cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of higher-order squeezing of quantum electromagnetic fields.

The concept of Nth-order squeezing and intrinsic Nth-order squeezing is introduced and applied to several physical situations that are known to exhibit second-order squeezing. It is shown that the field produced in degenerate parametric down-conversion is squeezed to all orders, as well as being intrinsically squeezed to orders 2,6,10,. . . . The same is true for the fundamental mode in second-harmonic generation within the short-time approximation, but in this case there is only intrinsic second-order squeezing. In resonance fluorescence from a two-level atom squeezing is again found to be intrinsically a second-order phenomenon, although an intrinsic second-order effect can give rise to a weak form of higher-order squeezing.
Relation of the Ovary to Adrenal Corticosterone Production and Adrenal Enzyme Activity in the Rat

Corticosterone production in vitro by adrenal homogenates from oophorectomized rats is decreased compared to homogenates from intact or estradiol-treated, oophorectomized animals. This decrement occurs with the addition of either NADP and glucose-6-phosphate or NADPH alone. The defect also persists after unilateral adrenalectomy or administration of large doses of ACTH. Adrenal corticosterone production is stimulated in slices or homogenates obtained from hypophysectomized, oophorectomized rats given estradiol. Oophorectomy produces no change in the following adrenal constituents: cholesterol, phosphorylase, phosphodiesterase, 5'- nucleotidase, glucose-6-phosphatase, hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, ATP-ase and lactic dehydrogenase. Adrenal glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase and isocitric dehydrogenase are increased after oophorectomy, whereas the activities of the 3 dehydrogenases are reduced after estradiol replacement. These data suggest that the effects of oophorectomy ...
Turán's Theorem and Maximal Degrees

Extending results of Bollobas and Thomason (1981,J. Combin. Theory Ser. B31, 111?114) and Bondy (1983,J. Combin. Theory Ser. B34, 109?111), we characterize graphs of ordernand size at leasttr(n) that do not have a vertexxof maximal degreedxwhose neighbours span at leasttr?1(dx)+1 edges. Furthermore, we show that, for every graphGof ordernand size at leasttr(n), the degree-greedy algorithm used by Bondy (1983,J. Combin. Theory Ser. B34, 109?111) and Bollobas and Thomason (1985,Ann. Discr. Math.28, 47?97) constructs a complete graphKr+1, unlessGis the Turan graphTr(n).
Animating the archive

Derived from ancient Greek άρχeϊου ("government"), the late Latin word "archive" has come in the modern era to refer not just to public records but also to the entire corpus of material remains that the past has bequeathed to the present: artifacts, writings, books, works of art, personal documents, and the like. It also refers to the institutions that house and preserve such remains, be they museums, libraries, or archives proper. In all of these meanings, archive connotes a past that is dead, that has severed its ties with the present, that has entered the crypt of history. The essay explores the ways in which Internet 2.0 offers new possibilities for institutions of memory: novel approaches to conservation and preservation based not upon limiting but multiplying access to the remains of the past; participatory models of content production and curatorship; mixed reality approaches to programming and informal education that expand traditional library and museum audiences; and enhanced means for vivifying and for promoting active modes of engagement with the past.
Abuse of a corpse: A brief history and re-theorization of necrophilia laws in the USA

In September 2006, Wisconsin police discovered Nicholas Grunke, Alexander Grunke, and Dustin Radtke digging into the grave of a recently deceased woman. Upon questioning by police, Alexander Grunke...
Experience with routine office sigmoidoscopy using the 60-cm flexible colonoscope in private practice.

Based on reported success and safety, 1121 sigmoidoscopies were performed in 964 patients seen privately by one surgeon, as a routine office screening procedure, using the flexible 60-cm sigmoidoscope instead of the rigid 25-cm instrument. The doubling of the distance that was examined doubled the diagnostic yield for neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease, specific or nonspecific. As compared with bariumenema examinations, the yield was even greater: 5∶1 for neoplasia, 7∶1 for inflammation, 3∶1 for polyps >1 cm, and 5∶1 for false-negative, false-positive, or equivocal x-ray findings. No serious complications were encountered in any of the examinations including 72 polypectomies performed in the office. The study supports flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy as a major screening tool for individuals in private practive in truly evaluating the interior of the lower 60-cm of the colorectum for neoplasia and for the diagnosis and monitoring of bowel disease or neoplasia confined to that area.
The New Counterinsurgency Era: Transforming the U.S. Military for Modern Wars

David Ucko, (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2009) 258pp. Writing about the process by which modern militaries evolve, or, in some cases, do not, is experiencing a welcome and healthy ...
Childhood and adult factors associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnosis

Abstract Background and purpose RLS appears to be caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This study sought to identify some environmental risk factors significantly associated with the occurrence of RLS. Patients and methods Three adult behaviors and 10 childhood factors potentially related to development of RLS were evaluated for significant association with the occurrence of RLS in a large case-controlled family history study. All available family members of the probands in this study were evaluated for RLS using a validated diagnostic telephone interview that included a background questionnaire covering factors potentially associated with the development of RLS. Where possible, the mothers of the subjects were also interviewed regarding developmental factors that might affect the child’s health and perhaps occurrence of RLS. All family members with a definite diagnosis of RLS or Not-RLS were included in the study. Of a total of 973 participants, 262 (27%) had RLS and 711 did not. Results An odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence limits (CI) was calculated for the relationship of each factor to RLS diagnosis. Restless sleep in childhood was associated with an increased risk of developing RLS later in life for both men (OR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.31–5.29) and women (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.41–4.59). Blood donation was also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing RLS among men only (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.10–3.58), which was more pronounced for those donating blood more than the median number of donations for this group of five (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.16–4.43). No other factor was significantly associated with the occurrence of RLS. Conclusions This is the first case-controlled study that demonstrates a significant association between blood donation and the occurrence of RLS in males. The association was most significant for those men donating five or more times. Smoking and alcohol use were not related to the occurrence of RLS. Neither childhood growing pains nor attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was related to RLS. The only consistent factor found related to prevalence of RLS for both men and women was the report of ‘restless sleep’ in childhood.
Types of Maternal Hypertensive Disease and Their Association with Pathologic Lesions and Clinical Factors

Hypertensive disease (HD) during pregnancy includes chronic hypertension (HTN), gestational hypertension (GH), and preeclampsia/eclampsia (PEC). Differences between types of HD have not been well studied. Clinicopathologic features were compared between the HD groups and controls. HD was associated with lower Apgar scores, intrauterine growth restriction, IUGR, and delivery at an earlier gestational age (GA). IUGR was less common in the GH group, gestational age was lowest in the PEC. As expected, HD is associated with placental lesions of malperfusion, younger GA, and increased incidence of IUGR and controls showed less chronic and more "acute" lesions (ACA, MEC). Finally, comparisons of the HD groups showed differences only in GA and IUGR in the GH group as compared to the HTN and PEC groups. This suggests that GH may be associated with less severe clinical disease while showing similar pathologic features.
Acoustic phonon damping in cubic metals

Abstract Electron-phonon-induced linewidths of phonons are discussed in terms of near neighbor tight-binding parameters. Predictions are made of the anisotropy of the linewidth, and some selection rules are given for long-wavelength acoustic phonons.
Psoralen-mediated virus photoinactivation in platelet concentrates: enhanced specificity of virus kill in the absence of shorter UVA wavelengths.

Treatments with psoralens and long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA, 320-400 nm; PUVA) have shown efficacy for virus sterilization of platelet concentrates (PC). Our laboratory has employed the psoralen derivative 4'-aminomethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (AMT), and we have found that platelet integrity is best preserved when rutin, a flavonoid that quenches multiple reactive oxygen species, is present during AMT/UVA treatment of PC. In this report, we examine the effects of different UVA spectra under our standard PC treatment conditions (i.e. 50 micrograms/mL AMT, 0.35 mM rutin and 38 J/cm2 UVA). Added vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV; > or = 5.5 log10) was completely inactivated with the simultaneous maintenance of the platelet aggregation response (> 90% of control) when a UVA light source with transmission mainly between 360 and 370 nm (narrow UVA1) was used. In contrast, with a broad-band UVA (320-400 nm; broad UVA) light source, the aggregation response was greatly compromised (< 50% of control) with only a minor increase in the rate of VSV kill. With this lamp, platelet function could be improved to about 75% of the control by adding a long-pass filter, which reduced the transmission of shorter (< or = 345 nm) UVA wavelengths (340-400 nm; UVA1). At equivalent levels of virus kill, aggregation function was always best preserved when narrow UVA1 was used for PUVA treatment. Even in the absence of AMT, and with or without rutin present, narrow UVA1 irradiation was better tolerated by platelets than was broad UVA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Criminal Commitment Among Drug Dealers

Conflicting stereotypes have confused the public about the motivations, ideology, and organization underlying soft drug dealing. This field study integrates new and existing images of criminality and commitment to provide insight into the complex and subterranean dealing world.
Towards backstepping design for incremental stability

The notion of incremental stability has been successfully used as a tool for the analysis and design of intrinsic observers, output regulation of nonlinear systems, frequency estimators, synchronization of coupled identical dynamical systems, symbolic models for nonlinear control systems, and bio-molecular systems. However, most of the existing controller design techniques provide controllers enforcing stability rather than incremental stability. Hence, there is a growing need for design methods for incremental stability. In this paper, we take a step in this direction by developing a backstepping design approach to incremental stability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by synthesizing a controller rendering a magnetic levitator incrementally stable.
Civil War Politics and the Texts of Archbishop William Laud's Execution Sermon and Prayers

AbstractBefore his execution in 1645, Archbishop William Laud composed a sermon and prayer to be delivered on Tower Hill. What started as a single text—the manuscript from which he spoke—soon became multiple texts composed of a transcribed record which differed from the written text in hundreds of places. The Oxford and London printed versions of Laud's execution sermon and prayers presented contrasting portraits of the Archbishop, neither corresponding to readers' expectations. As these texts reversed assumptions about how political allegiances might affect the transmission of a prominent figure's dying words, they also refused to present a single voice captured in one stable document, offering instead contrasting representations and tones, each authoritative in its context and for its purpose. This essay explains how Civil War politics shaped those texts and discusses some contemporaries' awareness of these textual and political issues. (P. J. K.)
Cocaine-induced seizures

We retrospectively studied 474 patients seen at Hennepin County Medical Center because of medical complications related to acute cocaine intoxication. Of the 474, 403 had no history of seizures. Seizures within 90 minutes of cocaine use was the primary diagnosis in 32 (7.9%) of the 403. The majority of seizures were single, generalized, induced by intravenous or "crack" cocaine, and not associated with any lasting neurologic deficits. Most that were focal, multiple, or induced by nasal cocaine were associated with an acute intracerebral complication or concurrent use of other drugs. Of 71 patients with a history of non-cocaine-related seizures, 12 (16.9%) presented with cocaine-induced seizures; most of these were multiple, of the same type as those in their history, and induced by even nasal cocaine. In the 44 cocaine-induced seizure patients, a pattern of habitual cocaine abuse was associated with diffuse brain atrophy on CT and diffuse slowing on EEG.
The central problem in human evolution

Omnivorous Primates: Gathering and Hunting in Human Evolution. Edited by Robert S. O. Harding and Geza Teleki. Pp.673. ISBN 0-231-04024-5. (Columbia University Press: 1981.) $52, £28.60. Woman The Gatherer. Edited by Frances Dahlberg. Pp.250. ISBN 0-300-02572-6. (Yale University Press: 1981.) $15, £10.50.
The Effect of Fryer Temperature and Raw Weight on Yield and Composition of Deep-Fat Fried Chicken Thighs

Abstract Raw, breaded chicken thighs were deep-fat fried at temperatures of 163, 177, and 191 C to an internal end-point temperature of 93 C. Breaded weight, fried weight, and cooking loss were linear functions (P .05) with frying temperature or raw weight. Although moisture varied with frying temperature, percent yield did not (P>.05), probably as a result of the inherent imprecision associated with breading/frying procedures; i.e., breading fall-off before, during, and after frying.
Continuous Miner Noise

Noise generated by continuous miners in underground coal production is an important health hazard. Bureau of Mines contract J0387229 charters investigation and control of this noise through laboratory tests of simulated cutting operations and through in-mine noise measurements. The results of these investigations indicate that coal cutting noise and conveyor noise are dominant sources of miner operational noise. Typical noise levels for both cutting and conveying operations are approximately 97 dBA. For full operation of all machine systems, the overall sound pressure level is approximately 101 dBA. In-mine and laboratory test results show agreement in both A-weighted overall levels as well as A-weighted one-third octave band spectra. 4 refs.
Synthesis and deformation behavior of nano-diphasic materials from natural dolomite

Abstract Nano-grained CaO/MgO and related composites have been synthesized from the mixed carbonate mineral, dolomite (CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ), by pyrolytic reactive sintering. In CaO/MgO composites, CaO and MgO grains mutually inhibited the other’s grain growth. Effects of LiF doping on decomposition and sintering of dolomite were studied. The CaO/MgO nanocomposite with a small amount of LiF showed superplastic-like deformation at high temperatures. A preliminary machining test revealed that the CaZrO 3 /MgO in situ nanocomposite, which was synthesized from dolomite/zirconia mixed powder, was machinable at room temperature accompanying quasiplastic deformation.
Evaluation of universal hepatitis B immunization practices of Illinois pediatricians.

Objective: To characterize universal hepatitis B immunization practices of pediatricians who routinely provide childhood immunizations in Illinois. Design: Survey of 522 randomly chosen Illinois pediatricians. Student's t test, X 2 analysis, and multi-variate logistic regression were used to identify relationships between physician demographics and outcomes of interest. Main Outcome Measures: Physician agreement with the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization Practices Advisory Committee and the American Academy of Pediatrics universal infant hepatitis B immunization guidelines, incorporation of the recommendations, routine hepatitis B immunization of older children (aged 6 months to 11 years), and routine hepatitis B immunization of adolescents. Results: The survey response rate was 71.5%. Of those pediatricians routinely providing immunizations (N=323), 72.8% agreed with and 90.1% have incorporated universal hepatitis B immunization; 36.5% and 53.0% routinely immunized older children and adolescents, respectively. Pediatricians practicing in medium-sized practices were half as likely to agree with the recommendations (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.84). Cost and a belief that universal immunization of infants is not medically necessary were the two most commonly listed reasons for not incorporating the new guidelines. Percent reimbursement from public aid was negatively related to the routine immunization of older children (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.95). Both percent reimbursement from self-pay (OR, 5.62; 95% CI, 2.25 to 14.05) and a rural location (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.56) were related to routine hepatitis B immunization of adolescents. Gender and number of years in practice were not associated with physician response. Conclusions: The majority of Illinois pediatricians who routinely provide pediatric immunizations have incorporated the new universal hepatitis B immunization guidelines into their practices. Continued efforts to address financial barriers and to educate physicians may hasten the time when the transmission of the hepatitis B virus will no longer occur. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:936-942)
Weekend gold returns in bull and bear markets

This study examines the weekend effect in gold returns during bull and bear markets over the period 1975 through 2011. It shows that gold returns from close on Friday to close on Monday are significantly lower than returns during the rest of the week. This result is due largely to gold returns during bear markets. During gold bull markets, gold weekend returns are not significantly different from weekday returns. The study shows that the effect has substantial economic implications for gold investors. The effect is shown to be related to a significantly negative skewness in the weekend returns.
Mountains Unseen: Developing a Relief Map of the Hawaiian Seafloor

The Seafloor Map of Hawai ‘ i , a medium scale relief map intended for lay audiences, posed production and design challenges typical of ocean bottom mapping in general. The biggest problem was incomplete bathymetry data marred by artifacts. Fixing these bad data—filling voids and removing background noise—involved techniques similar to those used by cartographers for terrestrial mountain mapping. Map design was another challenge. At issue: how to depict on a map a region on Earth that humans will never see. The Hawaiian map uses plan oblique relief, which reveals the seafloor features with three-dimensional offset, a technique borrowed from National Geographic maps painted by Heinrich Berann and Tibor Toth. Selecting depth tints and relief colors based on the idea of cartographic realism is discussed. The paper also addresses the names of seafloor features, many of which are unofficial and inconsistently identified.
p66Shc: at the crossroad of oxidative stress and the genetics of aging

The biology of aging has been mysterious for centuries. Removal of the p66(Shc) gene, which encodes an adaptor protein for cell signaling, extends lifespan by approximately 30% in mice and confers resistance to oxidative stress. The absence of p66(Shc) correlates with reduced levels of apoptosis. Oxidants induce phosphorylation of serine36 on p66(Shc), contributing to inactivation of members of the Forkhead transcription factor family, some of which appear to regulate the expression of antioxidant genes. The expression of p66(Shc) is regulated by the methylation status of its promoter. This leads us to hypothesize that increased methylation of the p66(Shc) promoter might contribute to the absence of its expression and therefore extended longevity in particular individuals.
Wisdom of Crowds in Prisoner's Dilemma Context

James Surowiecki in his book on the wisdom of crowds [1] writes about the decisions made based on the aggregation of information in groups. He argues that under certain circumstances the wisdom of crowds is often better than that of any single member in the group. These circumstances include diversity of opinion, independence, and decentralization. In this paper, we simulated the Prisoner’s Dilemma problem as a complex adaptive system, which allowed us to define a “controllable” crowd. Experiments show that in a crowd where the “membership” can be defined dynamically and where members can communicate with each other and learn from each other, the wisdom-of-crowds approach shows advantage over the best performing members in the crowd.
Programmable high-speed polarization multiplexed optical scanner.

A fast digital–analog control polarization-based optical scanner with complete three-dimensional beam-forming programmability is described. Its features include low power consumption and large-aperture liquid-crystal-based optics, digital repeatability, and time-multiplexed accurate analog beam forming. Analog frequency and amplitude control of the nematic liquid-crystal beam-former cells permits continuous fine-scan programmability over a 0.66-mrad horizontal deflection, a 0.75 mrad vertical deflection, and an infinity-to-1.84-m focal-length longitudinal scan. First demonstrations included an 8-point volumetric scan and a 2-bit digital lens scan, both at 1310 nm, with a 35‐µs random-access time.
The Behavioral Economics of Health and Health Care

People often make decisions in health care that are not in their best interest, ranging from failing to enroll in health insurance to which they are entitled, to engaging in extremely harmful behaviors. Traditional economic theory provides a limited tool kit for improving behavior because it assumes that people make decisions in a rational way, have the mental capacity to deal with huge amounts of information and choice, and have tastes endemic to them and not open to manipulation. Melding economics with psychology, behavioral economics acknowledges that people often do not act rationally in the economic sense. It therefore offers a potentially richer set of tools than provided by traditional economic theory to understand and influence behaviors. Only recently, however, has it been applied to health care. This article provides an overview of behavioral economics, reviews some of its contributions, and shows how it can be used in health care to improve people's decisions and health.
Is Reduced First-Phase Insulin Release the Earliest Detectable Abnormality in Individuals Destined to Develop Type 2 Diabetes?

Insulin is released from the pancreas in a biphasic manner in response to a square-wave increase in arterial glucose concentration. The first phase consists of a brief spike lasting approximately 10 min followed by the second phase, which reaches a plateau at 2-3 h. It is widely thought that diminution of first-phase insulin release is the earliest detectable defect of beta-cell function in individuals destined to develop type 2 diabetes and that this defect largely represents beta-cell exhaustion after years of compensation for antecedent insulin resistance. In this article, the origins of these concepts are reviewed and recent evidence is presented suggesting that reductions in both phases of insulin release are equally early, that they precede insulin resistance other than that simply due to obesity, and that they therefore may represent the primary genetic risk factor predisposing individuals to type 2 diabetes.
An energy minimization approach to the data driven editing of presegmented images/volumes

Fully automatic, completely reliable segmentation in medical images is an unrealistic expectation with today’s technology. However, many automatic segmentation algorithms may achieve a near-correct solution, incorrect only in a small region. For these situations, an interactive editing tool is required, ideally in 3D, that is usually left to a manual correction. We formulate the editing task as an energy minimization problem that may be solved with a modified version of either graph cuts or the random walker 3D segmentation algorithms. Both algorithms employ a seeded user interface, that may be used in this scenario for a user to seed erroneous voxels as belonging to the foreground or the background. In our formulation, it is unnecessary for the user to specify both foreground and background seeds.
Slot-Line Filters and Couplers

The slot-transmission line on a dielectric substrate has many possible microwave circuit applications. This paper presents experimental data concerning the performance of bandpass and bandstop filters and a hybrid coupler; the work described was performed at S-band frequencies using the single substrate slot line geometry. Also included are theoretical data concerning the slot-line wavelength and characteristic impedance for the case of the slot-line configuration having dielectric material above and below the metsllization, the so-called slot-line "sandwich."
Protein and Energy Requirements of Meat-Type Chickens to Fifteen Weeks of Age

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE development of high nutrient density diets for broilers in the past decade and a half has been accompanied by numerous reports in the literature on the relationship of protein and energy. Excellent reviews of these reports have been given by O’Neil et al. (1962) and Summers et al. (1964), however, none dealt with birds beyond the normal marketable age of nine weeks. In recent years, interest has been shown in heavy broiler or young roaster enterprises. Wisman et al. (1961) reported that, production-wise, meat-type birds could be marketed more economically at 11 weeks than at nine weeks of age. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the protein and energy requirements of meat-type birds between 10 and 15 weeks of age. Since it seemed desirable to employ 10-week-old birds that had been fed optimal protein and energy levels up to that time, the study was …
Habitat Modeling Used to Predict Relative Abundance of Bobcats in Iowa

We combined observations of bobcats (Lynx rufus) from bowhunters with remotely-sensed data to build models that describe habitat and relative abundance of this species in the agricultural landscape of Iowa, USA. We calculated landscape composition and configuration from publicly available land cover, census, road, hydrologic, and elevation data. We used multiple regression models to examine county-level associations between several explanatory variables and relative abundance of bobcats reported by surveyed bowhunters in each county. The most influential explanatory variables in the models were metrics associated with the presence of grassland, including Conservation Reserve, along with configuration of this perennial habitat with forests, although human population density and abundance of eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) also correlated with abundance of bobcats. Validation of predictions against 3 years of independent data provided confidence in the models, with 66% of predictions within 1 bobcat/1,000 hunter-hours and 95% within 5 bobcats/1,000 hunter-hours of observed values. Once we accounted for landscape differences, no residual spatial trend was evident, despite relatively recent bobcat recolonization of Iowa. Models suggested that future range expansion of the bobcat population may be possible in some northern Iowa counties where habitat composition is similar to counties in southern Iowa where bobcats are abundant. Results from the county-level model have been useful to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in evaluating the expansion of this once rare species and for delineating harvest opportunities. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
The possibilistic C-means algorithm: insights and recommendations

Recently, the possibilistic C-means algorithm (PCM) was proposed to address the drawbacks associated with the constrained memberships used in algorithms such as the fuzzy C-means (FCM). In this issue, Barni et al. (1996) report a difficulty they faced while applying the PCM, and note that it exhibits an undesirable tendency to converge to coincidental clusters. The purpose of this paper is not just to address the issues raised by Barni et al., but to go further and analytically examines the underlying principles of the PCM and the possibilistic approach, in general. We analyze the data sets used by Barni et al. and interpret the results reported by them in the light of our findings.
Oligo-ligandosides: a DNA mimetic approach to helicate formation

A novel ‘ligandoside’ dimer, where 2,2′-bipyridine chelators are attached to the anomeric carbons of a D-ribose–phosphate backbone, forms double stranded multinuclear complexes.
Nitric Oxide: What a Vascular Surgeon Needs to Know

Atherosclerosis in the form of peripheral arterial disease results in significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment options for peripheral arterial disease include angioplasty with and without stenting, endarterectomy, and bypass grafting. Unfortunately, all of these procedures injure the vascular endothelium, which impairs its ability to produce nitric oxide (NO) and ultimately leads to neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. To improve on current patency rates after vascular procedures, investigators are engaged in research to improve the bioavailability of NO at the site of vascular injury in an attempt to reduce the risk of thrombosis and restenosis after successful revascularization. This article reviews some of the previous research that has aimed to improve NO bioavailability after vascular procedures whether through systemic or local delivery, as well as to describe some of the NO-releasing products that are currently undergoing study for use in clinical practice.
Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support in Controlling Inappropriate Imaging

Background: Decision support systems for advanced imaging are being implemented with increased frequency and are mandated under some new governmental health care initiatives. However, evidence of effectiveness in reducing inappropriate imaging utilization is limited. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed of the staged implementation of evidence-based clinical decision support built into ordering systems for selected high-volume imaging procedures: lumbar MRI, brain MRI, and sinus CT. Brain CT was included as a control. Imaging utilization rates (number of patients imaged as a proportion of patients with selected clinical conditions) and overall imaging utilization before and after the interventions were determined from billing data from a regional health plan and from the institutional radiology information system. Results: The use of imaging clinical decision support was associated with substantial decreases in the utilization rate of lumbar MRI for low back pain (risk ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.67; P .0001), head MRI for headache (risk ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.64; P.001), and sinus CT forsinusitis(riskratio,0.73;95%confidenceinterval,0.82-0.65;P.0001).UtilizationratesfortheheadCT controlgroupwerenotsignificantlychanged.Therewasacorrespondingsignificantdecreaseinoverallimaging volumes (all diagnoses) for lumbar MRI, head MRI, and sinus CT, with no observed effect for the head CT control group. Conclusion: Targeted use of imaging clinical decision support is associated with large decreases in the inappropriate utilization of advanced imaging tests.
DIET AND TUMOR GROWTH

Lactose does not increase the receptivity of mice and rats for the transplantable carcinomata of their species.
Urinary Leukocyte Esterase Test: A Screening Method for the Detection of Asymptomatic Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections in Men

The ability of a urinary dipstick leukocyte esterase test (LET) to predict culture-verified asymptomatic urethral infections of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was determined in 1095 men (aged 18-39) who presented to an urban hospital for acute general medical care. Prevalence of chlamydial and gonococcal infections were 4% and 2.5% respectively; LET sensitivity was 41% and specificity was 91%. In the youngest one-third, the prevalence of infection and LET sensitivity and specificity increased to 9%, 58%, and 93%, respectively. Higher inclusion count in chlamydia culture was also significantly correlated with younger age. This is the first study to assess LET performance as a screening test for asymptomatic disease in adult men and suggests that LET has promising accuracy in young men but is less likely to be a useful screening test in men greater than 25 years old.
Marching to Zion: Religion in a Modern Utopian Community

The twenty-fourth of September 1905 started as a typical Sunday in Zion City, Illinois. Promptly at 2:00 P.M. John Alexander Dowie ascended the platform of Shiloh Tabernacle, robed in the brightly embroidered garments of an Old Testament High Priest. He was acknowledged by the seven thousand souls who sat before him as the Messenger of the Covenant, the third and final incarnation of the prophet Elijah, and the General Overseer and First Apostle of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church in Zion. The 6,600 acres of farms, homes, factories, and businesses surrounding the tabernacle were exclusively his. And for all practical purposes, so were the people. One contemporary journalist judged that Dowie had come to possess the "most autocratic power it is possible to wield in this republic," while another concluded that "no man ... of our time has ever secured anything like the personal following he has." Near the end of the five hour service the prophet changed into his white expiation robes and, as he had done on countless Sundays in the past, prepared to bless and distribute the Holy Sacraments. But this time, in the semi-darkness of the early evening, he seemed to stagger and slump to the floor. The people soon learned that Dowie had suffered a crippling stroke. They also soon knew that their effort to build a biblical Zion on the "sky-skirted prairie" north of Chicago was in shambles.'
Unique Degradation Signal for ClpCP in Bacillus subtilis

Regulation of the cell-specific transcription factor sigma(F) in the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis involves the antisigma factor SpoIIAB. Contributing to the activation of sigma(F) is the degradation of SpoIIAB in a manner that depends on the protease ClpCP. Here we show that the three residues (LCN) located at the extreme C terminus of SpoIIAB are both necessary and sufficient for this degradation. We also report that the use of the LCN extension as a degradation signal for ClpCP is unique to SpoIIAB.
Inflammasomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The immune system facilitates diverse mechanism to recognize threats for the host including distinct families of germ-line encoded receptors. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that are built around several different sensor proteins including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2. Upon induced assembly they regulate the activity of inflammatory caspases including caspase-1. Activation of Caspase-1 results in the production of two potent cytokines, IL-1beta and IL-18, by processing of the pro-proteins into their mature form. The assembly of inflammasomes is induced by many signals that include pathogen-derived molecules or stress-induced endogenous molecules. While inflammasome function is important in antimicrobial defense, mutations in inflammasome components have been identified as causal factors in several human inherited auto inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, inflammasome activity is important in many pathological conditions including type II diabetes, arthrosclerosis, and pulmonary diseases by driving inflammation. Recognition of the underlying diseases mechanisms opens the door for the development of novel and specific therapies for these diseases.
Dissolution Rates of Commercial Soda–Lime and Pyrex Borosilicate Glasses: Influence of Solution pH

Dissolution rates of two commercial soda—lime silicate glasses and Pyrex borosilicate glass (Corning 7740) have been measured as a function of pH. The dissolution rate was constant with time and increased with increase in pH from 4 to 9. The activation energy for dissolution was nearly constant with pH for the Pyrex borosilicate glass, and decreased somewhat as pH increased for the soda—lime glasses. The openness of the glass surface influences strongly the rate of dissolution. The solubility of silica as a function of pH increases at pH above 8 but does not seem to be quantitatively related to dissolution rate. Other possible influences on this rate are briefly considered.
Finding inconsistency for UML-based composition at program level

In this paper, we study how to enforce the composition based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML 2.0) at the program level. We develop a novel technique for automatically detecting the inconsistency for composition between a class diagram and its implementation program using a software model checker. Specifically, given the attributes that are intended to implement composition in a UML class diagram, our approach checks the composition property in two steps. First, our approach systematically generates all valid object diagrams, i.e. valid input program states. Second, after a method to destroy the owner object is called on each object diagram, our approach checks whether all external links to the owned objects have been removed. Central to this approach is how to prune away the large search space that includes all valid input program states.
Analytic derivation of dual gluons and monopoles from SU(2) lattice Yang-Mills theory. II. Spin foam representation

In this series of three papers, we generalize the derivation of dual photons and monopoles by Polyakov, and Banks, Myerson and Kogut, to obtain approximative models of SU(2) lattice gauge theory. Our approach is based on stationary phase approximations. In this second article, we start from the spin foam representation of 3-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory. By extending an earlier work of Diakonov and Petrov, we approximate the expectation value of a Wilson loop by a path integral over a dual gluon field and monopole-like degrees of freedom. The action contains the tree-level Coulomb interaction and a nonlinear coupling between dual gluons, monopoles and current.
Meteor Impact Hazard

The Earth sits in a cosmic shooting gallery. In its orbit around the Sun, Earth intercepts meteoroidal and asteroidal debris left over from the earliest days of the solar system. Meteor impact threat ranges from small impacts—providing local disruption of human activities similar to large storms or earthquakes—to catastrophic extinction events similar to the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. It is simply a matter of time before a big impact threatens a large portion of the population. International cooperation is required to detect and counter potential threats from large impacts.
A Review of “Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit.”

Parker J. Palmer's latest book, Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, is timely and relevant. It comes at a critical moment in U.S. history wh...
For a patient with type 1 diabetes and a heel ulcer, could the addition of electrical stimulation to standard wound treatment improve wound healing over standard wound treatment alone?

The purpose of “Evidence in Practice” is to illustrate the literature search process to obtain evidence that can guide clinical decision making. This article is not a case report. The examination, evaluation, and intervention sections are purposely abbreviated. A 68-year-old man was referred to our facility by his family doctor for treatment of a diabetic ulcer on his left heel that had been present for 6 weeks. He had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at 8 years of age. Five years ago, he underwent a transtibial amputation of his right leg because of an infected diabetic ulcer on his right heel. He now uses a transtibial prosthesis and a cane for ambulation. He stated that, since his amputation, he has been diligent with his foot care, which consists of daily visual inspection (for redness, inflammation, and wounds), moisturizing following showering, and callus and nail trimming. Despite his rigorous attention to his foot, he developed an ulcer on his left heel, which has been resistant to standard wound treatment (debridement, dressing changes, and off-loading).1 He was using Lantus* (daily) and Humalog† (with meals) to control his diabetes, Accupril‡ for his hypertension, and the antibiotics Cipro§ and Amoxicillin.‖ The patient reported decreased “feeling” in his left lower extremity and was concerned about the prospect of having another amputation. He did not appear to have an active systemic infection: when asked, he said that he had no recent nausea, fever, vomiting, or fatigue. His vital signs were all within normal ranges: body temperature of 37.1°C, heart rate of 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute, and blood pressure of 128/78 mm Hg. The patient's body mass index was 31 kg/m2, indicating that he was overweight. Examination of the foot …
Privacy, Security and Government Websites

In my day job as a law librarian, the Web has become a wonderful tool for accessing legal information, government documents and public records that had not previously been available to our patrons. Even the largest academic law library could only access a small fraction of that thing we call “the law”. Materials from federal agencies, state governments and foreign countries were previously available in limited locations, if at all. And, it’s not just legal information. Researchers of all stripes are able to access a vast array of non-copyrighted material from government and non-government websites. While there is still a wealth of content available, privacy, security and political considerations are leading to the removal of a number of government resources from the Internet. Like many areas of the law, these actions are proving frustrating to some and pleasing to others.
Project Management Assurance

CIOs are increasingly held responsible for generating a positive return on IT project investment. As a result, there is great interest for devising ways to assure successful project outcomes. By assessing the project throughout its lifecycle there is an increased chance of achieving success because potential risks can be identified and addressed before it is too late. In this paper, we introduce and describe the idea of project management assurance (PMA). We define project management assurance (PMA) as a set of assurance activities that are integrated with the IT (information technology) project management lifecycle. An internal group, independent of the project team, performs the assurance activities, which includes continual review of control mechanisms to assure adherence to standards, best practices and procedures. The objective of the PMA process is to assure project success by reducing risk, continuously assessing internal project controls, and improving overall project quality while conforming to the stated schedule and budget requirements.
The Impact of Comedy on Racial and Ethnic Discourse

An overwhelming facet of race literature suggests that American society has entered an era of colorblindness; where instead of perpetuating racist ideology through blatant discriminatory legislation, racial differences are either understated or ignored entirely. These new racial processes are reflected in the policies of major social institutions, but also within popular culture. Yet, as made evident by the success of comedians such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, stand-up comedy challenges acceptable racial discourse, placing race in the forefront. Comedy persists as a facet of popular culture where racial difference is made apparent, yet ironically the art of comedy is usually overlooked by sociologists. What is lacking in the humor research is an understanding of how comedy creates an environment where race can be spoken about directly, and often times harshly. Through the analysis of focus groups, this study finds evidence to suggest that racial and ethnic comedy serves to both reinforce and wane racial and ethnic stereotypes, similarities, and differences. After watching stand-up comedy clips of popular comedians, black and white respondents show both agreement and disagreement on the following: (1) the offensiveness of ethnic comedy, (2) stereotypes and perceived truths, and (3) the utility of ethnic comedy in everyday interactions. These findings are helpful in understanding how comedy serves as one of the few openly racialized facets of popular culture as well as uncovering some of the ways in which race works within the culture of a self-proclaimed colorblind society.
Incorporation of phosphorus into phased cells ofCandida utilis using32P and33P

Changes in phosphorus metabolism were studied by examining the incorporation of32P and33P into cells ofCandida utilis growing in phased culture during a 6 h cell cycle and a post-cycle period of 6 h. Three different chemically defined media were used; these were phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon limited. The patterns of incorporation of phosphorus into RNA, DNA, lipid and cold water extractable phosphate fractions showed a non-uniform behaviour during both cell cycle and post-cycle periods. The patterns were different in all three types of media. The results showed that a cell can grow and develop at a fixed growth rate in different ways: so that the pattern of behaviour during a cell cycle is not stereotyped for a given doubling time, but largely depends upon the nutrient environment in which the cell exists.
Biocompatible and target specific hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan nanoparticles

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis is a major cause for cardiovascular diseases. Drugs that treat atherosclerosis usually act nonspecifically. To enhance drug delivery specificity, the authors developed a hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC) nanoparticle that can specifically target activated endothelial cells. The biocompatibility of these nanoparticles toward red blood cells and platelets was evaluated through hemolysis, platelet activation, platelet thrombogenicity, and platelet aggregation assays. The biocompatibility of these nanoparticles toward vascular endothelial cells was evaluated by their effects on endothelial cell growth, metabolic activity, and activation. The results demonstrated that HGC nanoparticles did not cause hemolysis, or affect platelet activation, thrombogenicity, and aggregation capability in vitro. The nanoparticles did not impair vascular endothelial cell growth or metabolic activities in vitro, and did not cause cell activation either. When conjugated with intercellular adhesion molecular 1 antibodies, HGC nanoparticles showed a significantly increased targeting specificity toward activated endothelial cells. These results suggested that HGC nanoparticles are likely compatible toward red blood cells, platelets, and endothelial cells, and they can be potentially used to identify activated endothelial cells at atherosclerotic lesion areas within the vasculature, and deliver therapeutic drugs.