cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral Profiling by 1D and 2D Electron Spin Resonance Imaging: Nitroxide Radicals in UV and Thermal Degradation of Poly(acrylonitrile−butadiene−styrene) Containing a Hindered Amine Stabilizer

Thermal and UV oxidative degradation of poly(acrylonitrile−butadiene−styrene) (ABS) containing a hindered amine stabilizer (HAS) was studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and ESR imaging (ESRI). The imaging technique allowed digital (nondestructive) spectral profiling of the HAS-derived nitroxide radicals: Their intensity profile was determined by 1D ESRI, and the spatial variation of the ESR line shapes was determined by 2D spectral−spatial ESRI. The UV light was provided by fluorescent lamps with maximum intensity in the range 290−320 nm (UVB) or by a Xe arc that closely resembled the solar spectrum. Upon UVB irradiation the nitroxide signal was initially strong only on the irradiated side and increased with time through the sample. These results were taken as evidence for extensive damage on the irradiated side and slower thermal degradation in the entire sample. The effect of UVB radiation was in marked contrast with that of a Xe source; after Xe irradiation the nitroxide radicals wer...
A unified approach to the solution of plane elasto-plastic problems: Criteria of yielding

Abstract A modified form of the Tresca yield criterion is presented. The modification made is intended to generalize Tresca and make it applicable for materials yielding differently in tension and in compression. The resulting three-dimensional surface is discussed and the required relations for locating and shifting violating stress states are coded in a FORTRAN subroutine ready for use in elasto-plasticity or visco-plasticity analysis. This modification permits a unified approach to the solution of plane stress and plane strain elasto-plastic problems. Formulation of the constitutive laws and numerical examples will be presented in future papers.
CameraNets: coverage and data management problems in distributed smart camera networks

Abstract Distributed Smart Camera systems (DSCs) consist of a (possibly large) number of cameras that collaborate on a monitoring task. DSCs have a wide range of applications such as surveillance, intelligent traffic systems, environmental monitoring, industrial safety and law enforcement. DSCs automatically control what to monitor and how to act on the collected video. For example, cameras monitoring traffic may change their orientation to track moving traffic and alert responders if an accident occurs. DSCs differ from conventional multi-camera surveillance systems in that they eliminate the need for a human to control them and to interpret the video. Free of this limitation, DSCs can scale to much higher scales, while improving monitoring effectiveness. However, a number of difficult challenges must be solved before DSCs can realize this potential. In this paper, we discuss our results and activities within a QNRF-funded project looking at two general challenges facing DSCs: 1 - Coverage control: how to control cameras with Pan-Tilt-Zoom capability to track a group of targets and/or areas of interest. We frame the problem as an optimization problem to maximize the value of the covered targets. We show that the problem is NP-hard and develop a family of heuristic approaches with near optimal behavior that do not require central coordination. 2 - Data Management: as the cameras collect their video, they need to relay it for real-time monitoring using a bandwidth constrained network, or store it for later analysis. Cameras can coordinate to eliminate redundancies and to infer the importance of the observed video. Moreover, storage architectures are needed to effectively store the video data and to allow efficient indexing and retrieval. We report our initial solutions and performance evaluation studies in this area, which were obtained by a mixture of simulation and using an experimental multi-camera test bed that we have started to deploy.
Some Recursive Definitions for Linear Values of Cooperative TU Games

We give recursive definitions for the Banzhaf Value and the Semivalues of cooperative TU games. These definitions were suggested by the concept of potential for the Shapley Value due to Hart and Mas-Colell and by some results of the author who introduced the potentials of these values and the Power Game of a given game.
Millimeter/Submillimeter-Wave Spectrum of the First Excited Torsional State in HOOH

Abstract The millimeter and submillimeter (mm/submm)-wave spectrum of hydrogen peroxide has been extended to include the first excited torsional state, n = 1. The 135 newly assigned rotational transitions within the n = 1 torsional state range from K a = 2 to 9 and up to J = 30. Sixty-seven new observations in n = 0, which include rotational quantum numbers up to J = 47 and K a = 5, supplement the previously measured 349 torsional ground state transitions. All of the observed mm/submm-wave transitions within the n = 0 and 1 torsional states, as well as recent infrared data, have been fit simultaneously to their respective experimental uncertainties using a Watson-type Hamiltonian for each of the torsional states, τ. A Fermi interaction between the torsional levels in n = 0, 1, and 2 has been included.
Tailored elastic behavior of multilayers through controlled interface structure

Atomistic simulations are reviewed that elucidate the causes of the anomalous elastic behavior of thin films and composition-modulated superlattice materials. The investigation of free-standing thin films and of superlattices, composed of grain boundaries, shows that the elastic anomalies are not an electronic but a structural interface effect that is intricately connected with the local atomic disorder at the interfaces. The consequent predictions that (i)coherent strained-layer superlattices should show the smallest elastic anomalies and (ii) making the interfaces incoherent should enhance all anomalies, are validated by simulations of dissimilar-material superlattices. Such simulations can be an effective aid in tailoring the elastic behavior of composite materials because, in contrast with experiments, they allow one to systematically investigate simple, but well-characterized model systems with increasing complexity. This unique capability of simulations has enabled us to elucidate the underlying driving forces and, in particular, (i) to deconvolute the distinct effects due to the inhomogeneous atomic disorder, localized at the interfaces from the consequent interface-stress-induced anisotropic lattice-parameter changes and (ii) to separate the homogeneous effects of thermal disordering from the inhomogeneous effects due to the interfaces.
Aminoacyl-CoAs as Probes of Condensation Domain Selectivity in Nonribosomal Peptide Synthesis

In nonribosomal biosynthesis of peptide antibiotics by multimodular synthetases, amino acid monomers are activated by the adenylation domains of the synthetase and loaded onto the adjacent carrier protein domains as thioesters, then the formation of peptide bonds and translocation of the growing chain are effected by the synthetase's condensation domains. Whether the condensation domains have any editing function has been unknown. Synthesis of aminoacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) molecules and direct enzymatic transfer of aminoacyl-phosphopantetheine to the carrier domains allow the adenylation domain editing function to be bypassed. This method was used to demonstrate that the first condensation domain of tyrocidine synthetase shows low selectivity at the donor residue (D-phenylalanine) and higher selectivity at the acceptor residue (L-proline) in the formation of the chain-initiating D-Phe-L-Pro dipeptidyl-enzyme intermediate.
The King's Speech, directed by Tom Hooper, The Weinstein Company and UK Film Council, 2010

A slew of well-deserved Oscars has further enhanced the reputation of the excellent film, The King's Speech. For those working in healthcare, there are added attractions to this movie which make it...
Rosenbrock's theorem and the minimum time state regulator problem

Rosenbrock's theorem is used to give a clear and efficient solution to the (discrete-time) minimum time state regulator problem. It is shown that the optimal feedback gain can be naturally computed using already existing algorithms. A further result related to Rosenbrock's theorem is also given.
Basic principles of speech audiometry.

(1951). Basic Principles of Speech Audiometry. Acta Oto-Laryngologica: Vol. 40, No. 1-2, pp. 62-71.
Association of Randall Plaque With Collagen Fibers and Membrane Vesicles

Purpose: Idiopathic calcium oxalate kidney stones develop by calcium oxalate crystal deposition on Randall plaque. The mechanisms involved in Randall plaque formation are still unclear. We hypothesized that Randall plaque formation is similar to that of vascular calcification, involving components of extracellular matrix, including membrane bound vesicles and collagen fibers. To verify our hypothesis we critically examined renal papillary tissue from patients with stones.Materials and Methods: We performed 4 mm cold cup biopsy of renal papillae on 15 patients with idiopathic stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Tissue was immediately fixed and processed for analysis by various light and electron microscopic techniques.Results: Spherulitic calcium phosphate crystals, the hallmark of Randall plaque, were seen in all samples examined, including in interstitium and laminated basement membrane of tubular epithelium. Large crystalline deposits were composed of dark elongated strands mixed with spheru...
Mechanisms that contribute to the establishment and persistence of bed bug infestations

Bed bugs have reestablished as pests over the last two decades after a period of near eradication throughout large portions of the world. The increasing frequency of bed bug infestations has prompted research into every facet of bed bug biology. Of particular interest is identification of the specific factors that allow bed bugs to be transported, to thrive within human dwellings and to survive pest control strategies. This review provides a synopsis of the biochemical, physiological and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the resurgence of bed bugs, with a focus upon the aspects that allow bed bugs to overcome the roadblocks preventing establishment and persistence in close proximity to humans. Topics discussed include dispersal, host avoidance, mating, chemical signaling, symbiosis, blood feeding, thermal tolerance, starvation resistance, dehydration resistance and pesticide resistance. These aspects of Cimex biology are explored within the context of the effect that these traits have upon transportation, establishment and eradication of bed bugs with an emphasis on the issues of pesticide resistance and population resurgence. In general, bed bugs are exceptional in their ability to proliferate in close-proximity to humans. The emergence of recent adaptations such as pesticide resistance has exacerbated the already difficult task of eliminating bed bug infestations.
Context-driven: How is traditional Chinese medicine labeling developed?

To promote intercultural understanding in medical communication, this article studies a regulation issued by the Chinese government to standardize traditional Chinese medicine labeling. Then the author claims that the traditional Chinese medicine labeling is medicine-focused. This feature has its roots in traditional Chinese philosophy of stressing the context while de-emphasizing individuals. The author examines a particular medicine label to support his claim that the medicine-focused feature draws patients' attention to the situations that cause disorders.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-5 concentrations in premature neonates with eosinophilia.

OBJECTIVE: Eosinophilia is common among premature neonates, but little is known about the cytokines responsible for influencing its onset in neonates. In adults and transgenic mice, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) influence the development of eosinophilia. We sought to prospectively determine whether these cytokines correlated with the development of eosinophilia in premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: We measured the absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and serial serum concentrations of GM-CSF and IL-5 in premature neonates with eosinophilia. RESULTS: Among 201 premature neonates, 21 had an eosinophil count of >700/μl (occurrence, 10.5%). Of these 21 neonates, 4 had mild (700/μl to 999/μl), 13 had moderate (1000/μl to 2999/μl), and 4 had severe (>3000/μl) eosinophilia. No differences in gestational age or age at onset of eosinophilia were observed between the groups, but the duration of eosinophilia was less with mild than with moderate or severe eosinophilia. A total of 20 of the 21 patients had an infection or necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosed within 48 hours of the onset of eosinophilia. In patients with mild and moderate eosinophilia, serial GM-CSF and IL-5 concentrations were below the lowest enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay standard. There was no correlation between AEC and GM-CSF or IL-5 concentration in these infants. However, in one patient with severe eosinophilia, two distinct elevations in IL-5 were noted (34.6 and 46.0 pg/ml); each peak occurred 7 to 8 days before a peak in eosinophil count. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilia is relatively common, and in those neonates with the highest AECs, the duration of eosinophilia can last for >6 weeks. The majority of cases of eosinophilia occurred in temporal proximity to an infectious illness or necrotizing enterocolitis. Serum concentrations of IL-5 were elevated in only one of our patients with severe eosinophilia.
A mouse model of the fragile gene FHIT : from carcinogenesis to gene therapy and cancer prevention

Mouse models of tumor suppressors are increasingly useful to investigate biomedical aspects of cancer genetics. Some tumor suppressor genes are located at common fragile sites that are specific chromosomal regions highly susceptible to DNA lesions. The tumor suppressor gene FHIT, at the fragile site FRA3B, is the first fragile gene with a developed and characterized mouse knockout model. The human gene FHIT is frequently deleted in cancers and cancer cell lines of many epithelial tissues, and Fhit protein is absent or reduced in most cancers. The mouse Fhit ortholog is also located at a common fragile site, Fra14A2 on murine chromosome 14, and sustains homozygous deletions in murine cancer cell lines. The Fhit knockout mouse is, therefore, an adequate model to study human FHIT function. To establish an animal model and to explore the role of FHIT in tumorigenesis, we have developed a mouse strain carrying one or two inactivated Fhit alleles. Insights into Fhit mouse genetics that have emerged in the last 7 years, and are reviewed in the present article, allowed for development of new tools in carcinogenesis and gene delivery studies.
Pathway-Based Approaches for Analysis of Genomewide Association Studies

Published genomewide association (GWA) studies typically analyze and report single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their neighboring genes with the strongest evidence of association (the "most-significant SNPs/genes" approach), while paying little attention to the rest. Borrowing ideas from microarray data analysis, we demonstrate that pathway-based approaches, which jointly consider multiple contributing factors in the same pathway, might complement the most-significant SNPs/genes approach and provide additional insights into interpretation of GWA data on complex diseases.
Managing the herbage utilisation and intake by cattle grazing rangelands

Rangelands throughout the world provide clean water, fix solar energy in plants, sequester carbon, and offer recreational opportunities, with other ecosystem goods and services, including food from wild and domestic herbivores. Grazing rangelands with cattle requires constant management to balance the economic sustainability of the farm with other ecological services that rangelands provide. The challenges in management arise from the diversity of the rangeland forage resources at extremely large spatial and temporal scales. To be able to predict the performance of cattle grazing in extensive rangeland environments, estimating herbage intake is paramount because it quantifies energy intake and performance. Nutrient demand is the major driver of herbage intake, and characteristics of the sward and terrain of the landscape dictate how this demand is met. System models that integrate changes in weather patterns and herbage over long periods of time will allow farmers and scientist to monitor changes in herbage mass and utilisation. Dynamic models that include herbage growth components sensitive to weather patterns and animal demands are needed to predict how long-term changes in beef herd management will affect performance and range condition. Vegetation indexes captured across biomes with satellites can accurately quantify the dynamics of aboveground net primary production and changes in nutritional value with confidence. The computer software, PCRANCH, is a program for simulating cow–calf herd dynamics over long periods of time. The models within the PCRANCH software can simulate herbage growth and animal utilisation at large spatial and temporal scales needed for rangeland management and allow ranchers to evaluate the impacts of management on other ecological services. Knowing the long-term impact of management changes on swards enable ranchers to anticipate the ecological and economic benefits of improvements or demonstrate a protection of current ecological services.
Carcinoma of the prostate treated by pelvic node dissection, iodine-125 seed implant and external irradiation: A study of rectal complications

The University of Missouri-Columbia protocol for localised cancer of the prostate calls for pelvic node dissection, 10 000 cGy at the periphery of the prostate from 125 I and 4000 cGy in 20 fractions to the whole pelvis using supervoltage X-ray therapy. Rectal complications were studied in 104 patients; acute and chronic reactions were defined. During external irradiation 54% did not develop diarrhoea, 43% had mild diarrhoea and 3% had severe diarrhoea. In the chronic stage 77% did not have diarrhoea, 12% had delayed, non-distressing rectal bleeding which did not need specific treatment or needed only simple treatment, 7% had prolonged distressing proctitis and 4% had rectal ulceration or recto-urethral fistula necessitating colostomy. Each of the four patients who had colostomy had an additional aetiological factor (arterial disease, pelvic inflammation, additional radiation, pelvic malignancy or second operation). None of the patients entered in the combined brachytherapy and teletherapy programme, and in whom 0.5 cm space was maintained between the closest seed and the rectal mucosa, developed prolonged proctitis.
Verus: a tool for quantitative analysis of finite-state real-time systems

Symbolic model checking is a technique for verifying finite-state concurrent systems. Models with up to 1030 states can often be verified in minutes. In this paper, we present a new tool to analyze real-time systems, based on this technique. We have designed a language, called Verus, for the description of real-time systems. Such a description is compiled into a state-transition graph and represented symbolically using binary decision diagrams. We have developed new algorithms for exploring the state space and computing quantitative information about the system. In addition to determining the exact bounds on the length of the time interval between two specified events, we compute the number of occurrences of an event in such an interval. This technique allows us to determine performance measures such as schedulability, response time, and system load. Our algorithms produce more detailed information than traditional methods. This information leads to a better understanding of the behavior of the system, in addition to verifying if its timing requirements are satisfied. We integrate these ideas into the Verus tool, currently under development. To demonstrate how our technique works, we have verified a robotics control system. The results obtained demonstrate that our method can be successfully applied in the analysis of real-time system designs.
Gender Ideology: Components, Predictors, and Consequences

The purpose of this article is to review research on the construction of gender ideology and its consequences. The article begins with a summary of research focused on measuring gender ideology—individuals’ levels of support for a division of paid work and family responsibilities that is based on the belief in gendered separate spheres. We describe the ways this concept has been operationalized in widely available data sources and provide a categorization schema for the items used to measure gender ideology. We also review the research predicting gender ideology, focusing on social and demographic characteristics while concurrently examining studies using cross-sectional, trend, and panel data. Finally, this article summarizes research focused on the consequences of gender ideology, both in families and family-related behaviors and in other areas of social life where beliefs about gender are relevant, such as the workplace. We conclude with implications for future research for measurement tools, predictors of gender ideology, and consequences of ideology in individuals’ lives.
Stabilization of Neoclassical Tearing Modes in tokamak fusion plasmas via extremum seeking

The neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) instability produces magnetic islands in tokamak plasmas that can degrade confinement and lead to plasma disruptions. NTMs are driven by a lack of bootstrap current inside the magnetic island where the pressure profile is flattened. Suppression of these islands is necessary for sustained energy confinement and efficient operation in tokamak magnetic-fusion reactors. Compensating for the lack of bootstrap current by an Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) has been proved experimentally as an effective method to stabilize NTMs. The effectiveness of this method is limited in practice by the uncertainties in the width of the island, the relative position between the island and the EC beam, and the EC power threshold for NTM stabilization. Heuristic search and suppress algorithms have been proposed and shown effective to improve the alignment of the EC beam with the island by just using an estimate of the island width. Making use of this estimate, a real-time, non-model-based, extremum-seeking optimization algorithm is proposed in this work for EC beam steering and modulation in order to minimize the island-beam misalignment and the time (control energy) required for NTM stabilization. The efficiency of the proposed method is compared with traditional search and suppress algorithms.
Selective signal cancellation for multiple-listener audio applications using eigenfilters

Selectively canceling signals at specific locations within an acoustical environment with multiple listeners is of significant importance for home theater, automobile, teleconferencing, office, industrial, and other applications. The traditional noise cancellation approach is impractical for such applications because it requires secondary sources to "anti-phase" the primary source, or sensors to be placed on the listeners. In this paper we propose an alternative method for signal cancellation by pre-processing the acoustical signal with a filter known as the eigenfilter , . We examine the theoretical properties of such filters, and investigate the performance (gain) and tradeoff issues such as, spectral distortion. Sensitivity of the performance as a function of the room impulse response duration (reverberation) modeled in the eigenfilter is also investigated.
Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres

Understanding the malleable determinants of cellular aging is critical to understanding human longevity. Telomeres may provide a pathway for exploring this question. Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. The length of telomeres offers insight into mitotic cell and possibly organismal longevity. Telomere length has now been linked to chronic stress exposure and depression. This raises the question of mechanism: How might cellular aging be modulated by psychological functioning? We consider two psychological processes or states that are in opposition to one another-threat cognition and mindfulness-and their effects on cellular aging. Psychological stress cognitions, particularly appraisals of threat and ruminative thoughts, can lead to prolonged states of reactivity. In contrast, mindfulness meditation techniques appear to shift cognitive appraisals from threat to challenge, decrease ruminative thought, and reduce stress arousal. Mindfulness may also directly increase positive arousal states. We review data linking telomere length to cognitive stress and stress arousal and present new data linking cognitive appraisal to telomere length. Given the pattern of associations revealed so far, we propose that some forms of meditation may have salutary effects on telomere length by reducing cognitive stress and stress arousal and increasing positive states of mind and hormonal factors that may promote telomere maintenance. Aspects of this model are currently being tested in ongoing trials of mindfulness meditation.
From atomic structures to neuronal functions of g protein-coupled receptors.

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential mediators of signal transduction, neurotransmission, ion channel regulation, and other cellular events. GPCRs are activated by diverse stimuli, including light, enzymatic processing of their N-termini, and binding of proteins, peptides, or small molecules such as neurotransmitters. GPCR dysfunction caused by receptor mutations and environmental challenges contributes to many neurological diseases. Moreover, modern genetic technology has helped identify a rich array of mono- and multigenic defects in humans and animal models that connect such receptor dysfunction with disease affecting neuronal function. The visual system is especially suited to investigate GPCR structure and function because advanced imaging techniques permit structural studies of photoreceptor neurons at both macro and molecular levels that, together with biochemical and physiological assessment in animal models, provide a more complete understanding of GPCR signaling.
Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Volume and Function in Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease: Comparison With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound compared with the standard magnetic resonance imaging method in determining right ventricular (RV) volumes and function in adult patients with congenital heart disease and chronic, severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Methods Twenty-five patients with severe PR secondary to either pulmonary valvotomy or tetralogy of Fallot repair were evaluated using 3D ultrasound and MRI. Results The mean RV ejection fractions were 42 ± 8% on 3D ultrasound and 44 ± 7% on MRI ( r = 0.89, P r = 0.88 and r = 0.89, respectively). Conclusions Three-dimensional ultrasound was comparable with MRI in determining RV size and function in most patients with complex congenital heart disease. It will be important to study 3D US in a larger population of patients with TOF, which will be possible only through multi-center collaboration.
Physical Activity Among Adolescents: When Do Parks Matter?

Background The availability of places to engage in physical activity may influence physical activity levels. This study examined whether the relationship between physical activity and access to parks differs depending on adolescents’ sociodemographic, housing, and neighborhood characteristics. Methods Data were analyzed from 4010 adolescents who responded to the 2003 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Analyses were conducted in 2005–2006. Five sets of logistic regressions were conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and access to a safe park among adolescents living in (1) urban versus rural areas; (2) apartment buildings versus houses, (3) neighborhoods perceived as unsafe versus safe; (4) lower- versus higher-income families; and (5) adolescents who were Latino, African American, Asian, or white. Analyses also examined interactions between park access and these factors. Results Access to a safe park was positively associated with regular physical activity and negatively associated with inactivity for adolescents in urban areas, but not rural areas. Additionally, adolescents with access to a safe park were less likely to be inactive than those without access among those living in (1) apartment buildings, (2) unsafe neighborhoods, and (3) lower-income families. Park access was not associated with regular physical activity for these groups. The association between park access and physical activity varied by race/ethnicity. Conclusions These findings suggest that the relationship between physical activity and access to parks differs depending on adolescents’ sociodemographic, housing, and neighborhood characteristics, and that parks may be particularly important for promoting physical activity among urban adolescents.
DNA models of trinucleotide frameshift deletions: the formation of loops and bulges at the primer-template junction.

Although mechanisms of single-nucleotide residue deletion have been investigated, processes involved in the loss of longer nucleotide sequences during DNA replication are poorly understood. Previous reports have shown that in vitro replication of a 3′-TGC TGC template sequence can result in the deletion of one 3′-TGC. We have used low-energy circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the conformations and stabilities of DNA models of the replication intermediates that may be implicated in this frameshift. Pyrrolocytosine or 2-aminopurine residues, site-specifically substituted for cytosine or adenine in the vicinity of extruded base sequences, were used as spectroscopic probes to examine local DNA conformations. An equilibrium mixture of four hybridization conformations was observed when template bases looped-out as a bulge, i.e. a structure flanked on both sides by duplex DNA. In contrast, a single-loop structure with an unusual unstacked DNA conformation at its downstream edge was observed when the extruded bases were positioned at the primer–template junction, showing that misalignments can be modified by neighboring DNA secondary structure. These results must be taken into account in considering the genetic and biochemical mechanisms of frameshift mutagenesis in polymerase-driven DNA replication.
Clinical Notes regarding the Experience of ‘Presences’ in Mourning

Several cases are described in which ‘presences’ or ‘energies’ were experienced as part of relinquishing attachments to lost persons. In each case, the experience occurred at the time of letting go, and all appeared to be critical and beneficial in the resolution of the mourning process. The evidence does not support any ready ‘scientific’ account; and it is emphasized that such experiences should be recognized and not discounted for lack of a clear theoretical explanation. Finally, some preliminary suggestions are made regarding therapeutic approaches to such experiences in the clinical situation.
How we started an elective in emergency bedside ultrasound

The expanding use of bedside ultrasonography in the practice of emergency medicine and other specialties is accompanied by the need to train medical students in its applications and interpretation of its results. In this article, the authors describe their successful design, launch, and management of the ultrasound elective at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Because the course has been so well received, the authors are now exploring ways of presenting its content and skills-building opportunities in more venues, including the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course.
Automated Construction of Database Interfaces: Intergrating Statistical and Relational Learning for Semantic Parsing

The development of natural language interfaces (NLI's) for databases has been a challenging problem in natural language processing (NLP) since the 1970's. The need for NLI's has become more pronounced due to the widespread access to complex databases now available through the Internet. A challenging problem for empirical NLP is the automated acquisition of NLI's from training examples. We present a method for integrating statistical and relational learning techniques for this task which exploits the strength of both approaches. Experimental results from three different domains suggest that such an approach is more robust than a previous purely logic-based approach.
Polite responses to polite requests

Indirect requests vary in politeness, for example, Can you tell me where Jordan Hall is? is more polite than Shouldn't you tell me where Jordan Hall is? By one theory, the more the literal meaning of a request implies personal benefits for the listener, within reason, the more polite is the request. This prediction was confirmed in Experiment I. Responses to indirect requests also vary in politeness. For Can you tell me where Jordan Hall is? , the response Yes, I can — it's up the street is more polite than It's up the street. By an extension of that theory, the more attentive the responder is to all of the requester's meaning, the more polite is the response. This prediction was confirmed in Experiments 2, 3 and 4. From this evidence, we argued that people ordinarily compute both the literal and the indirect meanings of indirect requests. They must if they are to recognize when the speaker is and isn't being polite, and if they are to respond politely, impolitely, or even neutrally.
Tetrahydroisoquinolines as subtype selective estrogen agonists/antagonists.

Two series of 6-hydroxy and 7-hydroxy tetrahydroisoquinolines were prepared. Evaluating a range of C-1, C-4, and N-substituents led to the discovery of ER α and ER β selective analogs.
Ca, Sr and Ba stable isotopes reveal the fate of soil nutrients along a tropical climosequence in Hawaii

Abstract Nutrient biolifting is an important pedogenic process in which plant roots obtain inorganic nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) from minerals at depth and concentrate those nutrients at the surface. Here we use soil chemistry and stable isotopes of the alkaline earth elements Ca, strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) to test the hypothesis that biolifting of P has been an important pedogenic process across a soil climosequence developed on volcanic deposits at Kohala Mountain, Hawaii. The geochemical linkage between these elements is revealed as generally positive site-specific relationships in soil mass gains and losses, particularly for P, Ba and Ca, using the ratio of immobile elements titanium and niobium (Ti/Nb) to link individual soil samples to a restricted compositional range of the chemically and isotopically diverse volcanic parent materials. At sites where P is enriched in surface soils relative to abundances in deeper soils, the isotope compositions of exchangeable Ca, Sr and Ba in the shallowest soil horizons ( 10 cm depth) at those sites is consistently heavier than the volcanic parent materials. The isotope compositions of exchangeable Ca and Sr trend toward heavier compositions with depth more gradually, reflecting increasing leakiness from these soils in the order Ba
Encouraging Women to Become CS Teachers

Previous research suggested a relationship between teachers' and students' attitudes towards a subject area. In order to increase female representation in Computer Science (CS), we need female teachers who have positive attitudes and can provide role models to encourage their female students to pursue CS careers. This study investigated factors that motivated female prospective teachers to pursue an add-on computer teacher certification program, their experiences in the program, and their perceptions regarding CS. Classroom observations and interviews conducted with female pre-service teachers suggested promising strategies for increasing female representation in CS and educational technology careers.
Medication errors with antituberculosis therapy in an inpatient, academic setting: forgotten but not gone.

SummaryWhat is known and objective Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has significant public health implications. Despite the decreasing prevalence of tuberculosis cases and the availability of well-established treatment guidelines, errors with antituberculosis medications remain a concern as clinician experience with the infection has waned and the goal of eradicating tuberculosis has remained unfulfilled. Whereas inappropriate use of other anti-infective classes has been extensively studied, the evaluation of medication errors associated with antituberculosis therapy has been limited to a small number of studies conducted more than two decades ago. This study evaluated the prevalence of inpatient medication errors with antituberculosis therapy in patients with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis disease. Methods All admitted patients treated with at least one antituberculosis medication between July 2010 and June 2013 were evaluated for inclusion in the retrospective study. Multidrug antituberculosis regimens were reviewed for medication errors, which were categorized as dosing errors, drug interactions, omission of therapy and inappropriate continuation of therapy in the presence of drug toxicity. Appropriate management was determined in accordance with the national guidelines for the treatment of tuberculosis, as well as guidelines on the use of antiretroviral agents for patients with both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis disease. The impact of infectious diseases and pulmonary consultation on the prevalence of medication errors was also examined. Results and discussion More than half of all study patients (44/72, 61%) experienced at least one medication error associated with antituberculosis therapy. Dosing errors were the most common type of medication error identified and were predominantly related to weight-based dosing. Seven dosing errors were related to drug interactions between rifamycins and antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. Medication error rates were similar between patients receiving consultation from infectious diseases and/or pulmonary specialties and those without consultation. The large majority of antituberculosis medication errors (56/66 errors, 85%) remained uncorrected during the patient's hospital admission. What is new and conclusion Medication errors associated with antituberculosis therapy remain a common occurrence in the current clinical practice setting. Greater vigilance when prescribing medications for tuberculosis disease is needed.
Screening Twitter Users for Depression and PTSD with Lexical Decision Lists

This paper describes various systems from the University of Minnesota, Duluth that participated in the CLPsych 2015 shared task. These systems learned decision lists based on lexical features found in training data. These systems typically had average precision in the range of .70 ‐ .76, whereas a random baseline attained .47 ‐ .49.
Intramolecular C–H and C–F Bond Oxygenation Mediated by a Putative Terminal Oxo Species in Tetranuclear Iron Complexes

Herein we report the intramolecular arene C–H and C–F bond oxygenation by tetranuclear iron complexes. Treatment of [LFe3(PhPz)3OFe][OTf]2 (1) or its fluorinated analog [LFe3(F2ArPz)3OFe][OTf]2 (5) with iodosobenzene results in the regioselective hydroxylation of a bridging pyrazolate ligand, converting a C–H or C–F bond into a C–O bond. The observed reactivity suggests the formation of terminal and reactive Fe-oxo intermediates. With the possibility of intramolecular electron transfer within clusters in 1 and 5, different reaction pathways (FeIV-oxo vs FeIII-oxo) might be responsible for the observed arene hydroxylation.
Conventional AF cooperative protocol under nodes-mobility and imperfect-CSI impacts: Outage probability and shannon capacity

In this paper, we analyze the performance of M-relay amplify-and-forward (AF) cooperative network in the presence of imperfect channel-state-information (CSI) and taking into account the impact of the nodes mobility. We employ the protocol of conventional-relaying (CR), in which all relays are active and participate in the relaying process via orthogonal transmissions. The impact of the nodes mobility is reflected onto the network model by characterizing all of its fading links to be time-selective (time-variant). We first derive exact expressions for the destination instantaneous signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs), along with their probability density functions (pdfs), through the direct and the ith-indirect (end-to-end) paths. Moreover, closed-form tight approximate expressions are derived for the system outage probability and Shannon capacity. Under these considerations, we show that both of the two derived performance merits experience asymptotic limits, which are also derived. All of the derived expressions are generic enough to be valid for mobile and static nodes and for perfect and imperfect estimations, and therefore, we use them to investigate the system performance under different nodes mobility scenarios. Numerical results along with Monte Carlo simulation results are also provided to verify the accuracy of the derived analytical expressions.
When the Fourth Estate Becomes a Fifth Column: The Effect of Media Freedom and Social Intolerance on Civil Conflict

Media freedom is typically viewed as crucial to democracy and development. The idea is that independent news media will facilitate free and fair elections and shine a spotlight on corruption—thereb...
Applications of Organizational Theory: Models of Organization and Service for Health Care

Citizens of the United States may think that their country alone is in the grip of a crisis in health care, since those who are Cassandras about medicine in the U.S. use international comparisons of such things as infant mortality rates to show the comparatively low standing of the health care in their affluent nation and, by implication, the lack of problems in others. But the sense of crisis, or at least serious problem, seems to be rather widely distributed, as this very conference suggests. And the character of the problem has shifted.
Mergers in Auctions with an Incumbent Advantage

When the winner of one auction gains a cost advantage in the next, bids reflect not only the value of winning the auction, but also the value of gaining an incumbent advantage in future auctions. If a larger firm's advantage derives from a cost or product advantage, it has a greater chance of holding onto incumbency status which, in turn, increases the value it places on gaining incumbency. As a consequence, larger firms bid more aggressively than their smaller rivals, where "size" is measured by the probability of winning. In this environment, mergers eliminate competition among the merged firms but they also change bidding behavior by both merging and non-merging firms. Computational experiments suggest that the scope for pro-competitive mergers is much wider than in auctions without an incumbent advantage. In particular, mergers among smaller firms are likely to be pro-competitive because they tend to create better losers, i.e., firms who bid more aggressively but still lose a large part of the time.
Dependence of Electrochemical and Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Properties on the Structure of BODIPY Dyes. Unusually Large Separation between Sequential Electron Transfers

Electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of selected substituted BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes have been studied. The location and nature of substituents on positions 1-8 are important in predicting the behavior, and especially the stability, of the radical ions formed on electron transfer. Dyes with unsubstituted positions 2, 6, and 8 show a kinetic contribution to both oxidation and reduction. Dyes with only unsubstituted positions 2 and 6 and a substituted 8 position show chemically reversible reduction but irreversible oxidation. Unsubstituted positions 2 and 6 tend to show dimer formation on oxidation. Completely substituted dyes show nernstian oxidation and reduction. Oxidation and reduction studies of simple BODIPY dyes show an unusually large separation between the first and second reduction peaks and also the first and second oxidation peaks, of about 1.1 V, which is very different from that observed for polycyclic hydrocarbons and other heteroaromatic compounds, where the spacing is usually about 0.5 V. Electronic structure calculations confirmed this behavior, and this effect is attributed to a greater electronic energy required to withdraw or add a second electron and a lower relative solvation energy for the dianion or dication compared with those of the polycyclic hydrocarbons. ECL was generated for all compounds either by annihilation or by using a co-reactant.
Essential Information about Predatory Publishers and Journals

This article introduces, defines, and describes predatory publishers and journals and shows how they hurt science and victimize individual researchers. Academic evaluation that only counts the number of publications may not provide an accurate measure of scholarly achievement, as journals routinely accept papers with little or no peer review.
Energy Transfer Kinetics in Nd3+, Cr3+GSGG

Tests performed with codoped GSGG laser reds demonstrated that operating slope efficiencies of approximately six percent are obtainable. Tests to characterize the energy transfer rates present, and determine mechanisms for optimizing the laser's efficiency have been initiated. Discussed are results obtained from transient signal measurements from the following samples provided by Litton Airtron Inc. and the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment:
Association of Overall Opioid Prescriptions on Adolescent Opioid Abuse

Abstract Background Opioid abuse is a public health epidemic in the United States. Much literature has focused on the prescribing practices of physicians and opioid misuse by adults. However, there are limited data on the effect of opioid prescriptions on adolescent recreational ingestion of these medications. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess for a relationship between opioid prescribing practices across the United States and adolescent opioid ingestion calls to poison centers. Methods This was an observational study using the National Poison Data System. The study population consisted of poison center calls regarding adolescents between 2005 and 2010 in the database with a coding of “intentional abuse” and an opioid ingestion. National opioid prescription estimates were generated using nationally representative outpatient and inpatient databases. Results There were 4186 adolescent opioid ingestion calls during the study period. There was a general increase between 2005 and 2010 in both teen opioid abuse calls (617 in 2005 to 782 in 2010) and national opioid prescriptions (approximately 78 million in 2005 to 108 million in 2010). For each opioid prescription increase per 100 persons per year, the annual teen opioid abuse calls increased by 1.8% (95% confidence interval 0.9–2.8%), equivalent to an absolute increase of about 0.04 to 0.05 calls per 100,000 teens annually. Conclusions There appears to be an association between opioid prescriptions nationally and poison center calls for adolescent opioid ingestions. This is particularly important in this patient population because of impulsivity and early exposure to substance abuse. Providers should be aware of the nonmedical use of opioids by adolescents and educate patients accordingly.