cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
e-Healthcare: a model on the offshore healthcare delivery for cost saving

The internet has enhanced the ability of healthcare providers successfully to manage projects spanning time zones, cultures and physical distances. The high cost of healthcare in the USA is not only affecting the healthcare industry but also placing a great burden on the competitiveness of many major US manufacturing and other businesses. The biggest challenge for both providers and payers in the healthcare industry is not about HIPAA compliance but about how to be profitable. In response to cost-reduction pressures, healthcare providers are exploring a new option of offshore healthcare delivery. This paper develops an offshore healthcare delivery model. The offshore healthcare delivery model has a vast potential to improve both patient- and system-level outcomes, especially by improving access, efficiency and continuity of care. However, these benefits are not automatic, and policy decisions about the extension of the offshore healthcare delivery model must be made after careful evaluation of exactly how the offshore healthcare delivery model affects outcomes and whether these outcomes justify the associated costs. The paper also examines the various potential issues and outlines some of the challenges in implementing the model. The study is based on examining the USA healthcare delivery model and subsequent discussions with many medical practitioners in the USA and India. The study outlines the framework of the offshore healthcare model and points out critical issues and challenges that need further examination before the model is considered as clinically viable for cost-effective treatments and quality care.
A GIFT TO THEOLOGY? JEAN-LUC MARION'S ‘SATURATED PHENOMENON’ IN CHRISTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Jean-Luc Marion has recently established himself as one of the most important and theologically fertile thinkers within the phenomenological tradition. With his study of ‘the gift’ and ‘the saturated phenomenon’, Marion presents a challenge to theology to rethink revelation in its surprising givenness, as exceeding the boundaries often set up in advance by metaphysics and a priori anthropological foundations. This paper examines Marion's mature thought, particularly within the perspective of Christology. The paper argues that Marion's phenomenological style of reflection, as adapted to theology, is deeply contemplative and markedly Johannine in sensibility. As a strategy for theology, the phenomenological style gives to it important incentives and skills for reading off God's self-revelation in Christ in its surprising and counter-intuitive beauty. Marion's challenge/gift to theology is, however, in need of a balancing emphasis, one that appears too infrequently in his work: the ethical-prophetic dimension of the Christ event. In view of keeping both the mystical and prophetic poles of theology closely linked, the paper argues that just as beauty is a key category for saturated phenomena, so too is the reality of suffering and evil. However, whereas beauty invites a humble receptivity to and contemplative enjoyment of the gift, the inscrutable reality of suffering and evil, which so often exceeds comprehension, touches off a critical and practical response. In broadening the study of saturated phenomena to include the refractory character of experience, especially that which threatens humanity, Marion's valuable contributions to theology require a complementary emphasis from those narrative-practical Christologies that highlight the prophetic aspects of the tradition.
Reversal of impaired myocardial β-adrenergic receptor signaling by continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support

Background Myocardial β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling is severely impaired in chronic heart failure (HF). This study was conducted to determine if left ventricular (LV) β-AR signaling could be restored after continuous-flow LV assist device (LVAD) support. Methods Twelve patients received LVADs as a bridge to transplant. Paired LV biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of LVAD implant (HF group) and transplant (LVAD group). The mean duration of LVAD support was 152 ± 34 days. Myocardial β-AR signaling was assessed by measuring adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, total β-AR density (B max ), and G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) expression and activity. LV specimens from 8 non-failing hearts (NF) were used as controls. Results Basal and isoproterenol-stimulated AC activity was significantly lower in HF vs NF, indicative of β-AR uncoupling. Continuous-flow LVAD support restored basal and isoproterenol-stimulated AC activity to levels similar to NF. B max was decreased in HF vs NF and increased to nearly normal in the LVAD group. GRK2 expression was increased 2.6-fold in HF vs NF and was similar to NF after LVAD support. GRK2 activity was 3.2-fold greater in HF vs NF and decreased to NF levels in the LVAD group. Conclusions Myocardial β-AR signaling can be restored to nearly normal after continuous-flow LVAD support. This is similar to previous data for volume-displacement pulsatile LVADs. Decreased GRK2 activity is an important mechanism and indicates that normalization of the neurohormonal milieu associated with HF is similar between continuous-flow and pulsatile LVADs. This may have important implications for myocardial recovery.
Recovery of Yeast from Transient Inhibition of DNA Synthesis

IN the simple eukaryotic cell Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear division, cell division and the start of new budding cycles depend on DNA synthesis1. Protein synthesis is required for the recovery of new budding and cell division after transient exposure to hydroxyurea, a specific reversible inhibitor of DNA synthesis2. In this report I have attempted to answer two questions. (1) Does recovery of nuclear division require protein synthesis? (2) Does recovery of DNA synthesis itself require protein synthesis?
The utility of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of the translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) in the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma on fine-needle aspiration specimens.

BACKGROUND Mantle cell lymphoma can be difficult to differentiate cytologically from other small cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Nevertheless, the distinction is important, because mantle cell lymphoma is more aggressive than other small cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is helpful in diagnosing mantle cell lymphoma on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens by detecting the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation that is characteristic of this tumor. METHODS Fifty-five lymph node FNA specimens from 53 patients were analyzed using FISH. A 2-color FISH assay that employed probes at the 14q32 (immunoglobulin H) and 11q13 (dual-colored, directly labeled cyclin D1) loci was used. The number of single-fusion and double-fusion signals in 200 cells was counted. If ≥ 14% single-fusion signals or ≥ 1.5% double-fusion signals or both were present, then the sample was considered FISH positive. The findings were correlated with the cytologic, histologic, and immunophenotypic findings in each specimen. RESULTS Of the 55 cytology specimens, 17 were mantle cell lymphomas, and 38 were nonmantle cell lymphomas, including 16 small lymphocytic lymphomas (9 of 16 in an accelerated phase), 5 large cell lymphomas, 5 follicular lymphomas, 7 transformed large cell lymphomas (Richter syndrome), 3 atypical lymphoid proliferations, and 2 low-grade B-cell lymphomas. All 17 mantle cell lymphomas were positive by FISH. In addition, there were six small lymphocytic lymphomas (two in accelerated phase), one transformed large cell lymphoma, and one large cell lymphoma of follicular origin positive by FISH. The mean number of single-fusion and double-fusion signals, respectively, was 36 and 33 in mantle cell lymphoma specimens and 19 and 3 in positive nonmantle cell lymphoma specimens. CONCLUSIONS The detection of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation by FISH analysis was helpful in diagnosing mantle cell lymphoma on FNA specimens. Double-fusion signals were more specific for mantle cell lymphoma than single-fusion signals. In rare instances, other non-Hodgkin lymphomas also showed increased numbers of single-fusion signals that were not necessarily indicative of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation. Therefore, in an initial diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma, significant numbers of double-fusion FISH signals should be identified and interpreted in conjunction with the cytologic and immunologic studies. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Swelling of type-316 stainless steel at high fluences in EBR-II

Abstract A test to measure swelling induced by fast neutron irradiation in unstressed specimens of type-316 stainless steel has completed irradiation in the EBR-II reactor. Results are reported and discussed which describe the swelling as a function of neutron fluence, temperature of irradiation and extent of cold work in the alloy. Density determinations showed swellings of up to 15% ΔV V f for 20% cold worked type-316 stainless steel at a neutron fluence level of 1.4 × 10 23 n / cm 2 , E > 0.1 MeV (70 dpa). The peak swelling temperature range was 550°C–600°C regardless of the extent of cold working. Increasing the cold work level reduced the swelling and tended to broaden the swelling temperature peak. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations showed that cold working had reduced the average void sizes compared to those observed in the solution annealed material.
Numerical integration rules near gaussian quadrature

We call a numerical integration formula based onk nodes which is exact for polynomials of degree at mostn an (n, k) formula. Gaussian quadrature is the unique (2k−1,k) formula. In this paper we give a complete description of all (2k−3,k) formulas, including a characterization of those having all positive weights.
A global analysis of developmentally regulated genes in Myxococcus xanthus

Abstract Tn 5 lac is a transposon that fuses the transcription of lacZ to exogenous promoters. We generated 2374 Tn 5 lac insertion-containing strains of Myxococcus xanthus , a soil bacterium that undergoes multicellular development which culminates in the formation of spores. Thirty-six strains were identified that specifically increase β-galactosidase expression at some particular time during development and these expression times range from minutes after starvation initiates development to 24 hr, when sporulation begins. Different maximum levels of β-galactosidase expression were also observed and the maximum for many strains that begin β-galactosidase expression late in development was observed only if spores were disrupted. Seven of the 36 strains display mild to severe defects in aggregation and/or sporulation, as did an additional five strains whose β-galactosidase expression was not devlopmentally regulated. Restriction maps of the DNA adjacent to the Tn 5 lac insertions that are developmentally regulated and/or cause developmental defects show that most of the 41 insertions are in different regions of the Myxococcus genome. The developmentally regulated Tn 5 lac insertions described here provide a set of at least 29 new developmental markers for Myxococcus .
The Neutron Spectral Distribution from a Godiva Type Critical Assembly

Neutron spectrum measurements were made at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Fast Burst Reactor (FBR), a Godiva type critical assembly. The spectrum measurements were performed by neutron activation techniques coupled with the computer code SAND II. Results from this investigation reveal a spectral index of 6.7 for the leakage spectrum and 7.8 for the Glory Hole spectrum or, the neutron leakage spectrum of this Godiva type critical assembly is harder by - 30% when comparing its spectral index to previous measurements. Furthermore, the neutron spectrum measured in the Glory Hole for the FBR reveals that this spectrum is softer than the leakage spectrum by a factor of 1.16 for the spectral indicies.
Stochastic Fatigue Response Of Jackets Under Intermittent Wave Loading

A combination of spectral and probabilistic analysis techniques is proposed for estimating the fatigue damage of jackets subjected to intermittent wave loading. It is shown that a Gaussian response assumption is unconservative at higher sea states.
Self-Assembling Peptide Coatings Designed for Highly Luminescent Suspension of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A series of self-assembling multidomain peptides have been designed, synthesized, and tested for their ability to individually suspend single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in water while preserving strong near-IR nanotube luminescence. Photometric and spectral measurements on individual SWCNTs revealed that emission in the common biocompatible coating agents Pluronic F127, ss-DNA, and BSA is approximately an order of magnitude weaker than in the bioincompatible ionic surfactant SDBS. By contrast, one of the engineered peptides gave SWCNT emission ∼40% as intense as in SDBS. A strong inverse correlation was also found between the spectral line widths of coated SWCNTs and the efficiency of their emission. Peptides with rationally designed self-assembly properties appear to be promising coatings that may enable SWCNT optical sensing applications in biological environments.
Strategic Dissent: Expressions of Organizational Dissent Motivated by Influence Goals

Organizational dissent is important in promoting better decision-making and increasing employee commitment and satisfaction, yet expressing dissent can be risky in many organizations where disagreement is discouraged. This study proceeded from the perspective that employees dissent strategically and that the relationship between conversational goals and dissent messages is important in helping employees feel more satisfied at work and helping organizations better use employee feedback. Results showed that goals of getting advice and information were prevalent primary goals, suggesting that employees may often express dissent for sense-making reasons rather than to accomplish organizational change. The most common secondary goals reported were identity and conversation management. Further analyses indicated that goals were associated with specific messages. These results demonstrate the strategic nature of organizational dissent. The implications of this study also suggest dissent effectiveness cannot be j...
Fostering changes in self-blamers' beliefs about causality

This study investigated the feasibility of altering the causal beliefs of people with self-blaming tendencies. Fostering such change can be difficult, as illustrated by Ickes and Layden's (1978) failure to alter adults' self-blaming styles and low self-esteem. The current experiment replicated and extended Ickes and Layden's paradigm to maximize the likelihood of effecting and detecting cognitive change. Subjects were self-blaming college students who took excessive responsibility for negative life events. Three types of intervention were employed. The Uniform Instruction treatment was a conceptual replication of Ickes and Layden's strategy. In this treatment subjects were asked to make self-enhancing attributions, i.e., to take responsibility for positive, but not negative, events. A second treatment, Supportive Suggestion, used individualized techniques to help self-blamers see the feasibility and desirability of adopting self-enhancing ascriptions. The Appreciative Attention condition simply asked participants to identify causes of positive and negative events in their lives. The study successfully replicated the Ickes-Layden failure to alter general attributional style. More important, there was evidence for the predicted occurrence of circumscribed changes in self-blamers' beliefs about the causes of negative events. The Supportive Suggestion treatment appeared to be more effective than the other two intervention methods.
Transcriptional suppression by interleukin-1 and interferon-γ of type II collagen gene expression in human chondrocytes

Type II collagen is one of the predominant extracellular matrix macromolecules in cartilage responsible for maintenance of integrity of this specialized tissue. We showed previously that interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) are capable of decreasing the levels of alpha 1(II) procollagen mRNA and suppressing the synthesis of type II collagen in cultured human chondrocytes. Data reported here show that these effects of IL-1 and IFN-gamma on the expression of the human type II collagen gene (COL2A1) are mediated primarily at the transcriptional level. This conclusion is based on three types of experimental evidence: (1) in nuclear run-off assays, preincubation of chondrocytes with either IL-1 or IFN-gamma decreased COL2A1 transcription; (2) experiments with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and the transcriptional inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) indicated that the suppression of alpha 1(II) procollagen mRNA by IL-1 could not be ascribed to decreased mRNA stability; and (3) a plasmid (pCAT-B/4.0) containing 4.0 kb of 5'-flanking sequences of COL2A1 (-577/+3428), encompassing the promoter, exon 1 and the putative enhancer sequence in the first intron, linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene, was transfected in human chondrocytes. A high level of expression of pCAT-B/4.0 was observed in human chondrocytes incubated with an insulin-containing serum substitute that is permissive for expression of the COL2A1 gene. Expression of pCAT-B/4.0 in these cells was inhibited by either IL-1 or IFN-gamma. Furthermore, expression of pCAT-B/4.0 was not detected in human dermal fibroblasts. When the putative enhancer fragment in the first intron was removed, the expression in chondrocytes was greatly reduced. These studies demonstrate that expression of COL2A1 is tissue specific and that suppression by either IL-1 or IFN-gamma is mediated primarily at the transcriptional level.
Dreaming is not an adaptation

The five papers in this issue all deal with the proper evolutionary function of sleep and dreams, these being different. To establish that some trait of character is an adaptation in the strict biological sense requires a story about the fitness enhancing function it served when it evolved and possibly a story of how the maintenance of this function is fitness enhancing now. My aim is to evaluate the proposals put forward in these papers. My conclusion is that although sleep is almost certainly an adaptation, dreaming is not.[Hobson et al.; Nielsen; revonsuo; Solms; Vertes & Eastman]
Quantitative relations between cooperative motion, emergent elasticity, and free volume in model glass-forming polymer materials

The study of glass formation is largely framed by semiempirical models that emphasize the importance of progressively growing cooperative motion accompanying the drop in fluid configurational entropy, emergent elasticity, or the vanishing of accessible free volume available for molecular motion in cooled liquids. We investigate the extent to which these descriptions are related through computations on a model coarse-grained polymer melt, with and without nanoparticle additives, and for supported polymer films with smooth or rough surfaces, allowing for substantial variation of the glass transition temperature and the fragility of glass formation. We find quantitative relations between emergent elasticity, the average local volume accessible for particle motion, and the growth of collective motion in cooled liquids. Surprisingly, we find that each of these models of glass formation can equally well describe the relaxation data for all of the systems that we simulate. In this way, we uncover some unity in our understanding of glass-forming materials from perspectives formerly considered as distinct.
Two growth modes of graphitic carbon nanofibers with herring-bone structure

A simple mathematical model of the carbon nanofiber catalytic growth process is presented. Two major types of the fiber-catalyst interface shapes have been identified and described having qualitatively different structure in the center of a nanofiber. Presently, we discuss that the appearance of the irregular structure in the nanofiber central area is a result of curved-interface-growth kinematics. We suggest the method to determine the phenomenological parameters of the developed model from experimental data.
TIME COURSE OF APPEARANCE AND REGRESSION OF ANEUPYSMS IN KAWASAKI SYNDROME

Seven of 76 pts. with Kawasaki syndrome (9.2%) have developed aneurysms of one or both proximal coronary arteries identified by 2D-ECHO. On the Asai clinical coronary risk scale, 5 of 7 pts. scored 8 points or greater, however 2 pts. scored only 5 points. The most sensitive single predictors were ESR ≥ 130 mm/ht. (5 of 7 pts.) and normalization of ESR ≥ 80 days (6 of 7 pts.). Initial appearance of definite proximal aneurysm(s) varied from 8 to 13 days (mean 24 days). Both pts. who had 2D-ECHO's early in their illness (8 and 13 days) however, showed suspicious early dilation of the coronary artery which later developed definite aneurysm (26 days RCA and 24 days LCA respectively). One pt. had extensive anterolateral LV infarction at day 49 of his illness and died after 2 years of chronic CHF. The other 6 have been followed 1 mo. to 20 mo. and have shown no signs of infarction (ECG/thallium) and no signs of segmental dysfunction (ECHO). Four of 7 pts. have shown "fill-in" densities of the proximal aneurysms in the pattern of a "window-shade" with smooth-appearing endothelial edge (26 days to 14 months post-illness). Only 1 pt. has shown complete return of proximal coronary appearance to normal. In our experience coronary dilation and aneurysm formation occur earlier than in previously reported series. Combined 2D/M-Mode echocardigraphy in the first several weeks of the illness should provide baseline coronary measurement and detect proximal coronary dilation which seem to precede the aneurysm formation.
Comparison of accelerometer-based and observation-based measures of physical activity in children's after-school program recreation sessions

Introduction: Physical activity is associated with many health benefits in childhood. Pacific children living in New Zealand are at much greater risk of exhibiting poor health outcomes than their peers. Nothing is known of the specific factors related to health-related physical activity in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential factors related to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in young Pacific children. Methodology: 393 children aged 6 years and their mothers were invited to participate. Participants wore accelerometers over 8 days. Individuals with >7 h of data on >3 days were included in analyses. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured and thresholds for overweight, obesity, and high trunk fat mass employed. Maternal reports on individual, social, and perceived environmental factors were gathered via questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable generalized estimation equation models were used to identify associates of children’s daily MVPA. Results: 66% of mothers and children registered with the study, of which 135 children and 91 mothers met the data inclusion criteria. After accounting for all potential factors, higher maternal MVPA, male sex, longer sunlight hours, and rain-free days remained associated with children’s MVPA.Conclusions: Strategies for inclement weather and the encouragement of activity in mothers and, in particular, their daughters may be most efficacious for improving MVPA in young Pacific children.
Provisionally unique autosomal recessive syndrome due to significant consanguinity

We report a patient with a syndrome of MR/MCA who was the product of a highly consanguineous family. The patient was the result of a union between a man and his daughter. The daughter was in turn the product of a mating between this same man and his mother. Major findings include: severe psychomotor and mental retardation, microcephaly with cerebral dysgenesis and cerebellar hypoplasia, early hypotonia and late hypertonia, short stature, early swallowing incoordination with aspiration pneumonias, distinctive face with striking hypertelorism, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, overlapping fingers, and rocker-bottom feet. Chromosome and metabolic studies were normal. The severity and uniqueness of his phenotype suggests a new, probably private, autosomal recessive disorder due to homozygosity for one or more loci. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
WiMAX: A key to bridging the digital divide

The telecommunication industry is expected to continue to grow as demand increases for cable and high-speed Internet in previously unserviced locations, and as local telephone companies upgrade their lines in response to increasing competition. This paper identifies mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) as a cost effective solution to answering the challenges posed by the digital divide. It looks at the digital divide and why it still persists. It also looks at the technology behind mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and makes a comparison with two enhanced third generation (3G) technologies that are potential competitors to WiMAX. It then goes on describe the business models in WiMAX and states some of the benefits and drawbacks of a mobile WiMAX network.
Expression of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Splice Variants for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Penis of Adult Rats and Humans

Erectile dysfunction is often associated with problems in vascular perfusion to the erectile components of the penis. In order to better understand the factors that control vascular formation and perfusion in the erectile tissues of the penis, we have begun to characterize the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in penis tissues. VEGF is one of several polypeptides that have significant angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. Extensive characterization of the VEGF gene and its products has shown that several different mature mRNA transcripts exist, originating from alternative splicing of the basic VEGF transcript. These variant transcripts can encode peptides with different biological activities. Penile tissue was obtained from adult rats and from human patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation. Analysis of the forms of VEGF transcripts was performed using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique with primer pairs derived from the first and eighth exon of the VEGF gene. The expression levels of the various isoforms in the rat penis were then quantified using RNase protection assays. Four previously described splice variants of VEGF mRNA (VEGF 120, 144, 164, 188) were detected in rat and human penile tissues. In contrast to what is seen in the rat lung, where the most abundant form of VEGF mRNA is the 188 splice isoform, VEGF 164 is the most abundant transcript detected in the penis. Finally, sequence analysis of numerous VEGF cDNA clones obtained from the rat penis demonstrated the presence of a previously undescribed VEGF splice variant that could give rise to a protein of 110 amino acid residues (VEGF 110, GenBank accession no. AF080594). In summary, a number of VEGF mRNA isoforms are expressed in the rat and human penis, with the splice variant encoding a 164-amino acid protein present in greatest abundance. This study is a prelude to attempts to genetically manipulate VEGF expression in the penis as a therapy for erectile dysfunction.
Molecular and Cellular Approaches for Diversifying and Extending Optogenetics

Optogenetic technologies employ light to control biological processes within targeted cells in vivo with high temporal precision. Here, we show that application of molecular trafficking principles can expand the optogenetic repertoire along several long-sought dimensions. Subcellular and transcellular trafficking strategies now permit (1) optical regulation at the far-red/infrared border and extension of optogenetic control across the entire visible spectrum, (2) increased potency of optical inhibition without increased light power requirement (nanoampere-scale chloride-mediated photocurrents that maintain the light sensitivity and reversible, step-like kinetic stability of earlier tools), and (3) generalizable strategies for targeting cells based not only on genetic identity, but also on morphology and tissue topology, to allow versatile targeting when promoters are not known or in genetically intractable organisms. Together, these results illustrate use of cell-biological principles to enable expansion of the versatile fast optogenetic technologies suitable for intact-systems biology and behavior.
Patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation for the plasticity of diapause incidence.

Phenotypic plasticity describes an organism's ability to produce multiple phenotypes in direct response to its environmental conditions. Over the past 15 years empiricists have found that this plasticity frequently exhibits geographic variation and often possesses a significant heritable genetic basis. However, few studies have examined both of these aspects of plasticity simultaneously. Here, we examined both the geographic and genetic variations of the plasticity for diapause incidence (the proportion of eggs that enter an arrested state of development capable of surviving over the winter) relative to temperatures and photoperiods associated with long and short season environments across six populations of the striped ground cricket, Allonemobius socius, using a half-sibling split brood quantitative genetic design. We found that plasticity, as measured by the slope of the reaction norm, was greater in the southern-low altitude region (where populations are bivoltine) relative to the southern-high and northern-low altitude regions (where populations are univoltine). However, the heritability of plasticity was only significantly different from zero in univoltine populations that experienced “intermediate” natal season lengths. These patterns suggest that selection may favor the plasticity of diapause incidence in bivoltine regions, but act against plasticity in regions in which populations are univoltine. Furthermore, our data suggest that under “intermediate” natal season length conditions, the interplay between local adaptation and gene flow may keep the plasticity of diapause incidence low (but still significant) while maintaining its genetic variation. As such, this study not only provides a novel observation into the geographic variation of phenotypic plasticity, but also provides much needed groundwork for tests of its adaptive significance.
Outcomes and ocular growth rates after intraocular lens implantation in the first 2 years of life

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and ocular growth after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the first 2 years of life, Setting: University-affiliated eye institute. Methods: The medical records of consecutive children under 24 months of age who had cataract extraction with IOL implantation were reviewed. Change in axial length over time, postoperative complications, need for additional surgery, predicted versus actual postoperative refraction, and visual outcomes were recorded. Complication rates were compared with those in a similar group of age-matched patients who were left aphakic at the time of surgery. Results: Twenty-two eyes of 17 patients aged 12 days to 22 months had IOL implantation. Length of follow-up ranged from 2 to 36 months (mean 14 months). Visual acuity measurement, limited to fixation-preference testing in most patients, revealed amblyopia in the operated eye in the majority of cases. Postoperative refractive error, predicted using the Holladay formula, showed a mean error in prediction of 1.5 diopters (D) (range –1.8 to 4.1 D). Serial axial lengths in 11 patients with a mean follow-up of 20 months showed no significant difference in growth in the fellow versus the operated eye. There was no significant difference in complication rates between pseudophakic patients and the age-matched aphakic group. However, in 14 of 32 aphakic eyes (44%), a notation in the chart indicated that the patient had stopped wearing glasses or contact lenses for at least 2 months. Conclusion: Intraocular lens implantation appeared to be a safe and effective alternative to contact lens or spectacle, correction of aphakia in children younger than 2 years of age. It may aid amblyopia treatment by eliminating periods of uncorrected aphakia.
The Effects of Readers' Misconceptions on Comprehension of Scientific Text

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of readers' misconceptions on text compre- hension. College students with misconceptions in science were asked to read and recall a text that contradicted their misconceptions. Students with no misconceptions served as the control group. Both online (think-aloud, reading times) and offline (recall) measures were obtained. The results suggest that readers' misconceptions often do not affect the online processes themselves but do influence the content of those processes and, consequently, the offline memory representation for the text after reading is completed. Much of the learning that takes place in and out of schools is based on successful comprehension of texts. Readers actively construct a memory representation of the text that critically de- pends on their interpretation in light of prior knowledge. The success of the comprehension process depends on the integration of readers' prior knowledge with textual information (Goldman & Bisanz, 2002; Kintsch, 1988, 1998; van den Broek, Virtue, Ever- son, Tzeng, & Sung, 2002). The powerful effects of readers' prior knowledge in text comprehension have been documented early on (Bartlett, 1932), resulting in a large body of literature indicating that prior knowledge increases memory of texts for both young and adult readers (e.g., Chiesi, Spilich, & Voss, 1979; Dochy, Segers, & Buehl, 1999; Means & Voss, 1985; Recht & Leslie, 1988). The role of inaccurate prior knowledge, however, has received far less attention despite the fact that readers with inaccurate knowledge are the default case rather than the exception (Driver, Squires, Rushworth, & Wood-Robinson, 1994). Our aim in this article is to explore the effects of inaccurate prior knowledge on text compre- hension, focusing both on the final product of reading a text and on the actual processes that take place during reading and lead to this product. To assess the effects of prior knowledge on text comprehension, one must consider both offline products and online processes (Just
The lost e-mail method: Milgram’s lost-letter technique in the age of the Internet

We examined Milgram’s (1977) lost-letter technique using e-mail. In the first experiment, 79 college faculty received mock lost e-mail messages. Nineteen percent of those who received the messages responded, in all cases by returning the message to the “sender” instead of forwarding it to the “recipient.” In the second study, attitudes toward presidential candidate Ross Perot were examined by sending out two different messages to 200 randomly selected e-mail addresses in the United States. Although there was no differential response rate, examination of content revealed attitudes consistent with concurrent poll data.
Local intramural drug delivery using an infusion balloon following angioplasty in normal and atherosclerotic vessels

Local intramural delivery of various pharmacologic agents following angioplasty has been proposed as a means of reducing restenosis. This study tested whether local intramural delivery of aqueous solutions using an infusion balloon could be accomplished safely in normal vessels and whether such infusion was safe following standard angioplasty in diseased vessels. Infusion of aqueous agents into normal canine arteries had no adverse effect. Infusion of several aqueous agents (< or = 4 cc at 4 atm) into diseased swine iliac arteries following balloon angioplasty did not worsen existing or create new dissections. Histologically, infusion treated vessels did not differ in either model from vessels treated with angioplasty alone. We conclude that local intramural drug infusion does not create new, or worsen existing, dissections produced during standard balloon angioplasty in diseased vessels.
Let them fall where they may: capture regions of curved 3D objects

When an object is placed on a supporting plane, gravitational forces move it to one of a finite set of stable poses. For each stable pose, there is a region in configuration space (a capture region) from which the object is guaranteed to converge to that pose. The problem of computing maximal capture regions for an object with a smooth convex hull is analyzed assuming only that its dynamics are dissipative; the precise equations governing the system are unnecessary. As examples from an implemented algorithm demonstrate, calculating these regions from a geometric model is computationally practical. >
QoS enabled broadband access through optical rings

We describe an optical ring media access architecture, a media access (MAC) protocol, and a test bed implementation. The optical ring media access architecture is designed to facilitate high-speed broadband access for small business, residential, and mobile users. In our scheme, users can access a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, through a media access node (assumed to be a short distance away from the user). The transmission of data from the access node to the destination is done via an optical ring to a central office residing on the ring and from the central office via WAN to the destination, which may be hosted by a media access node on another optical ring. The MAC protocol is based on the earliest deadline first (EDF) scheduling to provide quality of service (QoS) for traffic flows on the ring. The test bed implementation consists of four media access nodes connected by an optical ring. Each node is implemented as a board which consists of an FPGA, an SRAM chip, optical interface modules, etc. Finally, we describe bandwidth and latency measurements showing differentiated performance for prioritized flows.
Detection of pH variation using modified microcantilever sensors

A micromechanical technique for measuring solution pH using modified silicon (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) microcantilevers is described. As the modified surface of the cantilever accumulates charge proportional to the pH of the surrounding liquid, the cantilever undergoes bending due to the differential surface stress. Results are presented for chemically modified (4-aminobutyltriethoxysilane, 11mercaptoundecanoic acid) and metal-modified (Au/Al) surfaces over a pH range 2‐12. Aminosilane-modified SiO2/Au cantilevers performed robustly over pH range 2‐8 (49 nm deflection/pH unit), while Si3N4/Au cantilevers performed well at pH 2‐6 and 8‐12 (30 nm deflection/pH unit). The influences of other ions on cantilever bending were found to be negligible below 10 ˇ2 M concentration.
A Mobility Based Architecture for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

Underwater acoustic sensor networks face unique challenges in the design and development of communication and network protocols, because of the inherently different characteristics of water as a medium for signal propagation. In the mobile sink architecture, a mobile sink that traverses the network to transfer non delay-sensitive data from the sensors directly and avoid multi-hop transmissions. An area partitioning algorithm is proposed in this paper to divide the network in regions to minimize the traveling distance of the sink and the formation of clusters that maximize the throughput. A transmission mechanism based on superposition coding is developed to increase the throughput of downlink control messages to the sensors. Finally, a MAC protocol is developed to facilitate the transmissions.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic cardiac denervation: a potential novel therapeutic option for children with intractable ventricular arrhythmias.

Background Left cardiac sympathetic denervation is one of the therapeutic modalities used in the management of patients with medically refractory long QT syndrome. Traditionally, a thoracotomy or cervical incision has been used as the standard surgical approach for performing left cardiac sympathetic denervation. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery allows a minimally invasive technique. There is only one published series on the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for left cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with long QT syndrome. Methods We performed a retrospective clinical review of pertinent medical records and report a series including 9 pediatric patients (4 long QT syndrome, 4 catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and 1 idiopathic ventricular tachycardia) who underwent a left cardiac sympathetic denervation by means of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Results There were no severe complications, and 6 of 7 symptomatic patients with available follow-up experienced marked improvement in the first month after sympathectomy. Conclusions This minimally invasive procedure provides a safe novel therapeutic option for children with drug-refractory catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and other catecholamine-triggered arrhythmias.
Gully Intrusion into Reclaimed Slopes: Long-Term Time-Averaged Calculation Procedure

Impoundments constructed to encapsulate waste materials must resist the natural erosive processes to prevent exposure and release of the waste. One erosive process that has been difficult to predict is gully intrusion. This study was conducted to analyze the gully erosion processes and determine their effect on long-term embankment erosion and estimate the potential impacts on waste stabilization. A comprehensive procedure has been presented for estimating the magnitude and location of a potential gully intrusion into a soil covered, waste impoundment. The estimation procedure requires that the user obtain information pertaining to the regional hydrology, site soils, proposed impoundment geometry, and design life. Data from 27 field sites and seven laboratory experiments were analyzed to produce three dimensionless equations allowing the user to estimate the maximum depth of gully incision on a sloped surface or embankment as a function of: total volume of runoff, embankment geometry, and clay content of ...
Uncertainties in Earth Dam Design

Some of uncertainties that enter into embankment design due to unexpected granulation and permeability performance of soil and methods used in designs by Corps of Engineers, at Terminus and New Hogan Projects are presented; areas in design of high earth dams in which engineer should take conservative course are examined.
Potential production and spatial distribution of hybrid poplar as a biofuel crop in Connecticut, USA

The objective of this study was to assess the biomass production potential from hybrid poplars using marginal lands in the state of Connecticut, USA. A land-use suitability model was developed to identify and classify marginal lands in the state that could be used for growing hybrid poplars as a biofuel woody energy crop. The model was built on a geographic information system (GIS) platform, consisting of an exclusion area section, an ecological suitability section, and an economic/land-use suitability section. The model then was used to estimate the total biomass of the land-cover forests, annual biomass from forest and agricultural residues, and in particular the production potential of biomass from hybrid poplars over marginal lands in the state at county level. The results indicated that about 50% of the land in this state is unavailable for hybrid poplar cultivation and that less than 5% is highly suitable. The amount of usable area is highly variable on the county level. Without large-scale land use change, it appears that biofuel production in this state can only be a supplemental resource to the current energy supply. Keywords: biofuel plants, hybrid poplar, suitability model, spatial distribution, ethanol production, Connecticut, ecological suitability DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20140702.002 Citation: Xue Z, Qu L Q, Yang X S. Potential production and spatial distribution of hybrid poplar as a biofuel crop in Connecticut, USA. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2014; 7(2): 10－18.
Effects of Bipartisanship Messaging and Candidate Exposure on the Political Organization–Public Relationship:

As an online experiment with a 2 × 3 factorial design, this study manipulates participants’ (N = 441) exposure to a candidate’s (Barack Obama or Mitt Romney) post-election speech along with additional messages about bipartisanship (supporting bipartisanship, challenging bipartisanship, no message). Results showed main and interaction effects on all relationship factors based on experimental cell. In addition, data indicate that assessment of candidate sincerity was most strongly affected by ideological strength, more so than relationship or exposure support messages calling for bipartisanship. The study focuses on first-time voters and is framed through the lens of political public relations.
The Democracy Deficit and Mass Support for an EU-Wide Government

show that when citizens perceive that they are unrepresented, their support for the EU is reduced independent of economic perceptions; this reduction is especially strong in nations with well-functioning institutions. The study (1) suggests that transition and EU analyses converge on the import of regimes' democratic performance in shaping regime support; (2) pro? poses guidelines to model mass support for new institutions; (3) con? tains disquieting implications for Europe's political integration and its eastward enlargement. The democracy deficit of the European Union increasingly receives attention in the scholarly literature (Blondel, Sinnott, and Svensson 1998; Scharpf 1999; Katz and Wessels 1999). Surprisingly, despite the fact that these discussions focus on whether publics are represented by the EU, no crossnational study examines whether citizens feel represented by the EU. Neither do prior studies examine whether such views affect EUsupport. This article addresses these issues. Prior research about mass support for European integration often points to economic factors to explain why citizens support the EU (Eichenberg and Dalton 1993; Gabel 1998). From the perspective of demo? cratic representation, such a focus implies an output-based conception of representation: citizens presumably base their evaluations of a regime on its capacity to deliver desired goods. However, democratic representation also means that a system provides democratic procedures for expressing mass preferences (Dahl 1989). Empirically, transition research in Central Europe shows, for example, that citizens are quite concerned with the quality of the democratic process independently of regimes' economic performance. In turn, such procedural evaluations shape mass support for new systems, at times exceeding the influence of economic evaluations (Evans and Whitefield 1995; Mishler and Rose 2001). Our first goal is therefore to probe whether mass support for the EU is lowered when citizens perceive the EU as being unresponsive to their preferences. A second argument develops an insight advanced by Sanchez-Cuenca (2000) who suggests that higher levels of corruption at the national level directly increase EU-support. However, we argue that the quality of na? tional institutions mediates the effect of the perceived democracy deficit on EU-support. Accordingly, we expect perceptions of under-representation to reduce mass support for the EU when citizens reside in nations with supe? rior institutions. One theoretical contribution of this article is to show the influence of