cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-term changes in affective, behavioral, and cognitive components of body image after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Many bariatric surgery candidates report body image concerns before surgery. Research has reported post-surgical improvements in body satisfaction, which may be associated with weight loss. However, research has failed to comprehensively examine changes in affective, behavioral, and cognitive body image. Objectives This research examined (1) short-term changes in affective, behavioral, and cognitive components of body image from pre-surgery to 1- and 6-months after bariatric surgery, and (2) the association between percent weight loss and these changes. Setting Participants were recruited from a private hospital in the midwestern United States. Methods Eighty-eight females (original N = 123; lost to follow-up: n = 15 at 1-month and n = 20 at 6-months post-surgery) completed a questionnaire battery, including the Body Attitudes Questionnaire, Body Checking Questionnaire, Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, and Body Shape Questionnaire, and weights were obtained from patients’ medical records before and at 1- and 6-months post-surgery. Results Results indicated significant decreases in body dissatisfaction, feelings of fatness, and body image avoidance at 1- and 6-months after bariatric surgery, with the greatest magnitude of change occurring for body image avoidance. Change in feelings of fatness was significantly correlated with percent weight loss at 6-months, but not 1-month, post-surgery. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of examining short-term changes in body image from a multidimensional perspective in the effort to improve postsurgical outcomes. Unique contributions include the findings regarding the behavioral component of body image, as body image avoidance emerges as a particularly salient concern that changes over time among bariatric surgery candidates.
Serotype tracking of Salmonella through integrated broiler chicken operations.

The widespread presence of Salmonella in all phases of broiler chicken production and processing is well documented. However, little information is available to indicate the identity and movement of specific serotypes of Salmonella through the different phases of an integrated operation. In this study, samples were collected from the breeder farm, from the hatchery, from the previous grow-out flock, from the flock during grow-out, and from carcasses after processing. Salmonella were recovered from 6, 98, 24, 60, and 7% of the samples, respectively, in the first trial and from 7, 98, 26, 22, and 36% of the samples, respectively, in the second trial. Seven different serotypes were identified in the first trial, and 12 different serotypes were identified in the second trial. For both trials there was poor correlation between the serotypes found in the breeder farms and those found in the hatchery. This finding and the fact that similar serotypes were found in the hatchery in both trials suggests that there was an endemic population of Salmonella in the hatchery. An association between the serotypes found in the hatchery and those found on the final processed carcasses was observed in both trials. This study confirms that a successful intervention program for broiler production operations must he multifaceted, with one component being disinfection in the hatchery. Cette etude recherche l'identite et le mouvement des serotypes specifiques de Salmonella a travers les differentes phases d'une unite integree de production et de transformation du poulet de batterie. Des echantillons sont collectes a la ferme d'elevage, a l'ecloserie, aux differents lieux de croissance et sur les carcasses apres transformation. Les resultats montrent peu de correlation entre les serotypes des 2 premieres etapes. Une association entre les serotypes trouves a l'ecloserie et sur les carcasses est observee.
Advances in Quantum Detection

Some communication links, notably optical channels operating at very low power, are best modeled using quantum mechanics. Quantum signals are not described by stochastic processes, so that the classical theory of detection must be modified to deal with “quantum states”. Interest in such problems has risen in recent years due to the increasing attention on quantum information processing in general. This chapter reviews the basic mathematical formalism of quantum detection, and discusses several existing approaches to detector design. Both the Bayesian theory developed in the 70’s and more recent techniques are considered.
Approximate Indexability and Bandit Problems with Concave Rewards and Delayed Feedback

We consider two stochastic multi-armed bandit problems in this paper in the Bayesian setting. In the first problem the accrued reward in a step is a concave function (such as the maximum) of the observed values of the arms played in that step. In the second problem, the observed value from a play of arm i is revealed after δ i steps. Both of these problems have been considered in the bandit literature but no solutions with provably good performance guarantees are known over short horizons. The two problems are similar in the sense that the reward (for the first) or the available information (for the second) derived from an arm is not a function of just the current play of that arm. This interdependence between arms renders most existing analysis techniques inapplicable.
Statistical Mechanical Models and Surface Diffusion

Systems of adsorbed particles on relatively inert substrates have shown rich thermodynamic properties (1). There has been good theoretical progress in understanding these systems through the assumption that the equilibrium properties of the adsorbed particles can be understood through the use of relatively simple statistical mechanical models(2). In these lectures I will discuss some of these models and their extension into the nonequilibrium regime. Thus we will be interested in the dynamics of these adparticles. This involves then the use of statistical mechanical models to describe surface diffusion. Thus far there has not been very much work in this area. Initially therefore we must work with models that are somewhat oversimplified. Eventually one can develop models that are capable of describing a wide variety of phenomena.
Efficient expression of isotopically labeled peptides for high resolution NMR studies: application to the Cdc42/Rac binding domains of virulent kinases in Candida albicans.

The production of bioactive peptides and small protein fragments is commonly achieved via solid-phase chemical synthesis. However, such techniques become unviable and prohibitively expensive when the peptides are large (e.g., >30 amino acids) or when isotope labeling is required for NMR studies. Expression and purification of large quantities of unfolded peptides in E. coli have also proved to be difficult even when the desired peptides are carried by fusion proteins such as GST. We have developed a peptide expression system that utilizes a novel fusion protein (SFC120) which is highly expressed and directs the peptides to inclusion bodies, thereby minimizing in-cell proteolysis whilst maintaining high yields of peptide expression. The expressed peptides can be liberated from the carrier protein by CNBr cleavage at engineered methionine sites or through proteolysis by specific proteases for peptides containing methionine residues. In the present systems, we use CNBr, due to the absence of methionine residues in the target peptides, although other cleavage sites can be easily inserted. We report the production of six unfolded protein fragments of different composition and lengths (19 to 48 residues) derived from the virulent effector kinases, Cla4 and Ste20 of Candida albicans. All six peptides were produced with high yields of purified material (30-40 mg/l in LB, 15-20 mg/l in M9 medium), pointing to the general applicability of this expression system for peptide production. The enrichment of these peptides with (15)N, (15)N/(13)C and even (15)N/(13)C/(2)H isotopes is presented allowing speedy assignment of poorly-resolved resonances of flexible peptides.
Child Care on Campus: A True Partnership Between an Academic Program and Vendor

Child-care services were provided for working mothers long before World War II. Some “company towns” provided these services to workers during the 19th century (Kamerman & Kahn, 1987). Although the specific content of these services may not have resembled what we now call child-care (e.g., group care in a single location), they assisted parents whose other obligations made it difficult for them to be with their children. Hernandez (1993, p. 152) has estimated that during the 1930s, over 300,000 infants and children (0–5 years) had both parents working full-time; these children required some form of child care. Over the years, the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor (1953, 1971, 1979, 1989) conducted detailed surveys of employed women’s need for child care and how it was being met. Out-of-home child care for working parents has been a small and sporadic component of employee benefits, except for occupations employing large percentages of women, such as apparel manufacturing (Collins, 1989; LeBlanc & Hennon, 1979; Perry, 1978). During the last 30 years, as women entered the workforce at-large in unprecedented numbers, child care has become a broad political issue affecting business, legislation, and child development researchers (e.g., Advisory Committee on Child Development, National Research Council, 1976; Hernandez, 1995; Krcmarik, Yang, & Fritz, 1994; Zigler, Kagan, & Klugman, 1983).
Learning to Optimize Performance: Lessons from a Neural Control System

Abstract Cognitive processes in human-machine interaction are mostly executed in the cerebral cortex (and other parts of the higher brain) which is designed for multi-tasking operations but is generally not optimized for any specific task. Similar cognitive and control operations also occur in the brain stem which is composed of many task specific neural modules for the homeostatic regulation of a host of physiological functions using peripheral processes as the “machine”. In the respiratory control system, the brain stem controller demonstrates intelligent control capability and achieves optimal performance under a wide variety of environmental conditions. Such intelligent control behavior can be realized by reinforcement learning in an associative Hebbian synapse in the brain stem. Similar reinforcement learning modules in the higher brain can be fashioned by repeated training to effect robust optimal operation in a human-machine system.
Addressing the effects of sampling on ecometric-based paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Abstract Ecometric analysis involves the examination of quantifiable functional traits across the taxa in a biotic community. Well-documented relationships between certain functional traits and environmental gradients in the present provide the empirical framework for a large body of research that uses ecometrics to reconstruct environments in the fossil record. In current applications of the technique, the taxa present in a fossil assemblage are summarized using the mean value of an environmentally informative trait. This study explores some of the quantitative pitfalls inherent to this approach. Through analysis of dental crown height—a trait that is widely used to infer paleo-precipitation—of Late Pleistocene ungulate assemblages from the Lake Victoria Basin in western Kenya, we illustrate how ecometric means vary as a function of sample size. Sampling artifacts have the potential to bias ecometric means, and the environmental inferences derived from them, whenever there is a non-random distribution of traits across the species abundance distribution (e.g., if abundant taxa have different traits than rare taxa). This sampling issue also means that the degree of analytical precision implied by quantitative paleoenvironmental reconstructions (e.g., annual precipitation at time X was 500 mm/yr) derived from ecometrics may be unwarranted. We recommend that analytical approaches be modified to circumvent these problems and explore three potential solutions: (1) specimen-based rarefaction, (2) coverage-based rarefaction, and (3) weighting ecometric means by taxonomic abundances. Of these, only the latter is robust to variation in sampling effort. Because abundance data are not always available and are potentially unreliable, we outline alternative approaches that could be implemented to contend with sample bias.
A Statewide Analysis of School Discipline Policies and Suspension Practices.

The majority of the research on school suspension practices has focused on individual student-level factors and their relationship to school suspension practices. A substantial number of studies ha...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: An Everyday Occurrence in Pediatric Allergy Clinics

The explanation of hypersensitivity reactions has long relied on the classification of Gell and Coombs, originally proposed in the 1960s. However, their concepts were predated by other authors by at least 50 years. A 21st century pediatric allergy clinic provides multiple examples of these basic concepts on a daily basis. We review classic and less classic examples of the original criteria, highlight where current disease pathophysiology does not always fit the original model, and provide updated language for common and uncommon immunologically driven hypersensitivity diseases.
Humanism and Italian society

By the closing decades of the Quattrocento (the fifteenth century), humanism dominated the culture of the ruling groups in all important Italian cities, from Rome north to the Alps. Although Florence deservedly has received the most attention and provides the best evidence of a link between the new culture and an ethic of political action and public service, humanism fitted almost as neatly into the need of the many princely courts for a distinctive lay culture and for a cadre of classically educated administrators and advisers to the ruler. Even the papal curia at Rome found the linguistic and scholarly skills of humanists useful in the chancery, the department that drafted papal letters and many other official documents. Although the sympathy of Pope Nicholas V for humanism, expressed in his library and his programme of sponsoring translations from the Greek, quickened this process, humanists played an important role in curial administration even under Paul II (1471–84), who began his pontificate by dismissing many curial humanists and even arrested several of them in 1468 on trumped-up charges of impiety that probably masked his fear of political conspiracies. By 1500, Rome was on its way to outstripping Florence as the most brilliant centre of humanistic culture, just as it was also taking leadership in the patronage of art. Printing and the new culture The rise of curial and courtly humanism and the growing dominance of humanist schoolmasters in the Latin grammar schools of the peninsula did much to establish humanism as the major force in Italian culture. Another source of humanism's growing dominance was the new art of printing.
Single-site, five-year experience with human eosinophil isolation by density gradient centrifugation and CD16 immunomagnetic negative separation.

Little has been reported regarding the reliability of methods for the purification of human blood eosinophils. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 350 consecutive eosinophil isolations. Between January 2014 and December 2018, we conducted 350 eosinophil purifications from 83 donors. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC), calculated from hospital complete blood counts when available (n = 289), ranged from 32 to 1352 eosinophils/µL ($$\bar{x} \pm {\text{SD}}$$: 179 ± 136/µL). Eosinophil yields ranged from 0.4 to 24.4 million cells per 20 mL of blood drawn ($$\bar{x} \pm {\text{SD}}$$: 3.1 ± 1.9 million eosinophils) with > 98% purity. Comparing AEC to actual yield, recovery was 87% ± 29% ($$\bar{x} \pm {\text{SD}}$$) and AEC strongly correlated with yield. To explore the reproducibility of yield, a subsequent analysis was limited to those donors drawn ≥ 3 times (N = 35), and there was no difference in the average coefficient of variation for yield between allergic and non-allergic donors. Viability of isolated eosinophils was consistently > 95% and after 24 h of culture did not differ between allergic and non-allergic donors. We conclude that this immunomagnetic separation method for human eosinophil isolation from whole blood is a reliable, reproducible technique for obtaining an average of 87% yield with high purity and viability.
Hormonal Control of Decidualization

The secretory pattern of ovarian hormones during the estrous cycle varies in mammals. In the human, estrogen secretion peaks twice during a cycle, once shortly before ovulation and again at the mid-luteal phase. The progesterone level, on the other hand, is very low before ovulation. After ovulation it increases to peak at the mid-luteal phase, then declines to a low level prior to the next menstruation (Ross et al. 1970, Edwards 1980). Since ovum implantation in the human occurs about 8 days after ovulation, the increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone during the luteal phase appears to be necessary to prepare the endometrium for the fertilized ovum and subsequent decidualization.
Environmental factors drive release of Perkinsus marinus from infected oysters

Since the discovery of Perkinsus marinus as the cause of dermo disease in Crassostrea virginica, salinity and temperature have been identified as the main environmental drivers of parasite prevalence. However, little is known about how these variables affect the movement of parasites from host to water column. In order to elucidate how environmental factors can influence the abundance of this parasite in the water column, we conducted a series of experiments testing the effects of time of day, temperature, and salinity on release of P. marinus cells from infected oysters. We found that P. marinus cells were released on a diurnal cycle, with most cells released during the hottest and brightest period of the day (12:00-18:00). Temperature also had a strong and immediate effect on number of cells released, but salinity did not, only influencing the intensity of infection over the course of several months. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 1) the number of parasites in the water column fluctuates according to a diurnal cycle, 2) temperature and salinity act on different timescales to influence parasite abundance, and 3) live infected oysters may substantially contribute to the abundance of transmissive parasites in the water column under particular environmental conditions.
Order, Reform, and Abolition: Changes in Catholic Theological Imagination on Prisons and Punishment:

Catholic thinking on prisons and punishment is in a state of flux. For most of its history, the church promoted a theology of order and obedience. Yet, a humanitarian revolution appears underway as...
Thermal loading analysis of the ring injection dump for the Spallation Neutron Source facility

Abstract The ring injection dump (RID) is the largest beam dump in the Spallation Neutron Source facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and accepts a fraction of the beam from the ring that is not captured in the ring during injection. Thermo-fluid modeling of the RID components was performed during the initial design by using the software ANSYS TM CFX to characterize the power rating for the RID. From the calculations, the power rating was lowered from 200 kW to 150 kW, at 1.3 GeV beam energy due to concerns regarding the heating of the concrete structure. The Proton Power Upgrade project scope included reevaluating the power limit to the RID in anticipation that increasing it would provide more operational flexibility. The focus was on the shielding because it was the limiting factor, and data collected from thermocouples installed on the structure were used to benchmark the analysis. A three-stage process was adopted in the latest study. First, the already existing steady-state calculations were validated and extended with the latest Monte Carlo N-Particle source term calculations. Second, transient calculations were conducted to capture the dynamic state of the system in response to the energy dumped to the RID during the following operational period of the beam from 2005–2019 (14 years), and sensitivity analyses of crucial parameters were performed to benchmark the model with reasonable accuracy. Finally, an idealized transient cycle analysis was conducted with realistic duty factors to predict the temperature distribution at higher beam powers. The results confirmed the accuracy of the original steady state model but allowed the development of a new validated transient model with higher accuracy for future analyses.
Beamforming Design for Rate Splitting MIMO

In this paper, an overloaded downlink rate splitting multiuser multiple input single output (MU-MISO) system is considered. To combat interference, we propose a beamforming method based on rate-splitting (RS), which divides a beamforming vector into a common vector and a private vector. A successive convex approximate (SCA) based optimization approach is then proposed to achieve high max-min fairness performance. The proposed approach is compared with the conventional weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) based approach in terms of convergence speed and max-min fairness (MMF) rate performance. Moreover, to adapt to the stochastic nature of wireless channel, a stochastic successive convex approximate (SSCA) based approach is proposed. The algorithm is based on approximating the original non-convex optimization problem with their convex surrogate function and performs convex optimization. Compared with the conventional sample average approximation (SAA) method, the proposed scheme does not need to collect a large number of samples for solving the optimization problem. Simulation results show that the proposed SCA based RS scheme converges faster than the conventional WMMSE based approach and outperforms the WMMSE based scheme in terms of the MMF rate performance. The proposed SSCA based approach can achieve a satisfactory performance with a significantly lower complexity.
The contribution of transpiration, ground evaporation, and canopy evaporation to local and remote precipitation across North America

Abstract. Land surface evapotranspiration (ET) is a major source of moisture for the global hydrologic cycle. Though the influence of the land surface is well documented, moisture tracking analysis has often relied on offline tracking approaches that require simplifying assumptions and can bias results. Additionally, the contribution of the ET components (transpiration (T), canopy evaporation (C), and ground evaporation (E)) individually to precipitation is not well understood, inhibiting our understanding of moisture teleconnections in both the current and future climate. Here we use the Community Earth System Model version 1.2 with online numerical water tracers to examine the contribution of local and remote land surface ET, including the contribution from each individual ET component, to precipitation across North America. We find the role of the land surface and the individual ET components varies considerably across the continent and across seasons. Much of northern and northeastern North America receives up to 80% of summertime precipitation from land surface ET, and over 50 % of that moisture originates from transpiration alone. Local moisture recycling constitutes an essential source of precipitation across much of the southern and western regions of North America, while remote land surface moisture supplies most of the land-based precipitation across northern and eastern North America. Though the greatest contribution of remotely sourced land ET occurs in the north and east, we find the primary sources of North American land surface moisture shifts seasonally. The results highlight regions that are especially sensitive to land cover and hydrologic changes in local and upwind areas, providing key insights for drought prediction and water resource management.
Nationalism, Myth, and the State in Russia and Serbia: Antecedents of the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia

Introduction 1. Russians and Serbs in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia: grounds for comparison and alternative explanations 2. States, nations, and nationalism: a Weberian view 3. Empire, state, and nation in Russia and Serbia 4. Communism and nationalism: Russians and Serbs in the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia 5. The nation as a community of shared memories and common political destiny: Russians and Serbs in literary narratives Conclusion Postscript.
Fragmentation Across Cones

This paper examines the effects of fragmentation across cones of diversification in the Heckscher-Ohlin model of international trade. Fragmentation is defined as the splitting of production processes into parts that can be done in different countries. Such fragmentation may occur in a world of factor price equalization (FPE) only if it is costless, and even then it is uninteresting. It becomes more important in a world without FPE, where countries operate in different diversification cones. In that case even costly fragmentation (which uses more resources than the original) may be able to produce a good at a lower cost than the original unfragmented technology, if it can take advantage of different factor prices in different countries. The paper shows when this will be the case, then goes on to examine the effects of fragmentation on factor prices. It is already known that introduction of fragmentation can lead to FPE when FPE did not obtain initially. But it need not do so, and the paper explores the directions of the effects on relative factor prices when they do not become equalized. It turns out that factor prices may actually be driven further apart by fragmentation. This is suggested diagrammatically, and also shown more formally for the case of Cobb-Douglas preferences and technologies.
LEARNING TO TALK THE TALK: GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENT SOCIALIZATION TO WORLD POLITICS

Several Oklahoma universities sponsor Model United Nations simulations as an extracurricular activity for adolescents from middle school through college. These simulations provide a window on adolescent socialization to world politics. Offering an opportunity to examine whether male and female adolescents participate in the same way or have similar experiences. This project assessed gender differences in participation at the Model United Nations of the Southwest (MUNSW) at the University of Oklahoma. Important gender differences in participation were observed in the number of speaking turns taken by male and female delegates, types of committees chosen by participants, and interactions among delegates. The analysis suggests that adolescents already have learned gendered norms of political behavior and they reenact those norms in such extracurricular activities. The structure of the event affects behavior and can be altered to enhance the participation of all delegates, particularly females.
Assessing student learning: it can be more than a survey

There is a trend toward the assessment of more "outputs" rather than "inputs" in the accreditation processes. The immediate need was to develop an assessment plan to meet the requirements of the North Central Association for future accreditation of the university. Subsequently the desired outputs, student learning outcomes or academic achievements, were defined as what a student can do with their learning. Deciding what constituted these outcomes or achievements was the next step since these were the factors that would be assessed. Many of these factors are subjective in nature and surveys seemed an effective and efficient way to do the assessment. However, the author believes that assessment of student learning outcomes or achievements should begin with instructors taking a reflective look at, i.e., assess, how their students are doing. This process should involve analysis of more than just the exam results. The author has been guided in this process by a course development model he uses which is a modification of models previously published. The steps of this model are explained and his use of it to assess student learning explored. Data which he has collected on his students is discussed. The role this assessment process has played in revisions made to the metallurgy course he teaches are also be discussed.
Cause of death in men diagnosed with prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Prostate carcinoma is one of the leading causes of death in men. Although the mortality rate is high, it still may underestimate the number of deaths associated with the disease. This study was conducted to compare causes of death among men previously diagnosed with prostate carcinoma and to examine the extent to which differences in cause of death (death from prostate carcinoma vs. death from other causes) varied by age, race, clinical factors, and comorbid conditions. METHODS A review was conducted of the medical records of decedent members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care program who previously were diagnosed with prostate carcinoma between January 1980 and December 1984 (n = 584). The review focused on demographic factors, symptoms, diagnostic tests, stage of disease, and treatment. Data on comorbidity were obtained from a computerized discharge summary. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios. RESULTS Approximately 54% of the decedent prostate carcinoma patients died of their prostate carcinoma. Decedents who were black, age ≤ 65 years, diagnosed with more advanced disease stage, recipients of hormonal therapy, and whose death occurred > 6 months after diagnosis were more likely than others to die of prostate carcinoma. In contrast, the likelihood of dying of some other cause was associated with concurrent cardiovascular disease, after adjustment for the effects of race, age, and disease stage. There also were significant two-way age-race and age-time-to-death interactions. CONCLUSIONS The prognostic significance of cardiovascular disease in prostate carcinoma patients should be investigated in subsequent survival studies. A number of questions need to be addressed delineating the complex relations between coexisting diseases and their treatment. Cancer 1998;83:1180-1188. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
STUDIES ON THE PROPAGATION IN VITRO OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUSES II. A DESCRIPTION OF THE GROWTH CURVE AND ITS RELATION TO THE CYTOPATHOGENICITY OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS

The growth of poliomyelitis virus, Type 2, Yale-SK strain, in cultures of monkey testicular tissue was observed to occur in discrete cycles. Growth curves showed that each cycle was composed of (a) an initial lag phase when little or no virus was released from the cells, (6) a phase of viral production, and (c) a plateau which represented a decrement in the rate of viral production. This pattern of viral multiplication occurred in monkey testicular tissue cultures which have as the liquid phase either ox serum ultrafiltrate or monkey serum-chicken embryonic extract medium. The presence of a solid medium composed of chicken plasma, clotted either with chicken embryonic extract or bovine thrombin, did not alter the pattern of viral multiplication. The shape of the growth curve as established by any of four different techniques for tissue cultivation, was shown to be independent of the cultural technique employed. For cultures of monkey testicular tissue, the amount of virus in the tissue was as much as tenfold greater than that in the liquid of the same cultures. Moreover, viral production was evident earlier and was detectable for a longer period of time in the tissue than in the liquid phase. The rapidly incremental phase of the growth cycle, when large quantities of virus were released into the liquid phase, coincided in time with the destruction of the spindle-shaped cells, which extended from the explants. Although destruction of outgrowth cells was marked, there remained cells within the explants capable of supporting the growth of poliomyelitis virus.
Entropy estimates of garnets and other silicates.

An example is given to illustrate the pitfall of estimating entropy from volume alone as was done earlier by Saxena with the garnets pyrope and almandine. A reply by Saxena is included. (GHT)
Laser-induced surface and coating damage

Results from experiments on laser-induced damage to surfaces of optically polished glass and fused-silica and thin-film coatings are presented. Measurements were made under proper conditions to characterize actual laser components. Data are given for distributions of thresholds for 1.06 μm, 1 ns pulses, the influence of coating materials and designs, and effects of surface preparation on damage threshold, variations of threshold with duration of the laser pulse, and thresholds for selected visible and ultraviolet wavelength pulses.
Theory of Stimulated Raman Scattering

The semiclassical theory of spontaneous Raman scattering is reviewed. From the semiclassical theory we identify the parameters and dynamical variables involved in Raman scattering. A classical theory of stimulated Raman scattering is constructed. It is an extension of the theory of Shen and Bloembergen. We show that the system is a weakly coupled system. Because the driving term contains dynamical variables, the linewidth of the stimulated Stokes wave should be smaller than that of the spontaneous Stokes wave. Using Riemann's method, we obtain Kroll's solution rigorously, in a more general form. The steady-state limit is also derived rigorously. The conditions for the transient and steady-state gains are discussed. It is shown that for the transient case one may have an abrupt change of the Stokes gain versus incident laser power.
Group independent component analysis of MR spectra

This study investigates the potential of independent component analysis (ICA) to provide a data-driven approach for group level analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) spectra. ICA collectively analyzes data to identify maximally independent components, each of which captures covarying resonances, including those from different metabolic sources. A comparative evaluation of the ICA approach with the more established LCModel method in analyzing two different noise-free, artifact-free, simulated data sets of known compositions is presented. The results from such ideal simulations demonstrate the ability of data-driven ICA to decompose data and accurately extract components resembling modeled basis spectra from both data sets, whereas the LCModel results suffer when the underlying model deviates from assumptions, thus highlighting the sensitivity of model-based approaches to modeling inaccuracies. Analyses with simulated data show that independent component weights are good estimates of concentrations, even of metabolites with low intensity singlet peaks, such as scyllo-inositol. ICA is also applied to single voxel spectra from 193 subjects, without correcting for baseline variations, line-width broadening or noise. The results provide evidence that, despite the presence of confounding artifacts, ICA can be used to analyze in vivo spectra and extract resonances of interest. ICA is a promising technique for decomposing MR spectral data into components resembling metabolite resonances, and therefore has the potential to provide a data-driven alternative to the use of metabolite concentrations derived from curve-fitting individual spectra in making group comparisons.
A special population: Nursing diagnoses for the psychiatric client with mental retardation

Adult psychiatric clients who are also mentally retarded represent a population with unique nursing care needs. Nursing diagnoses provide information about current functional and potential problems, thus aiding in diagnosis and treatment. Additional research is needed regarding nursing diagnoses for this population.
Catecholamine-containing proteins from the pharate pupal cuticle of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Three catecholamine-containing proteins from tanning, pharate pupal, abdominal cuticle of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, have been purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized. These proteins have apparent molecular masses of 32, 41 and 48 kDa and were shown by liquid chromatography-electrochemical analysis, after heating in 1 M acetic acid at 110°C, to release N-β-alanylnorepinephrine (NBANE). NBANE is a hydrolysis product of N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD) that is bonded covalently at the β-side-chain carbon to amino acid residues of cuticular proteins. Amino acid compositional analysis revealed that MS-PCP32 (32 kDa) has a high content of alanine (25.6%), valine (13.1%), proline (10.8%) and glycine (10%), a low level of phenylalanine, and no detectable tyrosine or methionine. In contrast, MS-PCP41 (41 kDa) had a much higher content of glycine (31.2%) and substantial levels of serine (9.2%), proline (10.2%) and glutamatelglutamine (10.6%), whereas tyrosine and phenylalanine were not detected. Two of the three purified proteins showed apparent similarities to each other in N-terminal amino acid sequences, and to several other known insect cuticular proteins. Proteins MS-PCP41 and MS-PCP48 had the characteristic GGX triplet repeat, which is found in a variety of cuticular proteins and may be important for protein folding appropriate for cuticular functions. Therefore, a diversity of cuticular proteins with different amino acid sequences and properties apparently are secreted into the presumptive pupal exocuticle. These then can form adducts and possible cross-links with NBAD through its quinonoid intermediates during cuticular sclerotization.
Learning Together: Expanding the One-To-One ITS Model for Computer Science Education

The standard paradigm of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) affords one-on-one learning between a student and a computer tutor. My work shifts this paradigm to accommodate multiple-student computer-mediated learning. The work is grounded in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, ITS, and the emerging computing industry standard of peer programming. My current research is motivated by my personal experience as an underrepresented student in the field with a strong desire to be connected to others as I learn Computer Science (CS). CS is a discipline not known for collaborative exercises at the introductory level, however, there are promising opportunities for advancement.
A single pulse of nerve growth factor triggers long-term neuronal excitability through sodium channel gene induction

The continuous presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) is thought to be required for the elaboration of neuronal-like traits in PC12 cells. Surprisingly, we find that a 1 min exposure to NGF is sufficient to engage a longer-term genetic program leading to the acquisition of membrane excitability. Whereas continuous exposure to NGF causes the induction of a family of sodium channels, the effect of a brief exposure is to induce selectively expression of the peripheral nerve-type sodium channel gene PN1, through a distinct signaling pathway requiring immediate-early genes. A 1 min exposure of PC12 cells to interferon-gamma also causes PN1 gene induction, suggesting that the "triggered" NGF and interferon-gamma signaling pathways share common molecular intermediates.
Surface photodeposition of metal oxides by decomposition of several group IVA organometallics (benzyltrimethylsilanes and benzyltrimethylstannanes) on TiO2

Abstract The photocatalytic decomposition of several substituted benzyltrimethylsilanes and benzyltrimethylstannanes on band gap irradiated TiO2 powders suspended in acetonitrile causes the deposition of SiRx and SiO2 and of SnRx and SnO2 respectively, on the photoactive surface. A mechanism consistent with interfacial trapping of a photogenerated electron—hole pair can successfully rationalize the observed kinetics and substituent effects.
The Promethean translator and cannibalistic pains: Lu Xun's “hard translation” as a political allegory

This essay revisits a crucial moment in the modern Chinese history of translation: Lu Xun's “hard translation” of Marxist theories in the late 1920s and the ensuing debate on translation in the early 1930s. It questions the simplistic application of the paradigm of literalism to the case of “hard translation”, and focuses instead on the translator's self-allegorization as a vital rhetorical surplus of Lu Xun's translation practice. In particular, this essay scrutinizes Lu Xun's rewriting of the Prometheus myth in his response to his critic, Liang Shiqiu. Lu Xun's Prometheus is a translator embodying cannibalistic self-torment. I trace the theme of cannibalism in his other works, and compare the allegory of the cannibalistic translator to the Brazilian theory of translation as cannibalism. I argue that it is within this self-referential rhetoric that “hard translation” becomes a figure of the translator's subjectivity and “labor of the negative”.
Uniform irradiation of the craniospinal axis with a penumbra modifier and an asymmetric collimator

Abstract Purpose: A technique is described that uses an independent, asymmetric collimator and a penumbra modifier to uniformly administer radiation over the craniospinal axis. Method and Materials: An isocenter is used at the junction of the cranial and the upper spinal fields. These fields are defined by a single isocenter at spinal cord depth and an independent, asymmetric collimator. From the isocenter, the cranial and upper spinal fields are extended 1 cm inferiorly and superiorly, respectively. A modifier provides a 2-cm wide penumbra at the central axis of the beam (overlapping region) and is attached to a wedge tray in an accessory slot. This modifier allows the fields to be matched so a uniform dose is delivered over the isocenter and junction. Dose distribution was measured with an anthropomorphic head-and-neck wax phantom that included the seventh cervical vertebrae. A film was placed in a coronal cut at the spinal cord level. Results: The administered dose varied less than 10% through the craniospinal axis. Reproducibility with portal films has been very good. Advantages include dose homogeneity, easy reproducibility, and decreased setup time. Conclusion: This single-field isocentric technique allows more uniform irradiation of the craniospinal axis than do previously described techniques.
Water and disasters: a review and analysis of policy aspects

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the human and economic impacts of water disasters. During 2000–2010, they accounted for almost 90% of all natural disasters, 96% of the people affected (2.4 billion) and 76% of the economic damages (approximately USD1 trillion) caused by natural disasters globally. It is ironic that despite the centrality of water disasters, relatively little attention has been paid to them in the discourse on water resources. Against this backdrop, five broad groups of water policies – risk management, vulnerability assessment, capacity building and resilience, disaster risk reduction-development linkage and institutional design – were examined to determine their adequacy and effectiveness in successfully dealing with water disasters. It was found that most policies have serious shortcomings that need to be addressed. Drawing on this study, a number of specific policy recommendations are offered to correct these deficiencies. The study has further found that there is ...
Hostility Moderates the Effects of Social Support and Intimacy on Blood Pressure in Daily Social Interactions

Objective: This study sought to determine the role of hostility in moderating the effects of positive social interactions on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). Design: Participants (341 adults) completed the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale and underwent ABP monitoring, assessed every 45 min during waking hours across 6 days. An electronic diary measuring mood and social interactions was completed at each ABP assessment. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables from the ABP monitor included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Results: Different patterns of ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (ADBP) responding to social interactions perceived as intimate or supportive among high- versus low-hostile individuals were observed. Higher intimacy ratings were linked to reductions in ADBP among low-hostile but not high-hostile individuals. Conversely, high-hostile, but not low-hostile, individuals showed increases in ADBP to situations rated high in social support. Although findings for ambulatory systolic blood pressure were nonsignificant, the pattern of results was similar to ADBP. Conclusion: Hostile individuals may find offers of support stressful and may fail to benefit from intimacy during daily life. The pathogenic effects of hostility may be mediated in part by responses to social interactions, both positive and negative.
Distinguishing environmental and density-dependent aspects of adaptation

The Middle Holocene was a period in which significant climate change and rapidly increasing population density are often both associated with dramatic changes in human subsistence and social organisation. Methodologically, it is interesting to ask: how can archaeologists learn to distinguish environmentally- and demographically-conditioned aspects of change in such strategies? Limiting the scope of the study to the Americas partially controls variation in the timing of initial occupation, although both the scale and impact of climate change vary widely. This provides a laboratory for testing expectations of analytical models which allow environmental and demographic variables to change independently. This exploration is founded on Binford's (2001) environmental and hunter-gatherer frames of reference.
Red cell and plasma transit through spleen: the splenic hematocrit.

SummaryFive-hundred microcuries Cr51 tagged red blood cells and 125 microcuries I131 tagged serum albumin was injected into 8 sodium pentobarbital anesthetized dogs and blood samples collected simultaneously from the femoral artery and splenic vein. Time for red cell equilibrium was 59.3 minutes (22.5 to 87.5 minutes). Plasma equilibrium time was 16.5 minutes (3.5 to 32.5 minutes); red cell mean transit time was 10.09 minutes (6.8 to 39.82 minutes). Plasma mean transit time was 3.75 minutes (0.72 to 8.28 minutes). Average hematocrit of the spleen was 77.6 (65 to 88). Ratio of splenic hematocrit to large vessel hematocrit was 1.96 ± .12 S.D. over a range of arterial hematocrits from 31 to 49.5.
Clearing the FOG: Fuzzy, overlapping groups for social networks

Humans are well known to belong to many associative groups simultaneously, with various levels of affiliation. However, most group detection algorithms for social networks impose a strict partitioning on nodes, forcing entities to belong to a single group. Link analysis research has produced several methods which detect multiple memberships but force equal membership. This paper extends these approaches by introducing the FOG framework, a stochastic model and group detection algorithm for fuzzy, overlapping groups. We apply our algorithm to both link data and network data, where we use a random walk approach to generate rich links from networks. The results demonstrate that not only can fuzzy groups be located, but also that the strength of membership in a group and the fraction of individuals with exclusive membership are highly informative of emerging group dynamics.
Lateral resolution in laser-patterned thermal processing of GaAs

Time-dependent two-dimensional calculations are employed to estimate the limits placed, by thermal diffusion, on the lateral resolution of thermally-activated excimer-laser-induced patterned processing of GaAs. Sinusoidal and rectangular fluence profiles are used for holographic or projection exposure. Despite thermal diffusion, holographic exposure can result in feature sizes well into the nanostructure regime, except for low activation energy processes conducted at low peak temperatures. In projection patterning, pattern fidelity is severely affected by thermal diffusion. In this case, reasonably rectangular process profiles can only be obtained for feature sizes as large as several microns, unless hard process thresholds and/or stopping layers are involved.