cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Soft-Tissue Material Properties: Large Deformation Analysis

The biomechanical properties of soft tissue derived from experimental measurements are critical for developing a reality-based model for minimally invasive surgical training and simulation. In our research, we focus on developing a biomechanical model of the liver under large tissue deformation. This paper presents the experimental apparatus, experimental data, and formulations to model the experimental data through finite element simulation and also compare it with the hyperelastic models in the literature. We used tissue indentation equipment to characterize the biomechanical properties of the liver and compared the local effective elastic modulus (LEM) derived from experimental data with that from plane stress and plane strain analysis in ABAQUS. Our results show that the experimentally derived LEM matches closely with that derived from ABAQUS in plane stress and plane strain analysis and the Ogden hyperelastic model for soft tissue.
Standard vs. Nonstandard Logic: Higher-Order, Modal, and First-Order Logics

Model-theoretical (semantical) treatments of modal logic have enjoyed spec-tacular success ever since the pioneering work by Stig Kanger in 1957.1 Quine and others have admittedly proffered sundry philosophical objections to modal logic and its semantics but they have not impeded the overwhelming progress either of the semantical theory of intensional (modal) logics or of its applications.
Histone H2A subfractions and their phosphorylation in cultured Peromyscus cells.

Abstract Patterns of histone phosphorylation and histone H2A subfractionation have been compared in cultured cell lines from two species of deer mice, Peromyscus eremicus and Peromyscus boylii , which differ considerably in their content of heterochromatin but which contain essentially the same euchromatin content. DNA measurements by flow microfluorometry indicated that P. eremicus cells contained 34.2% more DNA than P. boylii cells, and C-band chromosome analysis indicated that the extra DNA in P. eremicus was present as constitutive heterochromatin. Subfraction of histone H2A by acid-urea polyacrylamide preparative gel electrophoresis in the presence of non-ionic detergent showed that each cell line contained two H2A subfractions. Incorporation of 32 PO 4 into these histones indicated that the steady state phosphorylation of the two H2A subfractions was not the same, the more hydrophobic H2A being greater than two times more phosphorylated than the less hydrophobic H2A in both cell lines. A comparison of the two cell lines indicated that the cell line with 34.2% greater constitutive heterochromatin contained a similar excess (29%) in its ratio of the more highly phosphorylated, more hydrophobic H2A subfraction to the less hydrophobic H2A subfraction. It is suggested that this enrichment of the more highly phosphorylated, more hydrophobic H2A subfraction may be related to the amount of constitutive heterochromatin present in the genome.
Dissociation, fractionation and culture of chick embryo sympathetic ganglionic cells.

Sympathetic lumbar chains from 7 to 15 day old chick embryos were dissociated with consistently greater neuronal and non-neuronal cell yields when the source tissue was collected in Ca++, Mg++− free solutions rather than standard balanced salt solutions or culture media. The 11-day embryonic material was used for further studies on the dissociation procedure and for a quantitative analysis of nerve growth factor-supported, dispersed cell cultures derived from it. Neuronal and non-neuronal elements attached to collagen-coated surfaces with a different time course, providing a way to fractionate the sympathetic dissociate into a neuron-free population of rapidly growing cells and an over 90% pure neuronal population with overall yields of about 10000 neurons per ganglion. From unfractionated harvests, about 25% of the seeded neurons attached to the culture dish: of these, 60% developed processes within the first day, survived for several days and underwent complete reaggregation into a number of neuronal masses interconnected by fibre tracts and overlying the growing non-neuronal population. In contrast, the purified neuronal fraction, while yielding initially the same number of attached neurons, led to cultures containing fewer fibre-bearing neurons, with none of them surviving beyond 48 h. The inability of the purified neurons to survive in culture was shown to be a direct consequence of the absence of non-neuronal cells. Seeding purified neurons on increasing numbers of pre-attached non-neuronal cells led to a progressive increase of fibre-bearing, long-term surviving neurons and a progressive decline in their tendency to coalesce into neuronal reaggregates.
Let them eat fish: hold the mercury

Coal combustors remain the major uncontrolled anthropogenic source of mercury due to an incomplete understanding of its emission chemistry. Using a new approach, this has now been resolved for the first time. Unexpectedly, mercury is seen to have a propensity for heterogeneous chemistry, previously considered implausible. In systems containing sulfur, it can efficiently deposit as mercuric sulfate. If sulfur-free, mercuric oxide forms. These then are subject to attack by gaseous hydrogen chloride with conversion to gaseous mercuric dichloride. This is the elusive, elegant and dominant mechanism, long overlooked, that can efficiently convert atomic mercury to its controllable water-soluble dichloride.
Partial characterization of two mouse liver alkaline phosphatases that require manganese for activity

Abstract Two manganese requiring isozymes of alkaline phosphatase from the liver of the house mouse ( Mus musculus ) were studied to determine their properties and location within the cell. 1. 2. The two isozymes, referred to as Region I and Region III, were located in the cytosol from liver homogenates. 2. 3. Optimum activity for Region I isozyme at 37°C was obtained at pH 9.1 and a manganese concentration of 0.5 mM. 3. 4. Optimum conditions for Region III isozyme were pH 7.4 and 5.0 mM manganese. 4. 5. Both isozymes were stable at 56°C; Region III isozyme was stable at 65°C, but Region I isozyme was partially deactivated to 35% of its original activity. 5. 6. Both isozymes were completely deactivated at 75°C within 30 min. Region I isozyme was inhibited by 10 mM l -homoarginine (30% of original activity) and 2.5 mM l -phenylalanine (66% of original activity). 6. 7. No inhibition occurred with Region III isozyme in the presence of either chemical.
Spontaneous recovery after Pavlovian conditioning with multiple outcomes

In four experiments using rats, a Pavlovian conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with a positive outcome, either pellets or liquid sucrose. That outcome was then either omitted altogether or replaced by another outcome. Although performance to the CS deteriorated only when the outcome was omitted, both procedures resulted in the CS’s ability to evoke greater responding after the passage of time. These results suggest that a similar outcome-independent depressive process develops when a Pavlovian CS is paired either with nonreinforcement or with a different outcome; that process then appears to dissipate with time.
Topological simplification of nonautonomous difference equations

In this paper, we continue the study of geometric properties of nonautonomous difference equations in arbitrary Banach spaces which was begun in [2,3]. Building on previous results on invariant fiber bundles and foliations, this paper addresses the problem of topological simplifications via continuous conjugacies and semiconjugacies. In particular, we establish a reduction principle for not necessarily invertible difference equations, as well as a generalized Hartman–Grobman theorem for systems with not necessarily invertible linear part.
Cellular effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle

Resveratrol is a stilbene found naturally in various plants with the highest concentration in the skin of grapes and peanuts. The function of this compound in plants is to confer resistance against bacterial and fungal infection. The effects of resveratrol in animals and humans are currently an area of intense investigation. Resveratrol has been shown to have a plethora of health benefits including protection against cardiovascular disease, various cancers, type II diabetes, and also has life extending properties. The beneficial effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle have been given less attention in the literature compared to other tissues. Therefore, the focus of this review is to highlight the cellular effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle. Resveratrol has been shown to alter protein catabolism and muscle function, and confer resistance against oxidative stress, injury, and cell death of skeletal muscle cells. The mechanisms underlying these resveratrol-induced adaptations in skeletal muscle are discussed.
The single-patient room in the NICU: maternal and family effects

To explore differences in maternal factors, including visitation and holding, among premature infants cared for in single-patient rooms (SPR) compared with open-bay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A total of 81 premature infants were assigned to a bed space in either the open-bay area or in a SPR upon NICU admission, based on bed space and staffing availability in each area. Parent visitation and holding were tracked through term equivalent, and parents completed a comprehensive questionnaire at discharge to describe maternal health. Additional maternal and medical factors were collected from the medical record. Differences in outcome variables were investigated using linear regression. No significant differences in gestational age at birth, initial medical severity, hours of intubation or other factors that could affect the outcome were observed across room type. Significantly more hours of visitation were observed in the first 2 weeks of life (P=0.02) and in weeks 3 and 4 (P=0.02) among infants in the SPR. More NICU stress was reported by mothers in the SPR after controlling for social support (P=0.04). Increased parent visitation is an important benefit of the SPR, however, mothers with infants in the SPR reported more stress.
Batch-Size Based Repetitive Scheduling Method (BRSM)

Repetitive construction projects require trade contractors to repeat construction processes in multiple units (or locations). Several repetitive scheduling methods have been developed and used for repetitive projects. However, in many cases, trade contractors in repetitive construction projects produce their products in batches, not singly. Batch production in construction projects is not rare and management of batch size has been of interest to researchers. However, there is no scheduling method for repetitive projects under batch production. Therefore, the Batch-size based Repetitive Scheduling Method (BRSM) was developed. The BRSM includes new approaches to find start time and finish time of each batch in activities and allows us to compare trade-off between time reduction and work continuity. Also, it includes an algorithm to find the better option between early schedule and late schedule. The application of this method is demonstrated by a simple example project. The BRSM can benefit construction pra...
Gene expression associated with apogamy commitment in Ceratopteris richardii

Apogamy is a phenomenon in which a sporophyte develops asexually, directly from a cell or cells of a gametophyte. It is a phenomenon described mainly in lower plants, but shares certain aspects with apomixis in angiosperms. The genes involved in apogamy commitment in ferns are unknown. We hypothesize that the mechanism of asexual reproduction is controlled in lower and higher plants by overlapping sets of genes. To this end, we created a normalized subtracted cDNA library that represents genes with increased expression during apogamy commitment in the fern Ceratopteris richardii. The cDNA library consists of 170 unique sequences. Compared to the mature gametophyte transcriptome of the fern Pteridium aquilinum, the apogamy library is enriched in plant GO-Slim terms that are associated with stress and metabolism. In silico expression analyses of the closest Arabidopsis homologs of the apogamy library revealed many genes that display preferential expression in seed and flower tissues, structures that are absent in ferns. This apogamy library provides a rich resource for investigations into the genetic control of apogamy in ferns and comparisons with the asexual processes of higher plants.
Optimization of small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor derived from a benzo[a]carbazole hit scaffold.

Abstract The lead optimization of a novel series of benzo[a]carbazole-based small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor is reported. The chemical instability of the dihydro-benzo[a]carbazole lead 2 was successfully addressed in the design and evaluation of compounds which also demonstrated improved potency compared to 2. Members of the scaffold have been identified which are full agonists that demonstrate cellular functional potency
Wrist actigraphy for scratch detection in the presence of confounding activities

Scratching is a symptom of many dermatological disorders, especially atopic dermatitis. For the development of anti-itch medications, there is a need for objective measures of scratching. Wrist actigraphy (monitoring wrist and hand movements with micro-accelerometers) is a promising method for assessing scratching; however, currently available technology has a limited capacity to discriminate scratching from other similar movements. In this study, we investigated methods to improve the specificity of actigraphy for scratch detection on movement data collected from subjects using the PAM-RL actigraph. A k-means cluster analysis was used to differentiate scratching from walking and restless sleep, which are potential confounds for nighttime scratching. Features used in the analysis include variance, peak frequency, autocorrelation value at one lag, and number of counts above 0.01 g's. The k-means cluster analysis exhibited a high sensitivity (0.90±0.10) and specificity for walking (0.98±0.05) and restless sleep (0.88±0.06), respectively, demonstrating the separability of these activities. This work indicates that the features described here can be used to develop a classifier that discriminates scratch from other activities. The described method of scratch detection shows promise as an objective method for assessing scratching movements in clinical trials and longitudinal studies of scratch.
Cryptorchidism: diagnosis, treatment, and long-term prognosis

Cryptorchidism is a common anomaly treated by every pediatric urologist. The etiology is multifactorial and includes hormonal and molecular factors. Diagnostic abilities may be enhanced by radiologic advances. Hormonal and surgical treatment modalities are discussed herein, as well as the identification and prevention of long-term sequelae.
Round table discussion on continental haze

As a portion of the joint national meeting of the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society in Washington, D. C, April 17–21, 1961, a round table discussion was held on the subject of natural continental hazes. The participants were W. D. Crozier, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico; C. E. Junge, Air Force Cambridge Research Center, Bedford, Massachusetts; J. P. Lodge, Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; R. A. McCormick, Weather Bureau Research Station, Cincinnati, Ohio; V. J. Schaefer, Atmospheric Science Research Center, State University of New York, Schenectady, New York; Sean Twomey, U. S. Weather Bureau, Washington; Helmut Weickmann, U. S. Army Signal Engineering Laboratory, Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey; F. W. Went, Missouri Botanical Gardens, St. Louis; and F. E. Volz, Blue Hill Observatory, Harvard University. Dr. Lodge acted as chairman, and also presented some findings by Alexander Goetz of the California Institute of Technology, who was unable to be present.
Ecocriticism, the Elements, and the Ascent/ Descent into Weather in Goethe's Faust

The ostensibly religious and ethical significance of Faust’s final ascension after his death tends to distract, if not blind, readers to other possible implications of that upwards movement and to the idea that he may continue and return “back to earth.” The assumption that heavenly powers reward Faust leads to the claim that Goethe’s tragedy validates the quest of “land developers” or those who would strive regardless of the consequences. I propose, in contrast, that we read Faust’s “final” ascension alongside Goethe’s weather essay, “Witterungslehre 1825,” and thereby note that this upward motion is not necessarily “final” at all but rather part of the circulation of the elements driven by their polarities to create weather patterns flowing upwards and downwards. Goethe describes just such a pattern in his “Gesang der Geister uber den Wassern”: “Des Menschen Seele / Gleicht dem Wasser: / Vom Himmel kommt es, / Zum Himmel steigt es, / Und wieder nieder / Zur Erde mus es, / Ewig wechselnd.” 1 Faust’s earthly remains travel, in fact, through the same three layers of air, “die Luftregionen” that he describes in the weather essays. And since such flows “zum Himmel,” also come “vom Himmel” as part of inevitable polarities, he shall also likely return “wieder nieder.” When understood within the context of Goethe’s science and this poem, the tragedy appears less a final affirmation of Faust’s skills as “modern developer” than a portrayal of elemental forces in whose flows we exist. Failure to appreciate and conceptualize their patterns allows us to be swept away all too easily into Mephistophelean land grabs, exploitation of other people and life forms, and the seductive promise of sex, power, and the rapid access to “fire-driven” energy forms. Whether Faust succeeds in diverting the powerful interactions of the four elements and their atmospheric perturbations or rather is swept away in their flows is hence a significant question to ask of the closing scene of Goethe’s “final masterpiece.” The answer, typically Goethean, is a little of both. My efforts here to revisit Faust in terms of Goethe’s science, and so to join the work proposed by Astrida Orle Tantillo, 2 also have an eye towards the environmental questions of ecocriticism. The essay has three parts that are each informed by a specific scholar. First, I look at Goethe’s “Gesang” in conjunction with his weather essays to see how they relate to the closing scene of the play, putting a particular emphasis on how Goethe explains atmospheric conditions via interactions of the four elements (earth, air,
Does laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch anal anastomosis reduce the length of hospitalization?

Previous data have suggested that laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery may shorten the length of hospitalization. These claims have been attributed to a reduction of the length of ileus. The definition of “ileus” is variable and in all cases is subjective. In this study it was defined as the length of time until the patient passed flatus or stool without nausea, vomiting or abdominal distention. This prospective study was undertaken to compare the duration of ileus and of hospitalization after laparoscopic-assisted (LAC) and standard laparotomy (SC). After restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in both sets of patients. Twenty-two patients underwent LAC and 20 age, sex, and diagnosis-matched controls underwent SC. Mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) was the diagnosis in 16 LAC and in 15 SC patients while polyposis was the diagnosis in 6 LAC and in 5 SC patients. The mean time to resolution of postoperative ileus was 4.2 (4–11) days in the LAC group and 3.3 (2–5) days in the SC group. Hospital discharge was similar in each group occurring at a mean of 8.7 (7–13) days after LAC and 8.9 (6–18) days after SC. Neither the length of time for ileus resolution nor the length of hospitalization were reduced in the LAC group. Laparoscopic-assisted IPAA conferred none of the theoretical advantages associated with other laparoscopic procedures.
Entrepreneurs' choice of entry strategy in emerging and developed markets

Abstract The model presented here acknowledges the complexity of the entry strategy decision and offers guidance on when to enter the market and how to enter the market, taking into consideration the current environment. From speculations over the differences between emerging and developed economies, the model offers a systematic way to determine the optimal entry strategy in terms of entry timing and level of mimicry. An implication of the model is that the cost/benefit ratio from using a high mimicry entry strategy is lower for companies entering emerging economies than it is for companies entering developed economies.
Theory of the Concave Grating. I

The theory of the concave grating has been examined in considerable detail by methods of geometrical optics. The results derived by means of geometrical optics were checked by comparing them with those based on physical optics in special cases. The conditions for image formation and aberrations in the image may be expressed by equations somewhat different from those given by Beutler which are shown to be in error. The astigmatism and other aberrations are treated with respect to finite length of slit illumination, finite grating size and deviations of the optical components from the Rowland plane but still lying on the Rowland cylinder. Within certain limitations, it is shown that the aberrations present in an off-plane Eagle mounting may be corrected by a very small rotation of the slit in a plane perpendicular to the optic axis. The optimum width of the grating, instrumental line half-width, and resolving power of the grating are also discussed. Finally, the Beutler treatment of the concave grating is examined in detail and the important errors are pointed out.
Media Review: Being Bright Is Not Enough: The Unwritten Rules of Doctoral Study

(2011). Media Review: Being Bright Is Not Enough: The Unwritten Rules of Doctoral Study. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 48, No. 4, pp. 527-529.
Reactions of Manganese and Rhenium Atoms with NO. Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations of η1 and η2 Addition and Insertion Reaction Products

Reactions of thermal and laser-ablated Mn atoms with NO produce the Mn−(η1-NO)x complexes (x = 1−3), a series of η2 complexes, and in addition, laser-ablated Mn gives the NMnO insertion product. Th...
IPCC assesses options for reducing CO2 emissions

Though governments and individuals have taken some steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, current practices and policies are inadequate, and emissions will continue to grow over the next several decades, according to the summary from Working Group III (mitigation) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was released on 4 May. However, there are many options available that could change this outcome. Emissions of greenhouse gases have been increasing since pre-industrial times. Between 1970 and 2004, overall greenhouse gas emissions increased by 70% and carbon dioxide alone increased by 80%, with the largest increases coming from the energy supply and transport sectors. If practices do not change, IPCC scenarios estimate that by 2030 greenhouse gas emissions will increase by another 25–90%, compared with 2000 levels.
Capabilities of two- and three-dimensional FDG-PET for detecting small lesions and lymph nodes in the upper torso: a dynamic phantom study

The capabilities and limitations of two-(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in detecting small tumors and lymph nodes were studied in a phantom modeling the human chest and axilla. Multiple dual-radionuclide phantom studies were performed. Five hollow spheres ranging in diameter from 3 mm to 15 mm were filled with carbon-11 and placed in the axillary and mediastinal regions of an anthropomorphic phantom containing hollow organs filled with 18F to simulate FDG uptake 1 h after injection. Dynamic imaging was performed to acquire PET images with varying target-to-background ratios. Imaging was performed in 2D and 3D acquisition modes, with and without attenuation correction, on a modern PET scanner. Lesion detectability was visually and quantitatively assessed. For objects larger than 9 mm in diameter, target-to-background ratios ranging from ∼3:1 to ∼10:1 were detectable. Objects < 9 mm in diameter required a target-to-background ratio of ≥18:1. Target-to-background ratios required for lesion detectability were equivalent for 2D and 3D PET images with and without attenuation correction. In conclusion, 2D and 3D PET with attenuation correction consistently detected ”tumors”≥ 9 mm. Lesions < 9 mm could be detected if there was high enough tumor uptake. No statistically significant differences in lesion detection were found for 2D versus 3D PET, or for attenuation-corrected versus non-attenuation-corrected images.
Using Educational Interventions to Improve the Handwashing Habits of Preschool Children.

The effectiveness of educational activities on changing the handwashing habits of preschool children was evaluated using parental surveys and direct observations. Baseline handwashing behaviors were observed and recorded, and parents completed a pre‐intervention survey. After interventions were administered, post‐intervention data was collected on preschoolers' handwashing habits. Children participated in one, three or five handwashing intervention activities. Results of this study indicate that the educational activities implemented resulted in increased knowledge of the importance of proper handwashing and in positive changes in the children's handwashing habits, particularly for the children who participated in all five interventions.
Analysis of a rotating multi-layer annular plate modeled via layerwise zig-zag theory: Free vibration and transient analysis

The purpose of this work is to analyze the free vibration and transient dynamic response of a rotating multi-layer annular plate. Layerwise zig-zag theory (LWZZ) based on the superposition of a global higher-order shear deformation displacement field and a local linear zig-zag displacement field (RHOT) is incorporated in the derivation of the governing equations of motion via Hamilton's principle. LWZZ automatically satisfies displacement continuity at the layer interfaces and by further application of stress continuity at the layer interfaces and traction free boundary conditions, the unknown degrees of freedom are reduced to seven regardless of the number of layers. These are two in-plane displacements, two shear rotations, a transverse displacement and two section rotations. A four-node sector finite element in a cylindrical coordinate system is developed using RHOT. Two in-plane displacements and two shear rotations which are C0 continuous are interpolated using bilinear functions and a transverse displacement and two section rotations which are C1 continuous are interpolated using higher-order hermitian functions. Equivalent single layer theories (Kirchhoff-Love plate theory and Mindlin-Reissner plate theory) are also used to develop the finite elements. Comparison of numerical results using RHOT is made with equivalent single layer theories in various analyses. Free vibration and transient analysis are carried out to extract eigenvalues and corresponding eigenmodes and investigate the dynamic behavior of a multi-layer annular plate.
Phthalocyanine-containing polymers

The author's work on the incorporation of phthalocyanines into inorganic polymers is reviewed. The synthesis of poly(siloxane phthalocyanines) and the synthesis and characterization of fluoro(phthalocyanine) Group III compounds and their conducting derivatives are described.
Retinotopic organization of primary visual cortex in glaucoma: Comparing fMRI measurements of cortical function with visual field loss

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cell loss. Experimental primate glaucoma indicates neuronal degeneration of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and activity changes in the visual cortex (V1). Neuronal degeneration has also been shown in a post-mortem human study of the optic nerve, LGN and visual cortex. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a non-invasive means of inferring function-specific neuronal activity, provides an opportunity to evaluate glaucomatous changes in neuronal activity throughout the visual pathway in vivo. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the relationship between visual field loss in human POAG and the functional organization of V1 can be measured using novel fMRI analysis methods. Visual field defects were measured using standard automated perimetry (SAP). A retinotopic map of visual space was obtained for V1, and the retinotopy data was fit with a template. The template was used to project regions within the visual field onto a flattened representation of V1. Viewing through the glaucomatous vs. fellow eye was compared by alternately presenting each eye with a scotoma-mapping stimulus. The resulting blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI response was compared to interocular differences in thresholds for corresponding regions of the visual field. The spatial pattern of activity observed in the flattened representation agreed with the pattern of visual field loss. Furthermore, the amplitude of the BOLD response was correlated on a pointwise basis with the difference in sensitivity thresholds between the glaucomatous and fellow eyes (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). The BOLD signal in human V1 is altered for POAG patients in a manner consistent with the loss of visual function. FMRI of visual brain areas is a potential means for quantifying glaucomatous changes in neuronal activity. This should enhance our understanding of glaucoma, and could lead to new diagnostic techniques and therapies.
The Prevalence of DSM-III-R Alcohol Dependence in Two American Indian Populations

Background: Evidence suggests that American Indian (AI) populations may be at increased risk for problems with alcohol, but a lack of community-based research using diagnostic criteria has constrained our ability to draw inferences about the extent of severe alcohol problems, such as dependence, in AI populations. Methods: This article draws on data collected by the American Indian Service Utilization, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI-SUPERPFP), which involved interviews with 3084 AI people living on or near their reservations. The AI-SUPERPFP sample was drawn from two culturally distinct tribes, which were designated with geographical descriptions: Northern Plains (NP) and Southwest (SW). Comparisons with data collected by the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) were explored by using shared measures to situate the findings from AI-SUPERPFP in a national context. Results: Lifetime rates of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence for men in both AI-SUPERPFP samples were 50% higher than those found in the NCS. Rates of lifetime alcohol dependence for women varied by sample, however; NP women had twice the rate of women in the NCS, but SW women had rates quite similar to those of NCS women. Patterns for 12-month alcohol dependence in AI-SUPERPFP were generally more similar to those found in NCS. Conclusions: The rates of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence found in AI-SUPERPFP were generally higher than US averages and justify continued attention and concern to alcohol problems in AI communities, but they are not nearly as high as those in other reports in the literature that rely on less stringent sampling methods. Furthermore, significant sociocultural influences on the correlates of alcohol dependence in AI communities are evident in these data, underscoring the need to appreciate the complex and varying influences on the patterning of alcohol problems in the diverse cultural contexts of the US.
Comparison of fire scars, fire atlases, and satellite data in the northwestern United States

We evaluated agreement in the location and occurrence of 20th century fires recorded in digital fire atlases with those inferred from fire scars that we collected systematically at one site in Idah...
Impact of preadmission variables on USMLE step 1 and step 2 performance

Purpose To examine the predictive ability of preadmission variables on United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) step 1 and step 2 performance, incorporating the use of a neural network model. Method Preadmission data were collected on matriculants from 1998 to 2004. Linear regression analysis was first used to identify predictors of performance on step 1 and step 2. A generalized regression neural network (GRNN) as well as a feed forward neural network (FFNN) was then developed in an effort to more accurately predict step 1 and step 2 scores from these preadmission data. Results Statistically significant predictors for step 1 and step 2 included science grade point average (SGPA), the biologic science (BS) section of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), college selectivity, race, and age of the applicant. Neural networks were found to predict a significant portion of the variance, and the FFNN demonstrated some superiority over that obtained with linear regression models as well as the GRNN. Conclusions The results have implications that could impact the selection of applicants to medical school and the neural networks that we developed could be used in a prospective manner.
Immunoaffinity purification and comparison of allantoinases from soybean root nodules and cotyledons.

Allantoinase (allantoin amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.2.5) catalyzes the conversion of allantoin to allantoic acid in the final step of ureide biogenesis. We have purified allantoinase more than 4000-fold by immunoaffinity chromatography from root nodules and cotyledons of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). We characterized and compared properties of the enzyme from the two sources. Seed and nodule allantoinases had 80% identity in the first 24 amino acid residues of the N terminus. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the purified enzymes showed that multiple forms were present in each. Allantoinases from nodules and cotyledons had very low affinity for allantoin with a Km for allantoin of 17.3 mM in cotyledons and 24.4 mM in nodules. Both had activity in a broad range of pH values from 6.5 to 7.5. In addition, purified allantoinase from both sources was very heat stable. Enzyme activity was stable after 1 h at 70[deg]C, decreased gradually with heating to 85[deg]C, and was lost at 90 to 95[deg]C. Although these studies have revealed some differences between allantoinases in seeds and nodules, the differences were not reflected in key enzyme properties. The immunoaffinity approach enabled purification of allantoinase from soybean root nodules and simplified its purification from cotyledons, thereby allowing characterization and comparison of the enzyme from the two sources.
Toxic exposure surveillance system (TESS)-based characterization of U.S. non-native venomous snake exposures, 1995-2004

Background. Non-native (exotic) snake exposures in the United States have not been systematically characterized. Methods. The Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) database of the American Association of Poison Control Centers was analyzed to quantify the number and types, demographic associations, clinical presentations, managements and outcomes, and the health resource utilization of non-native snake exposures. Results. From 1995 through 2004, there were 399 non-native exposures in the TESS database. Of these, 350 snakes (87%) were identified by genus and species, comprising at least 77 different varieties. Roughly equal percentages of snakes originated in Asia, Africa and Latin America, with a smaller number from the Middle-East, Australia, and Europe. Nearly half were viperids and a little more than a third were elapids. The vast majority of exposed individuals were adults. However, almost 15% were aged 17 years or less, and almost 7% were children aged 5 years or younger. Eighty-four percent were...
Space Station Laser Communication Transceiver

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has initiated the development of experimental optical communication system which will be installed on Space Station Freedom. This system is part of the Space Station Attached a Payloads Program and is currently scheduled for a 1997 launch. The system is being designed to carry out comprehensive set of tests to evaluate and demonstrate the capabilities of this relatively new technology. Communication tests at rates up to 1200 mbps will be conducted over the space-to-ground link using an existing tracking facility at the GSFC. GaAlAs semiconductor lasers will be intensity modulated using 4 slot pulse position modulation format. Direct detection receivers using silicon avalanche photodiodes will be utilized, and 1 microradian accuracy pointing will be achieved with 2 cascaded pointing stages. Successful completion of this in-orbit test program should demonstrate both the technical maturity and readiness of this technology for follow-up operational missions.
Software maintenance: A budgeting dilemma

There is considerable effort to reduce the software budget devoted to the maintenance of applications systems. This effort will have the effect of improving productivity of development and maintenance programmers. This means that for a given system over a given time period, the amount spent on software maintenance can be reduced significantly. The reduction might even reach the eighty per cent sometimes shown in the literature. We support and applaud the efforts to improve software maintenance procedures. Despite this type of reduction, it is not certain that organizations will spend less on maintenance relative to development. It is likely that the opposite will occur as more systems are being supported. This paper shows how that can happen through the derivation of some simple cost equations.
The low temperature atomic layer deposition of ruthenium and the effect of oxygen exposure

We have studied the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ruthenium using bis(2,4-dimethylpentadienyl) ruthenium and oxygen. We show that the process is achievable at a low operating temperature of 185 °C. Variation in the exposure time and pressure of the oxygen counterreactant has significant effects on the nucleation, growth rate and composition of the deposited ruthenium films. High oxygen pressure helps to promote the nucleation of ruthenium on a silicon dioxide substrate. Although saturation conditions are achieved with the Ru precursor, saturation of the ruthenium growth rate with oxygen exposure is observed only for a small range of oxygen exposure. Increasing the oxygen exposure further results in the incorporation of oxygen in the deposited film to form ruthenium oxide, a process which is enhanced at higher deposition temperature. We propose that the slow diffusion of oxygen to the subsurface region is a rate-limiting step in this process. We demonstrate that the composition of the deposited films from metallic ruthenium to ruthenium oxide, as well as the average grain size, may be regulated by tuning the pressure and exposure time of the oxygen counterreactant. Hence, this low temperature ALD process provides a flexible route to the deposition of Ru-based films.
AIR CLASSIFICATION OF BEAN FLOUR

California small white beans were ground in a hammer-mill followed by milling in a turbo-mill and then air classified at 25 m3/hr air velocity. This yielded a fine fraction containing about 44% protein and a coarse fraction containing most of the bean starch. The hulls being dense were collected with the coarse fraction resulting in a low fiber protein concentrate in the fine fraction. The fine fraction, in addition to having double the protein concentration of the starting material, also has double the concentration of fat, P, S, and K and one and a half times the concentration of sugars and ash but only a third of the fiber concentration.
Plan–Provider Integration, Premiums, and Quality in the Medicare Advantage Market

Objective. To investigate how integration between Medicare Advantage plans and health care providers is related to plan premiums and quality ratings. Data Source. We used public data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Area Resource File and private data from one large insurer. Premiums and quality ratings are from 2009 CMS administrative files and some control variables are historical. Study Design. We estimated ordinary least-squares models for premiums and plan quality ratings, with state fixed effects and firm random effects. The key independent variable was an indicator of plan–provider integration. Data Collection. With the exception of Medigap premium data, all data were publicly available. We ascertained plan–provider integration through examination of plans’ websites and governance documents. Principal Findings. We found that integrated plan–providers charge higher premiums, controlling for quality. Such plans also have higher quality ratings. We found no evidence that integration is associated with more generous benefits. Conclusions. Current policy encourages plan–provider integration, although potential effects on health insurance products and markets are uncertain. Policy makers and regulators may want to closely monitor changes in premiums and quality after integration and consider whether quality improvement (if any) justifies premium increases (if they occur).
Optimizing cardiac resynchronization therapy to minimize ATP consumption heterogeneity throughout the left ventricle: A simulation analysis using a canine heart failure model

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been demonstrated to lead to restoration of oxygen consumption homogeneity throughout the left ventricle (LV), which is important for long-term reverse remodeling of the ventricles. However, research has focused exclusively on identifying the LV pacing sites that led to acute hemodynamic improvements. It remains unclear whether there exist LV pacing sites that could both improve the hemodynamics and result in ATP consumption homogeneity throughout the LV, thus maximizing both CRT short-term and long-term benefits. Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing CRT pacing locations to achieve maximal improvement in both ATPCTHI (an ATP consumption heterogeneity index) and stroke work. Methods We used an magnetic resonance image–based electromechanical model of the dyssynchronous heart failure (DHF) canine ventricles. ATPCTHI and stroke work improvement were determined for each of 34 CRT pacing sites evenly spaced over the LV epicardium. Results Results demonstrated the feasibility of determining the optimal LV pacing site that achieves simultaneous maximum improvements in ATPCTHI and stroke work. The optimal LV CRT pacing sites in the DHF canine ventricles were located midway between apex and base. The improvement in ATPCTHI decreased more rapidly with the distance from the optimal sites compared to stroke work improvement. CRT from the optimal sites homogenized ATP consumption by increasing septal ATP consumption and decreasing that of the lateral wall. Conclusion Simulation results using a canine heart failure model demonstrated that CRT can be optimized to achieve improvements in both ATPCTHI and stroke work.
The effect of need for cognition on search performance

We examine in this paper how need for cognition (NFC), one of the personal characteristics, affects search performance in two aspects: effectiveness measured by precision and efficiency measured by search time. Forty participants were invited individually to an on-campus usability laboratory for the study. Each was asked to perform two search tasks, make usefulness judgments on search results they obtained, and rate the task difficulty level upon finishing each task. Their NFC levels were collected by a standard psychologist-developed NFC Scale. Factor analysis, T-test and General Linear Model in SPSS were used to analyze the collected data. NFC was found to have effects on search effectiveness in general, but not on time (efficiency). Not significant though, there were tendencies that the interaction of task difficulty and NFC affected search effectiveness and efficiency. Results proved that NFC is a significant facet that could influence search performance. More studies are needed to further explore the interaction effect of NFC and the level of task difficulty/complexity. Further research will also examine the effect of elaborative processing of information in contributing to the better performance of people with high NFC level.
Perceptions of Achievement and Achieving Peers in U.S. and Chinese Kindergartners.

Two studies were conducted to examine perceptions about achievement and achiev-ing peers in 190 U.S. and Chinese kindergartners. Children provided free-narrative responses to story beginnings about an achieving protagonist in school settings. We found marked cultural differences. For achievement, U.S. children perceived more intellectual development, positive affects of the protagonist, and adult praise, where Chinese children perceived more social respect and their ability to help others. For lack of achievement in non-achieving peers, U.S. children identified more negative affects, and Chinese children anticipated more negative reactions from adults. Moreover, although children in both cultures used non-ability factors to explain achievement, Chinese children did so more consistently. Most strikingly, whereas Chinese children often expressed peer respect and desire to emulate the achieving protagonist, U.S. children frequently attributed peer negative reactions toward him or her. We interpret these differences as reflecting U.S. and Chinese cultural values regarding learning, achievement, and related self-other perceptions.
The split-line phenomenon and the microscopic structure of bone.

This investigation was undertaken to study the relation of split-lines to the microscopic structure of cortical bone by means of microradiography and conventional histologic staining techniques. The results indicate that the feature of bone structure that determines the production and orientation of split-lines is the disposition of collagenous fibers, whether the bone organization is Haversian (osteone-containing) or not. Differences of opinion in the literature concerning the “causation” of split-lines appear to stem from a failure to distinguish between the morphologic and functional aspects of the problem.
Alas! What Brought Thee Hither?: The Chinese In New York 1800- 1950

This is the first iconographic history of the Chinese in New York. The history of immigrants who left scant records of their struggle to survive in a society in which the Chinese were reviled as dangerous, opiumsoaked, and unassimilable is recounted. Includes 180 illustrations.
Charge Transfer into Excited States of Hydrogen by Low Energy Protons Incident on Gases

Cross section measurements performed at East Texas State University are presented for electron capture into 3s and 4s states of hydrogen for 10-150 keV protons incident on noble gases. The measurement technique and some of its limitations are described. The cross section values obtained are compared to existing measurements and examined in light of certain theoretical predictions. At the higher energies of this study we suggest that the 3s and 4s states dominate capture into the n=3, and n = 4 levels. We also find that the n-3 scaling law is compatible with these measurements over a wide range of energies. The absolute values as well as the general shape of these excitation functions indicate that the internal structure of the target atom is an important factor in the charge transfer process.