cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What do patients think? Results of a mixed methods pilot study assessing sciatica patients' interpretations of satisfaction and improvement

Abstract Background Little is known about the issues low back pain patients take into account when deciding their satisfaction with care, the importance placed on such satisfaction, or the factors they consider when assessing their overall improvement. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore these issues and to assess the feasibility of implementing qualitative research methods within a clinical trial. Methods Study participants were volunteers taking part in a randomized clinical pilot study comparing nonsurgical treatments for sciatica. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Results All 31 individuals who participated in the pilot study were interviewed. When asked which issues they considered when deciding their satisfaction with care, the most frequently identified themes were change in pain, personnel, and the treatment experience. When assessing their overall improvement, all participants considered whether their pain had changed. In response to the question asking participants which outcomes they considered to be most important, severity of pain and quality of life were most commonly cited. Conclusion This study demonstrated that a “mixed methods” approach using qualitative research methods within a clinical trial is not only feasible but can provide interesting and useful information for trial interpretation and future study design. By providing insight to the multidimensional nature of patients' beliefs and perceptions, this technique may not only shape but also redefine the focus of patient-oriented research and health care for low back pain conditions.
BMI and Coronary Heart Disease Risk Among Low-Income and Underinsured Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE The association between obesity and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk remains debatable, and no studies have assessed this association among diabetic patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between BMI and CHD risk among patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The sample included 30,434 diabetic patients (10,955 men and 19,479 women) 30–95 years of age without a history of CHD or stroke in the Louisiana State University Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study. RESULTS During a mean follow-up period of 7.3 years, 7,414 subjects developed CHD. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for CHD across levels of BMI at baseline (18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, and ≥40 kg/m 2 ) were 1.00, 1.14 (95% CI 1.00–1.29), 1.27 (1.12–1.45), 1.54 (1.34–1.78), and 1.42 (1.23–1.64) ( P trend P trend CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that there is a positive association between BMI at baseline and during follow-up with the risk of CHD among patients with type 2 diabetes. We indicate a U-shaped association between BMI at the last visit and the risk of CHD among women with type 2 diabetes.
Selecting a microcomputer: look before you leap

In order to remain competitive, businesses need to rely heavily on the productivity utilization of microcomputer technology. Microcomputer manufacturers have responded to this need with such a dazzling array of computers and optional equipment that it is becoming progressively more difficult to choose the most appropriate machine. Assists managers with the specification, selection and acquisition of microcomputers. The selection process includes profiling the user, and understanding key computer components and options including physical size, chip features and power, data bus pathways, memory, video, keyboard, mouse, price, acquisition sources, and vendor support services. Understanding what these items are, how they work, and how they work together enables managers to make informed choices relative to hardware acquisition.
Near-field Moiré effect mediated by surface plasmon polariton excitation

We have demonstrated a surface plasmon polariton mediated optical Moire effect by inserting a silver slab between two subwavelength gratings. Enhancement of the evanescent fields by the surface plasmon excitations on the silver slab leads to a remarkable contrast improvement in the Moire fringes from two subwavelength gratings. Numerical calculations, which agree very well with the experimental observation of evanescent-wave Moire fringes, elucidate the crucial role of the surface plasmon polaritons. The near-field Moire effect has potential applications to extend the existing Moire techniques to subwavelength characterization of nanostructures.
Prof. Young and the Presence of Ruthenium in the Chromosphere.

I HAVE been asked by Prof. Young, of Dartmouth College (U.S.) to say, with reference to the statement made on p. 244 of the third edition of my “Spectrum Analysis” concerning the presence of Ruthenium (Ru) in the solar atmosphere, that possibly by a lapsus calami he may have written the symbol (Rb) when giving the information of his discovery to Dr. Huggins, from whom I received a note on the subject.
A hypo-quadratic convergence method for systems of nonlinear equations

In this paper we investigate a class of inexact Newton methods which are hypo-quadratically convergent. The methods are designed for solving nonlinear systems of algebraic equations. An interesting feature is the flexibility of these algorithms: there is a trade-off between the rate of convergence and the accuracy required for solving the linearized equations at each iteration.
The impact of UML 2.0 on existing UML 1.4 models

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is the accepted standard for object-oriented modeling across the software design industry. Version 2.0 of the UML represents a major new revision to this standard and includes many changes to the current industry state of the practice (UML 1.4). These revisions include the removal or renaming of some existing features as well as the addition of several new capabilities. As tool vendors and software engineers begin to adopt UML 2.0, there is a potential to greatly impact legacy systems and practitioners employing UML 1.4. This report aims at providing an understanding of the changes made in UML 2.0 and their potential impacts, both positive and negative, to the UML 1.4 modeling community.
Body scanning as a new anthropometric measurement tool for health‐risk assessment

The study explored the accuracy of body measurements gathered from trained observers employing a tape measure compared with those generated by the 3D body scanner. Tape measurements of body circumferences are routinely used for assessing future risk to health, as increased circumference of the waist vs. hip is associated with greater chronic disease rates later in life. Findings indicated that significant differences existed between circumference measurements calculated by the body scanner and those which were gathered from a tape measure. This research indicates that utilization of the body scanner as an anthropometric measurement tool for the assessment of health risk has tremendous benefits.
Analysis of forward scattering of diffuse photon-density waves in turbid media:?a diffraction tomography approach to an analytic solution

We present a model of the forward problem for diffuse photon-density waves in a turbid medium containing a spherical inhomogeneity, using diffraction tomographic (DT) methods. Recently, by use of DT methods, the forward problem was investigated [Opt.??Express1, 6 (1997); www.osa.org] assuming weak perturbations from the background medium but an arbitrary inhomogeneity structure. We apply DT concepts to a forward problem solution that permits strong perturbations but requires a spherical inhomogeneity. We show that this model is consistent with previous DT results and discuss the application of this new model.
The neurobiological effects of stress on adolescent decision making

Relative to other developmental periods, adolescence is characterized by risky decision making, increased perceived stress and heightened reactivity to acute stress. It is also during this time that individuals undergo significant neurodevelopment in brain regions that process decision making and stress. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about stress during adolescence, how it impacts risky decision-making, and how acute stress may exert neurobiological effects on circuitry that subserves decision-making in the developing brain. We conclude by suggesting future research directions that may help the field gain traction on this important, but relatively understudied, question.
Chemical modification of deoxyribonucleic acids: Quantitation of 3-methylthymidine and O4-methylthymidine by tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Quantitation of 3-methylthymidine and O4-methylthymidine generated in the reaction of calf thymus DNA with methyl methanesulfonate (MeMS) and 1-methyl-1nitrosourea (MeNU) by mass spectrometry is reported. Quantitative precision of 7% or better is achieved on samples of 10−12 −10−13 mole in the HPLC and a final stage of separation before quantification by tandem mass spectrometry using desorption chemical ionization. Synthetic CD3-labeled nucleosides were used as internal standards for mass spectral quantification. A unique mass spectrometric scanning procedure, which allowed simultaneous MS—MS product ion analysis of both the analyte and the internal standard, was utilized to enchance precision and accuracy in these low level determinations. MeNU (a potent carcinogen) resulted in 18&%; 3-methylation and 0.17% O4-methylation of deoxythymidine whereas MeMS (a weak carcinogen) produced only 6.8% 3-methylation and 0.005% of deoxythymidine. These results demonstrate that the sensitivity and accuracy of this method should be adequate for the detection and quantification of methyl-nucleosides at the sub-picomole level at which mutation is induced in cell cultures.
Solution of źYź+YYźźY=0 by a nonasymptotic method

The solution of źyź(x)+y(x)yź(x)źy(x)=0, with the boundary conditionsy(0)=ź,y(1)=β, is obtained by a nonasymptotic method. It is shown that the nature of the inner solution for both left-hand and right-hand boundary layers depends on the roots of a transcendental equation. From sketches of this function, the location of the roots can be found. For the left-hand boundary layer, depending on the relative size and signs of ź and β, 13 cases exist for the possible solution of the transcendental equation. Of these cases, only five correspond to acceptable solutions. Similar remarks apply to the right-hand boundary layer solutions. Numerical experience with the method is also reported to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Waiting for the North to Rise: Revisiting Barber and Rifkin after a Generation of Union Financial Activism in the U.S.

A generation ago, Barber and Rifkin [The North Will Rise Again: Pensions, Politics and Power in 1980s (Beacon Press, Boston)] envisioned a new strategy for American Labor that would make extensive use of the capital in multi-employer and public pension plans. They argued that organized labor could influence how these funds were invested in order use this capital as both a weapon in struggles with recalcitrant management and as a tool to generate new union jobs. A number of union officials took this advice seriously, to make labor-connected individuals and organizations were among the most determined and successful investor activists of the 1990s. It is, however, hard to find evidence that this activism has effectively met the goals of organized labor, leading to the ironic conclusion that the innovations of labor's investor activist will do more to assist the investment community than the American labor movement.
New Technologies in Career Guidance: The Interactive Computer.

Beginning in the 1960s the interactive capabilities of computers were recognized as providing unprecedented opportunities for the development of computerized career guidance systems. Such systems offered individualized assistance in career decision making to large numbers of people at lor cost. Recognizing that each user may present a unique combinatior of needs, experiences, circumstances, values, interests, skills, styles, and perceptions, a developer can enable a well-planned system to respond appropriately to individual differences. A system can store, retrieve, and manipulate vast amounts of information, putting great resources at the fingertips of each user, and it can bring many personal, occupational, and educational variables together, combining them in distinctive ways for each client. These capabilities do not ensure that the sastance of any system will be of high quality. Much of a system's worth depends on its conceptual framework, the strength of its theory and rationale, and the coherence of its functions and structures. The "black box" of theory underlying every system should be opened up and exposed to the light of scrutiny and evaluation. Examples from the principles, research, model, and structures for the System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) and SIGI PLUS are used to illustrate the links between theory and practice. (Contains 21 refe_ences.) (Author/SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Otioce 04 Educnonar Research and tmoronemenr EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CE NTE R IFRICI k/rfus document has been rep, oduced as recenned from the Person Or organ,cat.on ongatafing C. Must', changes have been made to ',Tyrone reproduchon want, Rom/sot wen. or OprmOns stared rn men! 00 rr01 neCeSSarity reoresent othc.a, OE Rt pos.non or poircy "PERMi ,SION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)" NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN CAREER GUIDANCE: THE INTERACTIVE COMPUTER
Variability in children's level of reasoning about friendship

Abstract Maturity and variability in level of friendship reasoning were evaluated in 4th-7th grade children. Peer reputation in the classroom was also assessed. Results indicated greater intraindividual variability in friendship reasoning than previous reports have suggested. In addition, friendship reasoning maturity made significant contributions in accounting for variance in Positive and Isolated peer reputation even after sex, socio-economic status (SES), and IQ were taken into account, while reasoning variability was the only variable accounting for significant variance in Disruptive peer reputation. Implications for social cognition research and intervention are discussed.
Crystal structure of ovine interferon-tau at 2.1 A resolution.

Abstract Ovine interferon-τ (ovIFN-τ) is a pregnancy recognition hormone required for normal embryonic development in sheep. In addition to its novel role in reproductive physiology, ovIFN-τ displays antiviral and antiproliferative activities similar to the IFN-α subtypes. To probe the structural basis for its unique activity profile, the crystal structure of ovIFN-τ has been determined at 2.1 A resolution. The fold of ovIFN-τ is similar to the previously determined crystal structures of human IFN-α2b and human and murine IFN-β, which each contain five α-helices. Comparison of ovIFN-τ with huIFN-α2b, huIFN-β, and muIFN-β reveals unexpected structural differences that occur in regions of considerable sequence identity. Specifically, main-chain differences up to 11 A occur for residues in helix A, the AB loop, helix B, and the BC loop. Furthermore, these regions are known to be important for receptor binding and biological activity. Of particular interest, a buried ion pair is observed in ovIFN-τ between Glu71 and Arg145 which displaces a conserved tryptophan residue (Trp77) from the helical bundle core. This ion pair represents a major change in the core of ovIFN-τ compared to huIFN-α2b. Based on amino acid sequence comparisons, these ovIFN-τ structural features may be conserved in several human IFN-α subtypes and IFN-ω. The structure identifies potential problems in interpreting site-directed mutagenesis data on the human IFN-α family that consists of 12 proteins.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific T cells activated in the absence of IFN-gamma express alternative effector functions but are not protective against genital HSV-2 infection.

Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is important for immune resistance to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. To examine the influence of IFNγ on the development of HSV-specific immune responses and test for IFNγ-independent adaptive immune mechanisms of protection, IFNγ-deficient mice (IFNγ−/−) were immunized with thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-2 (HSV-2 333tk−). HSV-specific cellular and humoral responses were elicited in immunized IFNγ−/− mice resulting in increased resistance relative to non-immune C57BL/6J (B6) mice following challenge with fully virulent HSV-2. CD8+ T cells from IFNγ−/− mice displayed cytotoxic activity and secreted TNFα. HSV-specific CD4+ T cells from immunized IFNγ−/− mice secreted IL-4, TNFα, and IL-17, but unlike T cells from HSV-immune B6 mice, could not clear virus from genital tissue following adoptive transfer. HSV-immune IFNγ−/− mice produced predominantly IgG1 HSV-specific antibodies while immune B6 mice produced predominantly IgG2c antibodies. Transfer of equivalent amounts of HSV-specific antibodies from either strain to naive mice imparted equivalent early resistance against infection of the genital epithelia. However, protection against neurological symptoms mediated by immune B6 antibodies was superior late in infection. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the limited resistance of HSV-immune IFNγ−/− mice to HSV-2 infection resulted from the action of HSV-specific Ab rather than IFNγ-independent effector functions of T cells. Further, protection against neurological manifestations of HSV-2 infection was superior in mice receiving Ab from immune B6 mice suggesting that Ab-mediated protective mechanisms involving IFNγ-induced IgG subclasses were more effective once virus had spread to neural tissues.
A contribution to the theory of recoil-atom behavior

Abstract Equations are derived for the distribution of recoil atoms and recoil energy in a flat-plate, recoil-atom source and in a target in contact with the source. An E −1 stopping power is assumed. The results should be useful in applications of alpha and fission sources.
Should vascular surgery become an independent specialty? Perspective of a program chairman and Residency Review Committee member.

The emergence of vascular surgery as a subspecialty of general surgery has created tension and a sense of fragmentation of the parent discipline. This article reviews the present status of accredited medical specialties (n = 24) and subspecialties (n = 50) and confronts some current problems in the field of vascular surgery. Issues of resident training, practice opportunity, manpower, and specialty encroachment would not be alleviated by creation of a separate specialty of vascular surgery. Rather, in the view of a program director and member of the Residency Review Committee (RRC) for Surgery, educational reforms should be designed to facilitate career tracking of residents entering subspecialties while enhancing training and practice opportunities of general surgeons. A model is suggested that will significantly improve the resident operative experience in major vascular surgery for both general and vascular surgery trainees. A recent commitment of both the RRC and the American Board of Surgery to address these issues offers a creative opportunity to improve vascular training, manpower, and patient care while mitigating the threat of further fragmentation of general surgery. The title of this minisymposium reflects a national trend: for the past decade or more medicine has experienced progressive subspecialization and fragmentation. General surgery has not been exempted.1 The reasons for this evolution are many, including a desire on the part of residents to cope with the information ,explosion in medicine, to master increasingly complex medical technology, or to follow in the footsteps of academic role models who are often subspecialists. On the other hand, this trend toward subspecialization often reflects an increasing commitment to
Some Gains from Trade in Producer Goods

Introduction, 635. — Balanced trade in consumer goods, 636. — Balanced trade in consumer goods and producer goods, 637. — Unbalanced but offsetting trade in producer and consumer goods, 639. — A pedagogical comment, 642.
The Metal Cutting Process as a Means of Studying the Properties of Extreme Pressure Lubricants

The cutting of metals by a single point tool involves two main problems of interest to physicists and engineers, namely, the plastic deformation and failure of metals and the friction and wear of sliding surfaces. The material in front of a cutting tool is removed by a process of shear, and fundamental studies of the strength of materials in the fields of solid state physics, engineering plasticity, and physical metallurgy are pertinent to this phase of the cutting process. The material that is detached from the workpiece moves in sliding contact up the face of the cutting tool. The surface of the sliding metal chip is subjected to very high stress, for the entire cutting force is transmitted from the tool to the work material across this surface. The basic principles established by workers in the fields of friction, wear, and lubrication are directly applicable to this second phase of the cutting process. In the present paper, the interrelationship between the shearing and sliding phases of cutting is considered, but only the sliding and frictional aspects of the process are discussed in detail. The cutting process offers a convenient means for studying the frictional properties of metals in sliding contact. By measuring the horizontal and vertical components of force on the tool and the ratio of the length of chip to length of cut, the coefficient of friction between the tool and the chip may be determined. A simple two component force dynamometer is described which enables the coefficient of friction to be determined. Friction data obtained from this dynamometer for specimens of commercially pure aluminum sliding across a hard steel surface in the presence of carefully purified short chain length saturated and unsaturated chlorinated hydrocarbons are presented and discussed. The chemical reactivity of several of the aluminum-fluid combinations is presented as determined by noting the time required for a chemical reaction to set in when aluminum is kept in contact with the fluid at an elevated temperature. General agreement is seen to exist between the relative reactivity of a fluid toward aluminum and its frictional performance when used in the cutting of aluminum. It is found that cutting fluids in the gaseous state may be equally as effective as those applied in the liquid state. These observations tend to substantiate the view that fluids are effective lubricants in the extreme region of boundary lubrication, embracing metal cutting by virtue of their ability to react chemically with the chip metal to form a low shear strength solid lubricant. Other frictional data for aluminum cut in conjunction with representative members of a number of homologous series are presented and discussed. The paper is concluded by a brief discussion of the inherent advantages of the two dimensional cutting process as a means for studying the frictional characteristics of sliding metal surfaces.
Fusarium brain abscess: case report and literature review

Severely immunocompromised patients such as those with haematological malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are at an increased risk of acquiring invasive mould infections. Fusarium, a ubiquitous fungus, can cause potentially fatal infections in such hosts. It usually manifests as skin lesions, fevers and sino-pulmonary infections. Brain abscesses have been reported, but are relatively uncommon. We report a case of a 50-year-old patient with acute lymphocytic leukaemia and failed autologous peripheral stem cell transplant that presented with new onset seizures and was found to have Fusarium solani brain abscess. Nasal route was the presumed mode of entry of the fungus into the cerebrum. Treatment comprised surgical excision of the lesion, and antimycotic therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole. Despite aggressive therapy, patient succumbed to the disease. We have provided an overview of infections secondary to Fusarium, along with a review of the central nervous system involvement by this pathogenic mould.
Pure Nash equilibria of coordination matrix games

Abstract We give a simple formula for the chance that a random m-by-n coordination game has exactly k pure Nash equilibria and compare the payoffs at the different equilibria.
A pH Sensor Based on a Microcantilever Coated with Intelligent Hydrogel

Abstract Hydrogels that contain different amounts of amino groups were used to modify microcantilevers for the pH measurements. These microcantilevers deflected upon exposure to various pH solutions due to the swelling and shrinking of the hydrogels. The microcantilever deflection, as a function of pH, is nearly linear in a wide pH range. A significant 1000 nm/pH bending response was observed from a Gel‐4 coated microcantilever, which could be used for precise pH measurements. Such hydrogel coated microcantilevers could potentially be used to prepare microcantilever chemical and biological sensors when molecular recognition agents are immobilized into the polymer.
A Confidence Interval Approach for Variance Component Estimates in the Context of Generalizability Theory

The accuracy of the conclusions drawn from applications of generalizability theory are largely a function of the accuracy of the statistics resulting from a G study analysis. Previous research has ...
Progression of Chronic Hepatitis and Preneoplasia in Helicobacter hepaticus-Infected A/JCr Mice

Helicobacter hepaticus infection induces sustained inflammation and carcinoma of the liver in A/JCr mice, and serves as a model of human cancers associated with viral hepatitis and H. pylori chronic gastritis. Here we describe the pathogenesis of premalignant disease in A/JCr mice infected with H. hepaticus. We inoculated dams intragestationally and/or pups postnatally, and evaluated offspring at 3, 6, or 12 months. Mice infected at or before 3 weeks of age, but not at 12 weeks, developed disease. Male mice were most affected, but expressed a bimodal pattern of susceptibility. Males exhibited lobular necrogranulomatous and interface (chronic active) hepatitis, while females usually developed intraportal (chronic persistent) hepatitis. Portal inflammation was slowly progressive, with tertiary lymphoid nodule development by 12 months. Hepatic bacterial load and preneoplastic lesions, including clear and tigroid cell foci of cellular alteration, were correlated with lobular hepatitis severity. No extrahepati...
Section Review Pulmonary-Allergy, Dermatological, Gastrointestinal & Arthritis: HLA-derived peptides as a strategy for the prevention of allograft rejection

Synthetic peptides corresponding to linear sequences of HLA molecules are potent immune modulators both in vitro and in vivo. Peptides corresponding to sequences of selected alpha helices of HLA class I molecules induce immunologic tolerance in animal models and have been shown to be non-toxic in Phase I clinical trials. Preliminary data from Phase II trials indicate that these peptides block cell-mediated cytotoxicity in humans. Like the immunosuppressive desoxyspergualin, these peptides bind to heat shock protein 70 family members. Peptides corresponding to analogous regions of HLA class II molecules similarly inhibit transplant rejection and autoimmune models in vivo but do not bind to heat shock proteins. Clinical trais with these peptides are not yet underway. These studies suggest that linear sequences of HLA molecules may be physiological immune modulators and that synthetic peptides corresponding to linear sequences of HLA molecules may be useful for therapy of transplantation and a myriad of othe...
Blood pressure, anti-hypotensive therapy, and neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants.

Objective To compare neurodevelopment (ND) in 3 cohorts of extremely preterm infants: untreated with normal blood pressure (BP), untreated with low BP, and treated with low BP. Study design We conducted a retrospective study of infants 23 to 25 weeks gestation. Low BP was defined as ≥3 mean arterial pressures ≤25 mm Hg in the first 72 hours of life. Treatment included fluids, inotropes, and corticosteroids. Results We examined 67 infants with normal BP, 31 infants with untreated low BP, and 70 infants with treated low BP. A total of 75% survived to be discharged from the hospital, and 95% of survivors had ND assessment. Perinatal variables differed between treated infants with low BP and the other groups. Untreated infants with low BP had similar survival rates, but more cerebral palsy, deafness, or any ND impairment when compared with infants with normal BP. Treated infants with low BP had more mortality, worse ND, and less survival without ND impairment compared with infants who had normal BP. Results were unchanged after logistic regression adjusting for prenatal steroids, maternal education, race, sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and postnatal dexamethasone exposure. Conclusions Infants with low BP—regardless of treatment—had worse ND than infants with normal BP. Early low BP may be independently associated with a poor outcome.
Ropelike birthmarks on children who claim to remember past lives.

Description of birthmarks having the pattern of strands of a rope in a second known case includes some verification of the correspondence between the birthmarks and injuries from ropes on an identi...
Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Nursing Homes: An Unappreciated Hazard for Frail Elderly Persons

The common occurrence and dire consequences of infectious disease outbreaks in nursing homes often go unrecognized and unappreciated. Nevertheless, these facilities provide an ideal environment for acquisition and spread of infection: susceptible residents who share sources of air, food, water, and health care in a crowded institutional setting. Moreover, visitors, staff, and residents constantly come and go, bringing in pathogens from both the hospital and the community. Outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal infection predominate in this setting, but outbreaks of skin and soft-tissue infection and infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria also occur with some frequency.
Sampling and analysis of atmospheric sulfur compounds for isotope ratio studies

Abstract A method has been developed for sampling atmospheric oxides and for processing the samples for the determination of stable sulfur isotope ratios. Milligram quantities of oxides were collected with high volume sampler packs consisting of glass fiber filters to retain particulate sulfate and alkaline impregnated papers which absorbed sulfur dioxide. Pretreatment has reduced filter blanks to reasonable levels. The effect of concentration, temperature and humidity upon sampling efficiency is described. Various types and grades of paniculate filters showed a wide range of adsorption of sulfur dioxide with formation of extrinsic sulfate. Modified procedures developed for treating small samples produced pure sulfur dioxide for mass spectrometry. Sulfur concentrations were measured during sample preparation by a 110Ag tracer technique.
Wavelets-based NURBS simplification and fairing

Abstract This paper describes a novel simplification and fairing method for NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) curves and surfaces using orthogonal non-uniform spline wavelets. The compression nature of wavelets is utilized for NURBS simplification. Sufficient conditions for C 0 - and G 1 -continuity at the shared boundary of multiple NURBS patches are proved and utilized to preserve the boundary continuity. Our fairing method filters out unwanted imperfections and noise on the NURBS curves and surfaces while preserving geometric details via wavelet decomposition and selective reconstruction. The continuity between neighboring patches is preserved automatically during fairing. Our algorithm is accurate, automatic, robust, efficient, and can be extensively applied to any NURBS models in various research fields such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Reverse Engineering (RE), finite element analysis and isogeometric analysis. Several examples are presented in this paper, including a propeller CAD model, a Navy boat model and a G 1 -continuous NURBS model of the thoracic aorta constructed from medical CT (Computed Tomography) data.
Visual.vs. phonemic contributions to the importance of the initial letter in word identification

A modified Stroop paradigm was used to evaluate the relative contributions of visual and phonemic processing to the importance of initial letters for word identification. Results implicated both types of processing while indicating a stronger role for visual processing. Results are discussed in terms of the typically found importance of the first letter for successful word identification.
Terbium(III) and europium(III) ions as sensitive probes in organic photochemistry

The feasibility and utility of the lanthanide ions as sensitive probes in organic photochemical transformations is demonstrated for several diverse systems. The systems studied include: Tb3+ as a rate controller in the sensitized dimerization of norbornene, Tb3+ as a rate controller and as a probe in the photoreduction of benzophenones, and additionally Eu3 as a fluorescence quencher for the anthraquinone radical ion. The mechanism, kinetics and quantum yields for these systems are elucidated.
Frequency Response of Microcantilevers in Viscous Fluids

This paper presents a new, general reconstruction algorithm that enables modeling of the experimental resonance spectrum of a prismatic microcantilever in a viscous fluid. A closed-form solution is obtained for the microcantilever frequency response from the equation of motion with fluid damping and internal friction terms, which allows direct calculation of the fluid damping and internal friction damping constants. In principle, the fluid damping constant has a simple relationship to viscosity thus potentially simplifying the process of obtaining viscosity from experimental data. Finally, the model is compared to experimental data.
The advantage of flexible neuronal tunings in neural network models for motor learning

Human motor adaptation to novel environments is often modeled by a basis function network that transforms desired movement properties into estimated forces. This network employs a layer of nodes that have fixed broad tunings that generalize across the input domain. Learning is achieved by updating the weights of these nodes in response to training experience. This conventional model is unable to account for rapid flexibility observed in human spatial generalization during motor adaptation. However, added plasticity in the breadths of the basis function tunings can achieve this flexibility, and several neurophysiological experiments have revealed flexibility in tunings of sensorimotor neurons. We found a model, Locally Weighted Projection Regression (LWPR), which uniquely possesses the structure of a basis function network in which both the weights and tuning widths of the nodes are updated incrementally during adaptation. We presented this LWPR model with training functions of different spatial complexities and monitored incremental updates to receptive field sizes. An inverse pattern of dependence of receptive field adaptation on experienced error became evident, underlying both a relationship between generalization and complexity, and a unique behavior in which generalization always narrows after a sudden switch in environmental complexity. These results implicate a model with a flexible structure, like LWPR, as a viable alternative model for human motor adaptation that can account for previously observed plasticity in spatial generalization. This theory can be tested by using the behaviors observed in our experiments as novel hypotheses in human studies.
Navigating the Maize between Red Meat and Oncomirs

High red meat consumption is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Various mechanisms have been proposed, including mutagenesis, alterations of the gut microbiome, and effects on local immunity and inflammation. This lack of well-defined mechanistic explanations for diet and cancer associations coupled with our inability to derive causal inferences from population-based studies allows us to rationalize that burger we ate at lunch or that steak we ate at dinner. The preparation and consumption of red meat is a major social and dining pleasure in the Western culture, so there is resistance to concern ourselves with the cancer risk associated with red meat. In fact, advertisements do not add a rapid-fire statement that consumption of more than half a portion of red meat per day has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and even death, because these data are not from randomized controlled trials? Would we heed a warning if there was evidence that burgers and steaks induced the expression of small noncoding RNAs that inhibit the expression of tumor-suppressor genes in our enterocytes? What level of evidence is necessary to convince ourselves that a dietary exposure is sufficiently causal to put a warning label on it? How do we experimentally obtain such evidence? If we knew the mechanism, perhaps we could modify the risk sufficiently such that we can have our steak and eat it too-without the warnings.
Modulation of Motoneuron Excitability by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Gonzalez, Michael and William F. Collins, III. Modulation of motoneuron excitability by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 502–506, 1997. The influence of neurotrophins on moto...
Biotechnology and biochemical weapons

(2002). Biotechnology and biochemical weapons. The Nonproliferation Review: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 48-53.
Centrifuge Model Studies of the Seismic Response of Reinforced Soil Slopes

Centrifuge tests were used to study the dynamic behavior of soil slopes reinforced with geosynthetics and metal grids. The main objectives were to determine the failure mechanism and amount of deformations under seismic loading and to identify the main parameters controlling seismically induced deformations. Geosynthetically reinforced soil slopes (2V:1H) and vertical walls reinforced with metallic mesh strips were subjected to earthquake motions with maximum foundation accelerations of up to 1.08g. The experimental results show that slope movement can occur under relatively small base accelerations, and significant lateral and vertical deformations can occur within the reinforced soil mass under strong shaking. However, no distinct failure surfaces were observed, and the magnitude of deformations is related to the backfill density, reinforcement stiffness and spacing, and slope inclination.
True polar wander on Europa from global-scale small-circle depressions

The tectonic patterns and stress history of Europa are exceedingly complex and many large-scale features remain unexplained. True polar wander, involving reorientation of Europa's floating outer ice shell about the tidal axis with Jupiter, has been proposed as a possible explanation for some of the features. This mechanism is possible if the icy shell is latitudinally variable in thickness and decoupled from the rocky interior. It would impose high stress levels on the shell, leading to predictable fracture patterns. No satisfactory match to global-scale features has hitherto been found for polar wander stress patterns. Here we describe broad arcuate troughs and depressions on Europa that do not fit other proposed stress mechanisms in their current position. Using imaging from three spacecraft, we have mapped two global-scale organized concentric antipodal sets of arcuate troughs up to hundreds of kilometres long and 300 m to approximately 1.5 km deep. An excellent match to these features is found with stresses caused by an episode of approximately 80 degrees true polar wander. These depressions also appear to be geographically related to other large-scale bright and dark lineaments, suggesting that many of Europa's tectonic patterns may also be related to true polar wander.
The Impact of Early Retirement Incentives on Retirees and Their Families

The widespread use of incentive-based early retirement as a work force reduction strategy during the 1980s introduced uncertainty into a formerly predictable life course event. This study uses qualitative and quantitative data from in-depth focused interviews with 60 families (111 individuals) to examine the impact of early retirement incentives on satisfaction with retirement, personal efficacy of the retiree, and beliefs about the future of long-term careers. Early retirees were satisfied with retirement. Satisfaction was significantly related to health (p < .03) and expectations for future health and productivity (p < .04). Spouses were satisfied with retirement but expressed concerns about the retiree's adjustment and their own loss of privacy. Personal efficacy was significantly different for retirees in each of three categories of availability of an alternative to retirement and three categories of reason for retirement.
Nitrogen uptake strategies of edaphically specialized Bornean tree species

The association of tree species with particular soil types contributes to high β diversity in forests, but the mechanisms producing such distributions are still debated. Soil nitrogen (N) often limits growth and occurs in differentially available chemical forms. In a Bornean forest where tree species composition changes dramatically along a soil gradient varying in supplies of different N-forms, we investigated whether tree species’ N-uptake and soil specialization strategies covaried. We analyzed foliar 15N natural abundance for a total of 216 tree species on clay or sandy loam (the soils at the gradient’s extremes) and conducted a 15N-tracer experiment with nine specialist and generalist species to test whether species displayed flexible or differential uptake of ammonium and nitrate. Despite variation in ammonium and nitrate supplies and nearly 4 ‰ difference in foliar δ15N between most soil specialists and populations of generalists on these soils, our 15N tracer experiment showed little support for the hypothesis that soil specialists vary in N-form use or the ratios in which they use these forms. Instead, our results indicate that these species possess flexible capacities to take up different inorganic N forms. Variation between soil specialists in uptake of different N forms is thus unlikely to cause the soil associations of tree species and high β diversity characteristic of this Bornean rain forest. Flexible uptake strategies would facilitate N-acquisition when supply rates of N-forms exhibit spatiotemporal variation and suggest that these species may be functionally redundant in their responses to N gradients and influences on ecosystem N-cycles.
Mechanical behavior of microstrip structures made from YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ superconducting ceramics

The thermal stress response of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ superconducting microstrip lines on GaAs, Si, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and MgO dielectric substrates has been studied using the finite-element method. Detailed stress distributions near critical areas of the systems were calculated to understand the mechanical behavior of the composite. The resulting stress fields are very high (large enough to cause cracking in the composite structure) for some of the dielectric materials due to the thermal expansion mismatch between the superconducting material and the dielectric substrate. YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ superconducting microstrip lines on MgO displayed the best thermal-mechanical properties. It is concluded that the management of stresses resulting from the operating thermal environment will be a critical design constraint for the manufacture of reliable superconductor interconnects. >
The Contraceptive Implant: An Updated Review of the Evidence

The etonogestrel implant is a form of highly effective and long-acting reversible contraception, available in the U.S. as Nexplanon® (Merck and Co, Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, U.S.). It is placed under the skin of the upper arm by health care providers and is approved for use up to 3 years. It is more effective than any other method, including the intrauterine devices (IUDs) and permanent sterilization methods. It has few contraindications, and has high rates of satisfaction and continuation. While irregular bleeding is the most common side effect and reason for discontinuation of the method, most women experience reduced bleeding overall, and it can be used to improve dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and endometriosis. Complications related to use, insertion, and removal are rare. While the implant has many advantages, it is important for providers of family planning to use a patient-centered approach to counseling about all contraceptives, including highly effective reversible methods, and to support women’s reproductive autonomy.
Negotiation behavior during requirements specification

Negotiation is part of specification; during specification acquisition, users negotiate among themselves and with analysts. During specification design, designers negotiate among themselves and with a project leader. The author reports on work concerned with multiagent specification design. He describes how various agents, often with conflicting goals, can resolve their differences, integrate their results, and produce a unified specification. Such bargaining behavior is both ubiquitous in complex specification and unrepresented by current methods. Automated means to promote integrative behavior during specification are presented. Formal models of users' desires and resolution methods are necessary for integrative reasoning. >
Multi-walled carbon nanotube instillation impairs pulmonary function in C57BL/6 mice

Background: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely used in many disciplines due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Therefore, some concerns about the possible human health and environmental impacts of manufactured MWCNTs are rising. We hypothesized that instillation of MWCNTs impairs pulmonary function in C57BL/6 mice due to development of lung inflammation and fibrosis. Methods: MWCNTs were administered to C57BL/6 mice by oropharyngeal aspiration (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and we assessed lung inflammation and fibrosis by inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen content, and histological assessment. Pulmonary function was assessed using a FlexiVent system and levels of Ccl3, Ccl11, Mmp13 and IL-33 were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: Mice administered MWCNTs exhibited increased inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition and granuloma formation in lung tissue, which correlated with impaired pulmonary function as assessed by increased resistance, tissue damping, and decreased lung compliance. Pulmonary exposure to MWCNTs induced an inflammatory signature marked by cytokine (IL-33), chemokine (Ccl3 and Ccl11), and protease production (Mmp13) that promoted the inflammatory and fibrotic changes observed within the lung.
Psychological relevance and information science

This article summarizes the theory of psychological relevance proposed by Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson (1986), to explicate the relevance of speech utterances to hearers in everyday conversation. The theory is then interpreted as the concept of relevance in information retrieval, and an extended example is presented. Implications of psychological relevance for research in information retrieval; evaluation of information retrieval systems; and the concepts of information, information need, and the information-seeking process are explored. Connections of the theory to ideas in bibliometrics are also suggested. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.