cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of psychological distress on quality of life of adult daughters and their mothers with cancer

Introduction: As the population continues to age, adult daughters are more likely to be involved in caregiving. Given the fact that sharing emotional experiences is common in female relationships, (dis)similarity between mothers with cancer and their adult caregiving daughters is expected. However, the extent to which the (dis)similarity in psychological distress influences the quality of life of each person remains unknown. Method: This study aims at addressing this concern, using a total of 98 mother–daughter dyads participating in the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors-I and Quality of Life Survey for Caregivers. Results: Using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model, the results showed that although each person's psychological distress is the strongest predictor of their own quality of life, a mother's distress also plays a significant role in the daughter's quality of life. Specifically, when mothers experienced greater levels of psychological distress, the daughters reported better mental health but poorer physical health. Conclusions: Our findings on the disproportionately strong association between psychological distress of mothers with cancer and their adult caregiving daughters' quality of life suggest that caregiving daughters may benefit from programs designed to assist them to cope better with their mothers' psychological distress when both are living with cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inositol phosphate metabolomics: Merging genetic perturbation with modernized radiolabeling methods

Recent discoveries that provide a link between inositol phosphate (IP) signaling and fundamental cellular processes evoke many exciting new hypotheses about IP function, and underscore the importance of understanding how IP synthesis is regulated. Central to studies of IP metabolism is the essential development of efficient, fast, and reproducible methods for quantitative analysis of IPs in systems ranging from simple cell cultures to more complex tissues and whole organisms. Additionally, in many cases there is a need to pharmacologically and/or genetically alter IP kinase and phosphatase activities in order to visualize low abundance inositol signaling messengers. Here, we describe updated methods for rapid analysis of IP metabolism in normal and genetically manipulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, Drosophila melanogaster, Mus musculus, and Homo sapiens.
Specific heat and correlation length of finite systems of weakly coupled chains

The specific heat and inverse correlation length are plotted for finite numbers of weakly coupled one-component Ginzburg-Landau chains in the temperature region where an infinite system would have a second-order phase transition. The peak in the specific heat becomes higher, narrower, and sharper as the number of chains is increased. The temperature at which the maximum occurs also increases monotonically with the number of chains and approaches ${T}_{c}$ of the infinite system asymptotically. The correlation length as a function of temperature also shifts gradually from one-dimensional to two-dimensional behavior as the number of chains is increased.
Illumination-invariant pattern recognition with joint-transform-correlator-based morphological correlation

The performance of nonlinear morphological correlation is investigated and compared with that of conventional linear correlation. In particular, the effects of illumination variations on the morphological correlation output are investigated in detail. The morphological correlation is shown to be invariant to uniform input-image illumination when the input-image illumination is higher than that of the reference. It also provides higher pattern discriminability, sharper peaks, and more-robust detection in the presence of salt-and-pepper noise than does the linear correlation. Computer-simulation results are provided.
The role of nitric oxide in low level light therapy

The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing tissue damage by reducing cellular apoptosis has been known for almost forty years since the invention of lasers. Despite many reports of positive findings from experiments conducted in vitro, in animal models and in randomized controlled clinical trials, LLLT remains controversial. Firstly the biochemical mechanisms underlying the positive effects are incompletely understood, and secondly the complexity of choosing amongst a large number of illumination parameters has led to the publication of a number of negative studies as well as many positive ones. This review will focus on the role of nitric oxide in the cellular and tissue effects of LLLT. Red and near-IR light is primarily absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase (unit four in the mitochondrial respiratory chain). Nitric oxide produced in the mitochondria can inhibit respiration by binding to cytochrome c oxidase and competitively displacing oxygen, especially in stressed or hypoxic cells. If light absorption displaced the nitric oxide and thus allowed the cytochrome c oxidase to recover and cellular respiration to resume, this would explain many of the observations made in LLLT. Why the effect is only seen in hypoxic, stressed or damaged cells or tissues? How the effects can keep working for some time (hours or days) postillumination? Why increased NO concentrations are sometimes measured in cell culture or in animals? How blood flow can be increased? Why angiogenesis is sometimes increased after LLLT in vivo?
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the C2H3 ⇄ H + C2H2 Reaction. Tunneling and the Shape of Falloff Curves

The kinetics of the unimolecular decomposition of the C2H3 radical has been studied. The reaction was isolated for quantitative study in a heated tubular flow reactor coupled to a photoionization mass spectrometer. Rate constants for the decomposition were determined in time-resolved experiments as a function of temperature (879−1058 K) and bath gas density ((6−48) × 1016 molecules cm-3) in He, Ar, and N2. The rate constants are close to the low-pressure limit under the conditions of the experiments. The potential energy surface and properties of the transition state were studied by ab initio methods. Experimental results of the current and earlier studies of both the direct and reverse reactions were analyzed and used to create a transition state model of the reaction. Falloff behavior was reproduced using master equation modeling with parameters obtained from optimization of the agreement between experimental and calculated rate constants. The effects of tunneling on the shape of falloff and the values ...
The influence of Salix leaf abscission on leaf‐miner survival and life history

. 1. Early abscission of mined leaves was an important mortality factor of a Phyllonorycter species (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on Salix lasiolepis Benth. (Salicaceae). A larger percentage of mined leaves abscised early (34.4% in 1990; 24.5% in 1991), and Phyllonorycter survival was greatly reduced in these abscised leaves. 2. Leaf-mining by Phyllonorycter was associated with increased early leaf abscission. An egg removal experiment demonstrated that leaf mining induced this increase in leaf abscission. 3. The induction of early leaf abscission was dependent upon the timing of herbivory and simulated herbivory (mechanical damage). Early mechanical damage induced leaf abscission, late mechanical damage did not. Mines which expanded early were more likely to induce leaf abscission than mines which expanded more slowly.
Carotid Duplex Findings in Patients With Acute Type A Dissection

Results: We identified 8836 patients (38% symptomatic) undergoing CEA with readmission occurring in 667 (7.5%; symptomatic, 10%; asymptomatic, 7%; P < .01). Postoperative stroke rate was 1.2% (n 1⁄4 107) with 36% taking place postdischarge. Thirty-day mortality rate was 0.9% (n 1⁄4 80) with 45% happening postdischarge. Overall complication rate was 9.4%. 27% of complications occurred postdischarge with 70% of these undergoing readmission. Strongest independent predictors of readmission included OR take-back (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 7.1-12.0), preoperative nursing home residence (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.5), symptom status (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8), underweight (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), CKD (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5) and anemia (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2). Conclusions: Half of postoperative deaths and a quarter of complications occur postdischarge with postdischarge complications often leading to readmission. Patient selection and close follow up may play a role in mitigating adverse events following CEA.
Early Results From Thailand's 30 Baht Health Reform: Something To Smile About

Efforts by countries to attain universal coverage are often hampered by supply constraints that can reduce access to care for those already in the system and, in many Asian and developing countries, by the emergence of informal payment systems that extract under-the-table payments from patients. In 2001, Thailand extended government-financed coverage to all uninsured people with little or no cost sharing. We found that Thailand has added nearly fourteen million people to the system and achieved near-universal coverage without compromising access for those with prior coverage; we also found that, to date, no informal payment system has emerged.
The influence of symmetry on the probability of assembly pathways for icosahedral viral shells

This paper motivates and sets up the mathematical framework for a new program of investigation: to isolate and clarify the precise influence of symmetry on the probability space of assembly pathways that successfully lead to icosahedral viral shells. Several tractable open questions are posed. Besides its virology motivation, the topic is of independent mathematical interest for studying constructions of symmetric polyhedra. Preliminary results are presented: a natural, structural classification of subsets of facets of T = 1 polyhedra, based on their stabilizing subgroups of the icosahedral group; and a theorem that uses symmetry to formalize why increasing depth increases the numeracy (and hence probability) of an assembly pathway type (or symmetry class) for a T = 1 viral shell.
How Will We Recognize Each Other as Mapuche? Gender and Ethnic Identity Performances in Argentina

This article builds on the literature of “doing” identities through a case study of indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina. Argentina is a unique place to study indigenous identities because they are not rigidly defined by the state or by Argentine society, thus making social interactions more visible. My analysis shows that “doing” identities is an inherently intersectional process. Mapuche women engage in gendered interactions to create an authentic indigenous identity, often for the purpose of gaining rights, emphasizing traditional clothing to become “icons of tradition.” Yet, their interactions and choices about how and when to use traditional clothing highlight the paradoxical ways tradition works. My analysis suggests that tradition invokes a historical rigidity that constrains women within certain gender expectations, but it also invokes a sense of community wholeness that can empower women to define new ways of “doing” gendered indigeneity.
The regulation of ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosomal assembly in the vertebrate lens

Experiments have been carried out to study the properties of ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosomal assembly in cells having stable messenger RNA templates (adult epithelial cells in stationary phase and fiber cells) and rapidly turning-over templates (dividing epithelial cells). The data show that 45S and 30S precusor ribosomal RNA is synthesized in epithelial cells in a stationary phase and in fiber cells. These precursor ribosomal RNA's, however, are not chased into 28S and 18S RNA. Similar pulse-chase experiments with dividing epithelial cells of calf and adult lenses show a significant chase into 28S and 18S RNA. The data indicate that there is a regulation of ribosomal assembly at the step responsible for 28S and 18S RNA formation. The details of this regulation are discussed.
Electrical characteristics of aluminum-CVD diamond-silicon structures

The behavior of aluminum-CVD (chemical vapor deposited) diamond film-silicon structures has been studied as a function of the temperature of the hot filament used to prepare the diamond film. As the filament temperature increases from 2173 to 2373 K, diamond-film surface roughness and crystallite size increase, nondiamond carbon content decreases, and device behavior changes from ohmic to Schottky. The diamond-film resistivity in all cases is substantially lower than that of bulk natural diamond and decreases with increasing filament temperature, perhaps due to increased incorporation of hydrogen in the films. >
Reply to Proffitt, Stefanucci, Banton, and Epstein

In this reply, we acknowledge that methodological differences between the experiment of Proffitt et al. (2003) and ours might explain our failure to replicate their finding. However, we maintain that our results obtained with three different response measures point to a lack of robustness. In this reply, we acknowledge that methodological differences between the experiment of Proffitt et al. (2003) and ours might explain our failure to replicate their finding. However, we maintain that our results obtained with three different response measures point to a lack of robustness of their finding. In response to their criticism of using blind walking to measure perceived distance, we argue on theoretical grounds that blind walking, while involving post-perceptual processes, can nevertheless provide a measure of perceived distance, and then cite some of the evidence indicating that it does indeed provide such a measure.
Validation of a Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire

The lack of evidence regarding functional and quality of life benefits resulting from tone reduction with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) infusion treatment relates to the lack of validated and responsive measures. We integrated our scale/questionnaire, developed from chart review, with the non-validated Caregiver Questionnaire (CQ) to yield a final document, the Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ). Convergent validity was achieved by administering the CCHQ to 47 patients with spastic/dystonic cerebral palsy (CP) who were being evaluated for tone management. The population studied included 18 females and 29 males (mean age 10y [SD 4y 10mo]; range 3y 1mo-21y 1mo). Twenty-five patients were subsequently referred for botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections (mean Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] 3.2); 11 patients were referred for ITB (mean GMFCS 4.4); four were referred for orthopedic surgery (mean GMFCS 3.3); 3 were referred for selective dorsal rhizotomy (mean GMFCS 2.7); one was recommended for oral baclofen (GMFCS 5); and three were recommended for no treatment (mean GMFCS 3.7). Blinded to the score, those with the highest scores (severe hypertonicity) were recommended for ITB; those with the lowest scores were recommended for BTX-A injections. Responsiveness of the CCHQ was established by administering the questionnaire to patients who already had an implanted ITB pump. The children with the largest dose increase demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the CCHQ score. This scale can be used to document the efficacy of treating severe hypertonicity both in clinical and research protocols.
Argumentation and Debate in Foreign Language Instruction: A Case for the Traditional Classroom Facilitating Advanced-Level Language Uptake

In response to a growing demand for highly proficient speakers of foreign languages, both from private and government sectors, an added emphasis has been placed on immersion-type programs that offer extensive contact time in a target language. Although time in a target language certainly plays a valuable and needed role, this research demonstrates that innovative curricular design and development in the university foreign language classroom can equal if not exceed uptake that occurs in extended immersion environments. A thorough description of the research design is provided, including the application of “memory box” items, laboratory self-recordings, listening, reading, and written exercises, and in-class practicum in the target language involving British parliamentary-style debate and Model United Nations. Preliminary findings based on certified pre- and post-Oral Proficiency Interview and Written Proficiency Test ratings suggest that such an approach yields significant gain. Vygotsky's (1978) idea of the Zone of Proximal Development serves as a useful framework for explaining a high percentage of gain at the Advanced-high/Superior threshold in oral proficiency, whereas native-speaker written corrective recasts followed by revision and resubmission of written assignments offer a useful paradigm for facilitating threshold gain across a range of proficiency levels for all participants involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Effect of In-Vehicle Touch Screen Position on Driver Performance

The effect of touch-screen monitor placement on in-vehicle task performance and driving performance was examined in a driving simulator. Sixteen subjects drove behind a lead vehicle while interacting with a menu-based interface that required looking, planning, reaching, and touching. The vehicle dynamics of the simulator were adjusted to simulate two vehicles: a normal-weight car and a heavy-weight truck. The monitor was placed in one of four different positions that had varying levels of visual and physical difficulty. Two positions had a short reach distance and two had a long reach distance. For each monitor pair, one position had a shorter visual distance from the road ahead and one had a longer visual distance. Monitor positions that were at greater visual distances from the road ahead or that were farther physically from the subject resulted in longer in-vehicle task completion times. The average task time increased from 17.8 seconds for the closest monitor position to 35.1 seconds for the farthest....
Small Cold Temperature Instrument Packages

Abstract We are developing a small cold temperature instrument package concept that integrates a cold temperature power system with ultra low temperature ultra low power electronics components and power supplies now under development into a ‘cold temperature surface operational’ version of a planetary surface instrument package. We are already in the process of developing a lower power lower temperature version for an instrument of mutual interest to SMD and ESMD to support the search for volatiles (the mass spectrometer VAPoR, Volatile Analysis by Pyrolysis of Regolith) both as a stand alone instrument and as part of an environmental monitoring package. We build on our previous work to develop strategies for incorporating Ultra Low Temperature/Ultra Low Power (ULT/ULP) electronics, lower voltage power supplies, as well as innovative thermal design concepts for instrument packages. Cryotesting has indicated that our small Si RHBD CMOS chips can deliver >80% of room temperature performance at 40K (nominal minimum lunar surface temperature). We leverage collaborations, past and current, with the JPL battery development program to increase power system efficiency in extreme environments. We harness advances in MOSFET technology that provide lower voltage thresholds for power switching circuits incorporated into our low voltage power supply concept. Conventional power conversion has a lower efficiency. Our low power circuit concept based on ‘synchronous rectification’ could produce stable voltages as low as 0.6 V with 85% efficiency. Our distributed micro-battery-based power supply concept incorporates cold temperature power supplies operating with a 4 V or 8 V battery. This work will allow us to provide guidelines for applying the low temperature, low power system approaches generically to the widest range of surface instruments.
MATHEMATICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE TOCCOA FALLS, GEORGIA, DAM‐BREAK FLOOD

ABSTRACT: Four dam-break models were selected for testing with an observed data set from the November 6, 1977, disaster at Toccoa Falls, Georgia. The Kelly Barnes Dam failure occurred with a 35-ft head of water and produced a peak discharge of 23,000 ft3/s. The selected models included: (1) Modified Puls (MP), (2) U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Gradually Varied Unsteady Flow Profiles (USTFLO), (3) National Weather Service's Dam-Break Flood Forecast (DBFF), and (4) U. S. Geological Survey's method of characteristics (MOC) coupled with a general purpose streamflow simulation (J879DB). Achieving a successful simulation was easiest with the MP model. The DBFF model required a moderate effort while the MOC-J879DB models required some data alterations and considerable effort. The USTFLO model failed to simulate this test case. In the stream segment near the dam, the computed peak stages were generally within 5 feet of the observed high water marks. Elsewhere, the peak stage results were much better, generally within 2 feet. The peak discharges computed by the models were generally within 20 percent of discharges estimated by slope area and contracted opening measurements, except near the dam where the MOC-J879DB model's results was 80 percent too high.
Electronically-controlled metamaterial-based transmission line as a continuous-scanning leaky-wave antenna

An electronically-controlled metamaterial-based transmission line (TL) is demonstrated for the first time and applied to a continuous-scanning leaky-wave (LW) antenna. This transmission line is a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) microstrip structure incorporating varactor diodes for fixed-frequency voltage-controlled operation. The CRLH structure is rigorously analyzed in terms of the equivalent circuit models and dispersion diagrams. The TL behaviour is verified by way of its application as a LW antenna which is experimentally demonstrated. The antenna, operated at the fixed frequency of 3.1 GHz, exhibits the capability of continuous scanning from backward to forward angles over a range of 77/spl deg/ (from -41/spl deg/ to +36/spl deg/), with efficient broadside radiation, by varying the varactors bias voltages from 15V to 0V (5V at broadside).
Secure voice over Internet Protocol (voIP) using virtual private networks (VPN) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)

The transmission of voice information over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers many security challenges. After identification of the security risks, it becomes clear that most of the vulnerabilities occur in the way that voice information is handled in the IP layer [1]. This study proposes a solution using dedicated VPN-based local area firewalls. These firewalls provide more security than a border router by making the voice information less susceptible to attacks from an insider to the network. Plus, they can easily and reliably handle and protect several types of clients in small office environments, control access restricting traffic coming into the inside network and encrypt IP voice packets using IPSec tunneling before the voice packets reach the access switch.
Nursing in a Context Opposed to the Aims of Nursing

Nurses at various times and in various places find their aims as nurses in conflict with their situation, such as having too many patients to do any justice to any of them. Nursing in the military requires prioritizing the mission of the department of defense, that is to say maintain the readiness of the fighting force and to function within a strict hierarchical organization with respect to authority. Within this context, nurses in the United States military today are asked to assist members of the armed forces who are struggling with sacrifices during very confusing and uncertain times.
The Biology of the Germinal Center

The immune system requires the production of high affinity antibodies of different subclasses to accomplish its many effector functions. Specific steps in B-cell ontogeny that occur within germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs create much of the diversity in the immune system. This process also provides the raw material for the genesis of B-cell lymphomas as misdirection of the molecular machinery that regulate these steps can cause chromosomal translocations, prevent apoptosis and promote proliferation of abnormal clones. Many recent avenues of investigation have elucidated that the germinal center is a dynamic microenvironment where B-cells undergo repeated rounds of mutation and selection. Gene expression studies have further shown that malignancies derived from germinal center B-cells elaborate specific gene expression signatures that derive from neoplastic cells as well as elements of the host response such as T-cells and macrophages. This review will examine the current understanding of B-cell development in the germinal center and the key molecules involved in this process. Interactions between lymphoma cells and their cellular partners and models in the growth and development of follicular lymphoma will be presented.
Culling a clinical terminology: a systematic approach to identifying problematic content.

Abstract The College of American Pathologists and the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom are merging their respective clinical terminologies, SNOMED RT and Clinical Terms Version 3, into a new terminology, SNOMED CT. This requires mapping concept descriptions between the two existing terminologies. During the mapping process, many descriptions were identified as being potentially problematic. They require further review by the SNOMED editorial process before either (1) being incorporated into SNOMED CT, or (2) retired from active use. This article presents data on the concept descriptions that were identified as needing further review during the early phases of SNOMED CT development. Based on this work, we describe fourteen types of problematic terminology content. Identifying problematic terminology content can be approached in a systematic manner.
Editorial Commentary: Asking the Right Questions: Morbidity, Mortality, and Measuring What's Important in Unbiased Evaluations of Antimicrobials

In this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases ,P rasad et al present am eta-analysis of 13 randomized trials comparing outcomes of tigecycline with control antimicrobials [1]. Their results show an absolute mortality increase of 0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], .1–1.2) with tigecycline, translating into 1 excess death for every 143 patients treated (95% CI, 83– 1000). The estimates of increased mortality were consistent across diseases, with greater mortality in the more serious and life-threatening diseases. An evaluation of noncure showed evidence of greater lack of effectiveness with tigecycline, with an absolute difference of 2.9% (95% CI, .6– 5.2). This translates into 1 person experiencing noncure for every 34 patients treated (95% CI, 19–166). Although these data hint at lack of effectiveness as the cause for increased mortality, it is not possible to rule out unknown toxicity of tigecycline contributing to both lack of effectiveness and increased mortality. The authors’ conclusions are similar to a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluation in a public health warning [2]. The authors’ methods are thorough and include more information than previously published meta-analyses [3–5]. Because these trials are randomized with similar designs and outcome measures one can causally ascribe the increased mortality to tigecycline and not to other confounding factors. These results have implications for both clinical practice and for the methodologyofantimicrobialstudies,evaluations by regulatory agencies, and marketing by pharmaceutical companies. The results have clinical significance, because any increase in mortality is clinically important. The numbers needed to harm show that a substantial number of patients could be harmed, especially in common, serious diseases in which lack of effectiveness can result in death. Clinical trials in infectious diseases are primarily designed as noninferiority trials in which the goal is to rule out the new drug may be as much as 10%–15% less effective than older agents [6]. The outcome measure is usually clinical response, which is a composite of mortality, signs, and symptoms, usually measured weeks after randomization. Therefore, individual trials have insufficient sample size to detect differences in mortality or clinical response in the range of those in this
Race, Gender, and Attitudes Toward War in Chicago: An Intersectional Analysis1

Although prior research has documented persistent racial and gender differences in public opinion on war across U.S. military conflicts, there is little understanding as to how race and gender simultaneously shape war opinion. Using data from the 2008 Chicago Area Study, this analysis locates gender within an intersectional examination of black-white differences in support for the U.S. war in Iraq. ‘‘Structural’’ and ‘‘racialized’’ explanations for blacks’ lower level of support relative to whites are tested, first using all respondents, and then for men and women. Exploratory analyses show the race gap in war support to exist solely among Chicago women. Racial differences in partisanship and education are most strongly associated with black-white differences in Iraq War support among Chicago women. In addition, while affiliation with the Republican Party increases the odds of support among both men and women, education and political alienation decrease the odds of support only among women and the odds of support increase with age only among men. Results highlight the utility of an intersectional lens to the study of public opinion on foreign policy.
Patterns of artificial sweetener use and weight change in an American Cancer Society prospective study

Extreme obesity and leanness are risk factors for many types of cancer. An earlier American Cancer Society study (1959-1972) found a nearly twofold increased risk for death from all causes in men and women who weighed 40% or more above average for their age and height, and found elevated cancer rates as well. A new (1982), ongoing ACS prospective study of 1.2 million men and women continues to find increased death rates from all causes and from cancer in the very heavy and the very lean. Artificial sweetener (AS) use is an important correlate of relative weight in this population. The relationship between weight change during the year preceding enrollment and AS usage was studied in a highly homogeneous subgroup of 78694 women ages 50-69 years. The percentage of users increased with body mass index (BMI) and was inversely related to age. Users were significantly more likely than non-users to gain weight, regardless of initial BMI. Among those who gained weight, the average number of lbs gained by AS users was higher (by 0.5-1.5 lb) than the amount gained by non-users. Within the entire cohort, AS users of both sexes ate chicken, fish and vegetables significantly more often than did non-users and consumed beef, butter, white bread, potatoes, ice cream and chocolate significantly less often, suggesting that our weight change results are not explicable by differences in food consumption patterns.
A new computational method for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids. Part 1. Theory

The theoretical basis for a new computational method is presented for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids: examples include suspensions of rigid particles and polymeric liquids ranging from liquid crystals to concentrated solutions or melts of flexible chains. The method is based on a Lagrangian conservation statement for the distribution function of the conformation of the local structure, which can be derived from the conventional, Eulerian conservation statement and is exactly equivalent. The major difference, which is reflected in the numerical technique, is that the Lagrangian representation of the distribution function allows for computation of the Brownian contribution and of moments of distribution functions in ways that do not require explicit knowledge of the distribution function, and involve no approximation whatsoever. This suggests a new type of efficient, self-adaptive numerical scheme that is suitable for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids, in which macroscopic properties depend on the state of the microstructure.
A Note on Testing for Serial Correlation in Large Number of Small Samples Using Tail Probability Approximations

A method of testing for serial correlation in large number of independent replications from short, first order autoregressive type time series with zero mean is considered. We use an approach via the Edgeworth expansion to compute the tail probability in order to test the null hypothesis of zero serial correlation at lag 1. Approximate tail probabilities are computed using our results to justify the theory.
Variable Modulus Muscular Thin Films for Measuring the Effect of Mechanical Environment on Vascular Contractility

Recent results have demonstrated that cell function is affected by local mechanical environment [1]. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), for example, substrate stiffness can control phenotype expression and migration rate [2]. Pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, and therapeutic interventions, such as stents, can alter VSMCs’ mechanical environment. The primary function of VSMCs is vascular tone modulation via contraction and relaxation and loss of VSMCs’ contractile function may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques and restenosis of stents. To date, it is not known whether perturbation of the mechanical environment directly affects contractile function in these diseased vessels.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Internal Wave Overturns Produced by Salt Fingers

Abstract The salt finger fluxes obtained in small-domain direct numerical simulations (DNSs) are used to parameterize the fluxes in a larger domain that resolves internal gravity waves. For the case in which the molecular diffusivity ratio τ = KS/KT < 1 is not excessively small, the wave amplification and overturning in a large-domain DNS that resolves both fingers and waves agrees with the result of a parameterized model. Since such a DNS is not feasible for heat–salt (τ = 1/80), the parametric model is used for 2D spectral calculations with periodic boundary conditions. For density ratios R = 1.25 and 1.5 an initialized low-frequency internal wave amplifies because of the wave strain; the irreversible (finger) fluxes and the wave potential energy increase until the isopycnals overturn. The maximum value of heat–salt flux produced by the wave is comparable to the finger fluxes in the absence of the wave. Even larger total fluxes should occur in the subsequent turbulent overturning stage (not computed), i...
Integrated Model For The Dynamic On-Demand Air Transportation Operations

On-demand air transportation is progressively obtaining the popularity with its flexibility, convenience, and guaranteed availability. However, its unique dynamic characteristics, such as short-noticed new demands and disruptive unscheduled maintenance, challenge the efficient operations, since they will significantly affect the priori algorithmic solutions. An integrated optimization model is presented to tackle the dynamic nature of the on-demand air transportation operations. A dynamic planning method together with a rolling-horizon approach is used to accommodate new demand. A realistic solution to recover from unscheduled maintenance events is also provided and demonstrated to be effective based on real world scenarios.
Implementing the ASAM Criteria in Community Treatment Centers in Illinois

The incorporation of the ASAM Criteria into addiction treatment centers procedure has afforded us an enormous opportunity to add credibility to our treatment. Herein lies perhaps the strongest argument for these criteria. The ASAM Criteria encourage addiction treatment centers to establish themselves as healthcare providers in their own right. The task is now for Illinois addiction treatment providers; particularly community based providers, to prove our credibility through the legitimate use of the criteria. Since most, if not all, of our patients are without means and without knowledge on quality treatment, they become easy targets for substandard or at least unimaginative and uninspired treatment. It is not that community based treatment centers are, by nature, unprincipled treatment warehouses. But it certainly can be said that our centers are frequently the last to change our treatment practices. Certainly we have become "the last resort" for the courts, overburdened mental health centers and overpopulated homeless shelters with little emphasis on clinical quality of care. Overcoming such programmed ways of viewing treatment was difficult specifically for Triangle Center and generally for community treatment providers throughout Illinois. In fact, I dare say that this transition has not occurred in total as many still passively resist this opportunity. Yet others have viewed this change as the breath of fresh air that our profession has long sought. Such variance in opinion ultimately proves that implementation of the ASAM Criteria, in a community based system, is dependent on the clinician and administrators willingness to understand, recognize and apply the Criteria.
Hierarchical nucleus segmentation in digital pathology images

Extracting nuclei is one of the most actively studied topic in the digital pathology researches. Most of the studies directly search the nuclei (or seeds for the nuclei) from the finest resolution available. While the richest information has been utilized by such approaches, it is sometimes difficult to address the heterogeneity of nuclei in different tissues. In this work, we propose a hierarchical approach which starts from the lower resolution level and adaptively adjusts the parameters while progressing into finer and finer resolution. The algorithm is tested on brain and lung cancers images from The Cancer Genome Atlas data set.
Pathogen prevalence and microbial levels associated with restricted shell eggs.

Restricted shell eggs that do not meet quality standards for retail but maintain acceptable quality for inclusion in further processed eggs are often diverted to further processing. A study was conducted to characterize the microbiological populations present on and in these eggs. On a single day, restricted eggs were collected from three shell egg processing plants a total of three times (replicates). Six shells or egg contents were combined to create a pool. Ten pools of shells and contents were formed for each plant per replicate. Shells and membranes were macerated in 60 ml of diluent. Contents were stomacher blended to form a homogeneous mixture. Total aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated. The prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria was determined by cultural methods. Average aerobic counts were 4.3 log CFU/ml for the shells and 2.0 log CFU/ml for the contents. There were plant × replicate differences for both (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The average E...
First Year Experience: How We Can Better Assist First-Year International Students in Higher Education.

While many American colleges and universities are providing a First Year Experience (FYE) course or program for their first year students, those programs are not often customized to take into account international students’ (IS) unique challenges. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluated a FYE course that was customized for IS in a college setting. Nineteen IS and eight domestic students (DS) who attended FYE classes completed a survey; 18 of the 19 IS were interviewed. Overall, the FYE class was successful in terms of helping IS to familiarize themselves with academic resources and expectations, understanding American culture, making more American friends, and improving their English language skills. Suggestions for future integration of IS into FYE programs are discussed.
A Double-Blind Study of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Prophylaxis in Patients Having Transrectal Needle Biopsy of the Prostate

AbstractWe studied 89 men undergoing transrectal prostatic biopsies to determine the efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in preventing postoperative fever, bacteremia and bacteriuria. Of the patients who received placebo temperatures of 37.6C or more occurred in 18 per cent, bacteremia in 70 per cent and bacteriuria in 21 per cent. Most cases of bacteremia were caused by anaerobic organisms and were asymptomatic. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole did not reduce the frequency of fever or bacteremia but did produce a significant reduction in bacteriuria (0 versus 21 per cent, p equals 0.008).
Projected limb length inequality: selecting patients for surgery.

SUMMARY The selection of patients for surgery for limb length discrepancy is directed by the patient’s desires and the limitations of surgery. All interventions have substantial advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the patient’s ability to tolerate the intervention and the risks that accompany them are of paramount importance. The cause of the discrepancy, accompanying deformities or pathology, the patient’s other medical conditions, and the predicted mature stature of the patient will all affect both the goals and viability of certain surgeries.
Divergent selection for blood serum insulin-like growth factor I concentration in beef cattle: I. Nongenetic effects.

Data were obtained from an ongoing experiment involving divergent selection for blood serum IGF-I concentration in purebred Angus cattle. The experiment includes approximately 100 spring-calving (50 high and 50 low line) and 100 fall-calving (50 high and 50 low line) cows. The selection criterion is the mean of IGF-I concentrations measured on each animal at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning performance test. Mean IGF-I values were available for a total of 526 bull and heifer calves. Pooled across years and breeding seasons, high line progeny averaged 21 ± 6,17 ± 6, and 23 ± 5 ng/mL more IGF-I (P < .01) than low line progeny at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning test. Season effects on IGF-I approached statistical significance only at d 42 and 56 of the postweaning period. Pooled across years and selection lines, spring minus fall differences were 9 ± 10 (P = .52), -17 ± 10 (P =.10), -22 ± 9 (P =.07), and -9 ± 6 (P =.45) ng/mL for IGF-I concentrations at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning test and for mean IGF-I, respectively. Sex effects on serum IGF-I concentration were highly significant, with greater IGF-I expression in bulls, but were confounded with diet and location. Age of dam effects were not significant. Regressions of IGF-I concentration on on-test age of calf ranged from .46 ±.13 to 1.08 ±.20 ng.mL -1 .d -1 and were highly significant for all measures of IGF-I. Therefore, when selecting for serum IGF-I concentration, it is necessary to account for nongenetic effects of season, sex, and age of calf, but not age of dam, either by selecting within contemporary groups or by adjusting records for these effects, to increase heritability and response to selection.
Quantitative Evaluation of Noncontrast Computed Tomography of the Head for Assessment of Anemia.

Background and purpose Anemia is an underdiagnosed clinical entity with significant mortality and morbidity. We aimed to assess whether attenuation of dural venous sinuses correlates with hemoglobin/hematocrit and to determine if the degree of anemia can be predicted by quantitative analysis of unenhanced computed tomography (CT) of the head. Materials and methods This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective study including 500 patients who underwent emergency department investigation for potential central nervous system etiology of their symptoms with unenhanced CT head at a tertiary care center. Computed tomographic attenuation values were obtained by 2 independent readers, whereas 2 separate investigators collected clinical data. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the strength of correlation and the predictability of anemia and its severity on unenhanced CT. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values. Results A total of 243 met the inclusion criteria, and attenuation values for all the dural venous sinuses were averaged and categorized according to hemoglobin values of less than 8, 8 to 10, 10 to 14, and greater than 14. Mean CT attenuation values for both readers were 36.30, 42.35, 47.99, and 53.25 Hounsfield units. Regression analysis revealed the highest positive correlation of hemoglobin/hematocrit with attenuation at the confluence of sinuses with R value of 0.63 and 0.60. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of detecting hemoglobin of less than 10 at confluence of sinuses were 91.2%, 88.5%, and 98.6%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was found to be good (0.64) using the κ statistic. Conclusions Our study substantiates direct positive correlation between CT attenuation of dural venous sinuses and hemoglobin/hematocrit, with strongest correlation at the confluence of sinuses with good sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value.
Paws for Intervention: Perceptions About the Use of Dogs in Schools

ABSTRACTResearch in the field of animal-assisted therapy has shown that therapy dogs have a positive social-emotional impact on individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and counseling. Recently, the literature has suggested that therapy dogs can yield positive psychological, social, and academic outcomes in schools, although this research is quite limited. The intent of this study was to examine perceptions on the effectiveness of therapy dogs in schools for promoting students’ psychological well-being, and an overall positive school climate. Preliminary evidence shows faculty and students from four rural school districts across Western New York indicated support for this emerging and viable school intervention. This qualitative and quantitative insight can help guide future research.
Residents' Actions and Attitudes toward Security in Community Wireless Networks

This article describes the results of a two-pronged research project initiated to discover actions and attitudes about network security of urban residents toward their own home wireless computer networks in possible support of a community wireless network, and to do so across the socio-economic spectrum. The goal of the research project was to gain a better understanding of individual attitudes about private residential computer networks within the realm of community wireless networks by investigating residential wireless computer network security settings and reasons for those settings. This was accomplished by first driving through several differing socio-economic level neighborhoods and detecting security settings on residential wireless computer networks and subsequently surveying residents in those neighborhoods about their attitudes toward security in residential wireless computer networks.
Nietzsche: Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Nietzsche regarded 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' as his most important work, and his story of the wandering Zarathustra has had enormous influence on subsequent culture. Nietzsche uses a mixture of homilies, parables, epigrams and dreams to introduce some of his most striking doctrines, including the Overman, nihilism, and the eternal return of the same. This edition offers a new translation by Adrian Del Caro which restores the original versification of Nietzsche's text and captures its poetic brilliance. Robert Pippin's introduction discusses many of the most important interpretative issues raised by the work, including who is Zarathustra and what kind of 'hero' is he and what is the philosophical significance of the work's literary form? The volume will appeal to all readers interested in one of the most original and inventive works of modern philosophy.