cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical evaluation of fatigue crack growth in polymers based on plastically dissipated energy

Abstract Paris-regime fatigue crack growth in polymers is simulated via a numerical procedure. The crack growth rate is calculated based on the assumption that crack extension is controlled by the plastically dissipated energy in the plastic zone around the crack tip. During Paris-regime crack growth simulations, the accumulation rate of plastically dissipated energy is obtained from a two-dimensional finite element model of a standard compact tension specimen and compared to the critical value required for crack growth, which is assumed to be a material property. Thus, the crack growth rate can be determined from finite element simulation for a material when this material property is known. Using this methodology, Paris-regime curves are constructed numerically and compared to experimental data. Two classes of polymers are investigated: those exhibiting frequency-dependent fatigue crack growth and those exhibiting frequency-independent fatigue crack growth. The numerically determined fatigue crack growth rates match well with the published experimentally-determined rates for both types of polymers.
Does community-based suicide prevention decrease suicide attempts? Strategies for reaching zero suicide

ABSTRACT FROM: Godoy Garraza L, Walrath C, Goldston DB, et al . Effect of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program on suicide attempts among youths. JAMA Psychiatry 2015;72:1143–9. This study advances work on suicide prevention and intervention implementation/dissemination research. Rigorous suicide prevention research is critically needed, as suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the USA.1 The Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Youth Suicide Prevention Programme is a US federal initiative that by June 2014 funded multiple community-based suicide prevention programmes across the USA (49 states, 48 tribes).2 This study examines the impact of the GLS programme on non-fatal suicide attempts (SAs), by comparing SA rates over time in counties that implemented GLS-funded trainings and matched counties without GLS trainings. The study expands on a prior study supporting the effectiveness of GLS programmes for reducing suicide deaths.1 Demonstration that GLS programmes are associated with reduced suicide deaths …
Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An Aggressive Acute Leukemia with Clinicopathologic Features Distinct from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Blast Crisis.

Philadelphia chromosome positive acute myeloid leukemia (Ph+ AML) is a rare entity reported to comprise 1% of tumors bearing the Philadelphia chromosome. Controversy exists over whether this represents a distinct entity or is merely presentation of patients in the blastic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Our study sought to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics of Ph+ AML in comparison to CML in blast crisis. We searched the archival files of Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1995 to 2005 for cases of apparent de novo Ph+ AML. After excluding biphenotypic leukemias and cases with any evidence of prior CML or other myeloid neoplasia, we retrieved 18 Ph+ AML cases. 20 cases of documented CML in myeloid blast crisis (CML-MBC) who had not received prior imatinib mesylate therapy or bone marrow transplant were used as a control group. The clinical and laboratory features, bone marrow morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and type of BCR/ABL transcript were analyzed. The Ph+ AML patients included 13 males and 5 females with a median age of 55 years, which was not significantly different from CML-MBC patients. The median WBC at presentation was 15.7 x 109/L. Compared to CML-MBC patients, the Ph+ AML patients were less likely to have splenomegaly (22% vs. 68%, p=0.008) or peripheral basophilia (median absolute basophil count 0.16 vs. 1.24 x 109/L, p=0.003). The bone marrow in Ph+ AML patients was less cellular (median cellularity 80% vs. 98%, p=0.002) with a lower myeloid:erythroid ratio (1.3 vs. 4.8, p=0.01), but more prominent erythroid and myeloid lineage dysplasia (p=0.04) than that of CML-MBC patients. While cytogenetic abnormalities in addition to t(9;22) occurred in 67% of Ph+ AML cases, the typical additional cytogenetic changes of CML-MBC (+8, +19, iso17q, and +Ph+) were uncommon (22% vs. 87% for CML-MBC, p=0.0004). In 5/6 Ph+ AML cases with multiple clones, the Ph+ was present in all clones, suggesting that this represents an early event in the evolution of these leukemias. RT-PCR revealed a predicted BCR/ABL product of p210 (10/13 cases), p190 (2/13 cases) or p230 (1/13 cases). 6/7 Ph+ AML patients treated with imatinib showed at least a partial hematologic response, but this was of a short duration (median 2.5 months, range 1–6 months) in comparison to the reported median response duration of 10 months in imatinib-responsive CML-MBC. The median survival of the Ph+ AML patients was 10.5 months, similar to that of CML-MBC and AML with adverse cytogenetics. In summary, Ph+ AML is a rare entity distinct from CML-MBC, with an aggressive clinical course and only transient response to imatinib.
Hidden costs of free samples.

A physician argues that accepting free drug samples leads to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients and urges other physicians to find different ways to help low-income patients save money on their prescription medications. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Difficult removal of subdermal contraceptive implants: a multidisciplinary approach involving a peripheral nerve expert

Abstract Objectives We aim to describe our experiences and identify patients who may benefit from referral to a peripheral nerve surgeon for removal of contraceptive subdermal implants in which neurovascular injury may occur, and describe a treatment pathway for optimal care. Study design We reviewed the charts of 22 patients who were referred to the Division of Family Planning for difficult removal of etonogestrel contraceptive implants between January 1, 2014, and April, 1 2016. Of these, five were referred to a peripheral nerve surgeon due to pain or location of the implant. We evaluated and described these cases and, from our findings, developed recommendations for care in a multidisciplinary team approach. Results Two patients reported pain, including one with four previous failed removal attempts. In the two patients with pain, the implants were adherent to a sensory nerve. In another, the implant was within the biceps muscle and difficult to locate. In all cases, ultrasound imaging, general anesthesia and a wide exposure allowed for safe removal and good outcomes. Our multidisciplinary care approach has elucidated important referral and technical considerations that improve patient care and safety. Conclusion When necessary, multidisciplinary care with a Family Planning expert and possibly a peripheral nerve surgeon may be beneficial in safely removing etonogestrel contraceptive implants that would be difficult or risky to remove in an ambulatory setting.
Addressing Health Disparities in Rural Nutrition Practice: A Qualitative Model from Rural Appalachia

This study used a mixed methods design to explore factors that affect food choices and nutrition care in rural Appalachian people. Ten registered dietitians, 10 graduate dietetic interns, and 10 ru...
Current density effects on the microstructure of zirconium thin films

Abstract We investigate the effect of electrical current density below the electromigration failure limit in nanocrystalline zirconium thin films using in-situ Transmission Electron Microscope and molecular dynamics simulation. At least one order of magnitude higher growth was seen at current density of 8.5 × 10 5 A/cm 2 (Joule heating temperature 710 K) in 15 min compared to conventional thermal annealing at 873 K for 360 min. Simulation results support our hypothesis that the concurrent effects of electron wind force and Joule heating specifically target the grain boundaries, producing much higher grain boundary mobility compared to high temperature annealing alone.
Leviathan and the bagpipe: Hobbes and the poetics of figuration in the English revolution

ABSTRACTThough English humanists tended to emphasize the continuity between rhetoric and poetics, Thomas Hobbes confronted the tensions between those linguistic arts as they were practised in the early modern period. This essay argues that Hobbes’s reinvestment in rhetorical eloquence was accompanied by a renewed understanding of figurative expression’s uniquely poetic effects. Breaking from royalist writers who often insisted upon the literal truth of monarchical imagery, Hobbes adapted an approach to metaphor honed by parliamentarian polemicists in the English Revolution. In both his literary-critical epistle, the “Answer to Davenant”, and Leviathan, Hobbes used an awareness of language’s poetic dimensions to revise many of the master tropes of early modern discourse, deconstructing the epic invocation to the muse and fundamentally transforming the body politic. In the process, he demonstrated the power of poetic figuration as a philosophical instrument for collective knowledge.
Specular side reflectors for high efficiency thermal-to-optical energy conversion

The performance of incandescent light bulbs and thermophotovoltaic devices is fundamentally limited by our ability to tailor the emission spectrum of the thermal emitter. While much work has focused on improving the spectral selectivity of emitters and filters, relatively low view factors between the emitter and filter limit the efficiency of the systems. In this work, we investigate the use of specular side reflectors between the emitter and filter to increase the effective view factor and thus system efficiency. Using an analytical model and experiments, we demonstrate significant gains in efficiency (>10%) for systems converting broadband thermal radiation to a tailored spectrum using low-cost and easy-to-implement specular side reflectors.
A Table for Eight: Conversations on Landscape

A Table for Eight was a symposium held to cele- brate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fondazione Benetton Studi Ricerche, the leading European institution for the study of landscapes, whether cult...
Cryoablation of distal right atrial appendage tachycardia focus using intracardiac echocardiography and no fluoroscopy: Improved outcomes with modern technology.

Focal atrial tachycardias (ATs) arising from the right atrial appendage (RAA) are unusual, constituting an estimated 3.8% of focal ATs.1, 2 They can pose significant challenges to management because they can be incessant and result in tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, among other complications.3 Over the past decade, work has been performed to delineate the different anatomies of the atrial appendage, recognize activation sites of incessant RAA tachycardias, identify the need for irrigated radiofrequency (RF) catheters, and report the use of cryotechnology (balloons and catheters) to achieve success in these difficult cases.1, 2, 4, 5 RAA tachycardia arising from the distal half of the appendage has been associated with the need for surgical excision to cure the arrhythmia.1 However, technology continues to improve, and the management approach to such cases has evolved over time.5, 6, 7 We report the case of an active-duty military soldier with incessant distal RAA tachycardia who presented with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The condition was successfully treated with no fluoroscopy or contrast, using real-time intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) imaging, 3-dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping, and both contact force–sensing catheters and cryocatheters to achieve success. This case demonstrates how current technology can make complex procedures safer for patients and avoid open surgical interventions and the risks of long-term antiarrhythmic drug therapy in the management of these difficult arrhythmias.
Regulation of a Rho-associated kinase expression during the corneal epithelial cell cycle.

PURPOSE. It has been recognized that an increased expression of the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK-I), a downstream target of Rho (a Ras-related small guanosine triphosphatase [GTPase]), is associated with limbal-to-corneal epithelial transition. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the expression of ROCK-I is regulated during the cell cycle of corneal epithelial cells. METHODS. Rabbit corneal epithelial cells in culture were subjected to different culture conditions to enrich them in the G 0 , G 1 , and S phases of the cell cycle. Indirect immunofluorescence staining and western blot techniques were used for analyzing the changes in the relative intracellular concentrations of ROCK-I. Northern blot analysis of the isolated cellular RNA was performed to estimate the relative concentrations of ROCK-I mRNA. RESULTS. Serum deprivation did not cause all the corneal epithelial cells in culture to be arrested in the G 0 phase of the cell cycle. However, the cells could be arrested in G 0 by treating them with culture medium supplemented with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. The relative concentration of ROCK-I in the G 0 -arrested cells was higher than in the corresponding control untreated cultures. G 0 -arrested cells were induced to enter G 1 , followed by the S phase of the cell cycle, by refeeding them with the medium devoid of TGF-β1. The total intracellular concentration of ROCK-I significantly decreased during the G 1 phase of the cell cycle and increased again during the S phase. The decrease in intracellular ROCK-I during the G 1 phase was confirmed by arresting the cells in G 1 with isoleucine deprivation and thymidine-mimosine treatments. ROCK-I mRNA levels were also found to be decreased during the G 1 phase of the cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS. The levels of ROCK-I in the corneal epithelial cells were significantly lower in the G 1 phase than those in the S and G 0 phases of the cell cycle. Therefore, a Rho signaling pathway(s) involving ROCK-I may be regulated during the corneal epithelial cell cycle. The downregulation of ROCK-I during the G 1 phase, at least in part, is due to the decreased levels of its mRNA. Based on these findings, ROCK-I may have a role in the progression of the cell cycle in the corneal epithelial cells as they migrate centripetally from the limbal to the corneal surface.
Choosing a career: online resources for every scientist.

Looking for a job? Not even sure what kind of job you are looking for? Don’t wait until all your experiments are wrapped up and your manuscript is in press. While slaving away doing research, it is easy to lose sight of what comes next. But graduate students and postdoctoral researchers should start planning the next chapter of their careers before the end is in sight. This article highlights different online resources for choosing a career and finding a job.
Off‐axis self‐reference digital holography in the visible and far‐infrared region

Recent advances in digital holography in the far‐infrared region of the spectrum have demonstrated the potential use of digital holography...
Talent, Schmalent: An Instructional Design/Action Research Framework for the Professionalization of Teaching in Academic Libraries

Abstract When myths become canonical beliefs within a professional culture, they can have a profound impact on professional practice. In this paper we identify as a pernicious educational myth the belief that the ability to teach well is a naturally occurring innate talent or skill. The first two sections of the paper aim to demonstrate (i) that the concept of the naturally gifted teacher is a myth based on factually incorrect assumptions about expertise development and (ii) that this myth has several major negative implications for professional practices around teaching in academic libraries. We then we draw on the education literature to offer an alternative model for the cultivation of teaching excellence, an instructional design/action research framework that prioritizes ‘deliberative’ practice over innate talent. We close with suggestions for how academic librarians and library administrators can implement this framework within their institutions.
Assemblages, routines, and social justice research in community archaeology

ABSTRACTArchaeologists often perceive community archaeology as an inclusive space where the presence of multiple voices drawn into this space through a shared interest in recovering and understandi...
Effects of Banding and IBA on Rooting and Budbreak in Cuttings of Apple Rootstock ‘MM.106’ and Franklinia

Abstract Banding with Velcro™ of new shoot growth in moderately difficult-to-root apple rootstock MM.106 (Malus domestica Borkh.) for 7 days prior to taking cuttings, and treatment of cuttings with...
Factor analysis of the Home Handedness Questionnaire: Unimanual and role differentiated bimanual manipulation as separate dimensions of handedness.

Questionnaires are commonly used to measure handedness. However, popular measures do not capture hand preference by skill type, thus reducing handedness to a single dimension. An exception is the H...
National trends in centralization and perioperative outcomes of complex operations for cancer.

Abstract Background Complex cancer operations performed at high-volume and teaching hospitals have been associated with better outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the national trends in the performance of these operations at large teaching hospitals. Methods Patients who underwent elective esophagectomies, gastrectomies, pancreatectomies, and hepatectomies for cancer (2003–2015) were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. We determined average annual percent change (AAPC) in the proportion of operations at large teaching hospitals, inpatient complications, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient mortality. Results Between 2003 and 2015, 38,932 esophageal, 104,941 gastric, 96,098 hepatic, and 137,440 pancreatic cancer resections were performed. The proportion at large teaching hospitals increased with an AAPC of 2.5 for esophagectomies (P Conclusions Complex cancer operations are performed increasingly at large teaching hospitals, but perioperative outcomes have improved nationally across hospital types. Further studies should identify actionable areas for improvement to ensure accessible quality cancer care.
Post-critical SsPmp and its applications to Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS) – 2: 1-D imaging of the crust/mantle and joint constraints with receiver functions

Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS) has recently emerged as a novel method to image the crust-mantle-boundary (CMB) and potentially other lithospheric boundaries. In Liu et al., 2018 (“Part 1”), we showed that the arrival time and waveform of post-critical SsPmp, the post-critical reflection phase at the CMB used in VDSS, is sensitive to multiple attributes of the crust and upper mantle. Here, we present a synthesis on the methodology of deriving Moho depth, crustal average Vp and uppermost mantle Vp from single-station observations of postcritical SsPmp under an 1D assumption. We first verify our methods on synthetic examples and then substantiate it with a case study using data collected by the Yellowknife and POLARIS array in SW Slave Province, which shows good agreement between crustal and upper-mantle properties derived with VDSS and the ones given by previous studies using active source experiments and conventional P receiver functions (PRF). Moreover, we show that PRF-VDSS joint analysis is capable of placing tighter constraint on average crustal composition, which cannot be achieved with either method alone. We demonstrate with our PRF-VDSS joint analysis that the SW Slave Province, Canada has an intermediate crust composition, which likely indicates a Neoarchean age
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a Sustainable Farming Compartment with Evaporative Cooling System

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) relies on groundwater as well as desalinated water which are very expensive and energy-concentrated. Despite the lack of water resources, only 54% of wastewater was recycled in the UAE in 2016. In this study, a Sustainable Farming Compartment (SFC) with an evaporative cooling system is investigated as an alternative to reusing wastewater and the optimal design is identified experimentally and numerically. First, the applicability of the SFC was examined to reduce the ambient temperature in the system. A prototype SFC was tested in the environmentally constrained laboratory and field site considering an extreme climate condition (with high temperature and humidity) in Abu Dhabi to evaluate the temperature drop and humidity change of the SFC. The experimental results showed that the temperature of the SFC significantly decreases by 7–15 °C when the initial relative humidity is 50%. For validation, an energy modeling using dynamic numerical simulations was performed that shows statistically good agreement with the experimental results. Based on the parametric studies of the system components, the optimal cooling performance of the system in terms of locations of inlet and outlet, the variation of Reynolds number was evaluated. The study suggested an optimized design for the SFC with an evaporative cooling system.
The Manganese-Responsive Transcriptional Regulator MumR Protects Acinetobacter baumannii from Oxidative Stress.

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that primarily infects critically ill patients in nosocomial settings. Because of its rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance, infections caused by A. baumannii have become extremely difficult to treat, underlying the importance of identifying new antimicrobial targets for this pathogen. Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient metal required for a number of bacterial processes, including the response to oxidative stress. Here, we show that exogenous Mn can restore A. baumannii viability in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This restoration is not dependent on the high-affinity Nramp family Mn transporter, MumT, as a ΔmumT mutant is no more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) killing than wild-type A. baumannii. However, mumR, which encodes the transcriptional regulator of mumT, is critical for growth and survival in the presence of H2O2, suggesting that MumR regulates additional genes that contribute to H2O2 resistance. RNA sequencing revealed a role for mumR in regulating the activity of a number of metabolic pathways, including two pathways, phenylacetate and gamma-aminobutyric acid catabolism, which were found to be important for resisting killing by H2O2. Finally, ΔmumR exhibited reduced fitness in a murine model of pneumonia, indicating that MumR-regulated gene products are crucial for protection against the host immune response. In summary, these results suggest that MumR facilitates resistance to the host immune response by activating a transcriptional program that is critical for surviving both Mn starvation and oxidative stress.
Tests to Evaluate Potential Outliers

This last chapter deals with the evaluation of potential outliers. Outliers are different from out-of-specification data points and represent very extreme aberrant values. Outlies can occur with univariate or multivariate samples and may have disastrous effects on the inferential statistic when analyzing small data sets. Outlier tests are very valuable for in these situations, but may not be needed for larger data sets because the other values will soften the effects of potential outlies on the results of any statistical evaluation. The primary tests described in this chapter are Grubbs’ test and Dixon’s Q test for univariate situations and an evaluation of the studentized residuals for linear regression-type situations. Minitab applications for evaluating data points as potential outliers are presented.
The importance of histone acetylation modification in children's asthma and corticoid therapy

The incidence of bronchial asthma in children is increasing nowadays.More and more studies have showed that epigenetics plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.One of them are histone modification(acetylation and deacetylation),which is catalyzed by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC).HAT and HDAC can mediate asthma via causing Th1/Th2 imbalance,increased airway hyperresponsiveness,regulation of various inflammatory medium and so on.This paper reviews the HAT and HDAC mediated incidence of asthma and other possible mechanisms,the latest of glucocorticoid in the treatment of children with asthma epigenetic mechanisms. Key words: Asthma; Acetylation modification; Children; Corsticord
Probing BFKL dynamics at hadronic colliders in jet gap jet events

In this report, we give the Balitsky Fadin Kuraev Lipton formalism for jet gap jet events at hadronic colliders. We also discuss the case where in addition at least one proton is intact in the final state in diffractive events.
Parameter Identifiability and Non-Uniqueness In Connectome Based Neural Mass Models

Abstract The spatial-temporal patterns of neuronal dynamics emerge from the network of coordinated brain regions, this structure-function relationship of the brain can be described mathematically by biophysical models of coupled brain regions connected by white matter tractography. Implementations of such models have focused on reproducing functional connectivity extracted from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), but these efforts are limited by the temporal resolution of fMRI data and the reduction of time course recordings into phenomenological functional connectivity maps. Here, we optimize parameters of a neural mass model (NMM) to best fit region-wise power spectra across the whole brain estimated from source localized electroencephalography (EEG). NMM models with global parameters were not able to fully reproduce region-wise power spectra, with or without the inclusion of structural connectivity information. In contrast, without the inclusion of structural connectivity information, independent oscillators at each brain region are able to reproduce region-wise power spectra. But the addition of structural connectivity and transmission delays to the NMM does not improve overall power spectra fit. Connectome-based NMM implementations with regional parameters lead to high dimensional network models that produce non-unique results. Inherent parameter identifiability problem in network models poses challenges for using such models as diagnostic tools for neurological diseases.
Towards Best Practices for Micro Finance Institutional Engagement in African Rural Areas: Selected Cases and Agenda for Action

Micro-finance institutions are critical to Africa's quest for solutions to the continent's development challenge. The area of their greatest potential impact, rural Africa, is not only home to the bulk of the continent's population, but also the vast majority of Africa's poor. This paper not only defines MFIs with examples from Zambia, South Africa, Mali and Zimbabwe, it also establishes a clear link between MFIs and both poverty eradication and the empowerment and equality of women, two of the major Millennium Development Goals. The paper concludes with some policy recommendations and a set of “best practices” for the future success of MFIs on the continent, including the need to ensure flexibility and careful government regulation and supervision of MFIs.
Any Less a Guessing Game

When can a bar applicant be denied because of poor "character and fitness"? How can she show rehabilitation from past problems, such as substance abuse? We discuss the Washington Supreme Court's decision, In re Simmons, 190 Wash. 2d 374, 414 P.3d 1111 (2018), its first published opinion on the issue in over three decades.
Drop-Weight Tear Test—Effect of Variables on Test Results

Variables studied in this evaluation of the Battelle type drop-weight tear test (DWTT) include operator, test machine, specimen thickness, notch type, and strength level of the material tested. Operator and machine variations were found to be small. For a given material, increasing the specimen thickness raises the plateau energy and the transition temperature. Energy at a given percent shear is proportional to thickness. Notches examined include pressed notch, machined notch, fatigue crack, and crack starter weld. Continued use of the pressed notch is recommended. Side grooved DWTT specimen is used to compare the toughness of heat affected zones of welded specimens to that of the base metal.
Teratological Hazards due to Phenoxy Herbicides and Dioxin Contaminants

Potential hazards posed by environmental pollutants and drugs include toxicity per se, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity. Although teratogenic effects of various agents have been recognized for several decades, it was only as a reaction to the thalidomide episode that a requirement for teratogenicity data became established in 1962.
Arousal-Related Sustained Potentials in Neocortex and Hippocampus of Rats

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses arousal-related sustained potentials in neocortex and hippocampus of rats. Two major types of electrophysiological response are observed in cats as a consequence of stimulation of the ascending reticular activating system. The typical thalamocortical response to stimulation is a low-voltage, fast activity or “thalamocortical desynchronized arousal” (TDA). Concurrently, the usual reaction of the hippocampus is the theta rhythm or “hippocampal synchronized arousal” (HSA). In mammals having a higher ratio of hippocampus to neocortex (e.g., rabbit or rat), a paradoxical HSA is also found extensively in monopolar recordings from the neocortex. However, these activities are found to be volume conducted from the underlying hippocampus and neocortical activity proper is fundamentally desynchronized during HSA with bipolar recordings. Several investigators have reported that negative sustained potential shifts (SPs) also develop over the neocortex or in the hypothalamus during arousal. It is generally assumed that these negative SPs arise as a consequence of TDA activity. They could also develop in association with HSA responses.
On the private provision of public goods

Abstract We consider a general model of the non-cooperative provision of a public good. Under very weak assumptions there will always exist a unique Nash equilibrium in our model. A small redistribution of wealth among the contributing consumers will not change the equilibrium amount of the public good. However, larger redistributions of wealth will change the set of contributors and thereby change the equilibrium provision of the public good. We are able to characterize the properties and the comparative statics of the equilibrium in a quite complete way and to analyze the extent to which government provision of a public good ‘crowds out’ private contributions.
Metal salt catalyzed carbenoids—XV: The synthetic and structural aspects of copper salt catalyzed additions of bis-methoxycarbonyl carbene to olefins☆

Abstract Experimental and structural details are presented for the addition of bis -methoxycarbonyl carbene to a number of olefins employing homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyzed decompositions of dimethyl diazomalonate by copper and silver salts. The cyclopropanations are stereospecific and are accompanied by appreciable amounts of allylic C-H insertion products which could formally be derived from allylic radical or ionic intermediates. Cyclopropanation with cis 2-heptene proceeds 5.20 times as fast as with the trans isomer and cyclohexene reacts 4.90 times faster than 1-methyl cyclohexene when the catalyst is iodo(trimethyl phosphite)copper(I).
Adjustments for JPEG de-quantization coefficients

Summary form only given. In JPEG baseline compression algorithm, the quantization loss to DCT coefficients can be reduced, if we make use of the observation that the distributions of the DCT coefficients peak at zero and decrease exponentially. It means that the mid-point of a quantization interval, say m, used by the JPEG decoder to restore all coefficients falling within the interval, may be replaced by another point, say y, closer to zero but within the interval. If we model the distributions by /spl lambda/e/sup -/spl lambda/|x|/, where /spl lambda/>0 is a constant, derivable from some statistical parameters such as mean or variance, and we assume that the adjustment q=|m-y| should be chosen so that the sum of the loss to all coefficients falling within a quantization interval is zero for each interval, we can derive q=Q(e/sup /spl lambda/(Q-1)/+(Q-2)/2)/2e/sup /spl lambda/(Q-1)/-1)-1//spl lambda/ where Q is the quantizer step size. To test usefulness of the above idea, we implemented both approaches: (1) JPEG encoder computes /spl lambda/ for each DCT distribution and passes it as part of coded data to the decoder, and (2) JPEG decoder computes /spl lambda/ from the quantized DCT coefficient incrementally as it decodes its input. Through experiments, we found that none of these approaches resulted in much improvements, but found a better approach (OUR) which does not require any modeling of DCT. It uses /spl Sigma/(|m-y|*C)//spl Sigma/C to compute adjustments, where C is the number of coefficients falling within an interval, and the /spl Sigma/ is taken over all intervals not-containing the zero DCT. We also implemented the formulation developed by Ahumada et. al (see SID Digest, 1994) to compare it with the results of OUR approach. The comparison is shown in terms of the % reduction in the RMSE of the images.
A broadband high data rate constant envelope phase shift modulator in a 0.13 /spl mu/m logic CMOS process

This paper presents a low-power constant envelope phase shift modulator. The modulator discretely changes the phase of a constant envelope carrier according to the input digital data bits. A test chip was fabricated in a 0.13/spl mu/m logic CMOS process. Experiment results show that the modulator consumes 2 mA, has an operating frequency range between 1.5 GHz and 3.3 GHz with EVMs below 4%, and can support a data rate up to 225 Mbps with EVMs lower than 5.5%. The modulator can be designed to generate different modulation schemes by digitally controlling the phase and/or amplitude of the carrier, and therefore potentially can be used in software defined radios.
Reservation Gaming, Tribal Sovereignty, and the State of Texas: Gaining Ground in the Political Arena?

The increased devolution of federal responsibilities to states coupled with lack of programs and income is heightening the need for economic development among Native American tribes. The fastest growing and most profitable investment is reservation casino gambling. However, the inability of many tribes to successfully negotiate gaming ‘compacts’ with state governments as prescribed by federal law is creating a new dynamic in state politics. Tribal governments are increasingly engaged in interest group behavior, such as narrowing the scope of conflict, and inside and outside lobbying, to try and create favorable policy decisions. Using a case study of two Texas tribes, an analysis of interest group learning is conducted. We conclude that, in order to survive, tribal gaming interest groups must gain access to state political venues instead of relying on the federal government and the courts.
A parametric approach for low energy wireless data communication [mobile multimedia computing/communication applications]

In this paper, a joint control methodology of error protection capability and modulation strategy is presented to minimize the energy dissipation of a given communication. The communication energy includes the energy consumption of the underlying digital (channel encoder/decoder) and analog blocks including the RF amplifier. The energy dissipation of these blocks is determined by the system configuration parameters like channel coding rate, modulation order, transmission power and transmission duration. Simulation was performed on various channel qualities using the Nakagami channel model. The simulation results show that the jointly controlled communication system enhances energy efficiency. When the Nakagami fading figure is 6, 25% of the energy can be saved on average from a QPSK system with channel coding rate of 0.5. The configuration of the system should be determined considering channel quality (fading and path loss).
Boycotts and Restrictive Marketing Arrangements

T is currently a common if still relatively unheralded practice for a "fired" dealer to bring an antitrust action against his former manufacturer-supplier (and perhaps other dealers), alleging that his termination was the result of a boycott.' Boycottscollective efforts to obtain the exclusion of a party from a marketare illegal per se under section 1 of the Sherman Act.2 Thus, questions concerning the justification for the boycott or the significance of the offender's market position do not arise.3
The Attitude-Practice Gap Revisited: Risk Reduction Beliefs and Behaviors Among Owners of Residential Swimming Pools

Complete pool fencing and effective bystander resuscitation are both believed to reduce the risk of childhood drowning. The relationship between support for, and prevalence of, a complete pool barrier and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification was investigated among an equal probability sample of 795 owners of residential swimming pools in Sacramento County, California. Only 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44%, 56%) of respondents who favored a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirement for pool owners represented a household with any members so certified. Only 35% (95% CI 26%, 44%) of respondents who endorsed a complete barrier requirement for all pools had a fence surrounding their own pool. Support for a cardiopulmonary resuscitation requirement was associated with a modestly higher prevalence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (46% vs 33%, difference = 13%, 95% CI for difference 2%, 24%). Endorsement of a pool barrier requirement was associated with a substantially higher prevalence of complete pool fencing (35% vs 7%, difference = 28%, 95% CI for difference 19%, 37%). The proportion of the pool-owning population endorsing these risk reduction behaviors is much larger than the proportion actually adopting them. The results suggest that an effective pool drowning-prevention program will rely primarily on legislative approaches, with health education serving as a useful adjunct.
The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Upon completion of the chapter, the student will be able to: 1. Explain the rationale behind the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). 2. Enumerate the components of the CGA and the process of care. 3. Identify the members of the CGA team and understand their corresponding roles in the team. 4. Identify the various assessment instruments used to evaluate the different components or dimensions of the CGA.
Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto-Transplantation as Treatment for Ampullary Adenocarcinoma in the Setting of Pancreatic Ductal Disruption Secondary to Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis. A Case Report

Context Ampullary adenocarcinoma is the third most common periampullary malignancy. Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct is linked with an increased incidence of acute pancreatitis. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis leading to pancreatic duct disruption carries significant morbidity. When these conditions occur in combination, the treatment can be drastically limited as pancreaticoduodenectomy is not a viable option in the setting of friable ductal tissue, which precludes pancreatic ductal anastomosis and can lead to the complications of leak or stricture. Case report Our patient is a 72-year-old woman who developed pancreatic ductal disruption and splenic vein thrombosis as a result of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Concurrently, she was found to have an ampullary adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. Her treatment options were limited, as she was neither a candidate for pancreaticoduodenectomy given the ductal disruption nor total pancreatectomy, which would render her a brittle diabetic. She was successfully treated with total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation thereby resecting her ampullary lesion while both avoiding a pancreatic anastomosis and preserving pancreatic endocrine beta-cell function. Conclusion We report a case where total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation can be considered as a viable option for treatment of ampullary lesions in a setting where standard surgical options are suboptimal.
HIV-associated primary cervical non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and two other cases of primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract Background Although there have been few case series of primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) reported over the past two decades, no patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related primary pelvic NHL has been reported. Cases We report a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient with primary cervical NHL. After surgical biopsy, she received standard NHL combination chemotherapy plus standard HIV highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and remains disease free 38 months since therapy. We also report two other cases of primary pelvic NHL. Conclusions Primary pelvic NHL is rare, with clinical presentation similar to other common gynecologic malignancies. It is treated with combination chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy, and generally has good prognosis. Adding HAART to other standard therapies for patients with AIDS-related pelvic lymphoma may improve the prognosis of this category of patients.
Large exclusive families

Three examples of an infinite family of semigroups are constructed such that there is no homomorphism from one member of the family to another member. The third example is intimately related to a number-theoretic theorem of C. L. Siegel.
The Roles of Family B and D DNA Polymerases in Thermococcus Species 9°N Okazaki Fragment Maturation

During replication, Okazaki fragment maturation is a fundamental process that joins discontinuously synthesized DNA fragments into a contiguous lagging strand. Efficient maturation prevents repeat sequence expansions, small duplications, and generation of double-stranded DNA breaks. To address the components required for the process in Thermococcus, Okazaki fragment maturation was reconstituted in vitro using purified proteins from Thermococcus species 9°N or cell extracts. A dual color fluorescence assay was developed to monitor reaction substrates, intermediates, and products. DNA polymerase D (polD) was proposed to function as the replicative polymerase in Thermococcus replicating both the leading and the lagging strands. It is shown here, however, that it stops before the previous Okazaki fragments, failing to rapidly process them. Instead, Family B DNA polymerase (polB) was observed to rapidly fill the gaps left by polD and displaces the downstream Okazaki fragment to create a flap structure. This flap structure was cleaved by flap endonuclease 1 (Fen1) and the resultant nick was ligated by DNA ligase to form a mature lagging strand. The similarities to both bacterial and eukaryotic systems and evolutionary implications of archaeal Okazaki fragment maturation are discussed.
Control of gluconeogenesis by metformin: does redox trump energy charge?

Metformin is the most widely prescribed drug to lower glucose in type II diabetics, yet its mechanism of action remains controversial. A new study reveals that metformin inhibits mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, triggering reduction of the cytosolic NADH/NAD+ pool and impaired utilization of redox-dependent substrates for gluconeogenesis (Madiraju et al., 2014).
Patterns and covariates of tobacco use in a recent sample of pregnant teenagers

Abstract Purpose . Little is known about the prevalence and patterns of smoking among pregnant teenagers. We provide a comprehensive description of the prevalence, patterns and correlates of smoking from a recent sample of 199 pregnant adolescents. Methods . We interviewed pregnant teenagers at midpregnancy and delivery to obtain information on tobacco and other substance use before and during pregnancy and on demographic, medical and psychosocial status. Results . The average age was 16.1 years (range 12–18); 70% were African-American. Smoking was prevalent and increased from first (59%) to third (62%) trimesters. This increase was in sharp contrast to decreases in other substances. Caucasians had higher rates of smoking and heavier smoking. For Caucasians, third trimester smoking was predicted by peer smoking and early onset of sexual activity. For African-Americans, third trimester smoking was related to older age, not living with parent(s), dissatisfaction with social support, early pregnancy binge drinking, peer smoking, and early onset of sexual activity. Conclusions . The high prevalence and increasing pattern of prenatal smoking in teenagers is a major public health concern. Effective education and cessation programs must be targeted at pregnant teenagers.
Decision fusion in sensor networks for spectrum sensing based on likelihood ratio tests

Sensor networks have been shown to be useful in diverse applications. One of the important applications is the collaborative detection based on multiple sensors to increase the detection performance. To exploit the spectrum vacancies in cognitive radios, we consider the collaborative spectrum sensing by sensor networks in the likelihood ratio test (LRT) frameworks. In the LRT, the sensors make individual decisions. These individual decisions are then transmitted to the fusion center to make the final decision, which provides better detection accuracy than the individual sensor decisions. We provide the lowered-bounded probability of detection (LBPD) criterion as an alternative criterion to the conventional Neyman-Pearson (NP) criterion. In the LBPD criterion, the detector pursues the minimization of the probability of false alarm while maintaining the probability of detection above the pre-defined value. In cognitive radios, the LBPD criterion limits the probabilities of channel conflicts to the primary users. Under the NP and LBPD criteria, we provide explicit algorithms to solve the LRT fusion rules, the probability of false alarm, and the probability of detection for the fusion center. The fusion rules generated by the algorithms are optimal under the specified criteria. In the spectrum sensing, the fading channels influence the detection accuracies. We investigate the single-sensor detection and collaborative detections of multiple sensors under various fading channels, and derive testing statistics of the LRT with known fading statistics.
Prevention and Intervention Research with Latino Families: A translational Approach.

The present paper takes a translational approach in applying the themes of the current special section to prevention and intervention science in Latino families. The paper reviews the current literature on cultural processes in prevention and intervention research with Latino families. Overall, many prevention and intervention programs have either been developed specifically for Latino families or have been modified for Latino families with great attention paid to the socio-cultural needs of these families. Nevertheless, few studies have tested the role of cultural values or acculturation processes on outcomes. We make recommendations based on findings within basic science and in particular this special section on the incorporation of these values and processes into prevention and intervention science with Latino families.