cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phantom vibrations among undergraduates: Prevalence and associated psychological characteristics

'Phantom vibration syndrome,' or perceived vibrations from a device that is not really vibrating, is a recent psychological phenomenon that has attracted the attention of the media and medical community. Most (89%) of the 290 undergraduates in our sample had experienced phantom vibrations, and they experienced them about once every two weeks, on average. However, few found them bothersome. Those higher in conscientiousness experienced phantom vibrations less frequently, and those who had strong reactions to text messages (higher in the emotional reaction subscale of text message dependence) were more bothered by phantom vibrations. These findings suggest that targeting individuals' emotional reactions to text messages might be helpful in combating the negative consequences of both text message dependency and phantom vibrations. However, because few young adults were bothered by these phantom vibrations or made attempts to stop them, interventions aimed at this population may be unnecessary.
Revising Evolutionary Narratives: A Consideration of Alternative Assumptions About Sexual Selection and Competition for Mates

Evolutionary narratives about the adaptive significance of human sexuality often assume that human female sexual traits evolved because females had to compete for mates and depended on male-provisioned food. In contrast, biological theory predicts that males are more likely to compete for females. While competition among both sexes is clearly a feature of modern social life, the factors that created female dependency and competition are relatively recent developments. M. E. HAMILTON is Regional Representative, National Audubon Society. Central Midwest Regional Office. Michigan City. IN 46360.
Are they Shooting at Me?: An Approach to Training Situational Awareness:

This study tests the effectiveness of a training strategy to improve situational awareness skills. The training approach suggested by this study is to expose subjects initially to only those cues r...
Faith-based HIV prevention and counseling programs: findings from the Cincinnati census of religious congregations.

Congregations are well positioned to address HIV in their communities, but their response to HIV has been mixed. An emerging literature describes HIV programming in urban, predominantly black congregations, but population-based data remain limited. This study examined the levels of HIV prevention and counseling programs and associated factors (e.g., religious, organizational) by using data from a phone census of congregations in the Greater Cincinnati area (N = 447). Over 10 % of congregations (36 % of Black Protestant and 5–18 % of other types of congregations) offered HIV education/prevention alone or in combination with counseling or with counseling and testing. Path analysis results showed notable significant (p < 0.05) total effects of theology-polity on HIV prevention/counseling programs, but these effects were fully mediated by other factors, including other community work and racial composition. The levels of HIV programming in this study were high by national standards, but further outreach is needed in high-risk African American communities.
Recent Work on Evolution and Social Contract Ethics

Peter Singer has claimed that what we know about evolution today discredits a social contract understanding of ethics, because the notion of an original or natural condition is a fantasy, and a social contract theory relies on a ‘‘distant Foundation Day.’’ Yet when writing about ethics many evolutionists such as E.O. Wilson, Stephen Jay Gould, Richard Dawkins, Robert Axelrod, and Matt Ridley employ the concepts of reciprocity and cooperation, and the logic of the prisoner’s dilemma, all of which are part and parcel of social contract ethics. Furthermore, the evolutionists E.O. Wilson, Christopher Boehm, and Frans de Waal explain that agreements need not be egalitarian, since hierarchies of dominance can work well in both the human and non-human realm of mammalian societies. These kinds of evolutionary
Continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in disseminated colorectal cancer.

AbstractTwenty-two patients with disseminated adenocarcinoma of the large bowel received therapy with 5-fluorouracil 800-1000 mg/m2 as a 24 h infusion for 4 consecutive days with 60 mg/m2 intravenous folinic acid administered every 6 hours. Major responses were seen in 3 of 20 (15%) evaluablepatients, for a median of 5 months. Mucositis was the major toxicity occurring in 80% of patients. Folinic acid resulted in an additional $960/m2 per therapeutic course without improvement of response rate or survival at this dose and schedule.
Optimization of approximate solutions to the time-dependent Schrödinger equation

Approximate solutions to the time-dependent Schroedinger equation can be sought in terms of time-dependent parameters. In this work, a reasonable definition of the ''best'' values for these parameters is given by requiring that the time integral of the deviation of the approximate solution from the exact solution be minimized. A procedure for specifically evaluating the parameters to optimize the approximate solution is given in terms of equations analogous to Hamilton's equations of classical mechanics, which produce a minimum-deviation integral in analogy to Hamilton's principle. A comparison of this technique with previous approaches is made, both in terms of general principles, and in terms of a simple hypothetical example of a system subjected to a time-dependent perturbation.
Mass-transfer to a channel wall downstream of a cylinder

Abstract The electrochemical method is used to measure the mass-transfer to a channel wall downstream of a cylinder. For Reynolds numbers based on cylinder diameter Re > 50, the flow is unsteady, and the mass-transfer rate is a function of time. When 50 d h = 0.51 , the Strouhal number is 0.49±0.01. The average mass-transfer rate at various positions downstream of the cylinder is reported. Experiments are compared to two-dimensional numerical simulations. The simulated and experimental variations of Nusselt number with position and Re contain similar features, but exact agreement is not found.
Contractarianism and cooperation

Because contractarians see justice as mutual advantage, they hold that justice can be rationally grounded only when each can expect to gain from it. John Rawls seems to avoid this feature of contractarianism by fashioning the parties to the contract as Kantian agents whose personhood grounds their claims to justice. But Rawls also endorses the Humean idea that justice applies only if people are equal in ability. It would seem to follow from this idea that dependent persons (such as the disabled) lack claims of justice. It appears, then, that the Kantian and Humean themes in Rawls conflict. I present a reading of Rawls that resolves this tension between the Kantian and Humean themes. The first theme, I argue, allows Rawls to maintain that persons as such are owed justice regardless of their ability to engage in social cooperation. The second theme, I argue, allows him to retain Hume's connection between justice and reciprocity, but confines the reciprocity condition to relations among nondependents. I conc...
Empirical Investigation of the Mobilization of Bias in Community Power Research

This article examines four ways in which the ‘two faces of power’ argument might be, or has been, subjected to empirical test. These include taking into account the impact of structure and socialization; re-defining ‘non-decisions' as observable acts; substituting the question ‘who benefits' for ‘who governs’; and, finally, comparisons between cities. The analysis concludes that each poses difficulties of empirical verification, some of which can be overcome, some not. Even if overcome however, they would not nullify existing findings on power in communities.
Development of curcumin as an epigenetic agent

The clinical benefits of curcumin as a single agent were demonstrated in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in a phase 2 study despite pharmacokinetic analysis showing a much lower plasma concentration of curcumin in humans than in vitro. The diverse and broad biological activities of curcumin are mediated through direct interaction of curcumin with target proteins as well as epigenetic modulation of target genes, supported by evidence that curcumin modulates gene expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in human cancer cells. This review delineates the novel mechanisms of curcumin as an epigenetic agent through its interaction with histone deacetylases, histone acetyltransferases, DNA methyltransferase I, and microRNAs. Accumulating data support curcumin's functionality in modulating multiple biological processes at low concentrations through its activity as an epigenetic agent. The development of curcumin as an epigenetic agent warrants further preclinical and clinical studies to explore its diversity and efficacy in cancer treatment and in combination with other anticancer agents.
Lithographic effects of mask critical dimension error

Magnification of mask dimensional error is examined and quantified in terms of the mask error factor (MEF) for line and hole patterns on three types of masks: chrome-on-glass (COG), attenuated phase-shifting mask (PSM) and alternating PSM. The MEF is unity for large features, but increases rapidly when the critical dimension (CD) is less than 0.5 (lambda) /NA for line-space patterns and 0.75 (lambda) /NA for contacts. In general dark-field spaces exhibit higher sensitivity to mask dimensional error than light-field lines. Sensitivity of attenuated PSMs is similar to COG masks, even for applications in which attenuated PSMs provide benefits in process latitude. Alternating PSMs have the lowest MEF values. Although the MEF has only a slight dependence on feature nesting for contacts, dense lines and spaces exhibit markedly higher MEF values than isolated features. The MEF of a 0.35 (lambda) /NA isolated line is 1.6 whereas that of a dense line of the same dimension is 4.3 illumination is effective in reducing the mask error sensitivity of dense lines. Dose variation causes changes in the MEF of contacts but has little effect on line-space features; focus error degrades (increases the value of) the MEF of both pattern types. A high diffusion and low contrast photoresist process also worsens the MEF. Consequences of mask CD error amplification include tightening of mask specification, design grid reduction, shift in optimal mask bias and enhanced defect printability.
Internationalization, Tacit Knowledge and the Top Management Teams of MNCs

This study investigates the effects of several dimensions of internationalization on the behavior of MNCs’ top management teams. The effects include top executives’ personal presence in foreign markets, their participation in meetings about international strategic issues, and their tacit knowledge of the firms’ international business activities.
The Validity of Awarding Credit By Examination in English Composition

The present study tested the validity of the College-Level Examination Program's General Examination in English Composition (CLEP). With essay and objective tests as the criteria of writing performance, groups of Utah State University students that had completed Freshman English (FE Group) were compared with groups of Utah State University students who had been excused from FE based on their CLEP scores (CLEP Group). Advanced Placement students also participated in the study. From the data, inferences were made that (1) the CLEP had been accurately applied at Utah State University, and (2) the CLEP can validly be used to excuse Utah State University students from FE.
Cervical interbody fusion using calf bone

Abstract Since 1972, Kiel Surgibone (calf bone) dowels have been inserted in the cervical intervertebral space of 221 patients. The anterior approach was used for cervical interbody fusion. Fusion occurred in every patient who survived long enough for it to occur. No complications occurred that specifically could be attributed to use of this type of grafting material. Kiel Surgibone has the advantage of eliminating the need for osteotomy when autologous bone is used or for a bone bank when homologous bone is employed. Kiel Surgibone is supplied sterile and is precisely preshaped.
Low-Resistance Silicon-Germanium Contact Technology for Modular Integration of MEMS with Electronics

Polycrystalline silicon-germanium (poly-SiGe) is a promising structural material for modular cofabrication of microelectrome-chanical (MEM) devices with electronics, for low-cost integrated microsystems. Low-resistance electrical connections between the poly-SiGe MEMS layer(s) and integrated drive/sense electronics are required for high performance. This paper discusses approaches to achieving low contact resistance between a p+ poly-SiGe film and an underlying metal interconnect made of Al-Si(2%) and TiN capping layer. Nickel germanosilicide was used to achieve very low specific contact resistivity (less than 10 -7 Ω cm 2 ) for p+ poly-SiGe deposited at temperatures compatible with completed complementary metal oxide semiconductor electronics (≤450°C).
Observation of diffusion vanishing spin-lattice relaxation in BaF2: Eu2+

Abstract The spin-lattice relaxation of 19 F in BaF 2 :Eu 2+ has been measured in the rotating frame over a temperature range of 4.2°K to 300°K. The diffusion vanishing relaxation is observed from 45°K to 55°K.
Preserving and Communicating Food Safety Gains

Various authors have advocated the use of enhanced communication between cattle producers and their customers, be they first handlers, processors, retailers, or the final consumer, to help address microbial food-safety concerns (see, e.g., Buchanan, Acuff, and Halbrook). Further, as producers adopt riskmanagement strategies for veterinary drug residues and microbial pathogen contents in and on animals presented for slaughter, it is essential that these farm-level food-safety gains not be eroded downstream. The greater initial control of microbial contamination preslaughter fits neatly into the recent stageand sector-specific HACCP-based (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) regulatory regimes (e.g., USDA). Indeed, without evidence of such practices, producers risk the rejection of whole lots or herds upon delivery, due to food-safety concerns arising from processor's HACCP-based systems. Combined, these elements demonstrate the importance of a close dialogue between slaughter-processing plants and their customers and suppliers on all issues that can impact food safety. Key factors at the slaughter-processing stage(s) include: comingling of animals prior to slaughter, lot size and identification on the slaughter floor, animal-to-carcass and carcass-to-cut traceability, as well as general plant hygiene, sanitation, and foodsafety activities. This article assesses the economic implications of changes in these stages, suggesting potential hurdles to the development of farm-to-table food-safety systems. Demand for Traceback
Loose ligands and available iron in the ocean

The ocean covers ≈70% of the Earth's surface and plays a major role in regulating global climate and sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Diverse populations of phytoplankton, namely photosynthetic microalgae and cyanobacteria, abound in sunlit surface waters of the ocean and account for half of global primary production. Phytoplankton require a variety of essential nutrients, including iron, to fix carbon dioxide and fuel ocean food webs, but the oxidized form of iron, Fe(III), that prevails in the ocean is only sparingly soluble in oxygenated seawater. The solubility of iron is enhanced through chelation with organic ligands, and nearly all of the dissolved iron in seawater is bound to natural ligands (1). The molecular identity and reactivity of seawater ligands has largely eluded discovery by the iron workers, leaving a gaping hole in our understanding of the availability of iron to phytoplankton. This has ramifications for the global C cycle, because phytoplankton productivity is limited by iron availability in vast regions of the surface ocean that have an ample supply of other critical nutrients, such as N and P (2). In PNAS, Hassler et al. (3) provide experimental evidence indicating saccharide-enhanced iron utilization by phytoplankton cultures and natural planktonic communities in surface seawater. Apparently, saccharides chelate iron in a bioavailable form, an observation that is likely to transform current thinking about iron cycling in the ocean. Saccharides (also known as carbohydrates) are abundant, bioreactive components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that are produced by phytoplankton in the surface ocean (4, 5). It seems that saccharides play a critical role in sustaining ocean productivity through a positive feedback that links the C and Fe cycles (Fig. 1A).
Electronic structure of Pd41Zr59 glass

Abstract The orthogonalized linear combination of atomic orbitals method is used to study the electronic structure of Pd41Zr59 glass. The glass structure is simulated by 39 atoms (Pd16Zr23) randomly packed and relaxed in a cube with periodic boundary conditions. The glass potential is obtained from atomic potentials which are fitted in the Xα approximation to the self-consistent band structure calculations of elemental metals. The calculated density of states (DOS) is in very good agreement with the photoemission data on Pd35Zr65. The DOS at the Fermi level (0.8 states/eV-atom) is similar to the experimental result for Cu40Zr60 (0.867 states/eV-atom).
Exploring multispectral iris recognition beyond 900nm

Most iris recognition systems acquire images of the eye in the 700nm–900nm range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this work, the iris is examined at wavelengths beyond 900nm. The purpose is to understand the iris structure at longer wavelengths and to determine the possibility of performing cross-spectral iris matching. An acquisition system is first designed for imaging the iris at narrow spectral bands in the 950 nm–1650 nm range. Next, the left and right images of the iris are acquired from 25 subjects in order to conduct the analysis. Finally, the possibility of performing cross-spectral matching and multispectral fusion at the match score level is investigated. Experimental results suggest: (a) the feasibility of acquiring iris images in wavelengths beyond 900nm using InGaAs detectors; (b) the possibility of observing different structures in the iris anatomy at various wavelengths; and (c) the potential of performing cross-spectral matching and multispectral fusion for enhanced iris recognition.
An inexpensive experiment controller for stand-alone applications or distributed processing networks

An inexpensive microprocessor-based experiment controller available as a commercially produced bare printed circuit board is described. It provides for up to 8 inputs and 40 outputs. An 8K Experiment Control BASIC (ECBASIC) and a compiled Experiment Control Language (ECL) are also available. Both languages have internal structures that enable time and responses to be dealt with in a very convenient and error-free manner. Time and response count are automatically incrementing variables that need only to be tested by the user program. ECBASIC provides a 10-msec accuracy, whereas ECL provides a l-msec accuracy. ECL provides extensive support for event-driven programs. The board and software are designed to provide an orderly migration from a stand-alone controller running ECBASIC as a relay-rack replacement, to a network of ECBASIC machines on a small computer, to a true error-checking network of ECL machines on a time-sharing operating system of a large computer. Network communication is over the three wires of a single unmodified RS232 asynchronous serial communication line.
Distances in random plane-oriented recursive trees

Abstract The average number of nodes in a stratum of random plane-oriented recursive trees is found. The expression is used to determine the exact probability distribution of the depth of thenth node. It is further shown that the limiting distribution of the normalized depth of this node is the standard normal distribution. Via martingales, the normalized external path length is shown to converge almost surely and in L2 to a limiting random variable.
Refrigerant mass migration modeling and simulation for air conditioning systems

Refrigerant mass migration and redistribution are regarded as key factors affecting the cycling performance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. A dynamic model of an R134a automotive air conditioning system is presented as an example in this paper to capture the refrigerant migration during compressor shut-down and start-up operations. Model validation against experimental data demonstrates the capabilities of the modeling approach in predicting the refrigerant mass migration among the components during shut-down, and the resulting refrigerant redistribution behaviors during start-up. These results represent the first refrigerant mass migration prediction in a validated dynamic system model. In addition, the potential of the dynamic modeling method in performance evaluation for possible product designs and control implementation for system cycling performance improvement is discussed in this paper.
The After-Tax Income Distribution in the U.S. During an Inflationary Decade: A Look Backwards at the 1970s

(1989). The After-Tax Income Distribution in the U.S. During an Inflationary Decade: A Look Backwards at the 1970s. Review of Social Economy: Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 322-332.
All Deep Vein Thrombosis Patients Should Be Routinely Screened for Thrombophilia

manifestations confer an increase risk of significant disability. 3 Approximately 50% of all unprovoked episodes of VTE are related to an inherited thrombophilia. 4 Whether all patients should be treated the same without an evaluation for thrombophilia is controversial. 4-7 However, this article contends that thrombophilia testing has several benefits for properly selected patients—the results may alter the duration of therapy and potentially prevent recurrent VTE; relatives of patients with known thrombophilia may elect to alter their lifestyle and modify risk factors that could prevent a primary VTE; and testing is cost-effective and results in piece of mind for the patient.
Modified Goal Attainment Scale outcomes for ambulatory children: With and without orthopedic surgery

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to determine if mobility goals were met when set and rated by the family using a modified Goal Attainment Scale following lower extremity orthopedic surgery or on follow-up without surgery. Methods Parents were asked to establish the top three goals for their child's mobility during a visit to the Motion Analysis Laboratory. Three groups of subjects were established: (1) 25 children with CP who had surgery, (2) 13 children with CP who did not have surgery and (3) 13 children without CP who had surgery. Goals were rated at the follow-up visit to the Motion Analysis Laboratory a mean of 12.4 months after initial visit using a non-criterion reference scale. The PODCI, Gait Deviation Index and Gillette FAQ were additional standardized tools used to measure outcomes. Data were reviewed retrospectively. Results Both groups that had surgery on average met their goals. The group that did not have surgery did not, on average, meet their goals (overall, no change). Significant improvements were noted in both surgery groups on the PODCI and Gait Deviation Index while no changes were found for the group without surgery. Conclusion Generally, goals are met following orthopedic surgery when set and rated by the family using a modified Goal Attainment Scale in the Motion Analysis Laboratory. However, goals are not universally met which presents an opportunity to improve the goal setting and evaluation process. Goals identified in this study are specific and unique to the family and agree with other standardized outcome tools.
Transmission Line Catenary Calculations

A simple and accurate method is described for compiling stringing charts for overhead transmission lines, for either horizontal or inclined spans. All calculations can be carried out with a 20 inch slide rule, and no tables of functions are required other than those included in this paper. The procedure is the same for horizontal and for oblique spans. Moreover, no loss of accuracy is suffered as the inclination of the span is increased. The final result is obtained by means of a graphical solution which, in principle, is based upon the Thomas chart.
A probabilistic permeability model and the pore size density function

Mathematical interpretation of the pore size disribution (PSD) data as measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry was revealed in detail. The PSD data were commonly presented as cumulative intruded volume per gram of specimen versus pore size. In this paper, however, they were expressed in a dimensionless term for convenient mathematical operations. The pore size density function was deduced from the PSD data using the finite difference approximation and curve-fitting technique. For the prediction of permeability, first the published correlations between permeability and pore geometry were critically reviewed. A probabilistic permeability model based on the pore size density function was then developed, which can be thought of as a generalization of Childs and Collis-George's model. Predictions of permeability of the compacted soils studied using the developed model were very good for a wide range of permeabilities.
Coded-Excitation Raman Spectroscopy for Raman Signal Estimation in Highly Fluorescent Media

Raman signal estimation in highly fluorescent media is investigated using multiple excitation lasers and an iterative EM spectral reconstruction algorithm. Results from an 8-laser system show estimation performance increases with the number of excitation lasers.
The Adapter Protein Crkl Links Cbl to C3G after Integrin Ligation and Enhances Cell Migration

Crkl, an SH2-SH3-SH3 adapter protein, is one of the major tyrosine phosphoproteins detected in cells from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Crkl binds to BCR/ABL through its N-terminal SH3 domain and is known to interact with several signaling proteins that have been implicated in integrin signaling, including Cbl, Cas, Hef-1, and paxillin. We have previously shown that overexpression of Crkl enhances adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins through β1 integrins. In this study, the effects of Crkl on spontaneous and chemokine-directed migration of the hematopoietic cell line Ba/F3 were examined. Full-length, SH2-, and SH3(N)-domain deletion mutants of Crkl were expressed transiently as fusion proteins with green fluorescent protein. Successfully transfected cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The ability of these cells to migrate across a fibronectin-coated membrane, either spontaneously or in response to the chemokine stromal-derived factor-1α, was determined. Cells expressing green fluorescent protein alone were not distinguishable from untransfected or mock transfected Ba/F3 cells. However, Ba/F3 cells overexpressing full-length Crkl were found to have an increase in spontaneous migration of 2.8 ± 0.6-fold in seven independent assays. The enhancement of migration required both the SH2 domain and the N-terminal SH3 domain. Migration in response to stromal-derived factor-1α was not significantly enhanced by overexpression of Crkl. Overexpression of Crkii also augmented spontaneous migration but to a lesser degree than did Crkl. Because the SH2 domain was required for enhanced migration, we looked for changes in phosphotyrosine containing proteins coprecipitating with Crkl, but not Crkl ΔSH2, after integrin cross-linking. Full-length Crkl, but not CrklΔSH2, coprecipitated with a single major tyrosine phosphoprotein with anM r of approximately 120 kDa, identified as Cbl. The major Crkl SH3-binding protein in these cells was found to be the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, C3G. Interestingly, overexpression of C3G also enhanced migration, suggesting that a Cbl-Crkl-C3G complex may be involved in migration signaling in Ba/F3 cells. These data suggest that Crkl is involved in signaling pathways that regulate migration, possibly through a complex with Cbl and C3G.
Simplified methods for automated ion-exchange separation of peptides and accelerated manual Edman degradations

Abstract An apparatus for the automated separation of peptides and one for the manual Edman degradation of peptides is presented. Both are composed of relatively simple and inexpensive items and are capable of being constructed in most laboratories. Each may also serve as an important laboratory teaching and demonstration device. As many as five peptides may be simultaneously degraded with the manual Edman apparatus and as many as six degradations may be performed daily on each peptide.
Altered neutrophil maturation patterns that limit identification of myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background: Altered neutrophil maturation patterns have been reported useful for identification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Methods: Neutrophil maturation patterns based on CD11b, CD13, and CD16 were visually and numerically evaluated in 19 control, 23 MDS, 37 nondiagnostic for MDS (NDM) specimens, and 19 also processed 1 and 2 days subsequently. Results: In contrast to maturation patterns illustrated previously by others as “normal,” 84% of controls displayed diminished acquisition of CD16, imparting a contracted appearance. Such divergence from published “normal” patterns was usually mild-moderate, considered nonspecific, and associated with delayed processing: longer intervals between collection and processing (median 20.5 vs. 5.2 h), and following 1 and 2 days delay. Findings restricted to nonspecific contraction were found in 56% MDS and 78% NDM specimens. Evaluation for aberrant patterns was still performed with mild-moderate contraction present, but concern for over interpretation led to use of an equivocal-aberrant category. Nine cases had aberrant or equivocal-aberrant patterns (seven MDS, two NDM) with distinct visual alterations that differed from nonspecific contraction and had numerical evidence for a left shift: myeloblasts increased (67%) and least mature neutrophils (CD11b-/low, CD16-/low) increased (78%). Although evidence for a left shift was associated with MDS, it was also seen in NDM specimens with a synchronous left shift. Conclusions: Neutrophil maturation patterns that diverge from previously illustrated “normal” patterns, not specific for MDS, may be common in some settings. Laboratories seeking to implement FC evaluation for MDS must determine which findings have sufficient specificity for MDS within their own practice and patient population. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Using delayed commitment in locking protocols for real-time databases

In this paper, we propose locking protocols that are useful for real-time databases. Our approach is motivated from two main observations. First, locking protocols are widely accepted and used in most database systems. Second, in real-time databases it has been shown that the blocking behavior of transactions in locking protocols results in performance degradation. We use a new relationship between locks called ordered sharing to eliminate blocking that arises in the traditional locking protocols. Ordered sharing eliminates blocking of read and write operations but may result in delayed commitment. Since in real-time databases, timeliness and not response time is the crucial factor, or protocols exploit this delay to allow transactions to execute within the slacks of delayed transactions. We compare the performance of the proposed protocols with the two phase locking protocol for real-time databases. Our experiments indicate that the propose protocols significantly reduce the percentage of missed deadlines in the system for a variety of workloads.
Building Collaboration in Substance Abuse Treatment and Vocational Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT This study explored the perceived external and internal issues that may have an effect on collaborative ventures designed to provide vocational rehabilitation services to persons with substance use disorders. Participants in the study were professionals from substance abuse (SA) treatment and vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies in 1 state located in the north central United States. Analyses revealed SA professionals to have higher perceptions of their abilities in working with clients with substance use disorders than did VR professionals. In addition, participants ranked 10 potential barriers to employment for individuals with substance use disorders and provided 3 potential barriers to collaboration. The rankings of potential barriers to employment for clients with substance use disorders were similar for the 2 groups; however, SA professionals placed more emphasis on internal barriers, whereas VR counselors placed more emphasis on external barriers. The most frequently reported barriers to...
Podcasting at the University of Virginia Claude Moore Health Sciences Library

ABSTRACT The Claude Moore Health Sciences Library co-sponsors a History of the Health Sciences Lecture Series in the fall and spring of each year. Each lecture is produced and recorded for the benefit of the University of Virginia Heath System and members of the surrounding community. In the fall of 2005, the Library decided to begin podcasting the lectures via the Internet. This article describes the investigation process for creating access to the content via podcast, Webcast, and direct download. The article also addresses how the Library is teaching podcasting in its annual Multimedia Bootcamp and exploring additional uses for podcasting.
Long toes in the hind feet and pain in the gluteal region: an observational study of 77 horses.

Abstract This study deals with the relationship between long toes in the hind feet and pain in the gluteal region in horses, and the remedial value of trimming/shoeing that moves the breakover point back at the toe. Seventy seven client-owned horses were studied, 67 shod riding horses retrospectively and 10 barefoot broodmares prospectively. The 10 mares were evaluated twice, and 24 of the 67 riding horses were re-evaluated at the next shoeing, for a total of 111 observations. Each horse underwent gluteal palpation and lateral radiographs of both hind feet. Toe length was quantified as breakover distance (BD), the horizontal distance between the tip of the third phalanx and the dorsalmost point at which the wall/shoe was in contact with the ground. The BD was then shortened with trimming +/− shoeing to a length of ≤15mm (shod horses) or ≤20 mm (barefoot horses). The 24 riding horses were re-evaluated 4-6 weeks later and the 10 broodmares 1 week after trimming. The results showed that of the 67 riding horses, 75% were positive for gluteal pain at initial evaluation. The mean BD for the positive and negative horses was 24.2 ± 1.3 mm and 18.8 ± 2.0 mm, respectively (p = 0.04). At the next shoeing, the mean BD was 10.9 ± 2.3 mm and gluteal pain was improved in all 24 horses; 20 horses (83%) were negative and 4 horses (17%) were now only mildly positive. The 10 broodmares were all positive for gluteal pain initially. The mean BD before and after trimming was 23.7 ± 1.2 mm and 10.9 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. One week later, gluteal pain was improved in all 10 mares; 8 mares (80%) were negative, and the other 2 mares (20%) were only mildly positive. The conclusion is that excessive toe length in the hind feet may be accompanied by pain in the gluteal region and, in our experience, may be associated with gait or performance problems. Shortening the toe can alleviate this pain within days or weeks. Aiming for a BD of between 0 and 20 mm probably is appropriate for the average-size horse.
Poromechanics of Anisotropic Hollow Cylinders

It has been known that inherent material anisotropy influences the mechanics of geoengineering applications. Aiming at the experimental studies associated with geoengineering applications in anisotropic materials, this paper proposes a poromechanics analysis of a fully saturated transversely isotropic hollow cylinder. Closed-form analytical solutions for the pore pressure and stress fields were derived. These solutions are obtained under various loading conditions that are encountered in laboratory testing procedures. Numerical analyses were carried out to demonstrate the material anisotropy effect on stress, displacement, and pore pressure distributions in the cylinder. It is also shown that uncertainties in the estimation or measurements of the poromechanical parameters have proven effects on the time-dependent responses of the hollow cylinder geometry during laboratory testing.
Staging systems: Is there a surgical staging and a medical one? A surgeon's perspective

From a surgeon's perspective, the AJCC 6th edition is the staging system of choice due to its simplified clinicopathologic schema, discriminatory accuracy, extensive external validation, widespread geographic reproducibility, and applicability to both the resection and transplantation patient population with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Qualitative Investigation of the Cooking with Kids Program: Focus Group Interviews with Fourth-Grade Students, Teachers, and Food Educators

Abstract Objective Focus group (FG) interviews with students and adults were used to obtain a rich understanding of the Cooking with Kids classroom experience from the child and adult participant perspectives. Methods FG topics included students' cooking experiences at school and home and perceptions of Cooking with Kids . Verified transcripts of recorded interviews were entered into NVivo, coded for themes, and confirmed through intercoder reliability. Results Twenty-two FGs were conducted with fourth-grade students (n = 178), 3 FG with teachers (n = 17), and 1 FG with 5 Cooking with Kids food educators. Students in cooking interventions described positive experiences with curriculum integration into academic subjects and were more likely to consider classmates friends. Conclusions and Implications FG revealed student perspectives to strengthen content and implementation of experiential foods programs. This study provides an example of how qualitative methods can add "student voice" to evaluation of school-based programs.
Renal vascular responses to CORM-A1 in the mouse

CORM-A1 is a newly described water-soluble carbon monoxide (CO) releasing molecule (CORM) that can deliver CO to various vascular beds in the absence of dramatic changes in blood carboxy-hemoglobin (COHb) levels. We tested the in vivo and in vitro renal vascular effects of CORM-A1 administration using anesthetized mice instrumented with a renal flow probe as well as in isolated, pressurized renal interlobar arteries. Administration of CORM-A1 (0.96 micromol) resulted in a significant increase in renal blood flow (RBF) of 33 +/- 6% as compared to control. Administration of acetylcholine (50 pmol) caused a similar increase in RBF (25 +/- 4%). In order to determine if the vasodilatory effect of CORM-A1 in vivo was mediated through activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), mice were pretreated with the sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 nmolkg(-1)min(-1)) for 30min. Pretreatment with ODQ significantly reduced the CORM-A1 mediated increase in RBF to 9 +/- 5% of control. In isolated pressurized renal interlobar arteries, CORM-A1 caused dose dependent vasodilatation of phenylephrine constricted arteries. The CORM-A1 mediated vasodilatation was significantly attenuated by ODQ to similar levels as observed in vivo. Inhibition of calcium activated potassium channels (Kca) with iberiotoxin resulted in a complete blockade of the CORM-A1 mediated vasodilatation in pressurized renal interlobar arteries. We conclude that CO released from CORM-A1 causes an increase in RBF and a decrease in vascular resistance through activation of sGC and opening of Kca channels in the kidney of the mouse.
Characterization of human papillomavirus-11 mRNAs expressed in the context of autonomously replicating viral genomes.

Abstract We have previously adapted an experimental system which supports autonomous replication of human papillomavirus-11 (HPV-11) genomic DNA in a human squamous carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) following electroporation of linearized viral DNA. This system allows evaluation of HPV-11 transcription in the context of replicating viral genomes. RNA was isolated from cells following transfection, and first-strand cDNA was produced by reverse transcription using HPV-11-specific primers. The cDNAs were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction, and resulting DNA products were cloned and sequenced. Transcripts were identified that utilize the same splice donor and acceptor sites as transcripts characterized previously from human lesions. Three previously unreported splice junctions that employ novel combinations of those splice sites were also identified. We also detected these newly identified transcripts in laryngeal papillomas. A modified version of the 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends method was used to identify transcriptional start sites of several of the HPV-11 transcripts. The family of mRNAs characterized in this replication system have the potential to encode all of the major HPV-11 E-region proteins described to date. The data support the utility of this system as an experimental model for examining mechanisms of viral replication and transcription.
Comparative analysis of pulse and active thermography for investigating solder joint geometry prediction

Solder joint defects are a major variable in the failure of many printed circuit boards in the electronics industry. These defects are often missed, because they are hidden underneath layers of the printed circuit boards. In this study, we utilized a heat source and infrared camera to construct an experiment that tests the visibility of solder joints of different geometries with and without a cover. The objective of this work was to (1) understand the effects of different amounts of energy on soldering metal and the printed circuit board; (2) use Active Thermography and Pulse Thermography for the inspection of three solders of three different geometries: 60°, 90°, and 120°; (3) create plots depicting the relationship between the average cooling rate for each solder geometry and time per data set collected. Task objectives include: (1) construction of a fully automated heating and imaging chamber along with written PLC program; (2) create hypotheses and conduct experiments; (3) capture and analyze infrared images of each printed circuit board; (4) create models and evaluate data. Results present that (1) Active and Pulse Thermography can be used to visibly see solders of different geometries without a cover; (2) Average cooling rates plotted over time are a good indicator of calculating prediction rates between the solders; (3) as the difference in cooling rates increases, the better the prediction rates; (4) Active Thermography performed better than Pulse with a prediction rate of 84.3% as opposed to 61.9% without a cover.
Reliability of Adult Self-Reported Smoking History: Data from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey 2002–2003 Cohort

INTRODUCTION This study examined the reliability of self-reported smoking history measures. The key measures of interest were time since completely quitting smoking among former smokers; age at which fairly regular smoking was initiated among former and current smokers; the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years of daily smoking among former smokers; and never smoking. Another goal was to examine sociodemographic factors and interview method as potential predictors of the odds of strict agreement in responses. METHODS Data from the 2002-2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey were examined. Descriptive analysis was performed to detect discrepant data patterns, and intraclass and Pearson correlations and kappa coefficients were used to assess reporting consistency over the 12-month interval. Multiple logistic regression models with replicate weights were built and fitted to identify factors influencing the logit of agreement for each measure of interest. RESULTS All measures revealed at least moderate levels of overall agreement. However, upon closer examination, a few measures also showed some considerable differences in absolute value. The highest percentage of these differences was observed for former smokers' reports of the number of years smoking every day. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data suggest that self-reported smoking history characteristics are reliable. The logit of agreement over a 12-month period is shown to depend on a few sociodemographic characteristics as well as their interactions with each other and with interview method.
How much does aortic and pulmonary artery area vary during the cardiac cycle

Cardiac output (CO), as measured by Doppler, is computed by multiplying vessel area by mean velocity. One unresolved problem is the magnitude of vessel area change during the cardiac cycle. Prior estimates have ranged from 2% to 30% area change during the cardiac cycle. The purpose of this study was to measure cyclic dimensional changes in the aorta and pulmonary artery of dogs by a very sensitive technique, mercury strain gauge plethysmography. Gauges were fixed around the pulmonary artery and the aorta and changes in vessel circumference were recorded under the following conditions: increased preload, increased afterload, decreased preload, and during administration of dobutamine, 5 and 10 micrograms/kg/min. Percent change in circumference of the aorta at baseline was small (mean circumference change = 4%, SD = 1%, SEE = 0.5). Percent change in the pulmonary artery at baseline was slightly larger (mean circumference change = 6%, SD = 5%, SEE = 2%). Mean aortic area change was 9% (SD = 2%) and for the pulmonary artery it was 12% (SD = 10%). No experimental manipulation significantly altered the percent cyclic change in vessel size from baseline except for clamping the inferior vena cava, in which mean percent change in aortic circumference decreased to 1% (SD = 1%, SEE = 5%) (p less than 0.05). Percent change in the aorta correlated only weakly with heart rate (r = 0.48), blood pressure (r = 0.4), and CO (r = 0.46). Similar values were obtained for the pulmonary artery. These data demonstrate a small but definite cyclic change in pulmonary artery area, and to a lesser extent in aortic area.
High blood pressure as a psychosomatic disorder: a selective review.

A selective review of medical, psychological and sociological studies of high blood pressure is made, the criterion for inclusion being that hypertension is approached as a psychosomatic disorder. The enormous amount of literature produced to date yields general support to the idea of a link between perceived stress in the environment, a personality overreactive to stress and high blood pressure. The specific mechanisms involved have not as yet been clearly identified. The literature is reviewed in the areas of personality and hypertension, experimental elevation of blood pressure, environmental factors in hypertension and explanations of high blood pressure.