cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The new and improved PhyloCode, now with types, ranks, and even polyphyly: a conference report from the First International Phylogenetic Nomenclature Meeting

A report from the first International Phylogenetic Nomenclature Meeting is presented. The meeting revealed that the PhyloCode, once implemented, will itself not require adherence to the three major tenets of philosophy that proponents have claimed required its creation. These include the abandonment of (1) non-monophyletic taxa, (2) ranks, and (3) types. © The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
Association between NSSL Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm-Detected Vortices and Tornadoes

Abstract Nearly 100 000 vortex detections produced by the Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm (MDA) are analyzed to gain insight into the effectiveness of the detection algorithm in identifying various types of tornado-producing events. Radar and algorithm limitations prevent raw vortex detections from being very useful without further discrimination. Filtering techniques are developed to remove spurious vortex detections and discriminate between vortices that are and are not related to mesocyclones. To investigate whether various vortex detections (and their attributes) are associated with severe weather phenomena, they are compared with available tornado reports to determine if detections with certain types of attributes can be associated with tornadic events. Tornado reports are used since the ground truth tornado set is more reliable than other databases of severe weather phenomena. Basic skill scores and more advanced principal component methods are used to quantify the correlation between vortex detecti...
The use of remote sensing techniques to study the surface structure of coastal currents

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been using airborne remote sensing techniques to study the surface details of strong nearshore currents in the Great Lakes for the last five years. Aerial photogrammetry and infrared thermal line scanning are the principal tools, although both common radiation thermometers and satellite thermal imagery are also used. "Ground truth" measurements of surface temperature, currents, and water-level fluctuations are usually made. The method could equally well be used to study strong coastal currents in the ocean.
Intraoperative myocardial acidosis as a risk for hospital readmission after cardiac surgery

Abstract Background This study elucidates the relationship between intraoperative myocardial acidosis/ischemia and the risk of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days and 6 months after cardiac surgery. Methods Myocardial tissue pH (corrected to 37°C: pH 37C ) was monitored in 221 patients during cardiac surgery. Regional myocardial acidosis was defined in terms of specific pH thresholds. Results Fourteen percent and 27% of the patients were readmitted within 30 days and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean number of readmissions was 1.67 ± 1.24; pH 37C Conclusions Persistent regional myocardial acidosis after weaning from CPB independently determines unplanned readmission rates up to 6 months postoperatively. This study underscores the importance of avoiding myocardial tissue acidosis during cardiac surgery.
Projecting date palm distribution in Iran under climate change using topography, physicochemical soil properties, soil taxonomy, land use, and climate data

This study set out to model potential date palm distribution under current and future climate scenarios using an emission scenario, in conjunction with two different global climate models (GCMs): CSIRO-Mk3.0 (CS), and MIROC-H (MR), and to refine results based on suitability under four nonclimatic parameters. Areas containing suitable physicochemical soil properties and suitable soil taxonomy, together with land slopes of less than 10° and suitable land uses for date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) were selected as appropriate refining tools to ensure the CLIMEX results were accurate and robust. Results showed that large regions of Iran are projected as likely to become climatically suitable for date palm cultivation based on the projected scenarios for the years 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2100. The study also showed CLIMEX outputs merit refinement by nonclimatic parameters and that the incremental introduction of each additional parameter decreased the disagreement between GCMs. Furthermore, the study indicated that the least amount of disagreement in terms of areas conducive to date palm cultivation resulted from CS and MR GCMs when the locations of suitable physicochemical soil properties and soil taxonomy were used as refinement tools.
The effect of concurrent administration of valproate sodium on phenobarbital plasma concentration/dosage ratio in pediatric patients.

IN EVALUATING the possible interactions between antiepilepfic drugs, 1 the effect of valproic acid or valproate sodium on phenobarbital should be considered as a clinically significant interaction. Many reports ~-6 have indicated a rise in the phenobarbital concentration when valproic acid or valproate sodium was added. Several investigators have provided evidence that valproic acid inhibits phenobarbital metabolism in adult epileptic patients 4, ~ or adult healthy volunteers. 6 To our knowledge, this topic has not been studied in the pediatric age patient. Since several factors that influence the pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs in children are not seen in adults, 7"" and since the toxicity of phenobarbital in children, particularly in the younger age group, may be occult, we have retrospectively examined the concentrations of phenobarbital administered concurrently with or without valproate sodium in pediatric patients with seizures.
Program probes the magnetosphere

This article, the second in a series of three on the GEM program to appear in Eos, reports on the GEM observing campaign and data/model comparisons. The first article by William Lotko provided an overview of the program organization and current scientific activities. The third article by George Siscoe will report on GGCM development. The Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) program is a National Science Foundation program designed to produce a comprehensive understanding of the interactions of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. It is also structured to help develop the first quantitative global circulation model of the magnetosphere and ionosphere that focuses on the dynamic response to the changing solar wind energy and particle inputs. The concept of a GEM program was conceived at workshop in 1987, and NSF has provided modest funding over the past 2 years.
The mind has a mind of its own: Developing knowledge about mental uncontrollability

Abstract Five-year-olds, 9-year-olds, 13-year-olds, and adults were tested for their understanding that people have only limited control over their mental activity. The adolescents and adults understood much better than the children that a child who sees a shot needle while awaiting a shot will automatically think about getting a shot, and that a child who hears a strange noise will automatically wonder what it is, even if these children did not want to think or wonder about anything. There were also significant increases with age in the recognition that a person would not be able to go for three days without thinking or wondering about anything, that one sometimes has thoughts one does not want to have, and that unwanted thoughts one tries to get rid of often come back. Arguments were made for the adaptive value of learning that the mind has a mind of its own.
Establishing an objective basis for image compositing in satellite oceanography

Abstract This study strives to establish an objective basis for image compositing in satellite oceanography. Image compositing is a powerful technique for cloud filtering that often emphasizes cloud clearing at the expense of obtaining synoptic coverage. Although incomplete cloud removal in image compositing is readily apparent, the loss of synopticity, often, is not. Consequently, the primary goal of image compositing should be to obtain the greatest amount of cloud-free coverage or clarity in a period short enough that synopticity, to a significant degree, is preserved. To illustrate the process of image compositing and the problems associated with it, we selected a region off the coast of California and constructed two 16-day image composites, one, during the spring, and the second, during the summer of 2006, using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) InfraRed (IR) satellite imagery. Based on the results of cloud clearing for these two 16-day sequences, rapid cloud clearing occurred up to day 4 or 5, followed by much slower cloud clearing out to day 16, suggesting an explicit basis for the growth in cloud clearing. By day 16, the cloud clearing had, in most cases, exceeded 95%. Based on these results, a shorter compositing period could have been employed without a significant loss in clarity. A method for establishing an objective basis for selecting the period for image compositing is illustrated using observed data. The loss in synopticity, which, in principle, could be estimated from pattern correlations between the images in the composite, was estimated from a separate time series of SST since the loss of synopticity, in our approach, is only a function of time. The autocorrelation function of the detrended residuals provided the decorrelation time scale and the basis for the decay process, which, together, define the loss of synopticity. The results show that (1) the loss of synopticity and the gain in clarity are inversely related, (2) an objective basis for selecting a compositing period corresponds to the day number where the decay and growth curves for synopticity and clarity intersect, and (3), in this case, the point of intersection occurred 3.2 days into the compositing period. By applying simple mathematics it was shown that the intersection time for the loss in synopticity and the growth in clarity is directly proportional to the initial conditions required to specify the clarity at the beginning of the compositing period, and inversely proportional to the sum of the rates of growth for clarity and the loss in synopticity. Finally, we consider these results to be preliminary in nature, and, as a result, hope that future work will bring forth significant improvements in the approach outlined in this study.
Combined Water-Soluble Carriers for Coprecipitates of Tolbutamide

A study was conducted on the influence of single and combined carriers on the dissolution rate of tolbutamide from its coprecipitates. All of the water-soluble carriers investigated enhanced the dissolution rate of tolbutamide, but the combination of 40% polyethylene glycol 6000--60% dextrose as the carrier for a 1:1 coprecipitate yielded the most rapid dissolution of tolbutamide. Other carriers used were polyethylene glycol 6000, polyethylene glycol 4000, dextrose, and mannitol, alone or combined in various proportions.
Is Variability in Human Performance a Reflection of System Noise

ways that the department contrib uted to other areas of the college, enhancing overall student learning. In short, we transferred what we knew about assessment-as-learning for students, and applied those self-assessment concepts to faculty development. We created an as sessment plan for faculty perfor mance that now includes self assessment, peer assessment (through teaching partnerships), and a periodic psychology depart ment review. Such interactive learning with students and with colleagues has created an exciting educational environment for us all.
Theories of Addiction: Methamphetamine Users' Explanations for Continuing Drug Use and Relapse

A variety of preclinical models have been constructed to emphasize unique aspects of addiction-like behavior. These include Negative Reinforcement ("Pain Avoidance"), Positive Reinforcement ("Pleasure Seeking"), Incentive Salience ("Craving"), Stimulus Response Learning ("Habits"), and Inhibitory Control Dysfunction ("Impulsivity"). We used a survey to better understand why methamphetamine-dependent research volunteers (N = 73) continue to use methamphetamine, or relapse to methamphetamine use after a period of cessation of use. All participants met DSM-IV criteria for methamphetamine abuse or dependence, and did not meet criteria for other current Axis I psychiatric disorders or dependence on other drugs of abuse, other than nicotine. The questionnaire consisted of a series of face-valid questions regarding drug use, which in this case referred to methamphetamine use. Examples of questions include: "Do you use drugs mostly to make bad feelings like boredom, loneliness, or apathy go away?", "Do you use drugs mostly because you want to get high?", "Do you use drugs mostly because of cravings?", "Do you find yourself getting ready to take drugs without thinking about it?", and "Do you impulsively take drugs?". The scale was anchored at 1 (not at all) and 7 (very much). For each question, the numbers of participants rating each question negatively (1 or 2), neither negatively or affirmatively (3-5), and affirmatively (6 or 7) were tabulated. The greatest number of respondents (56%) affirmed that they used drugs due to "pleasure seeking." The next highest categories selected were "impulsivity" (27%) and "habits"(25%). Surprisingly, many participants reported that "pain avoidance" (30%) and "craving" (30%) were not important for their drug use. Results from this study support the contention that methamphetamine users (and probably other drug users as well) are more heterogeneous than is often appreciated, and imply that treatment development might be more successful if treatments targeted subtypes of patients, though a range of limitations to the approach used are acknowledged.
Wafer defect detection using directional morphological gradient techniques

Accurate detection and classification of wafer defects constitute an important component of the IC production process because together they can immediately improve the yield and also provide information needed for future process improvements. One class of inspection procedures involves analyzing surface images. Because of the characteristics of the design patterns and the irregular size and shape of the defects, linear processing methods, such as Fourier transform domain filtering or Sobel edge detection, are not as well suited as morphological methods for detecting these defects. In this paper, a newly developed morphological gradient technique using directional components is applied to the detection and isolation of wafer defects. The new methods are computationally efficient and do not rely on a priori knowledge of the specific design pattern to detect particles, scratches, stains, or missing pattern areas. The directional components of the morphological gradient technique allow direction specific edge suppression and reduce the noise sensitivity. Theoretical analysis and several examples are used to demonstrate the performance of the directional morphological gradient methods.
Optimal buffer management using hybrid systems

This paper studies a class of dynamic buffer management problems with one buffer inserted between two interacting components. The overall system is modeled as a hybrid system and the power minimization problem is formulated as an optimal control problem. Different from many previous studies, the objective function of the proposed problem depends on the switching cost and the size of the continuous state space, making its solution much more challenging. A simplified version of the problem with some extra assumptions is solved. This paper relaxes all these assumptions and gives a complete solution to the proposed problem using some variational approach. Simulation result shows that the proposed method can save about 60% energies compared with some heuristic schemes.
Boosting up performance of power SiGe HBTs using advanced layout concept

We report an advanced power device layout structure, namely heat transfer counterbalanced (HTCB) layout, for designing power SiGe HBTs. It is shown that this new power device structure can substantially reduce adverse thermal effects of power devices without using ballasting resistors. Significantly improved power performances have been achieved from SiGe power HBTs employing the new layout concept.
Treatment of acute otohematoma with compression sutures

Otohematoma is one of the more common injuries of the external ear. Chronic deformity may result from improper initial management. Many recommended modalities of treatment are foiled by the reaccumulation of fluid. A simple technique of "tie through" mattress sutures incorporating compression dressings provides consistently superior results.
Independent and combined contributions of cancellous and cortical bone deficits to vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women.

Using iliac bone histomorphometry on 78 patients with vertebral fracture and 66 healthy postmenopausal women, cortical thickness discriminated at least as well as any cancellous bone structural index between the two groups. Subjects with a deficit in both cortical and cancellous bone had much greater likelihood of fracture. Introduction: Vertebral fracture is often attributed to disproportional loss of cancellous bone, but fracture patients may have deficits in cortical and cancellous bone. Accordingly, we examined the contribution of cortical and cancellous bone deficits, separately and together, to the likelihood of vertebral fracture. Materials and Methods: Iliac bone histomorphometry was performed in 78 white woman with clinically apparent vertebral fracture, 66 healthy postmenopausal women, and 38 healthy premenopausal women. We measured cancellous bone volume (Cn.BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), cortical bone volume (Ct.BV/TV), and cortical thickness (Ct.Th). For each variable, a value of >1 SD below the mean in premenopausal women was treated as a putative risk factor, and its association with the presence or absence of fracture was determined by OR calculated by logistic regression and by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Subsets of fracture and control subjects were separately matched for Cn.BV/TV and Ct.Th. Results: All structural indices differed between fracture patients and controls except Ct.BV/TV. There was a weak but highly significant correlation between Cn.BV/TV and Ct.Th in the entire group (r = 0.389, r2 = 0.151 p < 0.001). Many control subjects had a high value for one of these variables and a low value for the other. Ct.Th., Cn.BV/TV, and Tb.N were all significantly associated with vertebral fracture (ORs, 4.4–5.8; ROC area under the curve [AUC], 0.74–0.85). In subjects matched for Cn.BV/TV, Ct.Th was reduced by 29% (OR, 5.0), and in subjects matched for Ct.Th, Cn.BV/TV was reduced by 27% (OR, 5.0). In patients with deficits in both cortical and cancellous bone, the ORs (28–35) were much higher. Conclusions: Deficits in cortical bone (reduced value for Ct.Th) and in cancellous bone (reduced values for Cn.BV/TV or Tb.N) were equally effective in discriminating between subjects with and without vertebral fracture. With a deficit in both cortical and cancellous bone, the association with vertebral fracture was much stronger. Vertebral fracture is not the result of disproportionate loss of cancellous bone in the patients as a whole, although individual patients may have relatively greater deficits in either cancellous or cortical bone.
Penetration of sea ice by air-dropped projectiles

Since 1961, Sandia Laboratories has had a continuing program on projectile penetration of in-situ earth materials. This program has resulted in a new technology, called terra-dynamics, which has been used in a variety of military and peaceful applications. During the past four years this technology has been extended to include the penetration of sea ice. Three test programs have been conducted in the Arctic in the development of an ice penetration technology and of various ice penetrator systems.
Activating Performance Expectations and Status Differences Through Gift Exchange: Experimental Results

Early theoretical work on social exchange focused on how exchange relations generate social structural outcomes. Specifically, gift giving was said to evoke status structures. No experimental evidence exists to verify or refute the notion that gift giving during exchange processes generates status hierarchies. We present experimental results demonstrating the emergence of status inequalities directly from social exchanges in dyads. Our findings support the assertion that the receiving of a gift causes the recipient to feel deferential toward the exchange partner. More formally, we demonstrate how gift giving, linked to a behavioral interchange pattern, has the capacity to induce differential performance expectations. These results are a first step toward testing the theory that status is an emergent property of exchange.
What factors currently limit magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound of leiomyomas? A survey conducted at the first international symposium devoted to clinical magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.

Objective To see if clinicians' impressions were influenced by expert opinion on patient selection criteria that influence magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) leiomyoma treatment. Design Survey-based study. Setting First international symposium devoted to MRgFUS, "MRgFUS 2008," October 6–7, 2008, Washington, DC. Intervention(s) Questionnaires on fibroid treatment were distributed to attending practitioners before and after the symposium. Main Outcome Measure(s) Selection criteria, which could be considered to be limitations to focused ultrasound therapy, were assessed on a 10-point Likert scale ranging from 1, which indicated no impediment to therapy, to 10, which represented an absolute contraindication to therapy. Result(s) A total of 12 paired pre- and post-symposium questionnaires were analyzed. Mild adenomyosis, heavy bleeding, and bulk complaint were viewed as least likely to be an impediment to therapy both before and after the symposium. The presence of severe adenomyosis and five or more fibroids showed significant increases in mean rankings as contraindications to therapy following the symposium. Significant adverse events not previously reported were elicited by the survey. Conclusion(s) Expert opinion on patient selection criteria for MRgFUS is a useful resource for practitioner education.
ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERDISCIPLINARY MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT TEAMS

Mental health administrators often lack guidelines for promoting and evaluating the effectiveness of interdisciplinary clinical treatment teams. This article describes the use of a model of group effectiveness that elucidates several aspects of team effectiveness. Also discussed are how administrators can support such teams by reviewing their initial set-up, how the organization influences the team's productivity and longevity, and how team members can better understand one another's personal and professional frames of reference to improve mutual collaboration. The interdisciplinary clinical treatment team in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health centers is recognized as the usual provider of holistic planning and treatment for mental health consumers, and a necessary forum for professional communication, coordination, and accountability (Bond et al., 1991; Ducanis & Golin, 1979; Frazier, 1985). Yet, mental health administra- tors have few guidelines for facilitating the productivity of such groups that are based on well-developed models of team effectiveness. This situation is espe- ciaUy acute in the current times of major transitions in the delivery of mental health services, which engender increased hospital downsizings and closures, and the continuing development of community care for the mentally ill (Ramon, 1992; Vinokur-Kaplan & Walker-Burt, 1994). This paper outlines such guidelines, applying an established model of work groups and team effectiveness to mental health teams. This article departs from previous litera-
Volatile abundances and oxygen isotopes in basaltic to dacitic lavas on mid-ocean ridges: The role of assimilation at spreading centers

article i nfo Most geochemical variability in MOR basalts is consistent with low- to moderate-pressure fractional crystallization of various mantle-derived parental melts. However, our geochemical data from MOR high- silica glasses, including new volatile and oxygen isotope data, suggest that assimilation of altered crustal material plays a significant role in the petrogenesis of dacites and may be important in the formation of basaltic lavas at MOR in general. MOR high-silica andesites and dacites from diverse areas show remarkably similar major element trends, incompatible trace element enrichments, and isotopic signatures suggesting similar processes control their chemistry. In particular, very high Cl and elevated H2O concentrations and relatively light oxygen isotope ratios (~5.8‰ vs. expected values of ~6.8‰) in fresh dacite glasses can be explained by contamination of magmas from a component of ocean crust altered by hydrothermal fluids. Crystallization of silicate phases and Fe-oxides causes an increase in δ 18 O in residual magma, but assimilation of material initially altered at high temperatures results in lower δ 18
TIME AVERAGED NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS

The up-down asymmetry of atmospheric neutrinos resulting from neutrino oscillations is studied.
TLR2 Agonist PSK Activates Human NK Cells and Enhances the Antitumor Effect of HER2-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Purpose: The therapeutic effect of trastuzumab monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been shown to be partially dependent on functional NK cells. Novel agents that enhance NK cell function could potentially improve the anti-tumor effect of trastuzumab. We recently identified polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a natural product extracted from medicinal mushroom Trametes Versicolor, as a potent TLR2 agonist. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of PSK on human NK cells and the potential of using PSK to enhance HER2-targeted mAb therapy. Experimental Design: Human PBMC were stimulated with PSK to evaluate the effect of PSK on NK cell activation, IFN-gamma production, cytotoxicity, and trastuzumab-mediated ADCC. Whether the effect of PSK on NK cells is direct or indirect was also investigated. Then in vivo experiment in neu transgenic mice was carried out to determine the potential of using PSK to augment the anti-tumor effect of HER2-targeted mAb therapy. Results: PSK activated human NK cells to produce IFN-gamma and to lyse K562 target cells. PSK also enhanced trastuzumab-mediated ADCC against SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Both direct and IL-12-dependent indirect effects seem to be involved in the effect of PSK on NK cells. Oral administration of PSK significantly potentiated the anti-tumor effect of anti-HER2/neu mAb therapy in neu-transgenic mice. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that PSK activates human NK cells and potentiates trastuzumab-mediated ADCC. Concurrent treatment of PSK and trastuzumab may be a novel way to augment the anti-tumor effect of trastuzumab.
Dual band dielectric resonator antenna for GPS and WLAN applications

This paper discusses the concept of having a dual band antenna for GPS and wireless communication system applications with the use of a single cylindrical dielectric resonator. A circularly polarized HEM11delta mode is excited at 1.575 GHz to cover the GPS L1 frequency band with a bandwidth of 9% while an omni-directional radiation pattern is obtained by coupling the resonator to the TM01delta radiating mode for WLAN system applications around 2.45 GHz and with 7.4% radiation bandwidth. The return loss and radiation patterns are illustrated for concept verification.
A disposable ship launched free-floating air/water interface probe

During the investigation of the evaporation ducts over the ocean surface with reference to electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics, a need for near ocean surface measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure and water temperature were required. In response to this requirement the Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University developed several instruments for investigating the air/water interface. The disposable ship launched free-floating air/water interface probe (FAWIP-3) is the most recent instrument developed for making meteorological measurements within a few centimeters of the ocean surface. FAWIP-3 uses an Atmospheric Instrumentation Research, Inc. rocket radiosonde package to measure and telemeter the air temperature, humidity and pressure, and water temperature data back to a receiver aboard ship for data reduction and analysis. An innovative air baffling system is used to keep the sensors from salt water contamination and allows the air measurements to be made within two to five centimeters of the water surface. The FAWIP-3 data combined with shipboard meteorological data and low level rocketsonde profile data are used to calibrate and test evaporation duct refractivity models. This paper describes the FAWIP-3 instrument, its use and some of the data gathered during sea trials. >
Race does not impact colorectal cancer treatment or outcomes with equal access

Abstract Background Ethnicity is implicated as a factor for disparate outcomes in colorectal cancer. We sought to evaluate this relationship at a military medical center organized to deliver equitable health care. Methods Retrospective analysis of colorectal cancer patients comparing demographics, grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, and adjuvant therapy. Results From January 1994 to January 2004, 398 patients were treated with colorectal cancer (74 [19%] nonwhites). Comparatively, nonwhites were younger and had fewer stage II tumors with a increased proportion of stage III tumors (P Conclusions Ethnicity was associated with differences in age and AJCC stage at presentation. In an equitable health care system, these differences did not impact patients' treatment or survival.
Encoder-Decoder Design for Perfect Reconstruction: A Robust Control Perspective

In this paper we consider the transmission of discrete data via a communication channel that is subject to (additive) noise with a known upper bound on its magnitude but otherwise completely unknown. We are interested in designing transmitter-receiver pairs that perfectly reconstruct the discrete data with a given delay under all possible realizations of channel noise. A Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) structure is assumed for the receiver while a linear structure is imposed on the transmitter along with the requirement that the power of the transmission is limited. Under these circumstances, we build on our previous work to provide necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect reconstruction in terms of the l1norms of appropriate maps. An l1iteration procedure that results in parametric linear programs is developed to optimize the design parameters for the transmitter-receiver pair. This is done for both the (standard) case when no feedback from the receiver to the transmitter is available and for the case when feedback is available. When only a delayed binary decision is fed back to the transmitter, which is a special instance of the second case, we also provide an implementation for finite time error recovery in terms of an additional l1optimization.
The contractile basis of amoeboid movement: V. The control of gelation, solation, and contraction in extracts from dictyostelium discoideum

Motile extracts have been prepared from Dictyostelium discoideum by homogenization and differential centrifugation at 4 degrees C in a stabilization solution (60). These extracts gelled on warming to 25 degrees Celsius and contracted in response to micromolar Ca++ or a pH in excess of 7.0. Optimal gelation occurred in a solution containing 2.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis (β-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (EGTA), 2.5 mM piperazine-N-N'-bis [2-ethane sulfonic acid] (PIPES), 1 mM MgC1(2), 1 mM ATP, and 20 mM KCI at ph 7.0 (relaxation solution), while micromolar levels of Ca++ inhibited gelation. Conditions that solated the gel elicited contraction of extracts containing myosin. This was true regardless of whether chemical (micromolar Ca++, pH >7.0, cytochalasin B, elevated concentrations of KCI, MgC1(2), and sucrose) or physical (pressure, mechanical stress, and cold) means were used to induce solation. Myosin was definitely required for contraction. During Ca++-or pH-elicited contraction: (a) actin, myosin, and a 95,000-dalton polypeptide were concentrated in the contracted extract; (b) the gelation activity was recovered in the material sqeezed out the contracting extract;(c) electron microscopy demonstrated that the number of free, recognizable F-actin filaments increased; (d) the actomyosin MgATPase activity was stimulated by 4- to 10-fold. In the absense of myosin the Dictyostelium extract did not contract, while gelation proceeded normally. During solation of the gel in the absense of myosin: (a) electron microscopy demonstrated that the number of free, recognizable F- actin filaments increased; (b) solation-dependent contraction of the extract and the Ca++-stimulated MgATPase activity were reconstituted by adding puried Dictyostelium myosin. Actin purified from the Dictyostelium extract did not gel (at 2 mg/ml), while low concentrations of actin (0.7-2 mg/ml) that contained several contaminating components underwent rapid Ca++ regulated gelation. These results indicated : (a) gelation in Dictyostelium extracts involves a specific Ca++-sensitive interaction between actin and several other components; (b) myosin is an absolute requirement for contraction of the extract; (c) actin-myosin interactions capable of producing force for movement are prevented in the gel, while solation of the gel by either physical or chemical means results in the release of F-actin capable of interaction with myosin and subsequent contraction. The effectiveness of physical agents in producting contraction suggests that the regulation of contraction by the gel is structural in nature.
Absorption resonance and large negative delay in rubidium vapor with a buffer gas

We observe a narrow, isolated, two-photon absorption resonance in 87Rb for large one-photon detuning in the presence of a buffer gas. In the absence of a buffer gas, a standard Λ configuration of two laser frequencies gives rise to electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for all values of one-photon detuning throughout the inhomogeneously (Doppler) broadened line. However, when a buffer gas is added and the one-photon detuning is comparable to or greater than the Doppler width, an absorption resonance appears instead of the usual EIT resonance. We also observe a large negative group delay (≈−300 μs for a Gaussian pulse that propagates through the media with respect to a reference pulse not affected by the media), corresponding to a superluminal group velocity vg=−c/(3.6×106)=−84 m/s.
Does pelvic hematoma on admission computed tomography predict active bleeding at angiography for pelvic fracture

Pelvic angiography plays an increasing role in the management of pelvic fractures (PFs). Little has been written regarding the size of pelvic hematoma on admission computed tomography (CT) and how it relates to angiography results after PF. This is a retrospective review of trauma patients with PF who underwent an admission abdominal/pelvic CT scan and pelvic angiography from 2001 to 2003. CT pelvic hematoma was measured and classified as minimal or significant based on hematoma dimensions. Presence of a contrast blush on CT scan was also documented. Thirty-seven patients underwent an admission CT scan and went on to pelvic angiography. Of the 22 patients with significant pelvic hematoma, 73 per cent (n = 16) had bleeding at angiography. Fifteen patients had minimal pelvic hematoma, with 67 per cent (n = 10) showing active bleeding at angiography. In addition, five of six patients (83%) with no pelvic hematoma had active bleeding at angiography. Six patients had a blush on CT scan, with five of these (83%) having a positive angiogram. But, 22 of 31 (71%) patients with no blush on CT scan had bleeding at angiography. The absence of a pelvic hematoma or contrast blush should not alter indications for pelvic angiography, as they do not reliably exclude active pelvic bleeding.
Effectiveness of Using Incentives to Improve Parolee Admission and Attendance in Community Addiction Treatment.

This study is a randomized effectiveness trial of the use of incentives to improve treatment utilization among parolees in community treatment. In prison, Admission Phase parolees were randomized to either Admission Incentive (n = 31) or Education (n = 29). Attendance Phase parolees entering community treatment were randomized to Attendance Incentive (n = 104) or Education (n = 98). In the Attendance Phase, study participants received a monetary incentive for each day that they remained in treatment (up to 22 weeks). There was no main effect for incentives in either phase of the study (Admission to community treatment, Incentive 60% and Education 64%, p =.74; Intervention completion, Incentive 22% and Education 27%, p =.46). Using Cox regression, age, first arrest age, and type of parole status predicted time-in-treatment (p Keywords: Juvenile justice Language: en
Enhancing Risk Detection Among Homeless Youth: A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Promising Pilot Intervention

Homeless youth frequently experience victimization, and youth with histories of trauma often fail to detect danger risks, making them vulnerable to subsequent victimization. The current study describes a pilot test of a skills-based intervention designed to improve risk detection among homeless youth through focusing attention to internal, interpersonal, and environmental cues. Youth aged 18 to 21 years ( N = 74) were recruited from a shelter and randomly assigned to receive usual case management services or usual services plus a 3-day manualized risk detection intervention. Pretest and posttest interviews assessed youths' risk detection abilities through vignettes describing risky situations and asking youth to identify risk cues present. Separate 2 (intervention vs. control) × 2 (pretest vs. posttest) mixed ANOVAs found significant interaction effects, as intervention youth significantly improved in overall risk detection compared with control youth. Post hoc subgroup analyses found the intervention had a greater effect for youth without previous experiences of indirect victimization than those with previous indirect victimization experiences.
Effects of topical hyaluronic acid on corneal wound healing in dogs: a pilot study

Objective To investigate the efficacy of topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid in canine corneal ulcers in vivo. Procedures Six purpose-bred beagles were randomly assigned into two groups (three dogs/group): group A received experimental product (Optimend™, containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid, KineticVet™); group B received control product (Optimend™ without 0.2% hyaluronic acid and supplemented with carboxymethylcellulose). The clinical scorer was masked to product content and subject assignment. Under sedation and topical anesthesia, 6-mm axial corneal epithelial debridements were performed in the left eye. Wounded corneas received standard ulcer treatment and topical product (group A) or control product (group B) three times a day (TID) until ulcers were healed. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy was performed 6 h after wounding and then every 12 h; findings were graded according to modified McDonald–Shadduck scoring system; extraocular photography was performed after fluorescein stain application at all examination time points. Images were analyzed using NIH image j software to quantify rate of corneal epithelialization. Gelatin zymography was used to analyze matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 protein expression in tears collected at set time points during the study period. Results No statistical differences in clinical ophthalmic examination scores, rate of corneal epithelialization, or MMP2 or MMP9 protein expression were found between groups at any tested time point. Conclusions The application of 0.2% hyaluronic acid to standard ulcer medical management is well tolerated. Topical addition of the viscoelastic did not accelerate corneal wound healing compared to a topical control with similar viscosity in this study.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections and Ventilator-Associated Events in the Intensive Care Unit

Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and ventilator-associated events (VAEs) are among the most prevalent and morbid health care–associated infections (HAIs) encountered in the ...
Phosphate Glass Dental/medical Cement

Current interest in the clinical application of alloplastic grafts for treating dental and orthopedic bone defects suggested this investigation on phosphate glasses. Particularly, the calcium phosphate ceramic materials of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate appear to be promising graft materials. Our interest in amorphous rather than crystalline ceramics centered on the potentially wide compositional variation that may be possible and their concomittant properties such as solubility.
Perioperative factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after complex congenital heart surgery.

Objective:To evaluate perioperative factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation in children undergoing complex cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.Design:Retrospective chart review.Setting:A tertiary care pediatric cardiac intensive care.Interventions:None.Measurements and Main
Investigating binocular summation in human vision using complementary fused external noise

The impact noise has on the processing of visual information at various stages within the human visual system (HVS) is still an open research area. To gain additional insight, twelve experiments were administered to human observers using sine wave targets to determine their contrast thresholds. A single frame of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and its complement were used to investigate the effect of noise on the summation of visual information within the HVS. A standard contrast threshold experiment served as the baseline for comparisons. In the standard experiment, a range of sine wave targets are shown to the observers and their ability to detect the targets at varying contrast levels were recorded. The remaining experiments added some form of noise (noise image or its complement) and/or an additional sine wave target separated between one to three octaves to the test target. All of these experiments were tested using either a single monitor for viewing the targets or with a dual monitor presentation method for comparison. In the dual monitor experiments, a ninety degree mirror was used to direct each target to a different eye, allowing for the information to be fused binocularly. The experiments in this study present different approaches for delivering external noise to the HVS, and should allow for an improved understanding regarding how noise enters the HVS and what impact noise has on the processing of visual information.
Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Physician Assistants

Nursing facility residents’ care needs have become more complex [1]. In part, this may be due to more options for community-based care such as adult day service centers and Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Residents in nursing facilities are often the most vulnerable elderly due to multi-morbidities, neurocognitive disorders, and psychosocial issues. The complexity of resident needs coupled with the increased burden on physicians providing care in long-term care has increased awareness on the need for physician, nurse practitioner and physician assistant collaboration to enhance medical care in nursing facilities [2].
Hexavalent chromium exposure levels resulting from shipyard Welding

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to reduce permissible exposure limits ofhexavalent chromium from 100 μg/m 3 between 5 to 0.5 μg/m 3 . A Navy Industry Task Group study revealed that the impact of proposed regulations on the shipbuilding industry is significant. The estimated cost of compliance by the Navy facilities could be as much as $46 Million/year besides a one-time cost ofabout $22 Million. Also, the task group estimated that the cost of $9 Million. This paper presents the results ofa study undertaken at the University of New Orleans in support of the Navy/Industry Task Group efforts. The study included assessments of Cr(VI) exposure levels for two specific welding processes and three welding scenarios. Airborne particulate matter was collected using personal samplers for two specific welding processes, Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux-Cored Arc Welding. Two base metals, HY100 and DH36, were considered for Flux-Cored Arc Welding and one base metal, HY100, was considered for Gas Metal Arc Welding. The samples were analyzed for Cr(VI) using OSHA Method 215. Based on the data generated, it can be concluded that Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux-Cored Arc Welding on HY100 steel result in 8-hr. worker exposures less than 0.5 μg/m 3 in a laboratory type setting, though the same levels of exposure may be difficult to be achieved in the field. Flux-Cored Arc Welding on DH36 resulted in exposure above 0. 5 μg/m 3 , again in laboratory type setting.
U.S. Children's Stereotypes and Prejudicial Attitudes toward Arab Muslims

The current study examined whether children in elementary school in the United States held stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes about Arab Muslims relative to other groups. Children (n = 136), ages 6–11 (55 boys, 81 girls), were read three counterbalanced vignettes about different immigrant families who moved to the United States: one family from the Middle East with clothing markers indicating they are Muslim (e.g., hijab), one family from the Middle East without clothing markers indicating religion, and one White family from Ireland. Children's responses indicated stereotypes associating the Arab Muslim male target as more anti-American and hostile and the Arab Muslim female target as more oppressed than others, both consistent with prevalent media stereotypes. Children's positive and negative affective intergroup attitudes were also measured, along with their attitudes about who can be an “American,” with children showing both a positivity and negativity bias against Arab Muslims. Children who had some contact with Muslims or were familiar with Islam felt more positively toward Arab Muslims than less informed children. In addition, if children perceived Arab Muslims to be prototypical “Americans,” and identified as very American themselves, they also held positive attitudes toward Arab Muslims. Implications for prejudice reduction interventions are discussed.
Accurate Electron Affinities and Orbital Energies of Anions from a Nonempirically Tuned Range-Separated Density Functional Theory Approach

The treatment of atomic anions with Kohn–Sham density functional theory (DFT) has long been controversial because the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy, EHOMO, is often calculated to be positive with most approximate density functionals. We assess the accuracy of orbital energies and electron affinities for all three rows of elements in the periodic table (H–Ar) using a variety of theoretical approaches and customized basis sets. Among all of the theoretical methods studied here, we find that a nonempirically tuned range-separated approach (constructed to satisfy DFT-Koopmans’ theorem for the anionic electron system) provides the best accuracy for a variety of basis sets, even for small basis sets where most functionals typically fail. Previous approaches to solve this conundrum of positive EHOMO values have utilized non-self-consistent methods; however, electronic properties, such as electronic couplings/gradients (which require a self-consistent potential and energy), become ill-defined w...