatment varied across institutions. Further work is needed to identify optimal management.
Pegfilgrastim-Induced Bone Pain: A Review on Incidence, Risk Factors, and Evidence-Based Management.

Objective: To review the incidence, risk factors, and management of pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain (PIBP). Data Sources: PubMed was searched from 1980 to March 31, 2017, using the terms pegfilgrastim and bone pain. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language, human studies and reviews assessing the incidence, risk factors, and management of PIBP were incorporated. Data Synthesis: A total of 3 randomized, prospective studies and 2 retrospective studies evaluated pharmacological management of PIBP. Naproxen compared with placebo demonstrated a reduction in the degree, incidence, and duration of bone pain secondary to pegfilgrastim. Loratadine was not effective in reducing the incidence of bone pain prophylactically, but a retrospective study evaluating dual antihistamine blockade with loratadine and famotidine demonstrated a decreased incidence in bone pain when administered before pegfilgrastim. Conclusion: Naproxen is effective at managing PIBP. Although commonly used, antihistamines have a pau...
A retrospective analysis of in vivo eye irritation, skin irritation and skin sensitisation studies with agrochemical formulations: Setting the scene for development of alternative strategies.

Analysis of the prevalence of health effects in large scale databases is key in defining testing strategies within the context of Integrated Approaches on Testing and Assessment (IATA), and is relevant to drive policy changes in existing regulatory toxicology frameworks towards non-animal approaches. A retrospective analysis of existing results from in vivo skin irritation, eye irritation, and skin sensitisation studies on a database of 223 agrochemical formulations is herein published. For skin or eye effects, high prevalence of mild to non-irritant formulations (i.e. per GHS, CLP or EPA classification) would generally suggest a bottom-up approach. Severity of erythema or corneal opacity, for skinor eye effects respectively, were the key drivers for classification, consistent with existing literature. The reciprocal predictivity of skin versus eye irritation and the good negative predictivity of the GHS additivity calculation approach (>85%) provided valuable non-testing evidence for irritation endpoints. For dermal sensitisation, concordance on data from three different methods confirmed the high false negative rate for the Buehler method in this product class. These results have been reviewed together with existing literature on the use of in vitro alternatives for agrochemical formulations, to propose improvements to current regulatory strategies and to identify further research needs.
dm-x: Protecting Volume-level Integrity for Cloud Volumes and Local Block Devices

The verified boot feature in recent Android devices, which deploys dm-verity, has been overwhelmingly successful in eliminating the extremely popular Android smart phone rooting movement [25]. Unfortunately, dm-verity integrity guarantees are read-only and do not extend to writable volumes. This paper introduces a new device mapper, dm-x, that efficiently (fast) and reliably (metadata journaling) assures volume-level integrity for entire, writable volumes. In a direct disk setup, dm-x overheads are around 6-35% over ext4 on the raw volume while offering additional integrity guarantees. For cloud storage (Amazon EBS), dm-x overheads are negligible.
The “Artisan's House” of Hasanlu Tepe, Iran

The excavation results from the Low Mound of Hasanlu Tepe, located in Western Azerbaijan Province of north-western Iran, played a major role in the development of the Hasanlu archaeological sequenc...
Determining the Validity and Accuracy of Multiple Activity-Tracking Devices in Controlled and Free-Walking Conditions.

Purpose:Clinicians and fitness professionals are increasingly recommending the use of activity trackers. This study compares commercially available activity tracking devices for step and distance a...
Dynamic changes in microglial and macrophage characteristics during degeneration and regeneration of the zebrafish retina

In contrast to mammals, zebrafish have the capacity to regenerate retinal neurons following a variety of injuries. Two types of glial cells, Muller glia (MG) and microglia, are known to exist in the zebrafish retina. Recent work has shown that MG give rise to regenerated retinal neurons, but the role of resident microglia, and the innate immune system more generally, during retinal regeneration is not well defined. Specifically, characteristics of the immune system and microglia following substantial neuron death and a successful regenerative response have not been documented. The neurotoxin ouabain was used to induce a substantial retinal lesion of the inner retina in zebrafish. This lesion results in a regenerative response that largely restores retinal architecture, neuronal morphologies, and connectivities, as well as recovery of visual function. We analyzed cryosections from damaged eyes following immunofluorescence and H&E staining to characterize the initial immune response to the lesion. Whole retinas were analyzed by confocal microscopy to characterize microglia morphology and distribution. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed Student’s t test comparing damaged to control samples. We find evidence of early leukocyte infiltration to the retina in response to ouabain injection followed by a period of immune cell proliferation that likely includes both resident microglia and substantial numbers of proliferating, extra-retinally derived macrophages, leading to rapid accumulation upon retinal damage. Following immune cell proliferation, Muller glia re-enter the cell cycle. In retinas that have regenerated the layers lost to the initial injury (histologically regenerated), microglia retain morphological features of activation, suggesting ongoing functions that are likely essential to restoration of retinal function. Collectively, these results indicate that microglia and the immune system are dynamic during a successful regenerative response in the retina. This study provides an important framework to probe inflammation in the initiation of, and functional roles of microglia during retinal regeneration.
Financing Long-Term Care in the United States

As the new millennium dawns, the United States approaches the aging of its population amid various dire predictions. All sorts of age-related phenomena are described as being in “crisis,” even though they lack the crucial immediacy or abrupt turning point that the word “crisis” implies. For example, the Medicare system for financing the health care needs of older Americans is projected to go bankrupt — but not until the year 2023. Similarly, the Social Security system that pays monthly stipends to retired American workers and their spouses anticipates running out of money — but not for another four decades (Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees 2000). These predictions may be appropriate subjects for policy discussions, but they are not “crises” in any real sense.
Dynamic Interaction of Proteoglycans

Proteoglycans are complex macromolecules which consist of a core glycoprotein backbone to which one or more glycosaminoglycan chains are attached through Oglycosidic linkages to serine residues. Glycosaminoglycans are unbranched chains of repeating disaccharide units in which one of the monosaccharides is an amino sugar and the other is invariably a hexuronic acid. Usually one type of glycosaminoglycan predominates on a single core protein giving rise to four main families: chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CS-PG), dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (DS-PG), heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HS-PG), and keratan sulfate proteoglycan (KS-PG) (1,2). An example of the basic structure of a typical proteoglycan is shown in Figure 1.