cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in a Lebanese intensive care unit: a prospective observational study

To evaluate the implementation and process of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in an intensive care unit. Prospective observational study in the medical intensive care unit of a university hospital in Lebanon. Forty-five consecutive adult patients admitted to the ICU for a 1-year period and for whom a decision to withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment was made. Patients were followed up until their death. Data regarding all aspects of the implementation and the process of withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment were recorded by a senior staff nurse. Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment was applied to 9.6% of all admitted patients to ICU. Therapies were withheld in 38% and were withdrawn in 7% of patients who died. Futility of care and poor quality of life were the two most important factors supporting these decisions. The nursing staff was not involved in 26% of the decisions to limit care. Families were not implicated in 21% of the cases. Decisions were not notified in the patients’ medical record in 23% of the cases. Sixty-three percent of patients did not have a sedative or an analgesic to treat discomfort during end-of-life care. Life-sustaining treatment were frequently withheld or withdrawn from adult patients in the Lebanese ICU. Cultural differences and the lack of guidelines and official statements could explain the ethical limitations of the decision-making process recorded in this study.
Social support and its relationship to psychological, physical health, and immune variables in HIV‐infection

The purpose of this review is to examine how social support is related to measures of psychological adjustment, physical health, and immune function among HIV-infected gay men. Within this population, recent literature has demonstrated clear links (both positive and negative) between measures of social support and psychological functioning. In contrast, studies looking at the relationship between social support and both measures of physical health and immune function have yielded inconsistent and inconclusive findings. This article synthesizes and reviews what is currently known about the effects of social support on the psychological, physical health, and immune functioning in HIV-infected gay men. Both beneficial and detrimental effects of social support on health are examined, highlighting those aspects of social support that may be enhanced or discouraged in the context of psychotherapeutic interventions.
Broken symmetry, excitons, gapless modes, and topological excitations in trilayer quantum Hall systems

We study the interlayer coherent incompressible phase in trilayer quantum Hall systems (TLQH) at total filling factor ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{T}=1$ from three approaches: Mutual composite fermion (MCF), composite boson (CB), and wave function approach. Just like in bilayer quantum Hall system, CB approach is superior than MCF approach in studying TLQH with broken symmetry. The Hall and Hall drag resistivities are found to be quantized at $h∕{e}^{2}$. Two neutral gapless modes with linear dispersion relations are identified and the ratio of the two velocities is close to $\sqrt{3}$. The excitation spectra are classified into two classes, charge neutral bosonic two-body bound states and charge $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ fermionic three-body bound states. In general, there are two two-body Kosterlize-Thouless (KT) transition temperatures and one three-body KT transition. The charge $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ three-body fermionic bound states may be the main dissipation source of transport measurements. The broken symmetry in terms of SU (3) algebra is studied. The structure of excitons and their flowing patterns are given. The coupling between the two Goldstone modes will lead to the broadening in the zero-bias peak in the interlayer correlated tunnelings of the TLQH. Several interesting features unique to TLQH are outlined. Limitations of the CB approach are also pointed out.
Sulf-2: an extracellular modulator of cell signaling and a cancer target candidate

Importance of the field: Sulf-1 and Sulf-2 are sulfatases that edit the sulfation status of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on the outside of cells and regulate a number of critical signaling pathways. The Sulfs are dysregulated in many cancers with Sulf-2 in particular implicated as a driver of carcinogenesis in NSCLC, pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.Areas covered in this review: This review describes the novel activity of the Sulfs in altering the sulfation pattern of HSPG chains on the outside of cells. Thereby, the Sulfs can change the binding of growth factors to these chains and can either promote (e.g., Wnt) or inhibit (e.g., fibroblast growth factor-2) signaling. The review focuses on the widespread upregulation of both Sulfs in cancers and summarizes the evidence that Sulf-2 promotes the transformed behavior of several types of cancer cells in vitro as well as their tumorigenicity in vivo.What the reader will gain: Sulf-2 is a bonafide candidate as a cancer-causing agent in N...
Reliability and validity of a computer-based knowledge mapping system to measure content understanding

Abstract The motivating concern behind CRESST's knowledge mapping research has been the desire to assess students' understanding of relationships utilizing a format that departs from both standardized multiple-choice testing and discourse-dependent tasks (e.g. essays). Fusing computer technology and knowledge mapping environments creates new instructional and assessment opportunities, primarily by providing the capability for real-time scoring, feedback, reporting, networking, and Internet/Web access. Overall, 149 middle and high school students participated in two computer-based knowledge mapping studies: (1) students constructed group maps while collaborating over a network, and (2) students constructed individual maps, attempting to improve their maps while searching a Web space. Results showed that knowledge map scores increased significantly from fall to spring for students constructing maps individually while searching a web space containing relevant and irrelevant information about environmental science. This finding supports the position that students' abilities in searching and processing information on the Internet may have increased as a result of using computer technology over the course of the school year. On the other hand, virtually no differences were found for group knowledge maps from fall to spring, and therefore no clear relationships among content understanding and collaboration were found. Four teachers' knowledge maps served as ‘expert criteria’ to evaluate individual student's and group's knowledge maps. The most important reliability issue for both studies focused on inter-expert agreement using teachers' maps to score students' maps. In the studies presented here, inter-expert pairwise agreements for both studies were in the 80–90 percentage range.
Perfluorochemical Emulsions as Turkey Semen Diluents: Effects of Varying Aeration Treatments and Aqueous Phase on Fertilizing Capacity of Semen Stored for Twenty-Four Hours

Abstract In a preliminary study, it was found that aeration of turkey semen diluted 1:2 with a phosphate buffer diluent (PD) and stored for 24 h at 12 to 13 C improved the fertilizing capacity relative to that obtained from PD-diluted semen that was not aerated (63.8 and 14.0%, respectively). Emulsifying PD with an equal volume of the oxygen carrier perfluorobutyltetrahydrofurane (FC-80) and using the resulting emulsion as a diluent further increased the fertility (86.6%), but the best fertility was from unstored, undiluted semen (98.0%). The efficacy of using emulsions of aqueous diluents with FC-80 for 24-h cold storage of turkey semen was studied in detail. When semen diluted with PD:FC-80 emulsions received varying levels of O2 for aeration, the fertilizing capacity of semen aerated with 60 or 100% O2 (86.1 and 89.6%, respectively) was significantly greater (P ≤ .05) than that obtained using 20% oxygen (78.5%). The FC-80 emulsions that were made using commercially available diluents in place of the PD were tested with 100% O2 aeration during storage. The percentage fertility obtained from emulsions made with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender or Lake’s 7.1 “mm” Diluent was significantly greater (P ≤ .05) than that for PD or Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Extender (90.5 and 90.2% vs 77.6 and 72.6%, respectively). This research demonstrates that perfluorochemicals may be useful for cold storage of turkey semen when emulsified with optimum diluents and aerated with ≥60% O2.
The Swastika Epidemic of 1959-1960: Anti-Semitism and Community Characteristics

are to them indicative of patients' attempts to retain the prerogatives of high extra-hospital status in a ward setting. CONCLUSION Previous research has demonstrated that nurses' attitudes about (a) the nature and treatment of mental illness (custodialism) and about (b) the effects of patients' extra-hospital social status on nurse-patient relationships (status disaffection) vary from one type of psychiatric hospital to another.'5 This paper has attempted to show that these attitudes also vary from one type of ward to another and from work shift to work shift within the
The median eminence as a model to study presynaptic regulation of neural peptide release

Presynaptic receptors in peptidergic neurons within the brain should be considered as an important target upon which different neurotransmitters or neuromodulators can act to affect peptide release. Evidence reviewed in this paper indicates that the median eminence (ME) of the hypothalamus is an area where many such interactions at the presynaptic level take place. Release of LHRH, somatostatin and vasopressin is affected by a variety of neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, epinephrine, histamine, cholinergic and opioid agonists, and peptides such as angiotensin II. The actions of these agents were prevented by the use of specific receptor blockers, indicating the specificity of the response evoked. Furthermore, with the use of classical pharmacological approaches, the type and affinity of the receptor involved is well defined. Other agents, such as prostaglandins (PGE2) or steroids (estradiol) were found to affect the activity of the peptidergic neuron at the synaptic terminal by stimulating directly peptide release (as seems to be the case for the PGE2/LHRH interaction) or by changing the sensitivity of the terminal to other transmitters, as shown for estradiol. In conclusion, the evidence presented indicates that the ME is an excellent model to study presynaptic regulation of neural peptide release. A set of criteria was defined within the text to establish the physiological significance of the in vitro studies. Several of the substances tested, and particularly norepinephrine and dopamine, seem to meet all the requirements to be considered physiological presynaptic regulators of neural peptide release at the level of the ME.
Dynamic fiber debonding and frictional push-out in model composite systems: numerical simulations

Abstract This paper summarizes our recent progress on the experimental and numerical study of dynamic fiber debonding and frictional push-out in model composite systems. A modified split Hopkinson pressure bar system is adopted to perform dynamic fiber push-out experiments. A cohesive/volumetric finite element scheme is developed to capture the initiation and propagation of the crack along the fiber/matrix interface. Interface properties are extracted by comparison between experimental and numerical results. Details of the physical process are analyzed by investigating numerically the propagation and evolution of the axial stress along the entire system. The numerical method is applied to an aluminum/epoxy model composite system. Finally, effects of several important parameters such as interfacial strength, interfacial fracture toughness, fiber/matrix friction coefficient and loading rate are investigated.
Circadian-dependent prolactin effects: hepatic RNA metabolism and prostaglandin mediation.

Abstract Prolactin injection in Gulf killifish ( Fundulus grandis ) has variable effects upon hepatic RNA depending upon the time during the circadian cycle when injections are made. Prolactin treatment early in the light phase results in elevated hepatic RNA levels which are not explained by increased synthesis. These results indicate that “early” prolactin treatment inhibits degradation of nascent liver RNA. Prolactin injection late in the light phase leads to increased RNA synthesis. A blocker of prostaglandin synthesis, indomethacin, does not prevent the “early” prolactin effect in vivo . Indomethacin inhibits the “late” prolactin stimulation of RNA synthesis both in vivo and in vitro . Prostaglandin F 2α stimulates RNA synthesis in vitro . We conclude that the “late” prolactin influence is probably mediated by prostaglandin whereas the “early” prolactin influence depends upon other mechanisms.
MULTIPLE SCATTERING MEASUREMENTS ON ELECTRON TRACKS IN NUCLEAR EMULSION.

Abstract The reliability of multiple scattering measurements of pβc for electron energies ranging from 30 to 500 MeV is tested in nuclear emulsion by comparing them with the kinetic energies obtained through kinematics from the measured emission angles (≦ 10°).
Affect and well-being similarity among older Indian spouses.

Objectives: Previous work suggests that husbands and wives are likely to share affective states so that depression or happiness in one spouse is predictive of depression or happiness in the other. Studies that have examined spousal affect similarity, however, have been concentrated in the Western world where the meaning of marriage may be different than it is in other cultural contexts. Marriage in India, unlike that in the United States, is focused on the extended family so that love and intimacy between spouses are downplayed. This study examined affect and well-being similarity between 603 older married couples in India using pilot data from the Longitudinal Aging Study of India.Method: We ran linear regression models to assess the relationship between the well-being states of husbands and wives using dyadic observations for four different measures: depressive symptoms, dissatisfaction with daily life, social isolation, and overall life satisfaction.Results: Across all four measures, the well-being sco...
Processing and properties of ZrO2(3Y2O3)–Al2O3 nanocomposites

Abstract Nanocomposites of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), containing 20 and 40 wt% alumina, were prepared by a two-step process: (1) fine-particle aggregates of the constituent phases were melted and homogenized in a high enthalpy plasma, prior to rapid quenching in water to obtain metastable starting powders, and (2) the metastable powders were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP), under conditions designed to ensure the formation of nanocomposites by controlling the metastable-to-stable phase transformation during sintering. In both cases, the resulting nanocomposites had completely uniform structures, comprising 27 and 50 vol% of α-Al 2 O 3 in a tetragonal YSZ matrix phase. Measurements of hardness and indentation toughness were correlated with observed structures.
Depressive symptoms and associated clinical characteristics in outpatients seeking community-based treatment for alcohol and drug problems

ABSTRACTBackground: Comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders are common and associated with poorer treatment engagement, retention, and outcomes. This study examines the presence of depressive symptoms and the demographic and clinical correlates in a diverse sample of substance abuse treatment seekers to better characterize patients with co-occurring depressive symptoms and substance use disorders and understand potential treatment needs. Methods: Baseline data from a randomized clinical effectiveness trial of a computer-assisted, Web-delivered psychosocial intervention were analyzed. Participants (N = 507) were recruited from 10 geographically diverse outpatient drug treatment programs. Assessments included the self-report Patient Health Questionnaire, and measures of coping strategies, social functioning, physical health status, and substance use. Results: One fifth (21%; n = 106) of the sample screened positive for depression; those screening positive for depression were significantly more like...
Soman-induced seizures: limbic activity, oxidative stress and neuroprotective proteins.

Soman, a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, induces status epilepticus in rats followed by conspicuous neuropathology, most prominent in piriform cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Cholinergic seizures originate in striatal–nigral pathways and with fast-acting agents (soman) rapidly spread to limbic related areas and finally culminate in a full-blown status epilepticus. This leads to neurochemical changes, some of which may be neuroprotective whereas others may cause brain damage. Pretreatment with lithium sensitizes the brain to cholinergic seizures. Likewise, other agents that increase limbic hyperactivity may sensitize the brain to cholinergic agents. The hyperactivity associated with the seizure state leads to an increase in intracellular calcium, cellular edema and metal delocalization producing an oxidative stress. These changes induce the synthesis of stress-related proteins such as heat shock proteins, metallothioneins and heme oxygenases. We show that soman-induced seizures cause a depletion in tissue glutathione and an increase in tissue ‘catalytic’ iron, metallothioneins and heme oxygenase-1. The oxidative stress induces the synthesis of stress-related proteins, which are indicators of ‘stress’ and possibly provide neuroprotection. These findings suggest that delocalization of iron may catalyze Fenton-like reactions, causing progressive cellular damage via free radical products. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of left and right atrial epicardial pacing in patients with congenital heart disease.

Abstract Background . Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) often necessitates the use of epicardial pacing. Adequate right atrial (RA) sensing and pacing thresholds are often difficult to obtain due to suture line scarring and RA dilatation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the placement of left atrial (LA) epicardial leads in children. Methods . Patient demographics, pacing, and sensing data of atrial pacing systems implanted between January 1994 and January 1997 were collected. Results . Forty-nine pacing systems were implanted: 14 LA epicardial, 19 RA epicardial, and 16 transvenous in the right atrium. Lead impedance, current, and energy were similar in the two epicardial groups throughout the study. Energy thresholds (ET) were lower in the LA than RA at 6 months, and 1 and 2 years ( p Conclusions . Transvenous leads are most efficient but often contraindicated in complex CHD. LA leads offer lower energy thresholds than RA leads with similar sensing parameters.
Management of elevated prostate-specific antigen in men with nonbacterial chronic prostatitis

Elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the setting of acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis is common. Serum PSA, however, is much more variable in the setting of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Because elevated serum PSA is associated with prostate cancer and is used in screening programs for prostate cancer, patients with benign causes for elevation of serum PSA present a challenge. This article reviews the management of patients with elevated serum PSA and a diagnosis of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
Simple Economics of the Price-Setting Newsvendor Problem

The Lerner relationship linking the profit-maximizing price to marginal cost and the elasticity of demand generalizes to the price-setting newsvendor, and the result resolves the puzzle over the different effects of additive and multiplicative uncertainty on the solution. Multiplicative uncertainty increases the optimal price because it increases the marginal cost of a unit sold and does not affect the markup factor. Additive uncertainty has no effect on the marginal cost of a unit sold and lowers the markup factor because it increases the elasticity of the average quantity sold with respect to price. This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
Functional interactions of mitochondrial DNA polymerase and single-stranded DNA-binding protein. Template-primer DNA binding and initiation and elongation of DNA strand synthesis.

Functional interactions between mitochondrial DNA polymerase (pol gamma) and mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) from Drosophila embryos have been evaluated with regard to the overall activity of pol gamma and in partial reactions involving template-primer binding and initiation and idling in DNA strand synthesis. Both the 5' --> 3' DNA polymerase and 3' --> 5' exonuclease in pol gamma are stimulated 15-20-fold on oligonucleotide-primed single-stranded DNA by native and recombinant forms of mtSSB. That the extent of stimulation is similar for both enzyme activities over a broad range of KCl concentrations suggests their functional coordination and a similar mechanism of stimulation by mtSSB. At the same time, the high mispair specificity of pol gamma in exonucleolytic hydrolysis is maintained, indicating that enhancement of pol gamma catalytic efficiency is likely not accompanied by increased nucleotide turnover. DNase I footprinting of pol gamma.DNA complexes and initial rate measurements show that mtSSB enhances primer recognition and binding and stimulates 30-fold the rate of initiation of DNA strands. Dissociation studies show that productive complexes of the native pol gamma heterodimer with template-primer DNA are formed and remain stable in the absence of replication accessory proteins.
Affective Reactions of Women to Their Initial Experience of Coitus

Abstract A sample of sexually experienced college students was utilized to explore the affective reactions of women to their first sexual intercourse and to identify possible correlates. Pearson product‐moment correlations and multiple regression analyses were employed to test the association between affective reactions and a group of predictor variables, including social background, family background, peer influences, sexual attitudes, adolescent courtship experiences, and situational factors of the first intercourse. The results indicate that women experience a wide range of affect and that pleasure, anxiety, and guilt appear to be the most salient of these affective reactions. Correlational analyses reveal that previous rehearsal of non‐coital sexual interaction and situational components of the first intercourse itself are important predictors of these affective reactions. The report closes with a consideration of potential avenues for future research.
Internal carotid artery stump angioplasty for the treatment of cerebrovascular occlusive disease.

✓ Nineteen patients underwent a total of 21 stump angioplasty procedures for an occluded internal carotid artery. Indications for surgery included the preparation of the donor vessel for a subsequent extracranial-intracranial bypass procedure, the occurrence of emboli to the intracranial vasculature from the external carotid artery circulation, and the association with symptomatic occlusive disease of the external carotid artery accompanying occlusion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. The technique utilized and the results obtained in these 19 patients are presented. In select patients, the removal of an occluded internal carotid artery stump via a stump angioplasty is beneficial in preventing the catastrophic sequela of embolic cerebrovascular disease.
Model-independent fluorescence polarization for measuring order in a biological assembly.

In the first part of this paper, we developed a model-independent method of describing the order in the arrangement of elements in a general, anisotropic, time-independent biologic structure, where elemental order is reported by dipolar (e.g., fluorescent) probes. This method begins with the description of the elemental order of a biologic assembly as an arbitrary angular distribution of molecular frames, with one frame fixed in each element of the structure. The angular distribution is then expanded in a complete set of orthonormal angular functions and the moments of the series expansion are related to observable quantities. These moments describe the physical properties of the elemental order of the system without a model and without reference to the method of observation. The method is developed here for fluorescence polarization measurements, when each elemental subunit is specifically fluorescence-labeled, and the elemental order is reported by the polarization of the emission from the fluorescent probe after polarized excitation. This approach establishes the theoretical limitations of the fluorescence polarization technique for determining elemental order in a system and indicates analytical and experimental strategies for obtaining all the order information in the observed signal. A version of this method has been successfully applied to the study of the order of arrangement of the myosin cross-bridge in intact muscle fibers [Burghardt, Ando, and Borejdo (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA80, 7515–7519]. These results are discussed briefly in this paper. In the second part of this paper we extend the model-independent analysis to the time-dependent, anisotropic system where the fluorescence-labeled elements are undergoing restricted rotational motion. The model-independent analysis is used to measure the angular potential that restricts the rotational motion of the elements. The method does not require time-resolved measurements.
A conceptual model for training after-school program staffers to promote physical activity and nutrition.

BACKGROUND: After-school programs (ASPs, 3 pm to 6 pm) have been called upon to increase the amount of daily physical activity children accumulate and improve the nutritional quality of the snacks served. To this end, state and national physical activity and nutrition (PAaN) policies have been proposed. Frontline staff who directly interact with children on a daily basis are charged with the responsibility to meet policy goals. Without appropriate skills, staffers' ability to achieve such goals is limited. The gap between policies and improvements in PAaN must be bridged through professional development training. This article describes the development of an ASP staff professional development training program. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify relevant theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and recommended best practices relating to promoting PAaN of children. RESULTS: A comprehensive professional development framework was developed that incorporated the key elements identified from the review. These elements were distilled into 5 primary categories and conceptually referred to as the 5 Ms: mission—clearly defined policy/standards for PAaN; motivate—providing choices, developmentally appropriate activities, feedback, and encouragement; manage—structuring and managing the environment for safety, routines, and discipline; monitor—ongoing evaluation of PAaN; and maximize—incorporating all former Ms. CONCLUSIONS: The application of this training framework should lead to improved implementation and eventual achievement of policy goals for PAaN in ASPs. These competencies need to be developed in all ASPs if widespread improvements in PAaN within the ASP setting are to be realized.
Combined plasma exchange and platelet transfusion in immune-mediated thrombocytopenic emergencies

Refractory immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) can be very difficult to manage, especially if associated with a hemorrhagic or surgical emergency. We report two cases of refractory ITP that were unresponsive to routine therapeutic interventions and frequent platelet transfusions. A combination of plasma exchange and platelet transfusion successfully raised the platelet count to a level that permitted life-saving surgical interventions. Plasma exchange in these two cases likely reduced platelet antibodies significantly, decreasing platelet destruction. We propose that a trial of combination plasma exchange and platelet transfusion can be attempted in emergent thrombocytopenic situations with an underlying immune mechanism.
Experimental Investigation of Thermoacoustic Coupling for Low-Swirl Lean Premixed Flames

Combustion instabilities are frequently encountered in gas turbine engines. The main physical mechanism that leads to combustion instability is thermoacoustic coupling, where energy released as part of the combustion process is transferred into combustor acoustics, which can then affect the combustion heat release in a feedback process. This paper presents an experimental study ofthis coupling for a lean premixed methane―air low-swirl flame. Planar laser-induced fluorescence of the hydroxyl radical was employed to measure the behavior of this flame in an acoustically driven environment and the Rayleigh index was used as an indicator of the thermoacoustic coupling. The acoustic excitation ranged from 13 to 270 Hz. Experiments show that the coupling occurred within certain frequency subranges depending on the Reynolds and Strouhal number. The acoustic excitation can couple with the shear-layer vortices, which in turn wrinkle the flame with a periodicity similar to the acoustic driving. This effect, through the changes in local flame surface density, gives rise to intense toroidal structures in the Rayleigh index field.
Vanadate monomers and dimers both inhibit the human prostatic acid phosphatase

A combination of enzyme kinetics and 51V NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the species of vanadate that inhibits acid phosphatases. Monomeric vanadate was shown to inhibit wheat germ and potato acid phosphatases. At pH 5.5, the vanadate dimer inhibits the human prostatic acid phosphatase whereas at pH 7.0 it is the vanadate monomer that inhibits this enzyme. The pH-dependent shift in the affinity of the prostatic phosphatase for vanadate is presumably due to deprotonation of an amino acid side chain in or near the binding site resulting in a conformational change in the protein. pH may be a subtle effector of the insulin-like vanadate activity in biological systems and may explain some of the differences in selectivity observed with the protein phosphatases.
Painting a picture of America's nonprofit foundations: a content analysis of public relations photographs distributed through online wire services

Studies have shown that nearly 75% of news coverage in print publications stem from public relations information subsidies, such as news releases, fact sheets, and position papers. Often, organizations send photographs along with these materials in hopes that the media will publish these pictures; thereby, increasing readership of the news story and maximizing the organization's exposure to key audiences. This study examines 339 randomly sampled photographs distributed by American nonprofit foundations through online news wire services from 2006 to 2009. The results indicate that the majority of photographs are staged rather than more intriguing live-action photographs. The implications of these results are further discussed with formal suggestions for improving this element of media relations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Codes from the Suzuki function field

We construct algebraic geometry (AG) codes from the function field F(2/sup 2n+1/)(x,y)/F(2/sup 2n+1/) defined by y(2/sup 2n+1/)-y=(x(2/sup 2n+/)-x) where n is a positive integer. These codes are supported by two places, and many have parameters that are better than those of any comparable code supported by one place of the same function field. To define such codes, we determine and exploit the structure of the Weierstrass gap set of an arbitrary pair of rational places of F(2/sup 2n+1/)(x,y)/F(2/sup 2n+1/). Moreover, we find some codes over F/sub 8/ with parameters that are better than any known code.
Strategies for multi-rate recording for a consumer digital VCR

This paper explores strategies for varying data rates while maintaining tape data density in low-cost digital VCRs by using sequential head-switching techniques. >
Scheduling of Tanker Lightering via a Novel Continuous-Time Optimization Framework

The problem of scheduling a fleet of marine vessels for crude oil tanker lightering is addressed. A novel continuous-time mathematical formulation is developed on the basis of the concept of event ...
Application of the extended boundary condition method to Monte Carlo simulations of scattering of waves by two-dimensional random rough surfaces

The extended boundary condition method is applied to Monte Carlo simulations of two-dimensional random rough surface scattering. The numerical results are compared with one-dimensional random rough surfaces obtained from the finite-element method. It is found that the mean scattered intensity from two-dimensional rough surfaces differs from that of one dimension for rough surfaces with large slopes.
Physical activity, fitness, and dyspnea perception in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

We assessed whether physical activity could influence the performance and perception of dyspnea in children who were operated on for high risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We hypothesized that CDH children with normal activity would have better lung function and exercise performance level when compared to sedentary CDH subjects. We studied 18 children (11 males and 7 females, mean age 6.6 ± 2.6 years) who were surgically corrected. All children underwent physical examination, ECG at rest, and a maximal exercise stress test on a treadmill to measure the duration of exercise, maximal heart rate and blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max and VO2 ml/kg/min). Lung function testing to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also performed. Following the stress test, the Dalhousie dyspnea and effort scale was shown to children as a pictorial panel with three groups of increasing (from 1 to 7) levels of effort perception, throat discomfort, and chest dyspnea. Children were divided into group A (sedentary) and group B (regular physical participation). There was no difference in CDH severity between the two groups. Group A had a statistically significant lower duration of exercise (P < 0.01), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max P < 0.0001), VO2 ml/kg/min (P < 0.001), higher throat closing feeling (P < 0.004), chest dyspnea (P < 0.001), and effort perception (P < 0.04) compared to group B. No differences were found in lung function tests. In conclusion, our data may suggest that children with a history of CDH who are active maintain a higher level of performance with less perception of dyspnea and effort. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1000–1006. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of Tropical Convection over the Ocean near Kwajalein

Radar observations have been analyzed to determine characteristics of convection over the oceanic region around Kwajalein in the tropical western Pacific. Generally, the echo areas, heights, and durations exhibited lognormal distributions. Heights were greater under conditions of higher midtropospheric humidity and correlated with echo area, with a wide spread of values. Mergers and splits often truncated echo lifetimes. The most surprising result was the distribution of orientation angles of echo lines, which statistically verify the shear-parallel and shear-normal modes of convective line organization seen elsewhere over tropical oceans. The two modes typically coexisted within the area of radar coverage, indicating a potential difficulty in predicting line orientation in terms of large-scale variables. The largest members of the echo population were mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), which had large stratiform components. They occurred in environments of increased humidity and higher midlevel buoyancy associated with westward-propagating synoptic-scale disturbances. MCSs moved with the easterlies in low to midlevels and exhibited the jump updraft, overturning updraft, and subsiding midlevel inflow characteristic of tropical oceanic MCSs. The Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX) radar echo population resembles that of the eastern tropical Atlantic in terms of the shapes of the distributions of area, height, and lifetime, the prevalence of echo mergers and splits, and the tendency to form shear-parallel and shear-normal lines. These characteristics appear to be endemic to oceanic convective populations. Large-scale conditions appear to modulate these basic population characteristics rather than qualitatively alter them.
Urinary calcium excretion in enterally fed disabled children

The urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) ratio was measured in 17 enterally tube fed disabled children. Urine Ca/Cr ratios were inversely related to dietary calcium intake in immobile children (r = ˛0.57, p < 0.05) but not in those who were able to stand or walk (mobile children) (r = 0.4, p = 0.51). None of the subjects had evidence of nephrocalcinosis or renal calculi detectable by renal ultrasonography. (Arch Dis Child 2001;85:58‐59)
Efficacy of four semi‐selective media for recovery of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from tropical soils

R. FUKUI, R. ARIAS AND R. ALVAREZ. 1994. Four semi-selective media, CS20 ABN, aesculin—trehalose (ET), Fieldhouse—Sasser (FS), and starch—methionine (SM), were compared for efficacy in recovering Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from artificially and naturally infested soils. Recoveries of X. c. campestris from soils infested with relatively large populations were similar on the four media. The FS and ET media exhibited higher selectivity against background saprophytes, whereas enumeration of X. c. campestris on CS20 ABN or SM was often hampered by the overgrowth of background saprophytes. Among three starch-containing media (CS20 ABN, ET and FS media), the zones of starch hydrolysis, characteristic of colonies of X. c. campestris, were most distinctive for FS medium. This allowed easier identification of the target colonies among numerous non-target colonies in tests with soil containing smaller numbers of X. c. campestris. Although the starch zone was also distinctive on CS20 ABN, this medium was not as effective as FS because the starch zones were so large that neighbouring zones fused with each other and many saprophytes formed colonies within the zones. Overall, FS was most suitable for soil studies in terms of the consistent recovery of the pathogen, the selectivity against saprophytes, and the differentiation from non-target organisms.
Higher-order magneto-electric effects

Abstract Effects related to the terms αi j kHiEjEk and βi j kEiHjHk in the Gibbs function are discussed, especially in relation to the measurement by O'Dell, of a magneto-electric effect induced by an electric field. It is pointed out that it would be interesting to establish (H, T) phase diagrams.
Atypical Work Hours and Metabolic Syndrome Among Police Officers

This study examined whether atypical work hours are associated with metabolic syndrome among a random sample of 98 police officers. Shift work and overtime data from daily payroll records and reported sleep duration were obtained. Metabolic syndrome was defined as elevated waist circumference and triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. Multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of covariance models were used for analyses. Officers working midnight shifts were on average younger and had a slightly higher mean number of metabolic syndrome components. Stratification on sleep duration and overtime revealed significant associations between midnight shifts and the mean number of metabolic syndrome components among officers with less sleep (p = .013) and more overtime (p = .007). Results suggest shorter sleep duration and more overtime combined with midnight shift work may be important contributors to the metabolic syndrome.
Scale, productivity growth and risk response under uncertainty

This study focuses on the analysis of the production behavior and risk preferences in the presence of output price uncertainty. Following a theoretical model based on the assumption of maximization of expected utility of profits, the approach used in this study infers information about risk preferences from the production characteristics of the farm. In addition, the nonparametric method of estimating elasticity of scale and technical change eliminates the need to impose a uniform production or cost functions on individual producers. The approach is applied to a panel of dairy farms, which are evaluated for their elasticity of scale and the total productivity growth components of their operations. Estimates of farmers' risk attitudes represented by individual marginal risk premiums are also related to socio-economic attributes of farmers. Overall, farm size plays an important role in explaining productivity and scale differences and has the most significant negative effect on marginal risk aversion. The magnitude of the impact of additions to the farm's dairy herd increases with scale of operations.
Identity Theory and Emotions

Identity theory grows out of structural symbolic interaction (Stryker [1980] 2002). Two features that are particularly important in structural symbolic interaction are society and self. Society is viewed as a stable and orderly structure as reflected in the patterned behavior within and between social actors. When we look at the patterned behavior across social actors and see how these patterns fit with the patterns of other social actors, we find larger interindividual patterns that constitute the core of social structure. While actors are creating social structure, they are also receiving feedback from the social structure that influences their behavior. In this way, actors are always embedded in the very social structure that they are simultaneously creating.
Symmetry Effects in Resonance Scattering

A brief review is given of a recently obtained result that the elements of the phenomenological scattering tensor for inelastic scattering of light by elementary excitations in a crystal can be expressed as a known product form in: Clebsch-Gordan Coefficients, times reduced matrix elements, thereby making maximal use of the symmetry of the system. Recent experimental work on Quadrupole-Dipole Resonance Raman Scattering by phonons in Cu20 due to Professor H. Z. Cummins’ group at CCNY illustrates and confirms the extraction of symmetry and dynamical information in a definitive and beautiful fashion.
The efficiency of single genome amplification and sequencing is improved by quantitation and use of a bioinformatics tool

Typically, population-based sequencing of HIV does not detect minority variants present at levels below 20-30%. Single genome amplification (SGA) and sequencing improves detection, but it requires many PCRs to find the optimal terminal dilution to use. A novel method for guiding the selection of a terminal dilution was developed and compared to standard methods. A quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) protocol was developed. HIV RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed, and quantitated. A bioinformatics web-based application was created for calculating the optimal concentration of cDNA to use based on results of a trial PCR using the dilution suggested by the qRT-PCR results. This method was compared to the standard. Using the standard protocol, the mean number of PCRs giving an average of 30 (26-34, SD=3) SGA per sample was 245 (218-266, SD=20) after an average of 8 trial dilutions. Using this method, 135 PCRs (135-135, SD=0) produced 30 (27-30, SD=1) SGA using exactly two dilutions. This new method reduced turnaround time from 8 to 2 days. Standard methods of SGA sequencing can be costly and both time- and labor-intensive. By choosing a terminal dilution concentration with the proposed method, the number of PCRs required is decreased and efficiency improved.
Why are VMPFC patients more utilitarian? A dual-process theory of moral judgment explains.

Koenigs, Young and colleagues [1] recently tested patients with emotion-related damage in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) using moral dilemmas used in previous neuroimaging studies [2,3]. These patients made unusually utilitarian judgments (endorsing harmful actions that promote the greater good). My collaborators and I have proposed a dual-process theory of moral judgment [2,3] that we claim predicts this result. In a Research Focus article published in this issue of Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Moll and de Oliveira-Souza [4] challenge this interpretation.
A stable distributed tuple space

An approach is presented which extends the MOM fault-tolerant implementation of the Linda model of parallel programming. The original MOM system provided persistence of tuples and tuple states across both tuple-space and worker node halt failures. Unfortunately, the requirement that system tuple space reside in a central location restricted the scalability of the MOM model. In this work, an approach is presented for distributed system tuple space and tuple states using a hashing function on tuple labels. This approach compares favourably with other tuple-space distribution methods in terms of message costs during non-fault operation, and allows preservation of the fault-tolerant mechanisms of the MOM model.
Metaconsumptive Practices and the Circulation of Objectifications

This article analyzes an intersection of materiality and language use. I argue that verbal practices, generally overlooked in material culture studies, are an integral dimension of consumption. Types of talk - both referential and indexical - can illustrate how people mediate relationships with objects, as well as with each other. Drawing on ethnographic research in Silicon Valley, California (1999-2001), I present examples from middle-class South Asian American communities. In these closely-knit social contexts, I examine how people discursively create objectifications through talk and consumption of visual media such as video and photographs. My examination of these language practices reveals that people not only form relationships with objects they own, but also with objectifications - verbal and visual representations - of objects they borrow, rent, or imagine. Social theorists have remarked on how people can use contests of status and display associated with consumption to ascend into higher social c...
Dynamics of diamondback moth oviposition in the presence of a highly preferred non-suitable host

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), highly prefers to oviposit on yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris (R. Br.) (Cruciferae) var. arcuata, despite larvae not being able to survive on it, suggesting it may have potential as a trap crop. In a no-choice greenhouse experiment, P. xylostella laid 28% more eggs on B. vulgaris than on cabbage. Within the B. vulgaris plant, P. xylostella laid 3.7 times more eggs on younger than older leaves. Furthermore, we demonstrated that in the presence of B. vulgaris volatiles, P. xylostella laid 23% more eggs on cabbage plants than when B. vulgaris volatiles were absent. Because increased oogenesis in the presence of B. vulgaris could complicate the use of this host as a trap crop for P. xylostella, we wanted to examine levels of oogenesis in varying mixtures of cabbage and B. vulgaris. In outdoor screenhouse experiments, P. xylostella laid a decreasing percentage of eggs on cabbage as the percentage of B. vulgaris increased. However, the total number of eggs laid on cabbage did not differ among treatments, suggesting that the presence of B. vulgaris may have stimulated P. xylostella oviposition. In the field, total oviposition in cabbage plots containing B. vulgaris was 6.3 times higher than in cabbage plots without B. vulgaris. However, in plots with B. vulgaris, P. xylostella laid 99% of the eggs on B. vulgaris and oviposition on cabbage plants was 6.2 times lower than in the plots without B. vulgaris. The results of this study are discussed according to P. xylostella egg-laying behavior and life history as it relates to its interaction with B. vulgaris.