cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors impacting complication rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation from 2003 to 2015.

Aims Complications from catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are well described. Changing aspects of AF ablation including patient populations referred, institutional experience, and emerging catheter and pharmacological options may impact complication rates. We assessed procedural complication trends in AF ablation patients from 2003–2015 to identify what factors affect adverse event rates. Methods and results We evaluated consecutively enrolled patients undergoing initial AF ablation from 2003 through 2015. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of increased risk for major complications, which were defined as death, stroke, atrio-oesophageal fistula, phrenic nerve injury, cardiovascular events requiring blood transfusions or procedural interventions, or non-cardiovascular events requiring intervention. A total of 1475 patients (mean age 59.5 ± 10.5, 82% male) were evaluated. Major complications occurred in 3.9% ( n = 58) of cases, including vascular access-site haematoma (1.3%), cardiac tamponade (1.1%), and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (0.9%). Univariate analysis revealed increased risk of complications associated with hypertension ( P = 0.048), CHA2DS2VASc score ≥1 ( P = 0.015), and early institutional experience ( P = 0.003). Populations with higher CHA2DS2VASc scores underwent AF ablation more frequently over time ( P < 0.001). Novel catheters and anticoagulants did not appreciably affect complication rates. Multivariate analysis adjusting for hypertension, CHA2DS2VASc score, and institutional experience showed that higher CHA2DS2VASc score and early institutional experience were independent predictors of adverse events. Conclusion Patient characteristics reflected in CHA2DS2VASc scoring and early institutional experience predict increased complication rates following AF ablation. Despite more patients with higher CHA2DS2VASc scores undergoing AF ablation, complication rates fell over time as institutional experience increased.
Lifelong hyperarousal in the spontaneously hypertensive rat indicated by operant behavior

Instrumental conditioning techniques were used to obtain objective evidence of differences in behavioral arousal between the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the normotensive ancestral Wistar Kyoto (WKY) strain. Subjective emotionality ratings previously indicated that the genetically hypertensive rats were more active and aggressive than their normotensive cousins. In a lengthy series of operant conditioning sessions using a small number of adult female SHR and WKY rats, hyperarousal in the SHR was confirmed by their significantly higher response outputs on either response contingent or time contingent schedules of reinforcement. Conditioned emotionality tests during this series of experiments also suggested hyperarousal and aggressiveness in the SHR, since the fear-conditioned stimulus suppressed bar-pressing in the SHR much less than in the WKY. Further experiments with young prehypertensive SHR rats provided the same evidence of hyperresponsivity in the SHR compared to the WKY strain. Furthermore, these young SHR failed to develop hypertension by the end of the study (14 weeks of age), while their nonconditioned SHR cousins had become clearly hypertensive by the same age. This suggests that factors related to the conditioning methods modified the development of high blood pressure in this animal model of essential hypertension.
Evolutionary Genetics: Small Genomic Regions Make a Big Impact

Biologists have long sought the genes that contribute to phenotypic and population divergence. Two new studies identify genomic regions involved in plumage coloration and migratory orientation.
Listen up – jumping spiders can hear airborne sounds

![Graphic][1] Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are renowned dancers, but until recently, the music of their courtship was thought to fall on deaf ears. No one had heard of spiders being able to perceive sounds until a recent serendipitous finding published in Current Biology by Ronald Hoy and
OR20 De novo generation of MHC haplotypes using single molecule sequencing

Aim Utilizing a previously developed long-fragment DNA capture methodology, PacBio single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and a custom de novo assembly analysis pipeline, we aim to resolve the long-range, fully phased MHC haplotypes for a single heterozygous individual. Methods Long fragment DNA enrichment for the MHC was performed on fresh blood obtained from a heterozygous individual using our previously described method, RSE. Captured DNA was sequenced on the PacBio RSII sequencing platform. Raw reads were selected to include only those reads that map to annotated MHC haplotype sequences (n = 8). De novo assembly was performed using the CANU pipeline with tuned algorithm parameters to optimize continuity and accuracy of haplotigs (phased contigs) as compared to phased SNP genotyping data. Results Following de novo assembly, PacBio reads were assembled into 27 contiguous fragments (contigs) covering 97% of the 4Mbp MHC (as aligned to the COX MHC haplotype). Phased contigs (haplotigs) were found to agree with phased SNP genotyping data at ∼78% of interrogated positions (n = 4,779 probes) indicating that the majority of haplotigs are properly phased. Phased SNP genotyping data was also used to phase across breaks in the assembly, resulting in the generation of two distinct MHC haplotypes for the sequenced sample. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the capacity to generate de novo assembled, fully phased MHC haplotypes from PacBio single molecule sequencing reads. Although phasing across contig breaks caused by coverage gaps remains a challenge, we hope to resolve this issue using BioNano genomics optical maps, so as not to rely on phased SNP genotyping data. In essence, this method has the capacity to resolve full-length MHC haplotype sequences without the need for any reference genome or familial trio analysis.
Frequent contamination of nursing scrubs is associated with specific care activities

Background The objective of this article is to assess health care worker (HCW) and patient care factors associated with bacterial contamination of scrubs. Methods We performed a cohort study of critical care HCWs. Participants were given 4 sets of new scrubs; each set was sampled 8 times during the 8-month study period on random days in the last 4 hours of the shift. Total colony counts and presence of prespecified pathogenic bacteria were assessed. Generalized estimating equation was used to identify factors associated with contamination. Results There were 720 samples obtained from 90 HCWs; 30% of samples were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Multivariate analysis showed that providing care for patients with wounds (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.62; P Conclusions HCW attire was frequently contaminated with bacteria. Providing care for patients with wounds or giving a bath were associated with scrub contamination by pathogenic bacteria. However, the amount of contamination was lower among HCWs who were assigned to care for patients on contact precautions.
Achieving more than grades: morality, race, and enrichment education

Affluent parents pursue after-school educational and other extracurricular options for their children in order to instill human capital and cultural capital. Such parents also worry about raising spoiled children with too much entitlement. With this in mind, we would expect parents whose children attend private, after-school learning centers—despite attending well-resourced schools—to appreciate the ability to accrue capital but to regret the moral implications for their children. I have interviewed white professionals who enroll their young children in weekly classes at private learning centers, a site of increasing educational inequality. In contrast to expectations, parents believe it is through such enrollment, not despite it, that they are able to raise children with proper values, separate from instilling cultural or human capital. Parents’ conceptions of moral parenting reveal underlying cultural binaries in regard to raising children, of being hard working versus overindulged and of humanistic versus robotic. Here, we see the reach of culture, for even practices clearly motivated by practical considerations have deeper meanings. We also see the reach of race. They mostly praise rather than criticize Asian Americans, and they reserve their harshest critiques for fellow white professionals, whom they frame in line with anti-black stereotypes.
Switching Simulation of TIGBT in TCAD Mixed-Mode

This work describes calibration of both turn-off and turn-on switching losses of I200V UltraFS Trench Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (TIGBT) by using equivalent circuit of Double Pulse Tester (DPT) in Synopsys TCAD mixed-mode simulation. The model contains main parasitic elements which are necessary for model accuracy especially for fast transient simulation with inductive load. Temperature dependence is covered in the model and simulations fit characterization data very well also for high temperature (150°C).
Introductory overview: Error metrics for hydrologic modelling – A review of common practices and an open source library to facilitate use and adoption

Abstract Error metrics quantify predicted flow accuracy and compare different predictions. Hydrologists commonly use and report metrics with little justification or discussion of the selected metric or metric strengths and weaknesses. Metric selection requires clear objectives, as different metrics are sensitive to different bias or error types. We review over 60 different error metrics along with various common modifications. We provide a brief metric description of these metrics and a more in-depth discussion of metrics often reported in hydrological literature. We recommend that multiple metrics be used to evaluate model accuracy. We present the open source HydroErr library, implemented in Python and MATLAB®, which contains the error metric functions reported here to facilitate greater use of these metrics and encourage metric exploration related to relative metric strengths and weaknesses. We demonstrate the library with short case studies and provide a supplement with additional detail.
Triaxial Testing’s 1/6th Rule: Particle-Continuum Analysis of Granular Stability during Compression

The 1/6th Rule of Triaxial Testing says that particles larger than 1/6th the diameter of the specimen will skew test results when not discarded. Although this rule is documented in the procedures of government laboratories, its origin is obscure. In this paper, the rule is derived as a corollary of granular stability. The stability derivation involves particle-continuum analysis. However, instead of a discrete element formulation or Cosserat mechanics, this paper uses the classical solution of Sokolovskii that is the modern basis of Terzaghi bearing capacity theory. Stability of a soil particle is addressed within the continuum by matching leading terms of series expansions, which is also known as the singular perturbation method. This finding is similar to previous derivations involving deformation of geosynthetic reinforced soil.
Unsupervised machine learning for acoustic tomography and event detection

We present acoustic tomography and event detection approaches based on unsupervised machine learning (ML). ML describes a set of techniques for automatically detecting and utilizing patterns in data. These techniques can roughly be categorized as either supervised or unsupervised learning. In supervised learning, an ML system (e.g., neural network (NN)) is trained to produce a desired output based on labeled training examples. In unsupervised learning, no labels are given and the task is to discover interesting or useful structure within the data. In acoustic and geophysical signal processing, often large training datasets are available, but have few labeled examples. We discuss how unsupervised ML can leverage training data without explicit labels to improve acoustic models. We first give an overview of the relevant ML theory. Next, we describe an approach to array tomography, called locally-sparse travel time tomography (LST). LST regularizes the inversion of travel time measurements for geophysical structure using dictionary learning (unsupervised). Dictionary learning is here used to obtain a dictionary of small-scale geophysical features that best represent the measurements. Finally, we discuss an approach to automated event detection in acoustic time series based on autoencoder NNs, which learn salient features from NN inputs with unsupervised learning.
Chapter 18 – Radius of gyration—Inorganic compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results of the radius of gyration for inorganic compounds in tabular format. The tabulation is arranged by carbon number such as C, C2, and C3 to provide ease of use in quickly locating the data by using the chemical formula. The compound name and chemical abstracts registry number (CAS No) are also provided in columns. Values for the radius of gyration are given in the adjacent column. In preparing the tabulation, a literature search is conducted to identify data source publications. Both experimental values for the property under consideration and parameter values for estimation of the property are included in the source publications. The publications are screened, and copies of appropriate data are made. These data are keyed into the computer to provide a database of values for compounds. Upon completion of data collection, estimation of values for the remaining compounds is performed. The compilations of Daubert and Danner and Yaws are used extensively. The radius of gyration is a helpful indication of the size of a compound. It is ascertained from the moment of inertia and molecular weight. Methods of calculation are described by Wikipedia.
Opioid antagonists are associated with a reduction in the symptoms of schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of controlled trials

Current treatments for the symptoms of schizophrenia are only effective for positive symptoms in some individuals, and have considerable side effects that impact compliance. Thus, there is a need to investigate the efficacy of other compounds in treating both positive and negative symptoms. We conducted a meta-analysis of English language placebo-controlled clinical trials of naloxone, naltrexone, nalmefene, and buprenorphine in patients with schizophrenia to determine whether opioid antagonists have therapeutic efficacy on positive, negative, total, or general symptoms. We searched online databases Ovid Medline and PsychINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane library/CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1970 through February 2019. Following PRISMA guidelines, Hedges g was calculated for each study. Primary study outcomes were the within-subject change on any symptom assessment scale for positive, negative, total, or general symptoms of schizophrenia between active drug and placebo conditions. Thirty studies were included with 434 total patients. We found a significant effect of all drugs on all scales combined with both a standard random effects model: (g = 0.26; P = 0.02; k = 22; CI = 0.03–0.49) and a more inclusive bootstrap model: (g = 0.26; P = 0.0002; k = 30; CI = 0.11–0.51) and a significant effect on total scales with the bootstrap model (g = 0.25288; P = 0.015; k = 19; CI = 0.04–0.35). We also observed a significant effect of all drugs on all positive scales combined with both the random effects (g = 0.33; P = 0.015; k = 17; CI = 0.07–0.60) and bootstrap models (g = 0.32; P < 0.0001; k = 21; CI = 0.13–1.38). This evidence provides support for further testing in randomized clinical trials of a new class of non-D2-receptor drugs, based on opioid mechanisms, for the treatment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Quantum differential and difference equations for $\mathrm{Hilb}^{n}(\mathbb{C}^2)$.

We consider the quantum difference equation of the Hilbert scheme of points in $\mathbb{C}^2$. This equation is the K-theoretic generalization of the quantum differential equation discovered by A. Okounkov and R. Pandharipande. We obtain two explicit descriptions for the monodromy of these equations - representation-theoretic and algebro-geometric. In the representation-theoretic description, the monodromy acts via certain explicit elements in the quantum toroidal algebra $\frak{gl}_1$. In the algebro-geometric description, the monodromy features as transition matrices between the stable envelope bases in the equivariant K-theory and elliptic cohomology. Using the second approach we identify the monodromy matrices for the differential equation with the K-theoretic $R$-matrices of cyclic quiver varieties, which appear as subvarieties in the $3D$-mirror Hilbert scheme. Most of the results in the paper are illustrated by explicit examples for cases $n=2$ and $n=3$ in the Appendix.
Validation of Automated Biventricular Myocardial Segmentation from Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography for Multimodality Image Fusion

Abstract Purpose Image fusion strategies of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) have shown increased diagnostic power. However, their clinical feasibility is hindered by the lack of efficient algorithms for the extraction of cardiac anatomy from CCTA datasets. The aim of this work was to validate our previously published algorithm for automated cardiac segmentation of CCTAs in a larger cohort of subjects while testing its application in clinical settings. Methods Three borders were automatically and manually extracted on sixty-three clinical CCTAs: left and right endocardia (LV, RV) and the biventricular epicardium (EPI). Impact of image resolutions and inter-operator variability on accuracy and robustness of automated processing were evaluated. Automated algorithm accuracy was assessed with the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and the surface-to-surface distance metric. Relevant quantities were compared for automated versus manual segmentations: LV and RV volumes, myocardial mass and LV myocardial mass. Results Lower resolution images offered an acceptable trade-off for accuracy and processing time (45 sec). DSC for LV, RV, EPI borders were 0.88, 0.80 and 0.89. Automated versus manual correlation coefficients for LV and RV vol, myo and LV mass were 0.96, 0.73, 0.84 and 0.67 with inter-operator agreement > 0.93 for three variables. Consistent and improved results were evidenced at higher resolutions. Conclusion Our algorithms allowed efficient automated cardiac segmentation from CT imagery with minimal user intervention, clinically acceptable times and accuracy. The reported results show promise for its use in a clinical environment, specifically in the context of image fusion.
Time considered as a helix of infinite possibilities.

This article explores the temporal implications of genomics through the lens of a classic science fiction story by Samuel R Delany, ‘Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones’. Delany’s futuristic vision of ‘hologramic information storage’, which allows the interplanetary Special Services to discover and predict everything a suspect has done or will be doing at any time in the past, present or future resembles ‘genome time’, the illusion that data encoded in your DNA can reveal your entire life—not only where you came from but what you will become—and that it is knowable from a single test in the present. The temporal implications of genomics are compared with ‘queer time’ and contrasted with the temporal implications of nanoscience and climate change in order to clarify what is distinctive about genome time. In conclusion, some practical consequences of genome time are discussed.
A latent class analysis of nonrelative foster caregivers' trait mindfulness and individual and relationship outcomes.

Despite the joys related to fostering, foster caregivers also report challenges that consequently may influence placement stability. A healthy couple relationship is a characteristic of a high-quality, two-parent foster home. Further, foster caregivers who experience less parenting stress and possess greater well-being (e.g., lower depressive symptoms, higher levels of self-care) are better equipped to manage the challenges of fostering. Trait mindfulness has been associated with a greater capacity to manage parenting stress and cultivate greater well-being. The present descriptive study employs latent class analysis to examine the trait mindfulness of heterosexual foster caregiver couples (N = 235), potential covariates of trait mindfulness, and couple and individual outcomes. Four groups of foster caregiver couples emerged where both partners reported either high or low levels of trait mindfulness and where one partner reported high mindfulness and the other reported low mindfulness. Foster caregiver couples where both partners were younger, non-White, and those where the woman was employed outside of the home reported lower levels of mindfulness for one or both partners. Further, individuals in couples where both partners were highly mindful reported better couple relationship outcomes and self-care and fewer depressive symptoms. Implications for future research and practice are shared. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Cutting edge: the acquisition of TLR tolerance during malaria infection impacts T cell activation.

An effective immune response to infection requires control of pathogen growth while minimizing inflammation-associated pathology. During malaria infection, this balance is particularly important. Murine malaria is characterized by early production of proinflammatory cytokines, which declines in the face of continuing parasitemia. The mechanism by which this occurs remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses. As malaria infection progresses, DCs become refractory to TLR-mediated IL-12 and TNF-α production, while increasing their ability to produce IL-10 and retaining the capacity for activation of naive T cells. IL-12-secreting DCs from early infection stimulate an IFN-γ-dominated T cell response, whereas IL-10-secreting DCs from later stages induce an IL-10-dominated T cell response. We suggest that phenotypic changes in DCs during Plasmodium yoelii infection represent a mechanism of controlling host inflammation while maintaining effective adaptive immunity.
Innovation for the 21st Century: A Response to Seven Critics

In March 2009, the blog Truth on the Market hosted a symposium on my book, Innovation for the 21st Century: Harnessing the Power of Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law. The Alabama Law Review agreed to publish revised versions of insightful commentary by Dan Crane, Dennis Crouch, Brett Frischmann, Scott Kieff, Geoff Manne, Phil Weiser, and Josh Wright.In this response, I address the seven sets of comments by substantive area, starting with antitrust law, continuing with copyright and patent law, and concluding with more general critiques. As we seek to foster innovation in the 21st century, the critiques and elaborations offered in this symposium highlight some of the most pressing issues that confront us.
Inherent Vice: Bootleg Histories of Videotape and Copyright, by Lucas Hilderbrand

Academic and popular discourse has declared analog video dead. Regarded as obsolete, irrelevant, and deficient, the once celebrated format went out with a whimper that can now be heard in the voice...
Finiteness of volume of moduli spaces

We give a ``physics proof'' of a conjecture made by the first author at Strings 2005, that the moduli spaces of certain conformal field theories are finite volume in the Zamolodchikov metric, using an RG flow argument.
Gas Vesicle Genes Identified in Bacillus megaterium and Functional Expression in Escherichia coli

Gas vesicles are intracellular, protein-coated, and hollow organelles found in cyanobacteria and halophilic archaea. They are permeable to ambient gases by diffusion and provide buoyancy, enabling cells to move upwards in liquid to access oxygen and/or light. In halobacteria, gas vesicle production is encoded in a 9-kb cluster of 14 genes (4 of known function). In cyanobacteria, the number of genes involved has not been determined. We now report the cloning and sequence analysis of an 8,142-bp cluster of 15 putative gas vesicle genes (gvp) from Bacillus megaterium VT1660 and their functional expression in Escherichia coli. Evidence includes homologies by sequence analysis to known gas vesicle genes, the buoyancy phenotype of E. coli strains that carry this gvp gene cluster, the presence of pressure-sensitive, refractile bodies in phase-contrast microscopy, structural details in phase-constrast microscopy, structural details in direct interference-contrast microscopy, and shape and size revealed by transmission electron microscopy. In B. megaterium, the gvp region carries a cluster of 15 putative genes arranged in one orientation; they are open reading frame 1 and gvpA, -P, -Q, -B, -R, -N, -F, -G, -L, -S, -K, -J, -T, and -U, of which the last 11 genes, in a 5.7-kb gene cluster, are the maximum required for gas vesicle synthesis and function in E. coli. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a functional gas vesicle gene cluster in nonaquatic bacteria and the first example of the interspecies transfer of genes resulting in the synthesis of a functional organelle.
Blood Group B Degrading Activity of Ruminococcus gnavus α-Galactosidase

Ruminococcus gnavus is a Gram positive, nonspore-forming obligate anaerobe normally found in the human alimentary tract. In culture, this organism constitutively produces a 1–3 α-galactosidase. We fractionated and characterized this enzyme demonstrating hydrolysis of the B epitope on erythrocyte membranes and seroconversion to H epitope (blood type O). Since the enzyme yield was low, cell suspension studies could not be performed. Instead, hydrolysis of the B membrane epitope was studied with an ELISA. A highly purified enzyme product was analyzed for characteristics such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature optimum. Activity in red cell preservative solutions and in the presence of type B plasma was also demonstrated. Ruminococcus gnavus a 1–3 α-galactosidase has potential application in the enzymatic conversion of type B to O packed red blood cell units.
A Thermal Conductivity Measurement System for Fuel Compacts

A measurement system has been designed and built for the specific application of measuring thermal conductivity of a composite nuclear fuel over a temperature range of 400 K to 1100 K. Because the composite nature of the sample requires measurement of the whole compact, there is no existing method available for obtaining its thermal conductivity in a non-destructive manner. The designed apparatus is an adaptation of the guarded-comparative-longitudinal heat flow technique. Initial testing has been performed on stainless steel 304. The determinate uncertainty is presented and found to be 2.5% excluding the error associated with the reference samples. The prototype system is expected to be further tested and modified for the measurement of thermal conductivity of fresh fuel compacts at elevated temperatures in a radioactive environment.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Self-criticism and the psychic surface.

It is postulated that the surface of the mind reflects a variety of shifting self-syntonic and self-dystonic contents striving to achieve a stable homeostatic balance. Shifts between self-syntonic and self-dystonic contents are seen to reflect an underlying intrasystemic conflict within the superego between conflicting superego injunctions. These shifts possess a cyclical quality, as self-syntonic contents become self-dystonic and as self-dystonic contents become self-syntonic. This conceptualization of the psychic surface has implications for a comparative study of psychoanalytic technique and for implementing the technical recommendation to work from surface to depth. It is suggested that the analyst's interpretations become assimilated within cyclical processes of superego reaction and repair.
Unraveling the Anchoring Cord: Navajo Relocation, 1974 to 1996

The Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act slated 10,000 Navajo for relocation off land partitioned to the Hopi. In the Navajo philosophical system, such forced relocation constitutes a breach of personhood; it ruptures relocatees' inalienable connections to their matrilineal homes, actuated through burial of their umbilical cords and other acts. Owing to the reciprocal nature of relations between the Navajo and the earth, the long-term debilitating effects are far-reaching. The well-being of Mother Earth is just as dependent on the care of those given stewardship over particular locales as Navajo are on the continuing nurturance of their mother, the earth.
Effects of PGE1 alone and on sympathetically mediated Na, K transport in the perfused main submandibular duct of rat.

AbstractPGE1 was administered in 5 μg/kg doses every 5 min over a period of 70 min and Na and K transport in the perfused main duct of rat submandibular gland was examined during a period without stimulation of the sympathetic nerve as well as during stimulation of the sympathetic nerve. A 25% decrease in the amount of Na absorbed and a 42% decrease in the amount of K secreted occurred when PGE1 alone was administered; the same change occurred when the sympathetic nerve was stimulated in the presence of PGE1. These data show, for the first time, an effect of PGE1 alone on electrolyte transport, and suggest that specific PGE1 receptors are activated.
Specificity of substance use in anxiety-disordered subjects

Abstract The current research (1) examines empirical evidence to substantiate the relationship between substance choice and chronology of onset of anxiety and substance use disorders, and (2) provides information on the specificity of substance choice among anxiety disorders. A study group of 181 subjects in the Harvard Anxiety Research Project (HARP) who had a history of substance use disorder were the focus of this examination. Subjects whose anxiety disorder had an onset before their substance use disorder (primary anxiety) were compared with those whose substance use preceded onset of an anxiety disorder (secondary anxiety) for differences in distribution of subjects among categories of substance of abuse. Primary and secondary anxiety groups do not have different ages of onset for substance use disorder, nor was there greater likelihood for choosing alcohol for any of the anxiety disorders. However, there is a decreased risk of alcohol use in the small group of generalized anxiety subjects and an increased risk of opioid use in the small group of posttraumatic stress disorder subjects. There was no indirect support for the self-medication hypothesis. Neither age of onset data, specific substance association, nor proximal diagnosis association support a simple interaction. The strongest finding supported an “avoidance” of CNS stimulants.
Phospholipase A2 activity in the rat uterus during early pregnancy

Abstract The activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which provides free arachidonic acid and is widely accepted as the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), was determined by radioisotopic method in the rat uterus on days 1 through 6 of pregnancy. Serum levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) were also determined by radioimmunoassay. Uterine PLA2 activity peaked in the morning of day 4 of pregnancy (15.85±2.44 nmol/h/mg protein). While the activity was low (5.78±0.80) in the morning of day 5 of pregnancy, a small peak (9.12±1.62) was noticed in the afternoon of day 5. Serum P4 levels, as expected, showed a gradual increase with the advancement of pregnancy, but the serum E2 levels in the same samples were undetectable under our assay conditions. The results are discussed in relation to the hormonal control of PLA2 activity and hence PG production in the uterus during early pregnancy.
Radial and Nonradial Effects of Radial Fields in Frenet Frame

Frenet-Serret formulas applied to the concept of work done or to the corresponding to it notion of potential energy in radial/center-bound force field imply coexistence of radial effects with certain nonradial effects of the radial field, regardless of whether the field is of gravitational nature or not.
Kinetics of ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX accumulation in the liver, skin, and tumor of a rat model

The protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) levels in rat liver, skin, and tumors in vivo in response to i.p. injection of delta-aminolevulinic acid were monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. A pharmacokinetic model describes the PPIX dosimetry.
Development and optimization of an LC‐MS/MS‐based method for simultaneous quantification of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3

Simultaneous and accurate measurement of vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in biological samples is a barrier limiting our ability to define "optimal" vitamin D status. Thus, our goal was to optimize conditions and evaluate an LC-MS method for simultaneous detection and quantification of vitamin D(2) , vitamin D(3) , 25-hydroxyvitamin D(2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) in serum. Extraction and separation of vitamin D forms were achieved using acetone liquid-liquid extraction and by a reversed phase C8 column, respectively. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (QQQ-MS/MS) equipped with atmospheric pressure photo ionization source. The LOQs for all analytes tested were 1 ng/mL for hydroxylated molecules and 2 ng/mL for the parent vitamin Ds. RSD at lower LOQ (2 ng/mL) and in medium (80 ng/mL) and high (200 ng/mL) quality control samples did not exceed 20 and 15% CV, respectively. Accuracy of the method for determination of hydroxylated molecules was also validated using National Institutes of Standards and Technology standard samples and found to be in the range of 90.9-111.2%. In summary, a sensitive and reproducible method is reported for simultaneous quantification of vitamin D(2) , vitamin D(3) , 25-hydroxyvitamin D(2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) molecules in biological samples.
Reduced threshold to pain induced aggression specifically related to morphine dependence.

Male rats of Long-Evans strain were chronically administered increasing doses until a maximally tolerated maintenance-dose of morphine (400 mg/ kg/day), phenobarbital (400 mg/kg/day), ethanol (20ml of 50% v/v/day) or amphetamine (16 mg/kg/day) was reached. After several days of maintenance doses, the rats were withdrawn from those drugs. When grouped, morphine-withdrawn rats showed intermittent spontaneous-aggression (rearing, vocalization, attack-bites). Amphetamine (2 mg/kg) treatment potentiated morphine withdrawal aggression. However, animals withdrawn from phenobarbital, ethanol or amphetamine failed to show spontaneous aggression with or without amphetamine. Similarly, shock intensity required to elicit pain-induced aggression was significantly decreased in morphine-withdrawn rats but not in rats withdrawn from phenobarbital, ethanol or amphetamine. These results suggest that the aggression seen during abstinence is caused by specific changes in the central nervous system uniquely produced by the chronic administration of narcotic drugs.
Testing the Importance of Family Solidarity, Community Structure, Information Access, and Social Capital in Predicting Nutrition Health Knowledge and Food Choices in the Philippines

This study investigates the influence of family solidarity, community structure, information access, social capital, and socioeconomic status on the extent of nutrition and health knowledge (NHK) among primary household meal planners. In turn, we pose the question: does this knowledge influence dietary decision making? Data are taken from a survey determining socioeconomic impacts of vitamin A fortified peanut butter on Philippine households. Questions on the relationships of nutrition to health were selected to construct a knowledge index on which household respondents could be ranked. We then tested hypotheses regarding what types of individual, family-level, and community structural characteristics would predict performance on this index. The results indicate that the strongest predictors of NHK come from sociological theory related to family solidarity and community centrality, in addition to information accessibility and household income. Our findings also indicate that NHK influences dietary choices with regard to the purchase of a vitamin fortified staple food product, which is essential when addressing nutritional deficiency problems in developing countries.
Dynamics of Lake Michigan Phytoplankton: the Deep Chlorophyll Layer

The dynamics of the Lake Michigan deep chlorophyll layer (DCL) were studied from the period of late spring isothermal mixing (May) through mid-stratification (July-August) in 1982–1984. After the onset of thermal stratification, the DCL developed in the 15–30 m region and deepened to 25–50 m in July and 40–70 m in August. Chlorophyll and phytoplankton carbon concentrations in the DCL averaged, respectively, 1.80X and 1.34X epilimnetic concentrations during early stratification (June). Those factors increased to 5.70X and 2.60X during mid-stratification. Although phytoplankton carbon concentrations within the DCL changed on average only 31 % from May through July-August, phytoplankton species composition exhibited pronounced shifts. Measured phytoplankton growth, sedimentation, and zooplankton grazing rates suggest DCL formation was attributable to in situ growth and to a lesser extent to sedimentation and shade adaptation. By July, sedimentation resulted in a net loss from the DCL. With the deepening of the DCL during mid-stratification, the importance of in situ growth decreased while the importance shade adaptation increased. In situ growth was only important in the upper part of the DCL. Zooplankton grazing increased during mid-stratification and was at least partially responsible for phytoplankton concentrations decreases in the 20–50 m region.
A study of the determinants of reporting crime to the police among Chinese immigrants

Previous research has revealed that the likelihood of an individual reporting a criminal victimization to the police is contingent upon individual-level and incident-level factors. Targeting Chinese immigrants in Houston, Texas, we examine predictors that influence Chinese immigrants' decision to report crimes – both personal and property – to the police. In addition to individual-specific and incident-specific factors, we also employed two immigrant-specific predictors of crime reporting – acculturation and knowledge about the American criminal justice system. Results indicate that greater acculturation is associated with higher levels of crime reporting, but knowledge about the system has seemingly little impact.
Conditional Maximum-Likelihood Estimation, from Singly Censored Samples, of the Shape Parameters of Pareto and Limited Distributions

Use of the functional relationship between the exponential and the Pareto and limited distributions enables one to obtain conditional maximum-likelihood (ML) estimators, from singly censored samples, of the shape parameters of the Pareto distribution F1(y,?,K) = 1 - (y - ?)?K and the limited distribution F2(x,?,K) = 1 - (? - x)K by a simple transformation of the corresponding estimator of the scale parameter of the exponential distribution ??mn, based on the first m order statistics of a sample of size n. Use is made of the fact that K?mn|? = 1/??mn and K?mn|? = 1/??mn, where 2m?mn/? has the x2 distribution with 2m degrees of freedom, to set confidence bounds on the shape parameter K of the Pareto and limited distributions. The probability densities of K?mn|? and K?mn|?, which for a given m are the same for any n ? m, are obtained by a simple transformation of that of ??mn. The expected values of K?mn|? and K?mn|? are determined and from them the unbiasing factors by which the ML estimators must be multiplied to obtain unbiased estimators K?mn|? and K?mn|?. Expressions for the variances of the estimators and for the Cramer-Rao lower bound are found. A section on numerical examples is included.
Swimming of a model ciliate near an air-liquid interface.

In this work, the role of the hydrodynamic forces on a swimming microorganism near an air-liquid interface is studied. The lubrication theory is utilized to analyze hydrodynamic effects within the narrow gap between a flat interface and a small swimmer. By using an archetypal low-Reynolds-number swimming model called "squirmer," we find that the magnitude of the vertical swimming velocity is on the order of O(elne), where e is the ratio of the gap width to the swimmer's body size. The reduced swimming velocity near an interface can explain experimental observations of the aggregation of microorganisms near a liquid interface.
Extracoronal amalgam restorations utilizing available tooth structure for retention

The rationale and technique for an alternative to placement of pins for retention of amalgam restorations have been presented. The non-pin-retained extracoronal amalgam provides a permanent restoration, capable of fine marginal adaptation, natural contour, excellent occlusion, and remarkable durability.
The early history of high-temperature helium gas-cooled nuclear power reactors

Abstract The original concepts in the proposals for hightemperature helium gas-cooled power reactors by Farrington Daniels, during the decade 1944–1955, are summarized. The early research on the development of the helium gas-cooled power reactors is reviewed, and the operational experiences with the first generation of HTGRs are discussed.
The impact of creativity on performance in non-profits

This article examines how creative climate affects learning orientation and its relationship to organizational performance. The study also assesses creativity's link with market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and organizational flexibility. Past research on creativity climate has explored areas such as the arts, high-tech, information technology, media, and the sciences. The focus of this study is to assess creativity's role in managerial decision-making in the non-profit sector. Sound use of creativity can improve planning, implementation, and control by non-profit organization executives. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Invariance of Atmospheric Dispersion with a Long-Path Refractometer*

An investigation has been made of the extent to which the relative refractivity of the atmosphere is invariant under changes in pressure and humidity. To achieve the necessary precision a refractometer with double-passed chambers 14.3 m long was designed for use in the photographic region. No fiducial line is employed. The relative refractivity of dry air was found to vary by less than 3 × 10−6 over the region from 3890 to 6440 A for a change in pressure of 12 atm. The relative refractivity of water vapor at low pressure in the region from 3610 to 6440 A was found to be δ˜H2O=0.961646+0.0086062k2−0.00010547k2+0.00001312k6,where k is the vacuum wave number in μ−1.
Creative Problem Solving Groups at the Edge of Chaos

Mathematical concepts of chaos and self-organization were used to reinterpret the chance-configuration process for creative problem solving. Transcripts from three problem solving discussions involving eight or fewer social scientists were analyzed by nonlinear regression to determine whether the groups' productivity was chaotic over time and if control variables were in evidence. It was shown that productivity was chaotic as evidenced by a positive Lyapunov exponent, strongly correlated with the number of active discussion threads, and also dependent on the people-discussion combination. The number of discussion threads, in turn, acted as a driver function that triggered chaosticity in overall performance. The results suggested numerous new studies for investigating dynamical processes in creative thought.
A boundary integral formulation of the eddy current problem

The eddy current problem for slowly varying fields is formulated using Fredholm integral equations. The problem is expressed in terms of the electric vector potential, T. The development here is for two dimensions so that in rectangular coordinates only J x and J y are permitted. The formulation to be presented uses a modified Bessel function as the kernel. In this way only the boundary of the conductors need be represented. The result is in general far fewer equations than a differential formulation such as finite difference or finite elements.
Elderly Persons' Appraisal of the Zoological Environment

Many U.S. cities are currently engaged in major efforts to redesign their urban zoological parks to make them more accessible to visitors, and to create a simulated participatory experience without the bars and cages typical of prior eras. A study was conducted to assess elderly persons' responses to a zoo that recently underwent major transformation. A functionalist-evolutionary perspective of person-environment transactions and environmental press-competence theory provided a theoretical foundation for a two-part research design involving a group numbering 62 persons living independently or in residential care facilities, and a group numbering 14 persons, both drawn from the same settings. Respondents completed a photo questionnaire containing 30 visual items and 21 written items. The utility of the research instrument was verified vis-'-vis the group of 14, which actually toured the zoo prior to completing the questionnaire. Among the findings, certain renovated settings were preferred less than settin...
Examining the antecedents of work connectivity behavior during non-work time

In this study, we draw from human agency theory to develop the construct of work-related connectivity behavior during non-work time, and conduct a survey to investigate the organizational and individual antecedents of this behavior. Data from 139 full-time working adults in the marketing division of a media organization revealed that work connectivity behavior after-hours is significantly related to the distribution of wireless enabled devices by the organization and organizational norms about connectivity. Our results also indicate that individual characteristics exert different levels of influence depending on the functionality of the device through which connectivity behavior is enacted. Polychronicity was more strongly related to laptop connectivity behavior than to handheld connectivity behavior, whereas role integration preference is only related to handheld connectivity behavior. We also found that organization members were more likely to exhibit continued workplace connectivity behavior during generic ''downtime'' activities such as traveling or commuting. These results have important theoretical and practical implications.
Closing the Massachusetts Public Training Schools

One successful effort at policy termination—the closing of the Massachusetts public training schools—is examined. The analysis includes: how the tactics of survival which maintain most governmental organizations and most public policies were neutralized; how the barriers to implementation of the termination policy were overcome; how the new replacement policy—the privately operated, community-based, group-homes policy—was consolidated; and a preliminary evaluation of the termination tactics and the new policy.