cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Creativity to Cortical Activation and its Operant Control

Abstract On the basis of theories and research on cognitive and perceptual processes, several hypotheses concerning psychophysiological differences between high and low creative subjects were made. Thirty male undergraduates were divided into high and low creative groups on the basis of the Remote Associates Test and a version of the Uses Test. Basal alpha index, alpha blocking in response to stimulus onset, and performance on alpha enhancement and suppression in a feedback situation were measured. High creative subjects exhibited a lower alpha index and a greater decrement in alpha due to stimulus onset. High creatives showed immediate acquisition of control in alpha enhancement trials but no improvement across trials, while low creative subjects showed continual improvements and quickly reached the level of control of high creative subjects. High creatives were much better at alpha suppression than at alpha enhancement.
Abstract 4346: Influence of ionizing radiation on transcription of human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) in breast cancer cell lines

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Ionizing Radiation (IR) has been reported to increase the transcriptional activity of many viruses, including retroviruses. We hypothesized that IR could reactivate subsets of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), which are retroviruses integrated into the human genome, remnants of ancient retroviral infections, and that HERV-derived peptides, the final product of HERVs transcription, will increase the diversity of the antigen repertoire presented by irradiated cancer cells, thereby inducing anti-tumor immune responses. IR has been shown to increase the immunogenicity of cancer cells by modulating various cellular processes, including antigen presentation by MHC. HERVs are known to be transcribed in numerous diseases including cancer, HIV infection, and autoimmune disorders. HERV-K is the most recently integrated and thus intact HERV family, with approximately 350 loci in the human genome, 98 to 99% identical. Previous experiments in our laboratory have shown IR-dependent increases in HERV-K transcription, plus increased HERV-K-derived peptides in irradiated prostate carcinoma cell lines upon proteomic LC-MS/MS analysis of peptides eluted from MHC-I complexes. HERV-K activation has been reported in breast cancer. To test the influence of IR on HERV-K transcription, three breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) were analyzed by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR at specific time-points, from 1 to 72 hours, after different doses of α-irradiation (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy). HERV-K transcription was detected in all cell lines studied. After IR, each cell line showed distinct dose-response curves of HERV-K transcription during the time-frame of observation. Overall, the peak of HERV-K transcription in irradiated samples, when compared to non-irradiated samples, was increased by an average of 2- to 5-fold. Multiple, active, individual HERV-K loci were detected. Cloning and sequencing are ongoing to identify specific active loci for each cell line. These findings show that HERV-K is actively transcribed in breast carcinoma cell lines. The IR-dependent increase in HERV-K transcription may enhance antigen repertoire diversity, contribute to the immunomodulatory properties of IR, and offers attractive targets for the development of novel IR-enhanced immunotherapies for cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4346. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4346
Oxidation Kinetics of Boronized Low Carbon Steel AISI 1018

The high-temperature oxidation behavior of boron coating on plain low-carbon steel AISI 1018 was studied at 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 °C in air. The oxidation resistance of unboronized (uncoated) and boronized (boron-coated) specimens was studied isothermally in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The oxidation-rate constant represented as a parabolic rate constant (kp) was evaluated with the parabolic rate law. The activation energy of oxidation on unboronized and boronized steel specimens was determined by Arrhenius law. Optical microscopy, XRD and SEM were used for surface characterizations. The experimental results show that boronized coating increases the oxidation resistance of plain low carbon steel AISI 1018 about five times and prevents oxygen from penetrating into the steel substrate at temperatures below 900 °C.
Sn and Fe Mossbauer Spectra of Y Ba Cu (O, N)

We report new results on 119 Sn and 57 Fe Mossbauer spectra of Y1 Ba2 Cu3-z (O, N)7-x, where M is either Sn or Fe, O denotes oxygen and N denotes ni trogen, 0 ≤ X ≤ 0.5, and z = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2. The oxygen annealed samples were superconductors, but nitrogen annealed samples were not. The Mossbauer measurements indicate four quadrupole pairs in Y Ba2 (Cu, Fe)3 O7-x, but only three pairs in Y1 Ba2 (Cu, Fe)3 N6.5. In the Sn Mossbauer spectra, the quadrupole splittings of nitrogen annealed samples are larger than that of oxygen annealed samples. In both Fe and Sn spectra, the isomer shifts of oxygen annealed samples are different from that of nitrogen annealed samples. Our study provides some information about the Cu(1) and Cu(2) sites and their surrounding environment in the Y Ba Cu system.
Metabolizable Energy Content of Meat and Bone Meal in Corn-Soybean Meal or Corn, Wheat and Soybean Meal Diets for Broilers

The experiment was conducted to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) or nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) content of a high protein meat and bone meal (MBM) in broiler diets contain graded levels of wheat. Two hundred eighty-eight 14-d old broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design and a2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments namely two levels of MBM (0 and 80g/kg) and three levels of wheat (0, 100 and 200g/kg). Wheat replaced part of corn and soybean meal and MBM was added at 0 or 80g/kg at each level of wheat. The birds received the diets for 7 d, and excreta were collected on d 19 to 21. The substitution of corn and SBM by wheat (200g/kg) increased the total NSP content in the diet by 11g/kg. There was a 5% decrease in both AME and AMEn when the level of wheat in the corn-SBM was increased to 200g/kg but this decrease was not significant. On the average, irrespective of wheat levels, AME and AMEn of the MBM were 2,734 and 2,586kcal/kg, respectively. Dietary AME and AMEn were greater in the diets with 200g/kg wheat compared to corn-SBM diet (P<0.05), and N excretion was greater (P<0.01) in the diets with MBM. Our results suggest that replacing part of corn and soybean meal with up to 200g/kg of wheat similar to what was used in the current study would have no effect on metabolizable energy of MBM.
Interaction of Tl+ with product complexes of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.

Abstract Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase requires divalent cations (Mg2+, Mn2+, or Zn2+) for catalysis, but a diverse set of monovalent cations (K+, Tl+, Rb+, or NH ) will further enhance enzyme activity. Here, the interaction of Tl+ with fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase is explored under conditions that support catalysis. On the basis of initial velocity kinetics, Tl+ enhances catalysis by 20% with aK a of 1.3 mm and a Hill coefficient near unity. Crystal structures of enzyme complexes with Mg2+, Tl+, and reaction products, in which the concentration of Tl+ is 1 mm or less, reveal Mg2+ at metal sites 1, 2, and 3 of the active site, but little or no bound Tl+. Intermediate concentrations of Tl+ (5−20 mm) displace Mg2+ from site 3 and the 1-OH group of fructose 6-phosphate from in-line geometry with respect to bound orthophosphate. Loop 52−72 appears in a new conformational state, differing from its engaged conformation by disorder in residues 61−69. Tl+ does not bind to metal sites 1 or 2 in the presence of Mg2+, but does bind to four other sites with partial occupancy. Two of four Tl+sites probably represent alternative binding sites for the site 3 catalytic Mg2+, whereas the other sites could play roles in monovalent cation activation.
An expert system for field inspection of concrete dams: Part 2, artificial intelligence issues

The preliminary development and final description of the engineering knowledge and reasoning pertaining to an expert system to assist during the field inspection of existing concrete gravity dams have been described in Refs. [1] and [2]. The purpose of this paper is to describe the artificial intelligence (AI) issues that were raised during the construction of the expert system. The first part of the paper deals with techniques used to identify the engineering knowledge, using heuristic classification and/or construction as in the expert system approach and causal and/or teleological reasoning as in the qualitative physics approach. The second part of the paper covers specific issues related to knowledge acquisition. The last part addresses various issues of knowledge representation as they are directly relevant to this expert system. Examples relative to AI concepts have been presented in Ref. [2].
Video as a Metaphorical Eye: Images of Positionality, Pedagogy, and Practice

Considered by many to be cost-effective and user-friendly, video technology is utilized in a multitude of contexts, including the university classroom. One purpose, although not often used, involves recording oneself teaching. This autoethnographic study focuses on the author's use of video and reflective practice in order to capture and examine her own teaching. The author discusses how video promoted reflective practice and how the camera and videos functioned as metaphorical eyes, which, in turn, prompted further examination and reflection of her teaching and pedagogy. This study's results indicate that when used to record and study one's teaching, video offers another set of eyes and provides an additional lens through which teaching practices and pedagogical stances may be viewed and considered.
Indoor Firing Range Air Quality: Results of a Facility Design Survey

A survey of 611 indoor firing ranges identified features of range design, operation, and maintenance that could affect air quality, a concern because of the lead composition of ammunition fired at the ranges. Features examined included the number of firing positions, location and type of air-handling equipment, maintenance practices, and other standard operating procedures (SOPs). Analysis of the data from the 339 valid responses showed that these ranges vary widely in design, construction, number of firing positions, and frequency of use. Most of these ranges were constructed years ago to the standards in force at the time. Consequently, they do not include many features specified in current standards. Findings from the survey suggest two possible options for ranges concerned about the lead exposure level: design upgrades and SOP changes. Retrofits are costly and design solutions must rely on existing criteria, many of which need verification to ensure their adequacy. Also, more research is needed to def...
The acid catalyzed cyclization of citral

Abstract Fourteen compounds have been identified as products of the acid catalyzed cyclization of citral under mild aqueous acid conditions. Three major products of the reaction, 1,8-epoxy-p-menth-2-ene (11) and trans- and cis-p-menth-2-ene-1,8-diol (16 and 18) are reported here for the first time as products from citral. Possible mechanistic pathways leading to the products are discussed.
Purposive Sampling on Twitter: A Case Study

Recruiting populations for research is problematic and utilizing online social network tools may facilitate the recruitment process. This research examines recruitment through Twitter's @reply mechanism and compares the results to other survey recruitment methods. Four methods were used to recruit survey takers to a survey about social networking sites, Twitter recruitment, Face book recruitment for a pre-test, self-selected survey takers, and a retweet by an influential Twitter user. A total of 7,327 recruitment tweets were sent to Twitter users, 2,865 users started the survey and 1,544 users completed it which yielded an overall completion rate of 21.3 percent. The research presents the techniques used to make recruitment through Twitter successful. These results indicate that recruitment through online social network sites like Twitter is a viable recruitment method and may be helpful to understand emerging Internet-based phenomena.
EVALUATION OF SEAT DESIGNS RELATIVE TO TRANSMITTED VEHICLE VIBRATION ON UNDERGROUND MINE TRANSPORT VEHICLES

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers have investigated seat design issues for the occupants and operators of underground mine transport vehicles relative to whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock. Considering the ergonomic and engineering improvements made to underground mine shuttle car seats, this study has focused on reducing injury risk by improving seating on transport vehicles such as scoops, mantrips, personnel carriers, and rail-mounted locomotives. Similarly, proposed seat design improvements included layering of various types of viscoelastic foam padding to isolate vehicle occupants and operators from adverse health effects of jarring/jolting exposure. This paper discusses the results obtained from laboratory vibration testing of new seat padding materials in seven configurations at the NIOSH – Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) showing that careful use of configuration and materials can reduce the operator's exposure to WBV. In addition, resul...
DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF DUCKWEEDS (LEMNACEAE) TO SULPHITE

Summary The thiol contents and emissions of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) of duckweeds (Lemnaceae) differentially sensitive to sulphite enrichment were studied, at two levels of irradiance. The objectives were to examine the relationship of selected parameters of sulphite metabolism to sulphite sensitivity, and the role of irradiance in modifying the metabolic effects of sulphite. Under low irradiance, thiol contents were increased 30 to 40% by sulphite in all three duckweeds examined. Hydrogen sulphide was emitted by all three species, but emission rates in Lemna valdiviana, which is sulphite-tolerant, were up to four times higher than in the other species. Under high irradiance, sulphite increased the thiol contents by an average of 40 % in L. valdiviana and Spirodela oligorhiza, but only by 20% in Lemna gibba. The greater light enhancement of thiol content exhibited by L. valdiviana and S. oligorhiza may be indicative of larger or more numerous sulphur sinks. The emission rates of H2S were also enhanced under high irradiance, and L. gibba exhibited a 17% increase relative to its rate in low irradiance. In comparison, L. valdiviana and S. oligorhiza exhibited 55 % and 60% increases, respectively. The ability to form elevated internal levels of thiols, and to emit H2S were found to be important in relation to sulphite tolerance in duckweeds. Enhancement of both processes under high irradiance may contribute to increased tolerance of sulphite in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza. It is hypothesized that thiol production and emission of H2S are important sulphite detoxification processes in duckweeds, and that enhancement of sulphite detoxification is fundamental to the modification by the photoenvironment of the sensitivity of duckweeds to sulphite.
Assessment of Psychophysiological Differences of West Point Cadets and Civilian Controls Immersed within a Virtual Environment

An important question for ecologically valid virtual environments is whether cohort characteristics affect immersion. If a method for assessing a certain neurocognitive capacity (e.g. attentional processing) is adapted to a cohort other than the one that was used for the initial normative distribution, data obtained in the new cohort may not be reflective of the neurocognitive capacity in question. We assessed the psychophysiological impact of different levels of immersion upon persons from two cohorts: 1) civilian university students; and 2) West Point Cadets. Cadets were found to have diminished startle eyeblink amplitude compared with civilians, which may reflect that cadets experienced less negative affect during the scenario in general. Further, heart rate data revealed that Cadets had significantly lower heart rates than Civilians in the "low" but not "high" immersion condition. This suggests that "low" immersion conditions may not have the ecological validity necessary to evoke consistent affect across cohorts.
Obesity influences outcome of sentinel lymph node biopsy in early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a rapidly emerging standard of care for staging the axilla in invasive breast cancer. Factors influencing success must be identified to understand the procedure's limitations and challenges. Increasing body mass with age has an inverse relationship to success. A proportion of SLN biopsy patients are both senior and overweight, so measurement of the body mass to age relationship is essential. Study design We reviewed mapping successes and failures in 2,495 SLN biopsy procedures performed between September 1996 and June 2001. Clinical stage T1 N0 to T3 N0 breast cancer cases were included. We used a combined technique (radioisotope and blue dye) to detect SLNs. Failure was defined as the inability to identify any nodes with either blue dye or by in vivo counts. Body- mass index (BMI) for each patient was measured by height and weight data (kg/m2), and cases were stratified by BMI and age. Results Among 2,495 cases, there were 62 failed and 2,433 successful mappings (failure rate = 2.48%). Mean age, weight, and BMI were significantly higher in the failure group. The success of SLN biopsy was inversely related to BMI (r = −0.98, p = 0.002). When stratified by patient age ( Conclusions Increasing age and BMI do not appear to be contraindications for SLN biopsy. Rather, surgeons should be aware that increasing body mass and age are potential risk factors for a failed procedure, in which case a completion axillary node dissection for staging is required.
Assessment of endoscopically visible bronchial carcinomas.

T umors arising in lung parenchyma and confined to lung substance produce few or no signs or symptoms. Those that are small, and easily resected, usually are diagnosed on a fortuitous chest x-ray examination. When they have grown to a size such that obstruction or impingement on surrounding structures calls attention to their presence, they usually are nonresectable. However, tumors arising in major bronchi ( main, lobar and segmental ) cause airway irritation or obstruction and are symptomatic early. Conversely, any patient presenting with cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, or wheezing is likely to have a lesion of major bronchi that is visible endoscopically. The chest x-ray film may or may not reveal the lesion, so diagnostic studies are indicated in the symptomatic patient even in the presence of negative chest x-ray film findings. These studies should include cytologic examination of sputum, and bronchoscopic evaluation.
Analysis of forensic specimens for cannabinoids. I. Comparison of RIA and GC/MS analysis of blood.

Data from five years of radioimmunoassay (RIA) screens and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) quantitation of blood, or blood and matched (i.e. concurrently collected) urine specimens for cannabinoids have been used for two distinct evaluations. The first part, which is the subject of this study, considers comparative results from RIA and GC/MS analysis of the specimens. RIA analysis (Abuscreen urine cannabinoids kit) of methanol extracts of blood with extracted blood calibrators (122 specimens) was compared to analysis of nonextracted blood with urine calibrators (108 specimens). RIA of methanol extracts of blood was a reliable assay (limit of detection = 17 ng/mL; interassay coefficients of variation of 2-10%). RIA of nonextracted GC/MS negative blood gave significant displacement of labeled antigen, which precluded accurate quantitation using the urine-based calibrators. Comparison of RIA cannabinoid concentrations to 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (COOH-THC) concentrations measured by GC/MS yielded correlation coefficients of 0.68 and 0.23 for the methanol extract and nonextract procedures, respectively. Comparison of the qualitative accuracy of the two techniques, however, resulted in similar discrimination of GC/MS positive and negative specimens when the 20-ng/mL extracted blood calibrator was used as the cutoff for methanol-extracted blood specimens, and the 100-ng/mL urine calibrator was used as the cutoff for nonextracted blood specimens. Although qualitatively similar, the methanol extract procedure resulted in quantitatively superior analysis.
Local Supervised Learning through Space Partitioning

We develop a novel approach for supervised learning based on adaptively partitioning the feature space into different regions and learning local region-specific classifiers. We formulate an empirical risk minimization problem that incorporates both partitioning and classification in to a single global objective. We show that space partitioning can be equivalently reformulated as a supervised learning problem and consequently any discriminative learning method can be utilized in conjunction with our approach. Nevertheless, we consider locally linear schemes by learning linear partitions and linear region classifiers. Locally linear schemes can not only approximate complex decision boundaries and ensure low training error but also provide tight control on over-fitting and generalization error. We train locally linear classifiers by using LDA, logistic regression and perceptrons, and so our scheme is scalable to large data sizes and high-dimensions. We present experimental results demonstrating improved performance over state of the art classification techniques on benchmark datasets. We also show improved robustness to label noise.
Health care utilization in patients with spondyloarthropathies

Objective. To study health care utilization in veterans with SpAs. Methods. In a postal survey of 70 508 veterans in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)-13 from 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1998, demographics, smoking status and performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) were queried. Databases provided ICD-9 codes for AS, PsA and ReA; comorbidities; demographics; and health care utilization post-survey in respondents. Multivariable linear/logistic regression compared out- and inpatient health care utilization in SpA vs non-SpA, and its predictors in SpA. Results. A total of 1001 veteran respondents had diagnoses of SpA: AS, n = 154; PsA, n = 814; ReA, n = 33. Veterans with AS, PsA and ReA, respectively, had significantly higher adjusted annual medical specialty (2.8, 3.6 and 3 vs 1.5; P < 0.0001), surgical care (3.3, 2.7 and 3.2 vs 1.9; P < 0.0001) and primary care visits (3.4, 3.0 and 2.3 vs 2.7, P = 0.024). Multivariable-adjusted analyses showed that more ADL limitations and higher comorbidity were associated with higher in- and outpatient health care utilization in PsA and none of the predictors were significantly associated with utilization in AS. Conclusions. After adjustment for differences in demographics and comorbidities, more outpatient health resource utilization was observed in SpA patients. Further studies should focus on what leads to this increase in utilization, and whether any modifiable factors can be introduced to reduce health care utilization in PsA patients.
Low Socioeconomic Status and Disability in Old Age: Evidence From the InChianti Study for the Mediating Role of Physiological Impairments

Background. Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with increased risk of disability in later life. The purpose of this study was to determine if SES has an impact on mobility functioning and to explore which physiological impairments are also associated with SES and may explain its relationship with mobility. Methods. The study sample consisted of 1025 individuals aged 65 years or older residing in the Chianti area (Italy). Number of years of education was used as an indicator of SES. Mobility functioning was assessed using gait speed (400 m) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Mobility-related physiological impairments were assessed with tests of executive functioning, nerve conduction velocity, muscle power, hip–ankle range of motion, Ankle–Brachial Index, and visual acuity. Linear regression models were used to study the association between number of years of education and mobility and to estimate the contribution of each of the selected physiological impairments to this association. Results. Adjusting for age and sex, slower gait speed (1.16 vs 1.26 m/s, p , .0001) and lower SPPB scores (9.55 vs 10.11, p ¼ .006) were seen in persons with � 5 years of total education compared with those persons with .5 years of total education. Leg power and executive function decreased the strength of the association between educational level and gait speed by more than 15%. Controlling for all selected impairments (full model) decreased the education–gait speed association by 49%. Low education continued to be significantly associated with gait speed (p , .01). Adjusting for all physiological impairments substantially reduced the low education–SPPB score association by 100%, and this association was no longer significant. Conclusions. Low SES is related to multiple physiological impairments, which explain a large amount of the association between education and gait limitations. Further work must be done to understand the mechanisms whereby low SES translates into the impairments that play an important role in mobility.
Influence of supplemental microbial phytase on first cycle laying hens fed phosphorus-deficient diets from day one of age

Abstract Pullets (19 wk of age) previously fed varying levels of aP (available P) with and without phytase (Natuphos) from Day 1 of age were used to determine the influence of 300 FTU phytase/kg diet on hen performance during Phase 1 (Week 21 to 36) and 2 (Week 37 to 48). At 19 wk of age, pullets were switched from developer diets to layer diets. The aP levels used in this portion of the study remained at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% with and without phytase. These were the same levels fed in the starter and developer diets. Feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and mortality were the criteria used. Reduction of aP from 0.4 to 0.2% had no effect on feed intake, egg production, egg weight, or eggshell quality (P > 0.05). However, hens fed 0.1% aP showed reduced feed intake, egg production, and bone mineral density (P 0.2%. During Phase 2, aP by phytase interactions for feed consumption and egg production demonstrated that dietary phytase-corrected reductions related to P deficiency in hens consuming 0.2% aP. Results indicate that the addition of phytase in pullet diets from Day 1 of age through the first lay cycle can prevent reductions in performance of pullets fed low P diets.
Be Fit and Be Strong: Mastering Self‐Regulation through Regulatory Fit

This research examines the effect of regulatory fit on self-regulation. People experience regulatory fit when their strategy of goal pursuit fits (vs. conflicts) with their regulatory focus. Four experiments provide support for the hypothesis that regulatory fit improves whereas regulatory nonfit impairs self-regulatory performance. These results were obtained across multiple self-regulatory tasks that included a handgrip exercise to test physical endurance (experiment 1), a choice between a healthy and a decadent snack to test willpower in the face of temptation (experiments 2 and 3), and a health-related compliance decision to demonstrate self-regulation (experiment 4). Intensified motivation seems to be the mechanism underlying the regulatory fit effect. I magine Susan and Jim searching online for a new cellular phone. Susan wants to find a phone that ensures her calls get through even when the signals are patchy, whereas Jim’s goal is to get a phone that makes him stand out and look good. Both Susan and Jim make their selection based on an analysis of the features of the phones and place their orders. An interesting question that this research addresses is whether Susan and Jim are more or less likely to head out to the gym for a workout when they log off—would their online shopping experience affect a subsequent behavior that requires self-regulation? Consumer self-regulation or the lack thereof has captured the interest and attention of researchers in the last decades. Research has examined how consumers engage in impulse buying (e.g., O’Guinn and Faber 1989; Rook 1987; Vohs and Faber 2007), make decisions based on affective versus cognitive response (e.g., Drolet and Luce 2004; Shiv and Fedorikhin 1999), and indulge in hedonic rather than utilitarian consumptions (Kivetz and Simonson 2002). More recently, researchers have begun to examine factors that influence self-regulation. In particular, consumer self-regu
A randomized trial to compare exercise treatment methods for patients after total knee replacement: protocol paper.

Although the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR) is favorable, surgery alone fails to resolve the functional limitations and physical inactivity that existed prior to surgery. Exercise is likely the only intervention capable of improving these persistent limitations, but exercises have to be performed with intensity sufficient to promote significant changes, at levels that cannot be tolerated until later stages post TKR. The current evidence is limited regarding the effectiveness of exercise at a later stage post TKR. To that end, this study aims to compare the outcomes of physical function and physical activity between 3 treatment groups: clinic-based individual outpatient rehabilitative exercise during 12 weeks, community-based group exercise classes during 12 weeks, and usual medical care (wait-listed control group). The secondary aim is to identify baseline predictors of functional recovery for the exercise groups.
Modelling strategic interventions in a population with a total fertility rate of 8.3: a cross-sectional study of Idjwi Island, DRC

Idjwi, an island of approximately 220,000 people, is located in eastern DRC and functions semi-autonomously under the governance of two kings (mwamis). At more than 8 live births per woman, Idjwi has one of the highest total fertility rates (TFRs) in the world. Rapid population growth has led to widespread environmental degradation and food insecurity. Meanwhile family planning services are largely unavailable. At the invitation of local leaders, we conducted a representative survey of 2,078 households in accordance with MEASURE DHS protocols, and performed ethnographic interviews and focus groups with key informants and vulnerable subpopulations. Modelling proximate determinates of fertility, we evaluated how the introduction of contraceptives and/or extended periods of breastfeeding could reduce the TFR. Over half of all women reported an unmet need for spacing or limiting births, and nearly 70% named a specific modern method of contraception they would prefer to use; pills (25.4%) and injectables (26.5%) were most desired. We predicted that an increased length of breastfeeding (from 10 to 21 months) or an increase in contraceptive prevalence (from 1% to 30%), or a combination of both could reduce TFR on Idjwi to 6, the average desired number of children. Increasing contraceptive prevalence to 15% could reduce unmet need for contraception by 8%. To meet women’s need and desire for fertility control, we recommend adding family planning services at health centers with NGO support, pursuing a community health worker program, promoting extended breastfeeding, and implementing programs to end sexual- and gender-based violence toward women.
The Effects of Community Structure on During-Treatment Outcomes of Methadone Maintenance Programs

This study examines the effects of selected community factors on aggregated during-treatment outcomes of methadone maintenance programs in 27 cities. The basic premise of the study is that methadone maintenance (MM) program outcomes on such measures as drug use, criminality, and productive activities are significantly affected by factors in the community environment. The results indicate that community measures are associated with outcomes on drug use (opiate and nonopiate), productive activities, and criminality but not with alcohol use. Another finding is that global measures such as overall quality of life of a community are not clearly related to outcomes of MM programs. It is also found that property crime rates, which are frequently used as indicators of prevalence of drug use, are not related to during-treatment program outcomes of drug use and criminality.
Controversies in prediabetes: do we have a diagnosis?

AbstractIt is estimated that more than one–third of US adults exhibit intermediate glycemic control, termed “prediabetes“ or “impaired glucose regulation,” and many individuals with pre–diabetes or diabetes are unaware of their glycemic state. Prediabetes confers significant risks for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular comorbidities. Early lifestyle intervention and pharmacotherapy have demonstrated success in preventing or delaying onset of T2DM. Thus, early screening and diagnosis of prediabetes, along with subsequent recommendations on preventative measures, are vital in preventing or delaying progression to T2DM. However, a consensus among organizations on the diagnostic criteria defining prediabetes has not been reached, complicating the screening and diagnostic process and resulting in varying subpopulations of patients diagnosed with prediabetes. In this article, the guidelines issued by several organizations are reviewed, as well as recent studies analyzing the predictiv...
Reconsidering empirical cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for infants exposed to HIV infection

Infants with HIV infection are vulnerable to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) during their first year of life. WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS now recommend that all children of HIV-positive mothers receive prophylactic cotrimoxazole against PCP from six weeks of age and continue this therapy until exposure through breast milk ceases and the infant is confirmed to be HIV-negative (rarely before one year of age). Empirical prophylaxis invokes a trade-off between possible benefit to the infant versus the risk of resistance to antibiotics and antimalarials. From a critical analysis of the literature, we offer a conceptual model demonstrating how, under certain circumstances, a policy of mass cotrimoxazole prophylaxis may be counterproductive.
Learning, Memory, and Synesthesia

People with color-grapheme synesthesia experience color when viewing written letters or numerals, usually with a particular color evoked by each grapheme. Here, we report on data from 11 color-grapheme synesthetes who had startlingly similar color-grapheme pairings traceable to childhood toys containing colored letters. These are the first and only data to show learned synesthesia of this kind in more than a single individual. Whereas some researchers have focused on genetic and perceptual aspects of synesthesia, our results indicate that a complete explanation of synesthesia must also incorporate a central role for learning and memory. We argue that these two positions can be reconciled by thinking of synesthesia as the automatic retrieval of highly specific mnemonic associations, in which perceptual contents are brought to mind in a manner akin to mental imagery or the perceptual-reinstatement effects found in memory studies.
Immune Responses to Non-Tumor Antigens in the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS), once viewed as an immune privileged site protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is now known to be a dynamic immunological environment through which immune cells migrate to prevent and respond to events such as localized infection. During these responses, endogenous glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, become highly reactive and may secrete inflammatory mediators that regulate BBB permeability and recruit additional circulating immune cells. Here, we discuss the various roles played by astrocytes, microglia, and infiltrating immune cells during host immunity to non-tumor antigens in the CNS, focusing first on bacterial and viral infections, and then turning to responses directed against self-antigens in the setting of CNS autoimmunity.
Instance-based generative biological shape modeling

Biological shape modeling is an essential task that is required for systems biology efforts to simulate complex cell behaviors. Statistical learning methods have been used to build generative shape models based on reconstructive shape parameters extracted from microscope image collections. However, such parametric modeling approaches are usually limited to simple shapes and easily-modeled parameter distributions. Moreover, to maximize the reconstruction accuracy, significant effort is required to design models for specific datasets or patterns. We have therefore developed an instance-based approach to model biological shapes within a shape space built upon diffeomorphic measurement. We also designed a recursive interpolation algorithm to probabilistically synthesize new shape instances using the shape space model and the original instances. The method is quite generalizable and therefore can be applied to most nuclear, cell and protein object shapes, in both 2D and 3D.
Image categorization using directed graphs

Most existing graph-based semi-supervised classification methods use pairwise similarities as edge weights of an undirected graph with images as the nodes of the graph. Recently several new graph construction methods produce, however, directed graph (asymmetric similarity between nodes). A simple symmetrization is often used to convert a directed graph to an undirected one. This, however, loses important structural information conveyed by asymmetric similarities. In this paper, we propose a novel symmetric co-linkage similarity which captures the essential relationship among the nodes in the directed graph.We apply this new co-linkage similarity in two important computer vision tasks for image categorization: object recognition and image annotation. Extensive empirical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Antiepileptic Drug Development: I. History and a Program for Progress

RESUME Malgre les besoins indiscutables en matiere de therapies nouvelles, l'evaluation de la valeur commerciale d'un nouveau medicament anti-epileptique risque d'etre defavorisee aujourd'hui si elle est entreprise par une firme pharmaceutique depourvue de moyens suffisants. Au cours des 10 dernieres annees, I'Epilepsy Branch (du programme des maladies neurologiques des Instituts Nationaux de la Sante aux U.S.A.) a essays de contribuer aux expertises scientifiques et aux subventions financieres concernant cette evaluation. Le programme pour le developpement des medicaments antiepileptiques de I'Epilepsy Branch a, non seulement aide a com-mercialiser les trois medicaments antiepileptiques les plus nouveaux, mais il a provoque un renouvellement d'interet sur l''epilepsie et les medicaments qui la traitent. RESUMEN A pesar de la indudable necesidad de terapeiiticas nuevas, es muy probable que la estimacion del valor comercial de una nueva droga antiepileptica no fuera favorable si su desarrollo se llevara a cabo por firmas farmaceuticas que operan sin un soporte comple-mentario. Durante los liltimos 10 anos, la Epilepsy Branch ha intentado contribuir con los necesarios soporte econdmico y experiencia cientifica, para alterar la afirmacion previa. El Programa de Desarrolo de Drogas Antiepildpticas ha servido no solo para presentar en el mercado las tres drogas antiepilepticas mas recientes sino tambidn para renovar el interds en la epilepsia y en las drogas que la tratan. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Trotz der eigentlich unbezweifelten Notwendigkeit, neue Therapiemoglichkeiten zu finden, wirkt sich die Feststellung des kommerziellen Wertes neuer Antiepileptica heutzutage wahrscheinlich dann ungunstig aus, wenn die Entwicklung von einer pharmazeutischen Firma alleine ohne Unterstiitzung vorgenommen wird. Wahrend der letzten 10 Jahre hat die Sektion Epilepsie versucht, wissenschaftliche Gutachten und finanzielle Unterstiitzung beizusteuern, um eine Anderung dieser Sachlage herbeizufiihren. Das Programm zur Entwicklung antiepileptischer Medikamente hat nicht nur dazu beigetragen, die 3 neuesten Antiepileptica auf den Markt zu bringen sondern es hat auch zu einem neuerlichen Interesse an der Epilepsie und an den Medikamenten gefiihrt, die zu ihrer Behandlung notwendig sind.
Lesson Observation and Feedback: The Practice of an Expert Reading Coach.

Abstract This study investigated the practice of an expert reading coach as she provided lesson observation and feedback to an experienced kindergarten teacher. Data sources for the study included three cycles of observation of coaching sessions and guided reading instruction, as well as interviews. The report describes (a) the coach's modeling of pedagogical reasoning for the teacher and the co‐constructed nature of the coaching session interaction, and (b) specific ways in which the coach expanded her understanding of learning to teach and learning to coach. The study concluded that the technical aspects of lesson observation and feedback require many areas of expertise, developed through time spent coaching, training and reflection, and the coach's maintenance of an expert stance within coaching relationships.
Federal Court Litigation Over the Regulation of Adult Grooming

The litigation in the federal courts over the past several years has increasingly involved suits based on alleged constitutional rights to void restrictions on hair length, facial hair, and other grooming styles by both students and adults. This article will discuss the latter category of law suits.Thus far, the Supreme Court has declined to settle the question of whether or not an individual's personal appearance may be regulated by anyone other than himself. As a result, the federal circuits are presently split over whether there is a constitutional right to control one's own appearance. A slim majority of the circuits seem to recognize this right.
The Protein-Sparing Modified Fast Diet: An Effective and Safe Approach to Induce Rapid Weight Loss in Severely Obese Adolescents

Objectives: The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) is a rigorous way of rapidly losing a large amount of weight. Although adult studies have shown the PSMF to be effective, data in adolescents ar...
Diffusion of Dopants in Silicon

Diffusion of impurities in silicon involve point defects which are generated or trapped, migrate and can change their charge state. BOURGOIN’s mechanism at low temperature is a migration activated by the change of charge state of a defect and not a thermal activation.
Tracking Evacuation of Pedestrians during Disasters

In times of natural or man-made disasters, missions such as safe evacuation of people from the disaster areas have critical importance. Considering large areas with limited vehicle use such as theme parks and state fairs, search and rescue of the pedestrians is a major challenge. Moreover, as an effect of disaster, damages to infrastructure may disrupt the use of Internet services. Therefore, alternative communication systems with disaster resilience are necessary for evacuation planning and guidance. In this paper, we develop a method for tracking pedestrians using smart-phones during disasters. In the network model, sensors store and carry messages to a limited number of mobile sinks. We propose physical force based (PF), grid allocation based (GA) and road allocation based (RA) approaches for sink placement and mobility. The proposed approaches are analyzed through extensive network simulations using real theme park maps and a theme park pedestrian mobility model for disaster scenarios.
Physical Properties of Foaming Oils

Soybean curd or Tofu and doughnuts were fried and the temperatures of the inside of these foods and of the foams were measured by thermocouple. The temperature of the foams was the same with that of frying oil. Soybean oil were heated for 2, 3 and 4 hours at 240°C in the presence of air. Thus soybean oils of slightly foaming and strongly foaming tendencies were obtained. Their surface tension, oil-water interfacial tension, surface viscosity and viscosity were measured at various temperatures.To measure their surface tension, the Sugden's apparatus based on the bubble pressure method was used. The oil-water interfacial tension was measured with the stalagmometer based on Traube's drop method. The viscosity was measured with BL-viscometer made by Tokyo-Keiki Co. and the surface viscosity was measured with FT rheometer made by Odawara-Tekkojo Co. with a platinum ring in place of the inner tube. Through the above experiments, it seemed that surface tension had no relation with foaming of oil, but surface viscosity and viscosity had a great concern with it.
Chapter 54 – Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the known effects of chronic oxygen therapy, its indications, and the various delivery systems now available. Oxygen therapy has become very important in the treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term oxygen improves survival in hypoxemic COPD. Other benefits of oxygen include better exercise tolerance, decreased dyspnea, and improvements in neuropsychological performance. In addition, there appear to be beneficial effects on pulmonary hemodynamics, sleep quality, reduced minute ventilation, and WOB. Hypoxemia is defined as an abnormally low arterial oxygen tension PaO2. The physiologic causes of hypoxemia include a low inspired partial pressure of oxygen, abnormal ventilation–perfusion relationship, decreased diffusion capacity, alveolar hypoventilation, and right to left shunt. Oxygen therapy increases the FiO2 and is the primary treatment for hypoxemia resulting from the first three causes. The hypoxemia of alveolar hypoventilation is best treated by increased ventilation while a true shunt is by definition unresponsive to hyperoxia. Although the reason for increased survival with oxygen is not clear, there is evidence that O2 can improve pulmonary hemodynamics and leads to reduced cardiac work and greater oxygen delivery. The consequences of exercise induced and nocturnal desaturation are not absolutely known. Clinicians should be aware of air travel-induced hypoxemia in COPD and be able to identify those who need oxygen in flight. Once a patient meets the criteria for oxygen prescription, the physician must complete the certificate of Medical Necessity Form specifying the indication for oxygen, type of system and liter flow at rest, exercise and sleep.
Differential effect of 5- and 15-lipoxygenase products on ischemically sensitive abdominal visceral afferents

The effects of 5- and 15-lipoxygenase products, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and (8R,15S)-dihydroxyeicosa(5E-9,11,13Z)tetraenoic acid (8R,15S-diHETE), on ischemically sensitive abdominal visceral C fiber ...