cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Capacity in an Aging Society.

Over the past 40 years, the assessment and scientific study of capacity in older adults has emerged as a distinct field of clinical and research activity for psychologists. This new field reflects the convergence of several trends: the aging of American society, the growing incidence and prevalence of dementia, and the patient rights, deinstitutionalization, and disability rights movements. Because of these forces, capacity issues now permeate the fabric of everyday life, whether in the form of guardianship petitions, questions of capacity to consent to treatment, the ability to make a new will, or participation in human research. In seeking to resolve these issues, families, clinicians, and legal professionals increasingly turn to psychologists to assess a capacity and to provide empirically supported judgments that properly balance autonomy and protection for the individual. Psychologists have taken a leading role in the development of functional assessment instruments that measure important aspects of the capacity construct. In addition, psychology has been a major contributor to the scientific study of capacity. In collaboration with colleagues from medicine and law, psychologists have articulated crucial theoretical frameworks that integrate legal, clinical, and ethical dimensions of the capacity problem. This article focuses on the evolution of theory, law, science, and practice in the evaluation of capacity in older adults and its recent culmination in a series of interdisciplinary handbooks sponsored by the American Psychological Association and the American Bar Association. Language: en
TiO2 Nanoparticle Photocatalysts Modified with Monolayer-Protected Gold Clusters

TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalysts modified with uniform gold nanoparticles are prepared by anchoring bifunctional glutathione-coated monolayer-protected gold clusters (MPCs) onto TiO2. In this method, the MPC loading on TiO2 can be precisely controlled in the range of 1−5 wt % without incurring size change upon anchoring. The photocatalytic degradation of Uniblue A (UBA) is carried out with thus prepared MPC−TiO2 composites, which shows, however, no enhancement upon MPC anchoring. The MPC−TiO2 composites are thermally treated to activate the catalytic activity. When the MPC−TiO2 composites are calcined at 250 °C, the glutathione ligand on gold surface is partially removed and the photocatalytic activity of the composites significantly increases, highlighting the role of gold in the photocatalytic reactions. However, when the calcination temperature is raised to 400 °C, the photocatalytic activity of the composites drastically decreased. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the calcined composites r...
Accelerated patch-based planar clustering of noisy range images in indoor environments for robot mapping

This paper introduces a methodology to cluster noisy range images into planar regions acquired in indoor environments. The noisy range images are segmented based on a Gaussian similarity metric, which compares the geometric attributes that satisfy the coplanarity conditions. The algorithm is designed to cluster coplanar noisy range data by means of patch-based sampling from range images. We discuss the advantages of patch-based clustering over point-based clustering of noisy range images that eliminates computational redundancy to accelerate the clustering process while keeping the segmentation error to a minimum. The final output of the algorithm is a set of polygons, where each polygon is defined by a set of boundary points that replaces large number of coplanar data points in a given planar region. The 3D range image is acquired by a rotating 2D range scanner and stored in a 2D array. Each element in the array is explicitly stored as the range distance; the indices of the array implicitly retain neighborhood and angular information. The array is grouped into mutually-exclusive patches of size (kxk) and the Hessian plane parameters are computed for each patch. We propose a graph-search algorithm that compares the plane parameters of neighboring patches by searching breadth-wise and clusters the coplanar patches into respective planes. We compare the proposed Patch-based Plane Clustering (PPC) algorithm with the point-based Region Growing (RG) algorithm and the RANSAC plane segmentation method to analyze the performance of each of the algorithms in terms of speed and accuracy. Experimental results indicate that the PPC algorithm shows a significant improvement in computational speed when compared with the state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms while maintaining a high accuracy in segmenting noisy range images.
Using Surface Active Random Copolymers To Control the Domain Orientation in Diblock Copolymer Thin Films

The structure of thin films of a symmetric diblock copolymer, P(dS-b-MMA) (dS = perdeuterated styrene, MMA = methyl methacrylate), was investigated near preferential and nonpreferential (neutral) surfaces. Neutral surfaces were achieved at the substrate and air interfaces by localizing random copolymer, P(S-r-MMA), having a styrene fraction of 0.60, to each of these interfaces. This was performed by chemically grafting the random copolymer to the substrate and anchoring a surface active random copolymer having a perfluorinated end group to the air interface, respectively. Neutron reflectivity and small-angle neutron scattering were used to determine the orientation of the lamellar microdomains for films having various boundary conditions. Successive steps of CF4 reactive ion etching followed by field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to ascertain the orientation of the microdomains as a function of film depth. For films confined between two continuous neutral surfaces, the orientation of the...
Parametric investigation of the buckling performance of metal-plate-connected joints

Abstract A comprehensive analytic study has been conducted to investigate the instability problems of metal-plate-connected (MPC) joints in light frame trusses. The primary objective in this study is to determine the governing factors that constitute the buckling of the metal connectors and their effects on the structural response of joints. The numeric data presented in this paper has emerged from a broad base that was founded on over 350 advanced computer simulations, and was supported by available experimental results obtained by others. This basic-to-applied research includes practical engineering parameters such as size of gaps, shear lengths, gauge o connectors, size of unbraced areas, failure modes, and progressive disintegration of joints. Square-end members have been emphasized though the results cover the custom-made fitted joints. The results indicate that chord shears cause and dominate the buckling of MPC joints, and the shear length has a more pronounced effect than the size of gaps. Further, large gauges and small unbraced areas improve the buckling response. Several practical recommendations have been suggested throughout the paper. The study reveals that the engineering of single web-to-chord MPC joints should not be interpreted for multi-area joints, even where one web is in tension and the other in compression. Finally, the results obtained from this study favorably agree with experimental data by others, and the classic buckling theories for other structural components.
Non-linear least squares procedure for the extraction of NMR parameters from multi-tensor solid state line shapes

Abstract A suite of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) line shape programs, that simulate five common interactions in solids, has been written. Non-linear least squares routines based on the SIMPLEX and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithms have been implemented to extract physical parameters from solid state NMR powder line shapes. Both optimization strategies produce error estimates for the parameters extracted. As an example to illustrate the difficulties of applying least squares in NMR, the system of mono- and dilabeled 13C ethylene on silver, supported on γ-alumina was studied. The experimental line shapes produced were analyzed by non-linear least squares fitting to extract the principal components of the chemical shift (CS) tensor, the bond distance, and the orientation of the components of the chemical shift tensor in the molecular frame of ethylene. To evaluate the techniques performance, the reliability of the error estimates produced by the optimization has been investigated.
Longitudinal analyses of religious and spiritual development among seminary students

We conducted a longitudinal study of spiritual development among a sample of graduate-level seminary students (N = 119) at a religiously affiliated university in the Midwest. Seven longitudinal hypotheses were tested based on a relational model of spirituality (Shults & Sandage, 2006). Over time, we expected that the seminary context would facilitate increases in students’ questing, intrinsic religiosity, spiritual well-being, spiritual openness, and spiritual activity. Furthermore, increases in intrinsic religiosity were hypothesised to lead to improvements in spiritual well-being, spiritual openness, realistic acceptance, and spiritual activity. Finally, we proposed that increases in spiritual questing would lead to greater spiritual openness and activity but decreased spiritual well-being. The results provide general support for these hypotheses and an empirical picture that differentiates intrinsic religiosity from questing.
Microfibrils in the cytoplasm of fertile hyphae of the imperfect fungus, Drechslera sorokiniana.

Nonmembrane-bounded fascicles of microfibrils are found in the streaming cytoplasm of fertile hyphae, or conidiophores, of Drechslera sorokiniana, a member of the Fungi Imperfecti. Individual microfibrils measure 155–210 A in diameter and are arranged parallel to each other. The fascicles are oriented approximately parallel to the long axis of the conidiophore and are consistently located close to a nucleus. This paper suggests a possible interrelationship of the function of these cytoplasmic microfibrils and migration of organelles in conidiophores of D. sorokiniana.
Execution strategies for SQL subqueries

Optimizing SQL subqueries has been an active area in database research and the database industry throughout the last decades. Previous work has already identified some approaches to efficiently execute relational subqueries. For satisfactory performance, proper choice of subquery execution strategies becomes even more essential today with the increase in decision support systems and automatically generated SQL, e.g., with ad-hoc reporting tools. This goes hand in hand with increasing query complexity and growing data volumes, which all pose challenges for an industrial-strength query optimizer. This current paper explores the basic building blocks that Microsoft SQL Server utilizes to optimize and execute relational subqueries. We start with indispensable prerequisites such as detection and removal of correlations for subqueries. We identify a full spectrum of fundamental subquery execution strategies such as forward and reverse lookup as well as set-based approaches, explain the different execution strategies for subqueries implemented in SQL Server, and relate them to the current state of the art. To the best of our knowledge, several strategies discussed in this paper have not been published before. An experimental evaluation complements the paper. It quantifies the performance characteristics of the different approaches and shows that indeed alternative execution strategies are needed in different circumstances, which make a cost-based query optimizer indispensable for adequate query performance.
Thermal Conductivity of Liquid Foods by the Thermal Comparator Method

The thermal comparator is shown to be a rapid, accurate method for determining the thermal conductivity of liquid foods. Increasing solids content decreased thermal conductivity for apple juice concentrate, orange juice concentrate, and milk samples. Equations for predicting the thermal conductivity of apple juice, orange juice, and milk are shown to be specific for each commodity. A comparison of apple juice and orange juice suggests that qualitative attributes of the solids fraction as well as the quantity present are important in determining thermal conductivity.
Palaeooceanographic significance of bottom-current fluctuations in the Southern Ocean

Hiatuses in the sedimentary record of the Southern Ocean are usually attributed to erosion by high-velocity bottom currents1–3. To test for palaeoclimatic mechanisms which intensified bottom circulation, however, the timing of increases in bottom-current velocity must be known. As the sedimentary record of the period of initial erosion is lost within the hiatus, the timing of increased velocity must be determined in cores which are adjacent to the axis of highest velocity4,5. In those cores the accumulation rates are reduced due to the current but a record of the period of initiation of scour is preserved as a zone of particle-size winnowing of the fine-fraction3–4. The timing of major episodes of bottom-current intensification in the South Australian Basin for the past 4.5 Myr are reported here for the first time and may be used to examine the role of palaeoclimatic fluctuations on bottom-current intensity.
A strategy to profile prime and non-prime proteolytic substrate specificity.

Abstract A strategy was developed to determine the prime and non-prime substrate specificity of serine, threonine and cysteine proteases. ACC positional scanning technology was employed to determine the P4–P1 non-prime site substrate specificity. The data was used to synthesize biased donor–quencher positional scanning libraries to profile the P1′–P4′ prime site substrate specificity. Directed sorting using the Irori Nanokan system allowed for the archiving of multiple P1′–P4′ positional scanning libraries. From these libraries focused donor–quencher libraries incorporating P4–P1 data for each protease under study could be rapidly prepared. The profiling of thrombin and caspase-3 P4–P4′ substrate specificity, comparison of the library specificity data to single substrates, and the analysis of physiological cleavage sites are described.
The Diagnostic Workup of Patients with Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is initiated or caused by damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous systems in various disorders, each having pain-related symptoms and signs thought secondary to common pain mechanisms. Ancillary testing may demonstrate associated nervous system abnormalities, however its specificity is inadequate at present, as it makes inferential conclusions from indirect data. Symptom assessment and physical findings remain paramount in the diagnosis of neuropathic pain.
River current energy conversion systems : Progress, prospects and challenges

River current energy conversion systems (RCECS) are electromechanical energy converters that convert kinetic energy of river water into other usable forms of energy. Over the last few decades, a number of reports on technical and economic feasibility of this technology have emerged. However, the potentials of this technology as an effective source of alternative energy have not yet been explored to a great extent. The underlying challenges of system design, operation and economics also lack proper understanding. In this article, starting with a definition of the RCECS, an overview of the technological advancements in the relevant field is provided. From a system engineering perspective, various merits and prospects of this technology along with pertinent challenges are discussed. The cross-disciplinary nature of approaching these challenges with an emphasis on the need for contributions from various technical and non-technical domains are also outlined in brief. This article may serve as a coherent literature survey or technology review that would provide better understanding of the subjacent issues and possibly rejuvenate research interest in this immensely potential field of energy engineering.
Is this Injury Reasonable? Do Psychological Injury Expectations Affect Mock Jurors' Legal Decisions in a Sexual Harassment Case?

The experiments examined the viability of a proposed decision-making process to explain how jurors’ expectations for a sexual harassment complainant’s psychological injury affect their legal decisions. Two experiments provided undergraduate mock jurors with a sexual harassment allegation that manipulated their range of expectations for reasonable psychological injuries (mild vs. mild to severe) and the severity of the complainant’s alleged psychological injury (from minimal to extreme). Experiment 1 (N ¼ 295) found that participants expecting mild injuries found the complainant’s psychological injury allegations to be less reasonable and credible than participants expecting mild to severe injuries. Experiment 2 (N ¼ 202) investigated whether these expectations influenced liability and compensatory damage decisions. As the injury increased from minimal to moderate severity, participants expecting mild injuries found less liability, whereas participants expecting mild to severe injuries found significantly more liability. Both expectations and injury severity independently impacted damage decisions, but not in an interactive fashion. We discuss the applicability of the proposed decision-making process to explain legal decisions in sexual harassment cases.
Differential metabolism of RNA in neuronal-enriched and glial-enriched fractions of rat cerebrum.

— Cerebral tissue of rat, disrupted by passage through a custom-designed tissue press, was diluted to a 10% (w/v) cellular suspension in 10% (w/v) Ficoll and was then fractionated in the Spinco Model L ultracentrifuge into: (1) two enriched cellular layers (alpha and beta) in an isopycnic Ficoll gradient in the Spinco 40 angular rotor; or (2) into four layers (A, B, C, and D) in a discontinuous Ficoll gradient in the Spinco SW 39 swinging bucket rotor. The cellular composition of these layers was identified microscopically and enzymically as either glial-enriched (alpha and B layers) or neuronal-enriched (beta and C layers) fractions of cerebral cortex. Portions of the neuronal and glial fractions were used for determinations of total nitrogen, and for colorimetric determinations of carbonic anhydrase activity (a glial cell marker). These data established that glial contamination of the neuronal-enriched layer averaged 6·5 per cent. The data also indicated glial enrichment of Layer B, although no quantitative assessment of the amount of neuronal contamination was possible. The kinetics of metabolism of RNA in the glial-enriched and neuronal-enriched fractions were studied from 0·5 to 16 h after-intracisternal injection of either [3H]cytidine or [3H]orotic acid. In addition, the incorporation of [3H]cytidine into crude nuclear and cytoplasmic components of the layers was studied by the use of 1 h pulses. Our findings indicated greater incorporation of [3H]cytidine into nuclear fractions than into cytoplasmic fractions at 1 h and greater incorporation of both precursors into neuronal-enriched fractions than into glial-enriched fractions at all pulse times.
The organization of repetitive sequences in a cluster of rabbit β-like globin genes

Abstract Several complementary procedures were used to identify and characterize DNA sequences which are repeated within a 44 kilobase (kb) segment of rabbit chromosomal DNA containing four different rabbit β-like globin genes (β1–β4). Cross-hybridization between cloned DNAs from different regions of the gene cluster indicates the presence of a complex array of repeat sequences interspersed with the globin genes. We classified 20 different repeat sequences into five families whose members cross-hybridize. Electron microscopy was used to determine the location, size and relative orientations of many of the repeat sequences. Both direct and inverted repeats were identified, with sizes ranging from 140 to 1400 base pairs (bp). Each of the four closely linked globin genes is flanked by at least one pair of inverted repeats of 140–400 bp, and the entire set of four genes is flanked by an inverted repeat of 1400 bp. Two of the five repeat families contain repeat sequences of different sizes. We found that the smaller sequence elements can occur individually or in association with the larger repeat sequences, suggesting that the larger repeats may be composed of more than one smaller repeat sequence. The restriction fragments containing the intracluster repeats also contain sequences which are repeated many times in total rabbit genomic DNA, but it is not known whether the genomic and intracluster repeats are the same sequences. The results provide the first demonstration of the relationship between single-copy and repetitive DNA sequences in a large segment of chromosomal DNA containing a well characterized set of developmentally regulated genes.
Antibiotic Use by Members of the American Association of Endodontists in the Year 2000: Report of a National Survey

The purpose of this study was to determine the prescribing habits of active members of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) with regard to antibiotics. A one-page, double-sided questionnaire was sent to the active members of the AAE living in the United States. The 1999 mailing list of 3203 members was obtained from the AAE, and the return rate was 50.1% (1606 surveys). With a sample size over 1000, the study was able to distinguish differences to within 0.5% with power = 80% (at alpha = 5%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of independence. Penicillin VK, 500 mg, 4 times a day, was the first choice antibiotic prescribed by 61.48% of respondents. Clindamycin (Cleocin), 150 mg, 4 times a day, was selected by 29.59%. For those patients with a penicillin allergy, 57.03% prescribed clindamycin and various erythromycin preparations were prescribed by 26.65%. A loading dose was used by 85.14%. The average duration of antibiotic therapy was 7.58 days. Those respondents involved in academics, either part-time or full-time, were significantly more likely to prescribe penicillin VK, 500 mg, 4 times a day at a rate of 85% versus those in part-time or full-time private practice at a rate of 67%. For cases of irreversible pulpitis, 16.76% of responding endodontists prescribed antibiotics. For the scenario of a necrotic pulp, acute apical periodontitis, and no swelling, 53.93% prescribed antibiotics. Almost 12% prescribed antibiotics for necrotic pulps with chronic apical periodontitis and a sinus tract. For the most part, the majority of the members of the AAE were selecting the appropriate antibiotic for use in orofacial infections, but there are still many who are prescribing antibiotics inappropriately. Although there were trends of improvement in some areas with regards to prescribing antibiotics, there were other areas where there had been no improvement in 25 years. Unless these trends change, our generation and those to come may not have effective antibiotics for use in the management of true orofacial infections.
Coccolithus neohelis sp. n., a coccolith fossil type in contemporary seas

Abstract A new coccolithophorid species found in surface waters off Bermuda possesses a cruciform structure strongly reminiscent of forms from Eocene and older sediments. This living species presents a problem to the micropaleontologist in that it can be mistaken for contamination of Recent sediments by lower Tertiary and Cretaceous material.
Differential Effects of Bupivacaine on Cardiac K Channels: Role of Channel Inactivation and Subunit Composition in Drug—Channel Interaction

Mechanisms of Bupivacaine's Actions on K Channels. Introduction: We examined the effects of a nonspecific ion channel blocker, bupivacaine, on K channels encoded by hERG, rKvl.4, rKv4.3, and hKvLQTI along with hIsK. Their native counterparts in the heart are important for the function of IKr, Ito, and IKs and, thus, play an important role in repolarization. Methods and Results: To elucidate the mechanisms and sites of bupivacaine's actions, we correlated the voltage and time dependencies of drug effects with those of channel gating. We also studied the effects of altering the C-type (hERG) or N-type (rKvl.4) inactivation process or the subunit composition (hKvLQT1 with or without hIsK) on bupivacaine's actions. The results suggest that, except for hKvLQT1 co-expressed with hIsK, bupivacaine binding occurred at depolarized voltages coinciding with channel activation. With hKvLQT1 co-expressed with hIsK, bupivacaine bound preferentially at negative voltages when channels were in the closed state, and unbound at depolarized voltages when channels opened. The C-type inactivation of hERG enhanced, whereas the N-type inactivation of rKv1.4 hindered, bupivacaine's effects. Conclusion: We propose that bupivacaine's actions on these K channels can be described as a nonspecific pore blockade in the inner mouth region. However, the apparent binding affinity and voltage dependence of binding can be differentially influenced by the inactivation processes occurring at two ends of the pore (C-type inactivation at the outer end and N-type inactivation at the inner end), or by the interaction between hIsK and hKvLQT1 subunits.
GROWTH OF THE FETUS AND PLACENTA OF THE MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA).

The weight and length of fetal monkeys, Macaca mulatta, from the fortieth day of gestation to term were tabulated and plotted as growth curves. Also plotted were the weight of the normal placenta, the area of the placenta and the weight of the placenta when retained in the absence of the fetus. Fewer data were available for the length of the umbilical cord and volume of amniotic fiuid. The records were drawn from 343 pregnancies following a known date of insemination and in each case the pregnancy was without complication such as illness of the mother or discernible defect in embryo, fetus or newborn. The average length of 225 gestations ending with a spontaneous birth of a live infant was 168 ± 7 days. The macaque colony from which this material was derived has been described (van Wagenen, '50).
Blind Frequency-Dependent I/Q Imbalance Compensation for Direct-Conversion Receivers

Frequency-dependent I/Q imbalance is one of the major impairments in the direct-conversion receivers (DCR) for high-speed wideband wireless systems. We propose two new blind methods for compensating frequency-dependent I/Q imbalance. The first one is a time-domain approach. Specifically we develop a blind identifiability condition based on which a cost function and a gradient descent search algorithm are proposed for blind I/Q imbalance compensation. The second blind method is a frequency-domain approach for OFDM systems. Here we provide blind estimators for the frequency-selective I/Q imbalance parameters, which once obtained, the I/Q imbalance can then be compensated by a simple single-tap matrix filter inversion. We provide extensive simulation results to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Vera Shlakman, Economic History of a Factory Town, A Study of Chicopee, Massachusetts (1935)

Vera Shlakman had an extraordinary effect on my work and on that of a generation of labor historians. Quietly, unobtrusively her interpretive insights and the methodological innovations she introduced paved the way to a more eclectic and integrated discipline. A full seventy years after its publication in 1935, her Economic History of a Factory Town: A Study of Chicopee, Massachusetts still provides an intellectual and conceptual guide, not only to a changing field, but to the persistent questions it raises.
Students' metacognition during an engineering design project

This study evaluated metacognitive changes of three groups of 160 engineering students working on 60 different design projects. Two metacognitive features, cognitive self-appraisal and cognitive self-management, were used to indicate students' metacognitive level. The Engineering Design Project Inventory was used to assess students' metacognition. Students were asked to complete the instrument at the early and final stages of the project. Statistical results revealed a significant change in mechanical engineering students' metacognition while engaged in the project. Eighteen themes of responses that described the influencing factors for the change in students' self-appraisal and 23 themes of responses that described the influencing factors for their self-management change were identified from two open-ended questions.
Efficient Pyrimidine N‐1‐Alkylation via Activation of Electron Rich Olefins with Oxoammonium Salts: Synthesis of Methoxy TEMPO Substituted Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analogs

Our work outlines the use of oxoammonium salts in a formal 1,2 addition process to olefins giving nucleoside analogs as products. Specifically, oxoammonium salts can be added to a solution of olefin and silylated heterocycle to give Methoxy TEMPO substituted nucleoside analogs after hydrolytic workup and chromatographic purification.
Pattern completion through phase coding in population neurodynamics

This article presents an alternative phase coding mechanism for Freeman's KIII model of population neurodynamics. Motivated by experimental evidence that supports the existence of a neural code based on synchronous oscillations, we propose an analogy between synchronization in neural populations and phase locking in KIII channels. An efficient method is proposed to extract phase differences across granule channels from their state-space trajectories. First, the scale invariance of the KIII model with respect to phase information is established. The phase code is then compared against the conventional amplitude code in terms of their bit-wise and across-fiber pattern recovery capabilities using decision-theoretic principles and a Hamming-distance classifier. Graph isomorphism in the Hebbian connections is exploited to perform an exhaustive evaluation of patterns on an 8-channel KIII model. Simulation results show that phase information outperforms amplitude information in the recovery of incomplete or corrupted stimuli.
Energy Burden and the Need for Integrated Low-Income Housing and Energy Policy

Using detailed sociological and public health qualitative interview data, we demonstrate that energy poverty is more pervasive, and results in a greater energy burden for low-income tenants, than many policymakers would assume. This is due in part to a lack of funding, policy non-coordination, and a lack of understanding of the social and economic benefits of energy conservation, energy education, and flexible utility billing policies. Examining LIHEAP, weatherization, utility, and housing assistance policies, we suggest that a coordinated, regional approach to home energy and housing policy that integrates programs in each area will provide a more coherent policy solution.
Commentary: How does ‘insurance’ improve equity in health?

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Development of an intense, pulsed source of combined characteristic-gamma-rays and neutrons to induce fission

The detection of fissile material by passive and active techniques is an area of intense interest. Many active approaches detect the products of fission induced by photon and/or neutron irradiation.1 One such approach has focused on using intense, pulsed, beam-target interactions to produce an irradiation source of 6.13-, 6.92-, and 7.13-MeV characteristic gamma rays from the 19F(p, αγ)16O reaction.2,3 Initially, work at NRL utilized the Gamble-II, 3-Ω, water-line generator with a pinch-reflex ion diode that accelerates ions to 2 MeV at ~ 0.5-TW peak ion power.3 This pulsed source also simultaneously produces neutrons from: (1) a collective ion-acceleration mechanism associated with the diode and (2) the reactions resulting from the isotopic abundance of deuterons in the ion beam, e.g., 12C(d, n)13N and 19F(d, n)20Ne. In this presentation, we review progress toward characterizing a similar mixed source using the Mercury inductive voltage adder operated in positive polarity producing ~ 4-MeV4 ion energy and ~ 0.3-TW peak ion power. An array of diagnostics is used to determine the number of gamma rays and neutrons produced by the source, including a shielded scintillator-photomultiplier for the gamma-ray time history and a rhodium-activation counter to measure the total number of neutrons produced. In addition, the gamma and neutron source strengths are inferred from delayed neutrons that result from fissions in depleted uranium and that are measured using 3He and 6Li neutron detectors.
Yersinia pestis and the plague

Yersinia pestis is the cause of plague, an illness that may manifest in bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic form. Plague has killed an estimated 200 million humans throughout history, and plague is endemic in many areas of the world. Approximately 2,000 cases of plague are reported each year to the World Health Organization, and concern has been raised about the possible use of Y pestis as an agent of bioterrorism. The genome of Y pestis has been sequenced, including the 3 virulence plasmids, pPst, pLcr, and pFra, and advances have been made in understanding the bacterial pathogenesis of Y pestis infection. Advances also have been made in rapid diagnosis, the understanding of immune responses during plague, and vaccine development.
A mysterious stroke in a colon cancer patient

A 58-year-old man with type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and recently diagnosed and treated colorectal cancer, was transferred to this hospital for workup of an acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke. Three weeks prior, he was brought to another institution with headache, vision change, confusion, and several weeks of general malaise and myalgia. Colon cancer was diagnosed 6 months ago when he presented with iron deficiency anemia. He underwent right hemicolectomy with a final pathologic diagnosis of stage IIB and received 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemoradiation. The last dose of chemotherapy was 2 months prior through a mediport, which had remained in place. The family and social history, and the rest of review of system were non-contributory. There was no known allergy. At the other institution, head and neck imaging was negative for significant atherosclerotic disease and a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed normal ejection fraction, moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation (AR/MR), and no vegetation. Unfortunately, he developed hemorrhagic transformation in the setting of anticoagulation for a presumed hypercoagulable state and an inferior vena cava filter was placed. Inflammatory markers and the level of lupus anticoagulants were elevated. Protein C level was low. Further investigation showed no evidence of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. In addition, there was no documented atrial fibrillation, febrile episodes or positive blood cultures. One set of urine culture was positive for methicillin-sensitive S taphylococcus aureus (MSSA), thought to be related to a foley catheter, and he was treated with ceftriaxone. Medications on transfer included nexium, allopurinol, simvastatin, metoprolol, diltiazem, dexamethasone for cerebral edema, and piperacillin/tazobactam for aspiration pneumonia. Upon arrival to this hospital, the patient became dyspneic with increasing oxygen requirement. He was afebrile but tachypneic. Bilateral crackles and rhonchi were auscultated, along with a holosystolic murmur throughout the precordium. Jugular venous pressure was elevated …
Infectious disease transmission and contact networks in wildlife and livestock

The use of social and contact networks to answer basic and applied questions about infectious disease transmission in wildlife and livestock is receiving increased attention. Through social network analysis, we understand that wild animal and livestock populations, including farmed fish and poultry, often have a heterogeneous contact structure owing to social structure or trade networks. Network modelling is a flexible tool used to capture the heterogeneous contacts of a population in order to test hypotheses about the mechanisms of disease transmission, simulate and predict disease spread, and test disease control strategies. This review highlights how to use animal contact data, including social networks, for network modelling, and emphasizes that researchers should have a pathogen of interest in mind before collecting or using contact data. This paper describes the rising popularity of network approaches for understanding transmission dynamics in wild animal and livestock populations; discusses the common mismatch between contact networks as measured in animal behaviour and relevant parasites to match those networks; and highlights knowledge gaps in how to collect and analyse contact data. Opportunities for the future include increased attention to experiments, pathogen genetic markers and novel computational tools.
"Dr. Right": Elderly Women in Pursuit of Negotiated Health Care and Mutual Decision Making

This study explores a group of elderly women who were searching for physicians that were interested in providing negotiated health care options with particular interest in mutual decision making. The grounded theory approach was used to explore the health care interactions between the physicians and the elderly women (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). Qualitative interviews were conducted with eleven women, 75 years and older. The categorical working title of “Looking for Dr. Right” helped to focus our discovery of the reasons for these women’s search for a new physician. Grounded in the data, a proposed hypothesis was developed regarding the need for a two-way dialogue addressing specific health care
Group velocity, energy, and polarization mode dispersion

The group-velocity concept of a complex of modes is investigated, and the findings are related to power and energy. A special case of interest is polarization mode dispersion. This approach permits a generalization of polarization mode dispersion to the case of polarization mixing of multiple modes. Further, it is shown that first- and second-order polarization mode dispersions are related to an energy matrix.
Hot electron focusing for Fast Ignition

Summary form only given. The ePLAS implicit simulation code1 is being used to study various focusing aids for hot electron directivity in Fast Igintion2. The ePLAS model can follow a laser generated hot electron component (fluid or particles) through background plasma consisting of cold fluid electrons and ions. The code captures eMHD3 effects, which can enhance B-field penetration in steep density gradient regions. The E- and B fields are determined by the Implicit Moment Method1.
The Duration and Intensity of the Exposure Light as Factors in Determining the Course of the Subsequent Dark-Adaptation: I. the Matching Method

Resume Le probleme de cette etude a ete de determiner le moyen exact dont l'intensite et la duree de la lumiere a laquelle l'oeil vient d'ětre adapte sont des facteurs dans la determination du cours de l'adaptation subsequente a l'obscurite. L'oeil gauche a ete adapte a la lumiere du champ semi-circulaire d'exposition pour une duree definie. Ensuite on a determine la clarte apparente apres des durees donnees de l'adaptation a l'obscurite, au moyen de comparer la clarte de ce champ avec la clarte d'un champ de grandeur et de forme identiques qui a stimule l'oeil droit (adapte a l'obscurite). Les yeux ont ete adaptes a l'obscurite entre chaque paire d'epreuves successives. Les resultats montrent que plus l'intensite de la lumiere d'exposition est grande, plus l'adaptation a l'obscurite a besoin de temps; la premiere vitesse de l'accroissement de la sensitivite est plus grande pour la lumiere plus faible. Plus la duree de l'exposition a la plus grande intensite est longue, plus l'adaptation subsequente a l'o...
Between two selves: comparing global and local predictors of speed of switching between self-aspects

AbstractSelf-concepts are composed of multiple self-aspects that vary in their momentary accessibility. When a particular self-aspect is active, it guides one’s cognition and behavior in a context-specific fashion. The current research quantified the ease with which people switch from one active self-aspect to another using a novel reaction time approach. Specifically, two studies tested how self-aspect switching speed is influenced by global (i.e., self-complexity) and local (i.e., self-aspect importance) features of the self-concept. The findings revealed that people transition between self-aspects more slowly when switching from a more important self-aspect to a less important one. In other words, important self-aspects are privileged within the working self-concept.
Fish community succession and biomanipulation to control two common aquatic ecosystem stressors during a large-scale floodplain lake restoration

Biomanipulation, or management actions aimed to structure biological communities to achieve certain goals, has often been used in the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. In 2000, The Nature Conservancy acquired the Emiquon Preserve, which included two former Illinois River floodplain lakes, to restore these ecosystems. Restoration included stocking to establish a native fish community commensurate with historical records. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, bass) were also introduced to control poor water clarity and invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio, carp). We summarized fish community characteristics and tested whether bass contributed to water clarity maintenance and limited carp during 2007–2014. The fish community was dominated by species stocked in greatest abundance, 13 of 32 species initially stocked have not been collected, and species diversity increased. No carp were observed in bass diets, water clarity declined significantly, and carp relative abundance increased. Increasing water levels during 2008–2009 diffused bass predation potential upon zooplanktivorous fishes and carp and weakened potential trophic cascading interactions. Our findings suggest that water level management, greater stocking of piscivores to maintain predator densities, prevention of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) introduction, and/or a more diverse fish community including other native piscivores may be required to achieve long-term restoration goals.
Bensonomys, Calomys, and the Origin of the Phyllotine Group of Neotropical Cricetines (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

The Late Miocene to Pleistocene North American genus Bensonomys is recognized as a subgenus of the Pleistocene and Recent South American genus Calomys . Two new species of Calomys are described from the Hemphillian White Cone fauna of Arizona. Characters of this older material indicate that Calomys is derived from Copemys , the cricetine which is also ancestral to Peromyscus . The phyllotine group of South American cricetines initially evolved in North America and did not enter South America until the Panamanian land bridge was established, in the latest Pliocene or earliest Pleistocene.
Ultrastructural studies of encystment and germination in Phytophthora palmivora

This study was undertaken to examine the ultrastructural organization of encysting zoospores, cysts, and germinating cysts of Phytophthora palmivora using the method of freeze substitution. During encystment, changes in the outer surface of the plasma membrane were accompanied by changes in organization of peripheral cisternae. Electron-opaque, vesicular structures and membrane-bound patches of cytoplasm were observed outside the plasma membrane at early stages of encystment. Dictyosomes and tubular vesicles, the latter believed to be derived from peripheral cisternae, were associated with many coated pits and coated vesicles throughout encystment. During germination, variously shaped apical vesicles were observed at the tip of the germ tube. These vesicles appeared to be derived from dictyosomes and it is suggested that their processing involves multivesicular bodies as an intermediate stage.
Moral Behavior and Rational Creatures of the Universe

The general rules of almost all the virtues are in many respects loose, vague, in determinate, admit of many exceptions, and require so many modifications that it is scarce possible to regulate our conduct entirely by a regard to them. ... If your benefactor attended you in your sickness, ought you to attend him in his? Or can you fulfill the obligation of gratitude by making a return of a different kind? And if you ought to attend to him, how long and in what ways ought you to attend to him? It is evident that no general rule can be laid down by which a precise answer can in all cases be given to any of these questions. The dif ferences between his character and yours, his circumstances and yours, may be such that you may be perfectly grateful and justly refuse to attend to him." (III.6.9).
Productivity Impacts from Using Knowledge

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is a longitudinal case study that explored the relationship between use of organizational memory and knowledge, knowledge management, and knowledge worker productivity within the engineering group at a nuclear power plant. Three data points were taken over five years. The group used a knowledge management system (KMS) and it was found that the system improved effectiveness/productivity of the organization. The organization had not identified measures for determining productivity improvements, so the key results of the case study are models showing the impact of knowledge use on productivity.