cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Access to health care. One neurologist's perspective.

• Millions of residents of the United States have difficulty obtaining health care. Barriers impeding access to care include poverty, physical unavailability of health care services, absence of health insurance, and physicians unwilling to care for uninsured patients. Many patients do not successfully use health services because of educational, cultural, and language barriers. A major access barrier is lack of health insurance. Over 30 million people in the United States have none, the so-called medically indigent. Among them are over 3 million people with neurologic disorders. They have additional barriers to overcome because often they cannot work, cannot drive, have difficulty using public transportation, and have major cognitive and communication impairments. Medical and governmental bodies are debating solutions to the health care access crisis. Physicians should actively participate in this national debate. Neurologists should address the special needs of patients with neurological disorders.
External relationships of objects

External relationships of objects represent semantic dependencies between objects that enable inter-object communication and augment the services the objects provide with role-specific behaviors. Most of the object-oriented design methodologies support the notion of external relationships at the conceptual level, but OO programming languages have no language construct to directly implement the external relationships, which are implemented as containment relationships with embedded pointers resulting in the semantics of the relationships being buried in code. Moreover, object-oriented programming languages lack a mechanism to allow a dynamic classification of objects according to the roles they play in external relationships. This paper describes a technique to treat an external relationship as a conceptually useful abstraction at the specification stage and a separately identifiable structure at the implementation stage, by providing a declarative specification and an implementation in C++ with special focus on the implementation of object roles. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergent validity of scales measuring computer-related attitudes

The present study examined the convergent validity of seven computer-related attitude scales published between 1982 and 1987. A total of 95 male and 119 female undergraduate students were given the computer attitude scales in randomized order. The correlations among five of these global measures of computer-related attitudes provided strong evidence for convergent validity. There was also support for a differentiation between cognitive and affective reactions toward computers, as assessed by these scales.
Effect of ligand on chemical modification of proteins. Graphical determinations of dissociation constant and number of essential residues affected by ligand binding.

In the chemical modification of biopolymers, often enzymes, the effect of ligand is frequently studied to determine whether or not the inactivation is due to modification of residues at the ligand-binding (active) site. However, it is generally difficult to solve algebraically the simultaneous differential equations that relate the concentration of molecular species to time in the presence of ligand, since there is a product term for free ligand and free polymer. To overcome this difficulty, a method has been developed to determine quantitatively the dissociation constant for ligand binding to polymer from the initial rates of inactivation and the total (not free) concentration of ligand added. Also, a graphical method for identifying the number of essential residues affected by ligand binding has been developed by considering the probability (fraction) of residues remaining at any time in the absence and presence of ligand. The equations obtained are applicable to many cases, since these methods use quantities that are easily determined, viz. remaining activity and the total number of residues modified. Some analyses of experimental data taken from the literature are presented.
Price dispersion and increasing returns to scale

Abstract We present a model in which price dispersion allows the market to remain competitive in the long run amidst increasing returns to scale. The model hinges upon turnover in the productive technology-leading firm, price dispersion resultant of Stigler's logic of rational search, and limited excludability of knowledge. Price dispersion, traditionally viewed as an efficiency loss derivative of imperfect information in the market protects competition from being destroyed by innovation and increasing returns to scale. Bankruptcy occurs in a form similar to the gambler's ruin. The model requires no entry or replacement of failed firms. The number of active firms in a market reaches a stationary state increasing with, and contingent on, search costs.
Scaling for Microfluidic Mixing

Mixing in microfluidic channels or chambers is typically dominated by molecular diffusion. A common method used to evaluate mixing involves the examination of a time series of instantaneous concentration maps of fluid tracers (colorimetric or fluorescent) that enable visualization of fluid layering and simultaneous diffusive mixing. A scale often used to characterize micromixer performance is the global deviation of these concentration maps. While useful, this measurement scale does not provide a sensitive metric for evaluating fluid layering in the mixing process. This paper proposes an analytical approach that examines spatial concentration gradients and a global gradient-based scale, a normalized L2 norm of the gradient map, for micromixer performance evaluation. This gradient-based scale is complementary to deviation-based scales and is especially useful for the class of micromixers that enhance mixing by stretching and folding of fluids, whether the dominant mode of mixing is diffusion or chaotic advection. The algorithm is easy for micromixer designers to implement and will reveal performance metric information that remains implicitly hidden when deviation-based scales are used. The use of gradient-based mixing performance evaluation is illustrated with baker’s transform, a series of discrete mappings similar to kneading dough. The changes in both the deviation-based and gradient-based scale created by discrete fluid stretching and folding are discussed. The results from the one-dimensional discrete mixing problem are extended to a realistic mixing problem that simulates continuous stretching and folding.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Wavelet-based noise reduction in multispectral imagery

We used a 3-D wavelet-based denoising method to reduce the noise from multispectral imagery. In our approach, we compared denoising of different bands of a multispectral image using a 2-D denoising technique, by which the wavelet coefficients corresponding to each band were denoised independent of each band, and a 3-D denoising technique by which the wavleet coefficients were denoised by involving all bands in thresholding the wavelet coefficients. Due to the high correlation of the multispectral imagery data along the wavelength axis, the noise can be easily reduced by applying the wavelet transform along the wavelength direction. Our results showed that the 3-D denoising approach improved the overall SNR of a noisy multispectral imagery over the 2-D denoising approach, due to the correlation between the different bands.
Metal vapor vacuum arc ion implantation for seeding of electroless Cu plating

Abstract A metal vapor vacuum arc (MEVVA) ion source has been used to implant Pd into SiO2 substrates. The ion implanted area formed a seeding layer on which a Cu film was successfully plated through an electroless plating process. It was found that the required Pd dose for Cu plating to occur is on the order of 3×1015 cm−2 when the implantation was performed with a 20 kV extraction voltage. Taking advantage of the large pulsed ion current capability (up to 1 A) of the MEVVA ion source, the needed Pd dose for seeding was achieved in minutes. With direct Pd implantation, an intermediate activation step using PdCl2 solution can be eliminated. The Cu plating rate was not a sensitive function of temperature and no incubation period was found in our experiments.
The stability and P–V–T equation of state of CaSiO3 perovskite in the Earth's lower mantle

Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction measurements for polycrystalline CaSiO3 perovskite were carried out at in situ transition zone and lower mantle P-T conditions (P = 18–96 GPa, T= 1238–2419 K) using the diamond anvil cell and double-sided laser heating at the GeoSoilEnviro Consortium for Advanced Radiation Sources (GSECARS) sector of the Advanced Photon Source. An analysis of the temperature error sources in laser heating reveals that the axial and radial thermal gradients are the greatest error source. We have used measurements where the combined temperature error (1σ) from all sources is <150 K. By obtaining X-ray diffraction patterns at 8–22 GPa and 300–2200 K range, the high-temperature phase boundary between CaSi2O5+Ca2SiO4 and CaSiO3 perovskite was determined to be 14–16 GPa, in contrast to the results of previous large-volume press (LVP) measurements (9–11 GPa). The stability of cubic CaSiO3 perovskite was confirmed to 2300 km depth in the Earth's interior. No evidence of phase transformation or break down to oxides was observed. The proposed tetragonal distortion, and hence the phase transformation from distorted phase to cubic, was not observed. The combined data set of this study and earlier LVP measurements was fit to a Birch-Murnaghan-Debye equation. By fixing V0 = 27.45 cm3/mol, KT0 = 236 GPa, and K′T0 = 3.9 from recent static compression data and θ0 = 1000 K, we obtain γ0 = 1.92±0.5 and q = 0.6±0.3. Although data to 69 GPa and 2380 K were used in the fitting, this result is also consistent with measurements to 96 GPa. This result yields not only density and bulk modulus but also higher-order thermoelastic parameters, such as thermal expansivity and temperature dependence of bulk modulus, at lower mantle P-T condition in an internally consistent way. This direct measurement of the equation of state at lower mantle condition verifies that the density and bulk modulus of CaSiO3 perovskite at lower mantle P-T conditions are very close to seismic values (within 1.5 and 3.0%, respectively). These differences are sufficiently small that the abundance of CaSiO3 perovskite will have negligible effects on density and bulk modulus profiles for the mantle.
Selectivity behavior during the equilibrium-limited high temperature formation of MTBE on acid zeolites

The synthesis of MTBE was studied in the gas phase at elevated temperatures (up to 175°C) and low pressures (150 kPa) where the MTBE formation rate is limited by thermodynamic equilibrium, using various solid acid catalysts (Amberlyst-15 resin, silica-alumina, HY and H-ZSM-5 zeolites). All the zeolites studied were found to exhibit better selectivities to MTBE than the commercially used Amberlyst-15 resin catalyst. The formation of byproducts increased with increasing temperature and appeared to have a strong enhancing effect on catalyst deactivation. H-ZSM-5 seems to be more suitable for high temperature formation of MTBE because of its excellent selectivity towards MTBE and low deactivation behavior.
Power, Pride, Prejudice, and Poverty

We present in this issue a small selection of the many fine papers presented at the annual meeting of the Human Development and Capability Association that was held in September 2009 in Lima, Peru,...
A theorem concerning the effect of feedback currents in antenna structures on signal-to-noise ratio

It is shown on the basis of quite general assumptions that feedback currents introduced into an antenna structure by means of active amplifying elements cannot lead to an improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over that achievable by using the same antenna structure and amplifiers in a conventional manner. Implications and limitations of the general theorem are discussed. In particular, it does not appear possible to use current feedback of the type considered in a small untuned antenna to obtain the improved SNR which is achievable over a narrow band by means of high-quality loading coils and matching networks.
A directionally-selective neuromorphic circuit based on reciprocal synapses in Starburst Amacrine Cells

Starburst Amacrine Cells (SACs) play a major role in the detection of directional motion in the biological retina. The starburst amacrine cell has intrinsic electrical mechanisms for producing directional selectivity (DS). GABA transmitter-receptor interactions between two overlapping SACs make DS more robust. We present a compartmentalized CMOS neuro-morphic circuit that models a portion of two biological starburst amacrine cells in the retina and includes a simplified model of reciprocal interaction between the dendritic branches of SACs. We demonstrate that a neuromorphic circuit incorporating the reciprocal synapses enhances the responses in the neuromorphic dendritic tip and generates robust directional selectivity.
Parental beliefs and children's everyday planning in European-American and Latino families

Abstract This study examined parents' beliefs about the ages at which children should be able to plan and participate in various activities and responsibilities, with particular attention to cultural differences in these parental beliefs. Parents of 163 children between the ages of 5 and 12 participated, with 85 of the families European-American and 78 Latino. The parents completed a 10-page survey that tapped their beliefs about the age at which the “average” child and their own child will be / were able to plan and participate in various activities, as well as their child's actual planning of and participation in various activities. European-American and Latino parents differed in their beliefs about when both the “average” child and their own child were able to do this, with Latino parents providing higher ages. However, Latino parents with higher acculturation levels tended to believe that children could engage in planning-related activities at younger ages than Latino parents of lower acculturation levels. Results are discussed in relation to parental beliefs and practices in these two groups.
Using simulation to design extremescale applications and architectures: programming model exploration

A key problem facing application developers is that they are expected to utilize extreme levels of parallelism soon after delivery of future leadership class machines, but developing applications capable of exposing sufficient concurrency is a time consuming process requiring experimentation. At the same time, due to the expense of building and operating an exascale machine, it will be necessary to apply tighter engineering margins to their design. Simple metrics such as the computation-communication ratio will not sufficiently specify machine requirements. Simulation fills this gap, allowing the study of extreme-scale architectures with the explicit inclusion of the complex interactions between the various hardware and software components, and can be used for correctness-checking as well as performance estimation. The simulator we discuss in this paper can be driven by reading trace files, typically generated by an actual application that has been run on real hardware, or by using a skeleton application. The skeleton application is designed to have the control flow of a real application, but with expensive computations and large data transfers replaced by discrete events for which the timings are determined by models. Using skeleton applications, we can predict application performance at levels of parallelism unobtainable on any current computational platform. The skeleton application can be modified to experiment with different communication strategies and programming models. Since the machine being simulated is in our control, we can experiment with different network topologies, routing algorithms, bandwidths, latencies, failure modes, core-to-node ratios, etc. In this paper, we use the Structural Simulation Toolkit macroscale components for coarse-grained simulation to illustrate the exploration of alternative programming models at extreme scale.
Oxidation of Pt (111) by ozone (O3) under UHV conditions

Abstract Ozone (O3) is a reactive oxidant, creating high effective oxygen pressures under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Large oxygen concentrations up to ΘO=2.4 ML were produced by ozone exposure on Pt(111) at 300 K and analyzed using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). O2 desorption occurs in broad TPD peaks that shift from 814 to 558 K as the oxygen coverage increases from 0.03 to 0.95 ML. For coverages of ΘO≥1.2 ML, “undercutting” of the desorption curves occurs, along with a narrowing and shift to higher temperature, such that O2 desorption occurs in a sharp (23 K wide) peak at 708 K at ΘO=2.4 ML. LEED shows a (2×2) pattern for ΘO near 0.25 ML, but then only a (1×1) pattern between 0.3 and 1.2 ML. For oxygen coverages larger than 1.2 ML, the Pt(111) surface is disordered. Using the leading edge method, we estimate that the desorption activation energy decreases from 45 to 20 kcal mol−1 with increased oxygen concentration for 0 1.2 ML as arising from decomposition of particles of platinum oxide of increasing size near the surface. A very weakly bound state of oxygen also exists at high ΘO and desorbs at 390 K. Oxidized platinum is reduced upon heating to Pt metal in the temperature range of 674–708 K in UHV.
Closure of tympanic membrane perforation after the removal of Goode-type tympanostomy tubes: the use of silastic sheeting.

The reported incidence of persistent tympanic membrane perforation after the extrusion or removal of Goodetype tympanostomy tubes varies from 3 per cent to 47.5 per cent.A prospective randomized study of 152 Goode-type T-tube removals is presented. In one group of 79 ears, the edge of the defect was just freshened, but in the other 73 ears, the edge was freshened and a small piece of 0.13 mm silastic sheeting placed over the defect. Follow-up was performed at six weeks and three, six and nine months and shows that the use of silastic sheeting increases the rate of closure of the perforation and also significantly decreases the number of persistent perforations at nine months.
Toluene Decomposition in the Presence of Hydrogen on Tungsten-Based Catalysts

Removal of NH3, tars, and H2S from biomass gasification gas represents a significant step in the commercial use of biomass gasification as a source of hydrogen, syngas, and electricity. This paper reports the results of an investigation into the use of W-based catalysts [tungsten carbide (WC), tungstated zirconia (WZ), and platinum supported on tungstated zirconia (PtWZ)] for catalytic tar removal. In this study, toluene was used as a model compound for tars. In the case of WZ, the effect of calcination temperature on the activity of toluene decomposition was also investigated. The toluene decomposition reaction was conducted at 1 atm, in the temperature range of 300−800 °C, and in the presence of 10% H2. CH4 and benzene were the only detectable products of toluene decomposition on all the catalysts. Incorporation of 5 wt % Pt with WZ was found to give the most effective catalyst considering initial rates of product formation. WC, WZ, and PtWZ each showed an initial partial deactivation for both CH4 and b...
Are geographic regions with high income inequality associated with risk of abdominal weight gain

Abstract Geographic regions characterized by income inequality are associated with adverse mortality statistics, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms that mediate this ecologic relationship have not been elucidated. This study used a United States mail survey of 34 158 male and 42 741 female healthy-adult volunteers to test the association between residence in geographic regions with relative income inequality and the likelihood of weight gain at the waist. Respondents came from 21 states that were characterized by the household income inequality (HII) index, a measure reflecting the proportion of total income received by the more well off 50% of households in the state. The main outcome measure was self-reported weight gain mainly at the waist as opposed to weight gain at other anatomic sites. After controlling for age, other individual-level factors, and each state's median household income, men's likelihood of weight gain at the waist was positively associated ( p =0.0008) with the HII index. Men from states with a high HII (households above the median receive 81.6% to 82.6% of the income) described weight gain at the waist more often than men from states with a low HII (households above the median receive 77.0% to 78.5% of the income) (odds ratio=1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.22). Women's results showed a non-significant trend in the same direction. An association between ecologically defined socio-environmental stress and abdominal obesity may help to clarify the pathophysiologic pathways leading to several major chronic diseases.
Biochemical responses of the striped mullet Mugil cephalus to oil exposure I. Acute responses—Interrenal activations and secondary stress responses

Acute single exposures to the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of a No. 2 fuel oil influences several biochemical parameters in juveniles of Mugil cephalus Linnaeus. Plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured at 1 and 3 h after exposure to 1, 5, 10 or 20% WSF. No elevation of plasma cortisol or glucose levels occurred in fish exposed to the lowest concentration of oil, whereas a dose-response relationship was observed at higher doses. The dynamics of plasma corticosteroid, glucose and cholesterol concentrations and osmolality as well as accumulation of naphthalenes in the fish tissues were monitored during exposure to 20% WSF. Circulating cortisol concentrations rose rapidly to 5 times normal values 1h after exposure to oil and subsequently declined to control levels 6 h after oil addition. A smaller secondary rise occurred at 12 h, but cortisol had returned to basal levels 12 h later. In contrast, plasma glucose, cholesterol and osmolality rose more slowly to reach maximum values between 3 and 4 h after oil addition. By 24 h plasma cholesterol and osmolality had returned to normal values whereas the hyperglycemia persisted. However, 72 h after the addition of WSF all biochemical parameters had returned to control levels. At this time considerable accumulation of total naphthalenes had occurred in several fish tissues, whilst the concentration of total naphthalenes in the exposure tanks had declined to background levels. When freshly prepared 20% WSF was added to the exposure tanks during this period, all biochemical parameters were again elevated. The results suggest that the volatile components of fuel oil in the water trigger the biochemical changes described in a dosedependent manner. The possible ecological significance of these changes and the potential use of these parameters as sublethal indicators of environmental contamination are discussed.
The applicability of hart's state variable model to large strain rate ranges

Hart's phenomenological model for the inelastic deformation behavior of poly-crystalline materials is presented here. Preliminary findings indicate that the model correctly predicts flow behavior over a large range in strain rate. If this conclusion is correct, then it indicates that the types of dislocation phenomena which control behavior at low strain rates persist to higher strain rates. These are indicative of metals forming processes.
Effect of thermal expansion on flame propagation in channels with nonslip walls

Propagation of premixed flames in narrow channels is investigated by means of extensive numerical simulations of a complete system of combustion and hydrodynamic equations, incorporating transport ...
Different pathways in social support and quality of life between Korean American and Korean breast and gynecological cancer survivors

The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) how social support influences quality of life (QOL) and (2) whether or not the pathways for predicting QOL outcomes differ between Korean American and Korean survivors of breast and gynecological cancer. To identify multiple dimensions of health status and psychosocial outcomes, two standardized QOL and psychological distress measures were administered to 51 Korean Americans and 110 Koreans. Social support was measured by items assessing functional social support and social network structures. Hierarchical multiple regression and path analyses were employed to investigate the effects of social support on outcomes and to compare between Korean Americans and Koreans. The findings indicate that functional social support directly influences QOL and psychological distress, and social network structures are directly and/or indirectly associated with outcomes. Moreover, the two groups showed different pathways from social support to outcomes. This study provides practical research information by illuminating the relationships between social support components influencing QOL for Korean American and Korean survivors. This study may increase the utility and efficacy of the research and interventions to enhance cancer survivors’ social participation and to diminish barriers to follow-up care, considering the different living conditions between the United States and Korea.
Depressed 59Fe Absorption due to Dietary Aflatoxin

This study investigated the relationship between 59 Fe absorption and the anemia associated with aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers. A level of 0 or 5 micrograms of aflatoxin per gram of diet was fed for a 21 day period beginning at 1, 7, 14, or 21 days of age in each of two trials. Packed cell volume (PCV) and percent retention of an oral dose of 59 Fe were determined. The feeding of aflatoxin resulted in an anemia when fed from 0 to 3 or 1 to 4 weeks of age. At the conclusion of these treatment periods, percent 59 Fe retention was significantly reduced from the controls. Aflatoxin when fed from 2 to 5 weeks of age resulted in a slight but significant depression in PCV (P less than .05) with a slight but nonsignificant depression in percent 59 Fe retention. At the conclusion of the 3 to 6 week treatment period both percent iron retention and PCV were greater than controls but not significantly so. The iron retentions of birds separated into high and low PCV groups within each treatment combination were compared. Although the iron retentions of the low PCV groups were lower than those of the high PCV groups, none of the differences were statistically significant. However, Pearson correlations of PCV with percent 59 Fe retention were - .28 (P less than or equal to .02, n = 69) for control birds and - .19 (P less than or equal to .14, n = 58) for birds fed aflatoxin, suggesting a relationship between PCV and iron absorption.
Direct Numerical Simulation on the Receptivity, Instability, and Transition of Hypersonic Boundary Layers

The prediction of the laminar-turbulent transition of boundary layers is critically important to the development of hypersonic vehicles because the transition has a first-order impact on aerodynamic heating, drag, and vehicle operation. The success of transition prediction relies on a fundamental understanding of the relevant physical mechanisms. In the 20 years since the review by Kleiser & Zang (1991) on the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the boundary-layer transition, significant progress has been made on DNS in the hypersonic flow regime and in the spatial DNS approach. Many high-order shock-capturing and shock-fitting finite-difference methods have been developed and extensively applied to numerical simulations of the hypersonic boundary-layer transition. DNS has become a powerful research tool and has led to discoveries of new transition mechanisms. This article reviews the recent progress of DNS on hypersonic boundary-layer receptivity, instability, and transition. The current status and future directions are also presented.
Bridging the Gap between Theory and Policy

Two decades ago, Alexander George observed a growing gap between academic theorists and practitioners in the formulation offoreign policy. The significance of the gap has been debated, but trends in the academy, society, and government suggest it is likely to grow.
The Influence of Threat Appeals on Selective Learning of the Content of a Persuasive Communication

(1954). The Influence of Threat Appeals on Selective Learning of the Content of a Persuasive Communication. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 75-80.
Separated by a Common Language Nonverbal Accents and Cultural Stereotypes About Americans and Australians

The expression of nonverbal cues may differ systematically across cultures. Common cues used in distinct ways cross-culturally may be termed nonverbal accents. The data in this study indicate that nonverbal accents can help perceivers to distinguish the nationality of expressers. In Study 1, American participants could determine the nationality of Australian and American adults with above-chance accuracy when viewing their emotional expressions but not neutral expressions. In Study 2, American participants could also determine the nationality of Australians and Americans seen walking or waving in greeting. The accuracy of nationality judgments was also correlated with the extent to which Australian targets were perceived to conform to stereotypes about Australians. It is argued that nonverbal accents may be a mechanism that perceivers can use to apply group stereotypes.
Caffeinated cocktails: energy drink consumption, high-risk drinking, and alcohol-related consequences among college students.

OBJECTIVES: The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is popular on college campuses in the United States. Limited research suggests that energy drink consumption lessens subjective intoxication in persons who also have consumed alcohol. This study examines the relationship between energy drink use, high-risk drinking behavior, and alcohol-related consequences. METHODS: In Fall 2006, a Web-based survey was conducted in a stratified random sample of 4,271 college students from 10 universities in North Carolina. RESULTS: A total of 697 students (24% of past 30-day drinkers) reported consuming AmED in the past 30 days. Students who were male, white, intramural athletes, fraternity or sorority members or pledges, and younger were significantly more likely to consume AmED. In multivariable analyses, consumption of AmED was associated with increased heavy episodic drinking (6.4 days vs. 3.4 days on average; p < 0.001) and twice as many episodes of weekly drunkenness (1.4 days/week vs. 0.73 days/week; p < 0.001). Students who reported consuming AmED had significantly higher prevalence of alcohol-related consequences, including being taken advantage of sexually, taking advantage of another sexually, riding with an intoxicated driver, being physically hurt or injured, and requiring medical treatment (p < 0.05). The effect of consuming AmED on driving while intoxicated depended on a student's reported typical alcohol consumption (interaction p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Almost one-quarter of college student current drinkers reported mixing alcohol with energy drinks. These students are at increased risk for alcohol-related consequences, even after adjusting for the amount of alcohol consumed. Further research is necessary to understand this association and to develop targeted interventions to reduce risk. Language: en
Delayed Vascular Claudication Following Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography: A Rare Complication of the AngioSeal Arteriotomy Closure Device

With rapidly increasing numbers of neuroendovascular procedures performed annually in recent years, use of arterial closure devices after femoral artery access has been exceedingly common secondary to reduced time to hemostasis, decreased patient discomfort, earlier mobilization, and shortened hospital stay. Although uncommon, use of these devices can lead to a different spectrum of complications, as compared to manual compression. Ischemic symptoms following the use of these devices can have unexpected clinical sequelae and can occur in a delayed fashion. Awareness and recognition of such complications is important with the dramatically increased use of these devices in recent years. We report on a case of delayed vascular complication manifesting as vascular claudication following use of the AngioSeal closure device.
Tracing police accountability in theory and practice: From Philadelphia to Abuja and Sao Paulo

Police around the world are becoming more accountable for their use of force against civilians. Scholars have contributed to this movement both by building the field conceptually and by working in ...
Frequency domain feature extraction from synthetic aperture radar data

Most feature recognition and classification algorithms for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are done in the image domain, and thus do not explicitly exploit the scattering physics underlying the data. Feature extraction in the phase domain is based on electromagnetic scattering models which describe the sensor response to scene features. This idea of processing the SAR data using a filter matched to the phase history signature of a feature was introduced by Franceschetti (1997). Here, we extend the original concept for processing the raw signal to processing the spotlight mode SAR signal. We use a sensor model based on an experimental airborne SAR developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Lincoln Multimission ISR Testbed (LiMIT). To demonstrate the concept, line feature filters are applied to a simulation of a building from the LiMIT dataset.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Particle-Attached and Free-Living Bacterial Communities in the Columbia River, Its Estuary, and the Adjacent Coastal Ocean

The Columbia River estuary is a dynamic system in which estuarine turbidity maxima trap and extend the residence time of particles and particle-attached bacteria over those of the water and free-living bacteria. Particle-attached bacteria dominate bacterial activity in the estuary and are an important part of the estuarine food web. PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes from particle-attached and free-living bacteria in the Columbia River, its estuary, and the adjacent coastal ocean were cloned, and 239 partial sequences were determined. A wide diversity was observed at the species level within at least six different bacterial phyla, including most subphyla of the class Proteobacteria. In the estuary, most particle-attached bacterial clones (75%) were related to members of the genus Cytophaga or of the a, g ,o rd subclass of the class Proteobacteria. These same clones, however, were rare in or absent from either the particle-attached or the free-living bacterial communities of the river and the coastal ocean. In contrast, about half (48%) of the free-living estuarine bacterial clones were similar to clones from the river or the coastal ocean. These free-living bacteria were related to groups of cosmopolitan freshwater bacteria (b-proteobacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and Verrucomicrobium spp.) and groups of marine organisms (gram-positive bacteria and a-proteobacteria [SAR11 and Rhodobacter spp.]). These results suggest that rapidly growing particle-attached bacteria develop into a uniquely adapted estuarine community and that free-living estuarine bacteria are similar to members of the river and the coastal ocean microbial communities. The high degree of diversity in the estuary is the result of the mixing of bacterial communities from the river, estuary, and coastal ocean.
Sexual assault: where are mid-life women in the research?

PURPOSE: There is extensive literature related to the experience of sexual assault of women with a majority focused on younger women, college-aged women, or older women. There is little research about the experience of sexual assault of mid-life women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This paper synthesizes the current literature associated with sexual assault by describing the increased number of single women in the population, defining terms associated with sexual assault, examining rape myths, characteristics of the victim, describing the relationship of victim to assailant, extent of victimization experienced by women, common physical injuries, age-related physiological changes, psychological considerations, and post-traumatic stress disorder specific to mid-life women. FINDINGS: The population of single women has increased across the life span. Current studies utilize varying definitions of sexual assault, examine results across variable age groups, and include the responses of single women with married women. Characteristics of victims demonstrate similarities by age group, relationship type, living conditions, and physical or mental capabilities that affect the occurrence of sexual assault. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There are few studies that examine the sexual assault experiences of single mid-life women. Further research into the experiences of single mid-life women is warranted to provide direction for nursing education programs and clinical practice. Language: en
Application of a collagen-based membrane and chondroitin sulfate-based hydrogel adhesive for the potential repair of severe ocular surface injuries.

ABSTRACT This study was performed to evaluate the potential of a chondroitin sulfate-polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) adhesive and collagen-based membrane (collagen vitrigel, CV) combination as a method to treat penetrating ocular injuries on the battlefield and to improve this method with two technologies: an antibiotic releasing CS-PEG adhesive and a corneal shaped CV. Burst testing using porcine cadaveric eyes, high-performance liquid chromatography, the Kirby-Bauer bacterial inhibition test, and CV implantations on the live and cadaveric rabbit eyes were performed. The ocular burst test showed CS-PEG adhesive could successfully repair 5-mm to 6-mm length wounds in the corneal and corneoscleral regions but would require CS-PEG + CV to treat larger wounds similar to those seen on the battlefield. In addition, high performance liquid chromatography and the Kirby-Bauer bacterial inhibition test presented evidence suggesting the vancomycin incorporated CS-PEG could inhibit Staphylococcus infection for 9 days. ...
Considering lighting system performance and HVAC interactions in lighting retrofit analyses

The performance of several typical fluorescent lighting retrofits are examined, using analysis methods of varying sophistication. It is seen that estimates of energy and lighting performance based on the simple nonapplication-specific data generally available tend to overestimate the energy savings obtained with the various retrofits by 10-30%. Adding a simple correction to account for cooling benefits exacerbates the error unless heating penalties are also considered. An analysis that takes into account the thermal application factor of the lighting system shows that the error is typically due to systematically overestimating the energy usage of the original lighting system. If the thermal application factor is considered, then detailed HVAC calculations do not significantly improve the energy savings estimate. >
The Hematologic Aspects of Disseminated (Systemic) Lupus Erythematosus

1. The hematologic data in 111 cases of disseminated (systemic) lupus erythematosus are presented. 2. Anemia occurred in practically all patients at some time during their course. 3. Leukopenia was seen initially in about one-third of the patients and developed subsequently in about one-half at some time during their course. Many responded to infection with leukocytosis. 4. Thrombocytopenia occurred its about one-third of the patients on initial counts and developed subsequently in about one-half at some time its their course. Thrombocytopenia was often seen without leukopenia. Marked thrombocytopenia, simulating "idiopathic" thrombocytopenia purpura, was seen in two cases. 5. There was poor correlation between splenomegaly and a reduction in the formed elements of the blood. 6. Bone marrow differential counts were not helpful in making the diagnosis but an increase in plasma cells was frequent. 7. The Hargraves test was an extremely valuable diagnostic aid. 8. Treatment with ACTH and cortisone did not produce any striking hematologic changes. 9. Five cases of unusual interest, including three with hemolytic anemia, were presented.
EOS® biplanar X-ray imaging: concept, developments, benefits, and limitations

Purpose In 1992, Georges Charpak invented a new type of X-ray detector, which in turn led to the development of the EOS® 2D/3D imaging system. This system takes simultaneous anteroposterior and lateral 2D images of the whole body and can be utilized to perform 3D reconstruction based on statistical models. The purpose of this review is to present the state of the art for this EOS® imaging technique, to report recent developments and advances in the technique, and to stress its benefits while also noting its limitations.
Rebuttal Analogy in Persuasive Messages: Communicator Likability and Cognitive Responses

Research concerning rebuttal analogy suggests that communicators using this argument form are perceived unfavorably by message receivers. To further understand the effects of rebuttal analogy, the present investigation examines respondents’ perceived likability of rebuttal analogy users, respondents’ cognitive responses to the message, and their reported attitudes toward messages using rebuttal analogy. Respondents were either exposed to one of four persuasive messages employing rebuttal analogy or to one of the same four messages with a nonanalogy version of the argument. As predicted, results revealed that respondents rated the communicator using rebuttal analogy as less likable. Cognitive responses and argument recall showed the message-processing effects of rebuttal analogy. However, no significant difference for attitude was detected between groups. Implications of the findings are discussed and research directions concerning persuasion are offered.
Hypermasculinity as a Scenario of Power

AbstractThe image of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding bare-chested in Siberia has attained mythic status among journalists and the public, both Russian and non-Russian. The current article analyzes the Russian leader's instrumental deployment of hypermasculinity as a strategy for creating not just legitimacy, but also power. Putin's public scripts and behaviors have, in different ways at different times, been overwhelmingly derived and embellished from a masculine menu that would be impermissible for Russian women. They also frequently demonstrate, in words and gestures, his active and absolute dominance over his interlocutors in ways that would be unacceptable for other, subordinated men. The creation of Putin's image, his scenario of power, thus becomes a “hegemonic project,” in the sense developed by Meghana Nayak and Jennifer Suchland, one that is deeply imbued with implied gender dominance and at times even gender violence. Ultimately, this work shows that studies of hypermasculinity and milit...
Value of Extended Time-Based Metering for Optimized Profile Descent–Based Arrival Operations

As one of the key components of the implementation plan for the Next-Generation Air Transportation System, time-based metering delivers a more precise trajectory and has been shown to be more efficient than distance-based metering. In addition, by adding metering points upstream in en route space, extended time-based metering can help reduce flight trajectory deviations at metering points. With these advanced metering procedures, a well-designed metering configuration can improve the efficiency of arrival operations such as optimized profile descent (OPD). This paper aims to identify the optimal metering point configurations for OPD operations at airports on the basis of an extended time-based metering concept, as well as the value of such metering in OPD. To this end, the paper adapts a two-phase algorithmic framework to identify the number and locations of metering points under the extended time-based metering setup. Extensive numerical simulations based on OPD implementations at Atlanta (Georgia) Inter...
343 PROVIDING PHARMACEUTICAL SAMPLES: MORE HARM THAN GOOD?

Background The pharmaceutical industry spends over 16 billion dollars per year on promotional activities. Providing free pharmaceutical samples is one of the industry’s methods to influence physician-prescribing behavior. This tactic capitalizes on physicians’ desire to decrease cost, and reluctance to stop medications once they have started. Many sample medications do not meet first-line recommendations for the hypertension treatment. We hypothesized that patients started on free samples remained on these medications after the samples had been exhausted, resulting in increased long-term cost to the patient. Methods All samples dispensed at the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans clinics are entered into a logbook. We reviewed the medical record of each patient that had received free antihypertensive samples from 2000 to 2003. The charts were evaluated for two parameters: whether the patient could have received an alternative, less expensive, first-line medication (i.e., beta-blockers of HCTZ for hypertension; ACE inhibitor for hypertension and diabetes), and the duration the patient remained on the sample medication. Patients with a contraindication to recommended first-line therapies were excluded from the analysis. Costs for sample and alternative drugs was calculated using the Red Book. Total opportunity cost to the patient was calculated by subtracting the cost of the first-line medication from the total cost of the sample medication over the time that the patient remained on the medication. Results Five classes of antihypertensive medications alone and in combination were dispensed. Fifty-two charts containing complete data have been reviewed thus far. Of the charts reviewed, patients spent on aggregate 2,507 days on free samples. These same patients remained on these medications for a total of 25,019 days. The mean cost per patient for sample medications was $336; the aggregate cost was $22,469. Conclusion Dispensing pharmaceutical samples in lieu of prescribing less expensive alternatives that meet first-line recommendations results in higher expenses to the patient, even after adjustment for the free sample period.
Evaluation of Patients with a Soft Tissue Mass

The evaluation of a patient with a soft tissue mass is a very common problem that orthopedic surgeons will face. There are very features that help the clinician decide whether the mass is malignant or benign, so a very careful evaluation is necessary. The orthopedic surgeon has three choices as he or she plans treatment: (1) observation, (2) incisional or needle biopsy, and (3) excisional biopsy. Excisional biopsy is a very dangerous procedure to perform – the surgeon must be sure that the lesion is benign.
Serum Lymphocyte Adherence Inhibition Test in Bladder Cancer Patients

AbstractIn 29 patients with a history of bladder cancer cystoscopic determination of tumor status was correlated with the results of a serum modified capillary tube lymphocyte adherence inhibition test. With donor lymphocytes from 3 healthy volunteers as indicator cells, patient sera were added to a butanol extract of the T-24 tissue-cultured bladder carcinoma cell line. Lymphocyte adherence inhibition of more than 15 per cent was selected as positive. Mean values for 17 cases positive for tumor were 26.6 ± 14.1 per cent compared to 10.0 ± 6.8 per cent for 18 cases negative for tumor. False positive and false negative values at this cutoff averaged 19 and 14 per cent, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the individual results of the 3 donor leukocytes. Serial examinations of 6 patients had lymphocyte adherence inhibition values consistent with the changes in tumor status. These results suggest that the serum lymphocyte adherence inhibition test correlates well with clinical tumor stat...