cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Volunteer services for vulnerable families and at-risk elderly.

Abstract %Objective: The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the volunteer with vulnerable populations, specifically, new parents and their infants and at-risk elderly. As demand for volunteer services increases due to budgetary and personnel reductions, a better understanding of volunteers as service providers is imperative. Method: A review of the literature related to volunteers who work with these two populations was conducted. Volunteer characteristics, roles, needs of populations served, recruitment, and training issues were addressed, specifically as they relate to the two populations. Results: Studies indicate that the socio-demographic range of volunteers is wide, as are the motivations for volunteering. Similarities between the needs of new families and the elderly exist, and volunteers for both populations often provide supportive and pragmatic services. Volunteers for both populations are further challenged to maintain a client-focused intervention, a task which may be more difficult in the home. Training of volunteers was found to be both client and volunteer driven, with the needs of the population being served and the role of the volunteer within a specific service domain of prime importance. Conclusion: Similarities between infant and elder populations exist, as do volunteer interventions with these populations. A theoretical framework for defining motivation, designing need-based training, and addressing the role of volunteers is discussed. The use of volunteers as compassionate and cost-effective service providers for populations across the lifespan not only provides an increase in the number of skilled workers involved with these vulnerable populations, but also allows professional staff to expand the care which they are able to provide.
A Hybrid Tree Approach to Modeling Alternate Route Choice Behavior With Online Information

One popular intelligent transportation systems (ITS) element that has been deployed in various areas of the United States is variable-message signs (VMSs). Such signs are part of advanced traveler information systems, and they can help drivers make better en route decisions regarding their trips. Unlike most other ITS elements (e.g., ramp metering, advanced signals), VMSs are not supported by mandatory regulations. Consequently, the expected benefit from implementing VMSs largely depends on the response of drivers. This study explored the factors affecting alternative route choices of car drivers with VMSs on the interstate highway system. This study adopted a method called LOTUS to analyze driver-compliance behavior with VMSs. Driver behavior under information provision through VMS data has been collected using the stated-preference approach. The study showed that travel-time saving is not the single dominant factor for driver route choice under information provision. This article explores variables that...
Use, mention, and linguistic invariance

mean, roughly, that S rather strongly believes that p; this allows for a variety of degrees of conviction and does not require complete conviction. 8 Clause (i), of course, needs further qualification, which, for reasons of verbal economy, I do not attempt to provide. Complete accuracy would demand that we add that S knows that p follows from q, some specification of the probability of p with respect to q, and possibly some other things.
Identification of the Multicatalytic Enzyme as a Possible γ-Secretase for the Amyloid Precursor Protein

Abstract One of the main components of the senile plaques in brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer′s disease is the β-amyloid peptide. This peptide is proteolytically cleaved from the amyloid precursor protein by the action of at least two proteases, a β-secretase which generates the N-terminus and a γ-secretase which generates the C-terminus. Neither of these proteases have been identified. To identify proteases that are candidates for the γ-secretase we synthesized a small fluorescent peptide substrate containing the amino acids comprising the C-terminus of the longest β-amyloid peptide identified. This substrate is hydrolyzed by a single activity in homogenates from both cells and brain tissue and we have demonstrated that this activity is the multicatalytic enzyme or proteasome. Furthermore, using specific inhibitors, we have demonstrated that the fluorescent substrate is hydrolyzed by the chymotrypsin-like activity of the multicatalytic enzyme.
Milk protein enteropathy after acute infectious gastroenteritis: Experimental and clinical observations

Animal models of allergic gastroenteropathy have defined both morphologic and physiologic changes that accompany the immune-mediated reaction to a dietary protein. In such models a broadening of the allergic response to other dietary proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract may occur during the localized anaphylactic reaction. The characteristic histologic intestinal findings of food protein-induced enteropathy may develop in selected infants with protracted diarrhea after infectious enteritis. Mechanisms underlying the induction of this response remain to be explained, but they may in part be similar to the broadening of the hypersensitivity response seen in experimental models of allergic enteropathy.
Hemodynamic Shear Regulates Intercellular Forces and Permeability of Endothelial Cell Monolayers

In the cardiovascular system, the flow of blood within the complex vascular network creates hemodynamic shear forces experienced by cells. Situated between the circulating blood and the bulk vascular tissue, the endothelium is a cell monolayer acting as a barrier that protects the underlying arterial tissue. Shear forces have been seen to interact with and regulate endothelial cells through mechanotransduction induced cytoskeletal changes within the cell [1]. Shear forces can be beneficial in cases of laminar flow, which are thought to be atheroprotective by aligning and organizing endothelial cells [2]. However, disturbances to a smooth flow field, caused by vessel bifurcations or obstructions like an implanted stent or a bulging atherosclerotic lesion, can cause recirculation zones to form downstream. In these flow regions, detrimental monolayer remodeling occurs which breaks down the endothelial barrier function [3]. Biochemically, it has been seen that shear forces drive signaling cascades in the Rho/Rac pathways that cascade into morphological changes in the cytoskeleton [4].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Creation of variable concentrations of defects on TiO2(110) using low-density electron beams

Abstract Low density (~ μA cm 2 ) 0.48 and 1.0 keV electron beams have been used to create surface defects on a TiO2(110) surface. These electron-beam induced defects were examined primarily by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with supporting ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). Glancing and normal emission XPS spectra of nearly defect-free surfaces revealed that Ti atoms on the surface were similar to the bulk Ti, while some surface oxygen atoms were different from the bulk oxygen. XPS of Ti 2p 3 2 was used to quantify the defect concentration and to examine the defect electronic structure. Based on our calculation of defect concentrations and the comparison of our results with results and models from the literature, we conclude that oxygen vacancies induced by electron beams in the current study are mostly from the bridging oxygen sites, in agreement with the previous work. A range of defect concentrations with similar electronic structure, mainly composed of Ti3+, have been induced by low-density electron beams. Beam energy and exposure were the experimental variables. The rates of defect formation at low beam exposure were beam-energy dependent, with a faster growth rate at 0.48 keV than at 1.0 keV. These defects were similar to those by thermal annealing in vacuum, but a higher concentration of defects could be obtained with longer beam exposure. However, the e-beam induced defects were different from those produced by Ar+ ion bombardment since both this and previous studies have found defects produced by Ar+ ion bombardment to be complex, with a variety of different local environments where oxygen and titanium surface atoms coexist.
Amitriptyline prevents thermal hyperalgesia and modifications in rat spinal cord GABAB receptor expression and function in an animal model of neuropathic pain

Abstract Using an animal model of neuropathic pain, behavioral and biochemical experiments were performed to assess the effects of this condition on pain threshold and GABAB receptor sensitivity and subunit gene expression in the rat lumbar spinal cord. The results indicate that partial sciatic nerve ligation decreases thermal and mechanical pain withdrawal latencies, and increases baclofen-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding and GABAB receptor subunit gene expression in the rat lumbar spinal cord, suggesting that neuropathic pain may be due, in part, to a deficiency in GABAergic transmission. The experiments also demonstrate that daily administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) of amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant used for the treatment of neuropathic pain, for 1 week after surgery prevents the decline in thermal pain threshold, the increase in GABAB(2) gene expression, and development of increased GABAB receptor function in spinal cord resulting from nerve damage. These findings indicate that the efficacy of amitriptyline as a treatment for neuropathic pain may be related to an ability to maintain spinal cord GABAB receptor activity.
Turning Points and Turnover among Female Journalists: Communicating Resistance and Repression

This study uses feminist standpoint theory to obtain and analyze the discourse of women journalists who quit newspapers. Many of the women expressed regrets over their unmet ambitions at newspapers and their lost identities as journalists. While their communication included regret and marginalization, resistance was also seen, as the women discursively continue to describe themselves as journalists, continue to pursue freelance journalism work, and as they express worth and meaning in the new roles they have assumed. Even so, these coping strategies leave the dominant masculine identity at male dominated newspapers intact.
Gradients with Depth in Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds for Directed Cell Behavior

A major obstacle in creating viable tissue-engineered constructs using electrospinning is the lack of complete cellularization and vascularization due to the limited porosity in these densely packed fibrous scaffolds. One potential approach to circumvent this issue is the use of various gradients of chemical and biophysical cues to drive the infiltration of cells into these structures. Toward this goal, this study focused on creating durotactic (mechanical) and haptotactic (adhesive) gradients through the thickness of electrospun hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffolds using a unique, yet simple, modification of common electrospinning protocols. Specifically, both mechanical (via cross-linking: ranging from 27–100% modified methacrylated HA, MeHA) and adhesive (via inclusion of the adhesive peptide RGD: 0–3 mM RGD) gradients were each fabricated by mixing two solutions (one ramping up, one ramping down) prior to electrospinning and fiber collection. Gradient formation was verified by fluorescence microscopy, FTIR,...
Classification and overview of research in real-time imaging

Real-time imaging has application in areas such as multimedia, virtual reality, medical imaging, and remote sensing and control. Recently, the imaging community has witnessed a tremendous growth in research and new ideas in these areas. To lend structure to this growth, we outline a classification scheme and provide an overview of current research in real-time imaging. For convenience, we have categorized references by research area and application.
A Partitioning Algorithm with Application in Pattern Classification and the Optimization of Decision Trees

The efficient partitioning of a finite-dimensional space by a decision tree, each node of which corresponds to a comparison involving a single variable, is a problem occurring in pattern classification, piecewise-constant approximation, and in the efficient programming of decision trees. A two-stage algorithm is proposed. The first stage obtains a sufficient partition suboptimally, either by methods suggested in the paper or developed elsewhere; the second stage optimizes the results of the first stage through a dynamic programming approach. In pattern classification, the resulting decision rule yields the minimum average number of calculations to reach a decision. In approximation, arbitrary accuracy for a finite number of unique samples is possible. In programming decision trees, the expected number of computations to reach a decision is minimized.
The irreducible characters of the simple group of M. Suzuki of order 448, 345, 497, 600

The objective of this paper is to obtain the character table of SZ, the simple group of order 213 . 3’ . 52 * 7 . 11 . 13 discovered by M. Suzuki [3, p. 1131. The character table of G,(4), the Chevalley group of type (Gz) over the Galois field GF(4) of four elements, will also be obtained. The simple group G,(4) of order 212 . 33 * 52 . 7 . 13 was originally discovered by L. E. Dickson [6, 71 and reappeared among the groups discovered by Chevalley [4] in 1955. A complete description of the Chevalley groups of type (G,) can be found in [20]. It has been shown by Suzuki and separately by Wales [24] that the HallJanko simple group HJ of order 2’ . 33 . 52 . 7 is a subgroup of G,(4). In building the character table of G,(4) use will be made of the character table of HJ built by Wales and Hall [14] with the aid of computer, and their notation will be adhered to. In [3, p. 1131, Suzuki defined SZ as a primitive transitive extension of degree 1782 of G,(4). Throughout this paper HlK will denote an extension of a group H by a group K, C,, the cyclic group of order n and W, the elementary abelian group of order n. Finally, if k, , K, , k, are three elements of SZ, then c(K, , K, , K3) is defined to be the number of solutions (x, y) in 5’2 of the equation x . y = k3 with x N k, in SZ and y N k, in SZ.
Evolving Strategies: A Historical Examination of Changes in Principle, Authority and Function to Inform Policing in the Twenty-First Century

Since September 11th, evolving social values and civic priorities suggest the need to revisit current policing styles and strategies in order to best meet the needs of society. To provide a basis f...
Evidence for the involvement of histamine in the antidystonic effects of diphenhydramine.

Although diphenhydramine hydrochloride is known to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of dystonia in human patients with acute dystonic reactions and idiopathic torsion dystonia, its mechanism of action is still unclear. In the present study, we show that the antihistamine properties of diphenhydramine may contribute to its beneficial effects. Acute dystonic reactions were produced in rats with unilateral microinjection of haloperidol into the red nucleus as previously described. Similar to the pattern in humans, this effect could be attenuated by coadministration of diphenhydramine. Unilateral microinjection of histamine itself into the rat red nucleus produced dystonic postures (torticollis) in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating that a histamine dysfunction could contribute to the pathophysiology of dystonia. The torticollis produced by histamine could be significantly attenuated with coadministration of the H1 antagonists diphenhydramine or pyrilamine or the H2 antagonist cimetidine. These effects are thought to be mediated through the red nucleus because significantly more torticollis was observed when histamine was injected into the red nucleus rather than surrounding midbrain areas, the substantia nigra, or the lateral ventricle. The present data, taken together with studies in humans, suggest the involvement of histamine in some types of dystonia. Furthermore, the red nucleus and related motor pathways may have a more important role in dystonia than previously thought.
Didactic and experiential death and dying training: Impact upon death anxiety

Abstract This study examined the effects of primarily didactic and primarily experiential death and dying training upon conscious and unconscious death anxiety of 74 female practical nursing students. No differential effects were found. However, post-test scores on the Templer Death Anxiety Scale were significantly lower than the pretest scores for both groups. This reduction was maintained at 8-week follow-up. The discussion addresses practical implications of the study, as well as implications for future research.
Identification of an arteriovenous fistula during free tissue transfer despite negative preoperative angiography: a potentially correctable cause of venous thrombosis

Although refinements in microvascular technique have resulted in great success with free tissue transfer, long-term anastomotic patency, particularly venous, is less predictable in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse or other causes of intimal damage and/or venous hypertension. We report an unusual case in which an arteriovenous fistula was identified intraoperatively as the cause of pulsatile venous backflow despite a normal preoperative angiogram. A flow disturbance at the site of venous anastomosis and subsequent development of a venous thrombosis prompted more proximal venous exposure and the identification of an arteriovenous fistula. Once ligated, pulsatile venous backflow resolved and successful revision of the venous anastomosis was performed. This case illustrates that an anomalous arteriovenous communication must be considered when high-pressure venous backflow is observed intraoperatively, despite no evidence of an arteriovenous fistula on preoperative angiography, because, if identified and ligated, an arteriovenous fistula may represent a treatable cause of venous thrombosis.
Reactivity of Me3M (M=Al, Ga, In) with benzylamine to form the dimers, [Me2MN(H)CH2Ph]2, and the hexamers, [MeAlNCH2Ph]6 and [MeGaNCH2Ph]6: molecular structures of trans-[Me2MN(H)CH2Ph]2 and [MeAlNCH2Ph]6

Abstract 1:1 Equimolar mixtures of Me3Al, Me3Ga, or Me3In and benzylamine, when heated to 90–120 °C in toluene solution, undergo methane elimination to yield the respective dimers, [Me2MN(H)CH2Ph]2, where M=Al, Ga, or In. These dimers exist as 1:1 mixtures of cis and trans isomers in toluene-d8 solution, over the temperature range 30–90 °C, consistent with the results of Beachley [1] for the aluminum derivative. However, single-crystal X-ray data indicate the dimers each crystallize in the trans form. The structure of each dimer exhibits a center of symmetry and each M2N2 core has a slightly distorted square planar geometry. The 1H- and 13C-NMR chemical shift assignments were made for the cis and trans isomers of the three compounds using a combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. Thermolysis of the 1:1 mixtures at higher temperatures (120–180 °C) generates the more condensed hexameric species, [MeAlNCH2Ph]6 and [MeGaNCH2Ph]6. [MeAlNCH2Ph]6 crystallizes in a rhombohedral structure where the AlN cage consists of two six-membered (AlN)3 rings linked together by six transverse AlN bonds. The results of these thermolyses involving benzylamine are compared with the results of analogous reactions employing dibenzylamine, where an orthometalated product, [MeMN(CH2Ph)-μ-(CH2C6H4)]2, (M=Al, Ga), is obtained.
Condyloma acuminatum and condyloma-like lesions of the oral cavity: a study of 11 cases with an intraductal component.

Aims: We studied the clinicopathological features of 11 condyloma and condyloma-like lesions of the oral cavity with an unusual mixed pattern of exophytic and intraductal growth. The latter manifest as involvement of minor salivary gland ducts by the proliferative squamous lesions. This pattern of ductal involvement has not been previously described in oral condyloma. Methods and results: The clinical history was available for nine patients ranging in age from 17 to 73 years. Two were female and seven male. The buccal mucosa (five cases) was the most common site of occurrence, followed by the floor of mouth (two cases), lingual frenum (two cases), and hard palate (one case). All lesions exhibited exophytic and intraductal growth. The latter manifested itself as extension of the lesions into the excretory ducts of minor salivary glands. Underlying minor salivary glands, present in many of the excisional biopsy specimens, typically showed changes of obstructive atrophy. The exophytic components of all cases exhibited some degree of parakeratosis, and cryptic invaginations of parakeratin were typically present. Koilocytes were present in seven lesions and were equivocal in four. Mucous cells were present in the intraductal component of all cases and the intraductal component was never keratinized, but often papillary. A mild stromal-based, lymphocytic host response was present in three. A variably prominent neutrophilic infiltrate was present in the exophytic component of eight. Dysplasia was not present in any case. Five of 11 cases were positive with anti-human papillomavirus (HPV) and two of 11 cases were positive for in-situ hybridization probes directed against HPV 6/11. All cases were negative for HPV 16/18 and 13/33/35. Conclusions: Oral condyloma acuminatum may involve the excretory ducts of minor salivary glands. The diagnosis of oral condyloma acuminatum is difficult, as these lesions share considerable histological overlap with squamous papilloma. Finally, the relationship between these two lesions is incompletely understood.
Altered pilocarpine- or chlorpromazine-induced catalepsy after long-term treatment with cholinergic drugs.

Long-term administration of the cholinergic drug pilocarpine attenuates the catalepsy induced by an acute injection of pilocarpine or the dopamine antagonist chlorpromazine. Similar results (i.e., tolerance to pilocarpine and cross-tolerance to chlorpromazine) were noted in mice chronically treated with the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine but not in mice chronically treated with neostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor which does not penetrate the central nervous system. Mice maintained on the anticholinergic scopolamine showed the opposite effect; there was an increase in the sensitivity to the catalepsy induced by pilocarpine or chlorpromazine. The results suggest that long-term changes in cholinergic receptors may indirectly alter the behavioral effects of drugs which act via dopamine.
Application of a mathematical model for long bone growth

The objective of this work is to apply a previously derived mathematical model in order to explain how different factors influence the long bone growth rate, leading to bone growth disorders, including limb asymmetry. The mathematical model was derived in our earlier work by conducting mass balances of the different regions of the growth plate and by using previously reported data. In the current work, the model was used to determine that at least 10 months of additional growth of one of the tibias is required to produce clinically significant leg asymmetry. The model was next used to explain that vitamin C deficiency, IHH overexpression, and a BMP-2 implant have a greater affect on the tibia growth rate and therefore the final tibia length when these perturbations occur earlier in life for extended periods of time. This is extremely important information, especially for the use of BMP-2 implants in certain surgeries, since such implants could have substantial effects on growth and development if used too early in life.
Laboratory in a box: Wearable sensors and its advantages for gait analysis

Until recently, many gait studies explored potential gait alteration due to various disorders in the gait lab and using camera based systems and force platforms. However, these strategies may not replicate normal outdoor walking. Using this equipment, it is more difficult to measure the variability of walking which is important for maintaining balance and responding to different walking challenges. Additionally, subjects may mask their problem or exaggerate it when they are walking in a short walking distance offered by laboratory based-technology. This study overviews some of the key advantages of wearable technology compared to laboratory-based instrument. Additionally, it explored gait patterns over ample distance of walking compared to walking distance restricted to a gait laboratory environment. Walking patterns of ten healthy young subjects were examined using a wearable sensor technology in a random order over a distance of 7m, 14m, and 20m. Results suggest that participants walk significantly faster by increasing walking distance on average by 15% and 3% when walking distance was increased respectively from 7m to 14 and from 14m to 20m (p 0.89), the test-retest reliability for gait variability was only acceptable during 20m walking distance (ICC<0.3 for 7m and 14m v. ICC=0.65 for 20m). Taken together, our findings indicate that for valid and reliable assessment of gait parameters, gait should be performed over ample walking distances. Body worn sensor technology facilitates assessing gait outside of a gait laboratory, over ample walking distance, different footwear condition, different walking surface, and in environment where mimics better true environment where the subject is active in.
Enclosure and disclosure on content and form in architecture

Martin Heidegger and Vincent Scully, writing from very different positions, agree that the enclosure of human life and the disclosure of a moral universe are the chief functions of architecture, and they agree further that the traditional house best exemplifies the first function and the Greek temple the second. The culture of technology has emptied the home of many substantial engagements, and it has reduced the monumental structures, the high-rises and expressways, to instrumental status. Architects need to understand the cultural force of technology, the ways buildings shape the conduct of our lives, and the responsibilities that follow from the comprehension of contemporary culture.
Nonlipid primary and secondary prevention strategies for coronary heart disease

Widespread application of proven primary and secondary preventive strategies for coronary heart disease would result in substantial savings of life and health care dollars. Proven strategies (excluding lipid therapy) include quitting smoking, treating hypertension, physical activity, aspirin therapy, and appropriate use of anticoagulants, beta blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in survivors of myocardial infarction. Estrogen replacement therapy is currently under clinical investigation. Avoidance of obesity and tight control of diabetes are prudent interventions as yet unproved by clinical trials. Unfortunately, preventive strategies are frequently underutilized. The greatest challenge for preventive cardiology is to put into practice what we already know to prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
Mast cells, macrophages, and crown-like structures distinguish subcutaneous from visceral fat in mice

Obesity is accompanied by adipocyte death and accumulation of macrophages and mast cells in expanding adipose tissues. Considering the differences in biological behavior of fat found in different anatomical locations, we explored the distribution of mast cells, solitary macrophages, and crown-like structures (CLS), the surrogates for dead adipocytes, in subcutaneous and abdominal visceral fat of lean and diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. In fat depots of lean mice, mast cells were far less prevalent than solitary macrophages. Subcutaneous fat contained more mast cells, but fewer solitary macrophages and CLS, than visceral fat. Whereas no significant change in mast cell density of subcutaneous fat was observed, obesity was accompanied by a substantial increase in mast cells in visceral fat. CLS became prevalent in visceral fat of obese mice, and the distribution paralleled mast cells. Adipose tissue mast cells contained and released preformed TNF-α, the cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-linked insulin resistance. In summary, subcutaneous fat differed from visceral fat by immune cell composition and a lower prevalence of CLS both in lean and obese mice. The increase in mast cells in visceral fat of obese mice suggests their role in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance.
Characterizing morphology differences from image data using a modified fisher criterion

Image-based morphometry of cells, tissues, and organs is an important topic in biomedical image analysis. We propose a novel method to characterize the morphological information that discriminates between two populations of morphological exemplars (cells, organs). We first demonstrate that the application of standard techniques such as Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FDA) can lead to undesirable errors in characterizing such information. We then describe an adaptation of the FDA technique that utilizes a least squares projection error to regularize the final solution. We show results comparing the FDA, modified FDA, and principal component analysis (PCA) techniques utilizing a contour-based characterization of both simulated and real images of cell nuclei.
Performance characteristics of the dual exponentially tapered slot antenna (DETSA) for wireless communications applications

The dual exponentially tapered slot antenna (DETSA) is a low-profile slot line radiator that is a modified form of a Vivaldi radiator. The DETSA is created by taking a Vivaldi radiator and tapering the outside edge of the slot line conductors. The shape of the outside edge of the slot line conductors adds additional antenna design degrees of freedom. This paper describes how the different shape parameters of the DETSA impact antenna performance.
Quality Metrics for Object-Based Data Mining Applications

A new quality measurement for video sequences utilized in video retrieval systems and visual data mining applications is proposed. First, each frame of the sequence undergoes a segmentation step using extracted texture features from the gray-level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) (Davis and Johns, 1979). Next, corresponding objects between adjacent frames are matched thus resulting in a 3-dimensional segmentation of the video into objects. Finally, color and texture features are extracted for each object in the sequence and provide the primary input in computing the quality measurement pertaining to the video. A low quality measurement may thus eliminate the possibility of the sequence being stored in a database retrieval system. The algorithm is tested on various types of video segments - pans, zooms, close-ups, and multiple objects' motion - with results included
A finite-element analysis of the effect of muscle insulation and shielding on the surface EMG signal

We simulate the effect that insulating or shielding a muscle may have on electromyographic signal propagation using the finite element method. The results suggest that the crosstalk between insulated or shielded muscles is small but that it increases with increasing subcutaneous fat. The findings may be useful in the control of multifunctional prostheses.
Internal and External Factors in Effecting Third World Military Expenditures

Recent research on the determinants of Third World military expenditures has indicated that economic variables show great promise in providing a framework as to the underlying causes of Third World defense allocation decisions. Building on this research, we test the hypotheses that the level of military expenditures in developing countries is determined in large part by economic constraints relative to external (threat) factors. In general this hypothesis is borne out with the important qualification that countries without an arms industry appear relatively more affected by external factors than countries with an arms industry. The main implication of the analysis is that a reduction in Third World arms production would most likely result in lower overall levels of military expenditures in these countries.
Recent developments in dynamic transmission electron microscopy

Abstract One of the current major driving forces behind instrument development in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the ability to observe materials processes as they occur in situ within the microscope. For many processes, such as nucleation and growth, phase transformations and mechanical response under extreme conditions, the beam current in even the most advanced field emission TEM is insufficient to acquire images with the temporal resolution (∼1 μs to 1 ns) needed to observe the fundamental interactions taking place. The dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) avoids this problem by using a short pulse laser to create an electron pulse of the required duration through photoemission which contains enough electrons to form a complete high resolution image. The current state-of-the-art in high time resolution electron microscopy in this paper describes the development of the electron optics and detection schemes necessary to fully utilize these electron pulses for materials science. In addition, developments for future instrumentation and the experiments that are expected to be realized shortly will also be discussed.
Quantitative detection of RASSF1A DNA promoter methylation in tumors and serum of patients with serous epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Detection of cell free tumor-specific DNA methylation has been proposed as a potentially useful noninvasive mechanism to detect malignancies, including ovarian cancer, and to monitor response to treatment. However, there are few easily implemented quantitative approaches available for DNA methylation analysis. Our objectives were to develop an absolute quantitative method for detection of DNA methylation using RASSF1A , a known target of promoter methylation in ovarian cancer, and test the ability to detect RASSF1A methylation in tumors and serum specimens of women with ovarian cancer. Methods Bisulfite modified DNAs were subjected to real time PCR using nondiscriminatory PCR primers and a probe with sequence containing a single CpG site, theoretically able to capture the methylation status of that CpG for every allele within a given specimen. Input DNA was normalized to ACTB levels detected simultaneously by assay multiplexing. Methylation levels were established by comparison to results obtained from universally methylated DNA. Results The assay was able to detect one methylated RASSF1A allele in 100,000 unmethylated alleles. RASSF1A was methylated in 54 of 106 (51%) invasive serous ovarian cancers analyzed and methylation status was concordant in 20/20 matched preoperative serum–tumor pairs. Serial serum specimens taken over the course of treatment for 8 of 9 patients showed fluctuations in RASSF1A methylation concomitant with disease status. Conclusions This novel assay provides a real-time PCR-based method for absolute quantitation of DNA methylation. Our results support feasibility of monitoring RASSF1A methylation from serum samples taken over the course of treatment from women with ovarian cancer.
Improved random walker interactive image segmentation algorithm for texture image segmentation

In order to improve the accuracy of texture image segmentation, we introduce an improved random walker interactive image segmentation algorithm. With some simple user input, we can achieve accurate segmentation of texture image. Firstly, in this paper, we use gabor energy filters to establishes a texture-based similarity weight function expression. Secondly, we build Laplacian matrix to express the adjacency relation between nodes in an undirected graph. Finally, by solving Dirichlet boundary conditions, a high-quality image segmentation result can be achieved. The final experiments demonstrated that the proposed algorithm more accurately describes the texture image structural information, is more suitable for texture image segmentation.
Best hope or last hope: access to phase III clinical trials of HER-2/neu for advanced stage breast cancer patients.

Best hope or last hope: access to phase III clinical trials of HER-2/neu for advanced stage breast cancer patients Breast cancer is a major public health problem, with a 12% incidence among women. The over-expression of the proto-oncogene HER-2/neu is associated with 30% of breast and ovarian cancers that are very aggressive and do not respond to standard therapeutic regimens. Entrance into clinical trials can represent the best hope and even the last hope for these patients. Entrance, however, is based on satisfying eligibility criteria. In examining advanced stage breast cancer patients’ access to phase III clinical trials for HER-2/neu, two specific arguments regarding eligibility will be addressed. First, if research is to provide the utilitarian goal of the ‘greatest good to the greatest number’, delineation of the population receiving the ‘good’, rather than a homogeneous sub-set of this population, must be addressed, along with patients’ values and goals, very relevant to determining a ‘good life’, how to achieve it, and whether a treatment is a part of that process. Second, the ‘good’ being generated should involve realistic, practical values of quality ways of living with advanced breast cancer and not just increased survival, or cure. Arguments for relaxing criteria are based on an accurate versus over-simplified interpretation of utilitarian principles and concepts of human flourishing. Only through addressing these issues can the true ‘good’ of clinical trials and research be given to the greatest number of people.
Livelihoods of theory: The case of Goffman’s early theory of the self:

Although theory rich, contemporary psychologists have no consensual understanding of what constitutes a theory or how theory should be used, revised, and appraised. Likewise neglected are ways that a theory is taken up in specific research domains and how a theory can change over time. In response to calls for renewing psychology’s appreciation of theory, this article introduces an understanding of theory as vivacious and biographically complex. A dynamic perspective affords means to explore how a theory travels, is taken up in different times and places, and changes. So appreciating theory’s liveliness reveals not only what premises of humans are valued at a given time or within a given research domain, but uncovers vestigial features that were abandoned but might be valuable to contemporary theory work. Theory’s livelihood and travel is illustrated here by Erving Goffman’s early work on the self and its uses by Henry Riecken, Robert Rosenthal, and E. E. Jones.
Toward understanding the difference between using patients or encounters in the accounting of emergency department utilization.

Study objective Descriptions of emergency department (ED) census often do not differentiate between patients and encounters, and there is no guidance about which unit of analysis is most appropriate. We explore differences between patient- and encounter-level accounting of ED utilization. Methods Data extracted from hospital databases were used to identify all registered patients at 3 different but geographically proximate EDs: urban academic, urban community, and suburban community. Data were available from 2000 to 2009 for the academic ED and for all 3 EDs from 2003 to 2007. For each ED, we calculated number of encounters, proportion of encounters for "annual new patients" (ie, not seen previously that year), and number of "new patients" (ie, not seen previously during study period). We also determined the annual number of encounters per patient for each ED. Results At the academic ED, there were 890,397 encounters involving 256,805 patients. Annual encounters (≈89,000) and patients (≈49,000) remained relatively stable over time. Patients were new in 36.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.8% to 36.4%) of year 2 encounters, 25.3% (95% CI 25.1% to 25.6%) of year 5 encounters, and 22.4% (95% CI 22.1% to 22.7%) of year 10 encounters. For community EDs, 50.9% (95% CI 50.4% to 51.5%) and 53.7% (95% CI 53.1% to 54.2%) were new in year 2, and by the fifth year, 35.0% (95% CI 34.5% to 35.5%) and 36.2% (95% CI 35.7% to 36.7%) were new. In the academic ED, 56% of patients had a single encounter during 5 years and less than 6% had more than 8 encounters during that period. In community EDs, 62% of patients had a single encounter during 5 years and less than 3% had more than 8 encounters overall. Conclusion EDs provide care to a relatively static population, with truly new patients composing only a minority of encounters. Although multiple encounters per patient are common, highly frequent use occurs for only a minority of ED patients, and then only for a discrete period. Encounters and patients are not equivalent units of analysis, and policymakers and researchers should determine which is most appropriate for their decisionmaking.
Coherently coupled exciton lasing

Lowest reported threshold organic semiconductor VCSEL (4.9 µJ/cm2) is achieved when excitons coherently couple, upon sub-picosecond non-resonant optical excitation. Temperature dependence of λ/2n device, absent in . ≥/n cavities, indicates excitons undergo condensate-like phase transition.
Nonlinear Downstream Changes in Stream Power on Wisconsin's Blue River

Spatial characteristics of stream power are examined along four stream reaches through the 208-km2 Blue River watershed in southwestern Wisconsin. Although prevailing theoretical arguments often use spatially aggregated data and power functions derived from hydraulic geometry to suggest that stream power increases linearly downstream, analysis of stream-power trends along the Blue River's spatially connected stream pathways in southern Wisconsin shows that these pathways exhibit varying degrees of nonlinearity in the downstream distribution of stream power. In three of the four stream pathways, cross-sectional stream power and mean stream power reach maximum values at drainage areas between 10 and 100 km2 before decreasing rapidly downstream. Geomorphic and lithologic controls, which produce unusually steep channel slopes in mid-basin locations, are primarily responsible for the nonlinear downstream trends in stream power. Wide valley bottoms and gentle channel gradients occur in erodible lithologies, whi...
From Too Little Too Late to Early and Often: Child Psychiatry Education During Medical School (and Before and After)

In this article we propose developmentally informed remedies to the challenges that face research training. The initiatives described in it have been implemented to various degrees at our institution, and several are already being replicated or expanded through strategic partnerships across the country. We are fortunate to work in an environment in which child and adolescent psychiatry is visible and well represented, but we are aware than many of the settings in which education and recruitment needs are most pressing may not have the range of our resources. We view our different programs as seamlessly interconnected with one another but present them as separate entities to facilitate the incorporation of different components into local realities.
The Child's View of Death

This paper presents an overview of current theory related to the way in which children learn to cope with death. Additionally, the paper discusses ways in which therapists and parents might help children learn to deal more effectively with death. The paper suggests that an inability to cope effectively with death may have significant negative impact on the child's emotional life.
The oleic acid-ozone heterogeneous reaction system: products, kinetics, secondary chemistry, and atmospheric implications of a model system - a review

Abstract. The heterogeneous processing of organic aerosols by trace oxidants has many implications to atmospheric chemistry and climate regulation. This review covers a model heterogeneous reaction system (HRS): the oleic acid-ozone HRS and other reaction systems featuring fatty acids, and their derivatives. The analysis of the commonly observed aldehyde and organic acid products of ozonolysis (azelaic acid, nonanoic acid, 9-oxononanoic acid, nonanal) is described. The relative product yields are noted and explained by the observation of secondary chemical reactions. The secondary reaction products arising from reactive Criegee intermediates are mainly peroxidic, notably secondary ozonides and α-acyloxyalkyl hydroperoxide oligomers and polymers, and their formation is in accord with solution and liquid-phase ozonolysis. These highly oxygenated products are of low volatility and hydrophilic which may enhance the ability of particles to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The kinetic description of this HRS is critically reviewed. Most kinetic studies suggest this oxidative processing is either a near surface reaction that is limited by the diffusion of ozone or a surface based reaction. Internally mixed particles and coatings represent the next stage in the progression towards more realistic proxies of tropospheric organic aerosols and a description of the products and the kinetics resulting from the ozonolysis of these proxies, which are based on fatty acids or their derivatives, is presented. Finally, the main atmospheric implications of oxidative processing of particulate containing fatty acids are presented. These implications include the extended lifetime of unsaturated species in the troposphere facilitated by the presence of solids, semi-solids or viscous phases, and an enhanced rate of ozone uptake by particulate unsaturates compared to corresponding gas-phase organics. Ozonolysis of oleic acid enhances its CCN activity, which implies that oxidatively processed particulate may contribute to indirect forcing of radiation.
Block time and frequency domain modified covariance algorithms for spectral analysis

Block modified covariance algorithms are proposed for autoregressive parametric spectral estimation. First, the authors develop the block modified covariance algorithm (BMCA) which can be implemented either in the time or in the frequency domain-with the latter being more efficient in high-order cases. A block algorithm is also developed for the energy weighted combined forward and backward prediction. This algorithm is called energy weighted BMCA (EWBMCA) and its performance is analogous to that of the weighted covariance method proposed by Nikias and Scott (1983). Time-varying convergence factors, designed to minimize the error energy from one iteration to the next, are given for both algorithms. In addition, three updating schemes are presented, namely block-by-block, sample-by-sample, and sample-by-sample with time-scale separation. The performance of the proposed algorithms is examined with stationary and nonstationary narrowband and broadband processes, and also with sinusoids in noise. Lastly, the authors discuss the computational complexity of the proposed algorithms and give performance comparisons to existing modified covariance algorithms. >