cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human lymphoblastoid lines from lymph node and spleen

Two lymphoblastoid cell lines have been established from patients who at the time of the initiation of the cultures did not show evidence of malignant diseases. WI-L1 line originated from a lymph node biopsy of a patient who later developed a clinical course compatible with mycosis fungoides. WI-L2 line was established from the spleen of a patient having hereditary spherocytic anemia. The lines were initiated by the organ culture method and then adapted to suspension cultures. The properties of these lines are similar to those derived from Burkitt's or leukemic patients and one (WI-L1) contains a herpes-type particle.
Morphological evolution in a hyperdiverse clade: the ant genus Pheidole

Understanding patterns of morphological variation and their evolutionary causes is among the main goals of evolutionary biology. In this paper we analyse the pattern of morphological variation in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). We describe the morphospace defined by 231 Pheidole species in the New World using 18 linear quantitative characters. The first ordination axis of the morphospace was found to mainly reflect differences in body size, which explained 83.2 and 78.6% of all morphological variation in minor and major worker subcastes, respectively. Therefore, despite considerable morphological divergence among Pheidole species, most of this variation can be attributed to allometric changes along a size axis, leaving little opportunity for ecological specialization that might be reflected in the studied morphological traits. Simulations suggest that this degree of concentration of variance on the first principal component is unlikely to be due solely to shared phylogenetic history. The second ordination axis reflected mostly variation in head characters, most notably antennal scape length. The third ordination axis described aspects of alitrunk and petiole shape. Although generally concordant, the loading patterns in the second and third axes differed between minors and majors, suggesting different selective pressures affecting the evolution of each subcaste. These general trends in shape were confirmed by additional analyses that corrected for body size. Ordination analyses were complemented by comparing patterns of interspecific morphological covariation in minors and majors of Pheidole using newly developed analyses based on the statistical concept of conditional independence of Magwene. A comparison between worker subcastes indicated substantial reorganization in the pattern of character covariation, particularly through a decrease in character-correlation levels (dissociation). Moreover, graphical modelling indicated correlations between characters in widely different parts of the body, suggesting that the opportunity for morphological evolution in Pheidole appears to be surprisingly limited. This result might explain why morphological evolution in Pheidole has been highly conservative in spite of substantial ecological diversification.
Beer Houses: An Indicator of Cultural Change in Taiwan

Taiwan is undergoing spectacular economic development with facets of Westernization that have strong social and political overtones. The Westernization process includes the introduction of the American "Old West" beer house. These beer houses manifest the cultural stress involved in the transfer of a seemingly simple economic element into a traditionally conservative and stable Oriental society.
Confirming the LHC Higgs Discovery with WW

Abstract We investigate the prospects of observing a neutral Higgs boson decaying into a pair of W bosons (one real and the other virtual), followed by the W decays into q q ′ l ν or j j l ν at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Assuming that the missing transverse energy comes solely from the neutrino in W decay, we can reconstruct the W masses and then the Higgs mass. At the LHC with a center of mass energy ( s ) of 8 TeV and an integrated luminosity ( L ) of 25 fb − 1 , we can potentially establish a 6 σ signal. A 5 σ discovery of H → W W ⁎ → j j l ν for s = 14 TeV can be achieved with L = 6 fb − 1 . The discovery of H → W W implies that the recently discovered new boson is a CP-even scalar if its spin is zero. In addition, this channel will provide a good opportunity to study the HWW coupling.
Creating a Virtual Learning Community to Engage International Students

In recognition of the continued increase in cultural diversity in graduate tourism and hospitality programs, this study promotes the creation of a virtual learning community to engage international students in the learning process. The study adopted a mixed methods approach to investigate the influence of online discussion forums in the attainment of learning outcomes for international students. Data were collected from commencing international graduate students enrolled in an Australian tourism and hospitality marketing course. The qualitative phase consisted of 99 written student reflections regarding students’ use of an online discussion forum; the reflections were content analyzed, allowing for the identification of relevant themes. The quantitative phase consisted of an online discussion forum participation survey (n = 73). The results of the study suggest that international students, particularly non-native-speaking students, welcome the opportunity to engage in a learning community that reduces cul...
The value of Optos Panoramic 200MA imaging for the monitoring of large suspicious choroidal lesions.

Purpose: Suspicious elevated choroidal lesions require close monitoring for potential malignant transformation. We describe a case of a large choroidal lesion in which conventional digital photography was not optimal for documenting baseline clinical features. The Optos Panoramic 200MA™ system documented the lesion in its entirety. Design: Observational case report. Method: A 75 year old female presented with decreased vision and a large pigmented choroidal lesion (> 10 mm in diameter). Result: Standard 30 degree fundus photography yielded poor images due to the large size of the lesion and media opacity from cataract. The Optos system allowed for the entire lesion to be readily captured in a single photograph for serial evaluations over time. Conclusion: Large dimension choroidal lesions of the fundus may be more easily and accurately documented with Optos ultrawide-field imaging.
Engineering correlations for full spectrum k-distributions of H2O from the HITEMP spectroscopic databank

A correlation between the absorption coefficient k and the reordered wavenumber g has been developed based on the HITEMP database for simple engineering heat transfer problems which utilize today's sophisticated spectral methods like SLW, ADF and FSK. A few sample calculations of total emissivity and heat fluxes in one dimensional media have been done to show the accuracy of the correlation.
Do differences in hospital and surgeon quality explain racial disparities in lower-extremity vascular amputations?

Objective: To understand whether racial disparities in surgery for lower-extremity arterial disease are minimized by high-quality providers, or instead, differential treatment of otherwise similar patients pervades all settings. Summary Background Data: Black patients are substantially more likely than whites to undergo amputation rather than revascularization for lower-extremity arterial disease. Because their care is disproportionately concentrated among a small share of providers, some have attributed such disparities to the quality and capacity of these sites. Methods: We evaluated all 86,865 white or black fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older who underwent major lower-extremity vascular procedures. Using generalized linear mixed models with random effects, we computed risk-adjusted odds of amputation by race overall, and after serial substratification by salient patient and provider characteristics. Results: Blacks were far more likely to undergo amputation (45% vs. 20%). Their procedures were performed more often by nonspecialists (41% vs. 27%; P < 0.001), in low-volume hospitals (40% vs. 32%; P < 0.001), with high amputation rates (53% vs. 29%; P < 0.001). Controlling for differences in comorbidity, disease severity, and surgeon and hospital performance, blacks' odds of amputation remained 1.7 times greater (95% confidence interval: 1.6-1.9). Even among highest-performing providers—vascular specialists in high-volume, urban teaching hospitals with angioplasty facilities— racial gaps persisted (risk-adjusted amputation rates: 7% for blacks vs. 4% for whites, P < 0.001; odds ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.5-2.1). Conclusions: Black patients with critical limb ischemia face significantly higher risk of major amputation, even when treated by providers with highest likelihoods of revascularization. Increased referral to high-performing providers might increase limb-preservation, but cannot eliminate disparities until equitable treatment can be ensured in all settings.
Determination of Organic Contaminants in Aqueous Samples by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The feasibility of determining low levels of organic solvents in water by near-infrared (near-IR) spectroscopy is investigated. Mixture samples of tributyl phosphate (TBP) and methyl iso-butyl ketone (MIBK) are determined in aqueous solutions over the concentration range of 1-160 ppm. Through the use of C-H combination bands in the region of 5000-4000 cm-1, sufficient selectivity is obtained to determine each compound in the presence of the other. Separate multivariate calibration models are computed for each compound by use of a combination of bandpass Fourier digital filtering and partial least-squares (PLS) regression with both analysis of absorbance and single-beam spectra. A genetic algorithm is used to implement a joint optimization of the parameters governing the filtering and PLS calculations. Through the use of this procedure, a calibration model based on absorbance spectra is computed for MIBK with a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 3.82 ppm over the 1-160 ppm range. This five-term model utilizes the spectral range of 4495-4335 cm-1. A similar nine-term model based on absorbance spectra is computed for TBP over the 4620-4320 cm-1 range. For the range of 1-100 ppm, an SEP of 4.84 ppm is achieved. The results obtained from the analysis of single-beam spectra are comparable with those obtained in the analysis of absorbance data. Calibration models computed with samples prepared in natural water are also found to have a similar level of performance. These results establish the feasibility of using near-IR spectroscopy to screen water samples for solvent contamination.
Thermally induced pulses in magnetoresistive heads

The thermal response of a magnetoresistive head is analyzed for frictional heating between the head surface and dust particles or other asperities on the recording medium surface during relative motiono f head and medium. A theoretical model is presented showing that pulses are induced in the output of a magnetoresistive head as a result of this frictional heating. The model predicts the dependence of these thermal noise spikes on the thermal properties of the substrate and cover chip for the magnetoresistive head, the dimensions of the magnetoresistive stripe, the head-medium relative velocity, and the rate of frictional heat generation. Experimental verification of the theoretical model is obtained by scanning a focused laser beam across a head.
Tecnología y enseñanza del español en los Estados Unidos: hacia un mayor protagonismo del alumno como gestor de su propio aprendizaje

El estudio del potencial de la tecnologia para el aprendizaje autonomo y la personalizacion del aprendizaje ha sido una constante desde los primeros anos de la historia de las tecnologias del aprendizaje y el conocimiento (TAC). Aunque algunas disciplinas todavia se resisten a aceptar al alumno como eje central de la docencia, en el caso de la ensenanza y aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras, la adopcion por parte del alumnado de un rol mas activo no supone gran disrupcion, ya que desde hace anos se vienen utilizando, sobre todo dentro del aula, enfoques metodologicos que fomentan la participacion tanto individual como en grupo. La ensenanza del espanol tanto a hablantes no nativos como a hablantes de herencia en los Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) no es una excepcion. Sin embargo, todavia no existe un verdadero empoderamiento del alumno como gestor de su aprendizaje, ni se usa la tecnologia de forma apropiada para conseguirlo. Este trabajo describe varias propuestas metodologicas fundamentadas en el aprovechamient...
Simulation-based benefit evaluation of dynamic lane grouping strategies at isolated intersections

Unlike conventional traffic signal control strategies, which assume that an intersection's geometric configuration is given as an exogenous input, dynamic lane grouping (DLG) strategies aim to further improve roadway capacity utilization under significant traffic demand variation. This is accomplished by dynamically adjusting the turning movement assignments for each lane. Previous numerical analyses have demonstrated that such a DLG strategy is effective in balancing lane flow ratios and reducing intersection delays. This paper presents an evaluation of a DLG strategy's benefits at an isolated intersection using microscopic traffic simulation. It is demonstrated that such a DLG strategy can provide significant mobility and sustainability benefits over conventional strategies.
Generic strategies: An empirical investigation of typology validity and strategy content

Field research was conducted in 34 Canadian companies/business units to determine the validity of a generic typology of strategies and the content of each type. Two questionnaires, secondary data, and interviews were used to identify strategic types and explore their strategic characteristics. A typology of generic strategies was proposed and tested, and comprehensive descriptions of their characteristics were developed. The findings provide support for a methodology for measuring and identifying strategy, a basis for research on contingency theories of strategic management, and a practical tool for managers to identify and communicate strategic choices and the implementation issues involved.
Inferring a network congestion map with zero traffic overhead

This paper proposes a purely passive method for inferring a congestion map of a network. The congestion map is computed using the congestion markings carried in existing traffic, and is continuously updated as traffic is received. Consequently, congestion changes can be tracked in a real-time fashion with zero traffic overhead. Unlike active congestion reporting methods, our novel passive method is more robust during periods of congestion because there are no congestion report messages that could be lost and existing congestion is never aggravated. Our solution has several applications ranging from informing IP fast re-route algorithms and traffic engineering schemes to assisting in inter-domain path selection.
TOWARD AN EVOLUTIONARY CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

. In order to develop a single narrative of God's continuing creation that includes salvation, this essay in theological construction focuses on the idea of transformation. Using the metaphor of conceptual maps in science and religion, it weaves together ideas about evolution, God working in the world, and how humans can be brought to wholeness in community in relation to God.
Blunt trauma injuries

The evaluation and management of sports-related blunt trauma injuries is an important area that interfaces the sports medicine world with many other subspecialty areas of medicine. The goal of this special focus issue is to help keep physicians that care for athletes up to date regarding the latest developments pertaining to new technology to hasten diagnosis and preferred management of blunt trauma injuries. The authors of this issue are all directly involved with treating athletes on the sidelines, the clinic, or the operating room. Another notable common thread among the authors is that they all have been or still are alumni or faculty of either our primary care sports medicine fellowship or orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship at the University of Connecticut Health Center. All articles encompass a succinct review of the recent literature and add information regarding the use of newer technologies, such as advanced ultrasound imaging, where appropriate. Topics covered include blunt trauma of the lung, heart, abdomen, liver, spleen, genitourinary system, hip and thigh, and even the eye and ear. In addition, a timely update dealing with closed head injuries is also included.
DEVONIAN ENTOBIA BORINGS FROM NEVADA, WITH A REVISION OF TOPSENTOPSIS

Entobia, a sponge boring commonly consisting of interconnected chambers and galleries (i.e., it is camerate), is a dominant agent of bioerosion in Mesozoic and Cenozoic marine carbonates. A similar camerate boring, Topsentopsis devonica, is widely recognized from the Devonian, and its classification is reappraised here. This paper synonymizes Topsentopsis with the senior synonym Entobia, making E. devonica n. comb. the oldest representative of the ichnogenus. New specimens of E. devonica borings in stromatoporoids and megalodont bivalves are described from the Frasnian Guilmette Formation of Nevada, which includes breccias of the Alamo Bolide Impact. The borings occur in skeletal substrates both within and above the impact event breccias, demonstrating their existence prior to the impact and their survival of the catastrophic event. The Nevada discovery extends the geographic distribution of the oldest Entobia to include the western and midcontinental United States, western Canada, and eastern Europe. E. devonica was an important bioerosive agent during the Givetian–Frasnian, but it is unknown following the Frasnian–Famennian mass extinction.
Using on-line parameter estimation to improve efficiency of IPM machine drives

This paper presents a means to improve the efficiency of interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machine drives which can be best implemented via continuous online self tuning. With this technique an improved maximum torque-per-ampere trajectory for IPM machine can be implemented including the effect of magnetic saturation. This improved trajectory can be shown to improve efficiency. The model-based estimation algorithm is based on commanded voltage and measured current and rotor position/velocity. The model has two equations where cross-coupled parameters can be eliminated for the robustness of parameter estimation. Parameter estimation is improved by combining the model with a closed loop observer. This algorithm is suitable for online estimation. The performance of this algorithm is illustrated by experimentation. The vector controller using this algorithm controls motor torque accurately under any load and speed.
Timing of First Annulus Formation in White Sucker Otoliths

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to document the time of formation for the first two otolith annuli for White Sucker Catostomus commersoni. Young-of-the-year and age-1 individuals were sampled monthly from a population in the White River drainage of the Missouri Ozarks. The formation of a single annual opaque region during the months of June–September of the first 2 years of life was documented using edge analysis, whereby the progression of otolith annulus formation is followed throughout the year in the population. The documentation that the first annulus was formed within the first 6 months following birth provides for more accurate and precise age estimations than previously available for this species.Received May 14, 2014; accepted July 23, 2014
Preventing Parolees From Returning to Prison Through Community-Based Reintegration:

In the late 1990s, California legislators funded a statewide, community-based correctional program intended to reduce parolee recidivism. Overseen by the California Department of Corrections, the PreventingParolee Crime Program (PPCP) provided literacy training, employment services, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment to tens of thousands of parolees. The study found that the PPCP produced modest reductions in reincarcerations and parole absconding, creating the potential for substantial long-term cost savings for California taxpayers. Because the PPCP's positive effects were strongest for parolees who completed their services, future program designers and administrators should consider including mechanisms to improve parolee retention and service utilization. This study also points out the potential benefits of incorporating rigorous evaluation plans into the design and implementation of correctional rehabilitation programs.
eWOM: The impact of customer-to-customer online know-how exchange on customer value and loyalty

This paper investigates the effects of a specific form of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication, customer-to-customer know-how exchange, on customer perceptions of value and customer loyalty intentions. In addition, the paper explores the antecedents of customer-tocustomer know-how exchange overlooked in prior research: motivation, opportunity, and ability. The survey results from 616 participants of an online forum suggest that customer know-how exchange impacts customer perceptions of product value and likelihood to recommend the product, but does not influence customer repurchase intentions. Interestingly, opportunity did not impact know-how exchange, whereas motivation and ability did have a significant effect. Implications for managers and future research directions are discussed.
Brief report: Disulfiram acceptors and refusers: Do they differ?

Abstract The present study examined possible personality and mood state correlates of alcoholics' decisions to accept or refuse disulfiram (Antabuse) as part of their treatment program. Subjects were 104 male veterans in an inpatient alcohol treatment program who were offered disulfiram after detoxification and evaluation. All subjects completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Profile of Mood States, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Subjects were classified as acceptors ( n = 78) or refusers ( n = 26) based on their response to staff encouragement to undergo a trial of disulfiram. There were no significant group differences on age, racial composition, or any of the personality or mood state measures, with the exception of a trend ( p
Fluorescent Indicators Distributed throughout the Pharmacophore of Cholecystokinin Provide Insights into Distinct Modes of Binding and Activation of Type A and B Cholecystokinin Receptors

Ligand probes with fluorescent indicators positioned throughout the pharmacophoric domain can provide important insights into the molecular basis of receptor binding and activation as reflected in the microenvironment of each indicator while docked at a receptor. We developed three cholecystokinin-like probes with Aladan situated at the N terminus, in the mid-region, and at the C terminus (positions 24, 29, and 33, respectively). These were studied in solution and docked at type A and B cholecystokinin receptors. This study demonstrated clear differences in mechanisms of cholecystokinin binding and activation of these structurally related receptors with distinct agonist structure-activity relationships. The fluorescence characteristics of Aladan are highly sensitive to the polarity of its microenvironment. The mid-region probe was least accessible to the aqueous milieu as determined by fluorescence emission spectra and iodide quenching, which was not altered by changes in conformation from active to inactive. Accessibility of the N- and C-terminal probes was affected by receptor conformation. The position 24 probe was more easily quenched in the active than in the G protein-uncoupled conformation for both receptors. However, the position 33 probe docked at the type A cholecystokinin receptor was more easily quenched in the active conformation, whereas the same probe docked at the type B cholecystokinin receptor was more easily quenched in the inactive conformation. Fluorescence anisotropy and red edge excitation shift determinations confirmed these observations and supported the proposed movements. Although both type A and B cholecystokinin receptors bind cholecystokinin with high affinity, resulting in fully efficacious biological responses, these receptors utilize distinct molecular modes of binding.
Call admission control and routing in integrated services networks using reinforcement learning

In integrated services communication networks, an important problem is to exercise call admission control and routing so as to optimally use the network resources. This problem is naturally formulated as a dynamic programming problem, which, however, is too complex to be solved exactly. We use methods of reinforcement learning, together with a decomposition approach, to find call admission control and routing policies. We compare the performance of our policies with a commonly used heuristic policy.
Preparing for an IPv6 world with LXI instruments

IPv6 has been an evolving, relatively mature, but poorly-adopted internet protocol standard for a number of years. The original motivation for IPv6 was to work around exhausting the IPv4 address space used by the original internet protocol. Already, the last large free blocks of IPv4 addresses have been allocated to particular geographic regions for them to sub-allocate within their regions. In many regions of the world, IPv6 addresses will soon become the only addresses available for remote access to new devices, including remote access to instruments supporting LAN control connections.
Status of the 2 MA driver for creating 2 MG magnetic fields for cluster fusion experiments

Now that the 400 kA version of a pulsed-power driver for magnetic coils for cluster fusion experiments has been completed, we are currently assembling a 2 MA version for generating magnetic fields up to 2 MG. Both versions are intended to drive single-turn, single-use 1-cm diameter magnetic field coils that enclose laser-produced, high-density deuterium cluster plasmas in vacuum. The driver is being built at the Sandia National Laboratories and laser-plasma experiments are being done at the University of Texas in Austin. The coils provide axial magnetic fields to slow radial loss of electrons from the plasma. Peak field with the 400 kA system is about 40 T, and will be up to 200 T for the 2 MA upgrade, with a current rise time of 1.7 µs for both systems. For these experiments the driver output must pass through a vacuum feed-through to couple to a short transmission line in vacuum that is terminated with a single-turn coil. This is done with a cylindrical insulator and conical transmission lines. A description of the device, and results of initial tests of the high-current version of the driver is given.
Topology-based optimization of maximal sustainable throughput in a latency-insensitive system

We consider the problem of optimizing the performance of a latency-insensitive system (LIS) where the addition of backpressure has caused throughput degradation. Previous works have addressed the problem of LIS performance in different ways. In particular, the insertion of relay stations and the sizing of the input queues in the shells are the two main optimization techniques that have been proposed. We provide a unifying framework for this problem by outlining which approaches work for different system topologies, and highlighting counterexamples where some solutions do not work. We also observe that in the most difficult class of topologies, instances with the greatest throughput degradation are typically very amenable to simplifications. The contributions of this paper include a characterization of topologies that maintain optimal throughput with fixed- size queues and a heuristic for sizing queues that produces solutions close to optimal in a fraction of the time.
The Spindle Checkpoint of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Requires Kinetochore Function and Maps to the CBF3 Domain

We have measured the activity of the spindle checkpoint in null mutants lacking kinetochore activity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We constructed deletion mutants for nonessential genes by one-step gene replacements. We constructed heterozygous deletions of one copy of essential genes in diploid cells and purified spores containing the deletion allele. In addition, we made gene fusions for three essential genes to target the encoded proteins for proteolysis (degron alleles). We determined that Ndc10p, Ctf13p, and Cep3p are required for checkpoint activity. In contrast, cells lacking Cbf1p, Ctf19p, Mcm21p, Slk19p, Cse4p, Mif2p, Mck1p, and Kar3p are checkpoint proficient. We conclude that the kinetochore plays a critical role in checkpoint signaling in S. cerevisiae. Spindle checkpoint activity maps to a discreet domain within the kinetochore and depends on the CBF3 protein complex.
An examination of the relationships between turnover functionality, turnover frequency, and organizational performance.

Meta-analysis was employed to investigate the relationships between organizational performance, as measured by sales growth, and turnover functionality and between organizational performance and turnover frequency. Turnover functionality was found to be correlated with organizational performance while turnover frequency was not.
Optimization of relative tool position in accumulative double sided incremental forming using finite element analysis and model bias correction

Double-Sided Incremental Forming (DSIF) uses two small, independently moving, hemispherical tools on either side of the sheet to form a desired shape by following a predefined tool path. This study was motivated by the observation that the relative tool position of the tools, specified in the tool path generation algorithm, affects the formed geometric accuracy. A methodology for defining the relative tool positioning in the tool path generation algorithm based on local part geometry is proposed using simplified Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and sample physical experiments combined with Gaussian Process modeling techniques. This approach can take into account the mechanics of deformation in DSIF explicitly and physical compliance of the DSIF machine implicitly. Physical experiments were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Results of non-selective inbreeding in maize

The results reported here indicate that selection, as practiced by maize breeders during the development of inbred lines, has markedly reduced the potential morphological variability of Corn Belt germ plasm. It is suggested that a number of traits which appear to a greater degree in “elite” lines than in those resulting from non-selective inbreeding could be the result of selection for genes or chromosomal segments derived from the introgression of maize and teosinte. Yet lines exhibiting maximum teosinte influence would not likely survive the screening imposed by visual selection.
AAPM/RSNA Physics Tutorial for Residents: Topics in CT. Radiation dose in CT.

This article describes basic radiation dose concepts as well as those specifically developed to describe the radiation dose from computed tomography (CT). Basic concepts of radiation dose are reviewed, including exposure, absorbed dose, and effective dose. Radiation dose from CT demonstrates variations within the scan plane and along the z axis because of its unique geometry and usage. Several CT-specific dose descriptors have been developed: the Multiple Scan Average Dose descriptor, the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) and its variations (CTDI100, CTDIw, CTDIvol), and the dose-length product. Factors that affect radiation dose from CT include the beam energy, tube current‐time product, pitch, collimation, patient size, and dose reduction options. Methods of reducing the radiation dose to a patient from CT include reducing the milliampere-seconds value, increasing the pitch, varying the milliampere-seconds value according to patient size, and reducing the beam energy. The effective dose from CT can be estimated by using Monte Carlo methods to simulate CT of a mathematical patient model, by estimating the energy imparted to the body region being scanned, or by using conversion factors for general anatomic regions. Issues related to radiation dose from CT are being addressed by the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the American College of Radiology, and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration. © RSNA, 2002
In vivo molecular imaging for planning radiation therapy of gliomas: An application of 1H MRSI

Gliomas are infiltrative lesions that typically have poorly defined margins on conventional magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) images. This presents a considerable challenge for planning radiation and other forms of focal therapy, and introduces the possibility of both under-treating macroscopic tumor, and over-treating regions of normal brain tissue. New therapy systems are able to deliver radiation more precisely and accurately to irregular three-dimensional target volumes, and have placed a premium on definition of the spatial extent of the lesion. Proton MR spectroscopic imaging (H-MRSI) has been proposed as an in vivo molecular imaging technique that assists in targeting and predicts response to radiation therapy for patients with gliomas. The evidence that supports the use of H-MRSI for planning radiation treatment is reviewed, together with the technical requirements for implementing data acquisition and analysis procedures in a clinical setting. Although there is room for improvement in the spatial resolution and chemical specificity obtained at the conventional field strength of 1.5 T, there are clear benefits to integrating H-MRSI into treatment planning and follow-up examinations. Further work is required to integrate the results of the H-MRSI examination into the treatment planning workstation, and to improve the quality of the data using more sensitive phased array coils and higher field strength magnets.
Influenza A Virus Alters Pneumococcal Nasal Colonization and Middle Ear Infection Independently of Phase Variation

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is both a widespread nasal colonizer and a leading cause of otitis media, one of the most common diseases of childhood. Pneumococcal phase variation influences both colonization and disease and thus has been linked to the bacteria's transition from colonizer to otopathogen. Further contributing to this transition, coinfection with influenza A virus has been strongly associated epidemiologically with the dissemination of pneumococci from the nasopharynx to the middle ear. Using a mouse infection model, we demonstrated that coinfection with influenza virus and pneumococci enhanced both colonization and inflammatory responses within the nasopharynx and middle ear chamber. Coinfection studies were also performed using pneumococcal populations enriched for opaque or transparent phase variants. As shown previously, opaque variants were less able to colonize the nasopharynx. In vitro, this phase also demonstrated diminished biofilm viability and epithelial adherence. However, coinfection with influenza virus ameliorated this colonization defect in vivo. Further, viral coinfection ultimately induced a similar magnitude of middle ear infection by both phase variants. These data indicate that despite inherent differences in colonization, the influenza A virus exacerbation of experimental middle ear infection is independent of the pneumococcal phase. These findings provide new insights into the synergistic link between pneumococcus and influenza virus in the context of otitis media.
An Undergraduate Computational Science Curriculum

Wofford College instituted one of the first undergraduate programs in computational science, the Emphasis in Computational Science (ECS). Besides programming, data structures, and calculus, ECS students take two computational science courses (Modeling and Simulation for the Sciences, Data and Visualization) and complete a summer internship involving computation in the sciences. Materials written for the modeling and simulation course and developed with funding from National Science Foundation served as a basis the first textbook designed specifically for an introductory course in the computational science and engineering curriculum. The successful ECS has attracted a higher percentage of females than in most computer science curricula. The SIAM Working Group on Undergraduate Computational Science and Engineering Education summarized features of Wofford's ECS and other computational science programs. Besides its established curriculum, Wofford has incorporated computational science in other courses, such as in a sequence of three microbiology laboratories on modeling the spread of disease.
Pain management: association with patient satisfaction among emergency department patients.

Abstract Background Patient satisfaction with emergency care is associated with timeliness of care, empathy, technical competence, and information delivery. Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent findings regarding the association between pain management and patient satisfaction. Objectives This study was undertaken to determine the association between pain management and patient satisfaction among Emergency Department (ED) patients presenting with acute painful conditions. Methods In this survey study, a standardized interview was conducted at the Emergency Department at the University of Toledo Medical Center in May–July 2011. Participants were asked to answer 18 questions pertaining to patient satisfaction. Additional data collected included demographic information, pain scores, and clinical management. Results Among 328 eligible participants, 289 (88%) participated. The mean triage pain score on the verbal numeric rating scale was 8.2 and the mean discharge score was 6.0. The majority of patients (52%) experienced a reduction in pain of 2 or more points. Participants received one pain medication dose (44%), two medication doses (14%), three medication doses (5%), or four medication doses (2%). Reduction in pain scores of 2 or more points was associated with a higher number of medications administered. Reduction in pain scores was associated with higher satisfaction as scored on questions of patient perceptions of adequate assessment and response to pain, and treatment of pain. Conclusions There was a significant association between patient satisfaction and a reduction in pain of 2 or more points and number of medications administered. Effective pain management is associated with improved patient satisfaction among ED patients with painful conditions.
uTouch: sensing touch gestures on unmodified LCDs

Current solutions for enabling touch interaction on existing non-touch LCD screens require adding additional sensors to the interaction surface. We present uTouch, a system that detects and classifies touches and hovers without any modification to the display, and without adding any sensors to the user. Our approach utilizes existing signals in an LCD that are amplified when a user brings their hand near or touches the LCD's front panel. These signals are coupled onto the power lines, where they appear as electromagnetic interference (EMI) which can be sensed using a single device connected elsewhere on the power line infrastructure. We validate our approach with an 11 user, 8 LCD study, and demonstrate a real-time system.
Inhibited degradation of nylon 66 in presence of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, air, and near—ultraviolet radiation

Degradation of nylon 66 films of different morphologies was studied in the presence of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, oxygen, and near-ultraviolet radiation (λ > 2900 A). Films cast from formic acid solution showed normal random degradation, whereas films cast from benzyl alcohol solutions and dried at elevated temperatures under nitrogen showed very strongly inhibited random degradation. This inhibition may be due to protection of peptide groups by hydrogen bonding with benzaldehyde or benzoic acid or even to their chemical reactions at elevated temperatures. Oxygen was not rigorously excluded during preparation of the films. Degradation of nylon 66 films cast from formic acid solutions at room temperature containing benzaldehyde or benzoic acid, respectively, is also inhibited. The energy of activation for inhibited degradation in presence of nitrogen dioxide is relatively small, indicating that the process is either controlled by diffusion of polymer radicals from medium cages or by diffusion of gases into the polymer. The degradation kinetics can be expressed by “weak”-link random degradation. The weak links are in the present case unprotected peptide groups. The functional relationship between chain scission rate constants and NO2 pressure is linear.
The Clinical Assessment of Child-Abusive Families

In previous chapters, we considered a number of different characteristics and parent skill deficits that appear capable of producing child-abusive behavior. It should be evident, however, that an important clinical task is determining which specific factors are responsible for the abusive actions in a given family. For example, child-management deficits, lack of knowledge about children, anger-control problems, joblessness or socioeconomic stress, and child-developmental handicaps have all been found to occur disproportionately more often among abusive families. (However, these factors are based on group “mean differences” and they do not tell a clinician what variable, or set of variables, are the antecedents of abusive conduct for a given family seeking treatment.) The first task of a therapist intervening with an abusive family is to determine carefully the critical factors which lead to child maltreatment in that particular family.
Art as Activism and Education: Creating Venues for Student Involvement and Social Justice Education Utilizing Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed

Augusto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed embodies a philosophy of change. Students in the Moving Voices Social Justice Theater Troupe at the University of Arizona did not walk into the room the first day as expert actors, and did not leave as expert actors either. These students left feeling more in tune with themselves as a result of their year as “spectactors,” empowered audience members who jumped on stage looking to explore oppressive burdens, privileges, and the systems that limit and subjugate humanity. Twelve students came out of the experience with the deeply held belief that theater is one of the most visceral forms of human expression and that art, driven by a communal democratic body, is one of the most effective means of social justice education and of student activism. Utilizing critical pedagogy and research, this article creates a foundational framework for student affairs professionals looking to actively engage students in counternarrative storytelling, improvisational risk-taking, and self-exploration. In addition to student curriculum development, these theater techniques are applicable This article demonstrates the use of Augusto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed as a way to actively engage college students in a dialogue about social justice, privilege, and equity. Art as a form of activism, acting as a form of self-expression, and role-playing as a method of self-exploration all become a transforming experience for the actor and the audience. This discourse delves into the topic of contemporary activism’s learning outcomes and manifestation on university and college campuses, and speaks to how performance can become a method of both personal and social liberation. The journey of the author in a newly-founded, student-led theater troupe at the University of Arizona is the basis for the study.
The Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test for MERCON™ World-Wide Service ATF

The oxidation stability of automatic transmission fluids can be evaluated using several approaches. These include motored transmission oxidation tests. The Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test is one of the tests specified for MERCON tm service ATF. This paper provides a summary of the test procedure, reviews the data supporting the validity of the test, and presents information on the repeatability and reproductibility of the test method
Hydrophilic Conjugated Polymers Prepared by Aqueous Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Coupling

The synthesis of hydrophilic conjugated polymers typically relies on organometallic coupling methodologies. Here we present an approach to prepare polar poly(arylene–vinylene)s (PAVs) in water using the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction. The additional preparation of discrete arylene vinylene (AVs) afforded insight into HWE kinetics and regioselectivity. Nine novel PAVs and AVs were synthesized, characterized by UV–vis absorption and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and studied for their utility in sensing and photovoltaic applications.
Multiple Chronic Conditions, Spouse’s Depressive Symptoms, and Gender within Marriage

Multiple chronic conditions (i.e., multimorbidity) increase a person's depressive symptoms more than having one chronic condition. Little is known regarding whether multimorbidity similarly increases the depressive symptoms of one's spouse and whether this depends on type of condition, gender, or both spouses' health status. Analysis of multiple waves of the Health and Retirement Study reveals husband's number of chronic conditions is positively related to wife's depressive symptoms when both spouses are chronically ill. The association between wife's chronic conditions and husband's depressive symptoms is weaker and less robust. Type of chronic condition also matters but which type depends on the gender and health status of both spouses. By highlighting key contexts where chronic conditions are connected to spousal depressive symptoms, this study identifies areas of vulnerability and urges researchers and clinicians to consider multimorbidity when designing and implementing interventions, along with gender, both spouses' chronic conditions, and condition type.
Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobials in Obese Children.

Introduction Childhood obesity is common and results in substantial morbidity. The most commonly prescribed drugs in obese children are antibiotics. However, physiologic changes associated with childhood obesity can alter antibiotic pharmacokinetics and optimal body size measures to guide dosing in his population are ill defined. This combination can result in therapeutic failures or drug-related toxicities. This review summarizes pharmacokinetic information for antibiotics in obese children and implications for dosing. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts to identify pharmacokinetic studies of antimicrobial agents in obese children. We included the following search terms: obesity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug toxicity, dosing, anti-infective agents, antiviral agents, and antifungal agents. Results We identified four pharmacokinetic studies of antibiotics in obese children: one for cefazolin and tobramycin, one for gentamicin, and two for vancomycin. Only the cefazolin/tobramycin trial was prospective. The drugs studied differ in their tissue and body water distribution characteristics. Two of the studies (tobramycin and gentamicin) reported pharmacokinetic differences and required dosing modifications in obese children. Discussion The lack of pharmacokinetic studies in obese children is pronounced. The scarcity of pharmacokinetic data limits the ability to predict drug disposition using drug physicochemical properties and impedes a rational approach to selection of appropriate body size measures for dosing. Given this knowledge gap, additional trials in obese children are urgently needed and is a public health concern. Conclusion Pharmacokinetic studies of antimicrobials in obese children are desperately needed to guide dosing and avoid therapeutic failures or unwanted toxicities.
Peer-Mentoring Freshmen: Implications for Satisfaction, Commitment, and Retention to Graduation

Utilizing a 4-year longitudinal design, we examined the impact of a randomly assigned peer-mentoring program, coupled with a freshmen general orientation course, on the attitudes and behaviors of f...